Android 16 (W) vs. Launch (L) [Ref: Blossom Co: Ember]

In the heart of the chaotic battle, the world seemed to blur into a frantic maelstrom of motion and light. The combatants' speeds had transcended ordinary limits, rendering the flashing emergency lights a luminescent backdrop to their electrifying encounter. The cacophonous background noise of sirens and commotion was dulled, relegated to mere white noise as Android 16's focus zeroed in on his formidable human adversary.

As their ferocious duel escalated, Launch's wild, unbridled state seemed to grant her newfound prowess. Her fists glowed with a potent, ki-infused energy, a stark testament to her relentless determination to prevail. Android 16 couldn't help but acknowledge the efficacy of her transformation; his initial success in their battle had been undeniable, but it was now evident that his previous attempts to incapacitate her permanently had fallen short. It was a valuable lesson for future confrontations, one he would not soon forget.

The mechanical guardian's proximity to his fierce opponent meant he had little time to devise a meaningful strategy to counter her impending strike. Instinctively, he pivoted his body in a desperate attempt to mitigate the damage. The resounding impact of her punch was still explosive, and smoke billowed from the point of contact, obscuring their clash. The relentless barrage of punches continued to find their mark, each blow sending Android 16 staggering backward. However, the small consolation lay in the fact that each strike's force propelled him away, depriving Launch of the opportunity to maximise the full power of her momentum.

Yet, as the android buckled down to one knee, clutching his battered torso, his gaze remained fierce, fixed upon the indomitable blonde warrior. This battle had transcended mere rivalry; it was a clash of wills, a testament to their unyielding spirits. The android rose to his feet, determination etched in every line of his mechanical frame. Without hesitation, he began to ascend into the air, floating effortlessly.

It was a critical observation he had made. Launch was undoubtedly a skilled fighter, but her lack of precise ki control was evident. Her actions, particularly her erratic reactions, betrayed an incongruence between her newfound abilities and what she perceived she was capable of. Android 16 recognized this as an opportunity. The tables had turned, and he was prepared to exploit this weakness to his advantage in a bid to regain the upper hand.

Rising higher into the sky, the wind rushing over his body and through his hair, Android 16 assessed the situation with a calculated calmness, witnessing the full extent of their destructive encounter under the light of the moon. It became evident to him that if Launch intended to continue her assault, she would need the ability to fly—a skill he wasn't certain she had mastered yet. This realisation opened up new possibilities for him, a strategic advantage he was prepared to exploit to gain control of the battle.

Utilising his augmented vision, the sentinel focused intently on his target. His mechanical eyes, far superior to any human's, zoomed in on the petite woman with precision. The increased distance posed no hindrance to his robotic gaze, and with impeccable accuracy, he locked onto her figure.

With the cold, calculating precision that defined his combat strategy, Android 16 initiated his plan. In rapid succession, twin beams of energy erupted from his cold, grey eyes. The beams of destruction serving as deliberate bait to draw her attention and provoke a reaction.

Android 16 granted Launch a fleeting moment to respond in order to best calculate where she would move to next, utilising his speed to maneuverer in the air for a better vantage point at striking her. His artificial eyes glowed with an intense, fiery crimson, and with unwavering focus, he unleashed a third beam of energy, the artificial skin surrounding his eyes crackling slightly under the intense heat. The streams of crimson energy streaked down toward her with deadly intent.

The unexpected twist in the battle left Android 16 momentarily stunned. The last thing he had anticipated was for Launch to receive aid from the very public he had sworn to protect. In his mechanised logic, she was a villain, a figure who thrived on the misfortune of others, but now, bystanders had unexpectedly sided with her. It raised the unsettling question of whether these people were aware of her criminal tendencies or if they shared similarly shadowy inclinations.

The Colonel's voice seeped with frustration as he muttered, "A jetpack? Who the hell gave her a jetpack?" He watched the unfolding scene with increasing exasperation. What was initially meant to be a swift and decisive encounter was now dragging on, defying their initial calculations. Android 16, a formidable mechanical warrior, designed to defend Earth from grave threats, found himself grappling with the seemingly insurmountable task of subduing a seemingly innocuous young woman.

Colonel Crimson's frustration spilled over as he vented, "Get it together, 16, you're embarrassing us." The Colonel's expectations for their creation was nothing short of exceptional, and the current situation was far from meeting those standards.

Before Android 16 could heed the Colonel's vexed admonishment and regain his focus, he was forced to defend against the lithe woman's relentless assault. Her fists hammered into his midsection, the powerful blows causing vibrations to reverberate through his metallic frame. He found solace in the protective armour that enveloped him but had to swiftly raise his arms to block the third strike.

Meanwhile, Launch's jetpack began to betray her. It sputtered and coughed, then abruptly cut out altogether. She began her descent toward the ground, her aerial advantage disappearing in an instant. This was the android's opportunity to seize the upper hand.

Shaking off the vicious assault he had just endured, Android 16 rushed toward the plummeting Launch with remarkable speed. His colossal hands clasped together, swinging down at Launch like a jackhammer. He aimed to hasten her descent and send her crashing toward the already battered street below.

Colonel Crimson, now with a hint of grim satisfaction in his voice, issued new orders. "Use the public," he commanded with a sinister grin. "Let's turn them against her."

Initiating Voice Amplification Protocol...

With unerring efficiency, Android 16's mechanical voice, amplified to carry over great distances, rang out with an undeniable authority. "I understand what you must think," he began, addressing the bewildered crowd. "A large man attacking a young woman in the street. But I can assure you, this is not unprovoked. The blonde woman you see before you is a criminal. She has robbed many people and establishments and is a wanted individual. If you do not believe me, seek confirmation from law enforcement."

In the midst of his announcement, there was a subtle shift in the air, a ripple of uncertainty coursed through the gathering crowd as they exchanged murmurs and sidelong glances. Their gaze shifted from the imposing mechanical warrior to the seemingly innocent blonde woman. The once-clear lines of the battle had blurred into a murky, morally ambiguous grey, and the android's calculated manoeuvre had successfully sowed the seeds of doubt among the onlookers.

The public's reactions to Android 16's revelation were a mixture of shock, disbelief, and dawning realisation. Some onlookers stared in wide-eyed astonishment, caught between their initial support for Launch and the damning accusations now levelled against her. Others, their expressions twisted with disappointment, began to understand that their supposed "hero" was nothing more than a shadowy figure with a criminal past.

However, the most dramatic shift came from the police officers who had arrived at the scene. They rapidly pieced together the identity of the woman before them, confirming her status as a wanted criminal with their superiors. Without hesitation, they withdrew their firearms, aiming them squarely at the now exposed blonde target.

"Freeze! You're under arrest!" their voices boomed in unison, a stern command ringing through the air. The officers sought whatever cover they could find, their vigilant eyes trained on the woman who had once been their enigmatic saviour. Cautious not to get too close, they maintained a safe distance, well-aware of the incredible display of power that had unfolded before them.

With the police assuming control of the situation, Android 16 seized the opportunity afforded by the shift in the atmosphere. Maintaining his aerial vantage point, he initiated his attack. Opening his mechanical maw wide, he felt the energy churn and surge within him, building up to a crescendo. With great intensity, a beam of searing energy erupted from his mouth, aimed squarely at his target.

Yet, he wasn't finished. The moment the first portion of the energy beam ceased, Android 16 summoned his formidable energy once more. With unwavering focus, he unleashed a secondary onslaught, a relentless continuation of the same beam of energy.

“It worked!” The Colonel's triumphant exclamation reverberated through the control centre as he savoured the satisfaction of having potentially turned the tide of the battle once more. A smug grin played across his lips as he took another sip of his liquor, reclining comfortably in his chair.

"That gives me an idea," he continued, his sharp mind racing with possibilities. He turned his attention to one of his subordinates, an engineer who had played a pivotal role in installing new features in the android.

"You mentioned programming some personality adjustments, didn't you?" the Colonel inquired, leaning forward with intrigue. His curiosity was piqued, and he saw an opportunity to leverage Android 16's unique abilities in a more crowd-pleasing manner.

The engineer nodded in affirmation. "Yes, sir," he confirmed. "I installed what I called a 'hero mode' into 16. I thought it might come in handy in certain situations, especially given his tendency to be a bit blunt."

Colonel Crimson's eyes lit up with a renewed sense of purpose as he turned his attention back to the screen, his gaze laser-focused on the unfolding battle. "Android 16, activate your hero mode," he commanded with a sense of anticipation. "Let's fully embrace this 'saviour of the people' persona. We need to rally the people behind us."

The mechanical warrior acknowledged the command with a subtle nod, his internal systems swiftly processing the switch.

Activating Hero Mode...

In the blink of an eye, Android 16 underwent a remarkable transformation. His demeanour shifted dramatically, shedding the cold and calculating exterior of a machine for something that wouldn't have been out of place in a comic book. His eyes blazed with newfound warmth, and a broad, benevolent smile spread across his face.

"Fear not, citizens!" Android 16 proclaimed, his voice no longer monotone but infused with confidence and a booming resonance. "Hope has arrived! Because I am here!"

“What in the-” Colonel Crimson watched on, not quite believing what he was seeing, turning his attention from the screen, back to the engineer.

“What?...I got the idea from an anime show I watch,” He said nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders, clearly pleased with his work.

“This had better work…”

The contrast was striking—the mechanical guardian had transitioned from an imposing figure of destruction to a symbol of peace and protection. For a moment, parts of the crowd didn’t know what to make of the sudden change, a little confused by the cyborg’s bizarre transformation, although there were some that clearly welcomed the change, imbued with a sense of hope as they began cheering for their newfound hero.

The transformed Android 16 demonstrated his newfound confidence and prowess as he faced the incoming energy attack. With precise and measured movements, he swiped at the ball of energy, deflecting it skilfully away from the bustling crowd below. The blast harmlessly dissipated high in the sky, sparing the innocent bystanders from harm. He tried to raise his arms defensively, ready to contend with the second blast that followed, but wasn't quick enough before the explosion struck him, creating a burst of energy that rippled around him, but the android remained steadfast.

With his enhanced vision, Android 16 noted that Launch was momentarily distracted by the police officers who had levelled their firearms at her. He seized this opportune moment to descend with unwavering determination. His broad, heroic smile still adorned his face as he hurtled toward her, his descent hastened by the brilliant white aura that enveloped his frame. He utilised his metal head as a weapon, poised to strike.

The crowd watched in awe and anticipation as Android 16, their newfound champion, swooped down upon the beleaguered blonde fighter. His approach was swift and precise, his movements reminiscent of a true superhero. With unwavering resolve, he initiated a rapid sequence of punches, a left-right jab followed by a powerful cross, all aimed squarely at Launch's jaw.

Unwilling to relent, the cyborg swiftly pivoted, his metal leg cutting through the air with razor-like precision, targeting her midsection. The crowd, swept up in the excitement of the moment, erupted into cheers, their voices rising in support of the heroic android.