Chapter 1
Vegeta stared in utter disbelief and shock at Trunks' lifeless body. His mind went into overdrive. No! Trunks, my son! But where did that blast come from? It can't be-
Then, from somewhere in the gigantic dust cloud, came the unmistakeable laughter of Cell.
"Poor Goku," Cell said in a tone of mock sorrow, "But I fear his sacrifice was all for nought."
The Z Fighters watched in shock and horror as Cell appeared out of the dust cloud. Vegeta stepped forward and confronted Cell, an expression of rage and deepest loathing on his face.
"You're going to pay for that," growled Vegeta, his voice shaking with anger. His hair turned gold and a golden glow surrounded his body as he powered up.
Cell looked at Vegeta and said in an almost bored voice, "Yes, well I'd love to stay and fight, but I've got more important matters to attend to." And with that, he flew off.
"Cell!" Vegeta yelled after him. "Come back and fight me, you coward!"
Krillin spoke up. "What did he mean?"
Yamcha shrugged. "I dunno."
"I think I know," Piccolo spoke up. They all turned to face him.
Tien looked at Piccolo questioningly when he didn't elaborate. "Well? Spit it out, Piccolo. What d'you think?"
"I think he's going to steal the Dragonballs." A short silence followed Piccolo's pronouncement. Then Yamcha spoke up.
"But what would he want with the Dragonballs?" he asked.
"Does it matter?" Vegeta said in his sharp, almost condescending tone. "If he gets a hold of the Dragonballs, we're in big trouble."
"Well what're we just standing around yappin' for? We've gotta stop him," said Krillin.
"Yes, you're right, Krillin. Let's hurry. We have to get to Dende before he does. The others nodded in agreement and with that, they were off.
…….
"Listen, kid, I'm not gonna ask you again," said Cell, advancing on Dende. "Hand over the Dragonballs."
"No!" Dende stood in front of the Dragonballs and flung his arms out protectively.
Cell swatted the young Namek boy aside as if he wasn't even there. He hit the wall with a dull thud and fell to the ground, unconscious. Cell scowled, annoyed by the setback.
The others arrived at the secret place where they'd told Dende to hide with the Dragonballs to find Cell waiting for them. He picked Dende up and began shaking him. After a moment, Dende woke up.
"Now," Cell said to Dende. "Summon the Dragon."
Dende hesitated. He knew that Cell could and probably would do him serious injury if he didn't obey, but he also knew that Cell was a ruthless monster. And giving any kind of power to someone like him could have deadly consequences.
"Don't do it, Dende!" Krillin admonished.
Cell turned to face Piccolo, looking angry. "Stay out of this, or I'll kill him," Cell said threateningly.
Clenching his fists, Piccolo said, "Dende, do whatever he tells you to do!"
Everyone looked at him, shocked, and none more shocked than Cell himself. After a few seconds, he recovered.
"Well, it's nice to see that one of you has some sense." Returning his attention to Dende, he repeated, "Summon the dragon."
Dende turned to face the Dragonballs and spoke a few words in Namek. They glowed with a brilliant orange light and a few seconds later, Shenron appeared before them.
"You have collected all seven Dragonballs," Shenron said in his booming voice. "Now I shall grant you one wish which is within my power to fulfill."
Grinning evily, cell turned to Dende. "Now," he instructed. "Ask him to grant me eternal life."
Dende turned to face Shenron. He didn't want to do this, but Cell would kill him if he didn't or if the others tried to save him, so he had no choice. He spoke in Namek, relaying the request. After a few seconds, Shenron spoke.
"It shall be done," Shenron boomed. The Z Fighters watched in horror as Shenron granted the wish.
