Chapter Seven: Taste of Perfection
"Ugh you're certainly lacking in the looks department..." Eighteen said as she scrunched her nose up in disgust, before effortlessly flicking her wrist sending Cell careening through a series of buildings.
Trunks found himself lost for words for a moment, when he finally did speak his voice was uneven.
"Lazuli?!"
The blonde smirked. "You're so cute when you get flustered."
The Half-Saiyan flushed for a second, before wincing. "Be careful. That thing is powerful."
"Is that concern I detect from you? I thought you said I was a monster." she chuckled.
Piccolo's eyes widened in horror as he pushed himself up into a sitting position. "Android listen to me. You need to get out of here. That thing was designed to absorb you and Seventeen. He's another one of Gero's creations."
Trunks looked horrified. 'If that thing were to get her and Seventeen. There would be no way to stop it.'
For some reason it wasn't just the power that scared him, for some reason the thought of her being harmed bothered him. Though he certainly wouldn't admit it. It was illogical, she and her brother had destroyed everything that was precious to him. And yet they were different then those two that had destroyed his timeline.
Eighteen's eyes widened marginally as she eyed the rubble she'd thrown Cell into.
She relaxed however, though her eyes remained sharp. "If what you say is true...then I'll make sure there is nothing left of him."
An explosion rang out as the rubble was cleared as Cell burst forward a hunger now seated in his eyes. "My dear dear Android. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect one of you to actually come to me. You've made my job much easier." he chuckled.
Eighteen let a smirk play upon her lips as she strode forward.
"Lazuli wait...if what Piccolo said is true...you need to get out of here." Trunks gritted his teeth as he held a hand on his side.
The blonde cast a look over her shoulder for but a moment. "Worry more about your friend then me. He certainly needs your help more." she paused as she allowed the smallest of smiles. "Your concern is appreciated though."
Trunks almost reached out a hand, but stopped himself as he glanced over at Piccolo.
'I hope she knows what she's doing.'
"You think you're pretty tough don't you?" she asked as she stopped about fifteen feet away from Cell as she rested a hand upon the swell of her hip.
"But of course Eighteen. After all I am Gero's greatest creation, comprised of dozens of warriors. It is my destiny to absorb you and your brother. Fighting against me is futile in the end I will be the victor, it was meant to be."
"You certainly like to talk. Seems Gero must have included a part of himself in you. But I'm going to let you in on a little secret." she whispered as she tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear.
"And what would that be my dear?"
Eighteen smiled as she began to tap into her reserves. "You're not the only one who possesses genetic information from another fighter. My brother is now encoded with information about a monster named Cooler. Apparently some relation to Frieza. And I..." she paused as lightning began to course around her frame as her front bangs spiked up as static electricity began to radiate off of her body. The clouds in the sky scattered as the color of the sky itself darkened as the entire planet began to shake from amount of energy she was emitting.
"I received an infusion of cells from the Legendary Super Saiyan. Broly." she murmured as she clenched her fists.
Her aura expanded several times larger then normal as her normal aura was replaced by a golden one mimicking a Super Saiyan's power. Her eyes for a moment faded into white, before being replaced by an even more striking blue tint, then her normal tone.
Cell found himself backing up his body shaking uncontrollably.
"Y-you're power it's..."
Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Get a good feel of it. Because I'm about to destroy you with it."
"We'll see about that..." he growled as he began to raise his arms up to form a Tri beam only to find he couldn't move his arms.
His eyes widened as he saw the blonde beauty standing there her much smaller arms locking him in place.
"B-but how?! How did you move that fast?" he sputtered as he tried to pull away to no avail.
"The same way I did this..." she whispered as she with a minimal effort ripped both of his arms off, before planting her foot into his stomach sending him sprawling across the ground.
Trunks shouldered Piccolo, before starring at the 'fight' in the distance. "It's incredible...she's picking him apart like he's nothing."
Piccolo grunted. "Don't forget it's not over till it's over. "
Trunks regarded the Namekian a moment, before looking back.
Eighteen dropped the two arms, before frowning. "You've really made a mess here. I can't even make heads or tails of this town anymore. I'm done playing around with you...I'm going to finish this, before I ruin my clothes.." she said as she held out one of her hands and began to form a green energy ball that continued to expand exponentially as the seconds passed.
Trunks eyes widened. 'That attack...it's Broly's. That must explain this power of hers. What's strange is when she's using this power...I can actually feel her energy...it's incredible.'
Cell slowly rose to his feet to see the attack that awaited him. 'This is too much. I can barely stand. I have to find a way out of this.' he thought to himself.
His eyes widened as he kicked off the ground and took skyward.
Eighteen huffed. "Idiot. Eraser Canon." she yelled as she fired the giant collection of energy into the sky.
Cell narrowly avoided being completely consumed by the attack as he flew up. Still the attack took his lower half off. Leaving him as nothing but a head and torso at the moment.
Eighteen smirked. "What's your plan now Cell?"
Cell gritted his teeth as he let out a roar as his missing limbs regenerated.
The blonde frowned. "I'll make sure that with this next blast you won't have anything left to regenerate..."
"We'll play another day Eighteen and when that day comes I swear I'll gobble you and your brother up. " he screamed as he raised his hands up in front of his face.
"Solar Flair" he called out as a bright light blinded Eighteen,Trunks, and Piccolo.
"Bastard..." Eighteen growled as she shielded her eyes for a few moments till her vision returned. She began to scan the sky, before frowning.
'I should have finished him when I had the chance. I won't make that mistake again.' she thought as she relaxed and let her full power subside as she glanced over at Piccolo and Trunks.
Piccolo gritted his teeth as Trunks continued to shoulder his weight. "Well Android what are you going to do with us?"
"Endless amounts of torture and mayhem." she said in a sarcastic manner.
"Do what you want. It matters little to me or my brother. While I was busy saving your sorry asses he's been busy hunting down Thirteen. Considering I haven't seen any explosions yet, I doubt he's found him. If that's all I'll be going now."
"Wait!" Trunks said as his brow furrowed.
"Why did you save us?...why are you letting us go?."
She sighed as she rested her hands on her hips. "Why do I need to explain myself to you?"
"Because I'm curious. As much as I hate to admit it. You and Seventeen are nothing like what I remember. I expected you and the other two would be hunting Goku still."
She shrugged. "I can't speak for Sixteen or Seventeen, but I don't gain anything from hunting Goku. Besides I figure the bastard Gero, would curse us from the grave if we didn't bother Goku." she smirked.
Piccolo who'd been silent a moment finally spoke. "Why hunt Thirteen then? Shouldn't you be on the same side?"
"Were Goku and Vegeta on the same side when they first met just because their Saiyans?"
Piccolo actually smiled. "Point taken. What I mean is...why are you hunting this one?"
Eighteen shrugged. "He probably intends to absorb the remainders of Fourteen and Fifteen which could be annoying. After that...I expect he'd start paying you all a visit. Starting with Goku."
Trunks eyes widened. "Speaking of Goku if you and Seventeen are here...where is Sixteen?"
Eighteen brushed her hair once more out of her face. "Let's just say he has more of a one track mind, but that might change. Gero's programming was never full proof"she mused.
"Goku could still be in danger!" Piccolo spat.
Trunks frowned. "We better hope Krillin got there first."
"If you gentleman will excuse me...I can feel Vegeta approaching. I should leave, before he has one of his tantrums and I'm forced to put him down. You boys should considering training. I won't always be around to save you." she smirked as she winked at them, before kicking off into the sky.
Trunks fought down a blush that was brought on by embarrassment and shame.
Piccolo grunted. "She's right you know?...even with this power increase I can only fight Cell at my best. I'm outclassed by her and the rest of these androids. You and the rest are even worse off."
Trunks sighed. "I know...but it's not like we have a lot of time to drop off the grid and train."
Piccolo's eyes widened. "Actually we might. When Vegeta gets here we'll inform about Cell and the other Androids...then we're going back to the Lookout."
Trunks raised a brow. "Why the lookout?"
"Because I have a plan."
"Well that should be everything" Chi-Chi mused as she looked at the small airship.
Gohan walked down the back ramp. "Dad should be comfortable mom. Krillin just got him situated."
Chi-Chi let out a deep breath. "Great let's get going then. As much as I loathe seeing that old pervert...at least Goku might be safer."
Gohan paled.
"It might be too late for that mom." He said softly.
Chi-Chi who had yet to comprehend the situation slowly turned to see a giant of a man with spiky red hair appraising them. His eyes were blue and upon his green outfit she could read the Red Ribbon symbol.
"G-Gohan is this one of them?" she shivered as she took a step back towards the ship.
Gohan tensed. "He must be..." he said softly as he eyed the man.
"Son Gohan...Son Chi-Chi." he mused as his flickering as he tilted his head towards the ship a moment as he picked up both Krillin and Goku.
"What are you doing here?!" Chi-Chi demanded as she summoned her courage.
Sixteen didn't seemed troubled by her tone and if he was it certainly didn't show.
"I was programmed to destroy Son Goku."
Chi-Chi's eyes widened in horror.
Gohan shifted his stance as he powered up, a white aura swirled around him as he stared intently at the giant. "I won't let you hurt my father. You'll have to get through me."
"And me..." A voice said as Krillin landed next to Gohan, before shifting into a fighting stance.
"Heh Thanks Krillin." he murmured as his gaze never left Sixteen.
Krillin allowed a weak smirk. "Anytime bro. I just hope this fares better then our fight against Frieza."
Sixteen eyed the pair. "If forced to fight you...your chances of survival would be less then three percent. But I do not wish to fight any of you."
"Well we're not going to back down no matter how strong you are. We won't let you take Goku from us." Krillin exclaimed.
Sixteen frowned. He was torn. He didn't revel in destruction or harming others. He was by nature a gentle being, perhaps the only part of his programming that had managed to take hold was his desire to kill Goku, but it conflicted directly with the rest of him.
"As I said. I was programmed to terminate Son Goku. However I...will not do so. Not if it means harming anyone else in the process."
Krillin let out a sigh while Gohan looked surprise.
'Is he serious?...I thought all these Androids were monsters, but he seems serious. Maybe their not so different from us, maybe they have the ability to change.'
Chi-Chi swallowed.
"What now?" she managed.
Sixteen's eyes flickered as he gazed down at her. "You all should continue leaving. Staying here would not be advisable. There are others of my kind that seek to harm the people of this planet. I wouldn't advise going to your intended destination. It would be one of the first places they would look." he said as he began to turn away.
"Wait!" Gohan called out as he took a step forward.
"I'm confused. Who are you? Is there anymore like you that don't intend us any harm? and who exactly does?"
Sixteen frowned. "I am Doctor Gero's Sixteenth Creation. Known as Android Sixteen. From what I have observed neither Seventeen or Eighteen intend any ill will either. They have the most free will and haven't chosen to cause any harm thus far. There are two however you should be wary of. One is known as Thirteen he will hunt for his full power and then hunt Son Goku relentlessly. He cannot be negotiated with and seeks only his own ambitions. As for the other...I'm not aware of their identity only that there is another huge power level that is growing stronger at an exponential rate."
Krillin scratched the back of his head. "Why don't you come with us then? I mean it couldn't hurt to have someone like you around if a fight breaks out." he chuckled.
Chi-Chi looked unnerved while Gohan simply nodded.
"He's right Sixteen we could use all the help we can get."
The tall android regarded them a moment. "I will accompany you then." he said simply and without another word he began to trudge forward towards the air ship.
Chi-Chi sweat dropped. 'Great first Piccolo...now an Android.'
Thirteen chuckled as he kicked through another wall, before arriving outside a large reinforced vault.
"Silly humans, hiding something so valuable behind such pitiful security."
He was about to blast the door open, before he felt a knee collide into his back sending him sprawling across the ground, before he managed to flip up and face his attacker.
Before him stood Seventeen with a cocky look on his face.
"Well boy it's been a while ain't it ?"
Seventeen rolled his eyes. "Yeah I just had to follow your trail of destruction and keep my ears open for your damn accent. You really aren't very subtle."
"Heh well I reckoned yall'd find me eventually. Where's that pretty sister of yours?" he said a cracked a grin.
"Well we figured it would be a waste of our time if we both came after you. It's not like you pose much of a threat." his expression grew more serious as he reappeared in front of Thirteen, before delivering an elbow across the taller android's face. To Thirteen's credit he took the hit fairly well, before recovering as he spit up some blood.
"You shouldn't talk about my sister. It's a good way for me to lose my sporting mood." Seventeen said in a dry tone.
"Noted. Now what I wanna know is why we're fighting at all ? I reckon we should be on the same side here. After all we're connected together."
"I figured you'd give me that sort of spill. But we're nothing alike. Eighteen and I could give two shits about doctor Gero or one of his plans."
"Yall never did have much love for the good doctor. But ya see unlike you and your sister I'm thankful for what he did to me. I can't remember much, but I was nothing before I became this. Now I'm this close to having the power of a god in my hands."
Seventeen snorted. "A god huh? Even though I hate to admit it. Eighteen is the strongest being there is...but next to her I'm the second strongest thing alive. I almost want to let you access your full power just to prove to you just how weak you really are when I finally finish you.
Thirteen folded his arms. "Well boy do you have the stones to fight me yourself at full power or ya gonna let your sister fight all your battles ?"
The Raven haired android raised his arm, before forming a death beam that directly passed over Thirteen's head, before hitting the vault door behind him.
"Go ahead. I wanna fight you at your best, just so I can wipe that smug grin off your face when I destroy you."
Thirteen turned and smirked to himself as he strode into the vault.
His scanner began to flicker furiously as he picked up the remnants of both Fourteen and Fifteen as well as Nineteen's remains.
'Interesting. My design can incorporate any synthetic parts and that's not just limited to Fourteen and Fifteen. I will soon show Seventeen just how foolish he really is.'
Thirteen held out his arms as pieces of the ruined androids began to lift up and encircle him. Piece by piece flew forward and began to meld into his body. Sparks flew from the surge of power as piece by piece he was being upgraded. He began to glow as his body shifted to incorporate the new components. He grew about a foot in height putting him now well over seven feet tall. His silver hair was now longer reaching down his back with streaks of black in it. His skin remained the same tone, but his physique had improved as his muscles had expanded. From Nineteen's design his palms now bore energy absorption devices.
Seventeen who had looked on for the entire process kept a passive look of disinterest.
"So you grew a foot and got some hair highlights?...I must say I'm not impressed."
Thirteen turned a new confident smile pulling at his features. "Well Boy. I assure you. You will be soon."
Vegeta growled. "What happened to your pride? You were both saved by that thing? It must have took pity on you. I don't care what this other abomination is...I will crush it and all of these androids with my bare hands."
"Because that worked so well for you last time Vegeta." Piccolo chuckled.
Vegeta growled as he strode forward till he was only a foot away from the Namekian.
"Say that again Namekian."
"I could break you in half right now Vegeta."
"Enough you two. Piccolo you said you had plan right? Well what is it? We're not going to be of any use if we stay here and fight one another." Trunks said he looked between the two men.
Piccolo kept his gaze fixated on Vegeta, but relaxed his posture slightly.
"Back on the lookout there's a room known as the Hyperbolic time chamber. Up to two people can step inside at once. It's perhaps the best training facility you could ever imagine."
"How so Namekian?" Vegeta asked his voice only slightly calmer then before.
"A day of training in our world equals a year inside the chamber."
Trunks' eyes widened. "That's incredible. That could change everything."
Vegeta even looked surprised. "Well why are we standing here?...let's go." he grunted.
Piccolo slowly nodded his head. "Fine follow me."
Trunks ticked his head to the side. He felt an uncomfortable sensation in the pit of his stomach. Was he actually worried about Eighteen?...No he refused to accept that as even possible.
"Brat what is it now?" Vegeta growled.
"Nothing... Come on let's go." he said as he lifted off the ground, before he stopped once more looking over his shoulder.
"Dammit...go on ahead I'll be there soon." he said as he wordlessly removed a senzu bean from his jacket and swallowed it, before he turned in the opposite direction and blasted off.
"Hnn let the boy do as he wishes...come on Namekian we're wasting time..." Vegeta grunted.
Seventeen spit up some blood as he made his way to his feet.
"Heh seems like you're not a complete reject after all.." he mused as he settled a glare upon Thirteen.
Thirteen slowly discarded his hat as a smile played upon his lips. "Boy we've only gotten started. Frankly I don't give a damn what the good doctor intended for us. When I'm done I'll be the last standing creation of the Doctor."
Seventeen wiped his mouth as he began to slowly settle into a fighting stance.
"Afraid of a little competition?"
Thirteen chuckled as he held out one of his palms exposing the energy absorption device. "There is no competition boy. Allow me to demonstrate what I mean."
Seventeen braced himself, but wasn't able to react in time as the larger android disappeared, before reappearing behind him. Without warning he grabbed the back of Seventeen's neck, before slamming him face first into the ground. He let his aura began to swell causing the walls to crumble, before with a single push a flash of energy consumed the base and bright light filled the horizon.
His vision blurred as he made his way to his feet to see daylight above and that the entire complex had been leveled by Thirteen's attack.
"Impossible...how can he be this strong?" he murmured aloud.
"Where's that former confidence boy?" a voice said behind him, before he felt an arm lock around his neck, before he was picked off of his feet.
"Screw you. I swear I'll pulverize you when I get free."
Thirteen frowned. "Don't make promises you can't keep boy. Fortunately for you I'm gonna cut this short."
'From my sensors Eighteen wiped the floor with Cell. She still poses a threat to me...if she and Seventeen worked together I'd be finished.'
Seventeen's vision blurred once more as he was choked into unconsciousness, before being dropped upon the ground.
Thirteen slowly floated up off the ground. 'Hm I think it's time I return to the lab or what's left of it. Don't worry Seventeen this isn't over' he mused as he blasted skyward.
Eighteen's eyes widened as she observed a large explosion in the distance.
'That wasn't Seventeen...how could Thirteen have attained so much power?...' she frowned.
'He must have been allowed to absorb the others. Dammit Seventeen hold on. I'll make sure there's nothing left of that redneck reject.' she thought as she increased her speed.
Seventeen coughed as he rolled over upon his back, before starring at the sky above him.
'That bastard did a number on me. I need to get out of here and find Eighteen.' he thought as he tried to sit up only to be stopped as he felt a foot pressing him back to the ground.
His eyes widened as he stared up at the strangest creature he'd ever seen.
"Ah Android 17. It was kind of Thirteen to leave you in this state. I expected I would have had to spend weeks collecting more energy, before I'd be strong enough to absorb you. It seems that isn't the case." he chuckled.
"Absorb me?...what the hell are you talking about ? What are you?" Seventeen asked.
"I'll indulge you for a moment. My name is Cell and my purpose from Doctor Gero's design is to integrate both you and your sister into my being. You should be honored." he mused.
Seventeen's eyes for a moment showed fear. He'd never felt so powerless.
"You disgust me you filthy monster. I'll never be a part of you." he finally spat.
Cell allowed an evil smirk to play at his features as he slowly dangled his tail over Seventeen, before allowing the tip to extend. "Oh my dear Seventeen. You speak as if you have a choice."
Seventeen's screams could soon be heard, before just as quickly being muffled and finally silenced.
Sixteen opened his eyes, before craning his neck to stare out the view port of the small airship. A frown crossed his features.
"Uh something wrong big guy?" Krillin asked hesitantly as he looked over at the ginger android.
"My sensors indicate that an unknown lifeform manage to absorb Android Seventeen. While I have no records of this being...I can sense the malice behind this creature. It's power just skyrocketed."
Gohan who was seated next to the large android stared wide eyed.
"This thing was even stronger then the androids?..."
"If it wasn't before...it certainly is now."
Both Krillin and Gohan stared out the window a moment, before both of them trembled as they felt Cell's power spike from across the planet.
"Is there anything that can beat something like that?" Krillin asked a look of worry crossing his face.
"My dad. You better believe once he's on his feet he'll put that thing down."
"Maybe not yet, but with a little training maybe.." a voice called out as Goku walked into view from the back of the ship.
"Dad!" Gohan exclaimed a smile pulling at his features.
"Goku it's good to see you on your feet again." Krillin said as he too had a wide smile on his face.
"It's good to see you guys too!" he exclaimed with one of his trademark smiles.
"And as I understand it we're allies now too aren't we?" he asked as his gaze settled upon Sixteen.
Sixteen regarded the palm haired hero a moment, before finally a smile crossed his features. "While I have terminated my goal to kill you...I would very much like to fight you in the future, but yes you are correct. I am not your enemy."
Goku wiped his brow. "Phew that's a relief. From the feel of it we've got enough to worry about with whoever that is I'm feeling. Looks like it's time to return to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber."
Gohan and Krillin exchanged a look.
"What is that dad?" Gohan asked, before blinking.
"The Hyperbolic Time Chamber is a room in which you can train for a whole year, but in the real world it only equals a day. It might just be our last hope. I can already feel Piccolo and Vegeta approaching the Lookout. I bet they have the same idea. "
"Wow...that could really give us a fighting chance." Krillin mused.
"He's right. I just hope it'll be enough" Gohan mused.
Trunks : Base 3,700,000 SSJ: 185,000,000
Goku : Base: 3,900,000 SSJ: 195,000,000 (Zenkai after surviving Heart Virus)
Vegeta : Base: 3,800,000 SSJ: 190,000,000
Piccolo: 100,000,000
Piccolo w/ Kami: 285,000,000
Gohan: 2,500,000
Krillin: 6,500,000
Cell (Imperfect Form): 250,000,000
Cell (Semi-Perfect Form) 750,000,000
Android 13: 300,000,000
Super 13: 575,000,000
Android 16: 600,000,000
Android 17 425,000,000 (Base Only) 500,000,000 (Full Power)
Android 18 500,000,000 (Base Only) ? (Full Power)
