A/N: It's been awhile, I know, I'm sorry, I'm back on a roll, so here it is.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except my own OC, concepts and ideas. Akira Toriyama owns everything else.


"So what exactly are we going to do?" Dani questioned, looking off into the distance and rubbing the back of her head as they touched down on the arena.

"Why, we train of course."

"Well yeah I know that," she crossed her arms behind her head. "Dumbass," she muttered.

For her sake he pretended not to hear that last part.

"What I mean is . . . nine days? Really?"

"You will be surprised, amazed even, by the things we can accomplish in nine days my dear," Cell grinned as he turned to face her.

"Ew, I'd rather not sir," she muttered under her breath. "Anyways, let's just get started."

"Very well, try and land a hit on me."

"Psh, I won't try, I will," she murmured, taking a stance and charging at him.

He could see right through her attacks as he dodged effortlessly. He smirked as he caught her arm and pulled her towards him, digging his knee deep into her abdomen and tossing her aside as if she were nothing but a mere rag doll.

"What the hell!" she exclaimed, landing with a loud thud as she held onto her abdomen.

"I never said I wouldn't strike back," he answered casually.

"You never said you would!" she groaned, lying back against the arena floor.

"Enough of your complaining and get up!" he shouted.

"I'm starting to rethink every single decision up to this point," she mumbled. "Oh that's right; I'll most likely be dragged back if I try to escape."

"If you won't take this seriously then I guess I have no choice but to force it into you," he called out darkly as he charged unexpectedly at the grumbling Saiyan.

"No-wait! Waitwaitwaitwaitwaaaaaaaaiittt!"

. . .


Back on Kami's Lookout, Goku and Gohan had finally emerged from the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. As the father and son Saiyan team feasted on their first home-cooked meal in technically over a year, Trunks filled them in on the details of what had happened. Relaying the things back to them made him realize just how many things had actually happened in one day.

A thought crossed Gohan's mind as he set his bowl down. "Trunks! Dani . . . Where's Dani? What happened to her?"

Trunks frowned and clenched his fists looking down. "Cell, he got to her."

"You mean she's-"

"No. We're fairly certain she's alive; we just don't understand why he's so obsessed in tracking her down even though he has already attained perfection. He has no further need for energy from the people of the planet so I just don't understand why he can't leave her alone!"

"That monster," the young Saiyan gritted out. "We have to do something! We can't just leave her with the likes of him!"

"Gohan," Goku placed a hand on his son's shoulder, "Everything will be alright."

"But dad-" Gohan was about to protest when his father cut him off.

"Gohan, everything will be alright. Trust me," Goku gave his son a reassuring squeeze.

Krillin knew his friend well enough to know that Goku already had a plan of sorts. What was it? He had no idea.

Gohan couldn't believe how his father could be so calm when Dani was in danger for all he knew. He couldn't just sit back while she was with that monster! He had to do something. He wanted to do something. But he would just have to control his anger and trust in his father that everything would be alright.

Once Goku and Gohan had finished their meal, the team decided upon the order of who would train in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Much to Gohan and everyone's surprise, Goku stated that he and his son did not need another day in the Chamber and so they would finish their training on the outside. As much as Gohan wanted to protest, Goku seemed overly confident in his decision. . . He just seemed way too confident.

"So Trunks, exactly how big of a change did Cell undergo when he reached perfection?" Goku asked, stretching his arms over his head.

"Well-"

"No, wait, don't tell me. I want to find out for myself."

"Wait- what? Goku!"

But before they could further question Goku, he was gone leaving the slightly confused Z-Fighters atop the lookout.


Cell was pleased . . . Oh yes, he was definitely pleased. He honestly didn't expect to make much progress on the first day with the Saiyan but once again she exceeded his expectations. She probably didn't even realize her own progress due to her excessive whining and complaining. But no matter, all she needed was a push . . . fighting for her life just happened to be that push.

Her incentive to actually fight was weak and it lacked motivation. He assumed it was greatly in part of her being raised by filthy humans. But once he got her riled up, however, her determination and resolve never faltered. The longer they fought, the more aggressive she became in her attacks- both physical and energy. So much that he had to lure her away from his precious ring as to not damage it.

But, alas, she was definitely slipping away. Surely enough she was beginning to succumb to those Saiyan instincts that had been forced dormant for so many years. He was very pleased with himself in that he was the one bringing this power out of her, but also because he had successfully gotten into her mind. He wondered if he could get her to completely lose herself and become a Super Saiyan . . .

Containing his own excitement was beginning to get difficult. He would occasionally find himself slipping away to the battle as well, and would have to restrain himself from accidentally killing her.

Dani was tired, completely exhausted, and hungry . . . but she couldn't give up . . . not without landing a nice hit on that oh so perfect face of his first; then and only then would she be satisfied. He just pissed her off so much. She hated him! Just who the hell did he think he was telling her what to do. . .

~Swing~

Telling her where her place in life was. . .

~Kick~

And telling her who she really was!

"Ahh, I can feel her anger rising once again . . . Yes . . . Yes! That's it! Feed off of it! Feel the power and let it consume you!"

No one told her what to do!

~Kick~

She knew exactly where her place in life was!

~Ki blast~

And she knew exactly who she was!

~Punch~

Cell's eyes widened when her fist actually made full force contact with his jaw. He stood there stunned as she jumped back a few feet to make distance between them. Did that just happen? Did that actually just happen?

"What was that about being untouchable?" she smirked.

. . . That actually DID just happen . . .

His brow twitched. "Why you little-" he took a deep breath and regained his composure."I definitely underestimated you. It was foolish of me to think you, a Saiyan, did not possess such power. However, that is a mistake I will surely not make again," he remarked as he took a stance and was about to charge at the grinning Saiyan when suddenly something flashed in between him and his prey.

Dani blinked. What just happened? Wait-Who was that?

"Goku." She heard Cell's smooth voice speak.

Goku? Hold on a sec, wasn't that the guy the androids were after? What was he doing here? Why was he talking to Cell? Was he about to fight Cell? Right here, right now? Was that it? Should she stay? Or should she move to a safe distance? What the hell was going on?

"-our fight will come. But not today," said Goku.

Dani was too lost in her own thoughts that she wasn't listening to what they were saying.

"I will be looking forward to our battle Goku."

Before she could even register what happened, Goku was gone. Just as suddenly he appeared, he vanished. How did he do that? She couldn't sense him at all. If only she could do the same to get away from Cell. . .

"Now, where were we?" he chuckled darkly.

Oh boy, she did not like that look. This could not be good. Heh, oh well. She got to hit him square in the face. She could die a happy fool now.

But he never charged at her. He never attacked. Instead he looked at her with wide eyes . . . almost in surprise . . . no- wait. He wasn't looking at her . . . he was looking behind her . . . he was looking at. . .

"Goku!" she breathed out, looking over her shoulder at him. He had a big goofy smile on his face. He placed a hand on her shoulder then waved at Cell in a friendly manner.

"Sorry, forgot something."

Before Cell could react, Goku was gone . . . along with Dani. Anger coursed through his veins as he tried to sense her but to no avail. He clenched his fist; his black nails on the verge of piercing the perfect ivory skin of his palms. This was impossible! She was never impossible to detect! She was never out of his range! He had no range! He could find her no matter where she hid! But now . . . now, nothing! He couldn't sense the slightest bit of her energy. Not even the faintest trail. It was as if she disappeared completely off the face of the planet.

He was more than frustrated, he was absolutely livid. He shot a powerful ki blast to the mountain side, completely leveling it.

"No. . .ohh, no no no. If she thinks she can escape me so easily, she is clearly wrong. Goku, you shall pay for this dearly. I can guarantee you that," he seethed, planning on a course of action.


"Hey guys, I'm back, and look who I brought with me," Goku waved at the group with a big smile.

"Dani!" they exclaimed, running over to the two.

"Dad," Gohan looked up at his father with bright eyes.

"I told you everything would be alright son," Goku nodded at his son.

"Thank you dad."

"Dani! Are you alright? Your clothes are all torn up. Did Cell hurt you? I'll get him for this," Trunks clenched his fists as he looked away in anger.

"Calm down Trunks," Dani smiled, gently placing her hand on the side of his face so he would look at her. "I'm fine. Otherwise I guarantee you I wouldn't be able to stand right now. As for my clothes, well this is what days of misuse tends to cause."

Goku placed a hand on her shoulder from behind and addressed the small crowd of Z-Fighters, "How about we give Dani some time to wash up and relax before we bombard her with questions. Hmm? I'm sure she's hungry too."

"That sounds really good right now," she laughed.

"Alright then, Mr. Popo here will lead you to the washrooms and provide you with anything you need so don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you," Dani nodded as Mr. Popo led her away from the small crowd.

"I know you guys probably have a lot of questions to ask her but you need to consider everything she's been through. I'm sure she would really much enjoy some relaxation time and then would answer your questions."

"You're right Goku, we're sorry," Trunks nodded.

"We were just so overjoyed in seeing her again, especially considering that we thought we probably wouldn't ever, ya know?" Krillin explained.

"I understand, but I just think it's best if we let her rest for now."

They all nodded at Goku as they went about their normal business.


"Ohhhh my gawd," Dani groaned as the hot water hit her skin. It felt absolutely amazing. She definitely needed this. It wasn't that long ago that she was in the hot tub before Cell found her but being forced back into her dirty clothes and being tossed around like a rag doll sure did make her feel filthy.

After her shower, she was surprised to find a meal, or more like feast, waiting for her- courtesy of Mr. Popo.

"Whoa, is this . . . is all of this for me?" she gaped, her mouth watering and stomach growling at the sight and smell of all the delicious food.

"Why yes," Mr. Popo replied. "I figured if you're a Saiyan, you'll have just as big as an appetite as the others."

Dani was already at the table stuffing her face.

"Mr. Popo, we're gonna need more food," she said in between bites.

"I shall prepare more," Mr. Popo chuckled. He had no doubt in his mind that she was definitely a Saiyan as she downed dish by dish.

"Mr. Popo," she groaned, "I can't eat another bite."

"Will you be off to your room for a nap Miss Dani?"

"Uhhhh, perhaps," she laughed as she leaned back in her chair. Damn did she feel good or what. First she was able to shower-uninterrupted. Then she was able to actually change into clean clothes; that might not mean much to some but considering she'd been dying to get into some clean clothes for some time now, she was more than a happy camper. Then Mr. Popo made her possibly the best feast she had ever eaten in her life and now she can actually sleep peacefully in a comfortable ass bed- a natural sleep, not one that was induced by being knocked out by that disgusting bug.

Collapsing onto the bed felt like one of the best feelings in the world. It felt as if her whole body turned to mush as the bed welcomed her into its comfort. In no time she was drifting off into sleep . . .

"Dani . . . Where are you Dani? Where are you hiding?"

That voice, it- it sounded familiar. . .

"You know you cannot run. You know you cannot hide."

No! It couldn't be! She felt her arms being held firmly above her head as a large hand slowly wrapped around her neck yet she couldn't see anything… she couldn't see anything at all. Suddenly she was slammed, hard, against a flat surface she didn't even know was there- or existed in this void-like world.

"Where ever you may be, I will find you and I will have you watch as I slaughter those Z-Fighters one…by…one . . . slowly, painfully, and at my utmost pleasure."

She couldn't move! Her air was being cut off painstakingly slow. It was getting harder and harder to breath with each word that was said.

"Then you and I will eradicate the beings of this planet one by one. Their petrified expressions and cries of fear will send chills of excitement running along your spine."

"N-no," she managed to breath out with what little oxygen she had left.

"No?" his voice sounded amused as he squeezed the rest of the air out of her before letting go of her neck at the very last second before she completely passed out. Her head hung down as she tried to catch her breath.

"No you say?" he said awfully calm. Next thing she knew he roughly grabbed her chin and brought her face up. Only then did she actually see him for the first time; his face awfully close to hers.

"Do not deny the feeling you harbor for those pathetic creatures. You wish for their end just as much-if not more than me."

"My dear, look at me," he chuckled, tilting her chin up as her eyes began to drift away. "You have every reason to be angry at them. You have every reason to hate them."

"I-"

"Yes? Speechless aren't we? Well isn't this a rare sight."

"Shut up," she struggled to free her arms but to no avail. "I just-"

"You'll just what? You'll tell me just where exactly you are, is what you'll do. Then we'll thoroughly cleanse this planet of its pests," he spoke in a dark, husky voice as he slowly released her arms and chin.

"Do you really think you can win against Goku?" she looked up at him with a sly expression. "He did after all whisk in and out of our training within a blink of an eye. Or do I need to remind you of just how easily he made you look like a-"

He slammed his hands on the wall, very close to either side of her head. Her hands immediately went to his chest.

"I KNOW, what happened. And he will pay dearly for that. As will all of the Z fighters."

"And then what? Hmm?" she tapped her index fingers against his chest.

"You know well what happens next my dear," he smirked.

"Ah yes, WE will then clean this planet up. I got that part pretty clearly. But what happens then? And how exactly is this 'we' business going to happen when you don't even know where I am."

He instantly grabbed her chin and brought her face close to his. He could sense her discomfort. She was squirming and gripping his arm. He took the opportunity to once again hold her hands above her head in a very tight hold.

"Stop doing that-"

She froze when she looked at him. She didn't realize just how close they were until now. Her heart was furiously beating in her chest. She swore she could hear it within the void-like world they were in.

"I found you asleep," his breathed huskily. "I can find you awake."

. . .

"Close," Cell mused as he flew up in space to train. "So close."

. . .

Her eyes snapped open. She sat up and realized she had been sweating. She glanced at her wrists and noticed she had no marks, no bruises. She walked over to the mirror to look at her neck. Again, no marks, no bruises. Only when she looked at her face did she see something . . . on her lips.

Blood . . . fresh blood . . . on her bottom lip.

How did she not see that, or even feel that, before? Did she just bite herself waking up? Or…

She lapped up the blood with her tongue and went to go look for Mr. Popo. She found him outside watering the plants as usual.

"Mr. Popo."

"Ah, Dani, what can I do for you?"

"I need to know when the Hyperbolic Time Chamber will be available, I'd like to start training . . ."


A/N: I hope you enjoyed it and would like to get your thoughts and know what'd you think. I'd also really like to thank those who have stayed with the story and supported it, and I want to let you know that I have no plans to discontinue this story(: