A/N: Just for the heads up, this opening chapter of the Cell Game is very different from the show. First of all, there're no ZTV broadcasters since the tournament was only announced to the Z-fighters. In turn, there is no Hercule, who I have no intention of making any real appearance in this fic. Why? Because I don't like him at all! He's a total fraud who took credit for defeating Cell! (I shouldn't have mentioned him in the beginning then… oh, well. Sorry for the lead-on.) Anyway, this is my own fic, and though I want to keep it as much in tune with the storyline as possible, I don't want to duplicate the original events that most DBZ fans all ready know about.
Also, Android #16 will also not be included, because I don't think he has any key role in this fic. In the show, he helped Gohan unleash his rage, but since Gohan's not in this fic, I don't see any reason to include #16… Okay, enough with my long note—on to the story!
Chapter Nine
Two days passed, and the day of the Cell Game finally arrived. The diabolical creature stood still in the center of his handmade ring. The day has come. I can't wait until you're here… Goku, he thought eagerly.
It was a quarter till noon, and Vegeta and Trunks were the first to arrive.
"Ah, yes… Vegeta… back for more?" Cell sneered, "You just don't know when to give up, do you?"
Vegeta simply scoffed. "I wouldn't say that if I were you. You may have been stronger than me when we last fought, but I've grown a lot more powerful myself in the past few days. In fact, I'll be the first to take you out!"
"That's a pretty bold statement for someone who was so utterly beaten the last time," Cell taunted, "You may have grown much stronger since our last battle, but you're still no match for me."
The proud Saiyan only grinned. "We'll see about that."
Yamcha, Tien, and Krillin arrived next shortly after.
Vegeta only looked at them with disgust. "Don't tell me you three are fighting too," he said coldly, "You'll only get in the way."
"At least someone's confident today," Yamcha muttered spitefully under his breath.
Krillin just ignored the remark, and turned to Trunks. "Hey, do you know where Goku is?"
Trunks shook his head. "The last time I saw him, he was with you, remember?"
"Oh, right," Krillin said, "But after he recovered from his injuries with Cell, he left to train in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber again two days ago—"
That caught Vegeta's attention. "What do you mean, 'again'?" he demanded, "How many times has he trained in there?"
Krillin raised an eyebrow. "Twice, but so what?"
Vegeta felt his anger boiling over. So, Kakarot decided to take full advantage of the time chamber? Just how strong did he get? Surely, he can't be more powerful than me! I will not allow it!
As if sensing his father's thought, Trunks cut in, "Father, we've done all we can. We've both trained in the room twice now, too. There's nothing more we can do—"
Suddenly, two huge spikes of energy became present. Everyone diverted their attentions toward the two flying figures approaching from the distance, each emitting their own distinctive flame. One was white, the other was yellow.
A wicked smile crossed Cell's face. Goku… at last. I look forward to our match…
Krillin squinted up at the mysterious figures. "It's Piccolo and Goku! They're finally here!" he announced enthusiastically. "And wow! Their chi's are enormous, especially Goku's!"
Vegeta only looked on with anger. Though he refused to admit it, he could sense Goku's new energy was unbelievable… and much greater than his own. Kakarot, how dare you! It's not possible!
"You're right, Krillin!" Tien added, "They've gotten incredibly stronger since the last time we saw them!"
Soon enough, both Goku and Piccolo landed by the ringside. Goku looked on at all his fellow Z-fighters. "Hey, how's it going?" he greeted casually.
Vegeta continued to stare at his rival in disbelief, his every nerve trembling with anger. I don't understand it: he's a Super Saiyan, all right, but it appears to be his natural state…
Krillin surveyed his friend, who appeared just as he'd last seen him two days ago, but an even stronger energy emitted from him. "Wow, Goku. You've really changed…" Krillin said in awe.
"It's from the Hyperbolic Time Chamber," Goku replied, "Sorry I didn't get to tell you before I left. I hope Chi-Chi did, though." He paused for a moment. "Speaking of Chi-Chi… how's she doing, anyway?" He glanced at Krillin expectantly, unsure of what he'd say.
Yamcha and Krillin exchanged relaxed glances. "Oh, you don't have to worry about her, Goku," Krillin answered reassuringly, "She's doing great. Actually, she's been up and about for two days now."
Goku smiled. "Well, that's good to hear," he said.
Suddenly, an all-too-familiar voice interrupted, "It's time. Who is the first to challenge me?"
Goku turned his attention towards Cell his eyes narrowed in a dead-serious glare. Sparks seemed to fly as tensions mounted. "I will," Goku declared.
Trunks looked at Goku apprehensively. "Goku, are you sure we should start with you first?" he asked.
Even Cell seemed surprised. "… You do know that once there are no more challengers left on this pathetic planet, everyone on Earth will die." He said it more like a statement than a question.
Goku nodded, unwavering. "Yeah, I know." He glanced at Vegeta. "… That is, if it's all right with you."
Vegeta only scoffed once again. "Do as you please, but I will be the one to finish him off," he retorted, still convinced that he was stronger than his fellow Saiyan.
Goku shrugged. "Okay," he replied simply. He then stepped onto the tiled white platform.
"It's time to end this, Cell," Goku said sullenly, putting up a fighting stance.
Cell grinned. "I couldn't agree more," he agreed, falling into a stance of his own. "And this time, there's no running away…"
Chi-Chi glanced at the analog clock that hung on the wall. "It's ten past noon," she said to no one in particular. "The Cell Game is all ready underway. I wonder how Goku is doing…" She couldn't help but feel a pang of worry creep back into her thoughts again.
"Lighten up, Chi-Chi," Bulma consoled, though Chi-Chi sensed a twinge of anxiety in her voice, too. "Everything will be fine. Goku and the others are going to win this, and Cell will finally be defeated for good."
Chi-Chi hesitated. "… Your grown-up son is participating in the tournament as well, isn't he?" she asked softly after a moment.
Bulma remained silent for a long time, and then she forced a feeble smile. "We don't have time to worry about that right now, 'kay?"
Chi-Chi forced a nod. I wish there was some way we could know what was going on… I can't take the suspense much longer!
She glanced out the window as if expecting to see the battle before her. Just two days ago, she had felt so calm and carefree. She'd believed in Goku and hung onto his word that he'd be all right. But now with the arrival of the Cell Game, she wasn't so sure anymore. Cell has to abide the rules of the tournament himself, Chi-Chi told herself repeatedly. And that means killing is strictly prohibited. Nevertheless, the thought did little to quell her trepidation, because the more she dwelled on it, the less she believed in it. Knowing Cell, it would be no surprise if he broke his own rules. Oh, Goku. Please don't die. You've gotta live. You've gotta come back to me…
A/N: And that's it, folks! I'm sorry, but don't expect me to return to this fic anymore, because I'm not going to!
