Note: I know this is taking forever, and I'm truly sorry. But this fic WILL have an ending, I promise. When is anybody's guess, but it will be done. I'm sketchy about the rules of the Room of Space & Time, but I think I got it right.
Summary: The bouts of the century! Vegeta vs. Godock! Goten vs. Chibi Trunks! Goku vs. 7-Star Cell! Trunks vs. ??? And yes, I've been at this chapter so long that I can't even summarize it properly anymore! Ha ha ha!
Chapter 10: War of the Saiyans
Goku didn't like the plan.
Trunks had come up with it at the last minute, and that was only part of the reason Goku didn't like it.
Trunks (it seemed wrong to call him that now, but Goku didn't feel right calling him Trunks-sama, and Trunks wouldn't let him, anyway) had stayed behind to make sure he didn't spontaneously combust or anything like that, while Goku and the others flew ahead to challenge Godock and try to get Chibi Trunks back. Once Trunks was fairly certain that his wish hadn't come at too great a cost, he would help them as best he could.
Their main priorities were to divide Godock and make sure Chibi Trunks, Bulma, 18, and Dende were safe. Needless to say, handling Godock was primarily Vegeta's job, and if he needed help, Goku would assist. Otherwise, he would help Goten see to the others.
They were, of course, working under the assumption that the Cells were not at full power, and therefore would not interfere and risk being destroyed. If that was not the case, they would immediately notify Trunks, since he had the best chance of surviving an attack from more than one Cell.
Goku didn't like the plan, and neither did anyone else. Of course, they didn't have anything better, so they went along with it.
* * * * *
"How much longer?" Godock asked.
"Twenty minutes and we will reach full power," the 5-Star Cell replied.
"That's too close." Godock frowned. "There's no telling what they wished for, and I don't-" He stopped. "Something's wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"There is an enormous power to the east, and it's rising." Godock smirked. "So they can't defeat us, can they? It looks like at least one of them is going to try very soon."
The 3-Star Cell hissed. "They must not reach the Lookout, Godock."
"I figured that much already. Fortunately for you, I have a plan. Unfortunately for you, if will be very painful." With that, Godock grabbed the 1-Star Cell in a headlock and willed his golden aura into existence.
The other 8 Cells instantly surrounded him.
"Don't be foolish. I'm only ensuring victory." Godock channeled energy into his thumbnail and carved a crude letter C into the Black 1-Star Dragonball. It was most obviously a painful process, as the 1-Star Cell couldn't seem to stop screaming.
"There had better be a purpose to that," the 5-Star Cell hissed.
"There is. Bring the boy, quickly!" Godock ordered.
Another Cell dragged the unconscious Chibi Trunks over to Godock.
The Saiyan repeated the process with Chibi Trunks, but it was a lot messier, considering he carved the C directly into the boy's forehead. "There. It is done."
"What is?!" 1-Star Cell snapped, fingering his marked Black Star.
"Let's just say you'll reach your goal a little faster this way. In my world, we did not depend solely on inner strength to conquer. We used methods of the conquered people as well. It turns out that some of them were sorcerers, and they had an excellent way of gathering large amounts of energy."
"Which was?"
Godock grinned. "Let someone else do all the work. Isn't that right, boy?"
Chibi Trunks's eyes snapped open, revealing that they were a crimson color. He gave no answer, but the look on his face was more than enough reply.
* * * * *
"Trunks? Can you hear me?" Goku asked aloud.
"Yes, Goku," came the quiet reply. Even though Trunks was miles away, it sounded as if he'd whispered in the older Saiyan's ear.
"We can see the Lookout now. Any last minute ideas?"
"Just the one plan. I know it's not very good, but..."
"You only became a Supreme Kai a few moments ago, Trunks," Goku said. "No one expects you to think as if you'd had millennia of experience behind you."
"I'm not really a Kaioshin; that wish would've been impossible. I just have the power. All that means is I'm a kid with too much power for my own good."
"Then that'll have to be good enough for us," Goku replied, eyes narrowing.
Godock appeared in front of them, a frown on his face. "Fools," he whispered.
"Don't touch him, Kakkarot," Vegeta growled. "He's mine."
Godock grinned. "Then let's go...little man."
Vegeta went Super Saiyan and charged, screaming in rage.
Godock transformed a second later, taking the blow head-on. But he only chuckled. "I hope you can do better, Prince."
"Come on, son," Goku said quietly. "Let's go."
"Do you think Trunks is okay, Dad?" Goten whispered as they flew past.
"Which?"
"Ours."
"I don't..." Goku stopped. "Trunks?"
But the child floating before them was not Chibi Trunks. At least, not anymore. His lips twisted in a cruel smile as he raised a finger and pointed at Goten.
"Goten, listen carefully." Goku bent down and spoke softly in his son's ear. "Trunks has always been stronger than you. That doesn't mean you can't beat him, but it does mean you have to be careful."
"What are you saying, Dad?"
"I'm saying...buy us some time. You don't have to win, but don't lose."
Goten nodded. "Got it."
"I'm going ahead. Maybe I can catch the Cells off guard. Good luck, son." With that, Goku pressed two fingers to his forehead and vanished.
Trunks licked his lips flexed his fingers. "I'm going to beat you again, Goten," he said in a raspy voice. "Only this time, there won't be any rules to stop me from cheating."
"That just means I'll beat you faster," Goten replied.
Trunks's eyes narrowed and flashed green. "No holding back."
Both boys blazed into Super Saiyan, and then attacked.
* * * * *
"There's a big power level coming this way," 18 whispered to Bulma. "Stay down."
Goku suddenly appeared between them. "Are you two all right?"
He didn't so much get an answer so much as he got tackled by Bulma. She buried her head against his shoulder. "They did something to him!" she sobbed, shaking her head pitifully. "They did something to Trunks!"
Goku carefully wrapped his arms around her. "I know, Bulma. But your Trunks did something to himself, too, and it was for the best."
Bulma's head snapped up and her eyes widened. "Is he...?" she gasped, her voice cracking.
"He's fine for now. He'll be along soon...we hope. Where are the Cells?"
"They all went inside," 18 said. "Godock and the kid only left us a few seconds ago."
Goku frowned. "Why would they...? Oh, no!"
"What?" Bulma asked.
"They're in the Room of Space & Time!!!" Goku released her and flew into the Lookout, heading straight for the room. He found the 7-Star Cell standing at the door, waiting for him.
"I suppose you want to go in there and stop my brothers," Cell said quietly. "But even if you could get past me, it wouldn't do any good. You've already spent too long in this room, Goku. A second longer and you'd be lost forever in the Room of Space & Time. But you knew that, didn't you?"
"Maybe a second is all I need," Goku replied with a wicked grin.
Cell glared at him. "You're bluffing. You wouldn't."
"You obviously don't know me very well. Sacrifice is my middle name." Goku continued to smile at him. "First, I get rid of you. Then, I gather all my energy, fly inside, and destroy myself. No matter how strong your brothers were, they'd all be destroyed instantly by the blast."
"There are two mistakes in your plan, Goku," Cell replied calmly. "The first is underestimating the power of the Black Stars. The second is assuming you can get by me. You would do well to remember that I can still absorb any attack you throw at me."
Goku chuckled. "The last creature who said that ended up with a fatal case of indigestion. Let's see how you do." He cupped his hands and brought them to his side. "Ka...me...ha...me..."
Cell merely smiled and spread his arms. "Feed me."
Without warning, Goku vanished.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"
Cell was quite surprised at how far away the cry sounded. He'd expected Goku to appear behind him.
Then the floor began to shake, and the beam tore through it a second later, slamming into the door and blasting it to nothingness.
Cell realized with a start what Goku was doing. Not only was he trying to destroy the Room of Space & Time, he was trying to take all of Kami's Lookout with it. And as the dying screams of his brothers echoed in his ears, Cell realized that he was doing a very good job of it. Then the wave of incredible power hit him and flung him across the sky.
* * * * *
Godock chuckled as Vegeta's punches rained down on his face and neck. "You're getting soft in your old age, Prince. I had hoped you'd be more of a challenge."
Vegeta growled and threw an energy blast directly at his face.
But Godock was still smiling as the smoke cleared. "When this gets boring, I'll have no choice but to destroy you."
Vegeta lowered his hand and stared at Godock. He had sensed the power of both Kakkarot and Bardock, and there was no way they should've presented this much of a challenge, not even as a fused Super Saiyan. Of course, there was always the next level, but Vegeta wasn't taking it up a notch unless Godock did. He was still too proud, even now.
And then, quite by accident, Vegeta noticed something.
Godock's skin was giving off a strange red aura, instead of the usual gold one. It almost looked like the Kaio-Ken technique that Goku had used against Vegeta so long ago, but he knew that was impossible. Even under the threat of death, no Kai would reveal his secrets. It was something else, then. But what? No answer came to mind, but Vegeta knew the aura seemed faintly familiar to him...
* * * * *
"What is it, sir?" Kibito asked quietly.
"From what I remember, Kibito, it WAS the Room of Space & Time." The East Kaioshin frowned. "But I have no idea what it might be now."
They were staring at a swirling black mass. Though mass was probably a bad word for it.
"Could it be a portal?" Kibito guessed.
"If so, let us hope nothing comes through it." The East Kaioshin turned away. "I sense the boy nearby, and yet...I don't."
"What do you mean, sir?"
"I don't really sense him at all. Only the North Kaioshin."
"But his wish was only for the power of a Kaioshin added to his own..."
"Yes, I know. But so closely are he and the boy entwined, they are one now. I can only wonder what other unforeseen effects this wish of his will have."
* * * * *
Trunks took a few practice stabs with his sword, then lowered it, nodding to himself. He was ready.
Just then, he sensed a familiar presence, and a moment later, Goku appeared, with 18 and Bulma in his arms.
"TRUNKS!" Bulma cried at once, throwing herself at him. "Are you all right?! What are these funny clothes?! What happened to your HAIR?!"
Goku grinned, recalling that Chi-chi had said the same thing after seeing Gohan as a Super Saiyan. That seemed so long ago now...
"Calm down, Mom," Trunks said quietly. "I'm fine, really. I just wished for the power of a Kaioshin."
"Wha...what's that?"
"There's no time for that now. I have to go. The others need help, and we..." Trunks paused. "I sense...another Kaioshin?"
"Here? NOW?" Goku asked.
"Yes. He and his assistant have come to ensure the other universes survive this war. I can't say I blame them."
"I guess destroying the Room of Space & Time didn't exactly ease their fears," Goku chuckled nervously. "I just didn't want the Cells to get stronger."
Trunks placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Goku. Thanks to you, Godock and Chibi Trunks are our main concerns right now."
"But do you really think killing the Cells will stop the Black Stars from destroying Earth?"
"I have no idea," Trunks admitted. "But the Cells are linked to the Black Stars, and with the planet frozen in time like it is, we should have a chance to come up with something."
"You really think it'll take both of you to finish off the big guy?" 18 asked.
"Godock is no normal Super Saiyan. His world is very different from ours, so he probably knows his share of tricks. But we'll be ready for him."
"Well...be careful," 18 said. And before she realized what she was doing, she reached up and kissed Trunks on the tip of his chin.
Trunks stared at her for a second, then smiled. "Yeah. We'll do that."
* * * * *
"Just like the Tournament, huh, pal?" Trunks hissed in Goten's ear.
Goten grunted and struggled to free himself from his best friend's grip.
"Don't fight me, Goten. We're unstoppable together, you know that. Join me!"
"Never!"
"Think of it, Goten! On Godock's planet, we'd be princes! We could have whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted! You can see Saiyans in their true glory! You can see what we were meant to be!"
"NO!" Goten shouted, struggling even harder. "Let go!"
Trunks laughed loudly. "It's too bad we're both Super Saiyans already, buddy. Guess you can't cheat your way outta this one!" He leaned closer. "All you have to do is help me kill your father, Goten."
Something in Goten snapped. "NOOOOOO!"
Trunks was thrown off by the strength of his young friend's will. His eyes widened at the sight before him.
Goten's golden aura extended outward, and his hair seemed to grow a few inches. Tiny bolts of lightning encircled his limbs, and his eyes seemed to narrow permanently. "You won't touch my Daddy," Goten whispered, his voice full of rage. "And you won't touch me, either!"
Trunks's head snapped up as Goten's fist crashed into his jaw. He stumbled back, only to get a hard knee in his gut. He doubled over in pain, trying to catch his breath.
"I'm sorry, Trunks," Goten said, raising his arm. Closing his eyes, he brought his forearm down across his friend's back.
Trunks grunted and plummeted out of the sky, the golden aura fading from his body as he fell.
Goten dove after him, reaching for his ankle.
Suddenly, a black hand shot out and grabbed Trunks by the neck. "You didn't really think it would be that easy, did you?" the 7-Star Cell asked.
"Let him go," Goten growled.
"Watch that temper, boy. I absorb anything you throw at me, remember? If you don't back off, I might just have to absorb your friend here..." The funnel on his tail widened and moved near Trunks's feet.
Goten floated back a few feet.
"Good boy." The funnel closed up again. "Now that I'm strong enough, I think I'll go down and check on your friends. Clever of your father, to destroy the Lookout like that. Crazy, but clever. But not even death can stop my brothers from sending their energy to me. I grow stronger by the moment, and soon I'll swallow you all..."
With that grim prediction, Cell & Trunks vanished.
* * * * *
While he waited for the smoke to clear again, Vegeta wracked his brain. He HAD seen that aura somewhere before. He was certain of it now. Why couldn't he remember? Maybe it hadn't been in a battle at all.
Suddenly, he knew. He'd only seen it around three people his entire life.
His father. His son. His wife.
King Vegeta. Trunks. Bulma.
It all made sense. That was why he couldn't harm Godock. Only Goku, or maybe even Go-
Without warning, Goten appeared next to him and fired into the smoke clouds. There was a scream of pain, and Godock came hurtling out of the smoke, his face slightly bloody and confused.
"Sorry, big brother. Sorry, Grandpa." Goten looked away and fired again. "I love you both."
Godock could only watch as the energy slammed into him. Soon he was little more than a flaming wreck, falling to the earth far below.
"So you figured it out," Vegeta growled. "The protective barrier of love?"
"Yeah. About the same time you did, I guess." Goten lowered his arm. He looked at Vegeta expectantly.
Finally, Vegeta grunted, "About time you grew up."
Goten blushed and fingered his spiked hair. "Thanks. I think."
* * * * *
Trunks wasn't quite sure what to expect when Godock crashed in front of them. But from the look on his face, he definitely expected a bit...more.
"Is he dead?" Goku asked.
"Close enough," Trunks replied, not even bothering to check the Saiyan's pulse. "I'm surprised he was able to hold the fusion. He must have angered Vegeta."
"Not possible. Then he WOULD be dead."
"Good point. Then I guess this is Goten's work."
"Then that leaves Chibi Trunks...or whatever he's become."
"Well, with Godock and the Cells out of the way, he should return to normal."
"Only half right, Trunks," a voice behind them hissed.
The 7-Star Cell smiled, waving the limp form of Chibi Trunks at them. "True, the boy has returned to normal, without Godock's influence. But that only makes him a very unsweetened dinner mint. And I am not 'out of the way' now, am I?"
"How did you survive the blast?" Goku asked.
Cell chuckled. "I alone had time to escape, with the help of your Instant Transmission, Goku. Fortunately, I wasn't directly in the path of your cursed Kamehameha Wave like my brothers were. But as I said, you underestimated the power of the Black Stars, and myself. Now, I will show you why your puny little wish didn't matter, anyway."
Cell tossed Chibi Trunks to Goku, then turned to Trunks. "No more games, boy. It's just you and I, in a fight to the death. The winner lives and escapes with whatever he wishes. The loser is left here to die with this backwater planet you all seem to love so much."
"Agreed," Trunks whispered. "Goku, take Chibi Trunks and go. Please...watch over my mother."
Goku nodded. "You have my word."
"Hey, aren't you worried about me?" 18 asked.
Trunks grinned. "The only time I ever worried about you was when you were trying to kill me."
"Well, you still could've asked me to protect your mother. It's all I've been doing for a while now."
"That's Goku's job now. You just take care of yourself...for me."
18 smirked. "Same to you, old man."
Trunks rolled his eyes. "White hair is a sign of experience."
"Crammed into a wish made in five minutes, you mean."
"Just go with Goku, 18. If it makes you feel better, you can look after the little me. But no fondling him while he's out cold."
"I never fondle anyone out cold," 18 replied.
"Then no fondling him when he wakes up, either."
"You speak as if this wasn't your last moment alive, boy," Cell hissed.
Trunks glanced at him, then looked at 18.
18 nodded and joined Goku, who glared at Cell one last time before teleporting them all away.
"Foolish boy," Cell said quietly. "Goku and Vegeta both were already stronger than any Supreme Kai, and that was just with the first stage of Super Saiyan. Your power was nowhere near theirs before. Do you really think a Supreme Kai's limited might can save you now?"
"Maybe not," Trunks relied, drawing his sword. "But it's enough to shut your big mouth for a while, at least."
Cell smiled. "Have it your way, boy. I've been looking forward to this day."
Trunks's eyes took on a celestial glow. "Yes," he whispered. "So have I, demon..."
* * * * *
18 didn't look surprised at all when Goten & Vegeta touched down at Capsule Corp. "So it's almost over?" she asked.
"Looks like it," Goten replied. "Where's my Dad?"
Goku instantly appeared next to them. "Good, you're all here."
"Where's Trunks?" Vegeta asked.
"He's going to fight the last Cell alone. All we can do is watch and wait."
"I would suggest you do more than that."
Without warning, a strange duo appeared among them.
Goku only had to think for a moment. "Which Supreme Kai are you?"
"The only one there was, until a while ago: East." He gestured to his companion. "This is my assistant, Kibito. We have reason to believe that Cell's plan is only just beginning."
"What do you mean?" 18 asked.
"I mean," the East Kaioshin replied, pointing upward, "THAT."
The swirling black portal had grown slightly, until it was about as big around as an average man.
"What is it?" Goku asked.
"All that remains in the wake of the Room of Space & Time's destruction. A portal of sorts. I can only think of three places that might be on the other side."
"And they are?" Bulma asked, dread in her voice.
"The first would be Godock's world."
"Then we could send him back," Bulma said.
The East Kaioshin nodded. "Second...the Dead Zone."
There was silence.
"And the last?" Goku asked.
"The Shadow World. It exists alongside this world, like the other side of a coin. It is so shrouded in darkness that only demons can survive there."
"Then I guess we're hoping for the first one," Goten said. "Right?"
"Yes, young one," the East Kaioshin replied. "But we can only hope. In the meantime, you might want to take these." He drew a small bag out of his vest.
"Are those...Senzu beans?" Goten asked excitedly.
"Yes. I thought I should stock up before I arrived."
Goku, Vegeta, and Goten each took a bean. 18 took one and fed it to Chibi Trunks, who was still pretty out of it, though he was looking better by the moment.
The East Kaioshin turned to Bulma, frowned, and then looked at 18. "You should take one as well."
18 looked at him in something close to surprise. "What?"
"Just in case," he said quietly, nodding.
18 hesitated, but finally took a bean. "Fine."
"Quiet!" Vegeta snapped. "It's starting."
Goku followed his gaze, frowning as the clouds above them lit up with a golden light, but only for a moment. "Good luck, Trunks..."
* * * * *
Trunks had never felt anything like it. For the first time, he felt like he was in total control of his body. Yet, in a way, he wasn't. He could feel the North Kaioshin within him, almost like a second voice in his head. Occasionally, the voice would warn him of where Cell was after a large explosion of power, or tell him not to push himself too far.
The fight itself was unreal. Every time Trunks connected, he could feel his power and Cell's pushing against each other. He knew, in those instances, that they were almost evenly matched. At least, at the moment. Cell was probably holding back...but then, so was Trunks. Every time he started to build his power, the North Kaioshin would hold him back.
It was annoying. No, more than that. No Saiyan, full-blooded or otherwise, enjoyed being controlled. It was infuriating.
Cell seemed to think so, too. He stopped and raised his hand. "Enough warming up. Now we begin." His body began to radiate with a black aura.
Trunks felt his own silvery white aura around him, and realized with a start that he hadn't even summoned it.
Suddenly, Cell was on him, pounding away with what felt like jackhammers.
Trunks couldn't bring his arms up to shield himself, so he tightened his grip on his sword, channeled a portion of his strength into the blade, and drove it forward.
There was a loud hiss in his ears, and Cell backed away, dark blood seeping out of his ribs. "You'll pay for that," he growled.
"You speak as if this wasn't your last moment alive, Cell," Trunks teased, his eyes flashing dangerously.
Cell chuckled. "You speak as if I WAS alive, boy..." And before Trunks could decipher that statement, Cell sneered, threw his hands in Trunk's face and shouted, "Masenko-HAAA!"
Continued in Chapter 11: The New Gods of Old
Another Kaioshin is reborn in a host body, but who is it? Goku? Vegeta? Goten? Well, only one person knows, and it ain't you... (Okay, I know that was mean, but it sounded good at the time)
And for those of you who think you have this story figured out, I'm willing to wager that you're wrong. Mainly because even I don't know how I come up with half of this stuff. Sorry for the months of waiting between chapters, but rest assured that I have the story pretty much mapped out. It's just the process of finding time to devote to typing it up and wording it right that takes so long.
Summary: The bouts of the century! Vegeta vs. Godock! Goten vs. Chibi Trunks! Goku vs. 7-Star Cell! Trunks vs. ??? And yes, I've been at this chapter so long that I can't even summarize it properly anymore! Ha ha ha!
Chapter 10: War of the Saiyans
Goku didn't like the plan.
Trunks had come up with it at the last minute, and that was only part of the reason Goku didn't like it.
Trunks (it seemed wrong to call him that now, but Goku didn't feel right calling him Trunks-sama, and Trunks wouldn't let him, anyway) had stayed behind to make sure he didn't spontaneously combust or anything like that, while Goku and the others flew ahead to challenge Godock and try to get Chibi Trunks back. Once Trunks was fairly certain that his wish hadn't come at too great a cost, he would help them as best he could.
Their main priorities were to divide Godock and make sure Chibi Trunks, Bulma, 18, and Dende were safe. Needless to say, handling Godock was primarily Vegeta's job, and if he needed help, Goku would assist. Otherwise, he would help Goten see to the others.
They were, of course, working under the assumption that the Cells were not at full power, and therefore would not interfere and risk being destroyed. If that was not the case, they would immediately notify Trunks, since he had the best chance of surviving an attack from more than one Cell.
Goku didn't like the plan, and neither did anyone else. Of course, they didn't have anything better, so they went along with it.
* * * * *
"How much longer?" Godock asked.
"Twenty minutes and we will reach full power," the 5-Star Cell replied.
"That's too close." Godock frowned. "There's no telling what they wished for, and I don't-" He stopped. "Something's wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"There is an enormous power to the east, and it's rising." Godock smirked. "So they can't defeat us, can they? It looks like at least one of them is going to try very soon."
The 3-Star Cell hissed. "They must not reach the Lookout, Godock."
"I figured that much already. Fortunately for you, I have a plan. Unfortunately for you, if will be very painful." With that, Godock grabbed the 1-Star Cell in a headlock and willed his golden aura into existence.
The other 8 Cells instantly surrounded him.
"Don't be foolish. I'm only ensuring victory." Godock channeled energy into his thumbnail and carved a crude letter C into the Black 1-Star Dragonball. It was most obviously a painful process, as the 1-Star Cell couldn't seem to stop screaming.
"There had better be a purpose to that," the 5-Star Cell hissed.
"There is. Bring the boy, quickly!" Godock ordered.
Another Cell dragged the unconscious Chibi Trunks over to Godock.
The Saiyan repeated the process with Chibi Trunks, but it was a lot messier, considering he carved the C directly into the boy's forehead. "There. It is done."
"What is?!" 1-Star Cell snapped, fingering his marked Black Star.
"Let's just say you'll reach your goal a little faster this way. In my world, we did not depend solely on inner strength to conquer. We used methods of the conquered people as well. It turns out that some of them were sorcerers, and they had an excellent way of gathering large amounts of energy."
"Which was?"
Godock grinned. "Let someone else do all the work. Isn't that right, boy?"
Chibi Trunks's eyes snapped open, revealing that they were a crimson color. He gave no answer, but the look on his face was more than enough reply.
* * * * *
"Trunks? Can you hear me?" Goku asked aloud.
"Yes, Goku," came the quiet reply. Even though Trunks was miles away, it sounded as if he'd whispered in the older Saiyan's ear.
"We can see the Lookout now. Any last minute ideas?"
"Just the one plan. I know it's not very good, but..."
"You only became a Supreme Kai a few moments ago, Trunks," Goku said. "No one expects you to think as if you'd had millennia of experience behind you."
"I'm not really a Kaioshin; that wish would've been impossible. I just have the power. All that means is I'm a kid with too much power for my own good."
"Then that'll have to be good enough for us," Goku replied, eyes narrowing.
Godock appeared in front of them, a frown on his face. "Fools," he whispered.
"Don't touch him, Kakkarot," Vegeta growled. "He's mine."
Godock grinned. "Then let's go...little man."
Vegeta went Super Saiyan and charged, screaming in rage.
Godock transformed a second later, taking the blow head-on. But he only chuckled. "I hope you can do better, Prince."
"Come on, son," Goku said quietly. "Let's go."
"Do you think Trunks is okay, Dad?" Goten whispered as they flew past.
"Which?"
"Ours."
"I don't..." Goku stopped. "Trunks?"
But the child floating before them was not Chibi Trunks. At least, not anymore. His lips twisted in a cruel smile as he raised a finger and pointed at Goten.
"Goten, listen carefully." Goku bent down and spoke softly in his son's ear. "Trunks has always been stronger than you. That doesn't mean you can't beat him, but it does mean you have to be careful."
"What are you saying, Dad?"
"I'm saying...buy us some time. You don't have to win, but don't lose."
Goten nodded. "Got it."
"I'm going ahead. Maybe I can catch the Cells off guard. Good luck, son." With that, Goku pressed two fingers to his forehead and vanished.
Trunks licked his lips flexed his fingers. "I'm going to beat you again, Goten," he said in a raspy voice. "Only this time, there won't be any rules to stop me from cheating."
"That just means I'll beat you faster," Goten replied.
Trunks's eyes narrowed and flashed green. "No holding back."
Both boys blazed into Super Saiyan, and then attacked.
* * * * *
"There's a big power level coming this way," 18 whispered to Bulma. "Stay down."
Goku suddenly appeared between them. "Are you two all right?"
He didn't so much get an answer so much as he got tackled by Bulma. She buried her head against his shoulder. "They did something to him!" she sobbed, shaking her head pitifully. "They did something to Trunks!"
Goku carefully wrapped his arms around her. "I know, Bulma. But your Trunks did something to himself, too, and it was for the best."
Bulma's head snapped up and her eyes widened. "Is he...?" she gasped, her voice cracking.
"He's fine for now. He'll be along soon...we hope. Where are the Cells?"
"They all went inside," 18 said. "Godock and the kid only left us a few seconds ago."
Goku frowned. "Why would they...? Oh, no!"
"What?" Bulma asked.
"They're in the Room of Space & Time!!!" Goku released her and flew into the Lookout, heading straight for the room. He found the 7-Star Cell standing at the door, waiting for him.
"I suppose you want to go in there and stop my brothers," Cell said quietly. "But even if you could get past me, it wouldn't do any good. You've already spent too long in this room, Goku. A second longer and you'd be lost forever in the Room of Space & Time. But you knew that, didn't you?"
"Maybe a second is all I need," Goku replied with a wicked grin.
Cell glared at him. "You're bluffing. You wouldn't."
"You obviously don't know me very well. Sacrifice is my middle name." Goku continued to smile at him. "First, I get rid of you. Then, I gather all my energy, fly inside, and destroy myself. No matter how strong your brothers were, they'd all be destroyed instantly by the blast."
"There are two mistakes in your plan, Goku," Cell replied calmly. "The first is underestimating the power of the Black Stars. The second is assuming you can get by me. You would do well to remember that I can still absorb any attack you throw at me."
Goku chuckled. "The last creature who said that ended up with a fatal case of indigestion. Let's see how you do." He cupped his hands and brought them to his side. "Ka...me...ha...me..."
Cell merely smiled and spread his arms. "Feed me."
Without warning, Goku vanished.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"
Cell was quite surprised at how far away the cry sounded. He'd expected Goku to appear behind him.
Then the floor began to shake, and the beam tore through it a second later, slamming into the door and blasting it to nothingness.
Cell realized with a start what Goku was doing. Not only was he trying to destroy the Room of Space & Time, he was trying to take all of Kami's Lookout with it. And as the dying screams of his brothers echoed in his ears, Cell realized that he was doing a very good job of it. Then the wave of incredible power hit him and flung him across the sky.
* * * * *
Godock chuckled as Vegeta's punches rained down on his face and neck. "You're getting soft in your old age, Prince. I had hoped you'd be more of a challenge."
Vegeta growled and threw an energy blast directly at his face.
But Godock was still smiling as the smoke cleared. "When this gets boring, I'll have no choice but to destroy you."
Vegeta lowered his hand and stared at Godock. He had sensed the power of both Kakkarot and Bardock, and there was no way they should've presented this much of a challenge, not even as a fused Super Saiyan. Of course, there was always the next level, but Vegeta wasn't taking it up a notch unless Godock did. He was still too proud, even now.
And then, quite by accident, Vegeta noticed something.
Godock's skin was giving off a strange red aura, instead of the usual gold one. It almost looked like the Kaio-Ken technique that Goku had used against Vegeta so long ago, but he knew that was impossible. Even under the threat of death, no Kai would reveal his secrets. It was something else, then. But what? No answer came to mind, but Vegeta knew the aura seemed faintly familiar to him...
* * * * *
"What is it, sir?" Kibito asked quietly.
"From what I remember, Kibito, it WAS the Room of Space & Time." The East Kaioshin frowned. "But I have no idea what it might be now."
They were staring at a swirling black mass. Though mass was probably a bad word for it.
"Could it be a portal?" Kibito guessed.
"If so, let us hope nothing comes through it." The East Kaioshin turned away. "I sense the boy nearby, and yet...I don't."
"What do you mean, sir?"
"I don't really sense him at all. Only the North Kaioshin."
"But his wish was only for the power of a Kaioshin added to his own..."
"Yes, I know. But so closely are he and the boy entwined, they are one now. I can only wonder what other unforeseen effects this wish of his will have."
* * * * *
Trunks took a few practice stabs with his sword, then lowered it, nodding to himself. He was ready.
Just then, he sensed a familiar presence, and a moment later, Goku appeared, with 18 and Bulma in his arms.
"TRUNKS!" Bulma cried at once, throwing herself at him. "Are you all right?! What are these funny clothes?! What happened to your HAIR?!"
Goku grinned, recalling that Chi-chi had said the same thing after seeing Gohan as a Super Saiyan. That seemed so long ago now...
"Calm down, Mom," Trunks said quietly. "I'm fine, really. I just wished for the power of a Kaioshin."
"Wha...what's that?"
"There's no time for that now. I have to go. The others need help, and we..." Trunks paused. "I sense...another Kaioshin?"
"Here? NOW?" Goku asked.
"Yes. He and his assistant have come to ensure the other universes survive this war. I can't say I blame them."
"I guess destroying the Room of Space & Time didn't exactly ease their fears," Goku chuckled nervously. "I just didn't want the Cells to get stronger."
Trunks placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Goku. Thanks to you, Godock and Chibi Trunks are our main concerns right now."
"But do you really think killing the Cells will stop the Black Stars from destroying Earth?"
"I have no idea," Trunks admitted. "But the Cells are linked to the Black Stars, and with the planet frozen in time like it is, we should have a chance to come up with something."
"You really think it'll take both of you to finish off the big guy?" 18 asked.
"Godock is no normal Super Saiyan. His world is very different from ours, so he probably knows his share of tricks. But we'll be ready for him."
"Well...be careful," 18 said. And before she realized what she was doing, she reached up and kissed Trunks on the tip of his chin.
Trunks stared at her for a second, then smiled. "Yeah. We'll do that."
* * * * *
"Just like the Tournament, huh, pal?" Trunks hissed in Goten's ear.
Goten grunted and struggled to free himself from his best friend's grip.
"Don't fight me, Goten. We're unstoppable together, you know that. Join me!"
"Never!"
"Think of it, Goten! On Godock's planet, we'd be princes! We could have whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted! You can see Saiyans in their true glory! You can see what we were meant to be!"
"NO!" Goten shouted, struggling even harder. "Let go!"
Trunks laughed loudly. "It's too bad we're both Super Saiyans already, buddy. Guess you can't cheat your way outta this one!" He leaned closer. "All you have to do is help me kill your father, Goten."
Something in Goten snapped. "NOOOOOO!"
Trunks was thrown off by the strength of his young friend's will. His eyes widened at the sight before him.
Goten's golden aura extended outward, and his hair seemed to grow a few inches. Tiny bolts of lightning encircled his limbs, and his eyes seemed to narrow permanently. "You won't touch my Daddy," Goten whispered, his voice full of rage. "And you won't touch me, either!"
Trunks's head snapped up as Goten's fist crashed into his jaw. He stumbled back, only to get a hard knee in his gut. He doubled over in pain, trying to catch his breath.
"I'm sorry, Trunks," Goten said, raising his arm. Closing his eyes, he brought his forearm down across his friend's back.
Trunks grunted and plummeted out of the sky, the golden aura fading from his body as he fell.
Goten dove after him, reaching for his ankle.
Suddenly, a black hand shot out and grabbed Trunks by the neck. "You didn't really think it would be that easy, did you?" the 7-Star Cell asked.
"Let him go," Goten growled.
"Watch that temper, boy. I absorb anything you throw at me, remember? If you don't back off, I might just have to absorb your friend here..." The funnel on his tail widened and moved near Trunks's feet.
Goten floated back a few feet.
"Good boy." The funnel closed up again. "Now that I'm strong enough, I think I'll go down and check on your friends. Clever of your father, to destroy the Lookout like that. Crazy, but clever. But not even death can stop my brothers from sending their energy to me. I grow stronger by the moment, and soon I'll swallow you all..."
With that grim prediction, Cell & Trunks vanished.
* * * * *
While he waited for the smoke to clear again, Vegeta wracked his brain. He HAD seen that aura somewhere before. He was certain of it now. Why couldn't he remember? Maybe it hadn't been in a battle at all.
Suddenly, he knew. He'd only seen it around three people his entire life.
His father. His son. His wife.
King Vegeta. Trunks. Bulma.
It all made sense. That was why he couldn't harm Godock. Only Goku, or maybe even Go-
Without warning, Goten appeared next to him and fired into the smoke clouds. There was a scream of pain, and Godock came hurtling out of the smoke, his face slightly bloody and confused.
"Sorry, big brother. Sorry, Grandpa." Goten looked away and fired again. "I love you both."
Godock could only watch as the energy slammed into him. Soon he was little more than a flaming wreck, falling to the earth far below.
"So you figured it out," Vegeta growled. "The protective barrier of love?"
"Yeah. About the same time you did, I guess." Goten lowered his arm. He looked at Vegeta expectantly.
Finally, Vegeta grunted, "About time you grew up."
Goten blushed and fingered his spiked hair. "Thanks. I think."
* * * * *
Trunks wasn't quite sure what to expect when Godock crashed in front of them. But from the look on his face, he definitely expected a bit...more.
"Is he dead?" Goku asked.
"Close enough," Trunks replied, not even bothering to check the Saiyan's pulse. "I'm surprised he was able to hold the fusion. He must have angered Vegeta."
"Not possible. Then he WOULD be dead."
"Good point. Then I guess this is Goten's work."
"Then that leaves Chibi Trunks...or whatever he's become."
"Well, with Godock and the Cells out of the way, he should return to normal."
"Only half right, Trunks," a voice behind them hissed.
The 7-Star Cell smiled, waving the limp form of Chibi Trunks at them. "True, the boy has returned to normal, without Godock's influence. But that only makes him a very unsweetened dinner mint. And I am not 'out of the way' now, am I?"
"How did you survive the blast?" Goku asked.
Cell chuckled. "I alone had time to escape, with the help of your Instant Transmission, Goku. Fortunately, I wasn't directly in the path of your cursed Kamehameha Wave like my brothers were. But as I said, you underestimated the power of the Black Stars, and myself. Now, I will show you why your puny little wish didn't matter, anyway."
Cell tossed Chibi Trunks to Goku, then turned to Trunks. "No more games, boy. It's just you and I, in a fight to the death. The winner lives and escapes with whatever he wishes. The loser is left here to die with this backwater planet you all seem to love so much."
"Agreed," Trunks whispered. "Goku, take Chibi Trunks and go. Please...watch over my mother."
Goku nodded. "You have my word."
"Hey, aren't you worried about me?" 18 asked.
Trunks grinned. "The only time I ever worried about you was when you were trying to kill me."
"Well, you still could've asked me to protect your mother. It's all I've been doing for a while now."
"That's Goku's job now. You just take care of yourself...for me."
18 smirked. "Same to you, old man."
Trunks rolled his eyes. "White hair is a sign of experience."
"Crammed into a wish made in five minutes, you mean."
"Just go with Goku, 18. If it makes you feel better, you can look after the little me. But no fondling him while he's out cold."
"I never fondle anyone out cold," 18 replied.
"Then no fondling him when he wakes up, either."
"You speak as if this wasn't your last moment alive, boy," Cell hissed.
Trunks glanced at him, then looked at 18.
18 nodded and joined Goku, who glared at Cell one last time before teleporting them all away.
"Foolish boy," Cell said quietly. "Goku and Vegeta both were already stronger than any Supreme Kai, and that was just with the first stage of Super Saiyan. Your power was nowhere near theirs before. Do you really think a Supreme Kai's limited might can save you now?"
"Maybe not," Trunks relied, drawing his sword. "But it's enough to shut your big mouth for a while, at least."
Cell smiled. "Have it your way, boy. I've been looking forward to this day."
Trunks's eyes took on a celestial glow. "Yes," he whispered. "So have I, demon..."
* * * * *
18 didn't look surprised at all when Goten & Vegeta touched down at Capsule Corp. "So it's almost over?" she asked.
"Looks like it," Goten replied. "Where's my Dad?"
Goku instantly appeared next to them. "Good, you're all here."
"Where's Trunks?" Vegeta asked.
"He's going to fight the last Cell alone. All we can do is watch and wait."
"I would suggest you do more than that."
Without warning, a strange duo appeared among them.
Goku only had to think for a moment. "Which Supreme Kai are you?"
"The only one there was, until a while ago: East." He gestured to his companion. "This is my assistant, Kibito. We have reason to believe that Cell's plan is only just beginning."
"What do you mean?" 18 asked.
"I mean," the East Kaioshin replied, pointing upward, "THAT."
The swirling black portal had grown slightly, until it was about as big around as an average man.
"What is it?" Goku asked.
"All that remains in the wake of the Room of Space & Time's destruction. A portal of sorts. I can only think of three places that might be on the other side."
"And they are?" Bulma asked, dread in her voice.
"The first would be Godock's world."
"Then we could send him back," Bulma said.
The East Kaioshin nodded. "Second...the Dead Zone."
There was silence.
"And the last?" Goku asked.
"The Shadow World. It exists alongside this world, like the other side of a coin. It is so shrouded in darkness that only demons can survive there."
"Then I guess we're hoping for the first one," Goten said. "Right?"
"Yes, young one," the East Kaioshin replied. "But we can only hope. In the meantime, you might want to take these." He drew a small bag out of his vest.
"Are those...Senzu beans?" Goten asked excitedly.
"Yes. I thought I should stock up before I arrived."
Goku, Vegeta, and Goten each took a bean. 18 took one and fed it to Chibi Trunks, who was still pretty out of it, though he was looking better by the moment.
The East Kaioshin turned to Bulma, frowned, and then looked at 18. "You should take one as well."
18 looked at him in something close to surprise. "What?"
"Just in case," he said quietly, nodding.
18 hesitated, but finally took a bean. "Fine."
"Quiet!" Vegeta snapped. "It's starting."
Goku followed his gaze, frowning as the clouds above them lit up with a golden light, but only for a moment. "Good luck, Trunks..."
* * * * *
Trunks had never felt anything like it. For the first time, he felt like he was in total control of his body. Yet, in a way, he wasn't. He could feel the North Kaioshin within him, almost like a second voice in his head. Occasionally, the voice would warn him of where Cell was after a large explosion of power, or tell him not to push himself too far.
The fight itself was unreal. Every time Trunks connected, he could feel his power and Cell's pushing against each other. He knew, in those instances, that they were almost evenly matched. At least, at the moment. Cell was probably holding back...but then, so was Trunks. Every time he started to build his power, the North Kaioshin would hold him back.
It was annoying. No, more than that. No Saiyan, full-blooded or otherwise, enjoyed being controlled. It was infuriating.
Cell seemed to think so, too. He stopped and raised his hand. "Enough warming up. Now we begin." His body began to radiate with a black aura.
Trunks felt his own silvery white aura around him, and realized with a start that he hadn't even summoned it.
Suddenly, Cell was on him, pounding away with what felt like jackhammers.
Trunks couldn't bring his arms up to shield himself, so he tightened his grip on his sword, channeled a portion of his strength into the blade, and drove it forward.
There was a loud hiss in his ears, and Cell backed away, dark blood seeping out of his ribs. "You'll pay for that," he growled.
"You speak as if this wasn't your last moment alive, Cell," Trunks teased, his eyes flashing dangerously.
Cell chuckled. "You speak as if I WAS alive, boy..." And before Trunks could decipher that statement, Cell sneered, threw his hands in Trunk's face and shouted, "Masenko-HAAA!"
Continued in Chapter 11: The New Gods of Old
Another Kaioshin is reborn in a host body, but who is it? Goku? Vegeta? Goten? Well, only one person knows, and it ain't you... (Okay, I know that was mean, but it sounded good at the time)
And for those of you who think you have this story figured out, I'm willing to wager that you're wrong. Mainly because even I don't know how I come up with half of this stuff. Sorry for the months of waiting between chapters, but rest assured that I have the story pretty much mapped out. It's just the process of finding time to devote to typing it up and wording it right that takes so long.