DRAGONBALL Z
Path of a Warrior
Hyperbolic Time Chamber
Upon entering the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, the group of three immediately felt the difference in here compared to the world outside. The lack of oxygen and different atmosphere pressures was the first thing they felt as soon as they entered the room. When the door closed behind them, they immediately began to take in the first things they saw. Beyond the door they had walked through was a length of walk that they could use to enter what was outside this room. To their left and right were other hallways leading to different areas. Now where they stood, to the left they spotted the bathrooms and to their right was the kitchen and storage rooms. Further down, if you were to turn left, there would be one extra bathroom with sleeping quarters' on the right. The entire make up of this structure was pretty basic, carrying all of the essentials. But one question yet remained, where was the area where they could train?
Without the need to ponder these thoughts, the three of them walked down the main way towards the outside. When they stepped out from the cover of the rest and recreation area and onto an outer platform, they discovered a wide, vast area of white that stretched for miles on end. You could not tell where the floor was, but you didn't need to anyway because the floor itself was clean and flat, no obstacles, no other natural structures, just a whole lot of nothing. Goku and Piccolo inspected this momentarily, with Gohan just staring out towards the open areas. He had heard of a place like this, this room of Spirit and Time. It certainly was incredible. Who would have that that a place of nothing and instability could exist? Well, it was for training purposes anyway, so who was he to complain? To this day, he didn't have the pleasure of experiencing this chamber's effects yet. It was beyond even his comprehension, but now he could see the dimension for himself.
After a moment of breathing in the new air, Goku turned to his son and smiled. "Well Gohan, are you ready to get down to training?" his father asked. The young Saiyan didn't respond just yet. For some time he looked at the chamber on all axis': up down, left, right and behind him. This was spent harvesting all sense information he could on the entire dimension, but only from this point. In response to his father's earlier question, he then turned Goku and smiled, nodding.
"I sure am dad," he replied. Goku nodded and stretched out, stepping onto the very first surface of white. The pull of gravity came down on him, yet he didn't feel it.
"Well then…lets get started!" he exclaimed happily. Piccolo and Gohan watched him stride out into the open emptiness, both of them starting off a little slow. It was as if they were thinking what would happen if they were to step out onto the flats. A similar question was journeying through Gohan's mind.
Without even bothering to look up at Piccolo, Gohan spoke. "How far does this go for again, Piccolo?" he asked. The Namekian lowered his head, watching Goku pull out some leg stretches.
"Like Mr. Popo said: for an eternity," the Namekian replied. "The gravity increases 50 times with every mile you journey out there, and the weather as well as the atmosphere becomes ever more predictable. Who knows what you might find." Gohan nodded. His serious expression remained in play.
"Good, that's all I asked," the young Saiyan replied, stepping off the platform and taking his first stride into the white distance. He walked past his father, continuing on and on into the vast lands beyond this point. He didn't have to turn back, knowing that he would recognize the very place he had came from. If there was any a time to act impulsively, it was now.
Goku, spotting his son venturing off on his own, stood up and called to him. "Gohan! Where are you going?! It's too dangerous out there! Stay around here where it's more stable!"
Gohan stopped momentarily and turned around, smiling. "I came in here to train dad! This room presents the perfect opportunity to test myself. I'll see you in six months!" he called, waving back to his father before carrying on. Nothing happened to him as he began to slip away into the white mists, with his father, who was thrown into total shock, rushing forward and yelling after him.
"Gohan! Get back here! You won't survive out there on your own!" Goku yelled, his voice echoing. His son heard him, but said nothing and just kept walking on. Within seconds he only appeared as a dot in the distance. The older Saiyan was really starting to worry.
"He'll be fine, Goku," said Piccolo, coming up behind his friend and looking out into the distance where Gohan had disappeared into. Now he was completely out of sight, except his ki was still there. "Believe me; we've pulled through tougher scrapes then this. If I know Gohan, then he knows what he's doing."
Goku turned round to Piccolo, blinking in surprise. "B-But what can he accomplish from this? What does he plan on doing when he gets out there?" Piccolo lowered his head, eyes overshadowing.
"He's looking for something Goku, answers. It's hard for me to explain, but I'm sure it would be easier if you were in his position. From past experiences, perhaps you can see that your son is not one to rest back and take it easy," the Namekian continued. It took some time to absorb what Piccolo was giving to him. After which Goku turned back and stared off into the distance, slightly calmer then before. Though he was worried and concerned for his son's safety out there, he knew he could trust Piccolo's judgment.
"Be careful out there son…we're all counting on you…"
Meanwhile…
Back on earth, things were as bad as expected. Cell was mercilessly plowing through the field, pursuing Krillin who was desperately trying to keep the monster from getting at 18#. But now, after feeling the full brunt of his previous attacks, the valiant fighter was now desperately bidding time. However, he didn't know what for. All he knew is that someone had to pop up sooner or later. Who knows how much longer he could hold Cell off?
Throwing his hand back, a golden disk appeared, hovering above his palm and crackling with deadly energy. With a yell, he unleashed his attack, throwing the disk directly for the android in his sights. Cell, still in hot pursuit of his target, appeared out of thin air with a grin on his face. Seeing the disk and its speed, he knew exactly how to counter it. Throwing his right hand back, he threw it forward, unleashing a blue ki blast of some sorts. The attack shot at the disk, disintegrating it on contact and making Krillin reel over in shock. The blast shot straight for him, forcing the monk to take evasive action. Leaping away, he watched it shoot off into space, with his distraction once again leaving him open for attack. Cell charged, kneeing him straight for the side and sending him skyward. He chased, being sure to catch up with him and finish him. Within seconds, he appeared behind his opponent, arms held up and fingers locked. Then, with position set, he threw his jackhammer strike down. Krillin was conscious enough to realize where his opponent was, and just as the giant bug attacked, he quickly flipped out of the way. Despite several broken bones and bruised muscles, he was still, remarkably, fighting fit. Spinning around, he sent a roundhouse kick straight into Cell's back. The blow staggered the creature forward, but just as Krillin was coming in with another punch, Cell spun around and grabbed the fist coming at him. From here, he brought Krillin down, kneed him again and then finished off with a punch. The two way combo sent Krillin skydiving, his yell echoing all around before he crash landed. The androids on the side lines watched, not knowing what to do.
When the dust cloud settled, Krillin was revealed, lying in that stinking hole, all battered and bruised. Trembling, he tried to get up, but the incredible pain shooting through him caused him to lose balance and he fell forward again, groaning shaky moans. Opening one eye, he looked up, his vision blurring before him.
"Darn…and I thought I had him beat," he joked, chuckling to himself. "Well…I guess this is it…"
Suddenly, Cell appeared behind him, landing and glaring down at him with a smile. Reaching over, he picked Krillin up by the back collar and lifted him off the ground, pieces of rock and pebbles falling from his lifeless form. Krillin did nothing, his semi-conscious state quite obvious. Furrowing his brow at his victim, the android examined his handy work, spitting to the side with distaste. Strangely enough, he had found very little satisfaction from the bald fighter when this fight was coming to a close. And he was doing so well too. Well, all good things must come to an end, and with his eagerness down and his opponent out of commission, Cell felt for a change in the wind. Shaking Krillin's body like a toy for a bit, Cell grinned and held him up high.
"Well, thanks for the warm up, Krillin. You have served your purpose here. Now prepare to be absorbed…" Cell stated, his tail coming around and pointing directly at the monk. He knew Krillin was listening, and it just made him laugh at the thought of the fear rushing through the fighter's mind right now. A second later, his tail struck out at its target.
Just then, there was a feminine cry of range and suddenly, Cell felt a small fist impale itself across his cheek. The blow was strong, managing to stagger him as it had caught him by surprise. With the blow, he released Krillin from his grasp and his tail ended up missing its victim. A few steps back, and Cell wheeled back round. Krillin's body fell into the arms of a waiting Android 18#, the blonde haired beauty saving the previous savior and protecting him from harm. The bio android was shocked at this turn of events and scowled.
"What's this: 18# protecting Krillin? This is a sure surprise," he stated.
Android 18# looked down at Krillin with concern, holding him steady in her arms. She tilted his head at him and furrowed her brow, looking very worried. "Krillin…are you okay?" she asked. The monk, still in pain yet still conscious, opened his eyes and looked up. When he thought he had died and gone to heaven, his first thoughts was that an angel was staring down at him. When his vision cleared up, he realized who it was. With pain overwhelming his other senses and embarrassment, he just grinned up at her.
"You know me…always getting beat up…" he choked. 18# smiled, relieved none to say the least. Though his dry humor did get to her, she didn't care about that. "Thanks…" he continued.
"Hey…just returning the favor," she replied, nodding to him. "I should be thanking you, Krillin."
Krillin chuckled, but stopped when he found that five of his ribs were broken. "Ah…don't mention it…" 18# chuckled and, further adding to her relief and gratitude, bent over and gave him a tender kiss on the lips before pulling away. This seemed to shock Krillin, and all he could do as a reply was blush a bright red. The blonde haired android gazed into his eyes, transfixed in them.
Cell groaned. "Blah…all this love and affection is killing me," he stated, beginning to march over to them. 18# looked up at the android, gritting her teeth and getting up. Holding Krillin in her arms bridal style with her hand under his head, she backed away. The towering bug of a creation stopped in front of her, smiling down at her like a person over an insignificant ant, readying to squash it. "It was awfully nice of you to save your boyfriend, 18#. But I'd preferred it if you'd just stayed out of my way. Now I'm going to have to finish what I've started, and absorb the both of you instead!"
His tail came round, looming over 18# and Krillin like a basilisk, its shadow cast over them. The pair of them stared fearfully, with 18#'s body trembling the most as she backed away from her looming fate. The next thing she expected to happen was to feel the cold, sticky insides of Cell's appendage close in around her, as she watched it expand and turn into a funnel. The same thing that happened to 18b would now happen to her, and so she closed her eyes, holding Krillin close. But just as Cell was bringing it down upon both of them, he felt a blast strike him dead in the back. He responded to this sudden attack with a yell of pain, with the explosion staggering him forward.
Spinning around, he set his sights on the perpetrator. When he saw who it was, he was in greater shock then before. Floating several meters above the earth, with his right hand held out was Vegeta. The Super Saiyan warrior was glaring at him, eyes flashing and a serious expression in play. Behind him, standing a top of a plateau was Trunks. Both of them had their eyes fixated on the one true threat to this planet. Cell, identifying them on sight, gasped and stepped around, gaping.
"What? Vegeta!" he blurted.
"The name's Super Vegeta, and don't you forget it, you worthless scum!" Vegeta retorted, a smirk growing on his face. "Well Cell, we finally meet. No formal introductions are necessary, because I know all about you and your little game!" the prince continued, his tone hissing the last bit. The mighty android in his sights retracted his tail back to normal and he growled, fisting his hands and glaring hatefully up at the one who had rudely interrupted him.
"You've got some nerve coming around here, Vegeta!" he shouted. "If you know any better, you'd clear off right now. Believe me; you're messing with the wrong android!"
Vegeta chuckled. "Well, from what I see there isn't much to mess with. I expected a fiercer looking beast, but now I see it's just a green freak with a tail. HA!" the prince exclaimed. His over-confidence and smart ass attitude was getting the better of him. 18# used this opportunity to make way, clearing the area that has now become a new battleground for round three. Once she was out of the way, she turned and watched the fight, Krillin still in her arms.
"Look here Vegeta! You may not know this, but in your present state right now, you are no match for me! I know this because I've got all the data and information I need on you! It tells me that you are no match for the androids or me for that matter," the towering bug growled. Vegeta snorted.
"You think that data and information makes you physically stronger? That's highly unlikely. Let me show you the form that is going to beat you today!" the Prince stated. Balling his fists and taking a powering up stance, Vegeta began concentrating his energy inside of him. It bubbled and grew, his ki suddenly beginning to shoot up. Cell looked on with interest, feeling the ground begin to shake beneath his feet and the Saiyan Prince's energy growing with every second since he started to power up. As his energy level grew, a bright golden aura began to flicker around him. With the appearance of this warping aura, it grew fiercer and fiercer, before suddenly exploding as the concentrated energy was released. Vegeta let out a bellowing yell, his muscles suddenly buffing out and his hair becoming spikier and bearing a whiter tone. Within seconds, his transformation was complete.
Cell stepped back, eyes wide with shock as he set upon the new Vegeta floating in front of him. After a moment of looking the prince of Saiyan's over, he frowned and took a horse riding stance, glaring at his opponent bravely. After that, he saw Vegeta float down to earth, retaining his present stance and standing in the middle of his fierce glow. Looking up, he glared with a grin. It was then when he released his breath of air, letting it emerge ferocious like, a hiss that made him seem more animalistic then normal. Even the androids were shaken by the noise he made.
"Now you will witness the power of an ascended Saiyan!" Vegeta roared. In a blink of an eye, he launched himself at the android, his right fist burying deep into Cell's stomach with a bang like shock wave to follow on impact…
Back in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber…
As the minute like events on the outside world continued ticking on, weeks were passing within the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. From this point in time, things were really looking up. Goku and Piccolo had maintained a constant, steady training routine. Session after session was had, both of them being sure to work as hard as they could to exceed their present strength. Every day their power levels rose, bringing them closer and closer to the levels Trunks and Vegeta had reached. Already, because of the different atmospheres and levels of gravity in this dimension, as well as their intense training, Goku and Piccolo had managed to push themselves beyond even their own expectations. Already a month has past, and they were still going on strong.
It was just their basic day today. Piccolo was taking it easy with a quiet meditation near the platform entrance to the main building inside the dimension…the only building actually. Goku however was training hard in the open zone beyond the platform, using ki produced weights to exercise his strength while he honed in on his Martial Arts skills. Floating high above the ground, wearing only his blue gi top and orange pants (as well as the weights) the Super Saiyan fighter was flashing fast attacks through the air. Yelling at the top of his lungs with every painful blow he unleashed, the spiky haired warrior pressed on, unyielding and not letting up for one second. The weights were heavy, added on by the actual gravity he was working on.
Flashing into focus, he unleashed a fury of lightning fast punches. These blows came out in the form of blurs, with the older Saiyan unleashed an entire barrage of over 50 punches in 10 seconds. He finished it up with a elbow, hook and upper cut combo, leaping up and zapping into super speed. He began skipping across the landscapes, his golden glowing form seen hoping around over the horizon, occasionally approaching the main building but pulling out soon after. Along the way, his attacks kept on coming. Back-flipping and pulling up, he shot skywards, battling with an invisible opponent. The look of that keen warrior instinct was reflected in his eyes and off of his expression. It was obvious he needed to become as strong as possible, and at this rate, he was beyond confident, he was certain. Piccolo, who wasn't that deep in his meditative state, opened up his right eye and looked in Goku's direction. He saw the spiky haired warrior flash in and out of super speed. As a result, Piccolo's eyes shifted around left to right, keeping track with his partner's movements. Unfortunately at some points, Goku moved so fast he was out of focus most of the time. The Namekian was impressed none to say the least. Goku still had that warrior's spark in him after all, the kind of determination you would usually see in Vegeta when he trained. The guy would work himself to death.
After watching Goku continue to hone in on his strengths and skills Piccolo grunted and closed his eyes, returning to his meditation. As for the Super Saiyan warrior, he had reached the end of his hour, landing after a backward vault and landing in a defensive stance. At the conclusion of this, he brought his arms about, breathing in deeply and then out, relaxing. Closing his eyes and shaking his head, he rubbed his face with his hand and looked up, smiling.
"Man that was awesome. I've completely forgotten what training like this is like!" he exclaimed to himself in his mind, rubbing the back of his head. Checking his hand to make sure he wasn't bleeding but just sweating, he sighed and looked out over the horizon of the dimension. The emptiness stretched on, with nothing to be seen for an eternity. It was upon looking out did he hope to see his son returning from his six months. But only being one month, his hopes weren't lifted a bit. His expression saddened. He couldn't sense anything, it was just all emptiness for the next many miles out there.
"I wonder what Gohan is doing at this time…" he thought to himself, blinking and taking a proper standing position. "No one has ever dared going out so far. It's murder out there. Nothing but emptiness and wide open spaces…what could he possibly find?"
Ever since Gohan returned from his training with Piccolo for the Saiyans, his father could never fully understand his son. True, he could judge from a distance that he had changed, but this change was way too constant for his liking. Gohan was always coming back with something amazing. First you would get a hint of his incredible power, but then after a few days, it had suddenly jumped beyond even his comprehension. And as for knowledge and intelligence, Gohan continues to progress on like a machine. He was incredible. Yet, there was always something troubling the child. For some reason, Goku figured that his son knew that something bad was coming. It made him feel uneasy because his son's mood towards these new events had darkened. First there was Frieza, and then there were the androids, and now this! Something about Cell made him…well…not act his usual self. He was spacing out a bit too much, and was more serious about the situation then ever.
After a while of standing their, Goku shook his head and walked back over to the building, slipping off the weights around his wrists and flexing his arms, shaking them loose. He was certainly sore, and would be in an even worse state comes tomorrow. Well, while he would always rest whenever he got the chance, for Gohan, there was no rest for him whatsoever.
Miles beyond the main building, deep into the white abyss of the chamber, further then anyone has journeyed before; the pains experienced by the one were so great it and his need to live were the only things that kept him awake. Barely hanging onto consciousness, Gohan staggered forward, taking a limp fighting stance and glaring onto the horizon. His breathing was raspy; as the oxygen here was so thin and the temperature was changing constantly he could not take it anymore. What made it worse was the fact that he was fighting himself.
Sweat and blood dripped down to the floor, immediately evaporating on contact with the floor. The young Saiyan was in a bloodied state. His clothes were torn all over, his sword and browns bags still tied to him. He trembled on the spot, panting with half-lidded eyes. His vision was blurry as he glared ahead of him, blood flowing freely from his mouth. The gravity out here was incredible. If it wasn't for his strength he would have been crushed. Taking in a few more breaths, Gohan gritted his teeth and, with a shaking body, glared up, seeing another copy of himself floating up there. The copy of himself was in a similar, wrecked state, but was still standing, unaffected. It glared down at him, his expression monotone.
After spotting his target, Gohan mustered all the strength he could and powered up, shooting up skywards. At an amazing speed, he flew at his opponent, letting out a cry of anger before being hit full on by an invisible blast. The force of the attack sent Gohan falling back, spinning out of control. Copy-Gohan had his left hand held out and down at him, the hot breeze blowing by him. Downing his opponent, he gave chase, flying after him. It was the same voodoo doll copy Gohan had used thousands of times before, and because most of the pain was coming from the copy, it was killing him on the inside. Spinning round, regaining his composure and balance, the original Gohan powered up and shot off in another direction, eyes firmly plastering themselves on the copy, who was quickly gaining ground on him. Within moments, after traveling across the flat plains, the copy reached him, throwing a powerful jab at him. Gohan turned around, blocking the ball while the two were still in mid-flight. It was here the two of them engaged in a furious battle, Gohan's fists and kicks lashing out at the copy. The defense his counterpart was putting up was strong, with his counter attacks being far more lethal. They flew on before changing course, beginning to drift upwards whilst locked in that battle. Shockwaves occurred with blows landing on each other, explosions of force ringing out everywhere. Charging up his fists so that they glowed a steady, blue, he launched himself at his copy, unleashing his assault. He showed his copy no mercy, and felt the stinging pains land all over him whenever he strong home. After a while, Copy Gohan managed to block several of the blow before cranking back his right fist and sending a hook across his face, the blow ringing in Gohan's ears and sending him floating back.
Suddenly, a hand reached out and grabbed his tattered collar, bringing him back up. The original Gohan groaned and trembled, looking up to see his copy glaring back at him. He could see into those cold, lifeless eyes the face of his one true enemy, himself. After countless hours of training, Gohan was discovering all of his weaknesses. If he couldn't beat himself, then what hope did he have of beating his opponent? The two of them stared at each other, the copy smirking a moment later before bringing back his right fist and sending it across original Gohan's face. The punch sent across his face rung in Gohan's ears. It stung and killed, just like every other blow that followed after. The copy attacked mercilessly, hammering away at his face, meshing it up. After those, he sent a knee straight up into Gohan's stomach. The young Saiyan reeled forward and vomited up blood on the copy's shirt. Even so, the mirror version of the original continued. Elbowing across Gohan's face and then hammering away with a left jab. Gohan spat out more blood, eyes shut and mouth wide as waves of pain washed over him. It was after this merciless assault the copy finished him off, bringing both his hands up and sending a jackhammer strike straight into his stomach. Gohan was sent plummeting, yelling out loud as he fell, crashing to the rock solid ground seconds later. No crater was formed, nor did any cracks appear. All that formed was a pool of red blood around his face as his own essence began seeping out onto the floor. His body trembled, the young Saiyan on the verge of unconsciousness. It was as he was lying here did he suddenly feel the ground begin to burn. The temperature increased, rising higher and higher out of nowhere. The burns hit his palms and face that were pressed up against the ground. As he pushed up, his hands started to smoke, the ground's intense heat leaving red scorch marks on his fingers and palms. He looked at his right hand, seeing blood appear from the blisters and cuts. His left hand kept him supported, waves of pain continuously flowing through it. From this, Gohan growled and clenched his fist, pushing himself up onto his feet. It was then did the temperature sharply increase to a phenomenal level. Like the sun, fire began to rage on the horizon. It came and reached him, enveloping him in its burning heart. But he stood there, unaffected. All the white around him turned into an orange blaze, going on endlessly. The weather had shifted dramatically.
Standing in the fire, Gohan's face was dipped over, his eyes and face overshadowed. His copy floated above him, also resistant against the flamers that licked at them both, reaching up high into the skies. They remained that way, silent. But then, when the fire's ferocity became greater, the original glared up, teeth gritted and anger crossing his expression. His eyes were white, showing no pupils but a deep, endless rage. As soon as he looked up, his hair spiked up and a golden aura exploded around him. The fire that was flickering around him was blown away when he transformed to Super Saiyan, his hair flashing gold and his muscle span increasing. With the emergence of his golden aura, golden bolts of lightning shot out of him with the familiar, bright, radioactive golden glow illuminating off of him. No yell emerged from him, for his transformation was instantaneous, yet explosive. With that moment, he had reached full power.
Spinning around, the original Gohan glared up at his copy, his eyes now filled with his teal toned pupils, both shining brightly. The copy saw his transformation and, in kind, transformed as well. His transformation was as intense, but didn't have as much of a dramatic entrance. As soon as they were both Super Saiyan, the original Gohan turned around, aura burning ferociously. Ever so suddenly, they felt a field of gravity fall upon them. Although the fire continued to rage around them, the two Gohan's felt a huge shift in the gravity. The gravity came in so suddenly with incredible force, making them fist their hands and strengthen their stances to keep their positions. The pressure was intense, all of it laid down on them. Then, with the feel of the increase of gravity, Gohan flew up. With a yell of power, he shot at his copy, throwing his right fist directly up at his face. The blow landed, knocking the copy senseless as well as him, the pain flooding to him like water through a pipe. Then, after regaining their composures, the two of them engaged in a furious brawl. Still in focus for they were unable to move through super speed, they both pummeled each other mercilessly. Their shadows could be seen, floating through the raging flames and flying at one another, throwing devastating blows and breaking off, flying through the fires before locking fists again. Gohan's yells were heard in the emptiness, echoing into the distance. As he fought on, his energy level grew, growing and growing. The next time they reached each other, Gohan received a punishing jab across his cheek, before he countered with a kick straight up into his copy's stomach. The two blows were tremendous, the two of them pushing off of each other and coming to floating amongst the burning grounds. The fire blew around them, their aura still flashing. The original Gohan's warping energy could be identified easily, as well as himself. He was the only one with the sword and brown bags, as well as the aura with golden electricity and radioactive glow around him. The copy was always calm, his expression always serious, showing no exhaustion or care in the world for injury. The two of them were cold, hard as steel at this level.
Then, after a stand off amongst the flames, Gohan let out a yell and, bringing his right hand around, threw it forward. His yell echoed with the massive blast that shot out of his palm, lighting up the area and blasting straight through the fire, which parted at the attack's launch. Copy Gohan retaliated, bringing both his palms up to his forehead. From here, he threw them forward, firing another familiar attack of gold with as much ferocity as the last. The blue, Daisenko blast collided with the golden Masenko attack, both of them hitting with equal force and starting up a blast tug of war that looked as though it would be going on without end. The pulsing attacks burned intensely, digging into each other as both fighters poured their energy into their attacks. The ground shook with the fires around the attacks seemingly insignificant under the strength of the power they both displayed. Lightning shot down from the skies, joining the burning flames and creating an electric field around the two attacks. The original Gohan bit tooth and tail to keep his energy flowing, grabbing his right arm's wrist with his left and taking a firmer stance, the waves of energy he unleashed and poured into the attack growing to a level he could barely handle. But then, after both fighters had reached their limits, they broke through it, firing off a last ditch effort energy pump through the blasts, which reached the spear ends and exploding with atomic like magnitude. An radius of 10 kilometers erupted, as if a hydrogen bomb had just gone off. The sky lit up with a series of fiery explosions, with one major one taking place right where it started. This one, fiery mushroom shaped explosion dwarfed them all, sending gales of wind in all directions. It was so big, that Goku and Piccolo, who were hundreds of miles away, felt the galling winds reach them and the flash on the horizon. Shock was written on their faces when they saw this, and felt the power radiating off of this explosion. It was far beyond what they could produce. Gohan was really pushing himself to the extreme.
Back to the scene where the explosion took place, you could still see the two Gohan's floating in the raging, burning area. The explosion had done nothing to shift the weather, but the damage done to both of them was incredible. The original Gohan's gi top had been completely torn away, revealing his ripped body underneath. His was pure muscle; however his skin burnt, scarred and bruised everywhere. A similar occurrence had happened to the other Gohan, except only an entire half of his top had been torn away, leaving him with a bleeding, broken arm. The other Gohan still had his sword and brown bags, but his pants were torn everywhere. An entire section of his right leg was gone, leaving that side in short state. The other side had the entire knee area ripped away with other tears and damages. Least can be said about the copy Gohan. The only thing the two were in the same state was that they were both floating in their auras, fire flickering heavily around them.
With the moment over, they both flew at each other, elbows locking and colliding, a shock wave ringing out. Then the two of them engaged in a fierce, powerful brawl. Fists connected, kicks struck home and all attacks landed with great efficiency. Although the copy Gohan received many of the blows, the original Gohan suffered the most. When he struck his copy in the gut with a particular upper cut, he suddenly choked and coughed up blood and saliva, his eyes shutting tightly from the pain he felt. After recovering, the copy Gohan used this opportunity to strike. He slammed a powerful kick across the original's face, a massive bruise appearing. Gohan staggered to the side, his aura disappearing but still remaining in Super Saiyan. Panting heavily, he looked up, teeth gritted and more blood leaking from the corner of his mouth. He also had a lot coming from a cut at the top of his forehead. His face was almost painted completely with his own wounds. The copy Gohan gritted his teeth as well, floating towards Gohan in a slow motion charge, left hand pulled back and fisted. With a yell, he threw the punch directed at the original, the fist flying through the air. But then, when it seemed it would hit, Gohan reached up and caught it in his palm, holding it their firmly and unmoved.
The two of them held their positions there, nothing happening just yet. But then, with an echoing yell, Gohan golden aura suddenly erupted once more around him, his grip tightening around his copy. His aura, this time, was ten times as fierce as before, blue bolts of electricity shooting out of him. The warping energy was so fierce and so bright, that the amazing changes that happened to the young Saiyan weren't even noticed. The Gohan copy was looking at his creator in shock, backing away when his fist was released. His eyes reflected the new Gohan's image, blue lightning shooting straight out at him and barely missing him. In his eyes, the copy Gohan didn't just see a regular Super Saiyan Gohan, but a Super Saiyan with spiky hair standing straight on end, slightly bigger muscles and turquoise, toned eyes that showed an incredible amount of anger in them.
The moment his arms returned to the side, his hands fisted, the original, newly powered up Gohan suddenly flew at his copy, the very start of his approach going off with a bang. He ripped through the air, floating up a bit to gain height and then sent an effortless kick across his copy's face. The blow was ten times stronger than a full power punch from him in Super Saiyan. The copy was staggered from the blow, knocked senseless. Suddenly, the original Gohan then came in with a swift, left jab across his face, then a right hook, and then a left upper cut. The attacks came in sharp and fast, the last one knocking the copy floating back, reeled over with his hands crossed over his gut. He then looked up, teeth gritted and looking pained. It was just then the original Gohan held out his right hand directly at the copy's face, unleashing a ki blast that consumed the copy and blew him away in one mighty flash of light and explosion. This one, though not as strong as the last, lit up the area, blinding everything of sight.
For a few minutes, everything was just white, but then, it was realized that the flash had already died and we return to gazing out onto the open flats. Orange sparks rained down from the sky, hitting the flat ground, bouncing and disappearing. Looking up, you could see the original Gohan just floating there, standing in a regular position and glaring out onto the horizon. His back was turned with his form glowing in a fierce aura, with blue electricity flickering around him. It was an incredible side, and his hair, once a light yellow, was now a darker shade of gold, was really spiky now with more strands and standing on end, pointing upwards. To add to it, you could make out a single bang of hair hanging in front of his face. But before you could get any more of a description off of him, the power surrounding him vanished, and he returned to normal form. With the fall of his energy, the young Saiyan suddenly fell out of the sky, crashing to the ground sprawled out.
The young Saiyan was unconscious before he even hit the ground. From here, he would rest, until he woke up that is…
Back outside…
An hour later…
It seemed as though victory was assured for Vegeta and the Z-fighters. He was easily making short work of Cell ever since he started this battle. And it has been carrying on for some time now. With Mirai, Krillin and the androids hanging back, they watched as the Saiyan Prince mercilessly pummeled Cell into a pulp. Krillin was back on his feet again thanks to a Senzu beans Trunks had given him, and was as awe inspired as the rest of the group. The fight had dragged across the island, practically demolishing it. Plateaus crumbled before the mighty duo and fists flew. Well, Vegeta's did, Cell could barely land a single blow. Bit by bit he was picked apart, not even given a chance to rest.
The fight was taken to so many places from land to the sky, and even into the sea. Not needing to breathe, the two of them were easily able to maneuver under water. But most of the time the two of them fought above the water's surface. By the time Cell realized he was completely out classed, a greater desire to absorb one of the androids grew, in order to gain his perfect form and beat Vegeta back. But he was going to find a lapse in Vegeta's assault was the problem.
Hurling across the wide open space, Vegeta used super speed to gang up on Cell in two seconds flat, reaching the towering android and sending a powerful punch straight into his stomach. The blow staggered Cell, a shock wave rebounding off of the walls and cliffs around them. Vegeta yanked his fist out of the bug's belly and flew up, sending a powerful roundhouse kick across his face. This one knocked Cell flying, spinning out of control and crashing into a boulder. It crumbled beneath him, an imprint of the bio-logical freak imprinted in the earth. After groaning from the pain and recovering from those blows in outstanding record time, he got to his feet and took a defensive stance. With purple blood leaking out of the corner of his mouth, Cell wiped it away and growled, teeth gritted.
"Impossible!" he shouted. "He's faster and stronger! This can't be! My design is superior!" the android growled. Vegeta chuckled where he stood now, arms at his sides. He was smirking at the bulky, cumbersome fighter, seeing him stand where he was in that weakened stance.
"Well, come on then, Cell!" Vegeta called. "Let's see what you can really do. I'm done warming up!"
Cell growled and clenched his fists, taking a powering up stance. His ki went up, but stayed at its limit where it would always be. "You! YOU! Vegeta! You are nothing to me! I am the ultimate warrior, the most powerful being in the universe! If you want to see what I can do! FINE!" Pulling back his right fist, he suddenly threw it forward, palm opening up.
With throwing his hand forward, the android unleashed a bellowing blast. The golden attack shot across the field, directly for Vegeta. Unfazed by how large it was and how fast its approach was, the Ultra Super Saiyan warrior merely held out his right palm and responded with a blast of his own. His attack merely struck the very spear end of Cell's attack, tearing it to shreds as it cut straight through it. When it did so, it continued on for the opposing blast's owner, knocking Cell full on and exploding. This sent the bio warrior flying back, tossing and turning in the galling winds out of control before coming to a crash landing, skidding across the ground and lying on his hands and knees. Coughing and choking, the infuriated warrior glared ahead of him, trembling violently with anger. His fists clenched tightly with his nails cutting into his palms. His own blood dripped onto the ground as he got to his feet, tail waving madly behind him.
"That's it! He's so dead!" he roared, spinning around. When he did so, he caught a whiff of a small ki ball fired by the might Super Saiyan. This, followed by a barrage of others, repeatedly struck him in the stomach, knocking him staggering back and reeled over. After continuous attacks had impacted against his stomach, Cell looked up, quite winded from this assault. When he did, he met the fist of an incoming Vegeta. This blow knocked him staggering, allowing the Saiyan Prince to keep up his assault and hammer all sorts of blows onto the android.
Krillin cheered. "Yeah! That's the way! Give it to him!" he shouted. Mirai, who was standing by his friend and paying no attention to the androids behind him merely nodded with a smile,
"There's no doubt, my father will beat this monster once and for all…"
Finishing his assault with an uppercut to Cell's stomach, Vegeta then kneed him in the chin and sent him back with a powered up hook. These blows struck home, knocking his opponent back where he tumbled along the ground before coming to a stop. When he did, Cell got onto his hands and knees, and sensing his opponent behind him, flung his tail at him. The Saiyan Prince was too quick however, and grabbed the androids tail before spinning him around. With a growl of effort, Vegeta flung him into the sky and then pursued. Powering up, with his aura on full flare, he brought his right fist back and sent it across Cell's face. The smack was all that was needed for Cell, to stop. But unfortunately for him, he fell under another direct assault by the prince, who hammered blows away into his gut before being side kicked away. Flying for several yards, the winded Cell stopped and then hurled at his opponent again, fast! With a yell of rage, he threw a right punch, only to get kneed then axe kicked, sending him plummeting to the ground. Within seconds, he crashed once more.
Vegeta snuffed, smirking wildly. "Pitiful. I'll end his suffering now!" The Prince growled, raising his right hand up. Cell, feeling Vegeta's ki rising at the incoming of another attack, pushed himself up and then glowered to his right. There, standing by the tree he saw the androids and the other two Z-fighters standing there, watching the fray go on. Well, it was about to end soon if he didn't act now.
When he noticed the amount of time being put into Vegeta's attack in order for him to gather the necessary amount of energy, Cell used this as an advantage. He had to act fast! With a grin, Cell threw his hand towards the group underneath the tree and fired a red, high powered energy ball. The attack flew straight at the group at high speeds, a concentrated power source alerting the group of how devastating it was, not even Trunks would be able to block it in time. The group scattered, Trunks and Krillin breaking off to the right whereas the androids shot to the left, even 16#. Vegeta spotted this and was surprised none to say the least.
The scattered androids were Cell's new targets. He flew at them, aiming for Android 18#. Within seconds, he reached his targets, everyone who saw his approach watching in shock and unable to do nothing. Then, as 18# came within range, Cell's tail opened up to full, aimed directly toward her. He threw it at her, intent on absorbing her then and there. She screamed, closing her eyes. But just as it seemed she was going to be absorbed, an unlikely comrade jumped in.
"LOOK OUT SIS!" 17# shouted, pushing her out of the way. Cell and the others were shocked, Vegeta ceasing the charging of his attack right then and there. In that split second, 17# was clamped by the tail and sucked in. The bulge of his body within the appendage journeyed down all the way and with in seconds, vanished into Cell's body. Everything happened so quickly.
By the time everyone landed, 18#, 16#, Krillin and Trunks, they watching in horror as Cell underwent his final transformation. Like before, the monster dropped into a powering up stance and, instantaneously, a green energy field shot up around him, sparkling with electricity. The very appearance of the shield sent a mind boggling shock wave exploding all around them. It was so great it even struck Vegeta, who was just as shocked as everyone else. Before anyone could act, the transformation was under way…
Back in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber…
As the events on the outside world continued (and note that they were growing worse), inside the Room of Spirit and Time everything was continuing as usual. Months had passed, and within this time, the three fighters had progressed along splendidly, reaching new levels of power. Most of the time was spent training, with very little moments spent resting up. Well, that didn't work with Gohan, who was stuck in the middle and almost the very heart of the Time Chamber. Goku and Piccolo were continuously resting up, recovering and returning to training.
That sort of thing worked for Gohan as well, who had to take a Senzu Bean almost every hour and rest up before continuing five minutes later. He was constantly training, fighting for his life. But after five months out there, he quickly got used to it. The sudden changes in the weather and atmosphere he quickly learned to endure. Plus the training sessions he had, fighting against the fields of gravity that continued to fall on top of him was also one of the things he had to deal with as well. Then there was shadow sparring with extra weights, fighting against a copy of himself and then just plain skill practice sessions. Everything else was mostly strength increasing exercises, however he still had to hone in on his techniques. Every time he completed a whole three hours of meditation under ice cold, burning hot or just regular temperatures, he jumped to going through his Wushu, Shao Lin and other martial arts styles, pacing through the steps one after another. He would also practice with artificial weapons he could create, such as: spears, three-section-staffs, guanduos, light swords, heavy blades, kunai, shuriken, knives, jians, daos etc. Other then that, he would also use his own sword. He worked tirelessly on strengthening himself, continuing to push it to the limit without any concern for his safety. No pain, no gain.
Goku was also working hard with Piccolo. They never ventured too far out into the dimension, not wanting to endure the intense gravity that neither could endure. Whenever possible the two would try and trace Gohan, but were unsuccessful because the child has masked his ki as a precaution, so not to worry the two or allow them to find him. He could very well train on his own, as was proven. Nevertheless, Goku would push himself as far as he could, with Piccolo training with him or watching while in meditation. The Saiyan's strength was increasing just as fast as Piccolo's, making him stronger then ever before.
In the middle of nowhere, deep within the depths of the Room of Spirit and Time, a power was growing. Under the glow of a thousand auroras produced by the Time Chamber (Because it was night time now), Gohan trained hard. The only problem was that he was nowhere to be seen. All there was was an ice filled landscape, as if hell had just frozen over. There were pillars and mountains of ice everywhere, hail and snow falling at the same time during this common Weatherly phenomenon inside the chamber. For some strange reason, all of this seemed to circle at a point. Spiraling closer and closer to the centre, you could see that the ice had moved up into a funnel, towering thousands of meters above the surface of the chamber. It was here where the problem lay.
Beams of blue light suddenly began to shoot out of the frozen spiral, cracks forming from a point about 50 stories above the ground. The beams of light shone brightly, a heat spot appearing at the same point the lights were coming out. Within seconds, the entire area around the centre had cracked. In a show of force and power, the pillar exploded, ice falling in the form of hail, shards and snow as the person the cause of this icy formation was revealed. Gohan, showing his full power in base form, floated on the spot, still bearing new battle scars and old battle scars from all of his training. Gritting his teeth, he wheeled around, watching as a cluster of icy particles whirled through the air and flew at him. The storm of low temperatures, no doubt another natural disaster produced by the dimension, was targeting him primarily. It was strange to have a blizzard following you around everywhere.
Crossing his arms, Gohan then uncrossed them sharply, pumping his energy level up so that an aura burst up around him. The blast of his energy reverberated, shaking the entire area around him. The blizzard struck his blue aura and parted, chopped apart by the warping energy. The wind blew past him, allowing Gohan to relax. However, as soon as his aura vanished, ice began to form and climb as the temperature suddenly plummeted. As it dropped, more ice formed and climbed, heading towards him. Gritting his teeth, the young Saiyan flew up, trying to climb to an altitude out of reach. However, the ice continued to climb towards him, the icicles forming like hands grabbing out for him. But he was just out of reach. Seeing as that it would not stop there, Gohan took a new course of action. Fanning his fingers, he crossed his arms again, one hand on each side. He then fisted them, blue beams of energy shooting out of the spaces in both hands. Then, with a yell, he threw both hands forward, the energy breaking up into a shower of shards. The energy shards fell towards the ice, and as soon as they struck, they erupted into a bellowing series of fiery explosions. The spiritual blasts melted the ice, turning it into water which helped melt the ice underneath. With a hiss, all the ice was melted away, leaving Gohan floating high and watching the show below. Within seconds, all ice sculptures were gone with the wind…
Gohan continued to glare, his all battered and bruised but no blood. He may have taken a beating, but it was nothing compared to most days. Suddenly, just as it seemed the weather was back to being controlled, everything around him suddenly transformed into another storm system. Out of nowhere, high winds began to pick up, followed by the formation of a huge hurricane above him. It was so big; the auroras floating high above him were sucked into it, with smaller, tornado like funnels making their appearance. They ripped across the ground, though not really damaging anything but presenting quite a dangerous obstacle to cross. Gohan once again felt the gravity increase, and he gritted his teeth, glaring up at the storm. He saw blue lightning bolts shoot out of the clouds, ripping past and through him. When a bolt of electricity streaked past him, he growled and took a powering up stance. His aura exploded around him, possessing the same fury and deadliness as the storm that had just erupted. He glared up at the clouds and hurricane and screamed.
"COME ON!!! DO YOUR WORST!!!" he yelled. The storm answered his call as several bolts of lightning shot down at him. He yelped and leapt out of the way, avoiding them. As if attacking the young Saiyan, more lightning bolts were sent at him. Courtesy of the non-existent Zeus, the strength of the winds and gravitational fields increased, the atmosphere thinning out, leaving a very unstable environment.
Gohan flew around, avoiding every single lightning bolt thrown at him. The cheap shots of the high voltage currents were really getting too close for comfort, so Gohan took it up a notch. As he journeyed deeper into the unknown where the storm was at its fiercest, he powered up, raising his energy so that he broke into Super Saiyan. With his new found strength, his speed, endurance and strength was at a all new high. Growling in anger, Gohan spun around, avoiding seven shots of lightning. When he sensed a tornado suddenly making its way towards him, he brought his right hand about, ball of golden energy forming. With a yell, he ditched it, using the momentum of his spin. The ball of energy soared at the tornado, entering it and exploding. The winds were ripped to pieces by the explosion, but thanks to it, the debris of what was thought to be thick pieces of wind turned out to be energy enhanced razor wind. They flew in all directions, several of them cutting across Gohan's body. The young Saiyan yelped in pain, spinning as he hurled back down to the ground where the real danger was. Seeing his fall in altitude, he quickly recovered and pulled up, just as a few more bolts of lightning came down at him, missing him.
After his pull up, Gohan leveled and flew directly for another tornado. This one was heading towards him as well. As though it were challenging Gohan, the storm sent several bolts of lightning into the large tornado, increasing its size and transforming it into a vortex of electricity. Gohan growled, bringing his right hand back and charging up a new attack. The blue ball forming in his palm increased in size, golden bolts of electricity surrounding it. The tornado in front of him neared. Just as it came into lethal range, Gohan launched his attack, screaming, "DAISENKO HAAAAA!!!" The massive blue blast that shot out of his hand connected with the tornado. In a amazing display of lights and reactive explosions, the vortex exploded, sending sparks and energy razor wind remains everywhere. Gohan avoided all the sparks and several of the razor wind debris, only getting cut several times across the back, shoulder and left leg. He cringed, but kept on going.
Bringing himself up to a new level, he watched in the distance as the eye of the storm continued to spin around, producing more and more tornados. Gohan furrowed his brow at it, knowing that it had to be the cause of this. In order for him to survive, he needed to destroy it. So, powering up, with his aura flaring, he shot for the eye at full speed. The storm, seemingly having a mind of its own, spotted his approach and began taking measures, creating obstacles in which he could cross. It produced two more tornados in front of him, the funnels moving towards him. All the while, the gravity increased ten fold and more winds were produced. Gohan gritted his teeth and used all his strength to pull up when the force of gravity began working against him. Using his best efforts, he avoided one of the tornados and, charging up another energy blast, sent it into the second, destroying it. The shower of razor wind was easily avoided, with Gohan blocking several more with his sword. He slashed out, destroying them before sliding his weapon back into its sheath. Spinning back round, Gohan flew on, on towards the eye. Seeing the young Saiyan fast approaching, the eye sent powerful lightning bolts at Gohan, deciding to challenge the child itself. Gohan saw the strikes flying at him as if they were ki blasts, but far more lethal. In response, the young Saiyan charged up an energy field, plowing through the attacks as if they were nothing then lowering it. It wasted energy to keep it up, but whatever the case, he flew on.
More lightning bolts were sent at him, these ones appearing more like giant sparks then actual streams. Gohan prepared, pulling both hands back then throwing them forward. His Scattered Volley Shot came into play, hitting the lightning bolts and exploding, leaving a clear path for Gohan once more. Just as Gohan flew through the smoke produced by the explosions, another bolts of lightning suddenly shot towards him, this one catching the young Saiyan off guard. Taking this as yet another challenge, Gohan prepared and held his right hand out, extending his index and middle finger. The lightning bolt struck going into him. Then, using his mastery over energy and life, the young Saiyan moved the lightning bolts down then up and threw his finger back up into the clouds. The lightning bolt shot out of his left arm through his two fingers, striking the sky and exploding with incredible magnitude. With a smirk, Gohan flew on, turning back to his original task. It was then when the eye unleashed its most devastating barrage yet. Flashes of more lighting came, followed by rains of razor wind. Gohan yelled in shock, getting hit full on by the blasts of wind and cut up by the energy razors. The bolts of lightning came at him too, with the young Saiyan trying his best to avoid them all. He yelped whenever lightning grazed him and was nearly knocked unconscious when another shot struck him clean in his side. Falling, the young Saiyan became victimized by the storm, nearly sent reeling into unconsciousness.
Opening his eyes, he looked up into the storm, seeing it throwing everything it had at him mercilessly. It was through this, Gohan replaced the storm with Cell, seeing him raining his own attacks on him. Through this nightmarish vision, filled with death and destruction of his friends and family, he became enraged. He was not going to give up yet. So, powering up, and with a howl of rage, he powered up, transforming and reaching his final, newly acquired form. After months of training, he was able to gain control of this form. Though he wasn't for sure what it was, he was sure it was the ascended Saiyan form Vegeta and Trunks had reached. So, with that power up, he blew away all the attacks the storm sent his way and shot clear up, straight into the eye. Easily avoiding the incoming onslaught of lightning bolts and razor wind blasts, he reached level with the actual storm, the whiteness above it stretching on endlessly.
As soon as he was level, he powered up, throwing his hands and legs out. Concentrating his energy, he then released it in one, mighty burst. The result was a massive, golden energy field that appeared and expanded around him, crackling with blue and golden electricity. With the explosive entrance of his attack on the storm, it took out the eye and stopped the circling winds that created the hurricane. Almost instantaneously, the storm system disappeared, leaving nothing, not even a trace of cloud. It was still pretty misty though.
With the close of the storm and his power output continuing, Gohan sighed and powered down. He was relieved it was over now, but one good look at himself told him he needed to heal. Grabbing the bag around his waist, he took out a Senzu Bean and popped it into his mouth. Chewing it, and swallowing it, his wounds immediately healed. However, there was still several battle scars still imprinted on his bare body, which made him more intimidating. He easily fixed this by creating a new gi, replacing his old one and covering himself.
Floating down to the ground, feeling the high gravity stick, the young Saiyan decided it was time for a break from physical training and move on to mental training. Crossing his arms and legs, he lifted himself off the ground using his ki, and immediately he went on to meditate.
Meanwhile…
"FINAL FLASH!!!" Vegeta roared, his hands cupped forward and golden electricity shooting around it. With the sound of his yell, a massive, golden blast exploded from his hands, ripping through the skies and flying straight for its set target. Tearing up the ground beneath it, the powerful attack's path was marked by a deep entrenchment, debris and rubble flying. The galling force winds and the heat hit the earth and scorched it, while blowing outwards fiercely. 18#, 16# and Krillin could barely keep their footing.
The Prince's attack shot through the air before colliding with a distant plateau, demolishing it as it exploded with atomic like force. The shockwaves that came of this were far greater then what the Z-fighters counted on, the very forces breaking the island in two. With a fiery mushroom cloud appearing in the air, it seemed as though Vegeta's attack had succeeded. But then, as the Saiyan Prince was lowering his guard, and checking to see if his attack succeeded, a figure suddenly flashed in front of him, and sent a powerful elbow straight into his gut. The already winded Ultra Super Saiyan was knocked senseless by the blow before being slammed away with a roundhouse kick. The fighter zapped out of focus before any real details about him could be made and, in Vegeta's path, he reappeared, kneeing him in the side before elbowing him in the back. This two-way, knock out combination sent the shocked Super Saiyan falling. He crashed straight into the earth, forming a deep imprint of himself. The once powerful Saiyan had now been crushed.
The mysterious foe that had attacked him was, with no doubt, Cell. Only this time, he was in a completely different state. His absorption of Android 17# was all that was needed to give him that final push to a new stage, completing his evolution. Now in this form, he was completely unstoppable. The changes that were noticeable on him were of a grand scale. His once bulky body had been redefined, giving him a warrior like appearance. He was slightly smaller then before, but was still pretty tall. His once dark green, black spotted skin was replaced with light green exo-skeletal skin with dark green blotches. His shoulders, chest pegs, shin-gastro areas, wings and upper back were colored black. His feet, still shaped like boots, were yellow in color, and his once noticeable tail had retracted under his black wings, attributes added to his form. His cranium and crown remained its same 'V' shape, only with different colorations. The same lining that framed his face were yellow as well, with red streaks on the inner edges of the yellow frames. But his face, his face had changed a lot. It had defined itself into a human face, but was as hideous and as sinister as ever. It was light grey skin with a proper nose, mouth, eyes and teeth. His irises were pink, and his pupils were black. If that weren't enough, his power had skyrocketed to an unbelievable magnitude. He was plowing through Vegeta and Trunks as if they were nothing.
Seeing Vegeta downed, the mighty android saw his once blonde hair turn back to its normal coloration, and his ki level dropped. Soon, it was just flickering on the very edge of life. However, because of his durability as a Saiyan, he was just knocked unconscious. The android smirked as he drifted in place. "Well Vegeta, I must say that I am impressed," Cell exclaimed, his voice improved to suit that of a very mature, gentleman like fighter. But it was still laced with a tone that sent chills down everyone's spine. "However, as you have witnessed, my power far exceeds your own now. Even with your most powerful attacks, your efforts to stay in the game are useless!" the android laughed.
Just as he was floating there, he heard a yell coming from a side and a massive power surge approach. Turning, he saw Mirai Trunks shooting at him, blazing in his new, ascended Saiyan form. His muscle span had increased in size and mass on a grand scale, and his hair, once braided into a pony tail, had broken up, forming a mop of spiky, blonde hair a top of his head. He looked really terrifying in that form, but for a fact of a few weaknesses in his state, meant that his look was nothing to be afraid of.
As soon as he spotted Trunks appear, Cell easily ducked and slid under the right, straight punch the time traveling warrior sent at him. Missing his target, Mirai wheeled around and jabbed out with yet another attack, suddenly seeing Cell faze out of focus and disappear into super speed. Frustrated, Mirai gave chase, disappearing into super speed as well and pursuing his opponent. Moments later, shock waves rang out throughout the sky, taking no pattern or any similar form. It just came, either simultaneously or at different times. Some time later, the two fighters appeared once more, Trunks lashing out at his opponent with powerful punches and kicks that were basic and thoroughly unleashed. Blow after blow was sent, but Cell easily avoided each and every one of them, a smile on his face. He watched the frustration in Mirai's face grow, slowly transforming into blind rage, to which he started lashing out at without any thought of what he was doing. Cell backed away, avoiding all his punches before he forward flipped over him when Trunks attacked with a side kick. After leaping over his opponent, he turned around and drifted back. From here, he watched Mirai turn to his side and throw his right hand towards him. When he did, a golden, powerful ki blast shot out at Cell, hurling through the air without a hint of stopping.
The android swatted it away like an annoying fly. He then realized that Trunks was firing an entire barrage of ki blasts. These golden, streaking, highly concentrated attacks soared through the air one after another, hooking around and attempting to overdo Cell's defensive barrier. Unfortunately for Trunks, Cell was far smarter and faster then that to be beaten by insignificant attacks like that. The blasts came without stopping; until Cell decided he would have to put a stop to it himself. The boredom was killing him faster then Trunks was. After knocking away one last blast, the android pointed his left hand out at Trunks, index and middle finger held out and, in a split second, fired a narrow, green energy beam directly for the time traveler. The lightning fast attack struck Trunks in the shoulder, burning a hole and knocking him staggering. After which, Cell fired several more, an entire barrage being fired with all attacks hitting its target in all sighted places. With his opponent knocked off balance, Cell raised his fingers up, charging up a stronger beam this time and then throwing it forward. The thicker, narrow beam hit Trunks squarely in the forehead, exploding and leaving a third degree scorch mark smack bang, right in the face. Mirai growled, gripping his forehead and shaking, his aura still flaring fiercely.
Seeing his opponent's lapse in attention, Cell charged, appearing in front of him instantly. He left hook Trunks right across the face then sent a powerful, right upper cut into his stomach. The young warrior was winded from that swift combination. After that, the mighty android kneed him clean in the chin with his left leg, easily staggering him. His endurance was far greater then Vegeta's, so he recovered faster. But right after he had regained his composure, Cell appeared above him, flipping over backwards and sending a kick right into his opponent's back. The blow dropped Trunks faster then a bomb, with the warrior crashing to the earth and leaving a fine crater. Pushing himself back onto his hands and knees, Mirai gritted his teeth and growled, feeling the pain of the blows coursing through him.
"Darn him! W-Why…why can't I hit him!" he growled.
"This is bad," Krillin said on the sidelines, watching Trunks stagger to his feet, stumbling around a bit.
"He's stronger then Cell, but why isn't he beating him?" 18# asked.
"The combined strengths of Vegeta and Trunks aren't enough to outmaneuver Cell, and that is a certainty," 16# stated, catching the group's attention. Krillin and the blonde haired android looked up at their comrade, seeing him standing there with his right hand on his left shoulder, sparks sizzling from the injury in his head. The red haired giant nodded. His right eye flickered with readouts projected by his visual sensors. "Above the two Saiyans, Cell outclasses both. He has superior speed, strength and knowledge of fighting styles and techniques. By using these to influence him in his battles, he is easily able to overthrow his attackers, frustrating them into attacking blindly out of anger before countering with a deadly resolve."
Krillin blinked, still a little confused but surprised. "B-But how can he beat Trunks when he's obviously weaker then him…"
"Strength isn't all that matters in a fight," 16# stated in response. "Because of Trunks' constant power ups, his muscle span increases due to strength. However he is sacrificing too much speed to gain that extra power. Also, because of his building in strength, his fatigue level grows, eventually weakening him more then it actually strengthens him. Vegeta realized this flaw in his transformation, and so did not exceed the form he presented to us in battle. Even so, it still wasn't enough…" the android stated, pointed out the unconscious Vegeta.
Trunks trembled, glaring up. His aura had died as soon as he was struck by his opponent's combination, leaving him in a weakened state. As he was regaining his composure, he saw Cell land in front of him, smiling confidently as his eyes cast down at the young warrior. After seeing Cell land, Mirai glowered at him, his serious expression lowering to confusion and anger.
"H-How can you beat me?" Cell chuckled at the question, crossing his arms.
"I thought you would know," the android replied. "But then again, even if you did you still wouldn't be able to beat me. With your father down and you unable to carry on like you were before, I'm afraid that you're finished."
Trunks gulped, lowering his head a little. He considered what was said to him quickly, growing steadily more aware of his exhaustion. After a long fight alongside his father following Cell's transformation, they were both sure that they could win. But now, in the light of this scene, Trunks had lost all hope and confidence. His mind whirled, wondering if he should continue, or just stop. The android was just standing their, smirking, just daring for him to strike. Well, that wasn't going to happen. The Saiyan youth powered down, returning to his normal form.
"You're right," Mirai stated, looking down at his feet. "I-I've…failed…"
Cell looked questionably at Trunks, eyes flickering. Still smiling, the android raised his right hand towards him, fingers stretching out and palm readying itself. "You give up too easily Trunks. But unlike your father, you do have common sense when thrown into this situation. After being tormented for so many years in your time, I shouldn't be surprised." Trunks looked up. He scowled and sweated, from both nervousness and exhaustion. The fatigue from his transformation had finally reached him, and he was spent. Cell however, became interested in one particular question that circled around the boy, as well as his unconscious father.
Before he could even start powering up a final, finishing move, Cell stopped short and looked over at the grey haired fighter. "I…am curious though. Enlighten me; how did you ever get so strong in such a short amount of time? By my calculations you and your father shouldn't even be at this level of power, strength and skill," Cell stated, catching Mirai's ears and attention. "Not so long ago you couldn't even hold your own against Android 17#, and he was a proton compared to me. One day…it only took you one day to grow this powerful! How did you do it?"
Trunks glowered at him, not knowing where or what Cell was getting at. "Why should I tell you? We shouldn't even be talking for all I know." Cell smirked.
"You've got attitude, I can easily see that. No doubt something you picked up from your father's side," Cell exclaimed. "So you don't want to talk about that then…very well. But answer me this. If I were to give you some more time, could you get stronger?"
Trunks furrowed his brow. This was really confusing. "Perhaps…if you were to give me a chance…"
Cell chuckled, lowering his hand. "Ah yes, very interesting!" he exclaimed. "Well, you've certainly captured my attention!" Trunks raised an eyebrow at this, surprised by Cell's upbeat in mood. "If what you are saying is true, then perhaps a tournament…!"
"What?!" Trunks replied.
"Yes: a martial arts competition…a test of strength, skill, agility and endurance!" Cell declared, pointing at the boy. "I'm going to let you live through today young warrior, for I shall be setting up a martial arts tournament! This competition will pit me against the best this planet can offer! Winner takes all!" Trunks blinked, really surprised by this announcement.
"A tournament?" Cell grinned, eyes flickering.
"Of course," he replied. "This tournament shall be held in ten days from now!" the android stated, holding up both hands and showing five fingers on each hand, indicating ten days. "Ten days…that's the amount of time you have to live…then you will fight me. Whatever you do in between now and then I don't care. But just remember…I'll be waiting. See to the television networks for all the details. I shall be making my World Wide announcement from there. Tell your friends…tell them to prepare…"
Trunks stepped forward, holding up a hand just as Cell turned his back on him. "Wait! What exactly is this all about?! What can you possibly accomplish from this?" Cell sniggered, glancing over his shoulder.
"Not much…I just want to suck whatever fun this planet has left out of it before I blow it up! It's nothing personal…it's just my nature!" Cell exclaimed. With a salute, he gave one last smirk before taking off, leaving Trunks with the information and the rest of the group in total states of shock.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Power levels:
(Battle with Cell):
Cell:
Imperfect Cell: 42,000,000
Second Stage Cell (Android 18b absorbed): 65,000,000
Perfect Cell: 90,000,000
Vegeta:
Base Form: 25,000,000
Super Saiyan: 58,000,000
Super Saiyan (2nd Grade): 82,000,000
Mirai Trunks:
Base Form: 31,000,000
Super Saiyan: 62,000,000
Super Saiyan (2nd Grade): 86,000,000
Ultra Super Saiyan (3rd Grade): 120,000,000
Krillin:
Base: 1,750,000
Android 16# (damaged):
Base: 25,000,000
Android 17#:
Base: 35,000,000
Android 18#:
Base: 33,000,000
Author's note: This is one of the last chapters for a couple of days. I've writen ahead faster then I could download my chapters. I just hold some back so that I don't get rusty. I've got big ideas for my next chapters and for the rest of the story. I already thought ahead into the end of the Cell Games, but I'm not telling what'll happen. I enjoy writing a lot, and i hope you're all enjoying it so far. The best has yet to come! Oh, by the way, Piccolo can enter the Hyperbolic Time Chamber with the others because he doesn't need anywhere to sleep. Plus, in the Buu saga, Trunks, Goten, Super Buu and Piccolo were allowed in the chamber at the same time so...I guess that would fall on everyone else. Cheers. Till next chapter.