Chapter 13 – Round One
"Today is the day," Mizuna said aloud as she awoke with a start, looking up at the sky as the night sky slowly turned to morning. She had taken yesterday off from training. There wasn't much else she could do currently. She must've passed out at some point during the night. She had spent it outside at Kame House, everyone was here, aside from Kakarot and Gohan. She had taken to calling him that, it just felt right.
She was looking forward to this, despite what failure meant. She was confident in her team, her family really. What a strange collection they were, but they had never felt more at home then she did right now. She'd do anything to keep them all safe and alive.
She had trained as hard as she possibly could, and she noticed she had finally hit a wall again, just like before she had achieved her Super Saiyan form originally. Which was strange, she figured that upon mastering the form it would allow her to grow even stronger overall, but she had started getting diminishing returns. 'Perhaps there's an even greater power we haven't unlocked yet?' It was possible, she could feel it there, if she focused. Just out of reach. Hopefully they'd be able to defeat Cell without it. Time would tell.
Mizuna quickly returned to her Super Saiyan form, as sleeping in it wouldn't be wise, and walked into the house shortly after. Her tank top and black jacket had got a bit damp from laying on the beach, amazing that it hadn't woken her up sooner. She took off her jacket to hang on the rack and sat down on the couch. Trunks and Krillin were sleeping nearby, so she tried not to wake them. Trunks sat up a moment later however and joined her.
"Morning." He said as he rubbed his face and stifled a yawn.
"Right back at you." She said with a smile. "I wanted to talk to you about something actually."
"You did?" He asked, mildly surprised.
"When you return to the future. I think I want to tag along with you." Mizuna stated, her tone light.
His eyebrows rose in greater surprise. "Why's that? Not that I mind."
"It was something I thought about when Goku brought back Dende to restore the Dragon Balls," Mizuna said, continuing. "In your time, you don't have them anymore right?"
"Right," Trunks said. "With Piccolo and Kami dead, they're deactivated."
"I think I can help. We could do the same thing in your time. Bring Dende back to Earth as guardian, as well as use the Namekian Dragon Balls to revive Goku and the others. It might take some time, but it'd be doable. No idea what the lookout looks like in your time or if Popo is still alive, but it's worth a shot right? Taking the androids down shouldn't be a problem either"
Trunks only stared at her for a few moments. "I don't know what to say. We never knew where New Namek was located and mother never had the time or material to create a new space ship, with your teleportation it shouldn't be a problem." Trunks ' eyes grew a bit wet then. "It could be like it was." His eyes then met hers. "That's a big ask of you, I really appreciate it."
Mizuna only shrugged slightly. "It's no problem. Everyone deserves to be happy. Especially you and Bulma. It'd be a bit different there then here, and I don't know what happened to me in your time, but it's worthwhile."
Trunks leaned over and hugged her tightly, and Mizuna returned the gesture. "So let's beat Cell first and then we'll save your home too."
Trunks wiped his eyes and then smiled, an intense determination on his face. "Definitely."
Eventually everyone else woke up, and they all gathered in the living room as always to talk. There was only a few hours before the Tournament begin and everyone was on edge. They'd all make their way there soon.
Mizuna had left the others and visited Akela once more, not sure if she'd see her again, it was best to play it safe. She was at her home in west city, and was sitting at her table with a small chocolate bar. She was always eating some sort of sweets, Mizuna found it odd that that she almost always had something in her hand but everyone was different, she supposed. She had her normal red and blue dress on and looked like she was heading to work soon.
"You're really going to fight that monster?" Akela asked as Mizuna sat down.
"Yeah, I don't have a choice." Mizuna said. "It'll be okay. I'm confident we can win."
"I hope you do. I wouldn't want something to happen to you."
"You seem awfully melancholy today. Is something wrong?" Mizuna asked her, concerned.
"No, nothing. I just want you to be alright." She asked, almost standoffish. Something was definitely off about her today. For the past few days now, actually. She seemed internally torn about something but would never open up about what.
It was obvious she was keeping something from her. But what, she wouldn't be able to guess. It started after she had first introduced her to the Z fighters. There was a sudden look in her eyes that was off putting to say the least and it didn't seem like it went away after. Something woke up in her. Like a hunger..
Mizuna leaned over across the table and kissed her. "Things will be fine. We'll go on a trip or something once the world is safe."
Akela nodded and her eyes never quite met Mizunas after that.
Goku and Gohan had woke up early and had enjoyed a full breakfast with Chi-Chi before leaving. Gohan left early and went to see Piccolo before the day really began.
"Keep my baby safe, won't you?" Chi-Chi asked as Goku was heading out the door.
"Don't worry," Goku said. "He's even stronger then me, there's nothing to worry about."
"That's exactly what I'm worried about." Chi-Chi sad mournfully. "I don't want him fighting that monster. I don't want you getting hurt again either."
"We'll both come back to you, don't worry." Goku said with a smile and hugged her tightly.
Chi-Chi could only resignedly sigh as he vanished from sight.
He reappeared at Korins tower shortly after."
"Morning Korin," Goku greeted him.
"Well hello, Goku." Korin replied. "Here for the usual I take it?"
"Yeah, I am."
"Never just stop by to say hello, do you?" Korin said, fishing up a plump bag and tossing it to him. "I figured you'd need all the help you could get. There's plenty in here."
"That's great, thank you." He said, catching the bag and putting it away within the folds of his clothes.
"Mind if I ask you something?"
"Go ahead, don't be too long though."
"Of course, busy day ahead. So, my question is this: You seem awfully confident in yourself. Cell seems to be pretty much invincible at this point, and who knows what else he's done to stack the odds in his favor." Korin paused for a moment to let that set in. "Is this really a fight we can win?"
Gokus expression went serious. This was an important moment. His entire planet depended on them winning this. "It's pretty clear that I'm no match against him, even with all of our training."
"Do we not have a chance at all then?" Korin replied.
"I believe we do. It's just hard to know for sure. Gohan has surpassed me. During our training I got a glimpse of his true power and it was beyond anything I could've guessed. Yet, he doesn't even seem aware of the power. Mizuna has moved past me as well."
"It's risky to rely on a kid, especially one that has a habit of erratic emotions like that."
"I know. I have faith in him, that he'll surpass us all."
"I had faith in you too as a child." Korin said. "He has a chance. Just be wary. Cell is very crafty. And I have the feeling he won't be fighting alone."
"I will. Don't worry." Then he left to rejoin the others and head out.
Cell was sitting on the ledge of his giant gleaming white tower overlooking the arena. The sun had risen two hours ago and it wouldn't be long before it began. It was already quite the turn out. Many people have began arriving the night before and set up tents, stands for spectators and even various concessions stands on the opposite side of the ring. It looked like a fair grounds rather then the site that would decide the very fate of the earth.
There were various fighters all warming up and chatting away. It seemed as if most people had come without fear and believed Cell was a hoax or some publicity stunt or a practical joke. Few believed he was truly someone worth fearing. All the worse for them when the real gravity of the situation finally sets in.
The Z fighters all landed quietly behind the gathering of people and walked closer to the ring. They all chuckled at the antics of the fighters preparing for today. Someone with a microphone was announcing everything going on. Jimmy Firecracker and Mr. Satan stood together near the front of the ring. "The qualifying event is over! With of course, Mr. Satan in the lead! We have our fighters selected, but don't be disheartened. Our world champion, Mr. Satan is going to be the one to take down that monster!" Cheers erupted at that announcement from the gathered crowd. Mr. Satan then took the mic and began to proclaim his victory. "The champ is already ready for action! This bug man hadn't got a chance." Then he flashed his trademark victory sign.
The Z fighters stood a bit off to the side, looking out of place but watched the events with interest. "That's the new world champion?" Krillin said exasperated. "It must really be going down here hill these days if he managed to win."
Piccolo then murmured a reply. "All the notable fighters were scared off from attending it anymore after my father went on a killing spree."
"Wait, what?" Mizuna asked. "When did that happen?"
"Story for another time." Goku said. "Let's get up there and check things out." They walked around the masses of people to an unoccupied space alongside the ring where they could watch everything.
Cell then made his appearance, walking out from the tower and before the announcer knew what happened, had stolen the mic from him. Jimmy Firecracker skittered away from him in sudden fear and stood behind Mr. Satan. "Welcome to my tournament. It's truly touching to see so many people here wanting to watch todays events. Anyone wanting a good thrill on their last day of life choose properly."
The roaring crowd went silent at that. Everyone only stared at Cell. Their full attention on him. The cruel reality of the situation beginning to set in. Cell only smiled at them. Fear was exactly what he wanted.
"Don't let my doom and gloom bring down your excitement, citizens of earth. This is the most important day for humankind. You can finally prove your worth as a species against me." His eyes went on the group of Z fighters then. "There they are, the true participants of the day. All of you are in attendance. I'm glad none of you had the cowardice to flee from your fate." He chuckled lightly.
Vegeta clenched his fists in anger. "We'll see how long you're smiling for, Cell. I'll wipe it off your face this time."
"Cool off, you'll get your chance." Mizuna said pointedly.
"Now, you all know the rules. Knocked out of the ring, or down for 10 counts and you lose. There will a selection of four fighters chosen to fight a warrior of my making as well as a surprise warrior. If you succeed at those battles, then you'll face me in the finale. Should you win, the earth will be safe as I promised. Very fair, I think. Be hopeful. I'm sure among you there is at least one fighter that may defeat me." He chuckled again at his own joke. "There will be a surprise gift for the victor as well." The dragon ball he had found and hidden away earlier.
"And just so you're all aware. Fights will be to the death. I'll even encourage it. It wouldn't be fun otherwise." Cell joked again.
The silence broke into anger now. Cells casual encourage of death and threats towards humanity went too far. Who was he to treat life as a plaything? Mr. Satan and others were biting at the bit to take this monster down.
Cell only continued, enjoying his little game. "We're to do a battle royale. Everyone will get their chance for glory. I wanted to leave the match deciding up to you originally, but I've changed my mind." Cell saw the angry faces grow even more so. "All of you gathered fighters will fight that group." Cell said and pointed at Goku and the gang. "Whoever manages to defeat one of them will be allowed to enter. So, whenever your ready. Let the tournament begin." Then he tossed the mic back at Jimmy Firecracker and returned to his tower.
"What the hell kind of game are you playing at here, Cell?!" Mizuna called out after him. Cell only laughed at his kept walking.
The crowd could only stand in silence for a moment and murmured amongst themselves and slowly all the fighters made their way into the ring. Goku and the others only stood by for a moment before joining the group. Getting strange looks and sneers along the way. Krillin only sighed, he knew this would end poorly. It was cruel to pit them against all the regular humans. He got them all stirred up and is going to focus all their anger on them. There were about 40 people in the arena now, not including the Z fighters. They were immediately surrounded on all sides by angry faces.
"Well, ladies and gentlemen." Jimmy Firecracker started up again, now that Cell had left. "Looks like there's a change of plans. All of you need to take out those strange looking fellows over there. Only so no killing, just good clean fighting. I'm sure Mr. Satan will take care of them though."
Cell, perched on his tall tower like some sort of king of old, raised his hand then dropped it. "Begin!"
The chaos immediately commenced. They were charged on all sides and the Z fighters will split off from each other, playfully pushing and knocking all the fighters from the ring. It only took a brief 30 seconds before all but Mr. Satan and some of his posse were left.
They simply stood there stunned as dozens of people were knocked away faster then they could perceive. "What kinda trick is this?" Mr. Satan bellowed. "These guys aren't normal." Then Mizuna appeared behind him suddenly, picked him up by the nape of the neck like a kitten and dropped him outside the ring. "Sorry," She whispered. "This is too important to leave to you. We'll handle this." Which he barely heard over his furious protests to be put back down . While Krillin effortlessly knocked his two companions out of the ring.
Jimmy Firecracker only stood there confused as their champion was easily lifted and put down outside the ring. No one could be that strong, right? "In an unforeseen upset, our champ was casually tossed out of the ring. He must've decided to let them have at Cell first before he comes in and saves the day!" The gathered crowds seemed to buy this and still stayed excited for the day, cheering erupted.
Goku could only look dejected as they left the ring again. "That was disappointing. There sure aren't fighters like there used to be anymore."
Cell lifted his hand again. "Congrats to the winners. I will now reveal the prize." He said, as he lifted a single Dragon Ball. "This is a Dragon Ball, when the seven of them are gathered, a wish will be granted." The crowd of fighters could only yell in protest as their chance had now vanished at winning. "How did he find them?" Yamcha asked quietly.
"No clue." Gohan said. "Has anyone talked to Bulma lately?"
Vegeta then spoke up. "Her house was broken into last night. We assumed robbers, but nothing appeared to be missing. It seems he stole the radar.
"You didn't notice him there?" Mizuna wondered.
"I wouldn't have, it seems like he can mask her energy perfectly or switch it to feel like mine so I wouldn't have realized it." Vegeta said, anger boiling up in him again.
"That bastard." She finished.
Now, the first battle will begin." The doors below him opened up to show a short figure emerge and walk towards the ring. They could believe it. It was a young Vegeta. Fully garbed in his old Saiyan armor. He had a slightly different color to his skin the regular Vegeta, but it looked identical. He stood in the center of the ring, a familiar smug smile on his face. As Cell landed next to him in the ring. "I present to you all, Vegeta Jr. He was once something of a space mercenary." He said, pointing at the real Vegeta. "But he's grown soft in his age, I found the better version, if I do say so myself."
"You didn't tell me you had a twin brother, Vegeta!" Goku excitedly said. "Why's he younger then you?"
Vegeta could only face palm. "What the hell is he playing at?" He yelled. "What is this trickery?!" Cell spoke up. "I figured we'd take a trip down memory lane, little prince. I think three on one would be fair for this one. Better to trim the herd this way. Yamcha, Tien, Krillin. Come to the stage, won't you?"
Yamcha could only shutter a bit. Sure it was a younger looking Vegeta, but he knew how ferocious a fighter he could be, and he wasn't even trying to conceal his power level. He wasn't sure even the three of them could pull off a victory. Tien put a hand on his shoulder. "We got this, Yamcha. Whatever this creation of his is. The three of us can handle it." Krillin nodded in approval. Yamha still wasn't sure, he was far more powerful then ever, but he still didn't feel like he compared to the others. Yet he couldn't back down. He followed his two companions into the ring.
Cell smiled as they stopped a few feet away. "Lethal force will be encouraged now. Don't hesitate or you might just die. Wouldn't want that yet again, would we?" Cell said with a smile as he look over the three of them. They were visibly angry but kept it together. Word games wouldn't work on them. "Good luck." Then he returned to his seat at the tower.
Vegeta Jr. smirked at the three of them and they took fighting stances. "What a shame, three of them at once and you're still all going to die." Krillin shivered slightly. It was like facing the Vegeta of the old days all over again. "I'll try to make this quick."
Cells voice could be heard over the sound of the crowd. "Let the first match begin!"
Then Vegeta charged directly into the group, Yamcha being in the middle of them was the first to meet him. His earlier worry gone as he fell into the fight. His fist shot out to intercept the approaching clone and he was surprised to find him no longer there as he slid on the ground to get through his defenses. Aiming a savage blow towards Yamchas midsection. Krillin ad Tien were two steps ahead and they moved in unison on either side bashed him away with two kicks to his face. Vegeta was knocked back a few feet, unhurt and charged back in.
Only to find the three human fighters had split off into the air. Red auras were surrounding them now as they let the power of the Kaio-Ken flow through them. Tien rushed in first and let a barrage of precise hits loose on the clone. Who either ducked or blocked all of them. Krillin moved in behind him and together the two of them kept him busy. An expression of annoyance on his face.
He looked around for the third fighter and he was nowhere to be found when suddenly the other two broke up from their assault and he looked up only to find a large blue blast already on top of him. Yamcha had used the time to prepare powerful Kamehameha from above him. He was slammed back into the tiles with a large explosion. Yamcha huffed as he went to go a 10 times multiplier for that attack. The three of them landed on the ground in a circle as the dust slowly faded and the junior picked himself up. He was breathing hard and injured from that attack. He was shaking with rage. "You weak fools! You think you can defeat me?! I'm an elite, you human trash!"
"Yamcha started grinning then. "You don't look so elite to me."
Freeza Junior and Cell Junior was watching from a hidden point in the tower then.
"That weak fool is going to lose at this rate." Freeza Jr. said. "Pathetic monkey."
"You're one to talk, you're almost as pathetic as he is." Cell Jr. said with a high pitch laugh.
"Children. No need to fight." A voice said from behind them. King Cold in his true form towered over them from behind, brandishing a regal looking cloak and armor, he seemed perfectly in control of his power now, also watching the proceedings. "These Saiyans and their friends will all be dead soon enough. I'll see to that." He said smugly. Looking down at the Freeza clone reminded him strongly of the dishonor this planet has done to his family. He'd begin with killing the girl who murdered Cooler and go from there.
Yamcha rushed towards the Vegeta clone and unleashed a furious melee assasult that put him on the back pedal. The clone shout and used a kiai that blasted him backwards. Krillin was already on top on him then continuing the attack while Tien took high to the sky and form his hands in a triangle.
"Man, look at them go." Goku said, impressed. "They haven't given him a moment to breath. They've all grown pretty strong."
Mizuna nodded. "They definitely fight the best as a unit. This little clone can't beat them."
Gohan stood stoically near Piccolo, he's kept quiet today and has taken to closely observing everyone. He didn't want to let everyone down when it was his turn to fight.
"Kikoho!" With a shout a massive yellow blast of energy hit the clone and put him on the ground, his body was burnt and smoking and he barely got back to his feet again, his body was trembling with the effort. The three humans landed across from him smiling. They had barely been touched the entire fight.
Just then Cell appeared next to the clone. "You're done." Anger was evident on his face, he hadn't expected his clone to be an utter joke against the human fighters of all people. He was purposefully made the Vegeta clone weaker to challenge the weaker fighters, but this was embarrassing. "Go back to the tower."
The Vegeta clone only scoffed as he regain some composure. "Me? Run away? I think not. These three are pathetic and I'll defeat them eventually." Cell then grabbed him by the throat and threw him into the air and with the smallest pulse of energy, he was turned to dust. The crowd was absolutely horrified at this there were shrieks of fear as some people began to leave.
His gaze fell on the three humans. "Looks like you win. The next match won't be so easy however." Then he looked over at Vegeta. "You can expect the same fate for yourself by the end of the day."
"He dares?" Vegeta growled and step into the ring to fight him. Goku stopped him however. "Soon enough we'll have our chance, Vegeta."
"Our chance? I'll be killing him myself." Vegeta said.
"Next fighter, come out." Cell called as the next miniature warrior left the tower and headed over. It was a tiny version of Freeza this time, in his sleek final form that they all immediately recognized. Instead of the purple coloring though, this one was blue and his skin which was normally white was grayish.
"Trunks, why don't you step forward? I'd like to see if you've improved at all." Cell said smugly.
Freeza Jr. looked at Trunks closely as he entered the ring and sneered. "You look familiar, monkey. You're the one that killed me."
Trunks smirked at him, already in his Super Saiyan form now. "Yeah, I did. I don't mind killing you again though." Then he crouched low in a fighting stance. He could feel the difference between this clone and the real thing, this one was significantly stronger. It'd definitely give him a good fight. Good thing he'd be refining his fighting. He'd also taken after the others with mastering his Super Saiyan form, he'd started later then the others so he wasn't as nearly as far along, but it'd help at least. Trunks aura flared around him as he powered up to his maximum and moved to end the fight in one blow. "Let's go!"