Chapter #23

Let the Cell Games Commence!

"Don't worry though; we still have Gohan and Vegeta."

Those words spoken by Goku were meant to be one of reassurance to his friends, but it could have not been less effective. A sweat bead rolled down Krillin's head, "Y-you mean that…"

Goku glanced at him, "If I fail, then Gohan and Vegeta will do it."

Gohan, who had remained silently throughout this whole exchange, stared at his father with confusion. How could he, a young boy suddenly defeat Cell? He was not a martial arts genius like Goku or Vegeta, but he had been gifted potential and power above their capacities. But Cell was an abomination with terrible power; not only did he possess strength rivalling even Gohan's new Super Saiyan 2 form, but he also possessed the genes and technique of Goku and Vegeta. Sensing Gohan's unease, Goku turned back to him, "You can do it Gohan. You're more than strong enough."

Gohan nodded, although on the inside, his unease hadn't been settled one bit. Goku placed his hand on his son's shoulder, "C'mon, let's go fishing!"

Gohan blinked, wondering if he heard his father right, but he disappeared from the Lookout in an instant.

Capsule Corporation…

Bulma rushed out in fear as an unknown spaceship descended onto Planet Earth. Her fears were quieted for a brief moment when she saw Trunks, but when Nappa and Raditz appeared without Vegeta, those fears were renewed. She ran over to Trunks, hugging him, "Where's Vegeta?"

Trunks closed his eyes and shook his head. Bulma collapsed onto his body, "V-vegeta…h-he's…"

When Trunks didn't respond, Bulma's cries grew louder as they crescendoed into a wail. Sorrow leapt out from the wail, and Trunks couldn't suppress a tear. Nappa and Raditz gazed at the situation, evidently at a loss for words. At last, when the sobbing died down, Bulma asked, "How?"

Trunks finally opened his bright azure eyes, "He bit off more than he could chew."

Bulma shook her head, "At least he died the way he would have wanted to…going out in a battle. Maybe we can use the Dragon Balls to revive him."

Trunks nodded, "You're right…he didn't die twice in the timeline yet. That means that…he can still be revived in the future as well! I can't believe that I didn't think of that…"

A smile slowly appeared on Bulma's face, "So Vegeta isn't really dead after all…"

Nappa and Raditz both stood next to Trunks. Nappa slapped the son of Vegeta's back, "What are you waiting for then? Gather the Dragon Balls!"

Trunks quickly gave a grin towards the two as he quickly flew off on his way to revive Vegeta.

The first few Dragon Balls were gathered without much incident, however, on the last one, Trunks encountered a surprise. As he entered Ginger Town, a familiar green humanoid creature flew down. Trunks clenched his fists, "Cell, what the hell are you doing here?"

Cell smiled, "Ah, Trunks. You're here for the last Dragon Ball to revive Vegeta aren't you?"

The teenager prepared himself, "So?"

Cell got into a battle stance similar to that of Vegeta's during his fight with Goku, "How about you show me what you can do, and if I'm satisfied, then you're free to take the Dragon Ball."

Trunks transformed into a Super Saiyan, and the golden glow from his aura shone over the city, indeed like a Light of Hope. Trunks made the first move, leaping over to Cell and attempting to strike him. Cell's surprised face was evident as he took the powerful blow from Trunks, however, the Saiyan was prepared to dodge Cell's attack. Cell grinned, "Yes…you've passed that test."

Cell powered up himself, releasing a purple glow that caused the sky to turn dark and completely dominated Trunks's golden glow. The Android calmly flexed his muscles out, "Well then…let's start with the warm-up shall we?"

Cell suddenly disappeared as Trunks closed his eyes, attempting to sense his presence. Suddenly, Trunks opened his eyes, 'There!'

He blocked Cell's kick, but the force of the attack sent Trunks flying into a skyscraper. Cell pointed a beam of energy at Trunks, and fired a Death Beam into the skyscraper. It shook and then fell over the Super Saiyan, but Trunks walked up slowly, holding up the skyscraper. Cell smiled again, "What's wrong, is that all the power you have? How disappointing."

Trunks made a series of complicated hand motions, "Burning Attack!"

Cell put up a shock of face to lure Trunks into a false sense of security, but when the attack was merely inches from his face, a barrier suddenly surrounded Cell, breaking the attack into mini ki shards. Trunks leapt off, forcing his knee towards Cell. A barrier surrounded Cell again, and Trunks growled as his knee struggled against the barrier. Cell pointed his finger at Trunks's torso, "Death Beam."

A beam of energy was charged at Cell's fingertips, and a sharp, shrill voice surrounded the area. Trunks gasped as he spat out blood through his mouth with a new small hole in his torso. The Super Saiyan fell back, reverting back to a regular Saiyan. Cell stood over him, with the darkness illuminating him to a shockingly amazing effect. Cell appeared to be a harbinger of destruction, standing victorious over a warrior of hope. He put his hands in a cupped position, "Ka…me…ha…me…"

"HA!" a voice rang out, but it wasn't Cell.

An azure wave of energy consumed the bio-Android, and Trunks managed to see the reassuring figure of Super Saiyan Goku. The Saiyan nodded towards Gohan, "Give him a Senzu Bean, quickly."

Cell came back from the ground, with the lower half of his boy destroyed. However, tendrils quickly came from the upper half of his body and formed his lower body back, "Son Goku…what a treat. I wasn't expecting to fight you already."

Goku narrowed his eyes, "Why are you here Cell? There's still two days until the Cell Games."

Cell stretched out, "I was hoping for a little warm up. You see, Vegeta's dead, and poor Trunks was gathering the Dragon Balls. If you manage to satisfy me Son Goku the Super Saiyan, then I will give you the last Dragon Ball."

Goku nodded as he focused his ki energy. A sudden burst of violet aura surrounded him as his Super Saiyan hair turned slightly black, "I've been practicing this. Ever since I discovered the Super Saiyan form, I realized that the form added an evil power to me. I couldn't even ride the Nimbus in fact, and since this anger and evil manifested at a young age, it's been developing into a great evil side of me. This form is what I call a pseudo Negative Super Saiyan, where I harness the true power of a Super Saiyan. However, I haven't nearly mastered its power yet."

Gohan raised his head, "Dad's already using that power…" Secretly, in his head, he muttered, 'He must be really desperate to keep the Super Saiyan 2 transformation a secret.'

Trunks coughed out blood as he managed to look up, "That ki…it's evil. Is that really Goku?"

Goku gazed at Cell, "Get ready Cell. I'm going to tear you apart!"

Cell smacked his lips in interest, "Wonderful…delightful! That power is truly marvelous! Come, show me your strength Goku!"

Goku appeared in front of Cell while he was speaking, and the bio-Android gazed at him in shock. Goku punched Cell's abdomen, and the Android coughed out purple blood. Goku then span around and kicked the Android's jaw as he muttered, "Don't get me angry Cell…in this form, not even I have full control of my emotions."

Suddenly, Goku put his finger to his head, and quickly picked up the Dragon Ball, "I forgot to tell you…the Negative Super Saiyan form also improves all five of my senses. It was easy to see where you hid the Dragon Ball."

He threw it at Trunks, "Leave…now."

Trunks caught it before looking at Goku, and then leaving. Nappa and Raditz stared at Goku in stunned silence as well, but they didn't say anything about it. Gohan stared at his father as Goku began to pant with effort. Suddenly, the Saiyan's sclera began changing black as Goku yelled, "NO! Evil will not overcome me!"

The spreading stopped, making Goku have an eye that had a sclera that was partially black and partially white. Cell got up as he regenerated his wounds, "That form…what the hell did you do to yourself Son Goku?"

Goku scowled as he charged towards Cell again, but this time, the bio-Android was ready. A Death Beam pierced Goku's breast, but even that could not stop the powerhouse that Goku was. The Saiyan quickly recovered, skillfully evading one of Cell's attacks and forcefully thrusting his fist into Cell's sides. The bio-Android coughed out purple blood as he attempted to grab Goku into a bear hug. However, the Saiyan was too fast, and managed to appear behind Cell for a devastating jaw kick.

A bubbly dark aura surrounded Goku as the Saiyan quickly clutched his head, "AGH!"

Goku reverted back to a Super Saiyan, and his sclera turned back into its original, white color, "Trunks has the Dragon Balls. We're done playing your game…for now."

Cell narrowed his eyes as he flew off back to the Cell Games Arena, before giving a last smirk, "Be aware Goku, the power I showed today isn't anywhere near my full strength."

Goku turned towards Gohan, "I don't want to ever have to use that power again. Your transformation has to be enough to defeat Cell."

Gohan gulped and nodded as Goku relaxed, "Hold my hand, we're going to take a little break."

With that, the two disappeared, and the sky turned calm again.

Capsule Corporation…

Trunks stood over the Dragon Balls, placing his hand on them as suddenly a great light encompassed the area. Trunks covered his eyes as a majestic green dragon rose up from the Dragon Balls. The dragon eyed Trunks for a moment before booming, "You who have gathered the seven Dragon Balls…state your wish."

Trunks yelled back, "I wish for the Saiyan known as Vegeta to be brought back to life!"

Suddenly, a gigantic splash hit the river as Trunks turned around. Vegeta's gloved hand gripped the edge of the cement, coughing out water. The Saiyan prince stood up, eyeing his son for a moment, "Did…you defeat him?"

Trunks nodded as Vegeta began laughing, "Haha…hahaha! My son, my son defeated the Legendary Super Saiyan!"

Bulma rushed out and hugged Vegeta. The Saiyan's laughter disappeared, and while he certainly didn't look happy about the hug, he remained quiet throughout it. Nappa snickered, "Wow…Vegeta's really grown into a softie hasn't he."

Vegeta shot Nappa a glare of anger and the Saiyan commander quickly changed his expression back to one of severity and graveness. Vegeta turned to Trunks, "So how did you do it?"

Trunks smiled, "I achieved a transformation even greater than a Super Saiyan."

However, Vegeta stopped, "Those clothes, they're even more ripped then they were when I died. Broly sure did give you a hell of a fight didn't he?"

Trunks shook his head, "On my way to gather the Dragon Balls…I came across Cell. I couldn't use the transformation, because I was just tired out from fighting Broly."

Vegeta charged up into a Super Saiyan, "Oh then…show me the strength that combated the Legendary Super Saiyan."

Trunks gave a deep breath, 'It's been 3 hours…my ki reserves should be replenished by now.'

He gave a mighty roar as his yellow aura swept everybody back. Bulma held onto a tree for support as winds howled at the spectators. Electricity sparkled around Trunks, as he gave a commanding yell.

He turned towards Vegeta, his gaze confident, "This…is a Super Saiyan 2."

Cell Games Arena…

Cell's eyes snapped open from his slumber, "What the? That power?! It's…incredible!"

Goku's House…

Goku gazed up, sensing Trunks's energy. Gohan sensed it too, as Chi Chi muttered, "What now?"

Goku smiled, "He's a Super Saiyan 2 as well! What power! He could give you a run for your money Gohan!"

Capsule Corporation…

Vegeta smiled, "Amazing Trunks…your power is truly incredible."

Trunks relaxed, "You really think so Dad!"

Vegeta's expression turned stern immediately, "You let your guard down. Big Bang Crash!"

The red sphere of energy managed to make contact with Trunks, who growled in pain as he was pushed back. The Super Saiyan 2 recovered easily and flew over towards Vegeta, sending a punch that took the Saiyan prince's breath away. Vegeta leapt acrobatically over Trunks and fired another Big Bang Crash, but the Super Saiyan 2 easily deflected it. Trunks appeared behind Vegeta suddenly, and dealt a blow so powerful it knocked Vegeta several feet back. Vegeta smiled, "Yes…this is the power that my son should have!"

The Saiyan prince powered up, "Get ready Trunks, I'm not holding back now!"

He charged towards Trunks with incredible speed, but the Saiyan blocked the attack, and then rammed his fist into Vegeta's stomach. Vegeta gasped in shock as he was sent flying back several meters. Vegeta flew back at Trunks again, using momentum to his advantage. However, the events were only repeated as Trunks easily blocked Vegeta's attack. Vegeta leapt back this time, narrowly avoiding Trunks's superfast punch. The Saiyan quickly charged up a Big Bang Crash at point-blank range and fired it, causing a magnificent explosion of crimson in midair. However, the Saiyan's eyes widened when he saw Trunks emerge from the attack, unfazed.

Vegeta powered down, "Impressive. That type of power will surely defeat Cell."

Trunks powered down as well, "I hope so…who knows what type of monstrous power Cell has."

Cell Games Arena…

Cell's shock remained as he scowled, "My Juniors aren't strong enough to combat a threat like that…"

The bio-Android gazed up, "Well…it looks as though this tournament's result may be wary after all…"

Hyperbolic Time Chamber…

Both Piccolo and Nail emerged from the Time Chamber at last, their clothes both battered and ragged. Sensing Piccolo's presence, Kami used his cane to stand up, "At last…it is time."

Piccolo raised an eyebrow, "What the hell do you mean?"

Kami placed his hand onto Piccolo's chest, "We were once one being…a Super Namekian. Now, against Cell, it is time for the Namekian to rise again."

A gigantic surge encompassed Kami as he muttered, "Cell is a threat to the entire universe. You must stop him Piccolo!"

Mr. Popo ran over, "Kami sama, what are you doing?"

Kami gave Mr. Popo a ghostly smile, "My time is up. Let the son of Katas be born once again!"

A gigantic beam of energy encompassed Piccolo as Nail turned, "Is this really the right decision?"

Kami gave Nail a smile as well as his figure disappeared completely. Piccolo grasped his hands, "Interesting…so this is the strength of a Super Namekian."

He began laughing triumphantly, "Such power…this is brilliant!"

A white, mystic aura surrounded Piccolo as he powered up to his maximum. The Namekian ran around, before shaking his head, "I'm not quite sure if it's enough against Cell."

Nail stepped over, "What's this? Your personality's changed!"

Piccolo smiled, "I am not Piccolo anymore, although you could call me that. Actually, I like being referred to as Tatsu too."

Nail nodded, "Tatsu…it's good to have you by our side."

Tatsu nodded back, "I do wish that Kami allowed Piccolo to still have control, but it seems that he still doesn't trust him. His personality is suppressed within mine."

He turned towards the Z Fighters, who gathered around this new warrior. Tien smiled, "Tatsu…that's an interesting name. Are you ready?"

Tatsu glanced at the Z Fighters, "My power likely cannot compare with Cell's, however, I would appreciate it if you gave me a warm up."

Krillin gave a confident grin, "Alright, but be careful if you bite off more than you can chew."

The Namekian disappeared suddenly, and his image reappeared behind Krillin. The monk gave a gasp of shock when he realized that Tatsu was behind him, however, his reaction was far too late when Tatsu knocked him to the ground. Tien rushed over, "Kaioken!"

A crimson aura surrounded Tien as he thrust his fist towards Tatsu. The Namekian reacted quickly, grabbing the fist and twisting it so that it did minimal damage. Tatsu lifted up his leg slowly, infusing it with a mystical white ki. When he kicked, the attack was devastating, and it instantly knocked out the Kaioken aura from Tien. Nail was next, the Namekian warrior gave a mighty battle cry and fired a Mystic Cannon. Tatsu walked out of the smoke calmly, barely injured at all.

In his hand was a growing sphere of ki. The ki particles that formed it were not from him, they were from the trees and grass around him. Saying nothing, Tatsu fired the attack, and its speed proved to be too much for Nail. Yamcha rushed over, "Kaioken X10 Wolf Fang Fist!"

Tatsu nonchalantly caught the fist, and his left fist began infusing itself with mystic energy again. He hit Yamcha directly in the abdomen, and the human fell back, defeated along with the others. Tien stood up, "Tch…you're not half bad. That power's incredible!"

A wave of kiai swept over the warriors and they all fell down again as Tatsu clenched his fists, "Hmm…not too shabby. Perhaps I do stand a sliver of a chance."

Tatsu stretched out his hand and gazed at the Z Fighters, "Come, let me get used to fighting again."

Cell Games Arena…

A day later…

Cell raised an eyebrow in acknowledgement as a TV crew pulled up near the Arena. A truck appeared and let out Hercule Satan, a renowned World Champion. He gripped his belt with confidence and gave a cocky grin at Cell. Behind him, a reporter and a cameraman stood. The reporter quietly whispered, "Got a good shot?"

The cameraman nodded as the reporter excitedly began talking, "Hercule Satan has arrived to confront the monstrosity known as Cell! How will the strongest man on Earth fare against him?"

Hercule began smiling as he pointed his finger at Cell, who had now closed his eyes, "Get ready you genetically modified lizard, I'm gonna send you back to wherever you came from! You picked with the wrong planet today!"

Cell sighed as a Cell Junior popped out of his tail. The reporter looked shocked, as did Hercule, "Is that…a mini Cell?"

Cell smiled, "Don't worry…I'm just setting up the tournament."

Out of his tail popped a Goku Junior, Vegeta Junior, Frieza Junior, Cooler Junior, and even a Piccolo Junior. Goku Junior stared at Hercule in interest, whilst the others turned around, sensing his pathetic ki immediately. Cell smiled, "To help weed out the weak, I've enlisted the help of my children here. Be careful though, their strength is not that far from my own!"

Suddenly, multiple presences were felt on the battlefield. Cell smirked, "Ah…so they're finally there."

The Z Fighters stood on a plateau, looking over the edge. Goku glanced at the Juniors, "What are they for Cell?"

Cell responded cordially, "To measure your strength. They will push you Goku, just a regular Super Saiyan cannot beat them."

Goku narrowed his eyes as he murmured to Gohan, "The others will get the Juniors. I'm sure that Cell already knows that Trunks can turn into a Super Saiyan 2, but he doesn't know about you yet."

The Z Fighters acrobatically leapt down, with Hercule yelling, "H-hey you guys! What the hell do you think you're doing? Hercule Satan's got it covered!"

Vegeta scoffed, "A human with as low ki as yours would get obliterated in an instant."

Hercule gave a growl of anger, but his scared face betrayed his true emotions, "D-do you know that you're talking to the great Hercule Satan! I'm the World Champion for a reason!"

Goku stepped into the ring, "Which one of them are you sending first Cell?"

Cell gave a grin of joy, "Against you…I'll send out Vegeta Junior."

Vegeta Junior stepped forward, smirking, "My pathetic clone couldn't defeat you…so I'm going to do it!"

He rushed towards Goku instantly, who skillfully blocked the first attack. The shockwave sent Hercule and the cast flying back several feet. The news reporter gasped, "Amazing! Just the shockwave from that one attack was enough to send us back several feet!"

Goku gave a yell as he returned the attack, only to have Vegeta Junior block it with his hand. The Saiyan clone charged a Gallic Gun quickly in his right hand, blasting Goku at point-blank range. Goku gave a goofy grin as the smoke cleared, revealing his ragged clothes, "Wow, you're really something! You're just as strong as the normal Vegeta is!"

Vegeta Junior gave a scowl of anger, "No, I'm far superior!"

A golden glow of light surrounded him while Goku narrowed his eyes, "He's getting serious now."

Vegeta Junior stood triumphantly, in his Super Saiyan transformation. Goku glanced at Cell, and then imitated what Vegeta Junior did, transforming into a Super Saiyan as well. Vegeta Junior appeared behind Goku, who kicked the Saiyan clone in the stomach. The clone gasped, coughing up blood as Goku rammed his fist to the side of his jaw. Vegeta Junior recovered and scowled, "Take this! Big Bang Crash Barrage!"

A barrage of red Big Bang Crashes surrounded Goku, and Vegeta Junior commanded them all to attack him. The Saiyan gave a grim look before using Instant Transmission to get behind Vegeta Junior. Vegeta Junior turned around in shock before Goku got another successful attack in. Cell gave a grimace, "Pathetic…he's struggling at this level…"

A bright yellow dome of ki surrounded the arena when they met fists. Again, Hercule and the TV cast were knocked back, and at last the reporter timidly spoke, "Uh…perhaps we should move further from them!"

Hercule stood, his jaw dropped all the way to the ground. Gusts of wind blew back mountains and shockwaves caused even the sturdiest of plateaus to waver and drop. Goku grinned, "Let's kick this up a notch!"

Both he and Vegeta Junior powered up, both reaching their absolute maximum. Vegeta Junior rushed towards Goku, taking the first attack. The clone smirked with satisfaction as Goku was sent flying straight towards the end of the arena. However, at the last second, Goku lifted his head up and began hovering over the arena. Vegeta Junior gave a growl as he charged a purple beam of energy, "Gallic Gun!"

Goku leapt up, dodging the attack easily, only to see Vegeta Junior above him. The Saiyan clone smashed Goku to the ground, causing a tremendous amount of dust and rubble to float over. Goku flew back up quickly, giving a smile, "Whew…you sure are a tough one!"

Vegeta Junior was livid, "Damn you! How are you taking my attacks and surviving?"

The Saiyan turned serious, "I have to finish this now…I can't use up all my energy fighting you. Just give it up."

Vegeta Junior was even angrier as he rushed towards Goku, abandoning all defense, "You dare challenge me?"

Goku tapped his back with a charged blue orb glowing in his hand, "Kamehameha."

The beam fired into Vegeta Junior, sending him crashing out the arena. Cell gave a nod of approval, "Impressive Goku. You have won."

Vegeta Junior gasped as he struggled to get up, "G-Gallic…"

Suddenly, his body exploded, forcing both Goku and Vegeta to elicit gasps of shock. Vegeta powered up into a Super Saiyan, blowing back the Z Fighters, "YOU DAMN INSECT!"
Goku growled, "You didn't have to do that Cell."

Cell smiled, "What's wrong? He was just a pawn that was of no use to me. Now Goku, take a rest. I want you at your best when I destroy you."

His Juniors all cowered in fear at their father's intolerance for defeat. Cell scanned the Juniors for a while before announcing, "Piccolo the Third! You will be against Gohan."

Gohan narrowed his eyes, preparing to get into the ring, but Tatsu stood in front of him, "No…I shall be the opponent."

Cell raised an eyebrow, "Piccolo? No…your ki signature is different. No matter, tear him to pieces."

Piccolo The Third stood in the arena, tearing off his turban quickly and charging up, "You're not the one I was hoping to face."

Tatsu stood bravely, "I am both Piccolo and Kami. The one you see here is their original state. In other words, you are merely but half of me."

A dangerous smile grew on Piccolo's face, "Oh? Are you implying that I only have half your strength?"

Tatsu flung his fists in the air, sending a sparkling white dust towards Piccolo. The Namekian clone gazed in confusion until suddenly, it expanded into a full power energy sphere that rammed into the clone. Tatsu smiled back, "Exactly."

Piccolo was flung back a great distance by the attack. The Z Fighters stared in amazement, with Goku giving a grin, "Not bad! He's not as strong as a Full Power Super Saiyan, but his abilities definitely make up for it!"

Piccolo finally managed to contain the blast with his hands and panted, "What the hell was that?"

The white dust flickered in Tatsu's hand again, "Take this one and perhaps you'll find out!"

Again, the white dust rushed towards Piccolo, but the Namekian clone appeared behind Tatsu quickly. Piccolo sent a kick towards Tatsu, who replied by blocking with his forearm. The force of the attack, however, was still enough to push Tatsu back. Just as Tatsu was about to fall out of the ring, he hovered and pushed himself back up. Krillin laughed, "Nice!"

Piccolo charged up a sphere of energy with his fingertips. The Namekian gave a growl as he used the Multiform technique, surprising both Tien and Tatsu. Tatsu attempted to use his memories to gain an understanding of this variation, but it was to no avail. Cell sent a cocky grin towards the spectating Z Fighters, "Not even the original Piccolo ever thought of this variation! My clone is simply improved in every way!"

A few clones stepped forward, firing their Special Beam Cannons. Tatsu leapt up as they collided into a brilliant explosion that forced him to cover his eyes. Four clones were in the air as well, and they fired their Special Beam Cannons. Tatsu summoned a great green shield of ki, deflecting all the attacks. At last, the real Piccolo emerged, "Full Power Special Beam Cannon!"

Tatsu dodged it, but its speed was still too much for him. It pierced straight through his shoulder, and the Namekian gasped in shock as a gaping hole emerged there. Tatsu fell over, purple blood flowing freely from the wound. Piccolo smirked as he fell down onto the Arena floor, "Shouldn't have been so cocky."

The hole repaired itself as Tatsu stood up shakily, "Don't underestimate the power of a Namekian."

A gigantic burst of energy compressed itself into Tatsu's hands. Tatsu was pushed back by its power and smiled apologetically, "I haven't quite gotten used to the full strength of this attack yet…God…Mystic…CANNON!"

A silent pew was heard, and then the gigantic purple wave was fired, devouring Piccolo's body. It eventually reached even Cell, whose eyes widened in surprise before deflecting the beam into space, where it vanished. Piccolo staggered, his clothes charred and one of his antennae missing. The clone panted, bruises everywhere over his body, and purple blood scattered onto his head and torso. Tatsu appeared behind Piccolo suddenly, who was immediately on guard. However, the Namekian had tapped his back, "Green Killer."

A green shard of energy enlarged, blooming into a magnificent green flower. Piccolo staggered back as he fell down, "D-damn it…"

Tatsu gazed back in slight surprise, "So you're still alive?"

Piccolo growled as blood flowed freely out of his mouth, "How…I'm so much stronger…but…"

The Namekian clone fell unconscious as Tatsu spoke to himself, "I need to get stronger. It's not effective against those with power far greater than my own."

Cell stared at Tatsu, "You…you're quite a threat aren't you?"

Tatsu stared back with a menacing gaze, and Cell kept eye contact for a moment before laughing, "Wonderful, wonderful! This tournament will be more fun than I had expected."

Tatsu flew back up to the cliff, where Vegeta leapt down, "Cell! I'm getting tired of your games! Hurry up and face us!"

Cell gestured towards Frieza Junior to step forward. Vegeta clenched his fists as Cell gave a cordial grin, "Sure…if you can defeat my son."

The Saiyan transformed into a Super Saiyan quickly, charging towards Cell. Frieza Junior stepped in front of him at the last moment, catching the Saiyan's fist and slapping him with his tail. Vegeta wiped off a small trail of blood as he scowled, "That's how you want to play it isn't it scum?"

Frieza Junior charged a Death Beam with a confident smirk on his face, "I have all the memories of the past Frieza, and how he humiliated you."

Vegeta dodged the attack easily, "Well then, you also know how about how I beat him after his revival. Except now I'm even stronger!"

The Saiyan rushed towards Frieza at speeds faster than he could react, punching the Frost Demon into one of the four pillars of the arena. Frieza leapt up quickly, with both hands placed above his head. A violent purple ball of energy formed, with Krillin giving an appropriate shiver, "T-that attack was what he used to destroy Namek!"

Vegeta smiled, "Come, throw it at me. Let me show you the strength of a Saiyan!"

A vein popped out of Frieza Junior's temple, "Are you taunting me you inferior simian?"

Vegeta gave an even more irritating grin, "Yes…I suppose I am."

Frieza Junior threw the Death Ball with great force at the Super Saiyan, who placed a hand behind him. The had charged up a green sphere of energy that quickly increased in size. He gave a cocky grin, "Prepare yourself. This is an attack I've been waiting to use…Final…"

A sweat bead dropped down Yamcha's forehead, "No way…all that ki. It's so destructive!"

Tien was in shock as well, "And yet he's learned to compress that amount of power into such a small ball of ki! He really is a fighting genius!"

As the other Z Fighters watched in amazement, Goku merely smiled, "Heh…so you've improved too haven't you Vegeta."

Vegeta finally gave a roar, "SHINE!"

Those simple and short words commanded a great train of energy to charge straight towards Frieza Junior's Death Ball, pushing it back and then shattering it into shards of ki. Frieza Junior gasped in bewilderment, "What the…"

The attack could be seen even outside the Earth. The gigantic beam of energy flew far past it, even almost reaching the Moon. Vegeta panted, "I was hoping to use that attack against you Cell. But killing Frieza another time was a chance too good to lose."

Cell gazed up, "It seems Frieza Junior has been pushed out into outer space. How long will it take for him to get back?"

Not long apparently, as the brutally damaged body of Frieza Junior flew back with immense rage. Half of his torso had been blown apart cleanly while the clone gave a seething scowl, "D-damn you! I dodged it and the attack still destroyed half of my torso!"

The Emperor began charging a Death Beam, and it managed to pierce Vegeta's chest. The Saiyan fell back, coughing out blood as Frieza laughed, "Hohoho! You pathetic monkey fool! Super Saiyan or not, you will die by my hand!"

The Frost Demon began charging another Death Beam, but Goku got in the way, quickly deflecting it. Frieza Junior scowled, "Get out of the way Goku!"

Cell smirked as he waved his finger, "Nuh uh uh! Interference is not allowed!"

Goku turned towards Cell, his eyes ablaze with a righteous light, "This isn't a game Cell!"

Cell raised his arms, "It is a game Goku!"

A shockwave blasted Goku back suddenly, and the Super Saiyan's eyes widened in shock. He crashed into a pillar, causing it to collapse on top of him. Vegeta scowled while blood dribbled out of his chin, "K-Kakarot's surpassed me…b-but he still can't beat Cell?!"

Frieza Junior began falling down, his balance unstable, while Vegeta coughed, "I-I'm not done yet…Big…Bang…ATTACK!"

The blue sphere of energy crashed into Frieza's body, destroying the other half of it completely. Vegeta panted, clutching his chest. Trunks immediately rushed over, giving him a Senzu Bean. Vegeta took it and ate it, getting up from the arena floor. He glanced towards Cell, 'How much power does he have?'

Goku Junior leapt up into the arena eagerly while Cell glanced around, "Gohan. I want to see your strength."

Gohan nodded, his eyes steeled with a resolute valor. Goku struggled up, "Gohan, don't use all your energy. The real fight hasn't started yet."

A blaze of power erupted onto the battlefield as Super Saiyan Gohan powered up to his maximum in his state. Goku Junior, seeing this, powered up too. The clone smiled, "Let's have a good fight shall we?"

Gohan nodded while he gulped, 'I have to win…he's just a clone!'

Cell grinned, and the grin slowly grew wider, "Goku Junior. Do not hesitate."

Goku charged towards Gohan, attacking him with a jab. The Super Saiyan tried to retaliate, but saw his father in the form of Goku Junior at the last second. Goku Junior managed to land another attack sending him into a mountain. Goku yelled, "Gohan! Just think of this as sparring!"

Gohan attempted to block another attack, but his block was too weak. He was knocked back to the edge of the arena, but he hovered up, only for Goku Junior to land another kick. Gohan flew up, "M-Masenko!"

Despite the hesitation, the energy wave was still an explosively powerful attack. Goku Junior had to counter quickly, "Kamehameha!"

The quickly charged Kamehameha was pushed back by Gohan's Masenko. A gigantic explosion signified the youth's victory in the beam struggle, and even Cell raised an eyebrow in acknowledgement. Goku Junior struggled out, "Wow…your power really is incredible!"

The clone's voice dropped several octaves, "But I can't hold back…"

Suddenly, Gohan coughed out blood. Goku Junior had sent a mighty punch to his abdomen. He got ready for another attack, which Gohan barely dodged. Gohan struggled to catch Goku Junior's second attack, and managed to fire a semi-powerful kick sending Goku Junior into the ground. The clone got up quickly, going behind Gohan. The youth was too slow to react again, and was sent plummeting into the earth. Vegeta gave an irritated yell, "Kakarot, is this all the result of your son's training?!"

Goku was frustrated as well, "Gohan, don't hold back on him just because he looks like me!"

Gohan struggled up, panting with exhaustion, while Goku Junior remarked, "Is that it? I expected more from you…even if you are the son of an inferior version of me."

Electricity began sparkling around Gohan's body, but his hair refused to fly up. He remained in his Super Saiyan form, but his gaze was more determined now, "No…that's not all."

The Super Saiyan summoned his full power, rushing at Goku with unparalleled speed. Vegeta's eyes widened, "Wh-what? Kakarot's brat…impossible! This power!"

Goku Junior was taken aback by this sudden increase as well, and was hit with a powerful jab, sending him out of the arena. Cell raised an eyebrow in interest, gazing at Gohan's surprising new strength. The Super Saiyan's aura spiked up, bathing his figure in a holy light. Indeed, he appeared to be the Light of Hope. Cell hovered into the arena slowly, "Well, you've certainly made a show of yourself."

Goku turned towards Krillin, who was clutching the Senzu Bean bag with shaking arms, "How many more do we have?"

Krillin gazed into the bag, "Only three!"

The bio-Android raised a hand, and the last Junior, a replica of himself leapt into the arena with enthusiasm. Gohan steadied himself, while Goku Junior slowly crawled into the arena. Cell pointed a finger at the clone, getting ready to finish him off, but Gohan suddenly flew in front of him. The bio-Android frowned, "Move out of the way. You're up against my son."

Gohan glared at Cell, his demeanor entirely different from what it was several moments ago, "Let him go."

The tiny sphere in Cell's finger grew wider, "Move out of the way."

Gohan didn't budge, "Let him go."

At last, Cell sighed, "I can't have myself ruining all my fun just now. Very well, I will spare the failure but…"

The Cell Junior quickly rushed towards Gohan, ramming him into the floor of the arena. With incredible skill, the Cell Junior spun around and used momentum to land a destructively powerful kick to Gohan. The Super Saiyan blocked the attack with his forearm, and charged up an energy sphere in his hand, firing it at point-blank range against Cell Junior.

The Junior gave a growl of irritation, and a purple aura with a black outline spiked up. Sensing the power increase, Tatsu turned to Goku in alarm, "Your son is very strong, but even he cannot beat that monstrosity!"

Gohan apparently knew so too, because his gaze momentarily shifted into one of uncertainty while he felt the strength that the little Cell possessed. Goku turned to Gohan, and scowled to himself, "Damn it…Cell's really planned this through. He wanted to see just how powerful we all were…"

Goku yelled towards his son, "Go all out! Use that!"

Vegeta spun around quickly, his body facing Goku's, 'What?! Could his brat have achieved Super Saiyan 2 as well?!'

A sense of recognition hit Tatsu, 'Yes! Piccolo's memories tell me that he was suppressing something incredible!'

As Gohan powered up, the figures of Android #16 and #18 appeared. Vegeta turned towards them, evidently hostile, "Why the hell are both of you here?"

Android #16 put a hand to halt Vegeta, "We come in peace, Prince of all Saiyans. We have come here to witness the destruction of Cell, and to help you achieve it, if necessary."

Trunks leapt up to attack #16, but Tatsu caught the attack. The Super Saiyan blinked in shock while the Namekian spoke, "They mean no harm. Let them be."

Trunks floated in the air momentarily, his eyes in shock. The Super Saiyan then nodded, backing off and reverting back into his base state. Tatsu went on to observe the fight while Gohan's new electric aura shot up to the heavens. Electricity peppered itself onto his body, and his eyes were stern and much unlike the timid nature of the regular Gohan. With a firm step, he walked forward, with his aura radiating power never seen before. Cell gasped, "Wh-what? Such power!"

Before anybody could react, Gohan's figure had disappeared, and he re-emerged, brutally punching the Cell Junior in his abdomen. Cell Junior coughed out purple blood, staggering back. But Gohan gave him no time to rest as he quickly caught up to him, dealing a kick that dislocated the clone's jaw easily. Cell Junior staggered back while Cell's eyes widened even more, "Impossible! A clone that should've easily be capable of beating any regular Super Saiyan!"

Gohan clutched Cell Junior, and then broke the clone in half easily with a kick, "I'm not a Super Saiyan. I'm a Super Saiyan 2…"

Hey guys! I know it's been a while. But I've decided to continue with Light of Hope. Looking back at my previous chapters, there's a lot that I wish that I could change. But there's always a first time for everything, and hopefully I'll keep on improving!