Chapter #24
Freedom
"I'm not a Super Saiyan. I'm a Super Saiyan 2…" said Gohan.
Those courageous words sparked an intensity in the battlefield never seen before. Cell scowled, "Well then, I assume you shall be the first one to fall!"
He landed into the arena with a soft *tack*, and his scowl turned into a grin, "Let's make this entertaining shall we?"
The bio-Android raised his hand, and Gohan leapt back instinctively. A gigantic wave appeared from the ground, destroying the entire arena. Cell warmed up his muscles, "No holds barred. Let's go."
Gohan glared, and his image suddenly disappeared. Cell, however, reacted quickly, folding his arms to block Gohan's attack. Goku narrowed his eyes, "He was able to react to Gohan's speed…he really is a monster."
Cell smiled as he grabbed the image of Gohan, but Gohan appeared suddenly behind him, placing a ki mine on his back. The bio-Android clutched his back desperately, only to have an explosion knock him back. Cell gasped, 'Impossible! I've absorbed a power to boost myself above perfection, and yet he's still out-speeding me!'
The bio-Android however, detected Android #18 and began smiling, "Yes, #18! Join me and we will fulfill the role of killing Goku!"
#18 stepped back while #16 stepped in front of her, "You will not grow even stronger. This day will mark your demise!"
Cell scowled, but gasped while Gohan shoved his fist into his back. The bio-Android desperately tried grabbing his back, and coughed out purple blood. Cell spun around quickly, catching Gohan by surprise, and delivered an incredibly powerful kick to his jaw. Gohan staggered back, wiping off a trail of blood from his mouth. A violet aura surrounded Cell, while the Android yelled, "You dare make a fool out of Perfection itself?!"
He placed his finger forward, charging up a Death Beam. Gohan easily dodged it, but Cell fired another one. Cell's fingers grew so fast that Gohan struggled to dodge them all, until one slammed him into a mountain. The bio-Android wasted no time, charging a purple beam of energy in both his hands, "Gallic…Gun!"
The destructive beam destroyed the mountain easily, hitting Gohan. The sheer shockwave of the blast knocked Krillin and Yamcha back, and Tien struggled to not get blown back. Gohan pushed away the mountain, his clothes mostly destroyed and ragged. However, his gaze still remained determined, "I'm going to finish you Cell. You'll never hurt any innocents again!"
Cell got into Goku's battle stance, "Well then! Show me the full strength of this Super Saiyan 2!"
Gohan charged towards Cell without hesitation, dealing an attack to Cell's jaw. Cell attempted a punch, but a year of training with Goku had taught Gohan his martial arts style, and he caught Cell's fist. The Saiyan kicked Cell, and then sent a barrage of punches to his abdomen. Cell attempted a downward sweep, but Gohan jumped up and avoided the attack again. However, at the last second, Cell's style changed to that of Vegeta's, taking Gohan by surprise and allowing Cell to deal an incredibly powerful blow. Gohan leapt back acrobatically, placing both of his hands into a cupped position, "Ka…me…ha…me…"
Cell smirked, "How about I do one myself? Ka…me…ha…me…"
"HA!"
Two enormous azure waves of energy crashed into the middle of the area. Vegeta covered his eyes, "Such power! Incredible!"
Gohan struggled, "Tch…I can't lose now!"
Cell put in more power in his Kamehameha, but it still wasn't enough. Gohan gave a mighty yell of strength, pushing his own Kamehameha straight into Cell. The bio-Android struggled, and gave a yell of pain while he was swallowed entirely by Gohan's Kamehameha. Gohan panted, his hands shaking. The Super Saiyan 2 powered down to his regular state, "I-It's finally over."
Android #18 leapt down without Android #16 noticing. The Android scoffed, "How pathetic…the perfect being gets beaten by a child."
Android #16 nodded, but then suddenly went on alert, "#18! Watch out!"
Cell's hand appeared from beneath the ground, grabbing onto #18's ankle. Surprised, #18 struggled, but Cell was simply too strong for her. He popped out of the ground, his stinger rising and allowing a hole for #18 to pass. #16 attempted to interfere, but Cell placed a gigantic barrier around the scene. Gohan powered up into a Super Saiyan 2 again, struggling against the barrier, while #16 was easily pushed back. Cell laughed while #18 went up his stinger, and a gigantic wave of energy encompassed the area. Gohan covered his eyes, while he was slowly being pushed back.
Cell emerged from the ground, and tapped the barrier. It shattered easily with tremendous force, and his new appearance was menacing. His muscles were sleek, and yet there was an evident bulge about them. His face had gotten slimmer, but his appearance was still mainly the same. Cell gripped his arm, "Hahahaha! I'm better than I was before in every way!"
He appeared behind Gohan without the Saiyan noticing. Suddenly, Gohan looked around while Cell smirked, "I'm faster."
The bio-Android knocked Gohan into the ground, "Stronger!"
Gohan attempted to fire a Masenko at point-blank range, but Cell intercepted his hand, "A Masenko eh?"
Gohan's eyes widened, while Goku collapsed onto his knees, "I-impossible…"
Cell nonchalantly kicked Gohan, and the Super Saiyan 2 stretched out his arms, "You've gotten stronger…"
Cell appeared in front of Gohan, "Evidently."
This time, Gohan managed to catch Cell's kick, and landed an attack of his own to Cell's gut. Cell grinned, "So you still have a little fight in you eh? Good!"
Cell placed his hand onto Gohan's stomach, sending him towards the sky into a brilliant explosion. Tatsu watched in horror, "Goku…he's stronger than your son! You'll have to step in!"
Goku began walking forward, but Trunks stood in front of him, "No. I'll fight Cell."
Vegeta watched his son with a sense of pride while Goku yelled, "You'll get killed! Cell's far stronger than a regular Super Saiyan now!"
Trunks leapt down, and turned to look at Goku, "I too have the ability to turn into a Super Saiyan 2."
Goku was at a loss for words as Trunks bravely stepped into the arena, "Cell! Your fight is with me!"
Gohan panted, "Trunks…don't!"
Cell meanwhile, stretched his hands out, "Trunks, your strength is so inferior to mine there's no point in fighting with you."
An electric aura sparked from Trunks, and a massive dome like explosion encompassed the area. Gohan covered his eyes, "A-amazing! Did Trunks achieve Super Saiyan 2 as well?"
The Saiyan stood triumphantly, his hair even spikier, and electricity peppered around him. Cell scowled, "So you've achieved Super Saiyan 2…no matter."
Trunks turned to Gohan, "Step out. I'll be fighting him."
Cell stretched out his arms, and then performed Vegeta's fighting pose. Vegeta gave a scowl of anger, "That bastard…dare use my fighting style?"
Trunks got into a stance of their own, and an intense stare-down ensued. Suddenly, they both charged at each other, with massive shockwaves resonating throughout the area. Nail glanced towards Tatsu, "Piccolo and I had fused, but we defused before the Android threat. Should we fuse again?"
Tatsu shook his head, "I fear that Cell with use both quantity and quality to win. We should all be on guard. Those malicious Juniors could come back."
Hearing this, Cell leapt back, and from his tail popped out seven Cell Juniors. All of the Z Fighter's eyes widened in shock, while Goku prepared himself. The seven Cell Juniors each charged at a Z Fighter. A Cell Junior charged towards Goku, kicking him into a mountain. Vegeta was taken by surprise, and couldn't react in time to a powerful blow. Tien steadied himself, "Kaioken X20!"
Even the crimson aura of the Kaioken failed to withstand the might of a Cell Junior. Tien was sent flying away, the Kaioken disappearing instantly. Yamcha and Krillin both teamed up on a Cell Junior. Krillin immediately leapt back and fired a Kamehameha at the Cell Junior, who easily deflected it. Yamcha appeared behind the Cell Junior with a Spirit Ball and launched it towards the small menace. However, the power difference between the two was too great, and the Cell Junior easily shrugged the attack off.
Nappa turned into a Super Saiyan and blocked a Cell Junior attack, with Raditz kicking Cell Junior back with his newly attained Super Saiyan transformation. Gohan, meanwhile, nibbled a Senzu while he easily knocked down the Cell Junior. Another prepared to attack him, but Gohan slammed the two together.
Gohan then threw them both in the air, with his cupped hands charging a Kamehameha. The wave easily destroyed both of them, and the youth glanced around, looking for others that needed assistance. Goku was busy defending against a Cell Junior, but at last managed to land a blow. Gohan flew in, hitting the Cell Junior again, and then using a quick Masenko to destroy it. Goku gave Gohan a grin of thanks while the youth murmured, "Three down…four to go."
Vegeta gritted his teeth, charging a violet beam of energy, "Super Gallic Gun!"
The beam exploded from his palm, charging towards the Cell Junior, who countered with a hastily charged and weak Kamehameha.
Meanwhile…
Cell hastily blocked an attack from Trunks, before quickly kicking the youth back. The bio-Android walked forward, smirking, "Your power is indeed great, but I have the combat experience of Goku and Vegeta. Your time is up."
Trunks panted, grabbing his sword and charging at Cell again. The Android dodged the attacks, before planting his fist into Trunks's gut and firing an energy blast sending him hurtling back several miles. The blast finished with a great explosion, and Trunks emerged with his jacket completely destroyed. Cell walked forward, "It's time to finish this."
He placed both of his hands next to him, a purple beam of energy glowing like a harbinger of death, "Gallic…"
His attack was suddenly interrupted by a kick. Trunks smiled while Gohan landed on the ground next to him, "Are you alright?"
Trunks nodded before narrowing his eyes, "Incredible…I had no idea he would be this powerful."
Suddenly, the youth's mind recalled something. He nodded towards Gohan, "This time, I'll take the lead."
Gohan stared at him for a few seconds, before his brain quickly drew itself to the conclusion that Trunks was thinking of a combination attack that had involved his future self. The Super Saiyan nodded towards Gohan, and the two both sent a ki blast of energy towards Cell. Cell waved them all away, to unravel Trunks, who was charging towards him with his sword. Cell blocked the attack, but Gohan appeared behind him. Suddenly, Trunks glimpsed a flashback, where he was in his teen years with the blade, and Gohan was attacking Android #19. The two both attacked Cell, but a barrier blasted the Super Saiyan 2s away.
Cell stretched out his muscles, "No matter how hard you try, you cannot stop me!"
The bio-Android cupped his hands together, "Ka…me…ha…me…"
Trunks yelled, "Gohan now!"
Gohan charged towards Cell, revealing a ki sphere in his palm. Cell's face transformed from one of glee to one of absolute horror. The ki sphere shot Cell towards a mountain, and Gohan stepped out of the way right while Trunks fired a Gallic Gun attack. A brilliant and beautiful violet domed explosion covered the area. Vegeta turned from his badly injured Cell Junior to give a glance of pride and a rare smile. However, this moment was not witnessed by Trunks, because Vegeta was quickly kicked back by the Cell Junior. Trunks panted, while Cell emerged out of the smoke in a dramatic fashion.
The bio-Android's figure was ruined. Nearly half of his body was entirely obliterated, and his arms writhed in a disgusting manner. A gigantic spurt of purple blood was released while Cell regenerated his body, his eyes livid with rage, "You…damn…Saiyans!"
His rage was contained in a purple aura that sparkled with power and threatened to destroy the Earth. Trunks staggered back, "He still has so much power…"
The violet aura grew into a forcefield that pushed both Super Saiyan 2s back. Elsewhere, an explosion signified the defeat of two Cell Juniors by Goku and Vegeta's hands, and the two Super Saiyans rushed over to help others. Trunks had a stern look in his eyes, "Gohan…if I die, then know that it was an honor fighting by your side."
Gohan gave a smile, "You too Trunks, I appreciate your words."
They had no time to do anything else however, Cell had already began charging towards them. With a mighty kick, he sent Gohan flying back, and then focused his attention on Trunks. The Super Saiyan 2 managed to block Cell's attacks with his sword, and charged up a Burning Attack. The complicated series of hand movements produced a blast that launched itself right into Cell's face. With a growl of rage, Cell punched Trunks back as well. Both Super Saiyan 2s rose from the ground slowly. Gohan panted, "Ma…"
Cell appeared in front of Gohan, "Your efforts are futile!"
He kicked Gohan in the air, but Trunks emerged behind him, "Gallic Gun!"
The beam of energy hit Cell and knocked him into the ground. A barrier of energy shattered the Earth, causing breaks of energy to seep out like pillars of light surrounding a holy object. The violet aura of Cell surrounded him while he slowly hovered up, "My being towers above anybody! I am perfection! No…even more than that, I AM A BEING WHO HAS ACHIEVED POWER ABOVE PERFECTION!"
His rage caused a wave of kiai which Trunks needed to block with his forearm. The bio-Android charged towards Trunks, but a voice yelled, "Kamehameha!"
The beam of energy hit Cell again, who was knocked back. The bio-Android finally had enough, "You damn Saiyans. I'll destroy the entire Solar System with you all! Get ready, this attack will contain my maximum power!"
The ground began shaking while Cell got his hands into a cupped formation, "Ka…"
An azure sphere of energy charged up while he placed both hands behind him, "Me…"
Gohan began charging up his own Kamehameha, and Trunks followed him by charging up his own Gallic Gun. Vegeta stood, his face bloody and his body wounded. Goku stared up too, "Incredible…the power that they're generating…"
Vegeta gave a rare smile to Goku, "I guess it's up to the next generation now."
A Cell Junior attempted to catch Vegeta by surprise, but Goku kicked him back, and the Cell Junior founded that Tatsu was behind him. Suddenly, it exploded while Tatsu panted, "That was the last one."
The noble Namekian's shirt had been torn, and one of his antennas had been ripped off from the childish ways of the Cell Juniors. He still remained standing though, and his strength was still formidable. Tien, Krillin, and Yamcha all emerged from the rubble. Tien growled as his biceps cramped up and panted, "I overused the Kaioken…"
Yamcha and Krillin weren't as injured, but Tien's cramps became frequent. Goku and Vegeta both stood over the cliff while Android #16 stood by himself, staring at Goku, 'He seems to be such a peaceful man, it's sad that I will have to kill him.'
Cell was nearly done charging his Kamehameha wave, as were Gohan and Trunks. The Kamehameha wave within Cell's hands glowed with a great magnitude, "Ha…Me…"
At last, he threw his hand out in the shape of a claw, "HA!"
Gohan and Trunks both fired their energy beams as well, and the three beams all collided into a brilliant explosion. Goku gasped, "Amazing…that amount of power that's generated could destroy several solar systems, not just one!"
Cell growled, "Give it up! You're weakened! I have the experience and abilities of your fathers and intelligence to rival that of the greatest in the universe! All you two have is the weight of living up to your fathers' legacies!"
Gohan panted, "It's…not…over…YET!"
He pushed more ki into his Kamehameha, but Cell's Kamehameha slowly began pushing the Gallic-Kamehameha wave combo back. Vegeta scowled, "No…this can't be! They've both transcended the Super Saiyan form by such a large margin, and yet…"
Cell laughed, "Your efforts are valiant, truly worthy of the offspring of both Goku and Vegeta. I'll give you this, you've surpassed them both, but you cannot defeat perfection!"
Vegeta leapt up from the cliff, using Instant Transmission to appear behind Cell. The bio-Android stared back in annoyance while Vegeta charged a crimson red Big Bang Crash, "Do not underestimate us!"
The blast of energy hit Cell's unguarded back, allowing Gohan and Trunks to get some leverage on the beam struggle. A massive shockwave of kiai around Cell pushed Vegeta into the mountain as he yelled, "I have no time for fools!"
Goku appeared next to Cell as well, firing a Kamehameha. The beam was blocked by a barrier, but Vegeta emerged to help, firing a Gallic Gun. Now, Cell had to deal with four energy waves, and the Super Saiyan 2s managed to gain ground slowly. Tatsu leapt up, "Mystic Charger!"
A sparkle of dust came towards Cell, before Tatsu closed his hand and it exploded, shattering the barrier. Cell gasped in shock as the Gallic Gun and Kamehameha combo hit his back. He struggled to keep his focus up while the image of Gohan and Trunks's combo grew closer. At last, the combo wave managed to overpower Cell, who gasped while he was attacked by four energy waves at once. A massive dome-like explosion covered the area, engulfing Goku, Vegeta, Gohan and Trunks. The remaining Z Fighters watched the spectacle in amazement, gaping at the amount of power they were witnessing. Mr. Satan and the news cast had been thrown back at least 40 feet comically just from the winds generated by the explosion. At last, dust and smoke covered the air. Gohan walked out slowly, followed by Trunks, followed by Vegeta, and then Goku. The four Saiyans stood, in bad condition, but still alive.
Gohan and Trunks both collapsed, reverting back to their base forms. Vegeta gave a laugh of pride, "My son…achieved a power beyond what was thought to be the pinnacle of Saiyan might."
Goku smiled too, "You did good Gohan, now you can rest."
Tatsu stepped forward, "At last, the dark cloud looming over the cosmos is over. Well done, we have emerged victorious from yet another foe."
However, Tatsu stopped and muttered, "Son Goku, there is a dark cloud around you as well…the foe is someone that cannot be overcome by even you. I do not understand these signals, but they are not positive."
Goku nodded, "Thank you for telling me this…now we'll have to use the Dragon Balls to wish back those who died from Cell's rampage."
Tien noticed Krillin walking at a slightly nervous pace, but decided to make nothing of the odd gesture. Suddenly, the monk decided to speak, "Does it mean it #17 and #18? They died when Cell was destroyed."
Goku stared at him for a moment, and then spoke, "It's probably best to exclude them out then."
#16 stood forward, "No…Androids #17 and #18 have some good in them; their heart is right, just bitter."
Goku thought for a moment, before Krillin added on, "Goku, could you please do this for me?"
The Super Saiyan sighed, "Fine, we may as well include them in our wishes too."
Hearing this, a strain of irritation appeared on Vegeta's temples, "Are you insane? The Android menace was stopped and now you want to revive those whose sole goal is to kill you?"
Goku turned towards Vegeta, "Calm down, we should give them a chance. After all, we gave you a chance and you turned out to be one of our invaluable allies."
Vegeta shook his head, "Kakarot you idiot, it's in their damn programming! Their sole goal is to kill you! They are not human; they are killing machines!"
Vegeta's golden aura flared up around him in rage as he placed Trunks down gently onto the ground, "Don't listen to this Android, and don't listen to your friend either!"
Goku placed Gohan down, "Hey, don't get Krillin involved in this, and if the Android's sole duty is to kill me then why hasn't #16 attacked?"
Vegeta yelled, "Because right now you're too damn strong! You and I could both obliterate that piece of scrap metal in an instant!"
"So?" Goku responded, "It's nice to have a rival that keeps you on guard!"
Vegeta scowled, "Oh is that it Kakarot? You want another rival because I'm not strong enough? I assure you, I am far more powerful than those Androids could ever be!"
Goku sighed, "Just give them a chance, we gave you a chance and you turned out to be one of our invaluable allies!"
The prince finally relented after a long staredown, "Fine, but you're responsible for what happens afterwards."
Goku smiled, "Thanks Vegeta," he turned towards Krillin, "Alright, let's get the Dragon Balls!"
With that, the Z Fighters all flew up to Kami's Lookout.
A few moments later…
Krillin gave a courageous yell, "Revive all of Cell's victims that had some good in them!"
Goku gave a smile while he felt a surge of ki signatures upon the Earth again. Androids #17 appeared in front of the Z Fighters, and Android #18 rushed to hug his brother. The Android glanced around, "What happened…where's Cell?"
#16 spoke, "Cell has been beaten, we are in debt to the Saiyans."
Shenron's voice boomed out, "What is your second wish?"
Krillin responded, "We want to make #16, #17, and #18 human again!"
#18 advanced on Krillin in anger, "What do you think you're trying to do?"
Tatsu suddenly appeared in front of Krillin, acting as a barrier between him and #18, "Stop…he's trying to undo what Gero did to all of you. If you aren't grateful to him for doing this, then perhaps I should just finish you three right now."
#18 hesitated, and #16 placed a hand on her shoulder, "I do not sense any malice from Krillin, you may trust him."
Shenron's eyes glowed, "That wish is beyond my power."
A sweat bead dropped down Krillin's forehead, but Tatsu quickly substituted a wish, "Can you remove the self-destruct bombs from the Androids?"
Shenron's eyes glowed, "Your wish has been granted…"
Android #18 stared at the Z Fighters wide-eyed, but #17 placed a hand on her shoulder, "Let's leave sis."
She nodded but before she did, she turned towards Krillin and gave a smile of gratefulness. The bald human's face turned red as he stammered with embarrassment. Tatsu turned towards Shenron, "We will save the third wish for later, thank you very much."
The dragon turned green and fell back into the Dragon Balls. Tatsu stood on a knee, and touched them, "It appears that I am still considered a Dragon Namek, Kami has sovereignty over this body right now…but Piccolo will be in control soon. We'll need to pick a new Guardian later."
Gohan and Trunks both groggily began to wake up. Trunks was the first to regain consciousness, giving a weak, "We did it…"
Gohan was next, and the youth Saiyan managed to give a proud grin as well, "It's finally over…"
