What Could've Been
Chapter 10: Countdown to Doom
On a far off corner of King Kai's Planet away from the prying eyes of its other inhabitants, the cyborg twins laid still on the evergreen grassy ground. So motionless were their bodies and unblinking their emotionless skyward gazes that if it hadn't been for their fingers interlocked together tightly to the point of trembling, one would've thought the duo wasn't merely physically deceased, but also mentally dead.
"Sis," The jet-black haired sibling said numbly at last.
"Yes bro?" The blonde replied in a similar fashion, her lips barely moving.
"W-what do you think awaits our other selves?" Future Seventeen turned toward his trusted partner, his now wavering eyes desperately searching for an answer on her expression.
Future Eighteen blinked a couple of times before sighing but didn't look at her brother. "You mean aside from slowly dissolving in that monster's stomach?" Her tone was more robotic than ever but underneath its iciness was a detectible trace of pain.
Her anticipating audience nodded, swallowing a gulp.
"No idea, but if that asshole said there's more than I guess there has to be right?" She said matter-of-factly.
He shut his eyes in frustration then proceeded to bang the back of his head on the ground, leaving a circular crater while his heel dug deep into the soil and began unearthing the vegetation.
To the bewildered elder twin, it was as if her younger brother was trying to rid of all the green in his vicinity but she kept her handgrip, waiting patiently until he was done with his boyish fit. Only he didn't, well not entirely at least as her raven-haired counterpart began whistling a soft tune that calmed her down as well.
"What?" The sister asked when he finally stopped.
"Nothing sis, just hope that blue bastard would invite us inside. I mean I just can't take the uncertainty." Future Seventeen answered, clearly much less distressed.
"I know. What's there for them anyways? Someone has to step in to," Future Eighteen paused uneasily, lips quivering for what she's about to say. "To help them. That or the fat bastard's just going to make us look at Cell destroying everything." She finished with a clear disdain.
"Oh in the name of Sixteen please no...I mean hell no to Cell destroying everything. As for someone helping them, sorry sis, but I think they're all alone in this." He, having to correct his answer by the hurtful gaze from his sibling.
Sis might be more aloof than I am, but I swear sometimes she's too...needlessly wishful...
As for you, Cell, there's no way I, or that other me and sis would lend you our power...if we were to destroy, we'd do it ourselves!
"Y-yeah I guess so." His listener responded quietly, her lips pursed and heart heavy but not sure at which answer.
Another silence overtook them as they stared up the purple sky, not thinking but merely observing the environment with all senses. A good distance away were the z-fighters, clearly training due to the sounds of their groaning and limbs clashing. Under normal circumstances, such audio cues would've automatically worked the cyborgs into unquenchable killing drive but here, they found these noises a rather welcoming if not soothing agent.
Future Eighteen in particular was training her ears intensely, trying to pick up clues of a certain bald warrior monk whose cries of desperation as he tried saving Present Eighteen had preoccupied her mind ever since. When her auditory senses failed to register his presence, she sat up and turned her ocular muscles to high gear, hoping to catch the elusive fighter.
Where are you Krillin? You have to be here...I know you didn't go to hell so where are you?
"Something the matter sis?" Her sibling asked curiously
"Nothing, just stretching." She lied blatantly.
It was Future Seventeen's turn to raise an eyebrow but just like his twin, he kept the grip on her shaking hands. When several seconds later and she still refused to divulge the truth, he answered for her. "Yeah right, you are probably looking for that midget man who tried to save that other you."
This earned him a disbelieving gaze. "Oh common sis, it's too obvious. Hey, if there's anyone willing of doing something for you, it's probably him." He reassured without waiting for a reply.
"I...I sure hope so." She admitted hesitantly as a healthy blush surfaced on those frosty cheeks.
"Anyways sister dearest," The brother let out a yawn and got up, pulling his sister with him. "What do you say we head inside? There's no point speculating when we can simply view their futures right?" He stretched his limbs and dusted off the mud on his attire.
Future Eighteen couldn't help but gave her much more carefree brother an agreeing smile. "I guess you are right brother dear. Let's see what that obese asshole has in store for us."
With it, the deceased mass murderers made their way back hand-in-hand, but not before the hopeful blonde stole another glimpse toward the gathered z-fighters.
"So, how was the break?" King Kai greeted readily upon the cyborgs' entering.
To the blue-skinned guardian's surprise, neither showed much animosity as they merely sat down on their seats without hurling an insult his way.
"Well?"
"Well, aren't you going to offer us some of your tea?" Future Eighteen finally snapped.
"Yeah you sorry excuse of a god. Let's get the viewing started shall we? Cause we are not falling for any more of your mind games." Future Seventeen chimed in, his fingers drumming the table.
All they received in return was a hearty laugh. "Oh my, looks like someone's misunderstood my intention." King Kai chuckled good naturedly, shaking his head. Despite his guests' not so polite demand for complimentary beverage, he nevertheless got up and poured the duo their tea, going as far as placing the steaming cups before them. "So, I take it you two really are ready for what's to come then?" The host asked solemnly, his demeanor taking a drastic turn.
"Of course we are." Future Eighteen stated impatiently.
"Whatever you have for us, we are ready." Future Seventeen tried sounding nonchalantly but in reality had to take hold of his sister's hand underneath the table.
"Let's begin then." King Kai nodded and, with a snap of his finger, engulfed all three in pitch darkness.
This time, the black void lasted considerably longer and at first, the future cyborgs weren't aware the replay was already underway till a lightning cut through the ominous cloud canopy above, striking what appeared to be a wildly spasming Cell. Soon, more of such sinister light show followed while gusts of tornado descended upon the hellish landscape, repulsing all present backward. The only being unaffected by the violent phenomenon seemed to be Cell. Standing at the epicenter of the storm, the bug creature's muscles contorted unnaturally, its teeth gritted to the point of clattering as devious growls escaped its throat.
Future Eighteen couldn't help but gripping her pounding chest tightly. It was as if she could feel her counterpart's pain through space and time, that the newly absorbed cyborg girl was screaming right beside her ear. Involuntarily, she began trembling in her seat, only kept from falling off by her brother, who had scooted closer to hold her in a comforting hug.
"Oh no it's all my fault. I should've destroyed her when I had the chance!" The future cyborg woman heard Present Krillin admonishing himself but for some reason, hearing the warrior wishing her other self's death didn't anger her as much as it made her pity him.
Maybe you should've Krillin, now you've doomed not just me but yourself as well...
Just then, a blinding pillar of light erupted from Cell's transforming body, engulfing not only the screen, but also the entire room.
Future Eighteen's heart dropped, no longer hearing the screaming which led to the grave conclusion either her other self had been digested fully inside the beast or lost consciousness. Her fear seemingly confirmed upon uncovering her frightened eyes and seeing the cyborg devourer's sleek body much slimmer than its previous bulking form.
No, she's really gone for good...there's simply not enough space on that monster to store one, let along two young adults...
Future Seventeen was trembling in rage at the sight of Cell's new found power but he kept himself from lashing out at the image of the beast, opting instead to hold onto his shivering sister tighter.
Disgusting, truly despicable...not even we would consume our victims in exchange for more power...
Across the screen, Present Krillin too was seething with anger unlike anything the future cyborgs had seem. The usually gentle warrior monk, whose smile Future Eighteen could still recall, was sporting a murderous look, his brows were furrowed, his fists clenched till they bled. A sense of foreboding overcame Future Eighteen one no less severe than when Cell was about to absorb her present counterpart.
N-no Krillin, whatever you do, don't do anything stupid. Just fly away and live for a while longer...
"You murderer, you killed Eighteen!"
It was too late, as the warrior monk had leapt at Cell and began pummeling away at the insectoid with all he's got. It was all too much for the future cyborg woman to bear and she nearly shied away from the scene. No one aside from Krillin had ever called out her name with such emotion and she would've been flattered by this outburst had it not been the valiant human's dire predicament, for it was all too apparent those punches and kicks weren't affecting his target the slightest.
W-what are you doing Krillin? This isn't like you... remember that one time when you tried reasoning with us rather than using brute force? Please use your brain and flee...please save yourself...
Future Eighteen saw the creature's lips curved up in a sinister smirk, its purplish eyes narrowing and knew what was to come. "Get away from Cell this instant Krillin!" She bellowed out, knocking down the chair and nearly overturning the table as she leapt up but the newly completed android was faster and delivered a lightning fast kick to Krillin's neck. A pained gasp escaped the former heartless cyborg's mouth but that's about all she could do aside from watching his determined gaze widened in shock then went lifeless, his limp body soaring through the air like a ragdoll at the mercy of overwhelming force.
No no no...this is the worst...Krillin...you are alive right?
His tattered body laid there unmoving no matter how hard she prayed; however, and before long, Future Eighteen felt her cheeks burning which, upon closer inspection, found it was a trickle of hot tear. She had cried, the cyborg killer just realized, for the first time in decades or perhaps since she became who she was now. This surprise quickly transformed into single-minded rage directed at her host.
That fat bastard...he tricked us back just to watch Krillin biting the dust...he'll pay!
Future Seventeen saw the murderous look on his sister dearest's blinking eyes and knew underneath the eerie silence was an awakened volcano about to erupt. His instinct told him to charge their host together, who was sitting leisurely and probably enjoying every second of their pain but knew better. So he did the first thing came to his mind and gently rubbed her arched shoulders while whispering, "Look sis, I think Krillin's moving again."
It was a lie but anything's better than angering the god with authority over who gets to burn in hell and perhaps for how long, not that the alternative of ticking off his sister was any better. Lucky for him, Present Krillin was by now surprisingly gasping for air and slowly getting onto his feet on a second look, assisted by none other than Trunks.
"Krillin!"
The raven-haired cyborg had never heard his sister address anyone with such compassion and it made him envious of the monk but was also elated by her mood change for the better.
"B-but how?" Future Eighteen held onto her heaving chest, breathing sighs of relief.
"Don't you remember sis? It's the senzu beans or whatever they call it. Trunks must've given one to Krillin before he died." Future Seventeen answered, couldn't believe his meticulous sibling would miss such a detail.
"Oh right...of course it's the senzu beans." She said, brushing the moisture from her eyes in an almost human manner. Try as she might, the future cyborg woman couldn't bring herself to despise the lavender half-Saiyan, who she suspected was probably the same person to have ended their lives. Opening her mouth again, the blonde almost muttered out words of gratitude before shutting herself abruptly, her expression a mixture of conflicting emotions.
All these didn't went unobserved by her troubled twin, who found himself increasingly unable to comprehend his partner's behavior.
By kami, my sister is getting weirder and weirder...
Ah well...as long as you are happy sister dear...I guess I can stand the sight of this Krillin for now...
Speaking of which, I bet she'll enjoy what's about to come next...
"Hey look sis, I think Vegeta's about to get wrecked by Cell." Future Seventeen pointed gleefully at the image of the Saiyan Prince stepping forward, sporting his trademark condescending smirk.
Future Eighteen merely huffed and crossed her arms without showing much interest. "Who cares? It's not like he matters."
"Oh?" The brother exclaimed, further bewildered.
"Hey King Kai, can't we skip all this nonsense? You have better things for us to watch than that monster killing everyone right? If there's more in store for them let's just skip to that part okay?" The sister had turned her head away from the screen completely and looked indignantly at her host.
"Sorry can't do that. Technically speaking your other selves are inside Cell so watching it's rampage is what we'll do." The blue guardian replied simply.
This unexpected answer rekindled a sliver of hope inside the cyborgs as they kept replaying the phrase "inside Cell" repeatedly. By now, neither were so foolish as to show any change in emotion; however, and kept the wishful thinking to themselves.
Watching Vegeta getting thoroughly bested by Cell the cyborg twins did, but such brutality failed to trigger their bloodlust, their formerly insatiable desire to inflict similar pain on others. To be more precise, the killer duo felt numb, not feeling any pleasure when the bug creature casually kicked the alien prince and sending him hurtling through countless rocky hills. Seeing the finishing elbow to the struggling Saiyan's back that sent bone crunching noises reverting across the room brought nothing neither.
In fact, as they watched, both murderers became aware of the disgust and fear they felt toward the monster's strength and wondered if this Vegeta, with his new found power and the all mighty final flash couldn't defeat Cell, what other chance does anyone have.
T-this is a nightmare...just h-how is it possible for a creature to have this much power? Can we ever be freed...
And just how much energy is Cell drawing from us? Will there be anything left when we were freed?
Another heart attack inducing moment came when Sixteen, having witnessed Vegeta's futile efforts, raised his fist at the monster, sending both in a panic at having to see the entire artificial human trio getting wiped out. Needless to say, they were all too happy when the full mechanical android had backed down.
"Hey you heartless scum, Sixteen isn't useless okay?" Future Seventeen had shouted at the insectoid creature when it insulted the injured android. Future Eighteen didn't say a word but nodded in agreement, feeling a strong attachment to the partner they unfortunately never got to meet in their time.
Even the sight of Trunks, their killer having no answer for the rampaging bio-android didn't arouse the slightest bit of satisfaction, only abject horror. As the lavender-haired half-Saiyan stood there, his head bowed, shoulders slumped, and eyes without any signs of fight while Cell had his palm extended forward, ready to execute the helpless half-Saiyan, a sickening sensation rumbled through the future cyborgs' stomachs.
This is it, t-the world is doomed...
W-wait, what am I thinking? Why should I even care if the world, their world ended or not? Our other selves were already dead anyways...
The same thoughts coursed through their minds simultaneously, faces of their countless victims and their expressions of pure despair that resembled not just the despicable Saiyan's, but also their present counterparts', Krillin's, and Sixteen's kept on surfacing until they had to hold onto their aching heads.
"I will give you guys one final chance to beat me. It's no fun besting you pathetic weaklings as it is anyways."
Future Seventeen and Eighteen both let out sighs of relief hearing the surprise announcement and slumped against their chair at the exhaustive viewing.
Good, at least that homicidal maniac won't be harming the planet, or just anyone anytime soon...cause I've had enough of those horror-stricken faces...
Except their reprieve lasted no more than mere minutes, or the amount of time it took Cell to complete his arena and find the nearest television station. There, they witnessed more ghastly facial expressions that inevitably turned lifeless when countless bodies were left on his path to the newsroom where two more victims were claimed, one getting his life choked out of him and the other getting his midsection impaled when he tried to save the broadcaster. The once clean setting was painted a shade of sinister crimson, a color they once enjoyed and had sweet dreams about but now felt unease, if not disgust.
No...no no no, why do I see our faces whenever someone looked scared out of their minds?
They weren't paying much attention during Cell's announcement, with the only vital information they picked up being the creature, now full of itself, challenged all fighters on earth to a tournament called Cell Games. Set seven days from its announcement, it was supposed to give humankind one last chance where unless the challengers won, will result in dooming the world.
What followed was, to the future cyborgs' displeasure, a blast that levelled half of the city. They could almost hear the cries of innocent as the landscape was engulfed by blinding yellow light and thought back to the many villages, towns, and cities eradicated during their tenures as destroyers of the world. While neither knew how they looked while indulging in such activities, they had to admit the smug grin of entitlement on their sibling's face was almost a carbon copy of Cell's as it demonstrated its strength on the hapless victims, victims who stood no chance against its other worldly power.
They were just like those other us, having no choice even if they fought with whatever they've got...
"H-how long is it going to keep destroying King Kai?" Future Eighteen finally asked, unable to restrain the trembling in her voice.
"Don't worry. Cell's done for the day." King Kai answered, shedding light on what's to come much to their surprises.
"A-are you sure?" Future Seventeen chimed in sounding rather hopeful.
Their host merely nodded. "Yes I'm sure of it. You guys won't be seeing any more deaths for some time."
Neither Future Seventeen nor Eighteen knew why hadn't King Kai merely skipped the seven days of waiting, although if they had to guess, it was either to heighten their anticipation or give them more time to adjust. Instead, the guardian had used fast forward, letting the natural lighting and position of the sun being their countdown to the dreaded tournament.
Time, the factor that's supposed to heal everything, became something the future twins craved more and more. As former killers in no need of rest and could went on rampaging for days if not weeks, seeing enough blood to soak every inch of the ground and hearing more desperate cries than a normal human would in ten life times, they found themselves enjoying the tranquil silence. In fact, if it weren't for Cell's disgusting smirk and trepidation at seeing more armies sacrificing themselves in a futile attempt at stopping the threat, the duo probably would've been content at just sitting there, sipping King Kai's mind soothing tea and dozing asleep, slowly losing track of the days passed.
W-what were we doing inside that beast's body? Were we peacefully asleep? Or constantly in pain having our life sapped from us?
Each time they looked at the hated creature's body, such thoughts inevitably clouded their minds until neither could stand it and turned their heads sideways.
"Hey King Kai, w-what happened to Sixteen? Can you switch the camera to him just for a second?" Future Seventeen had asked nervously several days into the fast forward.
"Sorry, but this is your story and not Sixteen's so I won't be switching." The guardian had replied matter-of-factly.
"Ass!" The younger twin cursed under his breath then turned toward his sister, who gave him a dejected look.
While more silent of the two, Future Eighteen found herself the more restless as her attention was divided not only between her present self's fate and Sixteen's but also of the situation of the noseless warrior monk. It took her great restrain from asking their host or rather as she had to remind herself constantly, their blue-skinned tormentor if he could just switch over to Krillin for a bit.
May be I could...no wait, that's exactly what that bastard want to hear out of me...he'll reject my request just like what he did to bro...well I'm not about to fall into his trap...
These mental struggles always led to the former invincible killer's pride took control and she remained tight-lipped, relegating herself to pondering what Krillin could be up to.
W-was he training, trying to find a way to resc, no, to beat Cell? Was he thinking about...no, that's just ridiculous!
It was yet another normal morning on the day of Cell Game, and the future cyborgs wouldn't have noticed anything different had it not been the playback speed resumed normal, prompting both to sit up straight in anticipation. Gradually, the challengers arrived, first a rather comical looking man with huge afro, then Vegeta, Sixteen, and finally everyone else all together in one large party.
"Sixteen!" The future cyborgs had exclaimed in unison upon seeing their comrade from another time line, whose head had been previously blasted open by the monster, stood there not only intact, but fresher than ever, its damaged and shut right eye fully functioning, his trademark orange Mohawk blowing in the air.
"B-but how?" Future Seventeen nearly spilled his tea, his now ocean blue orbs wavering, unable to comprehend the scene.
Future Eighteen knew the answer almost immediately but paused before answering, her emotions more conflicted than ever.
K-Krillin couldn't have possibly fixed Sixteen all by himself...this must meant the others have helped too...
"It's the other z-fighters...they must've stepped in." She said reluctantly, trace of guilt and pain evident in her voice.
"Oh?" The brother said, not quite believing what he had just heard.
"I-I guess the z-fighters must've realized Cell is too much for them to take on and needed Sixteen's help." The sister added, trying to sound more pragmatic in front of her sibling.
"Y-yeah, that must've been it." Was his brief, almost self-hypnotizing reply.
Back on screen, Sixteen had begun making its way to the assembled z-fighters. This effectively silenced the entire room as the future twins wondered if their answer will be answered by the exchange. Future Eighteen especially was paying close attention to how her friend, now wearing a gentle smile, was heading for Present Krillin. While the other warriors were visibly alarmed by the approaching giant, the shorter bald fighter was in his elements and waved at Sixteen.
It really was you wasn't it Krillin?
"Thank you Krillin for taking me in."
The simple gesture of gratitude caused the cyborg woman's heart to flutter while her brother gasped in surprise.
"Hey, it's the least I can do big guy. I'm just glad Bulma and her father could fix you." Present Krillin replied, flashing the android a hearty grin as if the two had known each other for years.
I-I remember that look, he had given me one before I...when he was still alive...
Future Eighteen's cheeks were burning by now, her gaze watery at the cheerful exchange between a friend she never had and the gentle monk.
"B-Bulma? Isn't she the Z-fighters' resident scientist? How come she had agreed to help?" Future Seventeen unknowingly interrupted his sister's thoughts.
"I...Krillin must've asked her for a favor." She said the first thing that came to her mind without thinking, garnering a raised eyebrow from her twin who nearly chuckled.
"Y-yeah I bet it's that Krillin again sis." He replied after holding back whatever weird noise he wanted to make all the while those hard blue eyes softened.
Krillin Krillin, sister dear's really obsessed with him lately hasn't she...
But I suppose if he was really capable of having dear Sixteen repaired, then he wasn't so bad after all..
"Hey you are Sixteen aren't you? Let's work together to defeat Cell what do you say?"
The offering had come from Goku and the deceased killers' gaze hardened, blinking a sinister red at the primary target they never get to kill. To the future twins' surprise, just as their killing intent occupied their conscious, the two were reminded of how the same Saiyan from their time had tried acting cordial upon their arrival at King Kai's planet. This combination of conflicting emotions soon induced further headaches that made focusing neigh impossible.
"Don't get too friendly with me Goku, or have you forgotten I was designed to kill you?"
The straightforward, serious reply seemed to work wonders at easing their pain and duo lapsed into an uncharacteristic hearty laugh.
"Well said Sixteen, he'd better not get too friendly with you yes indeed." Future Seventeen was the one snickering the loudest, his hands clapping and feet thumping on the floor as if releasing all the pent up pressure deep within.
Future Eighteen meanwhile wanted to snap at her sibling for overreacting but the voice of the monster, who, despite being a fully organic android, sounded more mechanical than they did, declared in a sinister tone.
"I'm sorry to disrupt your heart warming reunion guys, but I believe it's time for Cell Game to start unless you all'd rather I blow up the planet."
With their hearts pounding and cold sweats dripping down their faces, the future cyborgs looked on with great trepidation.
P-please, let there be no more victims for that monster...
For the first time since activation in Gero's lab a life time ago, they prayed for lives to be saved, if not at least spared, finding no joy perhaps at their other selves lending more power to the human devouring abomination.
A/N: Thanks so much for the more than two months long wait this time folks.
I was too busy with other stories and also to be quite honest, this one was very hard to write as well. There were quite a lot of options to take, such as whether to skip all the way to the twins being free or to finish Cell Games in one chapter. I ended up deciding to divide Cell Games in two chapters so as to give the actual tournament the weight it deserves.
Do let me know how you guys like this shorter chapter as usual. Also feel free to suggest what parts of Cell Games do people want to see me emphasize as I'm playing with many possibilities at this moment.