Day became night; spring to winter and the young became old, as seven earth years passed throughout the universe. Here on Earth preparations were under way on all levels, from Z warrior to guardian. All were saddened by the loss of Earth's greatest warrior, but sadness was replaced with determination as all began to prepare for the worst. Gohan told them that something was coming and that the war would come to them; he was counting on them. Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, #18 and Chiaotsu practically lived on Dende's lookout, in and out of the various chambers available to them. Dende himself became engrossed in the records of past guardians in attempt to learn all he could to save his new home. Even though his power was low, his skills could make up for it ten fold if these ancient and mystic arts could be mastered. Piccolo lent his council to Dende whenever he could spare, but most of his time was spent at Capsule Corp with Vegeta. The two wisest minds of the Z warriors were together most; trading strategies as well as blows during sparring sessions. Both great warriors knew what it was to see their race dwindle to the edge of extinction and both refused to see it happen here. Off the plant Earth Gohan's travels led him far from home to ends of the universe; his skills and knowledge grew with each planet he passed. He even made it all the way to Yardrat; a planet that housed a useful skill known as instant transmission. With this ability gained he pawned his ship off at the nearest trading planet and continued his quest. Many informants were gained along the way and many alliances were forged. Mostly based on the mutual relationship: Gohan submits his "unique" services and in return gains information on any unusual activity in the universe. If there was scum that needed to be handled it was usually Gohan that dealt with it. His informants grew until he had at least one on every planet and they all pointed him in Cell's direction. Often they spoke vaguely of a pale-faced figure of mysterious power and eyes that pierce one's soul, the description could have been as vague to say a head on four limbs. Gohan didn't care so long as he kept moving towards his objective. The gift from piccolo came in handy as Gohan used the sword often to deal with particularly annoying cases. It was a very unique blade, unlike any other the warrior had seen; a true Namekian brand specialty. I know of all this because I have seen it, in my mind and in my heart. I can feel all of existence's plights, I also know that right now Gohan is about to find out just how dangerous his task has become. The time is nearing …

It was a very dark planet with gloomy scenery and few inhabitants. It looked as if the planet used to be one giant industrialized city and then was abandoned and left to decay over time. There were tall buildings and paved streets, as well as dark alleys. One dark alley in particular harboured two figures, one in pursuit of the other.

Gohan drew closer to his target with anticipation, though you wouldn't know it to look at him for he maintained a look of pure determination. He wouldn't make any mistakes when so close to his objective. After seven long years Cell was within his grasp and nothing would get in his way. The trail of crumbled structures left in his wake proved this thought to be sincere. However, as he drew ever closer to the target Gohan was slightly puzzled. Even when outmatched Cell wouldn't run from a fight so desperately, his retreats had always been more calculative and thought out then simply running away. Gohan could sense an odd energy signature emanating from Cell; perhaps he was just trying to buy time so as to execute some unstoppable attack? Well Gohan knew one thing for certain, this chase was getting boring.

To the untrained eye one would see a flash of silver followed by the collapse of Cell's form, but the action was slightly more complicated. Gohan had unsheathed his mighty blade and hurled it with the force of a comet and the aim of a veteran marksman in order to sink the weapon deep into Cells back. Gohan slowed to a stop; Cell wasn't going anywhere. Cell turned on his side and held a puzzled expression upon his face.

"You must be confused about the slow in your energy flow and regeneration." Gohan assumed. "That blade is a unique weapon with a dandy little trick. When plunged into an enemies body the energy, and very life force; of the body is moderately drained from the victim."

Cell answered this with a frown, a frown that quickly gave way to a chuckle. "I see you've come prepared boy! Unfortunately for you, I too improve over time."

Out of nowhere, four warriors emerged above Gohan's head.

'Why didn't I sense them?'

The question remained unanswered as two of the assassins proceeded with the task of assaulting Gohan. Whoever these warriors were they weren't amateurs, but even the greatest warrior can't even hope to match the power of the legendary Son Gohan.

Every strike was parried and dodged with ease, until both opponents had their fists in Gohan's rock hard grip.

"You boys aren't too bad, I just hope Cell paid you in advance." Gohan grinned

" Cause you won't be getting another chance to collect."

Suddenly Gohan exploded in a great flash of light with enough power to vaporize the two doomed opponents and create enough smoke to envelope the other two assassins. They looked at each other with puzzled looks when, suddenly; a voice was heard from behind them.

"Energy clones: same efficiency as the original without the bitch of cleaning 'em up." The real Gohan finished his fun as one hired fighter flew out from the smoke only to strike a nearby building with enough force to bring it down atop of him. When the smoke cleared Gohan was seen holding the wriggling body of the final warrior in his outstretched hand.

'Something seems familiar about these goons, I'm just not sure what.'

It didn't matter his target was still on the ground, ready to receive punishment.

Gohan snapped the beaten fighter's neck and let him succumb to gravities pull; he descended to Cells position, which had barely changed from before.

As he approached Gohan could still feel that weird energy signal coming from the tyrant, whatever it was, it would be gone soon.

"Seven long years Cell, now the pain can end for both of us."

"Gohan, your appearance has deceived me. Though you may possess the look of a man you still have the intellect of a child." Cell mocked between coughs. "You should know by now that I never play all my pieces when confronting my enemies. It's so much more beneficial for me to save my best ones for last." The energy within was growing.

"Whatever you do now Cell it wont save you, you can't threaten me with the destruction of a planet nor hide behind an infants life now. You are out of moves you bastard and now its time to perform final play." Still the power grew.

"I'll remember to include your wise words in my report." Cell spoke menacingly "and I'll make sure your friends on Earth no of your concern." Cells power now peaked.

Gohan rushed towards Cell with unmatched speed, ripped out his sword and gave a horizontal sweep in attempt to merely behead the villain, but whatever plans Gohan had ended at that. Cell was lost in a white light; a light that then flew into the sky to be lost among the stars.

'What was that about?'

Gohan needed answers fast-

Groan

-And he knew just where to get them

Gohan reached into the rubble of the recently destroyed building, grabbed the thug by his neck and held him above the ground.

With a feral growl full of sincere anger Gohan threatened

"If you like pain, then you wont want to answer my questions."

The planet would be filled with screams for the next hour.