Author's Comments – Hey all! Wow, I wasn't sure if I would ever actually get this story down on paper. This fic is my baby; the first good fanfiction idea that ever started swimming around in my head. So now, years after I first had the inspiration, I'm actually taking action and writing it down. Dragonball Z isn't exactly on the top of my favorite anime list anymore, but it will always hold a special place for me, considering it's the series that initially got me into anime. So! This fic is kind of like my tribute. It focuses mainly on two of my original characters, and initially takes place approximately 6-7 years after the Cell Games. Please be patient with the beginning, things will be explained as the story progresses! Also, I apologize for how short the first chapter is, they will be longer in the future. ; And I ask that you please be patient with me if I take a while to update. Things have been pretty hectic, but I'll do my best to get chapters out as soon as I can. Thank you so much, and I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer – I do not own Dragonball Z, or any of its characters. But I DO own my two original characters, Zoa and C. Oh, and on a side note concerning my nickname; Zoa was not named after me, but actually the other way around. Now on with the fic!
Guilty By Association
Graffiti decorations
Under a sky of dust
A constant wave of tension,
On top of broken trust.
The lessons that you taught me,
I learnt were never true.
Now I find myself in question…
They point the finger at me again
Guilty by association…
- Linkin Park
Chapter 1 – Decisions
"I'm cold."
He didn't even look up, just answered with an indifferent tone. "Then move closer to the fire, and stop whining. Goddamn humans."
Her brow furrowed as she scooted slowly towards the fire. "I'm not human, remember? You're just as human as I am."
This time he turned, his eyes burrowing deeply into hers. "Don't insult me, or I'll kill you."
She rolled her eyes, shrugging, and turned to the fire. Staring at the bright flickering flames, she suddenly wondered how all of this was going to work out. And what Gohan was planning to do. Gohan. She had only met him a few months ago, but they had hit it off, and become good friends. Her father dead, she was only 16, and she had no one left in the world. And if it weren't for Gohan, she would probably be dead as well. He had introduced her to his friends, given her a purpose in life. She now knew people like her, not of the human race, who understood her. Everything had been so wonderful. But as always, trouble had come calling.
Years ago, a bio-organic android known as 'Cell' had terrorized the planet, and threatened to erase it from existence. However, he was confronted by a group of powerful fighters, and the one to finally stop him, was a young boy among them; Son Gohan. Peace had been restored to the planet, and life continued pleasantly for several years. But there was a problem. Cell, as over-confident, and obnoxious as he was, had still covered all the bases. He had still made a back-up plan; and that plan had now been put into action.
Him. She looked past the blaze and studied him quietly. He looked exactly like Cell as she had seen him on the television. Gohan had told her once that Cell had been capable of producing clones of himself. Small, blue, child-like replicas. But he was different. Everything about him was the same. He called Cell his father. She was curious to know more about this mysterious enigma of a man. Or monster.
"So, you're Cell's son, huh? His clone? Like the small Cells he created during the Games?"
He scoffed, but didn't turn to look at her. "Don't compare me to them. They were drones. I'm far more then that."
"Oh? What makes you so much different?"
He said nothing for a moment, his temper starting to rise, as he considered if he should even humor her by answering the question. "I came from an egg; I was not produced on short notice for amusement."
Nodding thoughtfully, she continued with her questions. "Oh, like a Namek? So he could do that too, huh?"
He narrowed his eyes, and sent her an icy glare. "Yes. Now shut the hell up, and go to sleep or something. You're mindless banter is extremely annoying."
She shuffled down towards the ground, lying on her side and resting her head on her hands. She giggled slightly, closing her eyes. "Bet you're wishing you hadn't taken a hostage, huh?"
"No," He retorted quickly, "I'm wishing I had taken a less noisy one. But sadly, I didn't have many options."
"Why did you take a hostage anyway, if you're as strong as you say you are?"
"I told you that already, woman!" His voice rose as he answered her latest question. "I want him to come ALONE. And this makes sure he will."
Gohan… His blood began to boil just thinking about what had happened. His father had been killed for one reason only; a shot in the back that threw him off. A bloody cheap shot by that bastard Vegeta! He would be next… But he wasn't going to risk having the same thing happen to him. He would take them out one at a time.
She looked up one last time. "By the way, my name is Zoa. Hey, you never told me yours."
"Because it's none of your concern." He paused. "…My name is Cell, the same as my father."
She scrunched up her nose in a thoughtful expression. "But that's not very original. And Cell Jr. sounds silly. I know!" She smiled lopsidedly, laying her head back down. "I'll call you 'C'."
He shook his head in reply. What a strange creature…
Gohan paced back and forth in his room as he considered his options. He wanted to tell someone, but if he did, it would be hard convincing them to let him go alone. But maybe Piccolo... He shook his head and sat down heavily on the bed, trying to get his thoughts in order.
If someone comes with me, and he finds out, he'll kill her! Damnit Zoa, I'm so sorry… This is all my fault, and now you've inadvertently gotten involved.
He sat quietly, his mind turning to the call he had gotten earlier. Zoa's voice, wavering, as she spoke quickly to him.
"Gohan, it's me. I'm okay, but I'm just calling to tell you-"
She was interrupted, and a voice, both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time, had begun to speak.
"Hello, Son Gohan. You don't know me, but you knew my father. His name was Cell."
Gohan had felt his stomach drop, his heart skipped a beat. What!?
"If you value the life of this girl, I suggest you prepare yourself. I'm giving you one week's warning, so that you might actually prove to be something of a challenge. So, 7 days from now, I'll contact you again, and give you coordinates. And you will meet me…Alone. Follow these regulations, and I won't harm her."
There was a slight pause, followed by a low and sinister chuckle.
"Well, at least not until after I've killed you. I certainly hope you haven't gotten soft in these times of peace."
The connection died, the voice disappearing. Gohan had stood in disbelief, not sure how to take the information. Was this some kind of joke?? Cell's 'son'!?
He nodded, suddenly making his decision. He got up off the bed, and quickly stormed out of the house, taking flight as soon as he was out the door. It wouldn't take him long to reach the Lookout Point.