What Could've Been

Chapter 9: Unjust Punishment for the Innocent

Entering the dreaded oval house hadn't been easy for the future killers, nor was seeing Cell's grotesque frog-man face with its pinkish, oversized lips. Under normal circumstances, Future Seventeen would've laughed at the hilarious if not screwed up design and questioned if Dr. Gero was under influence when engineering the monster. After seeing this other Seventeen going down the tail, screaming and struggling; however, he found his blasted mind wouldn't stop picturing himself stuffed inside its belly.

Am I, no, is that Seventeen conscious? Is he suffering? Is he even alive? Or has he been digested and taken apart?

The more Future Seventeen imagined all possible scenarios, which were made all the more vivid and horrifying by his cybernetic enhanced brain juxtaposing digital images of where his present self could be inside Cell, the more queasy he became.

Very funny Gero you sick bastard, is this your way of messing with me even in death? To have me picture where your monster kept me?

Another mouthful of bile soon raised up his throat and he doubled over, only rescued once more by his sister's soothing hand on his back.

"T-t-thanks s-sis, but I-I don't know how long I'll last watching this." Future Seventeen said in a trembling voice, one of his hands clasping his mouth while the other clutching his revolting stomach.

"I'm here brother; sister is always here for you so just relax." The elder twin held her brother's head in her arms, trying to shield him from the screen but the younger sibling gently shook her off and kept those watery yet stubborn glances on the development.

"Bro?" Future Eighteen inquired all worried.

"I can't just turn away from you now can I? You are still up there and I need to cheer for you as you escape." Future Seventeen stated determinedly, his fists clenched in two shaking balls, a sign of his internal struggle with that nightmarish scene.

Back on the screen, Present Eighteen remained frozen in place, her feet glued on the spot while her eyes and mouth wide opened as if her consciousness had been suspended. It would take the orange-haired giant known as Sixteen to drag her away and even then, she appeared dazed.

"Way to go Sixteen, now get sister dearest to safety!" Future Seventeen mustered up all his strength and shouted in a thunderous voice, hoping its volume would somehow lessen his fear of the creature. It cut through the silence and, aside from showing the killer cyborg's stubborn resistance; there was a previously unheard-of warmth.

How come Sixteen's not in our timeline? He's a much better ally than I've thought. I certainly wouldn't mind sharing the world with him...

Both future twins' admiration for their all mechanical companion grew the closer he edge of the island, their hearts pounding and palms sweaty, hoping for a miracle. For some unexplainable reason, Cell still stood there with his ugly smirk not moving an inch. Just as its viewers let out sighs of relief, the creature crotched slightly like a runner about to take off then disappeared before reappearing in front of the runaway duo.

"What unbelievable speed, but of course it's all thanks to Seventeen I'm able to get this fast," The green-skinned monster muttered to himself still sporting the same gleeful look.

"You scum!" Future Seventeen leapt up from his seat and screamed while Future Eighteen visibly cringed.

"But what about my power? I'd like to see just how tough I've gotten." It continued amusedly rather full of himself.

Cell need not wait for long to test his strength though, seeing Sixteen delivered what appeared to be a shattering punch right at his face. The resulting crash reached the future cyborgs like music in their ears and both cheered on without restraint, especially the raven-haired twin who was chanting nonstop, "Avenge me my friend! Kill that monster!" while his blonde counterpart yelled for her protector to, "End the nightmare once and for all dear Sixteen!"

This jubilation proved to be short-lived; however, since the now buff bio-android barely flinched, its frown curved up to a sadistic grin that sent shivers down their spines. Nonchalantly and almost mockingly, Cell raised a palm in front of Sixteen's shocked expression before releasing what the future twins could only describe as a testing shot, one of those with barely any effort behind it.

It was the same kind of for fun and giggles blastits murderous viewers were all too familiar with, seeing they had executed plenty of humans without breaking a sweat. To their horror, the damage from Cell's attack worked on Sixteen just like how theirs worked on those fragile victims and the towering mechanical giant got blown away like a ragdoll, his face smoldering and his body digging a trench as he got blown backward toward the remaining cyborg girl.

It made the future killer duo physically sick, their minds playing tricks on them once more, putting images of Sixteen's petrified look on their past victims. Cell's smug face didn't help them neither as both knew without a sliver of doubt they must've resembled the monster during their uncontrolled killing sprees.

A-are we monsters just like Cell? N-no that can't be, we certainly don't eat people just for the sake of power...

Oh that's right, we kill for the fun of it...at least Cell has a...no that's not right, we are clearly superior!

Meanwhile, the burning face of Sixteen flew past its remaining companion, bits and pieces of scrap metal scattered in all directions and some even landed on the petrified blonde girl, dotting her attire with reddish brown mechanical oil. It was like she had just been spilled by the blood of her kin and slowly, those wide opened pale blue eyes blinked and that emotionless face began showing signs of life, first in awe then gradually ascended into rage.

"You monster, what have you done to Sixteen?" Present Eighteen yelled furiously. It was as if all her concealed emotions came pouring out at once, her composed expression twisted in an angry yet scared scowl, her trembling hands raised but not quite in a fighting posture, probably hesitant on fighting the creature.

Cell appeared uninterested in her inquiry and fixed his hungry eyes on his next would-be victim while licking his lips, "Ah that's right I have forgotten all about you my dear Eighteen, why don't you join your brother inside me now?"

It was Future Eighteen's term to be grossed out by the sight, and despite knowing this vile being couldn't possibly reach her, she shrank back into her seat like a cornered kid. Future Seventeen took note of his sister's distraught and pulled her shivering form into an embrace, his fingers running through her corn-silk hair hoping to ease her suffering.

Present Eighteen was no less frightened and she backed away slowly, retorting Cells' demand with a defiant, "No you sick psychopath, how about you cough out my brother and get the hell back to wherever you came from?"

"Oh, but why would I cough out your brother when we are destined to belong together?" The bug man asked tauntingly.

"And how could he? You are a grotesque monster!" The cyborg girl snapped back but to no avail as Cell continued approaching her in a leisurely stroll. To the two viewers, it might as well be playing some sort of sick game, putting in minimal effort just to see what its victim will do next.

The sick bastard, now that it's invincible, it wants some amusement at my expense!

Future Eighteen scowled trying to imagine what she'd do in that situation, recalling the last time she went up against a foe of unimaginable magnitudes stronger than her in the name of Trunks, all she could do was throwing everything she's got and pray for the best. To say the killer cyborg girl had been frightened was clearly an underestimate and witnessing the scene before her only made her relive her own death once more.

She might as well kill herself, that way...wait a minute...

"Hey I'm warning you, one more step and I'm blowing myself up!" Present Eighteen stated icily and, to prove her point, put a hand over her midsection. It was a brave front to say the least, one Future Eighteen mentally applauded for having not only the brains to come up with.

"Hey sis, is she for real?" Future Seventeen asked, giving his sister an arched eyebrow.

"I suppose she is cause I was thinking of the same thing too." Future Eighteen stated with a grin, showing signs of regaining some of her old pride.

I guess she's really me isn't she? Beautiful, powerful, but also crafty...

Much to both future cyborg's relief, the well-executed threat had clearly impacted Cell too, as it halted that leisurely stroll of his and glared at the present cyborg girl as if gauging her conviction, who stared back without wavering as predatory insect eyes met defiant frosty ones.

"You can't be serious," Cell spat still not believing the girl.

"Oh am I not?" Present Eighteen hissed as pink electric energy began dancing on her fingertips, "Now back off or else!"

For the moment, it would appear her threat worked too, seeing the opportunistic insect's foot shifted back slightly, leaving indented mark on the soft soil beneath. This advantage lasted no more than few fleeting seconds; however, as Cell's face quickly twisted into a smug grin, notifying the future cyborgs their adversary had come up with a counter too.

"Before you blow yourself up, why don't we hear just how perfectly happy your brother is inside of me?" The creature said at last, having changed its tone to a much friendly one.

The future cyborgs scoffed at the attempt to play nice, especially Future Seventeen who rolled his eyes and yelled, "There's no way I'm happy inside of you, you freak!"

"Very hilarious Cell, I guess you really want to see me dead!" Present Eighteen shouted, her hand glowing brighter.

What happened next shocked all remaining cyborgs down to their core, as the unmistakable voice of Artificial Human Number Seventeen with all his chill attitude came blurting out of those frog-like lips of Cell.

"Hey sis, can you hear me sister dearest! It's me, your bro Seventeen."

Future Seventeen and Eighteen nearly vomited while Present Eighteen looked as if she had seem a ghost, the energy gathered on her palm fading slowly along with her brave front.

"S-Seventeen? Brother, you are alive in there?"

"Oh I'm more than alive sis, you have no idea how great it felt to be part of Cell so don't worry and just let him absorb you." Cell's voice was just like Seventeen's, down to the minor indentation of how he pronounced specific words. To make the whole scene more confusing was how the creature's facial expression had completely transformed to resemble that of the disappeared cyborg boy.

Even Future Seventeen was taken aback, his eyes blinking and ears twitching to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. A glance at his sister told him she wasn't quite sure how to make of this bizarre scene neither.

T-there's no way I'll enjoy being part of this being now is there? I mean I, no he certainly struggled quite a lot during that...that absorption process...

Besides why would I want to be with Cell? It hurt my friend Sixteen...there's no way I can forgive someone laying a finger on my companion...t-this is just...wrong...

"A-are you sure?" Present Eighteen was faring no better, her tense face relaxed as if someone had just offered her an easy way out.

"Of course I'm sure sister dearest, I mean I might have struggled a lot when Cell's taking me in, but now I'm inside there's nothing to fear I promise!" Cell's voice was getting more gleeful with every word, its true personality leaking through the crack. "Now get inside Cell immediately sis, let's fulfill our creator, Dr. Gero's grandest dream and create the ultimate android!" The creature finished, licking its lips and no longer bothered to put up a fake façade.

"Liar! You are not Seventeen so don't you dare calling me sister you fiend! Besides we hate Dr. Gero for what he's done to us and wouldn't be part of his science experiment!" Future Eighteen shouted, saying the exact same words the future killer cyborgs wanted to say and both nodded indignantly.

"That's right you scumbag, how are you use my voice to trick my sister! I hope this other me gave you stomach upset in your belly!" Future Seventeen's entire body was trembling in anger and disgust while thanking his sister for not falling for it.

If Cell had succeeded in absorbing sister dearest because of my voice, I could never have be able to face her...

He glanced sheepishly at his sister, who assured him by wrapping her fingers around his, "Don't worry bro, I never fell for this trick for even a second. No one can use you against me." Future Eighteen assured in an obvious lie that both knew but readily accepted.

No one can use my brother's voice against me, no one!

This rebellious outburst and the courageous atmosphere lasted mere seconds though, as soon all were silenced by Cell's devious expression

"Fine, do as you please Eighteen, but it will take you a few seconds to gather enough energy to blow yourself up while all I need is an instant to get to you so struggle all you like, I'll be sure to gobble you up like what I've done to your dear brother!"

C-Cell's right, I, no that other Eighteen had released her charged up energy and there's no way she could conjure it up in time...

It was Future Seventeen's turn to console his sister as he shielded her face from the approaching monster with his own body, his warm embrace lessened her trembling. "Don't worry sister, I'm here, this punishment will soon be over and we can all go to hell together," The raven-haired cyborg reassured his blonde counterpart and both nodded, holding onto one another for their dear life as they whispered comforting words in an attempt to drum out whatever desperate cry Present Eighteen might let out during the dreaded absorption.

"Hey Cell, have you forgotten about me?"

Instead of Present Eighteen's sobbing voice, a strangely familiar one rang throughout the house. To both their surprises, it came from a rather weak human warrior going by the name of Tien who floated above Cell, his hands outstretched to form a weird triangular shape. Yellow ki began pouring from the bald warrior's entire body toward his hands. It was evident to all watching he intended to fight.

"What's that guy think he's doing? There's no way a wimp like him can possibly do anything." Future Seventeen muttered in disbelief but without ill intention.

"Yeah, he'd better get out of there before Cell end his miserable life like how it ended Piccolo's." Future Eighteen whispered before frowning, not believing the life of this pathetic human could get her worried.

Great, now my mind's just playing tricks on me...why should I even care whether Tien lives or dies? Heh...at least now there's one more soul dying with us...

"Tri beam ha!" The three-eyed human warrior's deafening yell proved to be equally as devastating; however, and his blinding yellow energy engulfed the monster. When the dazzling lightshow finally subsided, a gaping hole of unthought-of size had been engraved on the ground with the tailed creature buried deep inside.

The scene baffled Future Eighteen more than anything as she kept on mumbling quietly, "How did he got all that strength, but more importantly, why hadn't he used that on me? If it can impact Cell that much, there's no telling what kind of damage it could've done to me!"

"Hey you, what are you standing there for? Get the hell out of here!" Tien yelled directly at Present Eighteen, showing no sign of hostility.

Is that human, our foe really going to let me escape?

Future Eighteen looked at her brother all puzzled and he returned with a shrug.

Whys' that triclops saving sister dear? Didn't I, her brother nearly choked him to death last time? Shouldn't he want us dead and even cheered for Cell?

Both deceased killer cyborgs turned their gazes back on the screen, taking note of Tien's desperate complexion and his trembling body that for reasons unknown wouldn't stop firing those earth shattering blasts that's clearly taxing him dearly.

N-no, he's not doing it for us but for himself, yeah that's right, Tien's not confident the blast can kill Eighteen so his only other choice is to try and stop Cell...he knows he'll be dead once Cell becomes complete...heh, basic human survival instinct is what's driving him...

Present Eighteen meanwhile hadn't the luxury of sitting back and thinking over the human warrior's intention, as she ran toward the gravely injured Sixteen still collapsed on the ground and wrapped it's hand over her shoulder. Before taking off, the blonde cyborg girl turned her face over to Tien and, to both killer cyborg's horror, shot him a grateful smile.


Despite of carrying a barely functioning Sixteen on her shoulder, Present Eighteen had managed to drag the heavy giant over vast distances across the ocean without being seem by anyone. The future cyborgs took a sigh of relief, their tense expression relaxing to a small smile as the concerned blonde girl fussed over her friend on the desolated island that's probably hundreds of miles from her pursuer.

"Hey sis, how come you didn't show me this much concern when Cell's battering me to a bloody pulp?" Future Seventeen asked somewhat playfully as Present Eighteen cleaned up some of the burned marks and singed hair on Sixteen's gaping wound.

Future Eighteen turned around to give her brother an annoyed look, "How am I supposed to know bro, she's not me right? Besides if I really have to guess, it's probably cause that other you wouldn't stop taking scenic route instead of just flying over and kill Goku."

"Oh right, of course that's how it is." The raven-haired cyborg snapped back. It was as if seeing this other Eighteen escape had put both killers back to their original mood and back with it was their usual bickering.

Meanwhile, Present Eighteen's eyes were glowing yellow as she scanned over her friend's head then, with a concerned tone, let the orange-haired android know of its situation, "We need to get you fixed soon Sixteen, you won't last long with this kind of injury. The monster almost took out half of your brain with that blast."

The all-mechanical droid gave her a weak smile, "Thank you Eighteen, but you should be more worried of yourself. Our priority is to...,"

"No, we need to get you repaired. P-please let me do this, I-I couldn't save Seventeen but I still have you. It's unfortunate I didn't have the knowledge to do so. Do you think G-Gero's lab might have some more information?" She asked, stuttering a bit when she mouthed out the mad scientist's name as if saying it aloud itself was a dreadful act. In addition to her voice, the future cyborgs also took note of the unusual red complexion around her eyes. The girl they deduced was even more emotionally impacted than previously let on to believe.

The Mohawk android shook its head, "I don't know Eighteen, but in either case I can be rebuilt while you couldn't possibly escape from Cell once it laid its hands on you we...,"

"Hey, do you hear me Android Eighteen? Come out before I decide to blow up these islands one by one!" The monster's thunderous voice drummed out all other sound in its vicinity, including that of the Future twins who had just gotten comfortable enough to discuss what may happen after Present Eighteen escape from harm.

"Hey lay off her you freak! You've already gotten strong enough from absorbing me so why go after sister dearest!" Future Seventeen yelled at the bug man who had continued to make threats of how he wouldn't mind altering the entire landscape just to get his hands on Eighteen.

"D-do you think Cell will really destroy the islands like he said brother?" Future Eighteen whispered quietly, almost afraid to ask.

"I-I don't know to be honest sis, but if I am to guess I'd say it wouldn't do so." Future Seventeen reassured, his hands never loosening around his sibling's trembling frame.

"And why's that?"

"Well...I mean even when we were...you know...destroying the human civilization, we never went as far as destroying entire islands. I-I hope that monster's the same." The younger twin replied with some difficulty, his heart heavy as his mind began replaying scenes of destruction at their hands. He couldn't quite lay a finger on why, but imageries of such slaughtering no longer brought the kind of entertainment as it did before.

His older sister swallowed a gulp, those icy eyes that had been frozen in eternal tundra showing signs of thawing as the pale blue wavered.

The now deceased killer duo couldn't be more wrong though as booming explosion occupied their hearing. On screen, there was a visible dome of bloody reddish yellow where a distant island used to be and once the firework subsided, only sinking landmasses and raging tidal waves remained.

Oh you've got to be kidding us, this creature would go to such lengths as destroying countless lives just to get to her?

Not a word was uttered in the ensuing destruction as all were stunned into silence by what had unfolded on screen. Even without witnessing the actual deaths, both future killer could envision vividly in their minds of how all those island habitants must've screamed and huddled together in their final moments. Faces of pure fear and agony, thousands if not millions they've witnessed up front in center stage flooded their conscious. Such scenes that could once lulled them into dreamless sleep and deprived both of all their worries now caused their stomachs to turn.

W-what if one of them looked like that other Seventeen when he got sucked up through Cell's tail, screaming and begging for his life? Just what creature would cause such deaths just for its single-minded purpose of getting stronger?

Present Eighteen, despite of her hands devoid of blood, was faring no better than her future blood-stained counterparts, her limbs trembling and eyes watering whenever an island went out with the lights, carried high up to heaven by the crimson explosion that filled her ocean blue eyes with a sinister glint.

"W-what kind of monster are you Cell? T-there's no way my brother would willingly lend you his power just to cause this kind of destruction!" She muttered in a trembling voice of a teenage, human girl.

Her future counterpart and brother could only nod in silence at the statement.

Y-yeah...w-what kind of monster are you Cell? Not even we could kill thousands in the blink of an eye like what you've done...t-this is truly sickening...

So traumatized by the wanton carnage were all involved that barely anyone registered the fact Cell was now hovering atop the island Present Eighteen and Sixteen were hiding at. The frightened cyborg girl could only raise her arms as her damaged companion suggested, trying to shield herself from whatever Cell had to dish out.

"Oh well I guess this is it for other me, getting vaporized as she refused to show herself," Future Eighteen sighed then let out an uncharacteristic chuckle which eventually descended into an unlady-like snort, "Well, at least Cell wouldn't be able to complete itself so that's a win for us right bro?"

Future Seventeen looked at his sister's half-laughing, half sorrow filled face and held a hand over his face, his fingers grasping at his shoulder-lengthen raven locks. In his mind, he kept on wondering just how Present Seventeen must've felt stuck inside the monster, knowing he had inevitably lent a hand in his sister's demise. The prospect of seeing his sibling blasted into oblivion for the second time forced out trickles of tear from his boiling orbs and he tried desperately to cover the water work from others.

As fate would have it; however, yet another one of their former victims came onto the scene just as Cell gathered a glowing crimson orb on its hand. The warrior whom the future cyborgs remembered fondly as Vegeta the cocky Saiyan prince who had held out stubbornly against them and went out in an agonizing cry in their time was now floating beside Cell with a smug grin no less despicable than that of Cell's. As if by force of habit, both twins shared an amused look and devious grin.

"Is that Vegeta? What's he doing here, getting himself killed? If he can't even handle me, what can he do against the likes of Cell?" Present Eighteen asked herself bewilderedly.

"Good question other me, what's he doing here? Hadn't he learned from you breaking his arm?" Future Eighteen remarked in a musing voice, all too glad someone had come to take their worries away, if only temporarily.

"I wouldn't be so sure Eighteen, Vegeta seemed to have grown considerably stronger since the last time. He might just have a chance." It was Sixteen who answered both Eighteens' questions and they turned toward him in bewilderment.

"Very funny Sixteen, there's no way someone as weak as him could get stronger than Cell in this short amount of time." Present Eighteen rebuked but her face showed none of the joy of Future Eighteen. It was even safe to say there were traces of concern on her tense expression.

A short distance from the cocky Saiyan prince landed another familiar purple haired young man in Saiyan battle armor whom the dead cyborgs quickly deduced as Trunks.

"Look sis, looks like Trunks has decided to join Vegeta and my, doesn't he look different." Future Seventeen stated bitterly.

"Yeah bro, he's much more muscular and taller compared to last time. If you ask me, he looks just like the killer who had killed us." Future Eighteen spat, her eyes blinking bloody red at her would-be killer.

Ah well doesn't matter who dies here, as long as one of these assholes bite the dust we'll be satisfied...while it would be great to see cocky little prince bit the dust yet again or even Trunks getting a beating, it sure would be great seeing Cell meet his end...either way it's going to be a show...


The ensuing fight or, as the future killers put it, the one-sided beat down was the furthest thing they had predicted. It wasn't even a contest as the buff golden warrior that was Vegeta landed hits wherever he pleased, reducing the previously invincible monster into a bloody pulp. The sight of Cell, with its all bruised up body and bleeding wounds left the pair sat there with their mouths agape, wondering what could bring about such a drastic change.

"W-what's happening in this world bro? Why's everyone getting this much stronger than us out of nowhere?"

"B-beats me sis, whatever this timeline is it's plain wrong."

"Hey, at least Cell's getting the life beat out of him right? And it would've been a scene to celebrate had it not been...," Future Eighteen petered out near the end.

"Had I not been inside Cell?" Future Seventeen finished the sentence for his sister and she nodded sheepishly, "hey it's alright sis, that other me is...well, he's probably not feeling any of this let's just say so yeah, don't worry."

Another ear-piercing bang reached their ears and both looked up to find Vegeta had planted his foot squarely on Cell's stomach, following it up by an elbow to its back that sent the bug creature tumbling into the raging water below.

"Oh yeah that's right! Beat the smug out of that sorry ass being's face Vegeta!" Future Seventeen found himself cheering for the beefed up Saiyan when he should probably be wishing for his demise but the killer cyborg had long since forgotten to care. The entire viewing had been too much of a roller coaster ride and all he knew was to live by the moment.

Whatever expectations I have be damned, this messed up world clearly don't give a shit...well, aside from the fact that sister dearest had better get moving from this distraction...

He turned his attention back to Present Eighteen and Sixteen, whose attentions were transfixed by the fight. The future cyborg male shook his head thinking they should've gotten a move on but knew better than to blame them.

Poor sis and Sixteen, they were just as shocked as we were...no, it's probably worse for them having to see this all up close...

But hey, what's that guy doing there?

"K-Krillin? What are you doing here?" Future Eighteen's voice resonated her brother's question, her ocean blue eyes glued onto the slowly approaching bald warrior sneaking from bush to bush, apparently trying his best at not being spotted.

To Future Seventeen, the little no body was a nice distraction from all sorts of crazies he's been viewing and he would've enjoyed watching the weasel scurry here and there if it weren't for the obvious hint of concern in his sister dearest's voice.

Am I hearing it wrong or was sister dear concerned for the little shrimp? Well at least he didn't appear to be any stronger so there's the normality at least...

The killer duo trained their eyes on the warrior monk as he inched closer and closer to Present Eighteen and Sixteen who were too occupied with the unfolding drama above them. It was surely a weird thing going on as Present Krillin didn't look like the type to possess enough strength to take on the confused but still clearly tougher Present Eighteen and both future cyborgs could only surmise what his intention could be.

Is Krillin here to help me and Sixteen out? To offer us a way out? No that couldn't be could it, that's just too good to be true and besides, what can he possibly do? At best he's another Tien and wouldn't last long against Cell at all...

Future Eighteen couldn't help herself but tugging at her clothing nervously.

Please, I'd like you to live in this timeline at the very least...you did tell me about your dreams in our time so live on...

Her strange behavior hadn't gone unnoticed by Future Seventeen, his eyes narrowed dangerously at Present Krillin coming out from behind a tall tree as he was now mere several feet away, and then he gasped along with the elder twin.

"W-what's that thing he's holding? I-is t-that what I think it is?" The raven-haired and blonde siblings yelped out fearfully at the black remote in his hands. Just the sight of the controller, even if it wasn't the same model as one used by Gero, was enough to send them into panicking mode. Acting on past trauma and the footage they've seem, both stiffened in their seats, their eyes widened in horror as imageries of how the mad scientist had used it to shut down their newly converted selves flooded their minds.

The initial fear soon turned into disgust then rage, and before long two pairs of murderous flashing orbs were glaring daggers at the bald headed fighter whose hands were shaking so profusely it was a wonder he had managed to hold onto the remote thus far.

"So that's why you are here, to take advantage of my sister and Sixteen huh? Well I hope either she or Cell kills you midget boy!" Future Seventeen shouted angrily, almost sending a blast in between Present Krillin's head until a warning glare from King Kai stopped him in his tracks.

Future Eighteen was about to voice her contempt for the little man but noticed his troubling expression and bit down on her lips. This Krillin seemed to be in such emotional turmoil with those furrowed eyebrows, sweaty face, and wavering eyes he made the blonde murderess rethink her cruel words. Adding to her confusion and, dare she say sympathy, was how long it took for the warrior monk to press the button. There weren't any obstacles obstructing the signal as far as eyes could see so the future killer couldn't find the reason why wouldn't he just deactivate her other self and get it all over with.

"I can't do this, she's not a bad person." Present Krillin muttered in a sincere voice then let the dreaded black box fall onto the ground with an audible thud.

It was a thud that changed the atmosphere, the activities, everything. Present Eighteen and Sixteen immediately shifted their attention to its source and at first the young cyborg girl's face turned a shade of pink, her eyes showing signs of recalling their past encounter before paling as they drifted downward. It was a petrified look her viewers were all too familiar with as they could almost guess with pinpoint accuracy what's going on in her mind.

"Now's your chance sis, go for the kill while midget man doesn't have the controller in his hand!" Future Seventeen yelled urgently displaying all the concern a sibling has for his sister, different timeline or not.

Instead, a standstill ensued with neither party budging the slightest. Their eyes, one cat-like and pale blue like snow under moonlight and the other round and intense like burning brown coals were locked in an emotional stare down. Whatever was going in their minds was anyone's guess but all could tell it were a complex war of emotions seeing them trembling ever so slightly and faces flashing all shades of color from pinkish blush to pale white. This engagement of the minds was only ended when Present Krillin lifted his foot and, with a muttering of "I'm sorry Bulma!" he brought it down in a crash that shattered the remote.

"W-what does he think he's doing? That was his only chance." Even Future Seventeen was taken aback and left speechless afterwards.

The older blonde cyborg woman meanwhile exhaled deeply, letting all her trepidation go in one breathing.

Thank goodness, you didn't press the button Krillin, otherwise I can never forgive you...

"Why did you break the remote? You could've shut me down so why let me go?" Present Eighteen managed to recover from her stupor for the umpteenth time that long day and inquired in a still shaken voice. It was as civilized and, dare Future Eighteen say, human as the artificially altered girl had appeared aside from in the presence of her now gone brother.

"W-well, y-you see...look, I just don't have time to explain okay?" Present Krillin replied to which Future Eighteen scoffed internally, hoping for a more definite answer.

Why won't he just say it? Why not let other me know? He might never had the chance again!

As fate would have it though, much like everything that's been going on in that mercilessly hectic if not traumatizing day, this brief moment of inactive blessing evaporated as fast as it had arrived, for that with a dreaded yell from Trunks of "It knows you are here! Run!" the scenario took on drastic turn for the worst as Cell charged at the unsuspecting cyborg girl.

"What's going on here? I thought Vegeta has Cell taken care of?" Future Eighteen screamed in desperation, her mind nearly gone blank.

"Beats me sis, nothing about this world made sense. I've long since stopped trying to figure it out. Let's just hope your other self gets to make another escape!" Future Seventeen yelled, his hands clasped together to from an inaccurate prayer sign.

Their confusion as soon answered when Vegeta kicked Trunks away from getting to the hapless trio's help.

"Hehehe, thank you Vegeta for aiding with my completion." Cell remarked with an ugly grin as it sealed off the only route of escaping.

"Why that Vegeta! I should've broken more than just his arm when I had the chance!" Future Eighteen spat angrily, but her anger for the Saiyan Prince turned into concern for a certain bald fighter who had flared up with a mesmerizing white aura and rushed at Cell, landing punches and kicks at the creature.

"Wow sis, look at him go!" Future Seventeen sounded somewhat impressed by the show of courage.

"I know bro, but Krillin's obviously no match for Cell, it's all hopeless," Future Eighteen's words came across in a downtrodden tone and her eyes were devoid of color taking note of no matter how hard the warrior monk struck, the monster didn't budge an inch. The ineffectiveness of his attacks didn't fazed the determined human one bit; however, as he kept on hammering until his knuckles bleed and that was when Cell casually tail whipped him aside.

Thank you, you tried Krillin so please stay down...it's for your own good...

Next came Sixteen who fared no better and the nonchalant punch out from Cell had both future killers winced in pain. When at last Present Eighteen came charging at her stalker with all the fury of a cornered cat, Future Eighteen was praying for a quick end to all this fruitless struggle but even that was denied by a small blast merely enough to knock her other self down. Clearly taking its sweet time, and perhaps letting out some of its pent up frustration on its helpless victim, the insectoid being proceeded to gloat in front of the downed cyborg girl who hadn't the energy to lift her head to look at her attacker.

This is pure evil, it's like a cat and mouse game...what we got from Trunks was mercy by comparison...no wonder King Kai made us watch this...

So distraught were the former world tormenters neither paid any attention to Present Eighteen struggling up and firing blasts at the approaching evil which barely halted its leisurely pace.

Just let me know once this is all over...

The future duo's spirits couldn't sink any lower as they huddled together, seeking refuge in each other's embrace and even going as far as covering their ears.

"Solar flare!" The monster's booming voice filled the room, followed by blinding light that somehow managed to occupy their small room in white light. Unable to resist the temptation, Future Seventeen and Eighteen turned toward the screen just in time to see everyone rubbing their eyes, including even Vegeta and Trunks who couldn't seem to break whatever spell Cell had put them under. Present Eighteen now stood there vulnerable in her lonesome self, well within reach of the creature licking its lips in insatiable hunger.

"You stay away from her!"

Out of the dire situation came the bald headed warrior monk yet again, his arms outstretched in a protective stance.

"Krillin?" Both Eighteens screamed out in disbelief, with the younger one trying but failing to uncover her blinded eyes and the older deceased killer's heart skipping a beat.

What occurred next played out in slow motion for Future Eighteen as Cell pointed its palm at the blinded human, the creature's dreaded reddish ki gathering on its outstretched hand.

"That's enough Krillin! Save yourself!" She stood up abruptly, knocking the chair behind onto the ground and shouted in a pleading voice akin to addressing a real person in front of her. At that moment, the blast discharged from Cell's palm with an audible bang and collided against Present Krillin, sending out a pained yell along with black smoke trailing from the poor monk's head.

No, not another Sixteen!

"You Monster!" the same words left both blondes' mouths simultaneously, followed by Present Eighteen charging forward in reckless abandon at her attacker swinging those arms aimlessly. Future Eighteen nearly leapt at the screen and was only held down by her brother whose arms locked his sister in an inescapable grip.

"Seventeen let go!"

"Snap out of it sis, this is just a replay of what had already happened and there's nothing we could do about it!" The younger brother counseled as desperate cries from his other sister rang throughout the room.

Neither future sibling wanted to watch the nightmarish scenario but they still forced their glances on screen as if it was their duty to see until the end. It wasn't easy but neither shied away as Present Eighteen, or at least her midsection that was still visible was gradually sucked up by the dreaded tail dripping with saliva. The cyborg girl in trouble kicked and wailed, her fists clenching and unclenching but Cell's tail muscle was clearly stronger and held her in a tight grip that gradually propelled her upward.

"I said let her go!" Came Present Krillin's desperate voice again as he flew at the creature and began rapidly punching but it was all in vain. The once feisty blonde girl was no more as she went through the tunnel much like her brother, both crying the same cries till even the twisting and turning bulge ceased to exist.

The screen, along with their small hut then turned a sinister green with energy discharge from Cell knocking back Krillin and all others in its vicinity.

It's finally all over...but at least Krillin lives so I guess that's partial victory for me...

As for you poor other Eighteen, at least you get to reunite with your brother...yeah that's right, me and Seventeen, we weren't meant to be apart ever...

Future Eighteen slumped back against her chair in emotional exhaust induced stupor, her face reclined against that of her brother's whose hand never ceased to run through those golden locks. They could almost hear through Cell's roar of triumph the cries of those innocent cyborgs, letting the whole world know of their anguish as the landscape transformed by the forceful merger of their forcefully bestowed power inside the diabolic being.

When they at last managed to pry their disheveled and puffy faces apart, Cell had begun to take on a slimmer form but neither bothered to linger on the creature any longer. After sharing a knowing look and a nod, the gloomy future twins made their way to King Kai's desk like prisoners awaiting execution.

"King Kai, I believe me and my brother are ready to go to hell so just send us there will you?" The elder sister asked, her slacked expression drained of energy but resolute.

The blue obese guardian hadn't bothered answering their inquiry and kept his eyes glued on the screen as if savoring the dreaded transformation that was conjuring all sorts of natural disasters.

"Well King Kai? Are you just going to sit there or are you going to let us burn in hell?" She asked again bearing slight indignation in her voice.

Still, there was no response other than their host, their warden sipping tea like it was tea break time.

"Hey you bastard, what else is there to see? Maybe you want us to see those poor souls come out of Cell's ass in shit form is that it? A bit of black hair there and a bit of blonde hair there? Those poor souls hadn't harmed anyone and while you may think it's funny to watch them suffer, we clearly don't so send us to hell at once!" No longer to stand the lack of clarification, the angry blonde yelled, slamming her fist on the guardian's table which finally earned them a poker face.

"Sister's right King Kai, we've sat through our punishment and deserve to go to hell now don't you think?" The raven-haired future cyborg stated earnestly standing beside his sibling, their hands linked together in a show of unwavering support.

"Well?" He raised his voice after moments of tense silence.

Still calm and collected as always, King Kai finished his tea and placed the empty cup casually atop the dent from Future Eighteen's punch.

"Well what if I tell you there's much more to this story?"

His guests flashed each other a disbelieving glance.

"Are you serious?" The female twin asked doubtfully.

"Yup." Came the deity's brief reply.

"You mean aside from seeing Cell killing everything in its path with us stuck inside, lending the fiend our powers?" The male twin chimed in.

"Of course there is, what do you two think? That I, the guardian of Northern Galaxy had nothing better to do than inviting you two here to watch your innocent copies suffer for no reason? What am I? Mindless killer bots?" King Kai admonished, his unwavering sunglasses covered eyes glaring right back at the two astonished murderers.

Reluctantly, the deceased cyborgs lowered their heads.

Curse this King Kai, but I suppose forcing others to watch two blameless youths having their lives stolen by a mad scientist then eaten up by a monster was something we...something we would do...

Aside from Cell that is...

"S-so what else is there King Kai?" Future Seventeen finally mustered up the courage to ask and was joined in by Future Eighteen looking expectedly at the guardian.

"Why don't we take a break then I'll show you? Believe me though, good deeds in our world don't go punished," With a wave of his hand, the blue-skinned guardian caused the screen to disappear, "And now if you will excuse me, I need a nap. It's not easy summoning up past histories from another timeline you know."

The formerly reluctant viewers wanted to tell their host they were ready for what's to come, but King Kai's dismissal hand gesture was inarguable and they set foot outside with millions of questions in their minds but with only one desire, to see those two suffering teens in the belly of the beast freed.


A/N: Thanks for the wait for this longer chapter. There's honestly so much content to cover here and I have very little liberty with the source material that I'm hoping much of what's written here didn't come across as a mere rehash of the canon DBZ lore. Do let me know what you all think of this latest addition.

Also I'll be taking a month long break from this series to focus on the Chestnutfest, an annual event dedicated to K18 family that was started six years ago by none other than Cj4Dj. Please feel free to join the festival.

Until then and happy reading/writing folks.