Dragon Ball Z: Dynasty

Written by: Feraligreater328

Edited by: StevenBodner

A/N: This is one of my favorite fights in the series. It's actually tied with the Vegito vs Super Buu fight for me. So, I put a lot of effort into this one to make it extra special. I hope you enjoy! :)

Chapter 79: Piccolo and Bardock vs 17 and 18

At Capsule Corp...

With a groan and a stretch, Bulma leaned back in her chair. She reached into her lab coat pocket, feeling around but finding it empty. She groaned and sighed. "I need to cut back anyway..."

Bulma cracked her stiff neck and then called out. "Krillin! Tien! It's done!"

Tien's eyes opened, breaking his deep meditation. He stood and looked over to see Krillin emerging from a niche in the wall. The poor monk looked ragged, like he hadn't slept the entire time they had been at Capsule Corporation. Krillin and Tien walked over to Bulma's desk, watching as she emptied an ashtray into the garbage can and cracked open a bottle of water. Tien nodded. "So, the Shutdown Remote is finished?"

Bulma nodded. "Yep. Took some work, but I finally figured out the precise frequency that will cause a cessation of function in the Infinite Energy Engine. It was a pain in the butt, but it's done!"

The scientist reached under her desk, fiddling with something hidden away underneath. "There is one problem, unfortunately. And that problem is distance."

Tien cocked his head. "Pardon?"

Bulma's head poked back up, and she produced a simple remote with a single, red button on it. "The Infinite Energy Engine was apparently a design that Gero stole from some other scientist. He was never able to fully figure out how it worked. And I really can't either without having one in front of me. So, I had to design this thing based off of his own notes about it. And that means, well, you're going to have to be pretty close to the Androids to get it to work."

Tien looked a tad concerned. "H-How close...?"

Bulma reached out, pressing the remote into Krillin's hands. The monk snapped into attention, looking down at the remote. His hands began to subtly tremble. Bulma held up all of her fingers. "Ten feet. Or, 3 meters if you're a metrics guy."

Krillin stared down at the remote. "So...to use this remote..."

Bulma sighed. "Unfortunately, you're probably going to be forced to alert them that you're nearby to use it. Unless you ambush them in a forest, or something..."

She smiled and shot finger guns at the two warriors. "But I believe in you guys! You've both always been reliable, cool-headed people! I'm sure you'll figure it out~"

Tien nodded, stoic and stalwart. Krillin, meanwhile, stood there with a sickened look on his face. He pictured 17 and 18, having to look them in the eye as he pressed the button that would end their lives. He would have to stare them in the eye, two fellow humans, as he made them defenseless. Krillin thought long and hard about it, squeezing the controller tight. And then, the thought of 18's kiss to his cheek ran through his head and Krillin shuddered.

With their mission clear, the two warriors turned and left. It was time to put a stop to this Android madness for good!

Once they were gone, Bulma stood from her chair and stretched her back. She felt like crap, having spent so long coding. "It's been a while since I've done a late-night coding session like that. Last time...was still dating Yamcha... and I got to hang out with Launch and a bottle of wine while I did it..."

She looked in the mirror on her desk and groaned. "Damn..."

Bulma sighed and leaned back. "I could sure go for a trip out of the house..."

She glanced across her workshop and saw another project she had been working on. "I guess it's about time I hunted down Vegeta and we made up..."

And so, Bulma exited her workshop to go fetch her son. It was time for a family reunion on Kami's Lookout.

On an island chain, to the north of Kame House...

The five of them landed on a deserted island. On one side, Piccolo and Bardock both stood ready to fight. On the other side were the Androids. Android 17 stood with all of the confidence in the world, Android 18 looked absolutely livid as she stared daggers at Bardock, and Android 16 looked completely disengaged from the situation, sitting on a rock under a tree and staring into the sky. Squirrels and birds immediately flocked to the Android, sitting on him like a perch.

Bardock cocked his head. "Man, that guy is just out of it..."

Piccolo grunted. "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. At least with him sitting things out, this will be even..."

17 chuckled, a playful smirk on his face. "Even? Are you two out of it? You think that a couple of old guys like you can stand up to me and 18?"

18's eyes narrowed. "Let them think what they want."

Bardock smiled wide. "You little brats are the ones who are out of it. You think that the Vegeta you fought was the strongest force we had on our side..."

Both Android's frowned. Piccolo sneered. "Childish arrogance! When you fought Vegeta, he was worn out due to his own, foolhardy arrogance! Now you two will face the real might of what we're capable of!"

Android 17 cocked his head, looking unimpressed. "Oh really?"

Piccolo gritted his teeth, Bardock clenched his fists tight. And then, the two of them both unleashed their full power. Piccolo roared at the top of his lungs, his purplish-white energy shredding the ground at his feet. Bardock shouted at the top of his lungs, letting his Super Saiyan form rage forth. The golden flames of his legendary power whipped out and swirled into the air like a funnel. The sheer force of their power created strong winds, harsh enough to blow back 17 and 18's hair.

18 rolled her eyes. "Is that it...?"

Piccolo scowled, Bardock smiled wide. And then, they both let loose one more primal shout and released such a force that 17 and 18 were both forced to brace themselves. 17 growled. "So what?! You pushed us a little! Big deal!"

Piccolo and Bardock looked at one another and nodded. And then, Piccolo shot a blast directly at the ground to kick up a mighty dust cloud. 17 and 18 both put up their guard and were immediately met with a barrage of blasts from behind the cloud of debris. They both deflected the blasts with little effort and 17 angrily shouted into the dust. "Do you think a trick like that would get the drop on us?! Huh?!"

Simultaneously, two answers came from the behind them both. "Yes."

17 and 18 both turned to see that Bardock and Piccolo had appeared right behind them. Both of the warriors shot a glare at their foes and then each unleashed a hefty strike, kicking the two Androids to the ground and sending them skidding across the dirt. They both pushed themselves up, looking annoyed, and Bardock chuckled. "Guided energy waves, kids. Pretty basic. I figured that you wouldn't fall for something that simple, but thanks for surprising me~"

Piccolo looked down on the two. "For all of your bravado and your ranting against the man, you two are just as bad as Gero when it comes to amateur mistakes."

18's eyes widened. Her face was frozen in place with cold fury. 17 got to his feet and helped her up. He sneered at Piccolo and Bardock. "Look, trash talk all you want. We'll beat the hell out of you for that...but do not ever compare us to that old bastard again. I'm serious. We'll kill you for that."

Before the fight could continue, though, Android 16 spoke up. "17! 18! I must advice caution!"

The four combatants looked over to the hulking Android. 16 spoke clearly and concisely. "It is hard to explain, but these two are not spreading misinformation when they brag of their power. Bardock's strength has moderately increased from your last encounter with him, and Piccolo's energies are more harmoniously synchronized than when you last saw him."

17 nodded. "Interesting..."

18 cocked her head. "Energies? Plural?"

The raven-haired Android glared at Bardock and Piccolo, rolling up his sleeves. 18 adjusted her hair, still looking coldly enraged. 17 took a deep breath, and then smiled with a sigh. "Okay~ Full strength, 18?"

18 nodded. "Full strength."

And then, in a burst of tempered anger, Android 17 and Android 18 shot forward and kicked Bardock and Piccolo both in the stomach. The two larger fighters both skidded back and doubled over in pain. 17 chuckled. "Now we're even for that little trick attack of yours!"

Bardock growled at 17. "Oh yeah, you little-"

Piccolo held up his hand. "Enough chit-chat. We're going to be here all day if we don't get serious."

18 nodded. "Couldn't agree more."

And then, in defiance of Piccolo and Bardock's own power-ups, 17 and 18 both powered-up back. They displayed no visible aura, but the force of the energy that their bodies were producing was enough to reduce rubble to powder before them. Piccolo and Bardock both took fighting stances, as did 17 and 18. And then, the two sides charged and clashed.

The battle was almost too fast for the eye to follow. The only thing apparent were the various blurs appearing across the island followed by complete destruction in their wake. 16 sat there and watched as his animal friends cowered all over him: Bardock and Piccolo were both expert battle tacticians with years of legitimate experience and mighty levels of strength, but 17 and 18 had known each other for far longer and were easily the two most durable people on the field. There was no telling where this fight would go.

As the sparring continued, Piccolo tried to work out how they could make this work in their favor. He clashed fists with Android 17, throwing the raven-hair off of his stance, and then stretched his leg for a kick. 17 easily dodged around the attack and his and Piccolo continued their exchange. As they did, Piccolo was deep in thought. 'We need to take out at least one. If we can do that, then Cell's plans are ruined! No Ultimate Perfection if both of the Androids aren't there to meet up with him..."

17 leapt into the air and shot a finger beam into Piccolo's knee. Piccolo winced and stumbled and the Android tried to come in for a heavy smash. Piccolo, prepared for that, dropped to the ground to avoid the strike and then sprang right back up to headbutt 17 in the face. 17 was stunned and Piccolo tried to take advantage, but the Android quickly returned the favor with a heavy punch to the ribs. Piccolo coughed up a bit of spit and then mentally tried to reach out. 'Bardock!'

Across the field, Bardock was blocking a relentless barrage of punches from Android 18. He shoved her back and charged a blast. "You remind me a lot of Fasha. Bull-headed and constantly bitchy about something!"

He fired the blast, watching 18 smoothly slap it aside, and then dodged a return fire from the blonde Android. "But I can't say I dislike that. I miss Fasha a lot, sometimes. I guess that's why I like Bulma so much..."

18 rushed forward and tried the same kick she had used before to break Vegeta's arm. Bardock easily blocked it and she snarled. "Do all of you Saiyan men prattle on-and-on about nothing when you fight people?!"

Bardock threw a punch and 18 caught it. He sighed. "Nah. It was just a really long journey I've been on the past two days. I've had a lot of time to think, I guess..."

18 sneered. "Well think about this!"

She formed and energy bubble between Bardock's arms, forcing his guard apart and leaving him wide open. And then, with pinpoint accuracy, 18 kicked Bardock in the side. He grunted and stumbled back. "Kidney shots... always with the kidney shots..."

But, before 18 could retract her foot, Bardock grabbed it and heaved her into the air. He raced up after her and delivered a hefty knee strike to the gut, followed by a kick to the jaw. 18 was able to regain herself in a fraction of a second and she and Bardock began to rapid-fire exchange blows once again. Bardock went for another face kick, but 18 was faster. She weaved around the older Saiyan's leg and punched him in the mouth. Bardock flinched back, but threw his hand forward and palm-thrusted 18 into the side of a tall hill.

Bardock fell from the sky, trying to stomp 18. But she managed to jump out of the way and rapid-fire three consecutive energy blasts right into his face. Bardock took the first two on the chin, but then caught the third one in his mouth and sent it back at 18 along with some energy of his own. The blast hit 18 in her center chest and Bardock tried to rush in for another punch, but 18 was able to spin and grab Bardock's wrist, judo-throwing him to the ground.

The older Saiyan tumbled, rolling back to his feet. He and 18 glared at one another, and then they both charged forward and began to exchange blows once more.

On the other side of the battlefield, Piccolo continued to try and make the mental connection. 'Bardock! Bardock!'

Nothing. Piccolo growled and caught a kick from Android 17, throwing the Android backwards. 'What the hell is going on?! Why can't I-'

17 returned with a kick to Piccolo's chest. The Namekian stumbled, but continued to glare towards his battle partner. Eventually, his eyes fell upon that familiar, red cloth that Bardock kept tied around his forehead. 'Of course...Bulma designed that thing to inhibit a psychic interference that was constantly going off in Bardock's mind. It's blocking my telepathy!'

Android 17 tried to rush in again, but Piccolo caught his attack this time. The two of them glared at one another, and then Piccolo sent 17 shooting back with a massive ki-blast to the chest. 17 crashed to the ground and Piccolo took a fighting stance, knowing it wasn't over. But then, to the Namekian's surprise, his opponent began to laugh. "Hohoho! Oh man! I can't believe this!"

Piccolo was taken aback. Android 17 hopped to his feet and smirked. "This is the most fun I've had in years! I don't even want you two to tell us where Goku is anymore! It would be too great a time to pass up having to beat the information out of you!"

18 landed on her feet, her and Bardock's fight coming to a brief halt. She scowled. "Will you focus?! I don't care if you're having fun! This is annoying and I want it to be over!"

17 smiled over at 18. "Oh, come on! You know you love a good fight! Quit being such a stick in the mud, 18! Just loosen up and try to have some fun!"

Piccolo growled and fired his Eye Beams, catching 17 on the cheek with a quick sneak attack. The smoke clear and 17 smiled at Piccolo, wiping the singe mark off of his face. "See, that would have normally pissed me right off. But now..."

17 casually strolled, walking over to 18 and grabbing her by the arm. They both stood off to one side, and Bardock rejoined Piccolo. The two sides stood across from one another, all four combatants only having suffered minor scrapes from the initial dust-up. As the four took a minute to collect themselves, Bardock glanced over at 16. "So, is he really not going to jump in at any point?"

17 shook his head. "Nah. Big man just wants to merc your kid, otherwise he's not really a fighter. Animals seem to love him, probably because all of his inner-workings make him radiate some pleasant heat."

He chuckled and flipped his black hair to the side. "But, that's enough about him! Shall we continue the ass-kicking already in progress?"

Piccolo and Bardock both responded with a roar, charging at the Androids with a steely resolve. They acted as if they were going to go back to their previous opponents, but the two crafty warriors caught the Androids off-guard with a crisscross. Bardock spun in the air and kicked 17 in the face, followed by and uppercut and an arching blast that hammered 17 back down. Piccolo, meanwhile, chopped 18 over the shoulder. As twisted around, grunting in pain, and was immediately seized by the same shoulder and thrown on top of her counterpart. As the two of them struggled to stand, Piccolo and Bardock both leapt back and sent them flying with a forceful Kiai.

17 and 18 used this force to recover, tumbling into an upright skid and then each firing a Power Blitz at their foes. Bardock smirked and leapt into the air, charging a blast in hand and leaving Piccolo to take the attack. Piccolo took a deep breath and then fired a massive Mouth Blast to counter the Power Blitzes. In the air, Bardock shouted. "This is a move from a dearly-departed pal of mine! Eat it, ya brats!"

The energy in Bardock's hands appeared to take on the form of blue flames and he heaved it down at 17 and 18. "Toma's Special Move! Flame Ballet!"

The fire hit the ground with force, sending a dome of hot air across the battlefield. Piccolo braced himself against the pressure. Bardock smirked at his handiwork. Android 16 watched on stoically from his rock, using his arms to protect the squirrels from the heat.

For a moment, there was nothing from the Androids. But then, appearing as silhouettes within the flames, the two of them marched out. And, to Bardock's dismay, both were surrounded by a green and a pink Energy Barrier respectively. 17 smirked. "Hot moves, bud. Too bad we're fireproof~"

Piccolo growled. "This is going to be a challenge, for sure. Strength is meaningless when applied by itself. We're going to have to come up with a better strategy than just a simple distract-and-then-hit-hard if we're going to make any progress."

Bardock nodded. "Yeah, I figured so. But we didn't train with each other over these past two years for nothing. I know you and you know me, so we just have to get creative."

17 rolled his eyes. "Two years? Please..."

18 looked insulted. "Do you know how long 17 and I have known each other? You two could spend the next ten years training together and not be as in-tune as we are!"

And then, for the first time in the fight, 18 smiled. "Just remember, you're the ones who started this whole two-on-two brawl. So, you'd better be prepared to reap what you've sown~"

Suddenly, in unison, 17 and 18 reached up and flicked their earrings. They both then proceeded to fire twin Eye Beams that Piccolo and Bardock were barely able to dodge. The four beams went off the island and towards another deserted island in the distance, cleaving a mountain in five separate pieces.

Separated, Piccolo and Bardock had no defense as 17 and 18 sped up to them, respectively, and fired a Power Blitz into each of their chests. As both stumbled back, Android 17 smirked and formed a tight energy sphere around Piccolo. "You just sit this one out~"

And then, with a smirk and a middle finger directed at the Namekian, Android 17 rushed over and joined 18 in pummeling Bardock. Faced with the onslaught of two Androids, Bardock could only managed the occasional attack. He launched an energy ball at 17, but the Android leapt over it and kicked Bardock down to the dirt. 18 roared and landed with her knee planting into Bardock's back. The warrior gasped in pain. 18 chuckled and jumped up high. "One more time! With altitude!"

She slammed back down again, but Bardock was wily. He rolled out of the way and 18 crashed into the ground. She snarled. "What the-"

Bardock, with a sadistic smirk, reached out and looped his finger into 18's left earring. She shrieked in pain and Bardock heaved her over his shoulder. 17 growled. "That's a dirty move! Let her go!"

Seeing 17 rush at him with a punch, Bardock smiled and pulled 18 through the air and into the path of 17's fist. 17 growled and leapt into the air, coating his fist in energy and trying to hammer it down onto the Saiyan. "You think I'm just going to hit her like that?!"

Bardock smirked. "Nope! I knew you wouldn't!"

He let 18's earring loose, letting her fly off into the distance. And then, Bardock reached up and grabbed 17 by the leg, swinging him around and launching him and his enhanced fist towards the energy bubble imprisoning Piccolo. 17's fist crashed through and the bubble shattered, allowing Piccolo to kick 17 in the face and launch him sky high. Bardock chuckled. "These two are synchronized, sure, but they're greener than the shit in Baby Ranch's diaper when it comes to fighting!"

Android 18 came rushing at Bardock from behind. "What did you say, you prick?!"

Bardock leapt into the air with a smug smile. "I said you guys are amateurs!"

And then, he quickly dropkicked Android 18 into a nearby rocky mound, sending her crashing through and down into a coastal cave below. Bardock waved at Piccolo. "Let's keep them apart for a bit and see how we do~"

Piccolo nodded. "Right."

And then, he raced up into the sky and blocked Android 17's path. Piccolo took a fighting stance. "You're dealing with me, Android."

17 smirked. "That's fine. 18 can handle that old fool all by herself!"

Underground, in the coastal cave...

Bardock landed on the pure, white sand and crossed his arms over his bare chest. "Honestly. I call you guys amateurs, but I think it's just that you aren't martial artists! Your style isn't based on technique at all, you guys are just a couple of street punks! Ain't that right?!"

He looked around. "Where the hell are you?!"

The older Saiyan looked down into the pool of water in front of him and saw two orbs of light behind him. Immediately, he turned and met the blast hurling towards him with a blast of his own, causing a huge explosion. "Oh! Hiding in the stalagmites, eh?!"

Suddenly 18 emerged from the water and punched Bardock in the back, between his shoulder blades. "Those are stalactites, idiot."

Bardock stumbled forward, turning and glaring at 18. "Oh...tricky..."

18 rolled her eyes. "Guided energy waves, geezer. Pretty basic. I figured that you wouldn't fall for something that simple, but thanks for surprising me."

He turned and took a fighting stance. "Oh, you have a sense of humor too! Yeah, you one-hundred percent remind me of Fasha..."

She scowled. "I don't know who that is."

Bardock nodded. "Right. Just ignore me and my geezer rambling."

18's gaze narrowed. "Gladly."

And then the fight started again. Bardock and 18 clashed fists, creating a shockwave that sent them both flying back. As Bardock landed, he looked up and saw a blast flying right towards him. He spat, and then he made his Super Saiyan energy flare up. The blast was eradicated and Bardock called out. "Gotta try harder than that, Bottle Blonde!"

Suddenly, like a bat out of Hell, Android 18 shot forward and wrapped her hand around Bardock's throat, pulling him forward and getting in his face. "WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?!"

Bardock smirked and smashed Android 18 in the nose with his elbow. "Your vanity is going to lose you this fight, lady."

18 flinched back, her nose throbbing. But then, she righted herself and punched Bardock in the side of the head. Bardock's ears were ringing and he groaned in pain, only to receive the exact same punch on the other side of his head and a kick to the chest for good measure. 18 dived in. "I'M A NATURAL BLONDE! YOU KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT ABOUT MY HAIR!"

Bardock smirked. He caught his feet on the ground and halted his momentum, and then he grabbed 18 and sent her plowing through several rocky spires jutting out from the water. 18 came to a stop when she smashed into a wall. She pushed herself up with no effort and fired two heavy energy blasts back at Bardock. The Saiyan leapt up high to avoid them and chuckled. "That was-"

He looked down and gasped, dodging out of the way of a javelin-shaped rock that was flying at him. Bardock wasn't impaled, but his side was hit pretty hard. He clutched his bleeding flank and grunted in pain. "Damn..."

Android 18 didn't let up. She flew at Bardock at top speed and smashed her head into his face. Bardock flinched and 18 maneuvered above him, sending him flying with a double kick to the back. Bardock crashed onto the sandy ground below and 18 landed on top of him, raining a series of angry punches down on his face. "How's that feel?! Huh?!"

Bardock caught her fist and drove his elbow into her gut. "I've been hit harder by my grandson..."

The older Saiyan tossed Android 18 off of himself. She crashed face-first into the sand, but quickly recovered. 18 got up to see Bardock rushing at her and tried to blast him with a finger beam. The ki blast shot through Bardock's chest, but he simply vanished rather than keeling over dead. 18 flinched. "Wha-"

Bardock came up behind her, his hand drawn. And he sent her flying with a chop to the side of the head. 18 went flying into the water and Bardock leapt in after her.

Beneath the sparkling blue sea, Bardock chased after 18. He threw a punch, but 18 blocked it with her forearm. And then, with her free hand, 18 grabbed Bardock's arm and wrenched it hard, popping his elbow out of socket. Bardock nearly cried out in pain, but managed to keep his breath held inside. 18 smirked and then wrenched even harder, popping Bardock's shoulder out of place.

Bardock was annoyed now. He stomped his foot onto the ocean floor and launched himself up. He charged a blast into his hand and fired down on 18, making her released him from her grip. Bardock flew up and out of the water and gasped. "Shit!"

Quickly, he shoved his shoulder back into socket and then did the same with his elbow. "She's really strong. Damn. That hurt..."

Suddenly, 18 came shooting up from the water. She wrapped her arms and legs around Bardock, locking on a tight sleeper hold, and then pulled him back down. "Let's go for another swim together~"

The two of them plunged back into the water and Bardock gurgled. He didn't have time to breath in any air this time around. And, as a result, his lungs were already on fire. He jerked around, trying to get loose of 18's grip, and the Android smirked. This would be an easy win for her, her enhanced lung capacity would allow her to stay underwater for at least an hour. He would drown in minutes.

Bardock was fading. 'Damn it...'

As he fought against the grip 18 had managed to so tightly lock on, Bardock thought to himself. 'Come on...gotta get loose...gonna drown...'

Continuing to try and come up with an idea, the older Saiyan eventually remembered something he had learned from his son during their training. 'Hmph. I hate to be unoriginal, but thanks...Kakarot...'

Bardock bent over, his feet touching the ocean floor and 18 still tightly holding onto him. He arched his feet and focused, and then he fired a massive energy blast from the soles of his bare feet. Bardock and 18 both rocketed out of the water and, faster than 18 could react, Bardock smashed her into the rocky ceiling above.

Bardock hit the ground with a thud, water geysering out of his mouth. "Ugh..."

18 landed on the other side of the underground beach with a three-point landing. She glanced up and smirked at Bardock. "Power Blitz!"

The Android slammed her other hand against the sand and launched a massive Power Blitz beneath the ground. Bardock watched as the light of the attack disturbed the sand, traveling towards him with great speed. He was barely able to get to his feet before the blast erupted out of the ground in a column shape, engulfing him and exploding. 18 smirked. "Stupid bastard! Thinking that some washed-up old has-been can stand up to an Android like me!"

But then, to 18's surprise, Bardock launched forward. He was singed, and his remaining clothing had become even more tattered, but Bardock launched towards 18 with all he had and smashed his in the nose with his fist. 18 went flying back, blood exploding from her nostrils, and Bardock followed that punch with a kick to the face. Bardock stood and took a fighting stance, ready for more.

After a moment, 18 stood as well. She reached up, wiping the blood from under her nose, and scowled furiously. But, after just a moment, that scowl was replaced with a smirk and a chuckle. She glanced up at Bardock, spitting blood out of her mouth. "You know, I hate to admit that 17 is right...but he's right. I'm starting to enjoy this..."

She narrowed her eyes. "You're one tough, old bastard. Huh?"

Bardock sighed and wiped blood from his busted lip. "It's all down to Saiyan genetics. And the fact that I'm too stubborn to just retire..."

18 closed her eyes. "Well, I can appreciate that. I guess it's been too long since I've had a good scrap. I'd grown too comfortable just going with the motions. But..."

She glared at Bardock. "Even if I'm enjoying this, you've still pissed me off. Maybe even worse than Vegeta did. So, I'm going to break you over my knee. Cool?"

Bardock chuckled. "I can respect that. I would expect no less from an opponent than what I'm dishing out. And I plan on finishing you and those two chuckleheads up top. You guys ain't killing my son! He has a family that wants him around!"

And then, Bardock and 18 charged at one another and locked up. Their strength was pushing against one another and neither was going to budge. Bardock growled. "I'm ready for you two now! My power level is higher and I even took the time to learn a few new tricks! This battle doesn't end until you lose!"

18 smirked, gripping her hands tightly against Bardock's. "Well, don't keep me waiting then! Show me what you've got!"

Bardock chuckled. "That would just spoil things~"

And then, he reared his head back. 18 did the same. And they clashed against one another with a mighty headbutt that made blood trickle down both of their faces.

Back on the surface...

Piccolo and Android 17 were engaging in a rapid dodge competition. Each move that one fighter tried, the other was able to avoid with a crisp, evasive maneuver. It was an even going between the two. Piccolo was the smarter man in the fight, able to pinpoint and try to strike at 17's weaknesses and openings, but 17's enhanced reflexes allowed him to dodge. Likewise, 17's creative mind encouraged him to try all manner of strategy against Piccolo, but Piccolo's experience and genuine grit allowed him with evade and withstand.

The battle between the two was less a high-stakes brawl, and more of an elaborate dance.

Eventually, that dance did come to an end with Piccolo finally scoring a lucky break. 17 went for a kick, but Piccolo managed to catch the young punk by the ankle. With a smirk, Piccolo pulled 17 close and unleashed a Mouth Blast right in the Android's face. 17 bent back, avoiding the majority of the attack without sustaining too much damage, and freed himself with a kick to Piccolo's chest. 17 smirked as he got his bearings. "You're a tricky guy, Piccolo. Tricky, tricky, tricky~"

Piccolo took a fighting stance. "This is still just the opening act, boy. Prepare yourself!"

17 took a fighting stance as well, mockingly mirroring Piccolo's. Piccolo smirked. And then he lunged forward. 17 was prepared for anything. Once Piccolo got in close, he was going to chop the Namekian down to size. But then, Piccolo pulled a move that 17 wasn't expected. He grinded to a halt and, in 17's confusion, Piccolo fired two beams of electricity from his antennae. The surge hit 17 in center mass and he cried out in agony.

With his foe paralyzed, Piccolo rushed in anew. He rained down punches on 17, hitting the Android in his gut, his chest, and finally his face before sending the raven-haired punk flying back with a spinning kick. Piccolo gave chase, but 17 was able to recover. He slapped away Piccolo's attempt at a chop and then reached up and grabbed one of his antennae. Piccolo hissed in pain and 17 laid into his with a harsh punch to the jaw. He then followed that up with a chop to Piccolo's neck. Piccolo was stunned and 17 let go of his antenna. He started to charge a blast to send the Namekian flying, but Piccolo quickly stretched his arm out and smashed it against the side of 17's head like a steel whip. The arm wrapped around 17's face and Piccolo used his momentum to fling the Android to the ground below.

Piccolo flew down at 17 with purpose. He charged a blast in his hand. But, 17 hopped to his feet and fired a series of miniature blasts back at the Namekian. Piccolo threw his blast, but 17's attacks reduced it down to nothing. He landed and glared at Android 17, who had blood running down the side of his face. 17 grunted. "Jeez. That stretchy arm of yours packs a wallop. I think you busted my eardrum..."

Piccolo snarled and stretched his arm at 17 once more, going for an extended punch. But, 17 calmly leapt up, landing atop Piccolo's arm, and rushed forward. Using the arm as a walking path, 17 made his way to Piccolo's head and kicked the Namekian in the face. With Piccolo thrashed to the ground, 17 flew up and charged a Power Blitz. "Eat this! Power Blitz!"

Piccolo roared and thrust both of his hands upwards. "Makosen!"

The two ki attacks rocketed towards one another and crashed, resulting in an explosion that sent ki bolts flying across the island. The blasts scoured the land and crashed into the ocean, causing several explosions. All the while, a non-plussed Android 16 sat and watched with a placid expression on his face.

As the smoke from the attacks still billowed, Piccolo's hands shot out and tried to grab at Android 17. The young Android scoffed and continued to avoid swipes and attempted grabs from Piccolo's claws. "This is starting to get old!"

"I agree!"

17 turned and Piccolo kick him from above, planting his foot into 17's cheek. The Android looked down and saw, now that the smoke had cleared, a massive, tangled mess of stretched arms. He turned to Piccolo, staring in amazement. "How freaking far can you stretch those things?!"

The Namekian responded with Eye Beams. 17 flinched and flicked one of his earrings, responding with Eye Beams of his own. The two of them struggled as Piccolo retracted his arms, only for the Namekian to immediately stretch them again for a double punch to 17's gut. This blow stretched down far, driving 17 harshly into the ground. Piccolo landed and retracted his arms again. And then he tossed two ki blasts towards 17's prone form. But both blasts collided with an energy barrier that 17 had thrown up.

The Android took a minute to recover. "Damn...this guy has some surprises hidden up his sleeve, that's for sure..."

He stared over at his ally, sitting on a rock and staring into space. "Hey, 16! Whatcha lookin' at?"

16 bluntly responded. "Pelicans."

17 nodded. "Of course, you are, buddy..."

The shorter Android hopped onto his feet, dropping his barriers, and then charged at Piccolo once more. With the force of a speeding bullet, 17 smashed his forehead into Piccolo's and forcefully shoved the Namekian back. Piccolo cringed back, a purple scuff now dead center on his forehead. But, he didn't admit defeat. He instead lashed out with his sharp fingernails, digging them into 17's cheek and leaving three scratches running up the side of the Androids face. 17 smirked. "Pragmatic~ I like it!"

Piccolo snarled and charged a blast. "Shut the hell up!"

17 flipped in the air, stomping his foot down onto the blast and quashing it against the ground. "But, you're way too self-serious man. Why don't you lighten up? I swear, you're just like 18!"

Getting sick of the Android's mouth, Piccolo lunged forward and punched him across the face, following that up with another punch to the gut. 17 coughed and gagged, but landed on his feet and punched Piccolo in the chest. 17 spoke again. "Seriously! Are you just not, like, having any fun with this?!"

Piccolo struck a fighting stance. "I respect my opponents by taking battle seriously!"

17 flinched. "O-Oh...I see. That's...really cool, actually..."

He nodded, closing his eyes. "Okay then...serious-mode it is!"

17 rushed at Piccolo, but Piccolo was quick to halt him with a spearing kick to the gut. 17 grunted, but he didn't allow that to throw him off. He pressed down on Piccolo's leg and used what was left of his forward momentum to flip over the Namekian and land a kick of his own, thrashing his leg down onto Piccolo's shoulder. Piccolo growled, and then he responded with an elbow strike to 17's face. 17 cried out, but then hit Piccolo with a falling clothesline. Both warriors smashed against the ground, but both quickly leapt back to their feet. The each whipped around and fired a continuous energy wave at one another, engaging in small beam struggle that ended with their respective attacks backfiring and blowing them both back.

One of 17's sleeves were completely burnt away. Piccolo lost his arm, but quickly grew it back. And then they charged at one another and proceeded to fistfight. Punch after punch landed on 17's face and each of the blows were mirrored on Piccolo's. A swift jab to the bridge of the nose made 17 cringe, but he quickly recovered and hammerfisted Piccolo over the head.

In the pause, 17 dived down and went between Piccolo's legs. Now behind the Namekian, 17 wrapped his arms around his foes waist and went for a suplex. But Piccolo held firm. 17 went to lift him again, but Piccolo held himself in place. 17 sneered. "Okay then!"

He adjusted his grip to where one of his hands were free. 17 fired and energy wave that forced both him and Piccolo into the air and then the impetuous, young Android completed his move. He suplexed Piccolo back, resulting in a mid-air piledriver that sent Piccolo crashing headfirst into the ground.

17 landed and did a hand-spring backflip. He smirked at the sight of Piccolo's legs sticking up out of the ground. "Now then..."

But, suddenly, Piccolo vanished. 17 flinched. "Huh?!"

And then, two more Piccolo's burst up from the ground around him. The two of them pummeled 17 together, eventually doing a double kick that sent the Android flying into the air. 17 recovered slightly and shot two finger beams down at his attacks, piercing them both through the chest. And, to his shock, they both disappeared just as the one buried in the ground had. "What sort of bullshit is this?!"

Piccolo appeared behind 17 with a smirk. "It's the multi-form technique."

17 turned to face Piccolo and Piccolo responded with a right hook to the jaw. 17 cringed back, but quickly adjusted himself and returned with a left hook of his own. He tried to take a fighting stance, but Piccolo wouldn't allow it. The Namekian had managed to infiltrate 17's defenses and refused to waste the opportunity. He pulverized 17, blocking the Android's awkward attempts and punches and dishing out heavy damage. The assault ended with Piccolo grabbing 17 by the neck and heaving him into the air, slamming the boy down onto his knee and allowing him to fall to the ground below.

Piccolo then went for a dive kick. He crashed down towards 17 with unrelenting momentum. But, 17 was able to quickly roll over and stick his leg up, landing a shattering kick to Piccolo's groin. Or, it was meant to be a shattering kick at least. Piccolo stood there, looking annoyed. 17 was confused. "B-But you should be in a lot of pain right now! Shouldn't you?!"

Piccolo sighed, taking a brief moment to crack his neck. "Namekians don't reproduce through genitalia."

And then, he harshly booted 17 under the chin for his efforts and fired a chaser blast that exploded upon contact with the stunned Android.

17 hopped to his feet, singed and smoking. "Okay, I'll admit...a boot to the balls was pretty uncool. Even if you, you know, turned out not to have any..."

Piccolo responded to this half-hearted attempt at an apology with a fighting stance. 17 nodded. "Right. Stoic out of respect. Right."

17 sighed, and then he fired a Power Blitz towards Piccolo. Piccolo roared and dispelled the attack with a Kiai. 17 resisted the force of the shockwave and prepared himself for Piccolo's next attack, and energy blast of his own. The blast came forward and 17 kicked it skyward, like a soccer ball. He lunged at Piccolo, but Piccolo smirked and pointed two fingers directly at 17. 17 flinched, expecting an attack from the front, only to have the blast he had previous kicked smash him in the back. In that moment, Piccolo focused hard. He reached out and gathered the energy from the previous blast, sucking in back into himself. He amplified the power and then fired it once more, this time directly into Android 17's face. Piccolo had hoped that that would do more, but he was quickly dismayed. 17 punched him in the face with a quick jab, and then rained down several more blows at lightning-speed. Piccolo was sent flying back, pain erupting across his body.

17 charged forward, but Piccolo caught him off-guard with a knee to the stomach. 17 coughed and blood spurted from his mouth. To his dismay, Piccolo still hit like a truck.

The brawl continued. 17 was faster, but Piccolo was stronger. Every two hits that the Android put out were quickly balanced out by a single strike from the Namekian. In an attempt to psyche out his opponent, 17 chuckled. "You can't keep this up forever, you know! You're going to run out of steam eventually!"

Piccolo grunted and his fist clashed with 17. "Namekians are nourished by water and sunlight! Even if I do run out of steam, I'm still solar powered! A sloppy brat like you is much more likely to fall in a battle of strength and endurance than I am!"

Both foes refused to back down, an unspoken warrior's agreement between them. They charged at one another, continuing to brawl and knowing that they couldn't stop until the other did. Neither was bothering to block or dodge in this exchange. The only goal here was to overpower the person in front of them. A mirrored punch to the face sent both skidding back. Piccolo spat a mouthful of purple blood from his mouth and squared up. 17 gripped a throbbing bruise on his face, and then he did the same. And then the two of them charged once more and went back at it.

On the sidelines, Android 16 sighed as he watched the fight, squirrels and birds still perched all over him. "Such unnecessary violence."

On Kami's Lookout...

Goku and Gohan were both happily pigging out on Mr. Popo's delicious cooking when Future Ranch and Gine finally decided to join them at the table. Future Ranch sat down with a sullen look on her face. Gine, meanwhile, looked to be deep in thought about something. As the two of them both started to eat, still ravenous Saiyans in spite of their moods, Goku spoke up. "Hey, is everything okay? What's going on...?"

Future Ranch flinched, looking nervous. Gine shook her head. "It's nothing, Kakarot. Girl problems."

Gohan politely nodded. Goku, meanwhile, started to prod a bit more. He leaned over, getting right in Future Ranch's face much to the girl's discomfort. "Wh-What?! What do you want, Uncle?!"

Goku chuckled. "Girl problems, huh?"

He began to playfully tease. "Does it have to do with a certain someone in the Time Chamber right now? A certain boy? Possibly related to Vegeta? Huh~? Maybe regretting not getting some quality time with him, if you know what I mean?"

Future Ranch's face lit up red. She swallowed her mouthful of rice hard. "Uh...I uh...uhm uh...I..."

Steam began to erupt off of Future Ranch's head. Goku chuckled, still teasing her. Annoyed, Gine slammed her hand down on the table. Goku, Gohan, and Future Ranch all yelped in fear. Gine glared at Goku, her eyes narrowed and several angry veins popping up on her head. "Kakarot..."

Gine's face was framed in shadow as she seemed to tower over her son. "I know, since we've been living her on Earth together, I've taught you to respect a lady's privacy. Right?"

Goku was shivering. He quickly sat back down in his chair with an obedient nod. "Y-Yes ma'am!"

As his father fearfully whimpered next to him, Gohan glanced over at Future Ranch. She gave a relieved sigh and went back to her meal, not making eye contact with anybody. Gohan could tell that something was wrong, but he didn't know what it was.

As the meal continued, however, a sudden surge of power hit the four Saiyans, crashing over them, Kami, and Mr. Popo like a tidal wave. Gohan gasped and turned to stare in the distance. "What are Mr. Piccolo and Grandpa Bardock doing?!"

Goku's draw dropped at the amount of power they were putting out. "Jeez. I knew that Piccolo was holding back quite a bit, but Dad has gotten a pretty nice boost since I last saw him too. Wow..."

Gine smiled with pride, although concern could still be seen in her eyes. "That's my husband. I knew that, when he disappeared, it was probably to train."

And then, to the shock of the other three, Future Ranch stood from the table with a bolt. "They can't just be training with this much power output. And I don't sense Cell anywhere near them. So, that means..."

The image of the twin terrors flashed through Future Ranch's head. She gripped her fists tight. Kami nodded. "Indeed, look through my mental connection with Piccolo, I can see that he is currently fighting Android 17. So, that would most likely mean that Bardock is fighting Android 18..."

The future teen immediately ran from the table, down the nearby corridor. "Well, what are we waiting for?! We need to go and help them before it's too late!"

As she ran, though, Goku used his Instant Transmission to appear before Future Ranch. "Whoa! Hang on a second!"

Future Ranch stopped in her tracks. "What?! Why?! They're fighting against 17 and 18, Uncle! This is our chance! If we can all team up and kill those two, then Cell's plan is ruined!"

Goku nodded. "Yeah, that's probably why Piccolo chose to fight with them. No clue why my Dad is there, though..."

Future Ranch looked genuinely confused. "Then why don't we join them?! This is our chance!"

Goku cocked his head. "Look, I hate to say it...but we'd just be getting in the way. Ya know? You and Gohan and my Mom...you guys can't stand up to those two. And, if they turned out to be as evil as you've said they are, they might just use you three as leverage to get the drop on Piccolo and my Dad..."

Future Ranch flinched. Gohan and Gine both sullenly nodded, knowing that they'd only be a hinderance at this point. Future Ranch gritted her teeth. "What about you, then?! Why don't you go and help! I can feel your power, you're just as strong as Piccolo or Grandpa Bardock!"

Goku sighed, scratching his head. "I mean, I am...but it might cause problems if I went as well. That 16 guy seems to only want to fight me, and we have no idea how strong he is..."

He shook his head. "Now, don't get me wrong, I'm always up for a challenge. And I'm willing to bet he's at least equal with 17 and 18. But, if we're going to win this and prevent your bad future, we have to play it smart. No reason to jump in and bring another enemy into the fold..."

Future Ranch's fists were shaking. Her cheeks were glowing red. "A-Are you sure this is for the best, Uncle?"

Goku could see just how stressed she was. Future Ranch seemed like the type of person who kept things bottled up until she couldn't take it anymore, and it looked like that was about where she was at. Goku nodded and grabbed her, pulling her into a tight hug. "Just stay calm. It'll be okay. If it looks like things are going to get to a point where we can't fix them, then I promise I'll jump in and take care of things."

Future Ranch buried her face into Goku's chest, hiding her emotional outburst from everyone else. Goku gently ruffled her hair, letting her take her time. "I promise you; we'll win! I know we will!"

Kami watched this touching display go on and gave a concerned sigh. He knew that, even if Goku was sure they would win, that he was lying about one crucial detail. It wasn't a lack of wanting to fight with 16 that was keeping Goku away, it was a worry over a different enemy entirely. The Saiyan from Earth was fearful of alerting a potential intruder that, at the moment, none of them might be able to stop. Kami spoke up. "Mr. Popo, our guests deserve to be able to do more than sense the conflict below. If you would, please produce a crystal ball to view the proceedings with."

Mr. Popo complied, summoning a crystal sphere and setting in in the center of the table. "As you wish, Kami."

Kami, Mr. Popo, and the four Saiyans all gathered around the table and stared into the crystal ball. As they all did, Goku began to think to himself. He knew that Piccolo and Bardock were doing what they felt they could to help out. But...he also knew that a certain monster was most likely waiting for a conflict like this to erupt. And that Piccolo and Bardock's power was one hell of a beacon.

Back on the island chain...

Piccolo and 17 both slid back again, neither of them falling back. Both were bruised, scuffed, and bleeding from various wounds as they stood across from one another. But both took a fighting stance to continued. Neither man was going to back down here. As they both prepared to charge at one another again, however, a sudden explosion of ki shot out from the ground between them. And, within that ki explosion, was the figure of a certain person.

Bardock was in a state of freefall, looking beaten and battered. 17 chuckled. "I knew it!"

Piccolo scowled. "Damn it..."

But then, to both of their surprise, Bardock righted himself with a confident smirk. "Got her!"

17 gasped and flinched, only for 18 to leap out from the hole and land right next to him. Bardock landed next to Piccolo and the two sides both took a brief rest. Piccolo glanced over at Bardock. "You good?"

Bardock snapped back at him. "Worry about yourself! It'll take more than a severe beating to keep me down!"

Bardock stood and his bones audibly crackled. He looked like he was in quite a bit of pain. Piccolo couldn't talk though, he felt like he had been through a meat grinder.

On the other side of the field, 17 and 18 regrouped. 18 had a look of genuine anger on her face, not so much cold but white hot. She looked down at the state of herself. That blast that Bardock had fired off had done a number on her look. Her shirt and vest combo had been completely blown away on her right side, leaving her bra exposed for all to see. 18 checked down on the remaining half of her top, relieved to see that her deputy park ranger badge was still intact.

Meanwhile, behind her, 17 was freaking out and trying to find a way to tell 18 that the fringe on her side-hawk was on fire. "H-Hey! 18!"

She blew him off. "Don't say anything 17, I know!"

17 tried to speak again. "B-But..."

She turned to him and roared in his face. "SHUT UP AND GIVE ME A MINUTE!"

As she turned back and glared daggers at Bardock and Piccolo, 17 quietly walked up behind her and put out the fire on the ends of her hair. 18 scowled. "You bastards...between you and Vegeta...you ruin my hair...and my looks...and my outfits..."

18 was trembling with anger. "I just stole this outfit too..."

Suddenly, Bardock looked quite fearful. "Wait a minute...she stole that outfit...and they've been to Kakarot's house...that...means..."

The older Saiyan suddenly went blue in the face, flinching back. "O-Oh...oh shit..."

Piccolo was confused. "What?"

Bardock swallowed a lump in his throat. "I thought I recognized that outfit. That...was one of Chi-Chi's favorite outfits for going to Gohan's school meetings. And I just torched it..."

He was genuinely trembling. "She's gonna kill me..."

18 snapped. "She won't have a chance! 17! Let's kick things up a notch!"

17 adopted a confident smirk. "Finally! Using that Gero-approved shit was starting to get dull! Let's show these two what we've really got going for us!"

The two Androids stood back-to-back, both of them putting up their fists and forming energy shields around them. Piccolo took his fighting stance. "That doesn't look pleasant."

Bardock quickly regained his focus, letting his Super Saiyan power flare out. "Whatever! Let's just power through it!"

17 and 18 charged forward, both of them landing a harsh punch, imbued with an energy shield, into their opponents' guts. Piccolo gagged and coughed up blood. Bardock's eyes rolled back and he stumbled. The two Androids smirked and then they went about pummeling their foes, delivering a savage beating to both Bardock and Piccolo that was unlike anything that either had experience prior.

After taking another punch to the face, Bardock snarled. He flipped back, avoiding a punch from 18, and then did a handspring off of Piccolo into the air. "Hey! Hold those brats still!"

Piccolo complied, stretching out his arms and wrapping them around 17 and 18. With those two held in place, Bardock thrust his hands forward. "Double Ravager Cannon!"

The two blasts shot from Bardock's fingers, but 17 and 18 were both prepared to defend. Quickly, the both threw up an energy barrier. The barriers shot up so quickly that Piccolo couldn't retract his arms in time, resulting in both of them being sliced out. Piccolo cried out in pain and the Ravager Cannon's hit the barriers, causing them to warp but eventually bouncing off and straight up into the air. Bardock growled. "Dammit..."

Piccolo quickly regrew his arms. "Focus! If that didn't work then try something else!"

The Namekian then stretched his leg, shooting it up and wrapping it around Bardock's waist. And then, with all of his might, he kicked forward and launched the Saiyan at the Androids. Bardock gritted his teeth, summoning a ki blast into each hand and plowed into the Androids. Piccolo leapt in as well and the battle started fresh. Bardock grabbed 17 by the leg, heaving the boy into the air and chucking him into a nearby tree. Piccolo, meanwhile, shot a blast at 18 that sent her flying back. 17 chuckled. "18, I think they wanna switch opponents!"

18 stood, ripping the badge off of her ruined shirt and then tearing the rest of the tattered rag off altogether. "Whatever!"

Bardock and 17 quickly got right down to it. Bardock's attack patterns weren't quite as brutal as Piccolo's, but they proved to be seamlessly efficient. But, the scariest part about this new opponent, for 17, was just how much of a tank he was turning out to be. 17 laid punch after punch into Bardock, hitting him as hard as he could, but the older Saiyan barely reacted. It was like he had taken the damage dished out by 18 and just gotten used to it.

And, what was worse, Bardock was able to dish out some truly harsh attacks of his own. 17 took a shattering punch to the stomach and his legs briefly turned to jelly. "Holy shit...what is this guy?!"

17 threw another round of punches, but Bardock managed to dodge the majority of them. He was weaving and dodging past 17's attacks and then striking back, leaving the Android stunned. Bardock chuckled at the disbelief on 17's face. "Look, kid, let me just tell you...you and that girl's fighting styles mirror each other! And I get it, you're partners, so of course you try to stay compatible with one another's styles, but you gotta mix it up a little of your opponent's get bored!"

Bardock slammed his fist into 17's cheek and took the boy off of his feet. 17 quickly recovered and tossed an energy wave that hit Bardock dead-center in the chest. But, Bardock didn't fall. 17 looked down, double-checking to make sure that his fists were still enveloped in the barriers. He growled. "How in this hell is a purely organic being able to hit that hard?!"

17 dispersed the barriers on his fists and leapt back, peppering the ever-advancing Bardock with ki bolts in an attempt to trip his up. Bardock, deciding that he wasn't suicidal yet, leapt out of the way of the attacks and deftly dodged between them. Each of these blasts was strong and howling by at top speed. It would be enough to obliterate his Saiyan armor, if he was actually wearing it. Bardock scowled. "Dammit, I should have had Piccolo make me some clothes on the way here..."

Hiding and using a rock for cover, Bardock looked down and saw what was left of his pants. It looked like he was fighting in an orange speedo. "I'm a goddamned idiot."

17 busted feet first through the rock and shouted. "You certainly are if you think a rock is going to protect you!"

The Android twirled in mid-air, coating his foot with an energy barrier, and kicked Bardock hard enough that he went shredding across the island. 17 sped up and caught the tumbling Saiyan. "Now then! Try this on for size!"

17 summoned what appeared to be a Power Blitz in his hand. But, Bardock was quick to notice that this attack was crackling with electricity. 17 shouted. "Elec-"

Bardock summoned a ki blast into his hand and fired it right into 17's mouth. The Android coughed and Bardock took advantage, cracking his knee against 17's jaw and sending him crashing through a tree. Bardock went for another punch, but 17 quickly threw up a barrier. Bardock's fist collided with the shielding bubble and he flinched in pain. The Saiyan leapt back and saw that his knuckles were bleeding. "Shit, that's a strong barrier..."

17 got back onto his feet and dispelled it, motioning for Bardock to bring it. "Come on, big man! Let's go!"

Bardock roared and rushed at 17, ready to continue the fight.

As those two brawled, however, Piccolo and Android 18 continued their fight, the Namekian firing blasts as 18 evaded. Piccolo's analytical mind was in full force as he and this new challenger exchanged blows. And, already, Piccolo had noticed several key differences between how 17 operated and how 18 operated. The key difference being their approach: Android 18 dodged whenever she could while 17, when not screwing around, tended to summon his energy barrier.

Piccolo sneered. 'They can both use that barrier, but she chooses not to. Perhaps, she doesn't have as much confidence in it as he does...?'

Wanting to test that theory, Piccolo leapt in and tried to punch 18. She responded with an energy barrier, which she quickly dispersed to deliver a punch to Piccolo's ribs. Piccolo leapt back, wincing in pain. "Fine then! Try this!"

He pressed his fingertips to his forehead and quickly charged his energy. "Special Beam Cannon!"

18 glared at the oncoming attack. She appeared to be considering something in her head, and then she quickly cartwheeled out of the way. 18 landed in a crouching position and formed a ki blast in her hand, firing it at Piccolo. Piccolo smirked and caught the blast, using his speed to zip behind 18. "This is yours!"

18 turned and Piccolo slammed the blast into her chest, sending her flying back. And then, he charged again and went for a mighty axe kick. With no room to dodge, 18 formed to energy barriers around her forearms and used them to block. Piccolo's foot hit the barriers and, with some extra force exerted, they began to crack. "There we go!"

Android 18 sneered. "Don't get cocky, green boy!"

The barriers shattered, but 18 was quickly to retaliate with an uppercut to Piccolo's face. Piccolo grunted and then responded with a harsh chop to 18's ribs. Piccolo shouted and sent 18 flying once more with another kick. But, this time, 17 appear to catch her. He looked annoyed. "Sis, are you okay?"

Piccolo cocked his head. "'Sis'? You two are siblings?"

Bardock walked up next to Piccolo. "That explains why they look so similar...twins, eh? Huh..."

The older Saiyan rubbed his hand against the lower left side of his back. Piccolo shook his head. "Siblings or not, the point is that 18 is the weaker of the two. It would do us well to exploit that knowledge for all it's worth."

18 flinched, and then adopted an angry glare. "Weaker?! You're calling me weaker?!"

And then, enraged, Android 18 began to charge a ki blast. Piccolo and Bardock both went on guard against this. Android 17, however, simply chuckled. Piccolo and Bardock both looked confused as 17 addressed them. "Now, see, that's the dumbest thing either of you have said since we started this. And it proves that you don't know the first thing about what it means to have a twin sibling..."

Bardock angrily snarled. Piccolo narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

17 chuckled and wagged his finger. "Oh, you're about to see..."

Piccolo stared dutifully at 18 as she charged her attack, a compressed ki sphere held between her palms. Bardock, meanwhile, thought about what 17 had just said. He thought long and hard about it, and then he gasped. "Shit!"

Piccolo turned to his partner. "What?! What is it?!"

Suddenly, to Piccolo's shock, Bardock lunged towards Android 18. "We shouldn't be underestimating her, Piccolo! Just because she's not as skilled with those barriers as 17, doesn't mean she's weaker! Twins always have strengths and weaknesses that their siblings don't!"

Piccolo was taken aback. 17 chuckled, nodding in confirmation. Android 18 smirked and thrust her hands forward. 17 sighed. "Quality and quantity, fellas. I can generate stronger energy, but 18 is at least five times better at output than me~"

And then, 17 leapt out of the way and left things to 18. The female Android glared at the ever-approaching Bardock and Piccolo and shouted. "INFINITY BULLET!"

Bardock was staring the attack right in the face. It would have hit him if not for Piccolo's quick thinking and stretchy limbs yanking him backwards. The two warriors were forced to retreat, staring in disbelief as hundreds upon thousands upon hundreds of thousands of ki blasts rushed towards them. Piccolo shouted. "How in the hell can someone produce that much ki all at once?!"

In the air, 17 shouted down. "Well guys, it all comes down to the modifications Gero did on us! Old fart gave us an infinite amount of potential, and yet he insisted that we should never test how far infinity could truly go! He was uncreative, dull, and scared of just what 18 and I could accomplish with this power! That's why he kept us locked down to just Energy Barriers and Power Blitzes!"

17 thrust his hand forward, aiming at the retreating warriors. "So, I hope he's watching from Hell, because we're gonna show him just how bright we can shine! ELECTRIC SHOT!"

A massive attack, not unlike the Power Blitz, formed in 17's hand. But this attack was crackling with electricity. 17 fired is with a massive smile on his face, sending the attack flying directly between Bardock and Piccolo. It missed wildly, crashing to the ground, but the after-effect was where this move really shined. It exploded and resulted in a dome of crackling electricity that enveloped and shocked Piccolo and Bardock, paralyzing them in place. And then, Android 18's Infinity Bullet caught up with the two and they were pulverized by thousands of ki blasts smashing into them all at once.

The smoke cleared and Piccolo and Bardock were both standing there, Piccolo's shirt has been reduced to a ragged toga banding across his chest. Before either of them could regain their bearings, Android 17 and Android 18 both landed and gave them one last pummeling, ending with 18 kneeing Bardock in the stomach and 17 chopping Piccolo on the back of the neck. The two of them landed in a heap, but Bardock's Super Saiyan form did not disperse.

17 and 18 hovered into the air and they stared down at their foes, watching with genuine astonishment as the two warriors got to their feet. 17 was in utter disbelief. "Holy freaking shit..."

And then, something began to glow bright yellow next to him. Android 18 had her hand raised above her head, swelling up a massive balloon of ki. "They won't be joining us up here. I'm done with this fight."

17 smirked. "Man, you're being kind of dangerous there, huh?"

18 spoke bluntly. "Move. I don't care if I hit you with this."

17 nodded. "Noted."

And then, he glanced down at their friend. "Hey, 16, 18 is pissed! You might wanna clear outta here!"

Android 16 groaned and stood, a thatch of terrified animals clinging onto him for dear life. He hovered up and away from the island, aware that it would probably not be there in a few moments.

Android 18 removed her hand from the ki balloon, which had swelled to the size of Kami's Lookout. She circled her way to the top and plunged her hands into it. "MAKE A WISH! POWER METEOR SHOWER!"

And then, with a showing of force, Android 18 started blasting a seemingly endless supply of ki blasts down onto the island below. Each blast was roughly the size of a Flying Nimbus and made a sharp whistling noise as they crashed on the ground below. As they exploded, they left nothing in their wake, vaporizing the land as they came in contact with it. Bardock and Piccolo, both still reeling from the previous assault, could only look around and realize that they were trapped. They had no way to evade and no way to escape!

In defiance, though, Bardock raised his power level even higher, making his Super Saiyan aura flare out. Piccolo did the same. And, soon enough, they were both engulfed in explosions. In the distance, 16 stared on stoically. 17 chuckled and shouted. "Sorry guys! But it looks like we win!"

In South City...

An older gentleman in an expensive, three-piece suit fearfully exited a building bearing his own insignia. He screamed for his life as he rushed towards a helicopter also bearing his insignia, a sparkling diamond containing the initials "DL". He nearly made it to what he was sure would be his salvation when, from behind, a ki bolt shot forward and slammed into the vehicle. The helicopter warped and was thrown off the side of the twenty-story complex, exploding in mid-air. And, as a result, the old guy was forced to turn and face his pursuer.

A familiar set of clomping footsteps emerged from the building, and a tail slither whipped around behind the beast. Cell stepped out into the sunlight and chuckled. "Oh my. Such a bright, shining day. I guess that explains why there were so many prey on the beach..."

The old man gasped at Cell's words. He glanced off his building, towards the beach, and saw it barren. A few pieces of scattered clothing blew in the wind, but nothing else. Cell raised his tail with a chuckle. "I have grown to enjoy saving the most well-off of you vermin for last. The fear and desperation you show makes for a hilarious showing before I fea-"

Suddenly, something snapped up Cell's attention. He turned his head and stared into the distance. "Piccolo...and...Bardock, I believe..."

Cell looked into himself, isolating one of the new genetic sources that he had received from his present timeline counterpart. "Ah, yes...Bardock~"

The monster stared at the horizon. "Such a showing of power. What the hell are those two doing?"

And then, as he stared, it dawned on Cell. Those two were displaying enough power that it seemed they were in a serious fight. But they wouldn't just be fighting one another. So, that could only mean one thing. A wicked, hungry smirk spread across Cell's beak. "Oh yes~ Oh yes~!"

The old man stood, walking up to Cell with a wad of cash in his hand. "L-Listen guy. M-My name is Dan Lazarus. You've probably heard of me."

Cell paid the man no heed. Lazarus continued. "Look, I have a lot of money. Okay? Enough to keep this entire city afloat all by myself! So, how about I give you some and you let me live. Sound good...?"

The monster's hellish, slit pupils locked onto the old man. He flinched. "P-Please..."

Cell sighed, mumbling under his breath. "Why do you pathetic creatures always assume that I have any need for money...?"

Lazarus flinched. "E-Excuse me...?"

Cell chuckled. "Oh, my avaricious friend...I won't be feeding on you today~"

He smiled wide. "R-Really?! You mean it?!"

Cell laughed out loud, a deep and demonic cackle that a voice as high-pitched as his shouldn't have been able to produce. He sounded as if he had gone feral. And then, without a second thought, Cell wrapped his tail around Dan Lazarus and threw him of the top of the building. "OF COURSE NOT! I HAVE NO MORE NEED FOR VERMIN LIKE YOU!"

Cell did a running leap off of the building and flew forward at top speed. "JUST STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE, 17 AND 18! SOON! SOON WE SHALL ATTAIN PERFECTION THE LIKES OF WHICH NO BEING THROUHOUT HISTORY HAS EVER KNOWN!"

Back at the island chain...

Having landed on a new island, 17 and 18 both took a rest. They weren't out of breath, because it was quite impossible for either of them to be out of breath, but 18 was sweating bullets. As 16 and 17 stood over her, 18 laid on the ground with her arm placed over her eyes. 17 looked concerned. "That was a lot of power all at once, Sis. Are you okay?"

18 nodded. "Yeah. It's just...it's been a little while since I've pushed the Infinite Energy Engine that hard. I feel hot..."

17 placed his hand on his sister's chest and immediately recoiled. She was boiling hot to the touch. "Crap. I guess it has been a while since you pushed yourself that hard, huh? How about I go get you some water?"

18 nodded. "Please."

As 17 ran over to the ocean, 18 looked up at 16. He glanced down at her. "Your face is flushed, as if you have a fever."

18 chuckled. "Yeah. I guess...there are still some things that aren't Android-like about me..."

She sighed. "Sorry about destroying the island like that. I guess you could say I... lost my cool..."

16 was bemused. He looked up from 18 and called out to 17. "I feel the need to advise you that it is unsafe for beings with an organic structure like yours to ingest saltwater!"

17 rolled his eyes. "Gero modified us down to the cellular level to allow us to survive things like that, 16. But, don't worry! She's not drinking it, I'm gonna pour it on her!"

The raven-haired Android knelt down and dipped his hands into the water. "Just gotta cool her down! That's-"

Suddenly, the water in front of 17 began to bubble. And, before he could react, a still very much alive Bardock burst from the ocean and delivered a shattering uppercut to 17's face. 18 hopped to her feet. "What?!"

And, from behind, Piccolo descended down and kicked 18 in the back. The two Android both went flying and crashed into each other, with Bardock and Piccolo landing on either side. 17 and 18 both got to their feet, looking confused and annoyed. 17 looked at them both. "You two are harder to kill than cockroaches! How are you both still alive?!"

Bardock chuckled, one of his arms numb. He looked like he was ready to keel over. "Well, alive is a pretty generous term...but we're here. And, well..."

Piccolo took on an aggressive stance. "No matter how damaged we are, it would be embarrassing to show our faces to our comrades if we were to run away."

17 and 18 both looked genuinely angry. Like Piccolo and Bardock, they weren't exactly in the best shape. They were busted up, bruised, and barely in any condition to fight a prolonged battle. If it were not for their modifications and the Infinite Energy Generators, it would be quite unlikely for the two of them to even be conscious. But that didn't stop Android 17 from laughing out loud. Bardock and Piccolo both maintained their focus, Bardock's golden hair swaying in the wind. 17 smirked as he faced Piccolo. "That is honestly such a relief! It would have sucked if that battle ended there! I still have so much more I want to showcase of what I can do!"

18 didn't speak as she faced Bardock, but the smile on her face conveyed the same emotions as 17. Bardock cracked his neck. "Well, we're entertaining at least..."

And then, once more, he and Piccolo both raised their power levels high. Namekian and Super Saiyan energy flowed across the battlefield. And, in response, the Androids charged at their foes once more!

At Kame House...

Suno fell onto her butt, a fearful look on her face. "An...an entire island just disappeared..."

Eighter was also genuinely speechless at the sight of this. He couldn't believe what he had just witnessed happen. "To think...my fellow Androids could be so strong..."

As those two tried to process what they had just witnessed, the others all sat and tried to work things out from a distance. Chi-Chi had her eyes closed, trying to picture what Bardock and Piccolo were doing by forming a picture of them based on what she sensed from their energy. Next to her, Blonde Launch held Baby Ranch and breathlessly awaited more details.

Master Roshi and Ox-King stood on the edge of the beach, Oolong and Turtle hiding behind them. The two old martial artists watched on, trying to keep track of things despite how outclassed they both were in terms of power.

And finally, underneath the palm tree next to Kame House, Chiaotzu, Yamcha, and Puar all sat. Puar sounded worried. "Yamcha, they're going to win this...right?"

Yamcha didn't say a word, staring out into the distance. He bitterly glanced down at the crutch next to him and punched the sand. Puar turned to the other warrior. "Chiaotzu...?"

Chiaotzu sighed. "It's...hard to say. Piccolo and Bardock are both really strong, but they've both lost a lot of energy throughout this fight. They could win...but it's just as likely that they exhaust themselves to death..."

Yamcha grunted. "We need something to help turn the tables, and fast!"

And then, as if on cue, Tien and Krillin both landed. All of the other onlookers turned and saw the two warriors, Krillin with shutdown remote in-hand. Before anyone could ask about that, though, Tien shouted. "What the hell is going on?! What was that explosion?!"

Master Roshi turned to Tien, speaking seriously. "Piccolo and Bardock went off and started a fight with those young, punk Androids. What you saw was one of those mechanical menaces blowing up an island."

Ox-King spoke up. "They've been at it for a good two hours now. I'm surprised that anyone could last this long putting out that much power..."

Tien stared out at the far-off islands, sweat dripping down the side of his face. "I wonder if it would be a good idea to get involved, then? Piccolo and Bardock are both hellacious, prideful warriors. It would be shameful to step into their business like this..."

Krillin was lightning quick to agree, gripping the shutdown remote tight. "Yep! Totally! We should let Bardock and Piccolo do their fighting with no interference! Yup!"

But, suddenly, Chi-Chi doubled over in pain. Launch tended to her sister-in-law as Chi-Chi vomited all over Roshi's doorstep. "Chi-Chi! What's wrong?! Is the baby coming?!"

Chi-Chi shook her head, looking green. "No... it's that overwhelming, dreadful feeling from before. It's..."

Krillin, Tien, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu all felt it at the same time and their blood ran cold. The four of them turned their attention to the north and sensed it coming, shredding over the open ocean directly towards Piccolo and Bardock. Yamcha shuddered. "It's...that thing that took my leg..."

Tien was stunned. Krillin was shaking, knowing that his excuse had just gone up in smoke. Tien reached into Krillin's shirt and pulled out the Capsule Airplane. He tossed it to Yamcha. "Chiaotzu, Yamcha. If it feels like the worst-case scenario is happening, you need to load everyone onto that plane and get the hell out of here."

Yamcha and Chiaotzu both looked disturbed, but they solemnly nodded their heads in agreement. Tien turned to Krillin. "Come on! You know what we have to do!"

Krillin nodded. "Y-Yeah...I know..."

And then, the two of them flew off in the direction of Piccolo and Bardock's energy.

Back on the island chain...

Piccolo and Bardock were both totally engrossed in their fight with Android 17 and Android 18. Just as both proud warriors refused to back down, so did their Android opponents. And, just as the Androids power was being pushed to the limit, so was the resilience of the Saiyan and Namekian respectively.

Piccolo hit the ground with a hard thud, smashing onto the rocky surface hard enough to make it crack. Up in the air, Bardock ate a kick to his side but was able to send 17 flying with a punch. As 18 went to attack him, Bardock dropped from the air and landed next to Piccolo. "Hey! Remember that formation I showed you when we were training together with Gohan, Raditz, and Kakarot?!"

The Namekian nodded. "Yeah."

Bardock smashed his fist against his chest. "Let's try that!"

Piccolo nodded and hopped to his feet, running forward. Bardock shouted and held up both of his hands, making v-shapes with his fingers. "Try this one! Violence Trigger!"

From between his fingers on each hand, Bardock shot thin bands of energy. These bands flew forward at top speed and smashed into 17 and 18, knocking them both for a loop. 17 sneered, blood leaking from his newly busted lip. "Damn it! What sort of attack is that?!"

18 shouted at him. "Don't think about it, just dodge it!"

As the two of them dodged his Violence Trigger's, Bardock launched himself into the air and tried to get closer. He got above them and glared with fire burning in his eyes. "You wanted to know who Fasha is?! Well this is her best move! Hunting Arrow!"

Bardock raised his finger into the air and summoned a pink energy blast, he tossed it into the air and then kicked it down at the Androids, striking them both with it. As 17 and 18 both flinched back, Piccolo appeared behind them and hit them both with a harsh clothesline, bashing them back towards Bardock. Bardock held his hands out in front. "Brave Heat!"

Piccolo held his hands in front. "Destructive Wave!"

The two blasts both fired, meeting in the middle and engulfing the Androids. As the attacks melded together, Bardock and Piccolo each charged a ki blast and fired it towards the ongoing energy storm between them. Bardock called out. "NEW STYLE CALAMITY BLASTER!"

Before the smoke could clear, 17 and 18 came rushing out and they both attacked Piccolo, sending him crashing to the island below with an Energy Barrier enhanced punch and kick. And then, with him out of the picture, they both turned their attention to Bardock.

Bardock crossed his arms over his face as the Androids both attacked him, taking his punishment like a champ and allowing the Androids to beat on him. But this was all for a purpose. On the ground, Piccolo hopped back to his feet and glared up at 17 and 18. "Just ignoring me for him, are you?! Well take this! Scatter Shot!"

Android 18 kicked Bardock in the stomach, and 17 sent him flying with a punch. But, before either could give chase, they were suddenly beset by hundreds of energy blasts flying towards them. Android 18 turned and glared. "What's going on now?!"

Piccolo smirked. "Do you think that you're the only one that can produce an abundance of energy attacks?! Fool!"

The two Androids continued to dodge and dodge, watching as hundreds of Piccolo's attacks whizzed by them. Soon, they stopped dodging altogether and realized that all of his attacks were missing them. 17 snarled. "What the hell is he doing?!"

Suddenly, a splashing sound caught 17 and 18's attention. It was Bardock, pulling himself out of the ocean and dragging himself onto dry land. 18 sneered. "He was just buying time for Bardock to recover! Screw these blasts! They're just a distraction!"

18 started to charge forward and Piccolo smirked. "Are they?"

After a moment, 18 realized that the blasts she was staring at actually weren't moving. They were stationary. And clustered close enough together that there was no room for her to squeeze out with causing them to detonate. Seeing that something was up, she began to look around. "17..."

17 took a moment to look around as well, seeing that he and his sister were surrounded from all sides. His jaw dropped. "Oh...oh shit..."

18 looked around. "How is this possible?!"

Piccolo called up to them. "It's as we both keep saying! You brats are overconfident. And when you're met by two warriors comparable to you in strength, that confidence leads to ruination!"

The Namekian held out his arms wide, with a big sinister grin. "And now, you face your oblivion! Have a special gift from me, the Demon King! Hellzone Grenade!"

With no way to escape, the Androids huddled together as the Hellzone Grenade closed in. The blasts all converged onto them in an impressive display, lighting up the entire sky in a haze or orange and purple light. Piccolo laughed out loud at the sight of the exploding field of destruction in front of him. This move was truly one of the two fruits of his two years of training. "Yes! Yes! Know oblivion!"

Bardock shakily stood, placing his hand on Piccolo's shoulder. "Hey man...you know that did kill them, right?"

Piccolo sighed, nodding his head. "I know...but...I'll be the first to admit that my tank is starting to run dry. So, I'm hoping that I might be able to strike a little fear into them if I put on the theatrics..."

Bardock groaned. "We're really that desperate, huh?"

Piccolo shrugged. "Unless you've learned something from Master Roshi that you just haven't shared with us yet."

Bardock nodded. "I... I think I have something. I just need the two of them to be in the correct position first. I didn't want to use it, because it feels really cheap against these two. But...if we're out of options for how to deal with them..."

As the smoke cleared, the shattered pink remains of an energy shield fell from the sky. Android 17 spoke. "You're lucky you were so close to me. And that I grabbed you when I did. You've really gotta work on that shield, 18."

18 responded bluntly. "Shut up."

The two of them were floating there, protected by 17's green energy shield. "You did a pretty cool attack there, Piccolo. Allow me to give you a cool attack in return..."

17's energy shield dispersed and the Android began to charge energy into his palms. As he began to twist in the air, 18 moved back to be clear of the blast zone. 17 glared down at Bardock and Piccolo. "SUPER ELECTRIC STRIKE!"

And then, 17 snapped is arms forward. And with that snap, he threw a wall of electrified ki down upon Piccolo and Bardock. The blast shredded the very earth it came in contact with, frying everything surrounding it as well as its two targets. Piccolo and Bardock were both left standing there, quivering and with electricity jolting out of their bodies. They had both been fried. Piccolo's shirt had been burned away, and the tails on Bardock's bandana were singed off.

As both started to fall, 17 and 18 both high-speed tackled them from behind. The two Androids looked confident, as if they had won. 17 shouted with joy. "Let's finish this!"

18 called the name of their attack. "Accel Dance!"

The two Androids launched Piccolo and Bardock, charging after the two of them with their fists and feet surrounded by energy shields. They quickly proceeded to pummel Bardock and Piccolo even harder than before, bashing the two warriors across the island and smashing them into anything they could: trees, rocks, each other. Anything that Bardock and Piccolo could smash into, the Androids sent them smashing into.

Eventually, the unrelenting assault went skyward. Piccolo and Bardock were launched into the air and beaten amongst the clouds, each hit landing on them sending out a small shockwave. 17 and 18 were pushing themselves to the extreme because they wanted to win this fight!

As they were sent up, Bardock recalled a conversation he had with Roshi when he first started his training. 'Does everything you teach involve elaborate hand movements?! When Kakarot does that move, he doesn't take nearly as long!'

'That's because, when Goku does it, he's not doing my version. He's doing his.'

In spite of the beating he was taking, Bardock was focusing all of his energy into his gut. The Androids both backed off, leaving him and Piccolo in freefall. 18 summoned a smaller balloon of energy. "Let's finish this with a Power Falling Star!"

17 took his stance. "And a Super Electric Strike!"

But then, Bardock's eyes snapped open. And, all at once, his muscles expanded to ten times their normal size. 17 flinched. "Wha...?!"

18 flinched as well. "The hell?!"

Bardock moved quick. He used Piccolo as a spring-board, kicking off of the Namekian and leaping up to 17 and 18. And then, just as this conflict has begun, Bardock punched 18 right in the face. And then, Bardock pressed his massive hand down on 17's head and pushed himself even higher into the air. 17 turned and snarled at Bardock. "Why you-"

But an attack crashed into 17's back that threw him off. He turned and glared at his assailant, a smirking Piccolo. "Masenko..."

17 charged a blast to throw at Piccolo, but Bardock's voice boomed out. "It's time to show you brats a move I learned during my training..."

17 turned and glared up at Bardock. 18 snarled at him, her eye swelling up from where she was punched. Bardock hovered over them, his arms splayed out wide. And then, very slowly and deliberately, Bardock did sweeping arm movements that brought his hands together in front of his gut. He twisted his body, letting loose a calm sigh.

17 and 18 both flinched as a massive energy waved charged in Bardock's hands. At that moment, they realized they were both screwed. Bardock shouted. "GANSO KAMEHAMEHA!"

The beam went out all at once, instantly colliding with 17 and 18 and sending them both shooting down. The beam was so wide that it just barely missed the freefalling Piccolo.

Down on the island below, 16 stared up at the approaching, destructive attack. Once more, he was covered from head to toe by a thatch of terrified animals. With a sigh, 16 took off away from the island. And, immediately after, the attack connected and created a destructive dome of energy so large that, for the second time that day, an entire island was removed from existence.

A short time later...

Android 16 landed on yet another island. He let all of his furry friends crawl off of him, and then he took off. A short way away, 16 landed on a barren island with absolutely no signs of life. And then, he crossed his arms and waited.

Eventually, the first of the survivors washed up on shore. Piccolo and Bardock both emerged from the water, pulling themselves onto land with some effort. At the same time, on the other side of the island, 17 and 18 pulled themselves out of the drink.

The two sides were both injured and worn down. Android 18, in particular, was furious. Having caught sight of her reflection in the water, she shouted at Bardock. "You bastard! You absolute bastard! You gave me black eye!"

Bardock grunted, coughing up a mixture of seawater and blood. "R-Remember when you tried to drown me earlier...?"

17 tried to console her. "It's okay, Sis. It ain't gonna leave a scar, so you should heal up in no time..."

18 didn't seem to appreciate that attempt at making her feel better as she screamed at the top of her lungs in frustration. Bardock tried to stand, but couldn't make himself. "Damn it...I... I think I've reached my limit..."

Piccolo growled in seeming anger at Bardock. The older Saiyan scowled at him. "What's your problem?"

The Namekian smashed his fist against the ground. "Bardock...did you...did you really...disappear for THREE DAYS...to learn the goddamned Kamehameha?! THREE DAYS?! FOR THE GODDAMNED KAMEHAMEHA?! EVERYONE CAN DO THE GODDAMNED KAMEHAMEHA! I CAN DO THE GODDAMNED KAMEHAMEHA!"

Bardock flinched, looking genuinely insulted. "Of course not! I picked that up within a few minutes! I went to Roshi to learn something else! And once I'm...back on my feet...I'm...gonna..."

The older Saiyan saw that Android 16 was staring at something with a look of bewilderment on his face. "...use..."

Bardock followed 16's gaze to see was the massive Android was staring at. Once he eyes fell upon the being standing atop a nearby mountain, Bardock was stunned silent. He spoke in a horrified whisper to his partner on the ground next to him. "Piccolo...what the hell is that...?"

Piccolo shakily tried to push himself up, fading out due to fatigue. "What is what...?"

"Just to throw my hat into the ring...I can do the goddamned Kamehameha too~"

Piccolo flinched. And then, he fearfully turned his head to the source of that voice. And, standing there, atop that rocky structure, was Cell. And his had a predatory smile on his beak.