Dragon Ball Z: Dynasty

Written by: Feraligreater328

Edited by: StevenBodner

Chapter 84: Desperation

Flying over the ocean...

Krillin and Android 17 both flew carefully, trying to keep the dead weight of Android 16 balanced over their shoulders. Krillin was focused straight ahead, trying to keep up with 17's superior speed. 16 spoke up. "17, we should be moving at a less strenuous pace. Forcing Krillin to exert his energy too much might attract Cell's attention..."

17 scoffed. Krillin shook his head. "N-No. It's fine. Vegeta should be distracting Cell well enough. We need to get to that resort island quick. We might be able to hide ourselves in a building there until Cell is destroyed..."

Android 17 shook his head. "I hate this. I should at least be involved in killing that disgusting freak..."

On the island...

The sound of water cresting and waves crashing quickly alerted Vegeta, Raditz, Future Trunks, and Future Daikon, with Android 18 slung over his shoulder, and they landed on the beach to investigate. Future Trunks took a knee and swiped his hand through a purple puddle on the ground. "It's Cell's blood..."

Vegeta glared off in the distance. "I see the bastard! He's running away!"

Everyone glanced in the direction that Vegeta was glaring. Future Daikon sensed ahead. "Wait. That power level. It's faint but...is that Krillin...?"

Raditz and Future Trunks both flinched. Vegeta sneered. "The short bald one. Didn't he have the other Android with him?"

Immediately, Raditz cried out. "Damn it!"

*POP*

In an instant, Raditz was gone in hot pursuit. Vegeta immediately took off after him. Future Trunks growled in frustration and went Super Saiyan, taking to the air. "Hey! Leave her here and let's go! We can't let Cell escape!"

Future Daikon nodded. "R-Right..."

Turning, Future Daikon tossed 18's unconscious form against a tree and then bound her to it with an energy ring for good measure. And then, he went Super Saiyan as well and took off after his comrades.

In the emptied city...

Krillin and Android 17 landed. Krillin pointed towards a large complex of seaside condos. "In there! We can find a room in there, and-"

A gigantic mass crashed into the side of the building and caused a shockwave that sent 17, Krillin, and 16 all crashing to the ground. 16 laid there in a heap. 17 and Krillin both got to their feet, coughing at the cloud of dust that surrounded them. But, as they tried to focus up, a sound echoed out that sent chills down their spines. Multiples sounds, similar to pistons going off, echoed out and soon their worst nightmare emerged from the dust.

Cell's massive, ugly mug came out and he grimaced at the two of them. "17! Come here, 17! It's time to make me perfect! Come on!"

17 took a fighting stance, ready to throw down. "You want me, you ugly bastard! Come and get me! I'm sick of running from you and I've had time to recover from before!"

16 groaned, trying to push himself up. "17...you mustn't..."

17 snapped. "Why not?!"

16 was sparking with electricity. "Because, even in his severely weakened state...Cell is still stronger than you in this form. You stand no chance..."

Krillin quickly tried to reason as Cell sloppily lumbered towards them. "17! Come on, man! We've got to get out of here!"

17 shouted at the top of his lungs. "SCREW THAT!"

The impetuous Android lunged at Cell, his fist drawn and ready to strike. Cell hissed with joy and shot his hand forward, grabbing 17 by the face and smashing his against the ground. Cell laughed. "Know your place, you worthless brat! The only reason you exist is to feed into my perfection! Thinking that you are anything more than a component is-"

A fist came flying forward and smashed Cell in the mouth. He glared over at the source, Android 16, watching as the fist returned to the hulking Android's remaining arm. 16 propped himself up against a tree. "Never! Not as long as I function!"

Cell thrust his hand at 16, charging a blast. "Off to the scrap heap with you!"

The monster prepared to fire the killing blow, but then a series of blasts rained down upon him. Krillin stood there, looking desperate. "Scatter Bullet!"

And then, the monk rushed towards Cell. And, before the monster could stop him, Krillin grabbed Android 17 by the scarf and tossed him across the street towards 16. Cell sneered. "No!"

He immediately fired his Eye Beams, but Krillin leapt up and took the hit. Landing in a smoking heap, Krillin coughed and choked. Cell reached down and grabbed Krillin by the throat, holding him aloft. "Who do you think you are, you pathetic little nobody?! Goku?!"

Krillin responded to this by immediately taking a page out of Goku's playbook and biting Cell hard on the fingers. Cell snarled in pain and Krillin fanned his hands in front of his face. "Solar Flare!"

Cell roared in frustration and Krillin stood to attack. But, speeding in like a bullet came Android 17. He smashed his head into Cell's face and sent the monster stumbling back. Krillin glared at him, but 17 shot back. "If you have time to glare, you have time to blast him!"

Krillin nodded. "Right!"

The two of them charged their attacks and then they threw them simultaneously. "ELECTRIC KAMEHAMEHA!" "SUPER ELECTRIC STRIKE!"

Both blasts crashed into Cell, enveloping him in lightning. For a second, Krillin and 17 thought they had won. But then, Cell shot out a massive kiai that caused the windows on all of the surrounding buildings to shatter apart. "ENOUGH!"

Krillin and 17 both went skidding back down the street. They tried to get to their feet, but a pair of supersonic ki bolts smashing into their chests made both warriors collapse to the ground. Cell started to scuttle towards them, but then Android 16 stood in his path. Cell sneered. "What is a piece of one-armed, barely functional garbage going to do against me?"

16 glared, but then he fell to his knees. Sparks shot out of 16 and Cell rolled his eyes. "Exactly. You couldn't even scratch me, fool."

And then, Cell slapped 16 aside. He lumbered towards 17, his vision blurring. Vegeta's Forced Spirit Fission had taken its toll. Cell could feel his power slipping away. And his stores of bio-mass to burn were running dry. Cell loomed over Android 17, stomping his foot down onto Krillin's back for good measure. "Now, 17..."

Cell picked up the semi-conscious Android and opened his mouth wide. "Join me in perfection~"

As Cell moved 17 towards his mouth, however...

*POP*

Raditz appeared and kicked the monster in the jaw, sending him crashing back into a streetlamp. Raditz turned and glared at Krillin and 17 as they both shakily got to their feet. "Why aren't you running yet?! Get the hell out of here and as far away from that damned monster as possible!"

Krillin looked towards his friend with guilt. "Raditz, I-"

Raditz snapped. "We'll talk later. Now hurry up!"

Making haste, Krillin and 17 both grabbed 16 and started to run down the street. As they made their escape, Cell rose to his feet. He looked furious. "I am getting so sick of trash being blown in my path!"

Raditz took a fighting stance. "Bold claim considering you've never fought me..."

As the elder brother stared down Cell, the monster chuckled. "You think I have to fight you to understand your lack of worth? The very idea that you have in your head that you can defeat is utterly miserable. Even with my diminished strength, I would never fall to a non-Super Saiyan! You're a walking snack and nothing more without those brats around you!"

Raditz scowled. "And just how are you so sure I'm not a Super Saiyan?"

Cell snorted. "Your energy signature gives you away. Super Saiyan have a certain air about them. The air about you is musty and stale, just like with all of the other non-Saiyans. You're practically a human~"

The monster motioned. "So, come along you nobody and let me kill you quickly so I can get back to important business!"

Raditz smirked. "Yeah yeah, Raditz the Runt is irrelevant. Story of my damned life..."

Cell's smirk faded. Raditz chuckled. "Perhaps, at some point, it would have eaten away at me to be mocked over a lack of Super Saiyan power. But, that's such a toxic mindset. My worth as a warrior is not based on what color my hair is. And I'm going to prove that to everyone, including you, by killing you straightaway! You would have been a challenge before, for sure, but you're nothing now! So why don't you come at me, Cell!"

The monster sneered. "False bravado! I'll crush you!"

Cell charged forward, rearing back his fist and throwing a punch at Raditz. Raditz responded by merely crossing his arms over his face. The punch connected and caused a shockwave big enough to make the street beneath their feet crack apart. Cell chuckled, knowing in his mind that he had just dealt major damage.

But then, Raditz began to chuckle.

Cell snarled. "What...?"

And then, Raditz roared at the top of his lungs and repelled Cell backwards with a burst of energy. Cell stared in awe at the ambient energy surrounding Raditz. "What is this...?"

Raditz, his eyes closed, smirked and clenched his fists. The energy in the air drew towards his skin and gathered on his bare arms, his chest, and the sides of his face. His pants expanded around his legs, and then more energy made the fabric explode off. Raditz was nearly completely covered in radiating energy that vaguely resembled fur. Raditz's smirk cracked open and revealed sharpened canines. And then his eyes opened and revealed pink irises. "It's amazing what focusing on yourself can accomplish. I might not be a Super Saiyan, but I still have Spirit Control to help make up for that failing!"

The elder brother struck a fighting stance. "I call this form Oozaru Force!"

He chuckled. "And also..."

A red aura started to erupt around Raditz's body. He called out. "KAIOKEN TIMES 50!"

Cell was stunned, unable to articulate words. Raditz scoffed. "Won't come to me?! Fine then, allow me to come to you!"

Raditz rushed towards Cell, a blast charged in hand. He smashed his palm against Cell's chest and fired off, sending the monster shooting into the air. "SHINING FRIDAY!"

Cell launched into the air and Raditz followed. The monster snarled and dispelled the blast, rushing at Raditz and punching. Raditz blocked with his aura-armored arm and then returned with a hard-hitting punch of his own. Blood gushed out of Cell's mouth, and then Raditz slammed him from the alternate direction with a mighty kick to the head. As Cell went flying, Raditz followed and unleashed a mighty flurry of blows against the beast. Using his speed to zip behind the foul beast, Raditz caught him in a chokehold. "Weren't you going to crush me?"

The monster wouldn't show it, but he was scared in his head. His information had proven outdated once again. He snarled. "You Saiyans are so irritating!"

He tried to punch Raditz, but Raditz blocked the attack with his forearm. "You thought I was a human. Wasn't that the insult you went for against me? Not that it matters, call me a human if you like! I respect their tenacity!"

The elder brother leapt up and kneed Cell in the back of the head, launching him forward. He raced after the monster, not giving Cell any time to recover, and then stomped Cell's head into the ground. Raditz smirked, leaping off of Cell and landing in the distance. "You know, I am a tad ashamed of myself. Out of the three of us: me, Vegeta, and Nappa...I'm still only the second best. I was unable to use this form to surpass Vegeta..."

He cocked his head. "But, fighting you and having the chance to test it is showing me areas I can improve it. It might seem as if you are nothing more than a speed bag, but I assure you that you're at least a heavy bag. I hope that makes you feel better~"

Raditz struck his fighting stance again. "Now stand and die. I won't have Vegeta stealing my kill from me."

Cell stood, shaking with rage. "You...you..."

The monster smirked. "Runt~"

And then, Cell's mouth opened wide and he fired an energy beam from his throat. "BREAK CANNON!"

Raditz sighed. "Nappa's signature attack, huh?"

He shook his head. "Well then..."

Raditz took a deep breath, puffing out his chest and his cheeks as far as he could. He waited until Cell's attack was mere inches away from him, and then he opened his mouth and shouted so loudly it echoed. "GREAT APE'S MIGHTY ROAR!"

The attack shredded through Cell's measly beam and crashed towards the monster like a tidal wave of energy and noise. Cell was knocked off his feet and engulfed in a massive explosion. Landing hard on the ground, Cell struggled up. "D-Damn it..."

Suddenly, through the smoke and debris, Raditz came shooting forth and drew back his fist. Enveloped in even more bristling energy, Raditz thrashed Cell in the face with a single, mighty blow. "GREAT APE'S IRON FIST!"

Cell's face caved inward and he flew back. Raditz spun around, whipping his energy-covered tail at Cell. "GREAT APE'S TAIL SLICE!"

The appendage dragged across Cell's chest, opening a gash on the monster that erupted with purple blood. Cell snarled. "This can't be happening...even Raditz...I'm even weaker than Raditz?!"

Raditz raised his hand, charging a blast. "Accept it and begone! Saturday-"

Cell thrust his fingers forward, firing a familiar, spiral blast. "SPECIAL BEAM CANNON!"

The attack smashed right into Raditz's gut, drilling a hole into his armor and shattering it away. Cell laughed as Raditz stood there, looking horrified. "You begone, you pathetic nobody!"

Raditz gritted his teeth, glaring at Cell, and then he shouted at the top of his lungs. The kiai dispelled the Special Beam Cannon and blew Cell back a few feet. The monster glared at Raditz, expecting to see a hole in the Saiyans gut. He gasped in shock at the sight of not a hole, but merely a purple bruise. Raditz pressed his hand to his abdominal area. "Ugh...that actually hurt. Not gonna lie..."

He quickly sucked in a deep breath. "But, a real Saiyan can power through pain. My father does, so I shouldn't be any different. All you've done is piss my off; as if I didn't have enough reason to kill you..."

Raditz held up his hand and charged a blast. "My father doesn't use this technique anymore. But, from what I understand, you damaged his pride quite a bit before. So, it only feels right to put you down with his Riot Javelin!"

As Raditz winded his hand back and prepared to fire, however, another voice called out. "Found you!"

Vegeta appeared in the air, his power bursting out as he came to a stop. He levied his hand towards Cell as if he was preparing to fire a blast. "Prepare to die, vermin!"

Raditz snapped. "Piss off, Vegeta! You had your chance; this guy is mine!"

Vegeta looked down on Raditz. "Oh, is that what you think?"

Future Trunks and Future Daikon both showed up immediately after, their Super Saiyan forms surging. As they arrived, they came upon a discouraging sight of their fathers arguing in the air like toddlers over a toy. Vegeta was yelling, Raditz was yelling, and Cell stood between the two with a look of confusion on his face.

Seeing this as his chance, the monster tried to scuttle away. But, lightning quick, Future Daikon landed on the ground and booted Cell up into the air. Cell came to a stop, surrounded on all sides by enemies. Future Trunks scowled. "Daikon! If they aren't going to finish this, let's do it ourselves!"

Future Trunks started doing the swiping motions for a Burning Attack. Future Daikon raised his hands above his head for a Masenko. "Right!"

Vegeta sneered and began to charge a Big Bang Attack. "You brats need to know your place!"

Raditz levied his Riot Javelin back. "All of you need to butt out! This is my moment!"

Cell looked around, seeing death on all sides. But then, his massive abdomen began to pulse and he broke into a satisfied smirk. "Saiyan fools~"

All of them turned their attention to the monster, and then Cell's abdomen burst. The pieces of the fleshy balloon shot outward and then, emerging from a writhing ball, thousands of miniature, blue, locust-like creatures came swarming from between Cell's legs. The winged beasts shot towards Future Trunks, Future Daikon, Vegeta, and Raditz with their stingers pointed towards their targets. And then the sheer volume of them repelled the Saiyans back.

As the four Saiyans shouted and desperately tried to swat away the seemingly endless cloud of bugs, Cell let loose a truly dreadful laugh. He reached behind and ripped of his four hind-legs, leaving an exoskeleton-like tail to wave around behind him, and then he hit the ground and started sprinting down the street that Krillin and 17 had escaped through.

Across the resort town...

Krillin and 17 continued to run with the nearly non-functional Android 16 slumped over their shoulders. Krillin stared ahead at a marina. "Maybe we should try to fly..."

17 shook his head, looking over at his injured friend. "We can't. 16 is too damaged. Any sudden jolt could-"

16's eye flashed and he lazily lifted his head. "17...you have to leave me..."

17 turned to him. "Why would I-"

With a crashing explosion, the front of a building burst open. From the smoke and the debris, Cell came stomping out. He shot a predatory smile at Android 17 and lifted up his newly liberated tail. "Come here, 17~"

Without a moment of hesitation, Krillin raced out from under 16 and charged at Cell. "Go 17! You and 16 have to get out of here now!"

17 flinched. "What...?!"

Krillin shouted. "And don't you dare turn around like 18 did, you hear me?! Just run and get away!"

The monk lunged at Cell and Cell rolled his eyes. "I'm done with you!"

The monster quickly dispatched Krillin with a harsh kick to the chest, sending him smashing through a tree. The monster laughed and began to charge, but then Krillin jumped back up and latched onto Cell's back, wrapping his arms over the monster's face. 17 flinched at the sight of Krillin's pained expression. The monk had blood pouring from his mouth, but he held tight. "17! Come on, man! Go!"

17 lowered his head. And then, he turned tail and he and 16 began to flee. As they ran, they heard Cell snarling with fury and the sound of Krillin yelping in pain as he was brutally thrashed. As they ran, Android 16 spoke to his comrade. "17...you are trembling...if I am too heavy, just leave me. Cell will not target me, but rather chase and try to capture you..."

Android 17 shook his head. "It's not that, man..."

16 remained silent. 17 sounded close to tears. "I...my head says I want to run and get away! That I don't want to get eaten. That I want to survive for 18's sake...but there's this lump in my chest 16. And it hurts...and I don't understand..."

16 spoke resolutely. "I am experiencing a similar feeling, I believe."

17 gritted his teeth. "I want to run away. That guy shouldn't mean anything to me. But...he's risking everything for us..."

16 nodded. "That feeling must be what 18 felt. Humanity bubbling up to the surface. It is as I said, 17, you are a good person. No matter how much you would like to cast aside those feelings...you simply cannot discard such a key part of yourself. You are not a monster, nor are you a machine...you're a human being, 17..."

Slowly, 17 stopped running. He came to a halt and gripped his free hand tight. 16 nodded. "I also feel that it would be wrong to simply abandon a person who has shown us such kindness."

17 glared over at 16, looking resolute. "So, what do we do?"

16's gaze hardened. "It is risky, but I have a plan. And Krillin just so happens to have a skill that would allow us to all make it out of this alive."

Over with the Saiyans...

A loud, droning buzz filled the area as swarms of Cell's locust hoard coalesced around the four Saiyans. Future Daikon cried out in pain and three of them landed on his arm and dug their stingers through his sleeve. "Ow! Dammit!"

He smashed them with his fist. "Get off of me, you little bastards!

Vegeta fired a barrage of ki blasts into the hoard in front of him, watching as the pests fell to the ground in flames. But the holes quickly refilled. "This is ridiculous!"

Raditz's Oozaru Force armor allowed him to repel the bugs. He snarled at the cloud of them, so thick they were blocking out the Sun, and took a deep breath. "GREAT APE'S MIGHTY ROAR!"

A ton of the insects died, but more took their place. Raditz and Future Trunks backed into each other and Raditz turned. "That damned monster is going to absorb 17 before we can catch up to him! What are we going to do?!"

Future Trunks shouted. "Let's try flaring out energy out at max capacity! We might be able to kill them all at once! Raditz, you-"

Raditz sneered. "I don't need you to baby me, I can flare out my Oozaru Force for similar effect!"

The four of them all gathered together, covered in gashes and bleeding sting marks. And then, the all unleashed their power all at once as the bugs closed in.

Back with Krillin...

Krillin gasped in pain as Cell smashed him into the side of a building. The little monk struggled against Cell's grip as the monster opened his palm right in his face. A ring of energy began to charge and Cell snarled. "I'm going to blow your head off so that you may never bother me again!"

Suddenly, before Cell could fire, a flying kick came in from the side and knocked him to the ground. An arm caught Krillin and the two of them leapt back. Injured, the warrior looked up and saw a face he was hoping he wouldn't. "17...why are you still here...?"

17 smirked. "Hey, blame it on my sister. I can't run off when she didn't. Even if it means my death..."

Krillin coughed, blood erupting from his throat. "But 17..."

17 shook his head. "But nothing. Either you live, or we die together. That's the least I could offer for a guy who's willing to stick his neck out for me."

The Android smirked. "Just do me a favor and, when the time comes...cut off his head with that Destructo-Disc of yours..."

Krillin flinched. "What?"

17 shouted as he charged at Cell. "You heard me; just do it!"

Cell smirked. "You really are a fool, 17~"

As 17 rushed at Cell, the bio-Android menace tried to punch at him. But, 17 was smart enough to throw up a barrier just before the fist connected. The sudden wall of energy formed a perimeter around 17 and, as a result, lopped off Cell's arm. Cell cringed back in pain, blood erupting from his arm stumped. 17 chuckled. "I'll admit, I'm not exactly the smartest guy around...but I've been up against you enough times to read your patterns~"

Cell snarled at 17. It took visible effort, but he managed to make his arm regrow. 17 chuckled from behind his barrier. "You're getting weaker, for some reason. I bet I'll be able to kick your ass eventually, if I wait long enough~"

Cell lunged forward, raising both hands above 17's barrier and smashing them down on it. The barrier began to warp, but 17 simply popped it himself. He hit the ground, avoiding Cell's fists, and then coated his foot with a barrier and kicked Cell in the stomach. Cell retched and stumbled back, and then 17 got to his feet and barrier-uppercut the monstrous menace. Cell quickly threw a punch and slugged 17 in the jaw, sending the Android to the ground. But, 17 tumbling into a crouch and fired a series of blasts at Cell's chest. The blasts had no effect and this made 17 visibly nervous. But he didn't allow that to slow him. He turned and shouted. "Krillin! Make sure that you have that Destructo-Disc ready!"

Krillin nodded, shakily standing and charging the attack over his head.

Over with the Saiyans...

Laying on the ground in a burning heap, the husks of Cell's swarm crackled beneath a sea of flames. Raditz, Vegeta, Future Trunks, and Future Daikon all looked angry. And then, feeling Cell's energy was still on the island, the four of them took off in hot pursuit.

Back with Krillin and 17...

Cell continued to hammer at 17's barrier, looming over the Android with a look of ravenous anger on his face. He slammed his massive fists and his chitinous tail against the surface of 17's strongest barrier, making the shield crack and chip. There was a lump in 17's throat, but he bravely tried to hold on. In the background, his knees wobbling, Krillin held the Destructo-Disc as instructed.

Soon, the inevitable happened and 17's barrier shattered. He tried to feint back, but Cell was too quick. His hand reached into the barrier and grabbed 17 by the throat, ripping him out of safety and holding him aloft. Cell's tail opened wide and he smirked. "Time to become perfect!"

Krillin flinched. He knew he had to act. He prepared to throw his Destructo-Disc, but 17 held up a staying hand. "Not yet! Don't throw it yet!"

The monk and Cell were both confused. Cell gave a chuckle. "Have you finally accepted the inevitable?!"

17 shook his head. "Not even close! You'll never be perfect, you bastard!"

Completely distracted, Cell didn't notice a shadow falling from above. From the top of a high-rise condo, Android 16 elbow dropped onto Cell. The force of the blow made the bio-Android drop 17, and then 16 gripped the monster tight. Cell snarled. "Would you trash just learn your place and die?!"

Cell tried to struggle loose, but his rapidly-fading strength failed him. 16 grunted. "You are finished, Cell!"

Android 16 glanced back, seeing Vegeta, Raditz, Future Trunks, and Future Daikon approaching. He shouted at them. "Dive into the ocean! It is the only place you can be safe!"

The four of them came to a dead halt in the air, watching as 16's body began to flash. 17 scrambled to his feet and turned to Krillin. "Cut his head off! Now!"

Confused, Krillin threw the Destructo-Disc directly at Cell's neck. Cell sneered and jerked his head to the side. As the Disc went by and Cell heard a slicing noise behind him, he chuckled. "It looks like you missed, baldy!"

Android 16's severed head went flying by, a smirk on his face. "No, he did not."

Android 17 caught 16's head and then smirked, giving a two-fingered salute. "Adios, Cell!"

The raven-haired Android turned tail and ran, crashing into Krillin and forming an energy barrier. Cell flinched, and then he heard four splashes on the ocean nearby. Turning to see what those noises were, Cell's eyes fell upon 16's body, which was now glowing with a blinding light. Cell's pupils shrank, and he started to scream. "FUUUUUUUUUU-"

At Kame House...

Ox-King and Launch both stared in shock from the window. Yamcha, Puar, Suno, and Eighter all stared in shock from their spot under the palm tree. Chiaotzu, Turtle, Oolong all stared in shock on the edge of the shore. And Master Roshi stared in shock as it reflected on his sunglasses.

Everyone at Kame House, except for the unconscious Chi-Chi and the slumbering Baby Ranch all stared at the sight of a burning, mushroom cloud rising into the air in the distance.

Back at the bombed-out island...

Vegeta, Raditz, Future Trunks, and Future Daikon all popped out of the water with their auras surging around them. What they came upon was the sight of flattened, scorched earth with a single, green sphere sitting in the middle. The all pulled themselves onto shore and walked up to the bubble, finding Android 17, Krillin, and Android 16's severed head huddled within.

Raditz looked around. "Is...is there anything left of Cell?"

Vegeta scowled. "It certainly doesn't feel like it."

Future Daikon rubbed his hand over the ground, feeling it to be smooth. "That explosion was so powerful it glassed the friggin' sand that was covering the ground."

Future Trunks glanced around, looking for any sign of anything left alive or intact on the island. As he looked, however, a steaming hot rain began to pour from the sky. From within 17's bubble, a voice began to speak. "The device I used to detonate my body was a self-contained R.A.W. Level 3 Thermonuclear Device. If my body was more whole and able to charge more energy, this island chain would no longer be here..."

The four Saiyans all turned to the bubble, staring with shock at the sight of a severed head speaking to them. Android 16 spoke bluntly. "The negative consequences to using that attack are the catastrophic levels of destruction it has on the natural environment. But, given that Cell emptied this island of all life, that factor was negated."

Krillin seemed worried. "But, 16...you're only a head now."

16 rolled his remaining eye. "I am able to function so long as the core personality chip within my skull casing remains in functioning order. The lack of a body is a minor inconvenience at best."

The talking head looked around. "I would suggest keeping your auras flared though. As they, much like 17's energy barrier for himself and Krillin, are the only things preventing an immediate and painful death due to radiation poisoning."

Future Daikon scratch the back of his head. "So, Cell..."

Android 16 closed his remaining eye. "My sensors are quite damaged. But, barring what I can only describe as the opposite of a miracle, Cell should be dead. He was at the epicenter of the explosion."

Raditz nodded. "I don't feel his aura, but we should refer to Kami just to make sure that he's gone. God Sight would be an ideal reference."

Android 17 frowned. "So, Cell is dead. But...he took 18 with him."

Android 16 scowled. "The fact that I have directly contributed to the death of one of my dearest comrades is not lost on me."

Krillin sighed, trying to be reassuring. "Guys...I'm sure that 18 is grateful. At least she's not trapped inside that bastard anymore. And, I mean...we could always wish her back with the-"

Future Trunks snapped. "No!"

Vegeta shook his head. "Absolutely not! We aren't wasting a wish bringing that little hellion back to life! She's one of Gero's Androids as well, in case you forgot!"

Future Daikon frowned, agreeing immediately. "I thought better of you than that, Krillin. After everything we told you about what they did in our time..."

Seeing tensions escalating, Raditz spoke up. "Hey! Let's not start a conflict here in the bombed-out hellscape. If we're going to start attacking one another, why don't we do it on the island where we were fighting Cell. After all, there is something there that might clear up this Dragon Ball dispute anyway..."

Krillin and Android 17 both turned to Raditz, looking confused.

Back on the uninhabited island...

Android 17 and Krillin both cried out in shock and relief as 17 dropped his energy barrier. Both of them ran, 17 accidentally dropping 16's head in the process, and skidded to a stop next to the tree that Android 18 was bound to. Krillin pulled at the energy ring holding her. "Hey! What the heck, guys?! She's not even conscious!"

Future Daikon growled in frustration and snapped his fingers, making the ring disperse. 18 slumped over into 17's arms. 17 held her close. "18..."

He began to shake. "Lazuli..."

And then, tears began to run down his cheek as he hugged her close. "Sis..."

Krillin smiled at 17 began to weep and embrace his sister. 16 smiled at well, looking overjoyed at 18's return. Vegeta and Raditz were both taken aback at the sight of the Android crying his eyes out. Future Trunks and Future Daikon both stared bitterly at the sight of Future Gohan's killer feeling such relief. Future Daikon gripped his fist so hard that it began to shake. His glove slowly started to stain red. Krillin gave 17 a pat on the shoulder. "I'm so happy for you, 17..."

But then, to everyone's shock, 17's head shot up from its spot pressed against 18's chest. He looked utterly terrified. "Sh-She's so cold..."

Everyone stared at 18 a bit longer, seeing her breathing was shallow. Krillin laid his hand onto her chest. "Her heartbeat is erratic. It's skipping beats like crazy..."

17 began to shake her. "18! 18, come on...wake up!"

16's eye began to chirp. His face turned grave. "Her vital signs are all slowly failing. She's dying..."

Krillin rubbed his hand over the puncture wound on 18's chest. It was a purple sore, right over where her heart would be. He stammered in a hushed tone. "B-Bulma...we...we need to get her to Bulma! B-Bulma can fix-"

Future Trunks exploded; his face contorted with anger. "Are you kidding me?! Do you have any idea how much pain that woman has put my mother through in my time?! And now you want to have my mother try and heal her?!"

Future Daikon looked utterly disgusted at the thought. Future Trunks turned to Vegeta. "Father! You hear how outrageous this sounds, right?!"

Vegeta remained silent, looking contemplative. Raditz spoke up. "What do you think, Vegeta?"

The Prince groaned and rubbed his face. "I think this is asinine..."

He glared down at 17, 18, and Krillin. "But I also think that the only one person speaks for Bulma. And that person isn't here."

Krillin flinched. Vegeta snapped. "Well?! Hurry up, then! Surely you have one of those blasted communication devices, right?!"

On Kami's Lookout...

The mood atop the Lookout was a positive one as the various people on the floating, sky platform celebrated a victory. With everyone cheering behind them, Kami and Piccolo both scanned over the surface of the planet. Kami closed his eyes and sighed in relief. "There are no signs of Cell. Nor is there an energy signature. For now, it appears as if the threat has passed."

Piccolo scowled. "We can't sure he's really gone! Cell's a stealthy bastard, he might have slipped away!"

Kami nodded. "Correct. But, for now, we might be able to rest a bit more easily."

As the two Namekians faced the situation below with grim acceptance, the others were all in a beatific mood. Bulma smirked as Baby Trunks happily babbled. "What did I tell you guys?! Vegeta might be a prick sometimes, but he's not an idiot! Earth was saved from the moment he came out of that chamber!"

Gine smiled gently, her hands clasped together. "I'm just proud of Raditz. It's nice to see my little man having grown so much more confident..."

Tien was numb. "They made it look so easy. Dammit...I can't believe I've fallen so far behind..."

He sighed and smiled. "But Earth is saved. So, I suppose that's all a guy can ask for..."

As the cheering continued, Bulma's phone began to ring.

*CHA-LA! HEAD CHA-LA!*

Bulma pulled her phone out of her vest pocket and saw Krillin's smiling face, flashing her a peace sign. "Ugh...his ass had better be ready to apologize for what he did..."

The scientist answered the phone and held it up to her ear. "Krillin."

She flinched. "Oh, hey Vegeta. What's up, babe? We were watching you fight from up here on the Lookout! I'm proud of you~"

Bulma cocked her head. "At Capsule Corp? Sure. I could fly back."

She nodded a bit more. "Okay. I guess I'll just see whatever's going on when I get there."

Bulma smiled. "I love you too. See you in a bit."

Gine smiled. "Aw~ Did Vegeta really just say he loves you like that?"

Bulma nodded. Yeah~ But, uh, I think Raditz let a chuckle slip and Vegeta punched him. So, sorry about that..."

Gine shrugged. "Boys will be boys."

Bulma turned to her plane. "You wanna come to Capsule Corp with me, Gine? I'm sure my Mom would love to have you over."

Gine shook her head. "Sorry, but no. I think I'm going to wait up here for Bardock and the others to finish their training. Tell Panchy that I'll stop by later for tea and cookies, though~"

Bulma nodded. "Hey! Tien! Piccolo! Do either of you wanna come and be passive aggressive with my husband?! He won't tell me why he's having me come back to Capsule Corp, but I'm sure there's plenty of opportunities for you two to call him an asshole to his face."

Tien and Piccolo looked to one another. Tien shrugged. "I suppose I don't have much else to do now."

Piccolo followed along. "I'm curious to see what it is he's called you for..."

A little later, at Capsule Corp...

Bulma pressed the button to open the door to her workshop, Baby Trunks latched onto her tight. As she walked in, however, she came upon quite the unusual sight. Android 18 was laid down on one of Bulma's worktable, her face flushed and her breathes heaving and shallow. Android 17 was sat in a corner, with Android 16's head sat in his lap. Future Trunks and Future Daikon both stood ready to blast him to pieces.

Krillin, meanwhile, was sat on the floor with his head hung over. Raditz was knelt next to him, offering some form of emotional support. And finally, Vegeta was sat right in Bulma's work chair. His feet were up on her desk and he had a cold can of Hetap pressed to his lips. Everyone turned their attention to Bulma as she stood there, a non-plussed look on her face. "Androids...huh...? I must say...you certainly know how to surprise me, Vegeta..."

She walked in, Tien and Piccolo flooding in behind her and staring in shock at the Androids all gathered in what they normally considered such a safe place. Bulma set Baby Trunks' diaper bag down and then slapped Vegeta's feet off of her desk before taking a seat. Silence fell over the room. Bulma groaned. "Well? Don't keep me in suspense. Anyone can speak up any time now..."

Still nothing. Future Trunks and Future Daikon both looked furious. Vegeta didn't seem to have any desire to say anything. And Krillin couldn't even lift his head to look at Bulma. After a long pause, Raditz sighed and stood up. "Put simply...Android 18 is slowly dying and we don't know why. Trunks, Daikon, and Vegeta have made it pretty clear that they want to kill her, 17, and 16 and be done with it. Krillin is entirely against it. And I... can't lie about being on the fence here. But...given that we can't come to a unanimous agreement, we decided to wait and see what you think..."

Raditz shook his head. "I can't say that I can't see Krillin's point here. His feelings on the matter and his talk of the meritable actions that the Androids have done is compelling. I just...don't know what to say..."

Tien scowled. "This is ridiculous! Those three are Dr. Gero's creations! They were designed to kill someone we all value as a close friend and dear comrade! That red-haired bastard, in particular, was saying even as he fought Cell how he planned to kill Goku! Why is this even a debate?!"

Piccolo remained silent. He shot a quick glance at Android 17, crouched on the ground, but quickly looked away and crossed his arms.

Vegeta closed his eyes and took another sip. "So, that's where we are. Basically, it's up to you Bulma. You're the only person on the planet that could even begin to discern what's causing that bitch of an Android to die. So... if you decide to look her over, the Androids live for the time being. If you decline...I'll blast the three of them into dust right here, right now..."

Bulma sighed. "I see..."

The scientist took turned to her husband and held out Baby Trunks. "Take your son."

Vegeta reached up and grabbed Baby Trunks, his face twisting up in a mask of utter disgust. "Oh ...did you feed him that enzyme formula again? He smells like he's been rolling in a pig pen."

Bulma snapped at her husband. "Then change him, you lazy bastard!"

And then, Bulma turned her attention to her long-time friend sat on the floor. "Krillin..."

Krillin flinched, looking up at her. The two of them stared into each other's eyes. Bulma motioned at him. "Stand up. Come on."

The monk did as he was told. He stood and he and Bulma continued to stare at one another. And then, drawing her hand back, Bulma slapped Krillin right across the face. Everyone flinched back at the sound of the slap, even Future Trunks and Future Daikon. Bulma glared at Krillin . "How dare you just break that shutdown remote like that?! Are you crazy?!"

Returning to his furious demeanor, Future Trunks began to lay into Krillin. "Finally! Someone is speaking sensibly around here! You nearly doomed the Earth, Krillin! For two people that had killed you in our time! What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Everyone waited for Future Daikon to speak up, but he simply continued to aim at Android 17. His hateful stare locked onto the raven-haired Android.

Bulma rolled her eyes. "I'm not worried about that! Even if Cell absorbed both of the Androids, Goku or somebody would have found a way to kill him! I'm more pissed that you made me waste so much time designing that damned thing just to never use it!"

Future Trunks flinched. "M-Mother...? What-"

Bulma shouted at Krillin. "Do you know how little sleep I get?! Trunks has the worst damned digestion issues! He never sleeps and he's constantly crying at night and keeping me up! And Vegeta's too much of a lazy, heavy-sleeping prick to ever get up and handle him! And you had the nerve to make me miss two days' worth of sleep for no reason?! Do you want to see how big the bags under my eyes are without make-up, Krillin?!"

As Bulma finished her seething, motherly rant, Krillin simply lowered his head in shame. "I'm so sorry. I just...I..."

Bulma frowned, narrowing her eyes. "No. Please explain. I want to hear what you have to say..."

Tien sneered. "Who cares what he has to say?! Trunks is right! That was the worst call, Krillin! How could you do something so boneheaded?!"

Piccolo growled under his breath. "You were standing watching Cell kill me and Bardock and you chose the worst option..."

Vegeta rolled his eyes. "You're an idiot. Nearly dooming the planet for your own pathetic sense of morality."

Raditz glanced away. "And here's where I'm on the fence. I can understand your reasoning, Krillin...I just...it was a bad move..."

As the crowd around him continued to pile on, Krillin's shoulders slumped. He looked absolutely ashamed at what he had done. The entire time he had been waiting on Bulma, the full scope of what he had chosen to do had weighed on his mind. Even if his justification was a noble one, he still had nearly doomed the Earth to being destroyed by a creature more powerful than anything they had faced before. As the furious rambling continued, Bulma looked down at Krillin. She was completely silent. She studied his face, a friend she had known for years. Her third best friend behind Goku and Launch.

And then, Bulma reached into her vest and pulled out her gun. She fired it into the ceiling twice and everyone fell silent, flinching back in shock. Bulma spoke bluntly as she slipped the firearm back into her vest pocket. "Will the ruthless Assassin, the evil Demon King, and the murderous two Space Mercenaries kindly shut up with their hot takes on what would have been the right thing to do here?! I'm not talking to you!"

Having quelled them, Bulma turned her attention back to Krillin. "Did you really think that these two were worth all of that risk, Krillin?"

Krillin gripped his fists. "I..."

He looked up at Bulma, his eyes full of compassion. "I spoke to Goku before I came to pick up the shutdown remote. He told me to...to follow my heart and that would lead me to the right choice. And... when I look into my heart when I think about 17 and 18...I think the exact same thing that Goku has thought so many times in the past. That...even though they might not seem like good people on first glance, there's something worth trying to pull out of them..."

Krillin swallowed a lump in his throat. "I can't look at them and say that they're pure evil, Bulma. They're just a couple of people that need the right friends in their life. Just like Tien and Piccolo. And even Raditz and Vegeta..."

Bulma nodded as Krillin spoke. "They never asked for any of this. Gero's is the monster here, not them. And he's already been dealt with, so...can't we just stop the fighting now that the bad guys are all gone...?"

The scientist took a deep breath and sighed. And then, she pulled her friend into a tight embrace. Once that was done, she turned and motioned to everyone in the room. "All of you! Out! Now!"

Everyone looked at Bulma with concern. Bulma quickly grew annoyed. "If I'm going to examine Android 18 to see what's wrong with her, I'm going to have to strip her buck naked for a proper examination. And I'm positive she doesn't want any of you goons leering at her while I do that! So, all of you grab your shit and leave!"

Immediately, everyone but Future Trunks and Future Daikon started to comply. Bulma and Krillin shared a warm smile, and then Krillin made his way towards the door as well. Bulma nodded, and then she shouted towards her husband. "And speaking of shit, don't forget to change the baby's diaper Vegeta!"

Vegeta scowled in disgust as he slinked out the door. "Damn it..."

Piccolo smirked. "Too squeamish to act like a Dad, Vegeta?"

Vegeta barked at him. "Shut the hell up, Namekian! Your kind have no idea how volatile an infant's diaper is!"

Raditz followed along, a smug smirk on his face. "Don't worry Vegeta~ I grabbed the diaper bag for you~"

As the others cleared out, Future Trunks and Future Daikon both stared over at Bulma. Android 17 took this moment to stand and make his way out with Android 16's severed head. The brash, young Android didn't even begin to know what to say to Bulma in this situation.

Future Trunks immediately marched up to his mother. "Mom! Y-You can't be serious! We've told you about all of the horrible things that Android 17 and Android 18 have done to our timeline! You can't really be thinking about trying to heal one of them, right?!"

Future Daikon spoke up. "Please, Miss Bulma, this has to be a joke! Please tell us this is just a-"

Bulma looked annoyed, grabbing each of the boys by the earlobe and pulling them down to her level. Rather than her cartoonish shouting of the past few minutes, this Bulma spoke quite seriously. "Look at me! Both of you!"

The two future teens fell silent. Bulma shook her head. "I don't know future me that well. But, if she's anything like me, I know she taught you not to just judge people like this!"

Future Daikon stammered. "B-But..."

Bulma shook her head. "But nothing! Are these two your 17 and 18?! Are these two anything like your 17 and 18?! Because, last I checked, Gohan was safe on the Lookout! Right?!"

The two of them fell silent. Bulma let them go. "There are very few things in this world that are born evil! You always need to keep that in your heads! No matter how bleak things become, there's almost always a spark of good in people! And, while that spark can be snuffed out, you need to always be able to recognize when it's still there!"

She pointed her finger towards the door. "Now, get out and think about that! I have work to do!"

Wordlessly and respectfully, Future Trunks and Future Daikon both walked out of Bulma's workshop. They closed the door behind them, leaving the scientist alone with the unconscious Android 18. Bulma pulled off her vest and tossed it aside. And then she rolled up the sleeves of her sweater.

Bulma looked down at Android 18's pale face with pity, slipping on a pair of rubber gloves. "I'm still learning as a medical doctor, so forgive me if this takes a bit longer than it should. I don't think any other doctor would know what to do with you. But...I promise I'll try my best here..."

Some time passes...

Dusk was just showing its first warms embers against the blue sky. A couple of hours had passed since Bulma had started her examination of Android 18. Sitting in the Capsule Corp atrium, with the skylight opened, the Z-Fighters awaited the report from their go-to scientist on what to do next.

Krillin sat on the edge of the fountain in the center of the atrium. He hadn't said a word to anyone since they had exited Bulma's workshop. He flinched in shock as Tien sat next to his with a plaintive look on his face. Krillin spoke. "H-Hey Tien. What's up?"

Tien was silent for a moment, but then he sighed. "I owe you an apology. I... I allowed the heat of the moment to blind me to the past. Way back then, when the sins I had committed that I felt were unforgivable were so charitably taken off of my shoulders. I... allowed my perspective on the dynamic of this friend group to be skewed. I... started to slip into being that merciless person that I never wanted to be again. It was a betrayal to myself...and it was a betrayal of your trust..."

He looked over at Krillin. "I don't expect your forgiveness, but-"

Krillin raised his fist up and gave a sad smile to Tien. Tien gave a sad smile back and the two of them fist-bumped. As they did that, the flourish of a cape sounded behind them and they both turned. Piccolo was standing there with the same fierce glare he always had. "I won't be apologizing to you. I still feel that what you did was stupid and inconsiderate towards the greater good, overall..."

Krillin slumped. "Yeah. I'm fine with that. No has to forgive me for screwing up like that..."

Piccolo closed his eyes. "But...that level of idiocy is rather Goku-like, all things considered. So, I suppose and can't just write you off as someone that I can't trust. That kind of foolishness I've grown to find...admirable, I guess is the word."

Krillin smiled. And then, Raditz spoke up. "I'm man enough to admit that my doubts were hypocritical..."

Everyone turned to see Raditz walking up. He sat on the edge of the fountain and sighed. "Kakarot forgave me for my transgressions against him in less than a year. I threatened to kill him, and yet he pulled me out of Hell anyway. To call someone an idiot for treating other people similarly is tantamount to me saying that I was I was left to rot..."

Raditz smirked at Krillin. "So, I guess if you read enough into what I just said...I'm saying that I'm sorry, in a sense..."

Krillin chuckled. "Y-You guys are too much sometimes..."

The other three all smiled at the sight of Krillin's smile. Peace had been established amongst them once again. But then, all of their attention was pulled towards the sound of Baby Trunks laughing out loud. They all looked over towards the overjoyed infant and saw Vegeta, laying under a shady tree. His tail was unfurled and wrapped around Baby Trunks' waist. And he was lazily waving his son around in the air, making airplane noises with his mouth without a care in the world.

Raditz sighed. "It's been a year since I've seen my baby. I miss my Ranch..."

Beyond Vegeta, Future Trunks and Future Daikon were both standing in the distance. They both still looked absolutely furious. Tien frowned. "I suppose you won't be getting an apology out of the three of them..."

Krillin sighed. "They don't have to. I can't fathom Vegeta saying anything like that. And I guess Trunks and Daikon both have a solid reason to be upset..."

"In the future...18 and I really screwed them over, huh?"

Krillin, Piccolo, Raditz, and Tien all turned to see Android 17 standing there. Android 16's head was balanced in his arms; the formerly massive Android having gone into stasis to give his remaining circuitry a rest. Krillin frowned. "Poor 16..."

17 stared at the ground. "I... I don't get it. I mean, I can see the logic. But I don't understand it..."

Piccolo cocked his head. "Oh?"

17's hands trembled. "For our entire lives...18 and I... even the people that were meant to care for us didn't. And then, we met that old bastard and...18 knows more about what he did to us than I do, but she won't talk about it. I just...I don't understand how all of you can just flip the switch like that. Me and 18...and Piccolo and Bardock...we were trying to kill each other there. Or, at the very least, hurt each other over Goku. But...when Cell came...you and Bardock just..."

Piccolo grunted. "Like I said, don't expect me to understand how that mindset works. It's just a part of Goku that seems to rub off on everyone in some way or another. One second, you're developing a technique meant to kill him in the most painful way possible...the next you're taking a bullet for his kid..."

Tien smiled. "He can take the most cynical person and make them an idealist..."

Krillin chuckled. "He's just got that magic touch with people..."

17 fell to his knees, his face scrunched up with a sickened look. "Why...would Gero have any reason to kill people like you?"

Before anyone could answer that question, the door to the atrium opened and Bulma came walking in. She had a look of deep thought on her face as she stroked her chin. "Hmm..."

Krillin called over to her. "Hey Bulma! D-Did you figure out what's going on?!"

Bulma nodded. "I did..."

She looked around as everyone started to gather around her. Her eyes fell on 17 and she sighed. "I've given Android 18 a full examination. And, as it currently stands...there's no way I can fix her by myself before her heart gives out and she dies..."

Krillin and Android 17 both gasped in horror. Bulma looked unhappy. "The device attached to her heart, the Infinite Energy Engine, was pierced through by something and severely damaged. I'm going to assume that would be Cell's handywork?"

Krillin nodded. "Y-Yeah..."

Bulma sighed. "I have the blueprints for the Infinite Energy Engine. But, there's no explanation for how it works on there. Gero doesn't even know. And, although I tried, I couldn't find any records of the other name on those blueprints to try and find them to ask for advice. I could probably crack the secret if I had enough time, I'm much smarter than Gero...but it would still take too long. Probably about as much time as 18 has left..."

Krillin spoke up. "Wh-What about the Dragon Balls?! We could gather those up really quickly and ask Shenron! With everyone here, it would take less than a day!"

Bulma shook her head. "That won't work for two reasons. First off, Shenron sucks with technology because his creator, Kami, has no experience with technology. We tried to wish for him to kill Vegeta and Nappa with explosive ship decompression on their way to Earth, but he couldn't comprehend what we meant..."

Vegeta flinched. "Y-You what...?"

Bulma ignored her husband. "But, more importantly, the Dragon Balls are inert at the moment anyway."

Everyone flinched back at that statement. Piccolo sneered. "What?! How?! When?!"

Bulma shrugged. "I don't know the full details. I noticed the were used a couple of months ago. I went to the coordinates they were gathered at and all I found were the Pilaf Gang's old clothes. And they didn't have any Cell-esque holes in them...so I assume that moron Pilaf misworded his wish and somehow asked Shenron to kill them, or something..."

Future Daikon flinched. "Oh, crap, that's right..."

Future Trunks looked away. "They, uh, didn't exactly kill themselves..."

Bulma waved that off. "Don't care. They tried to crush me with a giant pinball. And they took away my wish for infinite strawberries. Screw all three of them."

A nervous sweat drop ran down Piccolo's face. "Infinite strawberries? Aren't you rich?"

Android 17 and Krillin both looked sick. From what Bulma was saying, Android 18 was doomed to die. Krillin's lip trembled. "So... what are we going to do now? Just...let 18 die?"

Bulma shook her head. "You didn't let me finish. There is one way that I could save 18's life..."

Android 17 looked up. "Really?! What is it?! What do you need?!"

Bulma poked her thumb over her heart. "I need an Infinite Energy Engine to replace Android 18's busted one. If I had that, I could probably operate and save 18's life via transplant."

17 stood, ripping his tattered shirt off. He pointed to his chest. "Right here! Right in here! Take it!"

Bulma looked uncomfortable. "You...realize that would kill you, right?"

17 immediately snapped back. "Who cares?! My big sister's life is at stake here!"

Suddenly, Android 16's voice rang out. "18 would care immensely."

17 looked down at 16's head, laying in the grass. The severed head stared up at 17. "If you were to sacrifice your own life to save 18's, she would either fall into despair or she would never forgive you. Or possibly both."

Bulma shook her head. "Exactly. And besides, I'm not comfortable with killing someone I don't consider evil or dangerous."

Immediately, Android 17 thrust his hand into Bulma's face and began to charge a Power Blitz. "How's this for evil and dangerous?!"

Bulma remained calm. "Look behind you..."

17 turned and saw that Vegeta, Future Trunks, and Future Daikon all stood ready to kill him. Bulma sighed. "You're not dangerous here. Not even a little. And, more importantly, you're not evil. Just desperate..."

Bulma karate chopped 17 on his forehead. "Now get your hand out of my face."

Properly cowed, 17 lowered his arm and then fell down into the grass. He looked totally miserable. "So, the only option here is to just sit back and watch my sister die...?"

Bulma sighed. "If people would just let me finish talking, we could avoid all of this drama we're constantly in the middle of..."

17 looked up at her. Krillin nodded. "I take it you have a plan then, Bulma?"

Bulma nodded. "Of course, I do. I'm not up to kill this 17...but that doesn't mean I'm not up to kill any 17."

Everyone flinched. Bulma smirked. "As if so happens, we have an Android 17 and Android 18 that are unabashedly evil to the core and both have the exact same generator in their chest as our 17 and 18 do~"

Future Daikon's eyes widened. "M-Miss Bulma..."

Future Trunks' jaw dropped. "You can't mean..."

Bulma nodded. "You boys were going to kill those two scumbags that tore your timeline apart anyway, so we might as well use that to our advantage. So, now that we have some free time while Goku and the others are training...why don't we save the future~?"

Meanwhile, in the barren island chain...

Hot rain continued to fall on the bombed-out former resort. As it fell and formed massive, radioactive puddles, the glassed-over ground began to warp and crack like an eggshell. The ground split open and a green hand shot out, lightning striking behind it.

With the sounds of rending and shifting earth serving as a backdrop, the hand pulled the creature attached out of the water. It stood up and walked a couple of feet, with clomping footsteps, before collapsing to its knees over a puddle. Shakily, this creature began to drag itself forward, attempting to adjust its senses.

The monster stopped and glared down into a puddle. And, as its vision began to clear, it suddenly started to panic. It spoke in a raspy voice. "No..."

It slammed its trembling green fist down onto the ground. "No...!"

Lightning crashed in the background, lighting up the dreary area and revealing a clear image within the puddle. Imperfect Cell stared at himself, his hellish slit pupils shrank razor-thin. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!