Dragon Ball Z: Dynasty

Written by: Feraligreater328

Edited by: StevenBodner

Chapter 89: The Cell Games

In the ruins of West City...

Future Trunks and Future Daikon stared off aimlessly at the horizon over the sea. Never, in a million years, could either of them have seen this coming. If either boy had to be asked what they thought their trip to the past would be like, the current situation would never have popped into their head. After a year of hellish training in the soul-shattering Hyperbolic Time Chamber, after Future Trunks discovered what he thought was a special form of Super Saiyan while training on his lonesome, and after spending so long building up their strength for this very moment...Cell was right. They were still just children playing amongst adults.

Future Daikon stood there, his wrist and hand still shattered. Future Trunks lumbered over to him and held out his dislocated arm. Future Daikon winced. "Y-You sure...?"

Future Trunks nodded. "I sense our allies coming. I'd rather not look like a vulnerable brat, if I can help it..."

Future Daikon nodded and grabbed his partner's dislocated arm. Future Trunks took a deep breath and then pulled, allowing a sickeningly loud pop to echo out. And then he pushed his dislocated shoulder back into place. With his arm reset, Future Trunks turned and looked into the air. Future Daikon did the same and watched as Piccolo and Raditz both came into view.

Piccolo looked around as Raditz ran up to the boys. The elder Saiyan brother was confused. "Wh-What happened?! Where'd Cell go?! Did you run him off, somehow?!"

Future Daikon couldn't bring himself to look Raditz in the eye. Future Trunks sighed. "No... Cell left of his own volition. We couldn't have stopped him if we tried..."

Piccolo sighed, the wind harshly blowing his cape. "I assumed as much. So, what made him leave?"

Future Trunks' eyes hit the ground, a bead of sweat running down his face. "I don't know. It looked like we were dead. But then...something just seemed to click in Cell's head and he changed his mind. Then, he spared our lives, told us to make sure we paid attention to the local news, and then flew off..."

Raditz and Piccolo both looked confused, neither of them sure of what to make of this new information. As the silence began to become uncomfortable, accompanied by the howling of the wind, Piccolo's gaze shifted over to the other man present on the ground. "Android 17 seems to still be alive..."

Future Daikon's unbroken fist gripped so tightly his hand began to shake. Future Trunks swallowed a small lump in his throat. "We would have been dead, if not for him. He used one of those barriers of his to stop Cell from killing us on the spot..."

Piccolo nodded. "I see."

Raditz sighed. "Well, I suppose it's safe to say we misjudged him now..."

The elder brother Saiyan nodded his head. "I'll carry him back to South City. But, for now..."

He reached into the bag and pulled out the final Senzu Bean. "Daikon. Your hand is broken. Have this Senzu Bean."

Future Daikon wordlessly reached out and took the Senzu Bean. He held it between his fingers and stared at it long and hard. His face was a mask of conflicted emotions. He cringed, as if he had a foul taste in his mouth, and then he did something that surprised his three comrades.

Future Daikon marched over to Android 17 and coldly, clinically rammed the Senzu Bean into his mouth. The boy stared down at Android 17 with disdain, watching as the magic bean healed his hated adversary of all of his wounds. Android 17 sat up with a start. "What the hell?!"

Future Daikon spoke bluntly. "Senzu Bean. You're healed."

Android 17 stared down at his newly healed body and then looked up at Future Daikon. "Th-Thank-"

Future Daikon didn't even let him finish. He immediately took to the air and started flying in the direction of South City. Watching their comrade fly off, Piccolo, Raditz, and Future Trunks all sighed. They looked around at the destroyed quagmire that was once West City, and then they took off as well. Android 17, still confused at Future Daikon giving him the Senzu Bean, quickly followed behind.

Over the Central Continent...

Cell loomed over a small, peaceful farming village in the Central Continent. He watched as the busy working, responding to the crack of dawn, all got up and began to do their morning choring. Cell had circled the planet twice since leaving his last opponents behind. He needed to find the perfect place to do this. A bit of scenery that would be worthy of his time and the world's attention. Cell stared down at the land. "Hm. Yes~ This will do nicely..."

The monster held up his hand and charged a red sphere of ki. "Death Wave."

Cell waved his hand and fired a massive wall of death that shredded through the entire village. Unaffected by the terrified screams of human and animal alike below him, Cell looked to the distance. "That mountain should be big enough..."

Using his telekinetic prowess, Cell held out his hand and gripped ahold of a small mountain on the outskirts of the now ruined village. He ripped the rocky structure from the ground and, using a thin beam of ki shot from his fingertip, he sheered the stone down into a huge stack of slate tiles. "Yes, yes! It's all coming together~"

Turning his attention back to the smoking, hot ground that was once a peaceful village, Cell cast his newly created tiles to the ground. He laid them out into a ten-thousand square foot, square platform arrangement. Cell smirked. "Looking good but...so basic. It's needs...dressing up..."

Reaching his hand out again, Cell ripped up another, smaller rock and quickly sheered it down into several components. Motioning with his right index finger, Cell summoned four of these components forward and planted them into each corner of the arena. The massive, sharp spires glowed intensely in the morning sunlight. "Oh Cell, you aesthetic genius~"

He looked into the distance, seeing several trees still standing. "Now I just need some wood..."

The monster ripped eight trees from the ground and quickly reduced them down to several, large planks. And then, combining them with the remaining stone, the monster set up the last two additions to his project. On the left of the arena, Cell built a large set of stands for spectators to gather and observe from. On the right side of the arena, Cell constructed a large bracket board.

Cell was satisfied, floating above and wolf-whistling at his work. "My dear Cell, is there anything you can't do~?"

As he floated in the sky, patting himself on the back and shaking his own hand, Cell sighed. "And the work was done so quickly too. I'm ahead of schedule. But...I suppose that just gives me more time to think of what I'm going to say..."

The sound of a pick-up truck kicking back caught Cell's attention. He looked down at the confused, old couple just attempting to have a morning drive and, with a smile, blew the vehicle to pieces. Cell chuckled. "Let's see...I do believe that North City has the biggest Z-TV Station on the entire continent. That should do nicely..."

And then Cell flew off at high speeds.

In the abandoned South City...

Future Daikon, followed by Piccolo, Raditz, Future Trunks, and Android 17 entered the city limits of South City and came upon the miserable sight of a pop of shanty town forming in the streets of the emptied city. Between watching the, now homeless, citizens of West City lament the loss of their home...and watching as Capsule Corp staff gathered up a massive pile of emptied clothes from the streets, the horror of Cell's actions was almost too much to take in all at once.

Android 17 was utterly speechless at just how much damage Cell had managed to do. Piccolo, Raditz, Future Trunks, and Future Daikon all wore masks of shame and regret that they hadn't been able to do more to prevent this awful situation. The two future warriors were almost convinced that they had somehow ended up back in their own time. On the ground, a Capsule Corp technician spoke into a megaphone. "People of West City! Please remain calm! The Chairman Dr. Briefs and Head Scientist Dr. Bulma are currently trying to work out an accelerated solution to this current crisis. Capsule Corp thanks you for your patience and understanding!"

The five warriors flew toward the Capsule Corp mothership, parked atop the largest skyscraper in South City.

Capsule Corp, Bulma's Workshop...

Raditz walked through the door into Bulma's workshop, Piccolo, Future Trunks, Future Daikon, and Android 17 following behind him. Inside the workshop, the rest of the attending Z-Fighters all sat around in stark silence. Krillin and Tien both looked numb, Krillin only managing to crack a brief smile when he handed 17 Android 16's head. 17 silently nodded in thanks and then immediately turned and walked to one of Bulma's lab tables on the other side of the room to be with his sister.

Sitting on his stretcher, next to Bulma's desk, was Vegeta. The Prince was wide awake, but looked so tired. A Senzu Bean had done the job of healing all of the horrific injuries that Cell had caused him. But it failed to heal the injury Vegeta had done to himself. The Prince stared down the bandages tightly wrapped around his mangled hands with disdain and disbelief. He wanted to bury his face into his hands, but he couldn't even comfortably do that.

Stationed at Bulma's desk, right next to Vegeta's stretcher, was Panchy. The Senzu Bean she had eaten had healed all of the horrific things Cell had done to her. And, to the older woman's credit, she maintained a chipper attitude as she tightly held her baby grandson close. Cell would play hell trying to snatch the infant away from her a second time.

Future Trunks uncomfortably looked around. He saw no sign of Bulma nor his own mother from the future. The only person in the room whom he had to face was Vegeta. And the look Vegeta shot towards Future Trunks out of the corner of his eyes was enough to set the tone for the upcoming conversation.

The boy uncomfortably shuffled forward, not making eye contact with Vegeta. He cleared his throat and then tried his best to speak with no wavers or cracks in his voice. "H-How are you feeling, father?"

Vegeta was silent at first, but then he spoke up. "My hands are mangled beyond repair. In spite of all of my efforts, and in spite of giving Cell everything I had...he came out stronger, and I came out useless. It would take a miracle to ever put me back at full capacity again..."

Future Trunks gasped. Raditz sighed. "The very real dangers of using a Spirit Control technique too rashly. The very concept of Spirit Control is dangerous as is, compiling additional power onto even basic ki attacks. But, misusing one of Master Pyabara's techniques is on an entirely different level..."

The elder Saiyan brother pointed to the notch missing out of his eyebrow. "Any of the techniques used wrong can lead to permanent disfigurement such as this or such as Vegeta's hands. For techniques like my Instant Warp or Kakarot's Instant Transmission, misaiming your landing point can cause untold damage should you accidentally land in a spot where something is already taking up space. And for a technique like Forced Spirit Fission...picture a ki burn, but at least a billion times more painful..."

Everyone in the room cringed, thinking about just how big Vegeta's Final Flash was. The Prince sighed. "So, I'm stuck like this because of my own misjudgment. So be it, then. Shame on me..."

Future Trunks shook his head. "N-No... Father..."

The door to the workshop opened and in walked both Bulma and Future Bulma. The two of them looked so very, very tired. Bulma was on the phone, talking in an exhausted tone of voice. "So, please, Tights, I'm begging you to just not come back to Earth. Have him treat you to a nice vacation or something..."

Bulma pressed her free hand to her forehead. "No, Sis. I'm pretty sure that Cell would kill Jaco in one hit. Thank you for offering though..."

She shook her head. "I get that some of the Galactic Patrolmen are strong, but I don't think a few hundred arrests will make this Merus guy any more of a match for Cell than Jaco..."

As Bulma continued to talk to her sister, Future Bulma marched up to Future Trunks and Future Daikon. She gently placed a hand on each of their faces and sighed in relief. She could see the pain in their eyes, and the shame on their faces, but Future Bulma still let loose a sigh of relief. "I'm so glad to see the two of you in one piece. You both have the same knack as your fathers for making this old woman worry..."

Future Daikon was silent, his eyes still glued to the floor. Future Trunks gave a half-hearted smile to his mother, and then he looked past her to see Bulma and Vegeta. Bulma handed her cell phone to her mother with a sigh. And, as Panchy started talking to Tights, Bulma took Baby Trunks. She sat down on the end of Vegeta's stretcher, holding her baby close to her chest. She looked to Vegeta and Vegeta looked back at her. And then she scooted a little closer to him so that he could see his son too.

Gently, Future Trunks moved his mother to the side. And then, he stepped up to Bulma and Vegeta. The two of them looked towards him and then, silently, he bowed his head to them. Future Trunks stood there, in dead silence, as if he were waiting for something. Vegeta and Bulma stared at him for a minute, and then went back to talking with one another.

Future Trunks continued to stand there, in spite of everyone staring at him. He stood there, fists clenched tight and jaw squared, waiting for the first castigation to come. He waited to be yelled at, or derided, or struck by an unforgiving blow for what he had done. But, to his consternation, the punishment never came. Future Trunks was trembling, wanting it to happen already. But, as it continued to not come, he eventually spoke up. "I'm ready to accept whatever punishment you two deem necessary for...what I did. For the horrible thing I tried to do to my infant self...I'm ready for whatever you see fit to help me atone..."

Vegeta and Bulma both fell silent. Vegeta looked annoyed. Bulma looked tired. And then, the scientist took a deep breath and spoke. "Trunks...don't worry about it. We forgive you. Just, please...don't ever try to do anything like that again..."

Those words weighed on Future Trunks. He felt them draping over him, like an iron curtain falling onto his shoulders. The boy stood there, his head bowed and his fists gripped tight...and tears began to well in his eyes. And then, after another short moment, Future Trunks spoke. "N-No. No, please. I... I can't accept that..."

Bulma and Vegeta both flinched. Future Trunks sniffled and then let loose a single sob. "P-Please. You...you have to do something. Anything. I..."

His shoulders began to shake. "I tried to do something evil. S-Something that a monster as evil as Cell praised me for doing. I... please, you have to have some sort of punishment prepared for that..."

Bulma took a deep breath. "Trunks. You made a mistake. You're not as evil as Cell is. You just-"

Future Trunks fell to his knees, starting to shout and sob in equal measure. "He praised me for it, Mom! Cell looked me in the eye and told me that trying to do that wicked, unforgivable act was something worth merit! He told me that my sins made me into a better type of person, and that makes my skin crawl!"

He sobbed once more. "So, please..."

Bulma stood. Carefully carrying Baby Trunks, she walked over to her son from the future and knelt down. "Trunks...listen closely..."

He looked up. Bulma leaned forward, pulling him close. "Your father and I aren't blind, Trunks. We know the kind of life you've lived. We...we know how you would come to such a conclusion in your head that that was the correct course of action. The last thing you'd ever want is for history to repeat itself..."

Future Trunks buried his face into Bulma's shoulder. She adopted a sad smile, feeling her sleeve become wet. "And, while what you did wasn't okay...your infant self is still alive. And you fought valiantly to protect us all from Cell, in spite of being outmatched. So... seeing as you've apologized, we can and should just put this all behind us. After all, we have bigger problems right now than petty squabbling amongst ourselves..."

Bulma looked him in the eye. "Just promise that you'll never do that again, okay?"

Future Trunks nodded. "I... I pro-"

She cut him off. "Don't promise me."

Bulma held up Baby Trunks. Very gently, she handed Baby Trunks over to Future Trunks. Future Trunks looked down at his little counterpart and bowed his head. "Little one. I'm...I'm so sorry. I promise you, no matter what, I'll keep you safe. Even if it costs me my life..."

"Idiot."

Bulma and Future Trunks both turned to the source of the voice, Vegeta. Vegeta glared at Future Trunks. "You're missing the entire point of what your mother is saying, you idiot. It's not that you threatened a baby here. It's that..."

Vegeta glanced away. "...you threatened yourself. In front of the both of us."

Future Trunks shuddered. Bulma spoke softly, staring kindly and lovingly at both of her sons. "We're your parents, Trunks. And you acted like we weren't there. Like...like sacrificing yourself like that was the easiest scenario. You...you have to know that we could never allow that..."

Her eyes became serious. "I'd rather fight Cell myself than have him kill either version of you in front of me."

Vegeta chimed in. "I am the Saiyan nobility, Trunks. Your life is tantamount to the ultimate representation of my pride. How dare you think I would allow anyone, even you, to throw my pride away so easily like that..."

Future Trunks spoke. "F-Father..."

Vegeta snapped. "How could I walk this world with my nobility intact if my son thinks me too incapable to make a choice that would spare his life?!"

Future Trunks looked to both Bulma and Vegeta, seeing a fierce love for him in both of their eyes. And then, bowing his head once more, he apologized. "I promise you...I'll never try something like that again..."

Watching from the sidelines as Vegeta's family all made up, Raditz let loose a sad sigh. Piccolo glanced over at him. "Problem?"

Raditz scratched the back of his head. "I... I just miss my baby. It's been...a couple days now, sense I last got to see her. And hear that adorable little laugh of hers. My Ranch~"

Putting on a fatherly smile, Raditz turned to Future Daikon. "So, son...how about, when Ranch comes out of the Time Chamber, we grab her and go and find your mother and your infant sister? We could have a nice dinner or breakfast together, dependent on what color Launch's hair is..."

Hearing Raditz say that made Future Daikon shudder. Raditz stepped closer, reaching out to put his arm around Future Daikon's shoulder. "It could be a fun way to-"

"I'm sorry."

Raditz flinched. "S-Sorry? What are you sorry about?"

Future Daikon turned, walking away without a word. Raditz called after him. "Hey! Daikon! Wait a minute!"

But it was too late. Future Daikon exited Bulma's workshop, disappearing from sight. Raditz frowned, wondering what was wrong with his son. Future Daikon, meanwhile, stalked down the hallway with his face buried in his hands. As he walked, Cell's voice echoed in his head, saying one word over and over again. "Imposter."

Meanwhile, as all of the families around them had their various outbursts, Android 17 and Android 16 maintained a grim vigil. The two of them stood over Android 18, knowing that all hope was lost. 18's breathing was shallow, her face as pale as bone. Each breath she took caused her visible pain. The two Androids looked down at their fallen companion and both of them looked utterly lost.

Android 17's hands began to tremble, making 16's severed head shake. He snarled a single word in a hateful, low growl. "Cell..."

At that moment, Future Bulma stepped up next to Android 17 and looked down at 18. She gently shifted the hair out of the female Android's face and then looked over to 17. "You know...watching 18 die in this much pain was something that I had always dreamed of..."

17 shamefully looked away. "Y-Yeah. I heard that we took a lot from you in your timeline..."

Future Bulma shook her head. "Nope."

17 flinched. Future Bulma focused her gaze on 18. "You two didn't do anything to me. The Androids that stole my entire life away both got exactly what they deserved. This isn't something I find any comfort in watching; just...staring at an innocent, suffering young girl like this turns my stomach. Can you possibly explain to me what's going on with her?"

17 flinched. "I mean...18 did break your husband's arm..."

Future Bulma rolled her eyes. "And knowing Vegeta, he had it coming. Now come on, tell me what's going on with her."

Hours later, in the Brief Family Den...

In spite of everything that had occurred mere hours ago, it was shaping up to be a peaceful mid-day at Capsule Corp. Everyone had changed out of their battle armor and into more casual clothing. Bulma, Vegeta, and Baby Trunks were all huddled together on the loveseat. Bulma was out like a light, snuggling her head tightly against her husband's chest and holding Baby Trunks against the warmth of her breast. Vegeta and Baby Trunks were both asleep as well, Vegeta with his arm draped over Bulma's shoulder and Baby Trunks with his thumb in his mouth.

On the floor, sitting on a pile of Panchy's decorative throw pillows, Krillin, Tien, and Future Trunks all had their eyes glued to the simul-broadcast news channel, watching every news broadcast they could for any signs of Cell. So far, it was mostly panic pieces about how West City seemingly disappeared in an instant.

Raditz groaned in frustration, sitting next to Piccolo, as yet another call went to voicemail. "You never take this long to call me back. What the hell is going on, Launch?"

The long-haired Saiyan put his cell phone down and glanced across the room at Future Daikon, huddled next to a decorative plant. Raditz could tell that something was wrong with his son, he just couldn't tell what. And Future Daikon's out-of-nowhere apology genuinely concerned him.

Future Bulma, meanwhile, was sat next to Panchy on the couch. As her mother played around with her hair, Future Bulma was hard at work reading through every note that Bulma had taken on Android 18's condition. Alongside that, she read through each and every piece of information that Bulma had stolen from Dr. Gero. All the while, 17 and 16 sat next to her, reading over her shoulder.

As all of them sat there, simply existing, Dr. Briefs entered the room and wiped his forehead with a towel. "My word..."

He pulled a cigarette from his lab coat and checked his pockets for a lighter. "Hm..."

Future Bulma reached into her lab coat and tossed her lighter to her father. Dr. Briefs caught it with a thankful nod and then, after lighting his cigarette, tried to hand it back. Future Bulma waved him off. "Keep it. I don't need it anymore."

He nodded and placed it in his pocket. "Well, good news everyone. The shanty town has been firmly established. Now, once Bulma wakes up from her nap, we can start the process of reconstructing West City!"

Tien looked over to him. "I imagine that process will take quite a while, eh Doctor?"

Dr. Briefs sighed. "I estimate seven days, give or take Capsule production issues. But, knowing Bulma, it'll be done in four or less."

A bead of sweat ran down Krillin's head. "Jeez. You guys work fast..."

Dr. Briefs shrugged. "We're a family that just likes to keep up the pace."

The old man sat down on the throw pillows next to Krillin and grabbed the remote, selecting the Z-TV North Station. Future Trunks turned to him. "Something up, Grandpa?"

Dr. Briefs looked a bit annoyed. "I try not to get angry about trifling things, but I heard from a colleague that the people on this station had some rude comments in regards to my Bulma. I'm considering getting the lawyers involved."

Future Bulma rolled her eyes. "Z-TV North is full of a bunch of halfwit conspiracy theorists and schoolyard taunting little punks. You shouldn't pay them any mind, Dad."

On Z-TV North...

Two broadcasters showed their smug smirks on camera. They both spoke. "Hello Z-TV Nation! This is the one voice of truth, Han Sannety!"

The other one quickly cut in. "And, the second one voice of truth, Carl Tuckerson!"

Han Sannety rolled his eyes and shoved his broadcast partner aside. "And today, we have a special guest that's here to tell us about the 'monster' that attack her hometown. Welcome onto Z-TV, Miss Hiki Komori."

Both broadcasters turned and watched as Hiki Komori, heavily bandaged and wheelchair-bound, was wheel up to the news desk by her mother. Carl Tuckerson spoke in a voice dripping with sarcasm. "So, Miss Komori, from what we have been told, you were befriended by a giant insect monster that proceeded to kill and eat everyone in your hometown?"

Hiki spoke in a broken, small voice. She nodded. "Y-Yes...I... I was blinded by the sweet nothings of a person I thought was out to be my friend. But now that I'm able to leave my hospital bed...I wanted to go around and try to warn as many people as possible of the threat. If a person named Cell attempts to make contact with you and tries to act like your friend, then just ignore him! Just ignore him and run away!"

Both of the broadcasters sat there, their lack of interest in what Miss Komori had to say was visible on their faces.

Back in Capsule Corp...

Krillin frowned. "That poor girl. Cell did all of that to her...?"

Future Trunks snarled. "Hideous monster..."

On Z-TV North...

As Hiki finished her story, Han Sannety sighed and spoke in a calm voice. "Are you finished with your story, Miss Komori?"

Hiki nodded. "Y-Yes...thank you for listening..."

Sannety nodded. "Now, I am not normally one to share my opinion. I prefer facts without any spin, but let me make one thing clears. I know what your agenda is, Miss Komori."

Hiki flinched. Sannety took a more aggressive stance. "You, just like all of the other people giving these interviews, are an actor paid by King Furry in order to distract all of us clear-headed citizens from the truth. The truth being that these attacks aren't some monster, nor are they some terrorist attack! If you read the leaked documents from the Furry Dossier, then you know that all of these attacks are really nothing more than a hoax made up by the shady people in charge of Capsule Corp, hand-in-hand with reclusive billionaire X.S. Cash in order to brainwash we clear-headed citizens into never leaving our homes in order to make us more dependent on Capsule-brand products! Isn't that right, Miss Komori?"

Hiki was at a loss for words. "U-Uh..."

Sannety slammed his hands on the table. "Admit it! Have a conscience and admit that, in truth, you are nothing more than a-"

A column of pure energy shot up from the floor below and shredded over Han Sannety's face. When the blast finished, there was not a single bit of anything left on his face but a charred skull. The skull's jaw fell open and a truly blood-curdling scream echoed out, and then the broadcaster fell over out of his seat.

A brief pause. Carl Tuckerson and Hiki both sat in stunned silence. And then, to their horror, a green and black, handsome, insect-like monster rose up from the freshly blasted hole with a wicked smirk on his face.

Back at Capsule Corp...

Tien gasped in shock. "Cell! It's Cell!"

He, Krillin, Future Trunks, and Dr. Briefs all leaned closer to the television. Raditz, Piccolo, and Future Daikon both glued their eyes to the screen. As did Future Bulma, Panchy, 16, and 17.

On Z-TV North...

Cell looked towards his right, to Carl Tuckerson. And then he looked to his left, to Hiki Komori. Cell's eye trained on the girl and he chuckled. She flinched in her wheelchair. Cell cleared his throat for a moment, and then he spoke in his raspy, imperfect voice. "Hello, Hiki~! How is my dear friend doing~?"

She was frozen in fear, tears building in her eyes. Cell reached down onto the news desk, grabbing a pen and signing his name onto her leg cast. To Hiki! Best buds for life, Cell~. And then, Cell spoke in his raspy tone again. "Now run along~"

At that moment, Hiki Komori screamed at the top of her lungs. She toppled over, out of her wheelchair, and crawled over to her mother, who picked her up and carried her away. Cell chuckled and went back to his perfect voice. "What a pathetic little insect. It's almost charming."

Finally, Carl Tuckerson shouted at Cell. "Hey! Freak! Get out of my studio before I call security!"

Cell turned his hateful glare onto the little man and he turned ghost white. "P-Ple-"

Cell grabbed him by the throat and then, with a single, harsh squeeze, he popped his head off like a grape of the vine. Cell groaned in disgust and wiped the blood off of his hand, onto the dead broadcaster's suit. And then he spoke. "Well then, I suppose for anyone who wasn't paying attention before, I have your undivided attention now?"

The monster smirked and closed his eyes. "You must forgive me; this is my first time on camera. I'm a bit excited."

Cell took in a deep breath, and then he spoke. "Greetings, citizens of the world! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Cell, formerly known as Android Model #22. I am the final and greatest accomplishment of the now defunct Red Ribbon Army. A creature built from the decades of spite all gathered into a single living being. For those of you who have entertained rumors about a horrifying monster attacking and devouring people..."

His smiled widened. "I can assure you that those rumors are quite true~"

Cell took a brief pause, allowing that information to sink in for everyone listening. He looked around and saw the frozen expressions of terrified horror on the faces of everyone the room. "Since I started devouring the insignificant populace of the Earth, I have undergone several changes. And those changes have resulted in the perfect, peerless form you see before you now."

He gripped his fists. "And now for the reason I am here to speak with you today. You see, my time as the boogeyman that humanity should fear has come to a close. I am done slinking around in the dark and feasting on your worthless vermin. Now that I have reached this, my Perfection, I have decided to bring down a reckoning upon the boring lives of the Earth's populace in order to entertain myself."

At that moment, a security guard busted into the room and drew his pistol. "Freeze!"

Cell immediately raised his hand, trapping the guard with his telekinesis and forcing him to point the gun at himself. The guard yelped. "No! Stop!"

*BANG*

Cell sighed as the people in the news broadcast room screamed. His eyes shined with malice. "Now don't be rude. I'm still talking."

He smiled again. "Now, as I was saying...for a while, I thought the most fun I could have would be to race around the Earth, killing every last pathetic human en masse and then blowing up the planet when I was finished. But, thanks to some comments from my special friends Trunks and Trunks Friend #1, I have come up with a more suitable endeavor for my newfound greatness that is sure to entertain!"

Cell splayed out his arms wide. "Ten days from now, I shall be holding a great tournament in my honor! A tournament similar to the famed World Martial Arts Tournament! A tournament that I have dubbed as such: The Cell Games!"

The monster winked. "Catchy name, right?"

He snapped his fingers at the hapless television crew. "Put a world map on the screen behind me!"

The order was instantly obeyed and Cell pointed to a specific place on the map. "The tournament will be held here! Coordinates 28 KS Point 5. In the Central Continent."

Cell smiled and used his telekinesis again, picking up a camera and drawing it close to his face. "And, now that I have established What, Where, When, and Why, let's establish Who. I humbly invite any strong-willed competitor to come and face me at the Cell Games. But, do be advised that I have high standards for who may attend. Anyone is free to show up, but if I find you to be not worth my time, I will toy with you and kill you on the spot~"

The monster shifted his torso and pointed his hand to the wall behind him. "And, for anyone that still doubts me after everything I've said here today..."

Cell launched a blast that burst through the wall and tore a path of destruction across nearly a quarter of North City. He smirked. "Allow me to make myself clear one more time! Either someone beats me at the Cell Games in ten days, or I turn the entire Earth into my hellish playground!"

He turned and leapt out the hole he made, flying into the distance. "I look forward to all of the challengers that dare come and face me!"

Back at Capsule Corp...

The room was left in stunned silence everyone was having trouble processing what they had just witnessed. Above Cell's ego and above the sudden onset of a tournament, the Z-Fighters had just witness Cell slaughter thousands of people and they were utterly helpless to stop him. It was a grim reality the warriors found themselves sitting in at that moment.

And then, Vegeta spoke up. "A tournament? Pah. Arrogant bastard."

Piccolo sneered. "I hate to agree with Vegeta on anything, but he's right. Cell's ego is going out of control now that he's reached his peak. I fear what that might mean for the immediate future of Earth, assuming he decides he gets bored over the next ten days..."

Future Trunks snarled. "I hate him. He did that just so he could taunt us! I could almost feel him staring at me through the TV screen..."

Future Bulma sighed. "What do you all expect? Cell's acting like an arrogant, hot-headed, cruel jackass. I would expect no less from a combination of Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Frieza, and everyone else..."

She finished reading the report in her hand and picked up another one. "He's drunk on his own power. He wants to show off. And it's a valid fear to think he might get bored of the ten day wait. Especially seeing as he has no one to wait for who might provide him a challenge. No offense to any of you."

Piccolo frowned. "Well then, I would say that this 10-days hiatus in fighting is just what we needed. Maybe, if Cell doesn't get bored, we could find a way to get stronger and face him..."

Future Bulma glanced to the side. "It's a shame that he's so evil. I could genuinely hear the Goku in his voice a few times there. If Cell wasn't a monster, he and Goku would probably be best friends..."

"I agree with both Piccolo and the Bulma of the Future."

Everyone's attention snapped to the sky. Android 17 looked terrified. "What the hell was that?"

The voice spoke again. "Ah, forgive my lack of etiquette. My name is Kami. I am the Guardian of the Earth and-"

Piccolo snarled. "What do you want?!"

A brief silence. And then, Kami spoke again. "As the Guardian of Earth, and someone who has just witnessed the dreadful announcement, I would like to speak to everyone on the matter of Cell. Especially you, Piccolo."

Piccolo sneered, but didn't say a word. Kami continued. "It would also be prudent for you all to gather up here regardless. Goku, Bardock, Gohan, and Ranch will all be emerging from the Hyperbolic Time Chamber in less than an hour. You should all be up here to greet them. I look forward to welcoming you all to my sanctum, once again."

Kami's voice left all of their heads and everyone immediately looked over to Piccolo. The brash Namekian looked angry, bitter, and contemplative all at once. After a moment of being gawked at, Piccolo shouted. "What the hell are you all looking at?! Quit sitting around and let's get going!"

Everyone immediately sprang to action, getting up and preparing to travel. Vegeta shook Bulma awake and helped her to her feet. As everyone filed out of the room, Android 17 turned to Future Bulma. "N-Not to go against the voice of, um, God...but I think 16 and I are just going to stay here where we can keep an eye on 18, okay?"

Future Bulma nodded. "That's fine. Just be prepared for my Mom. She came be overbearing when it comes to hosting house guests..."

And, with that, everyone was off. All of them heading towards Kami's Lookout to meet up with Team Goku.

On the Lookout...

Gine and Mr. Popo both looked upset as they stared at Kami's back. Mr. Popo's eyes were welled with tears. "Kami, please. No..."

Gine frowned. "Are you sure that's necessary, Kami? We have the Time Chamber and everything. This seems way too drastic..."

Kami smiled as he wistfully stared down at the Earth below. "I have made my decision on this matter. I feel as if, at the end of the day, it would be for the best. I do thank you, though, for your concern."

He turned and smiled at the two. "A mere Guardian would do good to have dedicated friends such as the two of you."

Gine's shoulders sagged. Mr. Popo began to openly weep, falling to his knees. Kami sighed and gripped his staff tight. "As the one who looks after this world, it is my first and foremost job to act within its best interests, regardless of the personal costs. If this allows me to come to my dear Earth's defense one last time, then so be it."

He looked down into the clouds one last time. "As, I see our guests have arrived..."

And then, on cue, the various Z-Fighters crested through the clouds and landed onto the Lookout. Krillin, Tien, Piccolo, Raditz, Future Daikon, Vegeta with Bulma and Baby Trunks on his back, and Future Trunks with Future Bulma on his, all landed down onto the hovering platform and turned to face Kami, Gine, and Mr. Popo. Kami smiled. "I welcome you all back to the Lookout. And I welcome you both to the Lookout and to this timeline, Bulma from the future."

Future Bulma smiled. "It's good to see you alive in this timeline, Kami."

Kami nodded. "Yes. Quite."

He cleared his throat. "There are still ten minutes remaining before Goku and the others emerge from the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. In the meantime, you all may carry out your stay on the Lookout however you see fit. I am sure Mr. Popo would happily provide a mug of afternoon tea to any who might request one."

Mr. Popo stammered, wiping his eyes. "Y-Yes..."

Piccolo sneered and rolled his eyes. "Are you done putting on airs?"

Kami frowned. "I suppose I am. Now, Piccolo..."

Piccolo glared at him. Kami walked towards the entrance to his palace. "A word."

The Namekian warrior looked angry, but he immediately followed behind his older counterpart, disappearing into the palace.

Ten minutes pass...

As quickly as everyone arrived onto the Lookout, ten minutes flew by. As the chime rang, signifying the end of the session in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Piccolo and Kami both emerged. Neither of them looked very happy. Kami addressed his guests. "Now then, we should all make haste down to the Time Chamber entrance and-"

The sudden surge of energy from within the Time Chamber caught everyone by surprise. Kami stopped mid-sentence and turned towards his palace, a bead of sweat running down his face. After a moment, four silhouettes appeared within Kami's palace. They were speaking to one another, but no one could make out what they were saying. Soon enough, the silhouettes emerged into the sunlight, revealing themselves to be Goku, Bardock, Future Ranch, and Gohan. All four of the warriors were in Super Saiyan form, their hair having become a stable golden white color. They all looked towards the crowd gather for them and Goku raised his hand in salutation. "Yo!"

Everyone silently stared at the four emergent trainees, taking in the sight of how much they had changed. Gohan was the most striking, having shot up considerably in height. He had grown 7-inches, nearly matching Vegeta in height. His lean, childish frame had been replaced by one of well-conditioned and toned muscle, his shoulders broader and his chest fairly well built. While still small compared to Goku, Bardock, and even Future Ranch, it was clear that Gohan had started on his journey to become a man. His blonde hair sat trimmed and full atop his head.

Future Ranch, meanwhile, had grown into a vivacious young woman. Her already long hair had reached well down to her thighs, really bringing out just how much she resembled Raditz. Tied back into a mid-back ponytail with the heirloom band from Future Raditz, it swung from side to side as she walked. Future Ranch had shot up amazingly in height, standing taller than both Future Trunks and Future Daikon. Her body was lean, but well-muscled. Her biceps very nicely defined through her sleeves. Her girlish figure had bloomed into one of an adult woman; her chest and hips much curvier than when she went in. Her legs had grown longer and her rear was firm, but stocky. While Future Ranch didn't have the perfect hourglass figure, her beauty still radiated out. A smile graced her full lips as she glanced towards Future Daikon and the stunned Future Trunks. But it quickly turned into a confused frown as she caught sight of Future Bulma.

Bardock and Goku, meanwhile, were exactly the same as when they went in, only having become slightly more muscular on their arms, shoulders, and chests. Goku, to his credit, also put on a couple more inches.

Bardock and Gohan both looked confused at their silent comrades, and then they were hit by the most dreadful of feelings. Bardock raggedly sighed and scratched the back of his head. "Did a different Android show up while we were gone...or is that who I think it is?"

Goku cocked his head, a slightly uneasy look on his face. "Well damn..."

Future Ranch rolled her eyes, turning to Goku and Bardock. "Told you Vegeta would louse it up."

Vegeta sneered at Future Ranch, gripping his hands around his biceps and then immediately regretting it as a painful shock ran through his palms and up his arms. Instead of engaging with Future Ranch, Vegeta snapped at Goku. "Damn you Kakarot! You and Raditz are both tall enough! The two of you need to stop growing, I consider it a personal slight at this point!"

Goku nervously chuckled. Raditz snorted and rolled his eyes.

Piccolo and Gine, meanwhile, both stared in awe at the sight of Gohan. Gohan smiled at them. "I grew a bit in the Time Chamber!"

Piccolo smirked. "A bit, huh?"

Gine sighed. "You're almost as tall as I am..."

The grandmother sheepishly glanced away from her growing grandson and over to her granddaughter. She watched as Future Ranch walked over to Future Trunks and used her index finger to close his dropped jaw. Gine smiled warmly and walked over to her husband. "Bardock..."

Bardock turned to her. "Hm?"

Gine leapt up and pecked him on the cheek. "Good job~"

Bardock sighed. "Oh please, I suck at dealing with people. Kakarot and Gohan did most of the work..."

Gine chuckled, but then she looked at Bardock again and frowned. Bardock cocked his head. "What?"

Gine reached up and rubbed her finger under her husband's nose, pulling it away and seeing it stained red. "Your nostrils are full of blood. Did you have a vision?"

Bardock grumbled and glanced away. "Yeah...we'll talk about it later..."

Over with the time travelers, Future Ranch was holding the shorter Future Trunks and Future Daikon in a double headlock. "Looks like there's a new group leader, boys! I'm, like, eight times taller than you!"

Future Daikon grumbled and fought against Future Ranch's grip. "You aren't even eight inches taller than us!"

Future Ranch was smug. "What was that? I can't hear you down there~"

Future Bulma smiled. "You seem a lot more spirited than normal, Ranch. That makes me happy to see."

Future Ranch chuckled. "Y-Yeah. I've...let a lot of stuff off of my chest over the past year. I feel light."

She cocked her head. "So, what brings you here, Miss Bulma? What happened with the 17 and 18 in our timeline? Did you build a remote to shut them off, or something?"

Future Bulma smiled. "We can talk about that in a minute. I think...you have something more important to deal with~"

Future Ranch flinched and then looked down, seeing Future Trunks' face glow bright red as he stared up at her from his headlock. Future Ranch tossed Future Daikon to the side and then lifted her boyfriend off the ground by his shoulders. "You are a sight for sore eyes, you know that~? What's on your mind?"

Future Trunks swallowed a lump in his throat and glanced away. "I guess...I'm just realizing that I might have a ton of bad luck...but I'm still the luckiest guy in our timeline..."

Future Ranch smiled. "Look at me..."

Future Trunks turned his face to hers and then she pulled him close, pressing her lips to his. The two of them closed their eyes and had a long, passionate kiss. Future Daikon rolled his eyes. "Guys, come on. This isn't really the time for PDA..."

Future Ranch rolled her eyes and glanced over at him. "What? Are you feeling jealous that Mai isn't as tall as me, bro?"

Future Daikon immediately grimaced, his shoulders slumping. His eyes were gray and unhappy. "Please don't call me that..."

Future Ranch was confused. She put Future Trunks down and reached out to grab Future Daikon's shoulder, but he turned and walked away. Genuinely concerned, she tried to call out to him. "H-Hey..."

Vegeta shouting quickly cut Future Ranch off. "Okay! Spill it! All four of you!"

She turned and glared at him. Goku, Bardock, and Gohan all looked to Vegeta as well. The Prince had a sour look on his face. "Why are the four of you all Super Saiyans? Your aura isn't even surging, so you must have been in that form for quite some time at this point."

Tien looked skeptical. "Are you even Super Saiyans right now? You're exuding power, but no malice. Your energy feels calm and steady and none of you seem all that angry. Even Bardock feels calm..."

Goku smirked. "Well, yeah. We've been in Super Saiyan for at least two months now. So, it makes sense that we don't feel angry. That would be a long while to feel angry~"

Vegeta flinched. "Wha...t-two months?! What?!"

Goku chuckled. "Yeah. After we got to training for a while, and Gohan was a Super Saiyan for a bit, we all started to try different ways to make the Super Saiyan form easier to manage and draw power from. And then, one day, Gohan said something that made us all start thinking. He mentioned that Super Saiyan felt awkward to him. And then, as we started talking more, we all came to the idea that we should just try keeping it active longer in order to make it feel less awkward! And so, as we got used to it, it became easier for us to maintain it longer and longer without any real strain on the body~"

Bardock nodded. "We've been eating as Super Saiyans. Resting as Super Saiyans. Training as Super Saiyans. Shitting as Super Saiyans. And sleeping as Super Saiyans. It's been... an experience."

Future Ranch flexed her arm. "And the gains have been interesting. All of the extra energy building up into our bodies have allowed us to push ourselves beyond our limits and gain extended power boosts when we've needed them."

Gohan smiled. "It's made Ascended Super Saiyan and Power-Weighted Super Saiyan obsolete for us~"

Vegeta, Future Trunks, and Future Daikon were all speechless at this. Vegeta smirked. "Well then...I suppose that's something to think about..."

But then, the jovial mood came to an abrupt end. Raditz stepped forward and spoke. "Okay. I love reunions and training discussion as much as the next guy, but we clearly have a more important matter to discuss..."

Everyone else fell serious. Future Trunks spoke up. "So, we've established how strong Cell is. But, we haven't established what he's up to..."

Bardock nodded. "Yeah. It's seems weird that he's that strong and the world is still intact. No offense, but he could have killed you all and crushed this planet like a grape in less than an hour. So, what's up?"

Bulma shook her head as she held Baby Trunks. "He did blow up West City. We barely managed to get everyone evacuated in time..."

Piccolo spoke up. "It seems we have a tournament on our hands. Cell so graciously spared all of our lives to put on an exhibition of his own, massive ego. He's calling it the Cell Games and he made it pretty clear that he expects us all to take part in ten days..."

Krillin glanced down at the floor. "And it's all my fault. If I had just pressed that button back then, then we-"

Goku put his hand on Krillin's shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze. "Stop it, Krillin. None of this is your fault."

Tien looked grave. "So, what happens now Goku?"

Goku sighed and shrugged. "I guess...I should go and check out what's going on for myself, huh?"

Both Krillin and Tien flinched and Goku walked past them. He looked over at the group of time travelers and smiled. "Hey, Bulma!"

Future Bulma smiled back. "Hey, Goku..."

He continued to walk and then turned to give Baby Trunks a gentle pat on the head. He smiled at his friend. "Hey, Bulma!"

Bulma smiled. "Hey, Goku!"

Goku continued to walk, a looked of confusion popping up on his face. He cocked his head and then shrugged. He motioned to Piccolo. "Hey, Piccolo! Help a guy out!"

Piccolo cocked his head. "Huh? Oh...okay..."

The Namekian and the Saiyan high-fived and, in a flash, Goku's busted up Saiyan battle armor was replaced with his classic, bright orange gi. And then, without another word, Goku pressed his fingers to his forehead and used his Instant Transmission to disappear.

At the Cell Games Arena...

Cell opened his eyes, his bloodlust instantly making his veins start pumping like a firehose. He smiled wide, not even bothering to turn around. "Goku~"

A blue boot touched down on the surface of the Cell Games ring and Goku stepped up. He was attempting to remain calm, but his blood was pumping like crazy as well. All of the Saiyan's hair stood on end. "Cell."

As the two of them stood there, the calm of the surrounding area was replaced with an eerie wind. These winds soon spread to cover the entire Earth, the skies over every inch of the planet blackening with clouds. Goku looked around, seeing traces of the former village that once stood in the area. A burnt truck frame rested atop the dirt. A doll that seemed to once belong to a young girl sat in the dirt, blackened and half-buried. Goku's face was beset with quiet rage. "Before we go any further, I have a question. Why? I've asked this of every foe I've faced in the past and now I ask you: why use all of this power to hurt people who can't even fight back?"

Cell smiled, still with his back to Goku. He splayed his hand out, looking down at his ebony fingernails. "I do believe the real question here, Goku, is why not? I'm all-powerful. Why shouldn't I do what I want with this power?"

Goku was quietly seething. Cell smirked. "For instance, I'm sure my little announcement was the talk of the town among your pathetic friends when you came back from wherever it is you were. So, let me change the subject. Goku...I welcome you to the Earth's Final Stage! My Cell Games Arena! Win or lose...this tournament will certainly leave an impact among those who view it, don't you agree? Doesn't this all just feel incredible?"

Goku gripped his fists. "I guess I have to admit that it does feel good to stand in a ring like this again. It's nostalgic. It makes me think back to a lot of amazing fights I've had in the past..."

Cell laughed. "Isn't it though? The showmanship of it all~! The two strongest fighters in the world, both standing in the same place! Their goal being nothing more than to decide who is the better man! To decide who is the Number One under the Heavens~! And make no mistake Goku, you are one of the two strongest fighters on this planet..."

Goku nodded. "I suppose, even from an evil being like you, that compliment means quite a lot. But I can't really say that I'm here to simply prove who's stronger."

Cell smirked. "Oh?"

A heavy silence filled the air as thunder began to rumble in the distance. "You're not the first person to try and spread fear and panic among the innocent lives on this planet Cell. And you definitely aren't the first to threaten its destruction."

Cell snarked. "Yes. Most of the ones before me make up your friend group, don't they?"

Goku didn't miss a step. "That doesn't matter. They all failed. You won't be any different."

Another silence. Cell's smile faded, but he still didn't turn to face his prospective opponent. Electricity crackled between the two. Lightning struck out in the distance and all across the world, even as high as the Lookout. The air was so thick that the average person wouldn't have been able to breathe. Goku shuddered. "You know...this is the kind of pressure that I live for..."

Cell's smile returned. "Oh really?"

Goku nodded. "This scary feeling. It's always made my blood pump. The uncertainty of it all. Ever since I first learned to throw a punch from Grandpa Gohan, I always dreamed of fighting people like you. People stand so tall; they seem to block out the Sun. It's thrilling, Cell. Even now, thinking of all the ways the battle between us could go..."

Cell finished his sentence. "It fills me with yearning. With bliss."

Goku spoke calmly, his voice unwavering. "I've trained all my life for this. I've walked towards it. Ran towards it. Crawled towards it. I've built myself up every day of my life for this fight, even if I could have never seen it coming. Ever since that pod carrying me through space crashed into the wilderness, I've been preparing for this moment. Kind of like you, when you came to this time and buried yourself in the woods..."

Goku took a step forward and Cell's shoulders shuddered. The Saiyan spoke again. "I've come a long way, Cell."

Cell's fists tightened. He could feel the veins in his neck pumping blood. Goku began to psychically read Cell and Cell did the same in return.

Baby Goku in his Attack Ball/Larval Cell in his gestation tube.

Kid Goku training with Master Roshi/Imperfect Cell emerging from his husk.

Kid Goku ramming his head through King Piccolo/Imperfect Cell feeding.

Goku fighting with Vegeta/Imperfect Cell fighting with Piccolo, Bardock, and Android 16.

Goku going Super Saiyan for the first time/Cell attaining his Semi-Perfect state.

Goku fighting with Frieza/Semi-Perfect Cell fighting with Vegeta.

Goku's power erupting in the Time Chamber/Perfect Cell's power erupting in West City.

Lightning struck again and, finally, Cell turned to face down Goku. With a confident smirk, he responded to his only real peer. "So, have I~"

Goku's glare harshened. He spoke with subtle fury to Cell. "You just wait right here in this ring and, in ten days, I promise I'll come back to compete in these Cell Games of yours."

A harsh wind blew through the Cell Games Arena, kicking up a small cloud of dust. Cell chuckled. "Oh Goku...I won't move from this spot. I'll see you when the games begin~"

Another tense stare down broke out between the two and the wind picked up harder. A massive cloud of dust blew between Cell and Goku and then, when it cleared, Goku was gone.

Back on the Lookout...

In an instant, Goku arrived back onto the Lookout. What he came upon was the sight of Bardock and Future Ranch in fresh new outfits. Bardock was wearing armor similar to his fight with Android 13: a black and tan armor top with tube-like straps, a pair of black pants, a pair of black and red armbands that went up to his elbows, and a pair of black, red, and tan boots that went up to his knees. Future Ranch, meanwhile, wore an outfit that consisted of a black t-shirt, a pair of camouflage pants, a pair of green combat boots, a sleeveless, denim jacket similar to Future Trunks', and her hair still pulled back with Future Raditz's heirloom band, and her forehead covered by Future Launch's red ribbon.

Goku nodded. "Piccolo made you guys new outfits?"

Bardock nodded back. "Uh-huh."

Future Ranch pointed off to the side. "He's helping Gohan now."

Goku turned and saw Piccolo press his hand to Gohan's head, dressing the boy up with in a purple outfit with a blue belt and wristbands, a pair of Namekian shoes, and a large, flowing white cape. Gohan looked absolutely delighted. "Thank you, Mr. Piccolo!"

Piccolo smirked. "No problem, kid."

Goku smiled with pride, and then noticed everyone gathering around him. His smile faded and Bulma, stepping forward, asked the question on everyone's mind. "So, you can beat him. Right, Goku? No sweat. Right?"

Goku was silent for a moment, but then he flinched back and didn't answer. This immediately caught everyone off-guard. But, before anyone could say anything, something entirely unexpected happened. The sounds of airplane turbines echoed out and a Capsule Carrier Plane came flying up beside the Lookout.

Kami stared up at it, flabbergasted. "How are you all able to fly airplanes up here?! You shouldn't be able to find this place like that..."

The plane came to a landing spot and, before the engines even shut off all the way, the back door popped open and a very familiar, very gruff voice echoed out. "Raditz!"

Raditz yelped and flinched back. And then, from the Capsule Plane, emerged Blonde Launch. She and Raditz locked eyes, and then Blonde Launch held up Baby Ranch. "There's your daddy, baby. Go get him!"

Baby Ranch caught sight of her father and let loose a happy squeal. She shot from her mother's hands, across the Lookout, and crashed into her father, ramming into his chest just as her older cousin had once done. Raditz was knocked off of his feet and landed flat on his back, but he couldn't help but laugh as his daughter held him so tightly. "Hahaha! I missed you too, Ranch~"

Blonde Launch walked up to the group; a smirk plastered on her face. "Sup, losers? Been a while~"

She looked down at her husband and baby, and then over at her teenage daughter and son. "So, what have you all been up to that's kept me and my husband apart for so long?"

Future Ranch flinched. "Y-You don't know?! Where have you been, Mom?!"

Blonde Launch spoke bluntly. "Bottom of the ocean playing bodyguard against two scumbags."

Tien cocked his head. "Scumbags? What scumbags?"

At that moment, both Master Roshi and Oolong came hobbling out of the Capsule Plane, followed behind by Master Roshi's Turtle. The two of them looked like they had been viciously beaten by some sort of angry mob and collapses as soon as they hit the Lookout. Tien's eyes went wide with fear, sweat pouring down his face. "...oh."

Goku scratched his head. "Come on, Launch. Don't be too hard on poor, ol' Master Roshi..."

Blonde Launch shrugged. "He ain't important. Unlike you, Mr. Man-of-the-Hour~! Let me be the first person to say congrats, ya big lug~"

Goku was confused. "What are you talking about?"

And then, the Ox-King came out of the Capsule Plane. In front of him, he was pushing a wheelchair and, in that wheelchair, sat Chi-Chi. Chi-Chi had a warm, motherly smile on her face as she looked down at a little bundle wrapped in a blanket. It took Goku a second, but then it hit him all at once. "YOU GAVE BIRTH?!"

He and Gohan instantly shoved everyone out of their way and sprinted across the Lookout so quickly they practically left scorch marks. Goku clapped his hands in front of his face and began to apologize. "Chi-Chi! I'm so, so sorry! Gohan and I didn't mean to not be there! We just-"

Chi-Chi waved him off. "It's fine, Goku. It's fine."

She looked over at Gohan's hair and grimaced. "We're going to have a talk about this later, though..."

Gohan spoke up. "It's just Super Saiyan, Mom."

Chi-Chi nodded. "I know. Doesn't mean I like you going around looking like some street tough, though..."

She sighed and reached down to the blanket in her arms, pulling the cloth up. "But, that's neither here nor there. Goku and Gohan, I would like you to meet..."

Chi-Chi lifted the cloth to reveal the chubby face of a newborn baby girl. The girl had Chi-Chi's smooth, black hair and gray eyes, but looked quite like Goku in terms of her nose and face. She smiled up at the two of them and happily cooed. Chi-Chi smiled as well. "Son Chika~"

She smiled. "Sorry to do the naming without you two. I named her after my mother~"

Goku and Gohan were both immediately overjoyed at the sight of their daughter/sister. Without a second thought, Goku picked her up and held her high into the sky. "Heya Chika~! It's so nice to meet you~!"

Gohan flew up too look the baby in the face. He smiled wide. "Hi there~! I'm your big brother~"

As the two of them got to know the new baby, Chi-Chi glanced over at everyone else standing there and watching. She motioned. "Well?! You're her family too! All of you! Now get over here!"

Bulma thrust Baby Trunks into Future Trunks' arms and sprinted forward, leaping into the air and snatching Baby Chika out of Goku's arms like a football. She closely examined the baby, who was laughing like crazy, and smiled. "Hey there, cutie~! I'm your Auntie Bulma~! It's so nice to meet you~"

Hearing the little girl laugh made Bulma smile wide. She stood up straight and turned to Vegeta, who had walked over. "Vegeta! I want one!"

Vegeta stared down at Goku's daughter and then glared at his wife. "We have a child!"

Bulma snapped back. "Not a girl one!"

Vegeta pointed back. "What are you talking about?! Look at the older Trunks' hair!"

Future Trunks' shoulders slumped. "Oh, come on, Father..."

Piccolo reached between them and grabbed Baby Chika. "Enough of your squabbling. Gimme."

The Namekian glared down at the girl. She stared at him with a bit of confusion, but the reached up and pressed her hand to his cheek. This brought a smile to the green warrior's face. Gohan leapt up and latched onto Piccolo's back, peering at his sister over his mentor's shoulder pad. "Isn't she just perfect, Mr. Piccolo?"

Everyone else gathered around as well, passing the newborn amongst themselves to get to know her. Everyone except Future Daikon, who desperately tried to hide himself from sight behind a pillar.

Kami held Baby Chika with a cheerful smile on his face. "It is nice to meet you, little one. As Guardian of the Earth, allowing me to give you my blessing and wish you a long and happy life~"

Baby Chika squealed and happily waved about her arms and legs. And then, Kami passed her over to Future Bulma. Future Bulma stared down that the baby with a sad smile, tracing her thumb over Chika's adorable, round cheeks. Finally, Chi-Chi noticed that something was off. "Uh...two Bulmas? What?!"

Future Bulma didn't look away from Baby Chika, he eyes bright, but sad. "I'm from the future..."

She pulled Chika close and pressed her ear to the baby's chest, smiling at the sound of her strong heartbeat. "I'm...even more glad I came back now. I've always wanted to meet this one..."

Chi-Chi frowned. "What do you mean...?"

Future Bulma was dour, handing Baby Chika back to Chi-Chi. "The stress of losing Goku wasn't easy on my Chi-Chi. Especially while she was pregnant. None of us ever got to...meet...Chika..."

The tired scientist brushed the child's hair out of her face. "Her smile is so precious..."

As the mood started to go down, Eighter emerged from the Capsule Plane. In his arms, he carried the one-legged Yamcha bridal-style. Puar sat perched on his shoulder like a furry parrot. Yamcha stammered. "I mean, I appreciate it, man. But you don't have to carry me..."

Eighter chuckled. "Nonsense. Why shouldn't I help a friend? My hands aren't too busy or too full~"

Next to them, Chiaotzu came walking out. "Tien!"

Tien turned and smiled, eagerly accepting a hug from his long-time travel companion. "Hey Chiaotzu! It's been a little bit."

Chiaotzu nodded. "It really has been! I'm glad to see you're okay! What the hell has been happening out here?!"

Tien sighed. "That's a lot to unpack. Let's...just focus on the positives here. Goku has welcomed a new child into the world."

Chiaotzu turned to watch as Goku, Krillin, and Master Roshi danced around with the laughing baby. The Turtle School was having a blast, making fools of themselves and trying to entertain the adorable little tot. He smiled. "Yeah, that's pretty cool~"

Chiaotzu smiled and shouted. "Hey! Goku! Congrats on the newborn kids!"

Goku paused, catching Chika with a happy smirk on his face. "So there really were two, huh?!"

He looked down at Chi-Chi, who had the most precious smile on her face. She looked up at her husband. "He'll be out in a moment. He needed a changing."

And then, finally, Suno emerged from the Capsule Plane. Her sleeves were rolled up and she had a beatific smile on her face. She chuckled. "He's all changed, Chi-Chi!"

The red-headed girl walked over to Goku and offered him the second, wrapped up bundle. He gently handed Chika over to Gohan and took his newborn son into his hands. Suno smiled. "From the bottom of my heart, congratulations. I hope that I have a child as beautiful as either of these two someday~"

Goku unfolded the cloth and revealed a newborn baby boy's face. This boy, unlike his sister, looked exactly like Goku. He even had Goku's hairstyle. Goku stared down at the boy, silently contemplative. "Th-Three kids...?"

The little one opened his eyes and stared up at Goku. Goku swallowed a lump in his throat, reflecting on a lot all at once. Everyone gathered around Goku to shower this baby with just as much attention as they did Chika. Raditz handed Future Ranch her Baby self as he finally got to hold Chika. As Future Ranch stared down at Baby Ranch, Future Trunks stepped up next to her with Baby Trunks. The two of them smiled at one another.

Chi-Chi looked to the two of them an felt her heart become warm at the sight of them holding themselves. And then, she looked over to the pillars leading into Kami's palace and saw Future Daikon huddled behind them, trying to make himself unseen.

Chi-Chi's smile immediately faded and she clenched her fists on the blanket covering her lap. Finally, as everyone else was distracted by the babies and by conversation they were having with one another, Chi-Chi called out. "Hey!"

Everyone fell silent. Behind the pillar, Future Daikon shuddered. It was silent for a moment, and then Chi-Chi dropped a line that stunned nearly everybody. "Trunks and Ranch are holding their younger selves...don't you want to come over here and hold your younger self too?"

Future Daikon's face was buried in his knees, but he began to shake. Chi-Chi called again. "Hey! Come on now! I know you can hear me!"

Trembling, Future Daikon stood up. He didn't turn to face the others. Nervously, he stammered out a half-hearted plea. "I-I don't kn-know what you-"

Chi-Chi interrupted. "Do you really think your father and I are so thick that we wouldn't recognize our own son? D-Don't you have any faith in us as parents? I knew you were mine the moment I saw you..."

Goku scratched the back of his head. "I just didn't want to say anything. I thought it might cause some sort of Time Travel thing that I'd have to get Bulma to explain to me..."

Future Daikon was trembling. Raditz and Launch both stood off to the side, looking stunned beyond words. Future Daikon gripped his shaking hands tight. He could feel everyone's eyes on his back: most of all Goku, Chi-Chi and Gohan's.

In the future timeline's past...

A heart monitor and a rebreather both caused a racket in an otherwise still room, the room itself containing only two people. A young half-Saiyan boy sat next to his human mother's bed, quiet and reserved. Just earlier, Bulma had brought him in to see his Mom. And then, rather than stick around, Bulma immediately left.

The boy wasn't stupid. He could see the pain in her eyes and hear the sadness in her voice. When Bulma left so quickly, he knew exactly what that meant.

Ever since Android 17 and Android 18 had murdered Gohan, Chi-Chi had been on the rapid decline. Her face thinned and became paler by the day. Soon, she wasn't able to stand on her own power. And even sooner after that, she needed help to breath. Now, she laid in a dark bed. Covered by blankets, but still shivering as if she was covered with ice.

But, even in that state, she still managed to form a small smile when she cracked her eyes open and saw her only remaining child sitting there. "You're here..."

He spoke back. In his head, he told himself that he had to remain strong for her. But, no matter how many deep breaths he took, his voice still came out in a shaky stammer. "O-Of course, I'm here. I p-promised you. E-Every d-day until you s-stop being sick. E-Every day, M-Mom..."

Chi-Chi stared at her youngest boy, embers of love still shining in her otherwise dull eyes. She knew just as well as the boy did that the inevitable was coming. She could see through Bulma's attempts as reassurance just as well as he could.

At first, Chi-Chi took it in stride. She told herself that she would get to see Goku, Gohan, Chika, her father, Gine, and even Bardock again. But, as she laid there watching her only remaining child struggle to hold it together, Chi-Chi pushed all of those selfish thoughts away.

Gently, she reached out and stroke his hair, brushing it to and fro and rubbing her fingertips down the side of his face. She smiled. "You look just like all of them. Your father...and your brother...and your sister...and all of your grandparents..."

He began to sob. Chi-Chi's smile didn't fade. She couldn't make it go away looking at him. But, nevertheless, tears began to pour from her eyes. "But I suppose I always focused on that too much, didn't I? Constantly comparing you to the others. Using you as a crutch because my heart ached for their loss. That was so unfair to you. I'm...a terrible mother..."

And then, he had an outburst. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight, shouting through tears and sobs. "NO, YOU AREN'T! YOU'RE THE BEST MOTHER! YOU'RE MY MOTHER! I LOVE YOU!"

Chi-Chi gave his hand a squeeze and he fell to his knees, next to her bed. "Please...don't leave me..."

Chi-Chi could feel it coming. Gently, she wrapped her arm around her son and pulled him close. "My precious, youngest, baby. My beautiful boy..."

He voice became smaller as she closed her eyes. "If I could go back and do it all over again, I'd give you all the love and attention you deserved. Not as Gohan's brother, or Chika's brother, or Goku's son...but as you. I'd change so much. We'd just...go out into the woods and I'd give you the life you deserved. Free of those Androids..."

Chi-Chi became misty-eyed. "But...you'll get to see the world without those monsters one day. You have to see that world one day. Promise me..."

He couldn't form words, sobbing and crying into Chi-Chi's bedspread. She gently stroked his head. And she sang a song that her mother had once sung to her. "My little reason why...I'll never make you cry...oh I have got the sweetest things to tell you everyday..."

He began to sob even harder as Chi-Chi's heart monitor slowed. "My little reason why...you make me want to try...loving you..."

And then, Chi-Chi tensed up...and then very quickly, her body relaxed. He sobbed and his hair began to flash gold. "P-Please don't go, Mommy..."

Chi-Chi's spoke one last time. "I'm sorry...I didn't love you enough. But...I'll always love you, no matter what..."

Back in the present...

"Goten."

The grown version of that boy stood there, his face scrunched up with pain and his eyes pouring with tears. He shook as he heard his mother speak to him. Chi-Chi, in her wheelchair, held out her hand. "Goten. Come here, please..."

He turned and saw everybody looking concerned for him. He looked from Chi-Chi's face, to Gohan's, to Goku's. He studied Goku's especially hard, a face that he had never gotten to see back in his own timeline. Goku smiled and spoke in a gentle voice. "It's okay, son. Whatever the problem is...we can fix it, together~"

And then Future Goten sobbed. He rushed forward and ran into Goku's arms, burying his face into his father's shoulder. He started to cry harder than he ever had before. Future Trunks and Future Ranch both looked worried, but they stood back to let their companion have his moment.

Goku held onto his boy tight, gently patting him on the back. Chi-Chi leaned over and grabbed one of his hands. Gohan hugged him around the waste. Future Goten cried and sobbed. "I'm so sorry, Dad..."

Goku frowned. "Sorry for what?"

Future Goten sniffled. "I let them both die. Gohan and Mom..."

He cried out again, holding onto Goku for dear life. "I'm so sorry, Dad...I couldn't protect them, and now I'm the only one left...please don't hate me...I...I never meant to let you down as much as I did..."

Goku squeezed him tighter. "What are you talking about, son? Let me down? What have you done to let me down? Nothing that has happened in the future is your fault..."

Chi-Chi nodded, stroking her thumb over the top of his hand. "You're our baby boy, Goten. No matter what, we'll always love you. Your father and I both."

As Future Goten continued to break down against his father, everyone fell silent. And, as they all stood there and contemplated, Bulma finally spoke up. "So, what now?"

Goku briefly took his attention off of Future Goten. "Honestly, I don't know..."

He gently placed his hand on the back of Future Goten's head, keeping the boy steady. "We have a few birthdays to celebrate. Both Gotens', Chika's, and Gohan's is in a few days..."

Tien voiced a concern. "What about training? Shouldn't we focus some of our time towards that?"

Goku appeared to think hard, and then he spoke bluntly. "Guys...I don't think any more training is going to make me any more ready to face Cell. If you guys wanna try to get stronger, then by my guest. But, for me...I think that this is about it. For now, at least."

And then, as Goku and Chi-Chi reached to grab their two newborns, Yamcha spoke. "But, Goku...you can beat Cell, right?"

Goku paused once more and glanced away. But then, he smirked and pressed his fingers to his forehead as Gohan, Chi-Chi, and Ox-King all grabbed ahold of him. "All I can say, guys...is that Cell won't win."

And then, in an Instant Transmission, Goku, Gohan, Chi-Chi, Chika, Goten, Ox-King, and Future Goten all disappeared.

Everyone was stunned at such an ambiguous answer. But, before anyone else could pose a question, Bardock wrapped his arm around Gine's waist and picked her up off the ground. Gine was confused. "Bardock?! Bardock, what's going on?!"

Bardock had a genuinely furious look on his face. "I'll tell you later. Right now, we have a few different hauls to get delivered..."

Gine was shocked. "We're going out trucking now?! At a time like this?!"

Bardock leapt off the side of the Lookout, his wife in hand. "Yes."

With those two gone, Raditz and Launch both stepped forward. In spite of the reveal on who their "son" really was, neither seemed especially bereaved. They both looked sad, but they smiled at one another at the same time. Raditz, almost immediately, could tell that something was off with the way both his father and his brother were acting. But, given how exhausting recent events had been for him, Raditz simply decided to follow their lead. "So, Launch, how about we watch a movie together tonight?"

Blonde Launch smiled and kissed him on the lips. "Do you have any idea how much I've missed that handsome mug of yours?"

The two of them turned and Raditz motioned to Future Ranch. Immediately, she walked over and handed her father Baby Ranch. Raditz smiled. "How about you? Family movie night? We...uh...have a spare bed in our house, if you'd like to come..."

Future Ranch's eyes went wide. They almost began to sparkle. Quickly, she turned around and ran up to Future Trunks, grabbing him and giving him one last smoldering kiss. "I promise we'll catch up later, but..."

Future Trunks smiled and waved her off. "Go. You deserve this, Ranch."

She cheered with a childish glee and then turned around and ran to her parents. Together, with Raditz holding Baby Ranch and Future Ranch carrying Launch, the four of them flew off of the side of the Lookout.

Vegeta sneered. "Is nobody going to take things seriously around here?"

Bulma, Tien, Krillin, Yamcha, and Future Bulma all shrugged. Bulma scratched her head and sighed. "Most of us have known Goku long enough to know that he always has some trick up his sleeve. Hell, you've known Goku long enough to know that, Vegeta..."

Vegeta grunted. "That doesn't mean I'm not allowed to be angry about it..."

Tien cracked his neck. "I'm actually in agreement with you Vegeta, surprisingly enough. Just because we have a ten-day reprieve, that doesn't mean we should get lazy. Chiaotzu and I are going to head out and spend a day meditating. And then, we're going to get together a group of four and go try the Hyperbolic Time Chamber."

The three-eyed warrior smirked at his friends. "Yamcha. Krillin. We'll be by to pick you up tomorrow. No excuses."

Yamcha flinched. "B-But...I'm missing a leg..."

Tien walked over and poked Yamcha in the forehead with his index finger. "No excuses. You might need a literal crutch, but I won't let you rely on a metaphorical one, Yamcha. A one-legged martial artist is still a martial artist."

The three-eyed warrior gave Eighter a firm pat on the shoulder. "And, as polite as this guy is, you don't need anyone to carry you, Yamcha."

Yamcha groaned. But then, he smirked. "I get ya. See you tomorrow, Tien."

Tien and Yamcha shared a fist bump and then Tien and Chiaotzu both flew off. Yamcha watched the two of them fly off, and then he looked over at the still quite homeless Eighter and Suno. He nervously chuckled. "So, it's not much...but you two can stay with me in my crappy, West City apartment if you'd like. At least, until Jingle Village is restored..."

Suno flinched back, her face turning bright red. But, Eighter quickly answered for her. "Sure thing! We'd love to. Right, Suno?"

Suno's entire head turned bright red. "I... I mean...if you want us there..."

Yamcha smiled. "Hey! It's not like I don't enjoy having company. Ya know?"

Suddenly, Bulma cringed. "Oooh...about that..."

Yamcha flinched. "Wh-What?"

Bulma twiddled her fingers, not quite knowing what to say. "Well...um..."

Vegeta was far blunter. "I blew up West City trying to kill Cell and you're homeless now. We have a lot of spare room on the Capsule Corp grounds. And I'm sure neither Bulma nor her parents would mind if you stayed there."

Bulma smiled. "What he said. But, don't worry! West City will be rebuilt in three days. It's fine!"

Yamcha grumbled. "Well, that sucks. But...if you're offering me a place to stay..."

Future Bulma and Future Trunks both stepped forward, Future Trunks still holding his infant counterpart. Future Bulma smiled. "It'll be nice to get to talk to you again, Yamcha. I've missed you!"

He smiled. "Y-You too, Bulma."

And then, Vegeta, Bulma, Baby Trunks, Future Trunks, Future Bulma, Yamcha, Suno, Eighter, and Puar all took their leave as well, heading back to South City.

Roshi, Oolong, and Turtle all got back onto the Capsule Plane. Master Roshi spoke. "We're gonna head back to the ocean and set Kame House back up. Now that Cell's tsunamis are all done, we don't gotta worry 'bout drowning on my couch anymore!"

He waved his staff at Krillin. "Hey Krillin! Ya comin'?!"

Krillin shook his head. "No, Master Roshi. I think I'm actually going to go to South City. I wanna keep an eye on Android 18. And... I need to ask a certain someone a favor..."

With that, Krillin flew off of the Lookout. And, not long after he left, the Capsule Plane took off with Master Roshi, Turtle, and Oolong.

The only people left on the Lookout were Piccolo, Kami, and Mr. Popo.

Piccolo turned to Kami and scowled. "So, are we going to do that now?"

Mr. Popo looked nervous. Kami shook his head. "Not yet. Before we go forward with that endeavor...I have one more thing I wish to do first..."