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Chapter 7:
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
The morning sun was shining on the Son family's house. The sky was blue with only a few clouds here and there. A slight breeze brushed the grass and trees. It was like in a fairy tale, calm and beautiful. Gohan didn't sleep well, in fact, he slept terrible but that didn't stop him from waking up as early as his dad and mother did. He didn't eat much for breakfast as he was too nervous and anxious. Both his parents noticed that but didn't want to make him feel worse. As the time for departure had arrived, Chichi wished both of them good luck and hugged them. The little demi-Saiyan didn't hear their conversation last night, so he didn't know Goku is actually counting on him to beat Cell. Maybe for the better, he was already under enough pressure.
As they were flying towards ground zero, Trunks and Vegeta joined. A few minutes later, Piccolo, Tenshinhan, Yamcha and Krillin accompanied them. The latter two were amazed seeing Gohan a Super Saiyan in person.
"Wow Gohan, I can't believe you're a Super Saiyan. And man, have you buffed up," smiled Krillin.
"It's nice to see you too Krillin. Sorry we didn't make it to Kame house, but we wanted to spend the last two days together as a family."
"Yeah, totally understandable. Just you saying "the LAST days" gives me the chills. Man, I hope you guys can beat Cell."
Gohan didn't say anything, he just looked at his father.
"By the way, Korin-sama gave me a couple of his last Senzu beans," Krillin shouted.
"That's great Krillin," shouted back Goku. "They'll come in handy," he added.
Their destination was finally reached: they could all feel Cell's Ki from afar but as they got closer, an arena, a ring was visible. It resembled the one from the World Martial Arts tournament; it looks like Cell wants some kind of tournament. As they landed, Cell's attention shifted towards them.
"Welcome... to the Cell games," he greeted the Z-fighters.
Krillin got the chills again: "This is just a game to him?"
"I don't know Krillin, but I don't like where this is going," replied Yamcha.
Gohan was shocked by the fact that Cell looked so... human in appearance. Vegeta didn't say anything and neither did Trunks. Goku was feeling excited... as always.
"As you can see, I have prepared an arena for our little tournament. The rules are simple: the one who touches the ground outside of the arena, loses."
"That's a pretty small arena for such an important battle," spoke Goku.
"It will make the tournament more interesting. I'm here to fight the strongest this planet has to offer."
Even though everyone knew what kind of a monster Cell is, his words echoed in Gohan's mind.
Who are you kidding Cell? The moment you'll get the chance, you'll kill us all.
"Well... shall we get started?" asked the mighty Cell.
"Agreed. I'll be your first opponent," Goku answered, stepping in the arena.
"Already? I was hoping to save the best for last," chuckled Cell.
"What are you doing Goku? Let Vegeta and Trunks fight him first," was shocked Piccolo.
"I'm sorry everyone, but I'm taking the first round. It's not up for debate" was Goku's answer.
He stepped into the ring and prepared for battle. His decision also surprised his son who also thought he'd be fighting Cell last. He, Piccolo, Vegeta and Trunks would be able exhaust him and Goku would be able to finish him off for good.
"Finally, the moment I've been waiting for," were Cell's words, full of excitement.
"Let's just cut to the chase Cell," we're Goku's last words.
He started powering up, more and more. Everyone but Gohan were shocked how powerful Goku has become. Even Vegeta was surprised he was still weaker than Kakarot despite going into the ROSAT twice. A bright flash emanated from Goku and in a split second, he disappeared. They both clashed with their fists in mid air, being serious right at the beginning. They were both incredibly fast, both at attacking and dodging.
Only Piccolo could see their movements, other non-Saiyans had a hard time keeping up with the intense speed of both participants. They were both equal, Goku occasionally hitting Cell and vice versa. As the battle went on for some time both were a little hurt, bruised and scratched from all the blows and Ki attacks.
The arena was limiting their movement and potential, so Cell stopped for a moment in mid air.
"I find the arena too confining. If we want to have a serious fight, this just won't do."
Having said that, he extended his arm and blew up the arena.
"There, that's much better."
"Agreed, I was also feeling a bit cramped in there," was Goku's answer.
He knew Cell is extremely powerful so he needed to give it all. The battle continued all over the place; on the ground, in the air, both occasionally smashing into the ground or rock walls. Goku hit Cell in the back, sending him to the ground, but stopping just before it. He started charging his full power Kamehameha in the air while Cell was waiting on the ground.
"What is he doing? If he misses..." was shocked Krillin.
"... he can blow up the planet, I know," continued Piccolo.
"He won't miss," Gohan silenced them all.
Cell was also surprised: "You wouldn't dare."
Goku just smiled and disappeared but reappeared at the same moment in front of Cell, using hit Instant Transmission. The Kamehameha was unleashed with full force, hitting Cell waist up and just ripping the left side of his torso to pieces.
"I told you," Gohan repeated himself.
Cell's body came crashing to the ground and Goku was catching his breath as he had used quite a bit of remaining energy for that attack.
"You did it Goku!" cheered Krillin.
"No... it's not over. GOKU! Finish off Cell. He's got my cells too!" shouted Piccolo.
"Wh-what?" was shocked Goku.
"Too late!" was Cell's reply as he had begun to regenerate.
Before Goku could reach him, he was already fully regenerated and dodged Goku's attack, slamming his fist deep into his stomach. The Saiyan coughed out blood but Cell was not done yet. Goku received a barrage of punches to his face and a powerful kick sent him flying into a close rock wall. While trying to get clear, a huge Ki blast was already on his way, so he crossed his arms just before it impacted and creating a violent explosion. As the debris and smoke settled, Goku was scorched and his right shoulder was bleeding a little. Indeed Cell fired a very powerful blast that was too much even for Goku in his exhausted state. As he got on his feet, he was holding his injured shoulder and breathing deeply.
He's too much. I can't win, were his thoughts.
"Well, well, well, the mighty Goku injured and powerless. I must say, I expected more from the most powerful fighter on Earth," Cell said full of arrogance.
"I admit you're more powerful than I thought. And you're right only about one part."
"Oh? Really?"
"The strongest is yet to fight you," replied the Saiyan with a smirk on his face.
"Are you implying there's someone stronger than you... and even me?"
"Heh, you'll find out soon enough. I give up."
"You what? What is the meaning of this, Goku?" said Cell, shocked.
"You heard me. I can't beat you so I'm forfeiting."
He looked at Krillin and shouted.
"Hey Krillin, you have some Senzus, right?"
"Sure. Here, catch."
Goku caught it but didn't eat it.
"Cell! Here, take this and eat it," said Goku and threw the Senzu to Cell.
"What the...? Goku! Have you completely lost it!? You've just doomed us all!" screamed Piccolo.
"Cell's worn out, it wouldn't be a fair fight," explained the Saiyan.
"Screw fairness!" commented Yamcha.
"You're friends are right, Goku. You've just doomed you all," added Cell and ate the Senzu.
His power was restored to 100 % in an instant and his body was fully healed.
"There, now it's fair. You're next... Gohan!" were the surreal words from Goku.
"You can't be serious?! He's just a kid!, ranted Piccolo.
"He's our only chance of beating Cell," replied Goku, landing next to Gohan and continuing: "Tell 'em about our training. Was it too difficult for you?"
Gohan answered: "... No, it wasn't.".
Everyone was shocked by the fact that Gohan was probably stronger than Goku.
"You're bluffing!" was Vegeta's reaction.
Gohan had no choice but to tell the truth: "No, I'm not. My training routine, after becoming a Super Saiyan, was much harsher than dad's because I wanted to get my hidden power out, but failed at it."
"He's telling the truth, guys. I, myself, witnessed a glimpse of that power. He's surpassed me completely," Goku gave an extra explanation.
"I still don't believe it," Vegeta refused to believe what both of them had said.
"Well don't then. I'm going next so you don't have to. You can thank me later," Gohan arrogantly silenced Vegeta and everyone else most probably.
"You little...," was angry Vegeta, but at the same time he wanted to see if they're both bluffing.
Cell had overheard everything.
So it's true, The little brat seems to be the most powerful of them all. Hidden power, eh? I wonder...
"Well then, I guess the little boy is next," laughed Cell.
"You can do it Gohan. I believe in you," we're Goku's supportive words.
The half-Saiyan took off his weighted shoulder pads and cape and turned to Krillin.
"How about a Senzu, just in case?"
Krillin gave him a Senzu and then Gohan flew to Cell.
"Let's see that power Goku was talking about," teased Cell.
"With pleasure," responded the boy.
He powered up to his max in an instant, creating a huge dust cloud around him. His power shot even higher than Goku's.
T-That's impossible, was shocked Vegeta.
I've never felt such a powerful Ki before, were Trunks' thoughts.
The battle started and both engaged in combat. Gohan was indeed a bit stronger than Goku, but Cell wasn't worried. Gohan mostly dodged his attacks, but the green monstrosity was just getting started.
"Try to dodge this!" he shouted and increased his speed.
Gohan received a punch into the face, but blocked Cell's kick and tried kicking in return. Cell dodged and grabbed Gohan's gi, smashing his head against his and then kicking him into the mountain, collapsing it.
"Even if that's true Goku, Gohan is still just a child. He doesn't thirst for battle like you and Vegeta," Piccolo started talking to Goku who remained silent.
The rubble of rocks exploded and Gohan emerged from them a little scratched.
"I see you're as resilient as your father," was Cell's observing.
"I've been through a lot worse than this," was Gohan's remark.
"Well then, let me make it even worse."
Cell rushed to him but the demi-Saiyan evaded and jumped into the air. Cell followed and started attacking him but the boy successfully defended and attacked back but this time Cell evaded Gohan's punches and also increased the speed of his attacks again and Gohan started struggling.
What? He's become even faster, Gohan said in his mind.
He grabbed the boy's arm and slammed him into the ground, but Gohan quickly recovered and kicked Cell back, hardly giving him any damage, except a bruise. Just a moment after, he started firing Frieza's attack: death beam.
"That's Frieza's attack!" were shocked Krillin and Piccolo.
The half-Saiyan managed to dodge most of them, but one hit him in the leg making Gohan flinch for a split second; just what Cell was waiting for. He used his shocking speed and appeared in front of the boy, slamming his fist deep into his stomach, making him fall to his knees.
H-how is this possible? I'm fighting at full power and he's still faster.
Cell picked him up and started punching his face relentlessly and in the end giving him another head butt which caused Gohan's forehead to start bleeding.
"What's the matter? I thought you we're stronger than Goku," Cell arrogantly joked.
Just then the boy kicked Cell in the chest, breaking out of his grip, prepared a Ki blast and slammed it into Cell's body, creating an explosion. He was shocked seeing Cell taking almost no damage; just a little burn and he didn't move an inch. That made Gohan angry, so he attacked again with full force. Cell was still quicker so he was able to evade all of his attacks. When an opening occurred, he slammed Gohan into the ground, but the boy pushed himself away from Cell before he could stomp him with his foot. As the battle went on, Gohan's power also started to dwindle... something he wasn't expecting since he's mastered this form to perfection. But his opponent kept attacking what it seemed with full power as the boy was having more and more difficulties sustaining all those hits.
I can't seem to do any damage. Why? I'm giving it all I've got and he's beating my like crazy.
As Cell ceased his attacks, he mocked the little Gohan even more.
"Where's all that hidden power, boy? You're pretty beat up and still no sign of it. Let me end your misery since I guess you were bluffing."
Before Gohan could answer, his opponent was already behind him, kicking him into the back, sending him crashing into a solid rock wall. Cell extended his arm and shot a powerful blast at that location. A huge explosion caused a shock wave and sent debris of rocks flying everywhere.
"NO! Gohan!" shouted Piccolo.
"Are you happy now that your son is dead, Goku?" Cell asked him.
"You fool. Look behind you," was the Saiyan's reply.
Gohan climbed out of the rubble, scratched and burnt. His gi was torn on his left knee and he had some blood coming from his mouth.
"You're as stubborn as your father, I'll give you that," laughed Cell.
"Gohan, get angry! Get mad and explode with power!" kept shouting his father.
Gohan couldn't take it anymore and screamed back.
"I CAN'T. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO CONTROL IT!"
He got Cell's attention, so he said: "You can't control what?"
Gohan was reluctant to answer, but didn't see any point in keeping it a secret.
"Since I was little, whenever I get mad, I lose control and just go... berserk-like."
"So it IS true then? Well, how convenient," replied his opponent.
"What do you mean?" was surprised Gohan.
"Now I want to see that unbelievable power of yours more than ever."
"But I don't know how to tap into it. I just don't," explained himself the little fighter.
"Don't you worry. I'll give you a hand. And since you won't do it by fighting me, maybe you'll do it to save your friends and father."
Cell vanished and appeared before Krillin.
"I'll be taking those if you don't mind. I can't let you spoil all the fun I have prepared for the little boy," and snatched the bag full of Senzus from his hand.
As he returned to Gohan, he continued.
"We wouldn't want your friends to get better too soon, right?"
"W-What are you going to do?" asked Gohan.
"Now that's a surprise little Gohan. Now, let's see, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7."
He tensed his body; his tail started spewing out something.
"What is he doing?" was shocked Trunks.
"What are those things?" said Vegeta.
"I don't know, but it's 7 of them," feared Krillin.
Indeed it was 7 of them, 7 little blue Cells
"Go my Cell jrs. and attack those on the cliff. Do whatever you like, even kill them for all I care," Cell encouraged them.
"NO!" yelled Gohan and charged at Cell who punched him into the ground and stepped on his head.
"You should be grateful, I'm trying to get that power of yours unleashed," Cell mocked him.
Cell jrs. attacked the Z-fighters; 7 vs 7, while Cell prevented Gohan from helping them.
"They're coming!" yelled Piccolo.
Vegeta and Trunks transformed into Super Saiyans, readying for the battle. The little blue monsters attacked them with full force, almost as powerful as Cell. Krillin, Yamcha and Tenshinhan were overpowered in a couple of seconds, whereas Saiyans and Piccolo stood their ground. Since Goku was still very exhausted from the fight with Cell, he, too, was overpowered in a matter of minutes.
"Dad!" shouted the little Saiyan and rushed to help him, but Cell cut him off.
"Where do you think you're going?" he teased Gohan.
"Get out of my way!" responded the little boy and rushed towards Cell.
Of course he missed him and received a punch in the face, then Cell grabbed him around his waist and started squeezing him hard. Gohan started screaming in pain as Cell tightened his grip more and more.
"Come on, get angry, kid. Or your friends will die."
Cell jrs. kept attacking the Z-fighters without a break. Yamcha and Tenshinhan were almost out cold, Krillin and Goku were not far behind.
"How are these things so strong?" was shocked Vegeta as he was evenly matched.
Cell eased his grip, disappointed by the fact the little Saiyan just won't release his hidden power. He lifted him by his left arm and head butted him, causing more blood to flow from his forehead, then he started punching Gohan in the face, stomach, ribs. As the little fighter was practically helpless and totally beaten up, he threw him to the ground a few meters away.
"I grow tired of this. After all, you're still just a kid and way inferior to me. I'll do you a favor and end your suffering."
Gohan was on the ground crying as he was helpless, like so many times in his life.
"I-I'm sorry dad... I can't beat him. He's just too much even for me. I'm so sorry."
Cell extended his arm and pointed the index finger at the little boy.
"Gohan! Get out of there!" screamed Trunks.
"Damn it Kakarot, why do I have to do everything," ranted Vegeta and managed to kick his Cell jr. away then rushed to help Goku.
He attacked that Cell jr. too, ramming his feet deep into its back, sending it flying away.
"Your brat is gonna get killed any second damn it!"
As soon as he said that, another Cell jr. attacked, making Vegeta defend Goku. Another blue monster flew in and now it was Vegeta against 2, and it was not pleasant. As they were bashing Vegeta like crazy, Goku managed to see Cell and Gohan.
"GOHAN!" he screamed and looked at Vegeta: "You're really something Vegeta," and gave him a thumbs up.
"NOOOOOOO!" screamed Piccolo and Trunks.
Gohan stood up and looked at his father. Cell noticed the little boy's determination.
"Like father like son. Persistent, but soon both dead."
I love you mum and dad, were Gohan's last thoughts.
Note: Finally the chapter is done XD: I'm actually really satisfied with it as the story is starting to take a turn away from the canon one.
Goku VS Cell fight was short, I know, but I'm not planning on dragging this too much, that's why some scenes look a bit rushed :). It's more like an intermission which connects the scenes, to give them some flow. The next chapter things start to get even more interesting ^^; I'm not giving any spoilers, but let's just say Gohan is going to get some "help or push" from someone who has been watching since the beginning of Cell games.
If you like, dislike, have any suggestions or ideas, please post a review or just send me a PM :)