A/N: Just an update to let ya'll know I'm still kicking.
As they landed on a decent isolated island, which seemed like a great hiding place with the rocky landscape and all, the bald man's head whipped around, his jaw dropping in shock.
Seventeen, noticing his stiffened form, came to a stop. "What's up baldy?"
Shaking with anger, Eighteen's unconscious form held tightly within his arms, Krillin replied, "Tien…he's gone…"
The blond Android's eyes broadened. "How can you tell?"
"H-his energy signature is completely gone."
"But can't that also mean he's hiding?" Seventeen didn't even know why he suggested that. They were in a middle of a one sided fight with the ivory monster, so he highly doubted the female Saiyan or the three-eyed warrior could've escaped.
The former monk didn't answer this time, choosing to instead stare in the direction they came from, the second death of his friend hitting him hard.
A Bittersweet Memory
"No…." Yamcha whispered, his arms going limp and head slumping.
Bulma, who was rocking her baby in a nervous fashion, though not in a way that it would disturb his sleep, nudged the former thief on the leg to get his attention. "What's happening?" She asked, already fearing the worse.
Yamcha shook his head, his eyes and fists clutched tightly. He refused to reply, knowing that if he did, his voice would most likely crack.
"Darn it!"
Upon hearing the audible curse, followed by the cracking of tile, Bulma turned towards the source, becoming witness to a kneeling Goku, who had his curled hand buried into the floor.
"Goku?" Now she was extremely worried and was getting quite irritated from being ignored.
That's when an unexpected small voice replied. "It's Tien…he's gone…"
Chiaotzu stepped into view, his black eyes filled with tears. When did he get here?
"Whah!" the blue-haired woman exclaimed, her face turning white. "Are you all sure? Couldn't he just be hiding his energy-"
"No…it dropped too quickly…"
In came Gohan, the half Saiyan not facing the group and instead choosing to stare at the floor.
Goku, regaining his composure, rose back to his feet and walked towards his son. When he placed his hand on his small shoulder, his eyes met his father's.
The older Saiyan nearly ripped his hand off Gohan, but held on, not wanting offend him somehow.
"Dad? What's wrong?" unlike last time, he pretty much remembered everything that happened. He felt ashamed at the fact that his loss of control had nearly harmed his friends. Wait! He did harm someone!
His dad! Was that why he was giving him such a look? "I'm sorry dad…I didn't mean to hurt you…" He said, wiping his eyes from the falling tears.
After he got over the fact that his son's eyes were completely coated red, his facial expression softened before couching down to the young Saiyan's height and pulling him into a comforting one armed hug. "It's okay…I'm not mad. I know you have trouble controlling your powers and I promise we'll work on that when we go into the Time Chamber once Trunks and Vegeta come out."
While Gohan hugged his father with all the strength he had, nearly making Goku wheezy, said Saiyan mouthed to his friends not to say anything, indicating that something must be off.
"You gonna be okay?" He asked, gently pushing his son back.
Gohan nodded as he wiped the last of his tears.
"Goku? What about Bra and Krillin?" Bulma asked, looking hopeful seeing as how they didn't mention they were hurt or in trouble.
Goku, who was once more standing tall, narrowed his eyes as he looked away from his friends.
"Krillin seems to be moving away from Cell and Bra, meaning that Tien and Bra had most likely told him to take the Androids or Android away from Cell."
Gohan tilted his head in confusion. "Hey, why is there only one Cell?"
"Because there is only one, which obviously means that the stronger one killed the weaker one."
"And Bra?" Bulma pressed on.
Goku swallowed thickly, not wanting to worry her, but couldn't really see a way around it. "She's in trouble…"
"Then do something!"
Goku faced his son, extending his hand out to him. "Gohan, give me some of your energy so I could Instant Transmission down there and bring her back here. I'm still drained from giving all of mine to Bra."
"What? What if Cell comes here! Then we're all done for!" Yamcha yelled fearfully.
"I doubt it…I'm pretty sure once I remove Bra from the area, his attention will turn back to the Androids."
Gohan fastened his small hand with his father's, briefly giving him some of his energy. "Alright dad, but I'm going with you."
"Now Gohan-"
"One of your arms is broken and you barely have any energy. Face it, the only use you have as of now is teleporting her back here, so you need someone to provide a distraction."
"That's all I was-"
"No! I don't want to lose you too!" Gohan growled out with anger, still feeling bitter that his father had stopped him from saving Piccolo. "Look, I promise I won't go after Cell! I just wanna help! I'm sick of just standing here and doing nothing! Please! I need this!"
Though Goku knew that that promise could be broken whether Gohan wanted to or not, he sighed in resignation anyways. "Fine…let's go"
Seconds before vanishing, he gave Bulma a weak reassuring smile.
DBZDBZDBZDBZxxxxxxxxxDBZDBZDBZDBZ
Bra didn't react when Tien's severely burnt body crashed onto the ground lifelessly, nor did she react when the tip of a thick ivory tail pierced through his back. She was frozen in shock, her aqua eyes just watching as the charred form that used to be Tien slowly began to disappearing, leaving nothing but his battered clothes behind.
A nasty chuckle made the Saiyan Princess come to.
"Hmmm… not bad…considering he was rather on the crispy side."
Cell raised a brow when he saw the Saiyan's eyes glaring at him hatefully, crouching down with her hands pressed against the ground. He was…disappointed. He had hoped for a strong reaction to the killing of her comrade, yet she just stared at him, like her looks alone would make him drop dead.
"Aren't you going to explode in tears or in a fit of rage?"
Bra blinked.
"Aren't you supposed to be Vegeta's daughter? So lose control and do something reckless already!"
She stayed silent.
Cell crossed his arms, frowning at her lack of response. "Just out of curiosity, before I kill you, what is it that you are doing in this timeline? I understand Trunks', which he will ultimately fail in of course, but what about you… Bra was it?"
Bra licked her lips, presumably because they looked rather dry. Other than that, she was unresponsive.
The ivory Bio-Android growled, uncrossed his arms and stretched them out, his palm facing her.
"Fine then…have it your way…" He shrugged, his hand lighting up with enough energy to wipe the Saiyan out of existence.
Bra didn't know why, but she just didn't want to move. In her mind, she felt like a failure because she had come to this timeline to not only save her own life, but to protect it. And now, as she just sat there, staring in the eyes of her soon to be killer, her surroundings began to shift…shift to a time where she felt just as hopeless as now… a reality where the jaded eyes before her were instead a black bottomless void, with a deadly crimson center. A reality where pearly white teeth grinned at her maliciously, the ivory palm facing her was instead pink.
The vision was so frightening that it almost made her just want to die and join her-
"NO!"
A sudden thrust to the side brought her back to Earth, small arms encircling her as Cell's blast flew right pass them, utterly obliterating an entire small island a few miles away.
The Saiyan Princess blinked in surprise when her sights landed on a pair of unrecognizable red orbs. However when she was able to get a good look at him, comprehension hit her.
"Gohan?"
Said Saiyan frowned as he removed himself from her. "Why were you just standing there? You had more than enough time to move you know."
"I know…"
"Then why didn't you?"
Bra shrugged, her eyes landing on Cell, who looked shocked at the half-Saiyan's sudden appearance. She then gasped, a smaller one audible behind her as she saw Goku pulling a pale green form from the water onto shore.
"Piccolo!" Gohan beamed.
Cell's head whipped around, his mouth slightly agape. "What?!"
His eyes narrowed to slits when he saw the black spiky haired Saiyan, who had a faint smile as he removed his fingers from the Namek's pulse point, located on the front side of his throat. How?! Even if my blast didn't kill him instantly, he should have long since drowned! He even had enough energy to regenerate the lower half of his body!
"Alright then, let's get-"
The next thing Goku knew, he was sent hurling through the air, his grasp on Piccolo escaping him as the ivory Bio-Android then leaped up and dropped kicked the Saiyan onto the ground, causing him to scream as his broken arm landed in an awkward position.
Bra and Gohan hollered the older Saiyan's name, the former falling down as she attempted to stand while the latter rushed to his father's aid.
Just as Cell was about to stomp on Gohan's father, the half Saiyan put a stop to that with a powerful fist to the Android's face. The Android smirked at the boy's shocked expression, choosing to then and there change his target and instead aim at the half Saiyan. A bone crushing punch to the boy's left cheek caused his small body to spiral downwards, Cell appearing below him with his ivory palm outstretched. As soon as Gohan was within reach, the Android shot towards him, his hand latching onto his neck as he then slammed his battered from into the terrain, creating a deep crater.
"Gohan!" Goku cried out, staggering onto his feet. His fight with Android 16 had taken more than half of his energy and it didn't help that he had given the rest of his energy to Bra not too long ago. Sure he could use the little power that his son had gave him, but then he wouldn't be able to use Instant Transmission so they could escape.
The ivory Android turned back to Goku, his boot shaped feet making mechanical clanks with ever step he took as he leisurely strode towards him. As a confidant smirk spread on Cell's lips while he ran at the defenseless Earth raised Saiyan, a sudden radical bolt of red lightning snaked from the sky, striking his head directly, causing him to jolt to a stop when his body actually convoluted.
Cell twisted around, his jaded orbs broadening when he saw Gohan standing tall. The half-Saiyan's pure red eyes burned with anger, the aura that coated him tinted yellow as lightning fast crimson bolts of energy crawled all over his body. Unlike the last two times he lost control, his hair remained in its natural color.
"Leave my dad alone…"
Cell, along with Bra and Goku, looked taken aback by the malicious glare he was giving the ivory Android. Before Cell could move, much less speak, Gohan was on him, slamming him with rapid punches and kicks that were a mere blur to the two watching Saiyans. The seemingly rabid half Saiyan's power suddenly sky rocketed just like it did at the Lookout, Goku and the Saiyan Princess shocked at how unstable Gohan looked. He was relentless, every fist that connected with the Bio-Androids causing him to grunt in pain.
While his son continuously wailed on Cell, who seemed to be tanking most of the hits, Goku decided that it would be best to make his move now while he still had the chance. He slung the comatose Namek over his shoulder, trying to make his way to Bra as quietly and quickly as possible.
"Goku! You have-"
"Listen I'm taking both you and Piccolo back to the Lookout-"
"But Gohan is-"
Goku swallowed, his face contorting when he saw his son bleeding from his nose as he hammered fist after fist against Cell's chest. Though dents were becoming visible on the Bio-Android's ivory skin, he didn't appear to be in much pain, however that's quickly changing, the consistent grimacing being a big indicator.
"I know…but I have to get you two out of here and then I'll come back for Gohan...I hate to do this but he gave us an open window!"
The Princess didn't even get to have another say in the matter because one second she was facing Goku and the next she was facing an astonished Yamcha, the Namekian only mere inches from them.
As Goku returned back to Earth's soil, his eyes nearly popped out when he saw Cell easily evading and blocking Gohan's attacks, occasionally countering them, however the crazed child didn't seem to be bothered by this. His son's eyes intensified, becoming brighter along with his blood colored aura which crackled with the wild unstable red lightning. Goku's fist tightened, panic coursing through his body when he saw that Gohan's form started pulsing. Oh man, he's energy just keeps on rising and at this point it's almost matching Cell's! But he has no control at all and if this keeps up, he's going to explode! Damn it!
And just as thoughts of recklessly throwing himself in the fight came to mind, he halted instantly when Cell flipped over the half Saiyan, slamming his elbow to the side of his neck, successfully knocking him down and out.
There's my chance!
Somehow, Goku had managed to move so fast that not even Cell could react in time. Just as Gohan's aura winked out, he was in front of him, proceeding to then lift him up and vanish from sight, leaving a flabbergasted Bio-Android behind.
"What? Where everyone-" He did a turn, looking for the Saiyan, only to realize that all his victims were gone. "Go…?"
The soft blowing of the wind was the only response he got.
DBZDBZDBZDBZxxxxxxxxxDBZDBZDBZDBZ
Materialize from thin air, the Z gangs' eyes' widened when they saw Goku nearly collapse, his son slipping from his shoulder and slouching to the tiled floor. Goku remained kneeling, one hand pressed against the floor as he gasped throaty, sweat dripping from his forehead and his form shaking with fatigue; Gohan gave no indication of moving anytime soon.
Having appeared next to Yamcha since he was currently the one with the highest energy signature, the scar faced man put a hand on his wore out friend's shoulder, getting his attention.
"Are you alright?"
Goku's lips slightly curved, giving a nod at his unconscious son. "Yamcha…please take care of him for me…I would myself if I could move…"
Now knowing that his son would be taken care of, the Saiyan fell backwards, his world becoming black before his head could hit the floor, a pair of worried aqua orbs being the last thing he saw.
DBZDBZDBZDBZxxxxxxxxxDBZDBZDBZDBZ
It was most likely now well past midnight when Bra removed herself from the bed. Stroking the Saiyan's damped wild spiked hair one last time, she headed out of the room and into open sky. She sighed as she sat on the edge of the Lookout, the brilliant light that shone from the moonlight reflecting from her gleaming eyes. Her mom had left a few hours back on her hideous aircraft. She said that she wasn't comfortable with having baby Trunks on the Lookout for so long, thinking that since there is less oxygen here it would be harmful for him, still being an infant and all. Yamcha, Chiaotzu, and Mr. Popo, who had placed the still injured and unconscious Piccolo in a room, had retired for the night, which left the Princess with the full Saiyan.
Things weren't looking good for them that was for sure, the only bright side being that Krillin was in hiding with Seventeen and Eighteen. While the threat of the Android trio was no longer…well a threat, Cell was and he is a much worse enemy than the three Androids could ever be. She could only hope that Krillin can remain in the shadows until both her father and brother exited the Time Chamber. Bra's empty stomach churned as she couldn't shake the awful feeling that Vegeta nor Trunks would be strong enough to defeat Cell. Having been around Super Saiyan 2s all her life, she knew how the ki felt like. So she knew…she knew that Cell's power almost rivaled that of a Super Saiyan 2.
And if absorbing just one Android gave him that much of an increase in power, she was sure as hell that he'd be as strong as Goku was in her timeline, perhaps even more.
Her thoughts then drifted back to the second fight with Cell and well she couldn't help the feeling of shame that coursed through her when she recalled the way she froze up shortly after Tien was killed before her eyes. If it hadn't been for Gohan's timing, she would have been joining the three eyed warrior in the Otherworld. A flash of laughing malevolent jaded eyes told her everything; This Android was every bit of evil as Majin Buu and that's what terrified her the most. But she'd be damned if she let that fear take over her again and prevent her from helping in defeating the Bio-Android because she was anything but a coward.
No, Vegeta had made sure of that…and so had Tien.
Hearing the sounds of small footsteps approaching, the third eye of the triclops opened, his lips twitching as he came face to face with non-other than the spoil teenage brat of Vegeta and Bulma. Needlessly to say, he was surprised to see her here. You see, Bra was the type of person that wouldn't seek out a friend just to 'kick it back' with. As a matter of fact, she didn't even try to hide or beat around the bush for the reason behind for her visit, not playing it off like a lot of people do. Vegeta didn't and that was one of many traits that was passed down to her.
So he wasn't surprised when she asked, well more like demanded something of him. However, he was shocked of what she was demanding.
"Train me."
"I'm sorry?"
Bra huffed, crossing her slender arms against her chest. "You heard me! Train me."
Tien really didn't like being told what to do, but since this was Bra Briefs he just pretended that she had asked nicely. He frowned as he hating to be interrupted from his daily mediations. With a sigh, he sat up, looking down at the teenager.
He gave her a curious look. "Why me?"
"Because I said so."
That's it
"You know Bra, you are being rude with me and quite frankly, it's starting to annoy me."
"I don't care, daddy says I'm a Princess and that whatever I want, I get! So I want you to train me!" She said with a pout, her nose up in the air.
Tien stared.
Bra stared back.
Tien's stare hardened while Bra's matched his.
Her lips then cracked into a grin, giggling softly when the triclops was taken aback by her sudden change of attitude.
"I'm just fucking with you Tien Sensei!" She said, her hand rubbing the back of her head sheepishly, a little habit she picked up from being around Goku so much.
Tien's eyes narrowed.
"Relax teach, I really was messing with you with that princess crap. I'm way pass that stage, so chill."
There was a slight pause and just as Tien was about to loosen up-
"You're still gonna train me though."
Tien blinked, rubbing his head as the irritation raised within him. He then turned away from her and walked off.
Bra's expression fell as she ran to catch up with her soon to be Sensei…because he will be or she was not leaving until he took her in as his student.
"Oh come on Tien, I was messing around-"
"So you said-"
Bra growled leaping up and over the warrior, landing in his path. "Okay, can you please take me in as your student? I'll even promise to stop being a bitch-no I don't even believe myself when I say that, but I'll try!"
Tien sighed. He was not going to refuse to train her, he just wanted her to be more serious with him. Unfortunately, he knew that this was most likely the best form of an apology he was going to get.
"Before I make my decision, why me?"
Bra grinned. "Well, Goku and surprisingly even my dad suggested that I train under another teacher, though 'the Prince' didn't say it as nicely as my babe Gok-oops I mean just Goku! Goku!"
Tien shook his head at the deep blush that consumed the half Saiyan's face. It was a known fact that Bra seemed to have an odd infatuation with the Earth raised Saiyan. Thankfully, both Goku and Vegeta weren't aware of it. If he was, you sure as hell better believe that he wouldn't let her be anywhere near Goku.
Tien nodded. "Okay, but you didn't answer the question…"
Bra tilted her head in confusion and it was times like these that he wondered just how much of Goku was installed into the poor girl. After all, Goku wasn't all that bright, at least when it came to matters other than fighting that is.
Her aqua orbs then lit up. "Oh right! Why you…well the only ones that weren't trained by Master Roshi were my father, Piccolo and you. I've already spend some time with Piccolo, so I thought it would be interesting to learn new tricks from you. Like that Tri-Beam shit! It's freaking awesome!"
Tien nodded again. "Well okay I guess…I haven't taken someone in in a long time. But before I take you in, I want you to know that I have a lot of rules that you must follow, but I'll only be telling you three today. If you break two of the three rules I'm about to tell you, I will refuse to train you any longer, got it?"
Bra nodded eagerly, her excitement bubbling to the surface. She then tilted her head to the side, wondering why two of the three still unknown rules were most important.
"Rule number one, you must always be here on time, so that means at 6 sharp-"
"Not a problem!"
"In the morning."
Bra's jaw dropped. "But I have be at school by 7:30am!"
"Fine, then at five."
"In the eve-"
"In the morning." Bra opened her mouth to whine but Tien continued on. "Your lessons will always be 2 hours, so that gives you thirty minutes to get ready for school."
"But…but that's still not fair! I'm a girl! Do you know how long it takes to get my hair to look this good?!" she replied, running a hand threw her shining aquarium hair.
"4:30am then and I won't go any earlier. One hour to get ready for school should be enough. If not, make it so it is.
Bra huffed.
"You're going to have to make sacrifices Bra and this is one of many."
Bra pouted, which Tien ignored much to her dismay.
"Rule number two, you must remain either below or on par with my level of power. It's no secret that you have long since surpassed me. So that means no Super Saiyan."
Bra nodded. "That one is easy."
"And rule number three-"
The Saiyan Princess didn't understand what the hell just happened, but she suddenly found herself on the ground, gawking at the three eyed man in bewilderment.
Tien finally grinned for the first time since the arrival of the teenage Saiyan. "Rule number three isn't really a rule. It's actually your first lesson, which is one of the most basic ones." He frowned. "Sheesh, didn't you say you were trained by Goku, Vegeta and Piccolo? You should have seen my movements with no problems."
Bra's eyes brighten as she stood up. "Badass!"
As the memory faded to the back of her mind, her eyes now gazing at the beautiful calm starry night sky, Bra gave a bittersweet smile.
"Heh…Tien the badass..."
A/N: 1). I was actually more pleased with the Tien and Bra flashback than the main part of the chapter. Took me less time to write the part too.
2). I found it messed up that not one of my five reviewers mentioned anything to do with Tien's death ='( Poor Tien!
3). Sorry for all the mistakes if there is a lot, since I only re-read it once.
4). Beware of the evil villain that is Super Perfect Writers Blocker! I took him down for this chapter.
5). Please let me know what ya'll think and as always, comments are appreciated AND also a great leveling up system that would aid me in my endless battle with Super Perfect Writers Blocker.
Till next time!
Later!
(Posted: 8/1/15, Minutes Til Midnight)
~Gater~