Pan's vision blurred as the tears in her eyes continued to burn. She sniffed as she stopped in mid air a moment, before reaching up to rub the moisture from her eyes. The Demi-Saiyan was filled with a torrent of emotions ranging from anger to feelings of betrayal. Her thoughts were interrupted as she felt a cold shiver run down her neck. Her eyes widened as she turned in midair only to see the very monster that haunted her nightmares.

"My my don't you know it's not safe to venture out on your own these days? " Cell chuckled as he floated forward with an evil smirk on his face.

The small girl raised her fists up though she knew well enough she posed no threat to the Android. "W-what do you want?!" she spat as she tried to remain brave though her nerves showed through with her voice.

"You don't have to act tough child. In fact it's your lucky day. I don't intend to kill you. No we're going to speak with Trunks when he gets here and come to an understanding." he chuckled.

"U-understanding?" She asked her eyes widening before Cell abruptly flashed forward and pulled her against his body, before wrapping his left arm around her neck, preventing her from escaping.

"I-I hate you!" She growled as she struggled momentarily before Cell applied a hint of pressure, earning a scream of pain. "I could pop your head clean off child. Remember that."

"Cell!" A male voice yelled from a distance as Trunks rocketed into view with Eighteen at his side.

"Ah right on time...and what a lovely surprise that my dear sister is with you. This makes this so much easier."

Lazuli gritted her teeth as he looked between Pan and Cell. "Cell let HER go! She's no threat to you and you know it. Let's leave this between the rest of us."

Cell chuckled. "You know I had originally intended on doing this a different way. My initial plan was dive head first and see if the power I have already acquired would be enough to finish Trunks, but I won't leave this to chance."

Trunks eyes widened. "What are you talking about?" he asked as he felt the hairs on the back of his neck begin to stand up.

Cell's composure never slipped as he carried with him a confidence that unnerved both Lazuli and Trunks.

"It's simple really. I'll release the girl unharmed...as soon as you relinquish Eighteen to me. If you don't...I'll break her neck, before either of you can do anything."

Pan clenched her eyes shut she couldn't help but feel conflicted when it came to Eighteen now. She hated her for killing her father...for being the reason she never knew him, but they had been like family for the last few months. Was it all a lie? Was it some sort of bad joke? She didn't know.

Trunks felt his heart stop. He realized why Cell was so confident. If allowed to absorb Eighteen Cell would become unstoppable, but if they refused his terms Pan would pay the price. Gauging Cell's new form he wasn't even sure who was stronger now between the two of them, even if Pan was sacrificed there was no guarantee he could win against the android. It was a dire situation regardless. Either he would have to sacrifice Eighteen to the beast and face a foe he couldn't defeat or condemn a child to death and then maybe just maybe he would be able to win. Gohan would never forgive him for doing such a thing...in fact he could never forgive himself.

Fortunately for the Half-Saiyan the choice was taken out of his hands as a voice broke his thoughts.

"I accept your terms. I'll...won't run anymore Cell...just please let Pan go."

Pan's eyes opened as a shocked look appeared on her face as she stared still with a conflicted look on her face at the blonde.

"What a surprise. To think you've grown this soft Eighteen. It would seem the Doctor was flawed. But if it brings you some solace...I will keep my word. I have no need of this child once I have you."

Trunk's eyes widened as he turned to stare at the blonde beside him. "Are you sure?" he managed weakly.

The blonde regarded him for a long moment, before a sad smile graced her features. "Not exactly how I thought I would die, but I told you already Trunks that I wouldn't let anything happen to Pan. She's become precious to me. No matter how much she hates me now. If I can die protecting her even if it's only for a short time...it's worth it to me. If things had gone differently I could have seen myself as a mother with a daughter like her. Perhaps if things were different you could see me as something more than a heartless machine, maybe you'd understand my feelings. " she paused a moment as she blinked back tears though she quickly continued, before he could speak.

"I don't care how strong this son of a bitch becomes. You fight him with everything you've got! Do you understand me? You protect Pan for me! and I don't care what you have to do...you win!" she exclaimed as without warning she rocketed forward towards Cell, before stopping directly in front of him.

Trunks found himself beginning to shake. He felt completely numb. Everything that had happened between him and Eighteen since he was a child replayed in his head over and over again. Those memories hurt him deeply, but as he began to focus on the new memories he'd started to make since his return...things had changed. She had changed. All of the suppressed hate with their past...it felt so pointless now. "Lazuli!" he yelled his eyes bearing a great sorrow.

The Blonde tilted her head in his direction as a look of acceptance had settled on her face. She said nothing, but it was clear that she was listening to him.

Trunks swallowed deeply as he clenched his fists until blood began to fill his palms. "...I forgive you!...I forgive you for everything! You have my word...I won't let things end this way! I'll take care of Pan I swear it and I'll save you!

The blonde said nothing in response, but offered the Half-Saiyan a lingering smile, before she tilted her head to focus on Pan.

Cell groaned. "I've had about enough of this sentimental drivel. It's time we bring an end to this game. " he mused as his tail began to lift as tip expanded.

"W-why?! Why would you do this? Why did you kill my daddy ? and now do all this for me?" Pan sniffed as tears streamed down her eyes as she stared at Eighteen.

The blonde bowed her head. "I did horrible things out of a blind hatred for mankind. I had my eyes opened too late. I'm so sorry Panny. I know you can never forgive me...maybe you'll never understand, but I love you..." she admitted with a final smile, before her face vanished and a scream erupted from Pan as Eighteen's form quickly disappeared from sight. As the process finished an explosion of energy erupted from Cell sending Pan flying towards the ground below.

Trunk's instincts kicked in as he flashed forward and caught the girl. He quickly glanced down and noticed she was breathing, but unconscious. He looked upwards as the glow around Cell continued to grow more brilliant.

He felt a wetness slip down his cheeks that he realized were tears. He was crying for an android...but no that wasn't the truth. He'd buried the truth deep down, but he'd realized shortly after returning home that Eighteen no...that Lazuli was still very human and wasn't the same person that had caused him so much pain. He'd denied to himself that she was truly human even though he knew, he had not been able to let go of all that resentment and anger that he'd held for years. But he'd forgiven her...and now all that pent up negative emotion began to leave him. It was like having a hundred ton weight lifted off of his shoulders. He gritted his teeth as his front bangs began to spike upwards as his Aura started to swell.

Cell opened his eyes as he stared down at his palms with a look of wonder. His perfection had finally been achieved. Essentially he looked the same as his Past Counterpart's perfect form save the fact he was taller, slightly more muscular, and bore four wings rather than two. His musings were cut short as he sensed a growing power below him. He tilted his head downward as he saw Trunks. A smile pulled at his lips as he soared downward and landed a few feet away from the Half-Saiyan.

"You know the real reason why I didn't attack you head on and used the girl as bait? I knew that in my previous form you would have the advantage in speed. You can power up as much as you want, but I will tear you apart. My strength as increased as much as my speed." he gloated as he folded his arms.

Trunks snarled. "No...I won't let things end like this Cell. She sacrificed everything to save Pan...and I promised her I would fight till my last breath."

Cell rolled his eyes. "Why should you care about an Android? Eighteen devastated this planet worst than I have. You could say in a way that she got what she deserved...perhaps you should even thank me.." he chuckled.

Trunks closed his eyes as he remembered bickering with the blonde over the course of the last week and a half, the time they spent together training with Pan, Each night that he'd laid next to her silently denying her humanity all the while realizing just how human she really was. The feeling of her lips upon his in that brief moment in the gravity chamber. How he'd denied feeling anything from that experience. He cared about the blonde, to what extent he still didn't know, but despite his every protest...he now realized that she was precious to him. And now it was too late..' His body tensed as his chest rose and fell in quick succession as he said something in a low voice.

"...She has a name..."

"Hmm? What was that boy? did I strike a nerve? Then let me make this very clear your dear Eighteen is gone forever and in the next few minutes so will this entire pathetic planet."

Trunk's eyes flashed as he howl escaped him.

"Her name is Lazuli! " he roared as the sky above began to change colors, the clouds were sent scattering out of sight. His aura continued to swell as his hair began to spike further, as a couple of seconds elapsed his aura began to be filled with tendrils of lightning.

Cell's confident demeanor shifted as a look of surprise crossed his features.

'Impossible...where is all this power coming from?' his thought was cut short as a finally howl escaped Trunks the force of which sent Cell sliding back across the ground.

The Perfect android's eyes widened as he stared at smoke for a moment, before things became visible once more as Trunks stood there. His Capsule Corp jacket was shredded as he bore only his black tank top and pants. He was slightly more buff than his Super Saiyan form, but much less so than his ascended form or his ultra form. Lightning continued to course around his body. His hair now stood almost completely on end, with only a single piece laying on his forehead.

"What is this?" Cell questioned.

Trunk's eyes narrowed. "This is the beginning of the end for you Cell."

Cell scoffed. "Don't get ahead of yourself. You have grown much stronger, but then again so have I. I suppose I shouldn't be upset, this power of yours should provide a wonderful test for my new body. I'll end this game once I've had my fill." he mused, before his eyes widened as he stared at where Trunks had just been only to feel a presence directly behind him. Trunks now stood back to back with the Android.

"I don't think you heard me Cell. This isn't a game. I'm going to obliterate you."

Cell growled as he wheeled around and swung at Trunks only to be greeted with open air. A boot collided with the back of his head sending him flying away.

The Android recovered after a moment as he rolled before landing on his feet.

'Impossible his speed is incredible...and that attack. It shouldn't have hurt that much. Perhaps there is more to this form than I realized. I cannot let this continue.' he growled as he clenched his fists as his aura began to rise.

Trunks stood passively watching rather than interrupting Cell, offering only a glance over at his shoulder at Pan who lay back behind him still oblivious to the fight going on.

"It's Incredible I thought the Earth was doomed with Cell's most recent transformation, but Vegeta's boy is incredible. His power has sky rocketed..." King Kai mused.

Goku grinned. "It sounds like he finally ascended to the new level."

King Kai began to tremble. "Oh my...Cell's power is climbing at an alarming rate. Trunks is letting him power up to his maximum."

"Hehe that kind of sounds familiar." the Saiyan remarked as he rubbed the back of his head as he thought back to his fight with Frieza.

King Kai frowned "You Saiyans. Your pride is dangerous. The Earth is in peril and all he's focused on is fighting Cell at his best."

The Kai's antennae twitched. 'Trunks! You don't know me, but this is King Kai from Other World. I'm the one who trained Goku and many others back in the day, but that's irrelevant right now. You need to get in there and finish Cell, before he can finish powering up. This isn't a game.'

Silence followed as Trunks didn't respond.

'Kid do you realize what's at stake? Why would you risk the entire planet just to satiate your pride? You have the power now destroy Cell!'

Finally a response came from the Half-Saiyan. "You're wrong. This has nothing to do with my pride. This is the only way."

King Kai blinked. 'The only way for what?'

Trunks narrowed his eyes as he stared at Cell. 'The only way to save her.' he thought as he tuned out any further response the Kai may have offered as Cell's aura finally reached it's crescendo.

Cell let out a laugh as he relaxed slightly and stared down the Half-Saiyan. "Talking to yourself boy? I expected you'd lose your sanity after you see how hopeless this fight is. Though perhaps you can feel that you stand no chance against me."

Trunks actually smirked, before letting out a chuckle. "Cell you're stronger than before. Even stronger than the Cell I met in the past timeline, but I'm now on a whole new level. I'm going to make you suffer."

Cell's eyes narrowed. "You know nothing!" He spat as he flashed forward, before crashing his fist against the Half-Saiyan's. The resulting impact caused a sonic boom that flattened any remaining trees. The two remained deadlocked for a moment, before they both vanished into thin air. Blow for blow was traded as the two Super powered warriors climbed higher into the sky.

Several minutes elapsed as the pair seemed to be trading blow for blow.

Finally Cell seemed to take the advantage as he slammed his fist into Trunk's face causing the Saiyan to tilt his head backwards.

A moment elapsed as the electricity around Trunks became more violent as he tilted his head to stare at Cell showing that the attack hadn't had any real effect.

"But how? You should be..." his words were cut short as Trunks buried his fist deep into the Android's stomach causing Cell's eyes to bulge as he reeled backwards through the air clutching at his stomach as he gasped for air. The android growled as blood escaped his mouth.

"I will not humiliated by you. I am Perfection. If I must prove myself once more than so be it, but it will be for the last time." he growled as he pulled his hands backward as he began to collect a great deal of energy. "Ka...meh..."

Trunks clenched his fists as he prepared himself.

"Ha...meh...HAAA!" Cell roared as he thrust his hands outward as he fired a massive wave of blue energy at the Half-Saiyan.

Trunks thrusts his hands forward as he caught the wave stopping the blast in it's tracks, before he began to channel some of his own energy back into it.

Cell's eyes widened in horror. "No...it can't be he's stopping my attack and turning it against me."

Trunks let out a roar as he fired a blast of golden energy into the center of the energy wave propelling Cell's attack back at the Android.

Cell barely had time to react as he crossed his arms as the attack bore down upon him.

A scream could be heard as the blast overtook the Android, before an explosion that shook the entire planet.

Trunks frowned. 'I know that wasn't enough to kill you Cell. In fact I'm counting on it.' he thought to himself as he descended to the ground below as he kept his eyes focused on the sky.

Sure enough after the smoke cleared Cell floated in mid air bloodied with all but one of his wings missing, his left arm was gone and so was is right leg. "You stupid boy! How dare you! You think you understand true power? I am INVINCIBLE! " he roared as his limbs quickly regenerated, before he clenched his fists as his body and aura swelled in size as his power multiplied.

The now massive Cell landed with a crash in front of Trunks. "Boy you can't defeat me. I will crush you and this entire planet into oblivion!" he roared as he hurled one of his massive arms forward trying to hit Trunks only to be met with Air as the Half-Saiyan easily weaved out of the way, before taking the advantage as he slipped past Cell's guard and planted his knee into the Android's stomach causing Cell's eyes to bulge once more as he stumbled backwards.

"You'll pay for this boy! I swear it!" Cell rasped as he began to shake violently.

Trunk's gritted his teeth as darted forward once more. "Give HER back!" he growled as he began to plant his fist repeatedly into the Android's stomach, before finally the massive android collapsed to his knees as he began to heave. Flipping backwards Trunks waited his arms trembling as Cell began grabbing at his chest as something began to become lodged in his throat.

"...Boy what have you done to me?! " Cell gasped, before bile escaped his mouth as he bent his head down and finally he lost the struggle as he vomited. Trunks felt a wave of relief wash over him as he saw the form of Lazuli crash on the ground in front of Cell. She was unconscious, but he suspected much like the past timeline that she was still very much alive.

Cell's eyes widened in horror as he stared at his palms as his form began to revert...

As the process finished the Android found himself back in his prior form. He growled in frustration as held his hand out as he targeted Android Eighteen. "I see. Somehow you planned this didn't you? That's why you let me power up. You wanted to rescue her. How pathetic. I won't have the chance to absorb her again, but I will rob you of any satisfaction of saving her Saiyan."he laughed as he formed a red ki ball in his hand only to feel a crushing pain on his Wrist. He stared in horror as Trunks now stood directly in front of him and Eighteen with ruthless look on his face.

"Cell I told you the end was coming and now it is here..." he said as his eyes flashed, he threw the Android skyward, before he held up both of his palms to the sky. "Cell the Nightmare is over! Now Vanish!" he screamed as he began to form a massive finish buster in his hands. "Big Bang Finish Buster!" He yelled as the energy in his hands erupted into a massive wave of energy that illuminated the entire sky casting a brilliant glow that would be seen from space.

Cell could only watch in horror as he held out his palms in a futile attempt to stop the attack.

"No...this cannot be. I am PERFECT!" he roared as the blast slammed into him thoroughly disintegrating each and every piece of the android. Leaving nothing from which the monster could regenerate.

Trunks lowered his arms as he felt a wave of fatigue and a feeling the likes of which he'd never felt came over him. "It's finally over. Gero's wave of terror is finally done." he breathed as he turned and knelt down as he looked over the motionless blonde.

"I promise things will be different from now on."

"Trunks!" a voice called.

The Half-Saiyan tilted his head as Pan ran towards him with tears in her eyes.

"Is it over? Is he really gone? Is Zuli...is she alive?" she sniffed.

Trunks released his transformation as he pulled the Blonde into his arms, before rising back to his feet as he offered Pan a sincere smile. "Pan it's really over this time. As for Lazuli she'll be just fine too...I promise."

"Really?" The girl sniffed as she grew closer. "I know she did some horrible things, but she gave everything to save me and I...I forgive her. I love her! I still want her to be my big sister...If she doesn't hate me now." she mumbled between tears as she rubbed her eyes.

"She loves you Pan. She could never hate you. I think it's time we all moved on from the past and think about the future. What'ya say we go home?"

The black haired girl nodded her head as a smile appeared on her face. "Together.."

Trunks returned her smile once more. "Together..."

*Author Note*

Hey guys! I know this chapter was fast, but I really didn't see any point in drawing the fight out between multiple chapters. Besides this in my mind is just the prologue of this fanfic. I want to delve into many more Arcs going forward as well as a couple of original story arcs.

Oh and as a note as for as power is concerned, I would place the version of Cell in this Chapter as stronger than Super Perfect Cell, but still weaker than SSJ2 Gohan and SSJ2 Trunks. In my mind the only reason why Super Perfect Cell even is a threat to Gohan is because Gohan get's maimed protecting Vegeta otherwise I'd still say SSJ2 far outclasses him.

I hope I managed to convey Trunk's development since the beginning of this fic. His relunctance to completely trust and forgive Eighteen being a constant issue, one that isn't finally resolved until Eighteen herself willing sacrifices herself to save Pan an act which to Trunks finally helps him let go of the past and forgive her. Ironically her sacrifice also pushes him to transform as he is able to let go off all the resentment and hatred he'd harbored for years and to move away from his past. It also helps Pan realize that she still loves Lazuli despite her part in Gohan's death. Anyways I just hope I these things came across the right way and I hope you'll stick with this fic going forward!

Until next time! :D