Kera:

The ice-cold water drove the air from her lungs, but it was too late to turn back. She kept calling Piccolo's name through her mind link. She dived deeper with each pull and tried to banish the pain in her stomach and neck in order to concentrate.

Finally she felt Piccolo's presence very faintly. He was calling her. She searched the bottom of the sea and finally found him. Ten more moves and she was with him.

Purple blood danced in the water. Mingled with her red blood. She reached out and touched his upper body. A light spread under her fingers. In shock, Kera wanted to pull her hand back, but Piccolo put his hand on hers and held it. The light increased in size until it enclosed the two of them as if in a bubble.

Kera noticed in amazement that she could breathe normally. She was in the water and bubbles came out of her mouth when she opened it, but she could breathe as if she were on land. It was a fascinating feeling.

'Kami seems to have a few tricks up his sleeve,' she heard Piccolo's voice faintly in her head.

Without releasing her hand from Piccolo, she moved closer and lay on top of him. Her free hand she placed against his cheek and Piccolo's free arm rested on her back. They both closed their eyes. Kera's only wish was that Piccolo had enough strength to heal the wound in his upper body and they could emerge again.

Warmth spread to her hand and also to the place where Piccolo's injury had left it. She looked to her hand, under which it glowed. Was it her imagination or was Piccolo's wound healing?

Kera felt hopeful. When his wound was healed, surely they could reappear and then she would somehow manage to get him away from here.

She lost all sense of time.

At the edge of her perception, she felt Tien's energy getting weaker and weaker. What was happening up there?

When she looked at her hand again, she realised that the light had gone out. Slowly she released her hand from Piccolo's torso. His wound had closed. The injury on her body also seemed to have healed. The pain had faded to a memory.

Piccolo's body had healed, but his energy was still barely noticeable. She really had to give him a Senzu Bean. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, then straightened up and pulled him with her. The bubble around her remained and followed her movements. She swam upwards as fast as she could with Piccolo's arm over her shoulder.

At last she broke the surface of the water and breathed in the pleasantly warm air. Immediately she felt for Tien with her senses. His energy was barely perceptible. The other energy she sensed must be Cell's. But it felt different. Had he absorbed the androids? That would be the death sentence for Earth.

Her swimming movements became faster. She had to see what had happened. Maybe there was still something she could do.

She swam towards the shore, dragging Piccolo behind her, who was barely moving, and threw his upper body onto the shore.

Kera looked at the island. A few yards away, Tien was lying on his stomach. He tried to lift his head but could not. Cell strode towards him. Kera wanted to scream, to warn Tien. She wanted to lift herself out of the water, but only now did she realise that the swim had taken more strength from her than she wanted to admit.

Kera felt helpless, powerless. She could not help Tien. And when Cell was done with him, he would surely notice her and Piccolo and kill them too. Furious, Kera pounded her fist on the floor.

Looking up again, she blinked in irritation. Next to Tien stood Kakarrot. Where had he come from so quickly?

"Cell!" Kakarrot's anger was clear in his voice.

"Ah, Goku. How nice of you to come to this, to watch your friend die."

"Rejoiced too soon. I will leave with him now. Tomorrow I will come back and defeat you."

Cell laughed. "What are you going to change in a day?"

"Just you wait!" Kakarrot bent down and grabbed Tien's hand. "Come along, old friend." He straightened up and paused in his movement. Searchingly, he looked around. Kera tried to call out to him, but her voice failed. Had he noticed her?

She blinked and Kakarrot was suddenly standing in front of her. Then it came back to Kera. The instant transmission. Kakarrot had noticed her and Piccolo.

"Hello, Kera." Kakarrot let go of Tien's hand and bent down to help her out of the water. Trembling, Kera knelt on the bank and watched as Kakarrot lifted Piccolo out of the water. He threw the Namekian over his shoulder and then took Tien's hand again.

"Hold on to me somewhere," Kakarrot said. Kera clasped his leg. "See you tomorrow, Cell!"

Kera was still watching Cell walk towards her and the next time she blinked, she no longer saw the green grass of the island in front of her, but a white tiled floor. The palace of Kami.

"You can let go of my leg now." Quick as a flash, she let go of Kakarrot's leg and tried to stand up, but she toppled right back to her side.

"Papa!" Gohan came running towards her. Tired, Kera smiled at the boy.

"Will you please get Senzu Beans?" Gohan nodded and turned at a run. Kakarrot, meanwhile, carefully placed Piccolo on the ground. Kera rested his head in her lap.

Only moments later Gohan came back. He handed his father a Senzu Bean, which he put in Tien's mouth. To Kera he gave two Senzu Beans. She put one of them in Piccolo's mouth and took the other one herself.

She chewed on the dry bean. It didn't taste very good. As she swallowed, however, she felt a warmth spread from her stomach throughout her body. All the way to her fingertips and toes the warmth ran and her strength regenerated. Within moments she felt as if she had been reborn.

She looked down at Piccolo, who was smiling at her. He lifted his arm, put his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her to him. He briefly touched her lips with his. A shiver ran down Kera's spine and she trembled slightly.

"You're all wet," Piccolo observed.

"So are you."

A blink of her eyes later, she had on a dry battle suit with matching cape. Piccolo's clothes were also dry again and without holes.

He smiled at her again and rose. Piccolo held out his hand to her and helped her stand while he rubbed the back of his neck with his other hand.

"Thank you, Tien," Kera addressed the broad-shouldered man. He nodded.

"Cell has a strength that surpasses anything we have seen so far. You don't stand a chance against him, Goku," Piccolo said.

"And he's already absorbed 17," Tien interjected. They all cursed. Kera had noticed the change in Cell's energy and already suspected that he was getting closer to his goal of absorbing the androids. When she recalled the image of the lizard creature, she noticed that he had also changed visually.

Kakarrot agreed with Piccolo. His eyebrows drew together. "I know. That's why I'm about to go into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber."

Kera interjected. "Are you saying you haven't been in there yet?"

"Vegeta and Trunks are still in the room right now. They should be coming out any minute."

"Hello, see here! They coming now." At the entrance to the palace stood a short black man in a turban, harem trousers and a waistcoat. He beckoned to them. Questioningly, Kera looked at Piccolo.

"That's Popo. My ... Kami's servant," Piccolo answered her.

They all turned to Popo and followed him into the palace. He led them to a wooden door framed on both long sides by elaborately carved columns. The corridor where the door was located was open on one side and supported by pillars. There was a beautiful garden that invited one to linger. A place of peace. Surely Kami had retreated here when he needed to think.

'This was his favourite place,' Piccolo said in her thoughts. Before Kera could inquire further, however, the heavy door leading to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber slowly opened.

Trunks was the first to leave the room. His clothes were torn in several places. He appeared taller and his hair hung down to his shoulders. He strode towards her, revealing Vegeta.

Kera sensed Vegeta's energy and whistled through her teeth.

Trunks raised his hand and greeted everyone. "Hi, guys!"

"There you are at last," Kakarrot said.

"Sorry about that. We could have come sooner. Father had already passed the Super Saiyan limit after two months, but he wanted to keep training."

"Shut up, Trunks, you talk too much." A year outside of everything known didn't seem to have improved Vegeta's manners, anyway.

"Well, all green, Vegeta," Kakarrot asked.

"Sure thing. You can go play now, Kakarrot. I'll take care of Cell and the androids now."

"Vegeta, you can't underestimate them!" shouted Piccolo at him.

"Let me come with you. Cell has already absorbed 17. He's gotten even stronger." Kera put a hand on Vegeta's shoulder and looked him firmly in the eye. He returned her gaze, but before he could answer, they heard the sound of an arriving plane and ran back to the square in front of the palace.

A plane was just setting down there. As the engines reduced their revolutions, the boarding hatch opened and Bulma hopped out of the vehicle with the baby in her arms.

She spotted Vegeta and the others and ran towards them, waving. "I knew you'd all be here." She reached Kera, smiled at her and squeezed the baby in her arms. "Hold him, please." Then she turned to Trunks from the future. "Wow, your hair's gotten long!" She stroked his shoulder-length straight hair.

"Pureblood Saiyans' hair only grows to a certain age and then no further," Vegeta commented on Bulma's observation.

"Oh, really? I never thought about that before." Kakarrot scratched the back of his head thoughtfully.

"Whoa, Kakarrot!" exclaimed Vegeta and Kera simultaneously. They grinned at each other briefly, then looked in different directions. Kera missed the outgoing cheerful Vegeta more than ever.

"I have something for you," Bulma changed the subject, pulling a hoipoi capsule from the pocket of her shorts and tossing it away from her. With a poof, a container appeared that was about waist high, a step wide and two steps long. With a push of a button, she opened the container. "I have designed new suits for you. The material was really not easy to make. It's very stretchy and yet durable. I hope you like it."

Vegeta approached the container first, took out a breastplate and felt it. He put his hands inside and stretched it. Spellbound, everyone watched him. "Really good," he finally said. He grabbed the matching one-piece and disappeared into the palace to change. Trunks, Kakarrot and Gohan also grabbed suits and changed clothes.

"Tien, Kera, Piccolo, there are some for you too," Bulma said and pointed to the container.

"Thanks, but I don't want to walk around like one of Frieza's people," Piccolo replied, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"Thank you, Bulma. They're really great. I'll put one on later," Kera said. If she was honest, she was having more fun playing with little Trunks right now than worrying about anything else.

Vegeta and the others came out of the palace. Newly dressed.

"Fancy, Vegeta!", Kera called out to him.

He let the remark go uncommented.

Kakarrot stepped up to Vegeta. "Here, take these two Senzu Beans. And if things get dicey, get out of here. Want me to take you to Cell?"

Vegeta made a snide sound. "I'll never ask you for anything, Kakarrot." With those words, he turned and walked to the edge of the platform.

"Please excuse father," Trunks said softly, taking the Senzu Beans Vegeta had ignored.

Kera shook her head inwardly. Vegeta was once again just being the stubborn one. She stood next to him. The little Trunks she had quickly put back in Bulma's arms. "I'm flying with you."

"No way. I don't want you to get hurt," Vegeta hissed at her.

"I can take care of myself pretty well." Kera's words grew louder.

"You stay here!" Vegeta turned to face her fully and stared at her resolutely, their eyes level. "That's an order!"

Kera sank down to one knee and placed her right fist on her left shoulder. She lowered her head. "By your command, my prince."

"Come now, Trunks!" Without waiting to see if Trunks had answered his call, Vegeta leapt over the edge of the platform and flew off.

Kera felt the questioning looks of the others and clenched her fists. Slowly she rose and straightened her shoulders. She hated it when Vegeta treated her like this. It was his right, she knew. She had sworn to always obey his orders. But she had also sworn to always fight by his side. She felt useless at that moment.

Piccolo put his hand on her shoulder and kept her company. He said nothing, but she felt his understanding. She was grateful to him for that.

"Phew, I have to eat something now," Kakarrot said and the tense mood eased.

After a hearty meal, Kakarrot and his son went into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Kera looked after them until the door had closed. As she stepped back out onto the platform, she saw Bulma, who had Trunks climbing straight up a pillar.

"You need to train properly if you want to grow big and strong." Kera had to smile when she heard Bulma's words.

"He's going to be a great warrior, Bulma."

Piccolo stood beside Tien at the edge of the platform, staring down at the ground. "Trunks and Vegeta have become much stronger, but I'm still not sure they can stand up to Cell."

"Have more faith for once!" shouted Bulma at him from behind. "By the way, I made a remote control that can destroy 18. I gave it to Krillin on the way here."

"I hope he finds 18 in time," Kera said to no one in particular.

Kera kept glancing uneasily over at Piccolo. But if he saw anything interesting, at least he didn't show it. Kera was annoyed at her own uselessness. Vegeta and Trunks had already completed the training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Kakarrot and Gohan were now on their turn and through his fusion with Kami Piccolo had also reached a high level. Only she was still at the same level as just before the arrival of the androids.

She puffed in frustration and wandered up and down. After each turn, she looked at Piccolo and Tien, who stood like pillars of salt on the edge of the platform, staring down. Were they really doomed to wait?

"What's wrong, Kera?" Bulma had stepped up to her with Trunks in her arms and was looking at her worriedly.

"I'm worried."

"About Vegeta?"

Kera nodded. "I should have flown with him. But he told me to stay here." Kera clenched her fists and looked down at the ground.

"Is he allowed to just order you to do something like that?"

"He can," Kera replied resignedly. "He can order me to do anything. I swore an oath to always obey him. To always protect him. To always be by his side."

"But since you've been here, you're not always with him at all."

"I know. Because that's what he told me to do. It's not as necessary here as it was on our planet. But it could also be that he changes his mind again."

"And then you'll have to be by his side day and night again?" asked Bulma. She sounded uncertain.

Kera looked her friend in the eye. "You wouldn't want that, would you?"

Slowly, Bulma shook her head. "I am very fond of you. I just wish Vegeta would spend more time with me and Trunks sometime. I don't think he'll do that if you're always around."

Kera put a hand on Bulma's shoulder. "I understand. I love Vegeta and would give my life for him. My years on Earth have shown me that there are other things that are important." Unconsciously, her gaze drifted to Piccolo, whose position had not changed.

Bulma followed her gaze. Her eyes widened. "You and Piccolo?" She had lowered her voice to a whisper.

Kera couldn't suppress a smile and the redness of her cheeks.

"But ... I mean ... he's ..." stammered Bulma.

"He's wonderful." Kera twisted her arm, presenting Bulma with the tattoo of Piccolo's name.

"What does that mean?"

"It's Piccolo's name in Namekian characters."

If at all possible, Bulma's eyes widened even more. "What?! Are you guys married?"

"What does that mean?"

"Promising each other that you will spend the rest of your lives together."

"Ah, you mean enter into a bond." Kera shrugged her shoulders. "Yes, in a way. We bonded mentally and physically."

Bulma plopped down on the floor with a sigh. "Wow, I didn't expect that now."

Irritated, Kera looked at her. "Is there something bad about it now?"

Hectically, Bulma shook her head. "No. I'm just so ... over-surprised. I didn't think Piccolo was capable of emotion."

Again, Kera had to smile and looked to Piccolo. "Yes, he is." She heaved a sigh. "Now I just have to tell Vegeta somehow."

"Does he have to let you do that?"

"Yes. Actually, I'd have to ask his permission first and resign from his service. He won't be thrilled if I tell him." Nervously, she tapped her thumbnail against her front teeth.

"We'll work it out somehow. I'll support you."

Kera hugged the other woman briefly. "Thank you."

Bulma smiled, then looked to Piccolo. "I'd like to know what's going on with Cell."

They both walked to the edge of the platform. Kera stood to Piccolo's left between him and Tien and Bulma stood to Piccolo's right. "How are Vegeta and Trunks doing?"

"I'm sure they stand a chance against Cell." Piccolo growled. "Something has changed. Nothing will ever be the same again. I hope that Goku will also come out of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber with such powers."

"How can you see this?" she asked Piccolo.

He held out his hand to her. "Take my hand. I will show you. When we have more time, I will explain how you can see for yourself what is going on down there."

Kera took hold of Piccolo's hand. As always when she touched him, a wave of happiness swept through her, as if her body now felt whole again. She looked down at the cloud cover below her and was already opening her mouth to ask when she would see something, when everything seemed to fall away from under her and suddenly she saw Vegeta and Cell in front of her, as if they were standing only a few yards away from her.

"Wow, that's more than convenient," she exclaimed. Then she looked at Vegeta more closely. "Maybe Kakarrot's intervention isn't even necessary anymore. Look, Vegeta's muscle girth has increased significantly and his hair is lighter than a Super Saiyan. Apparently he really has reached a new level."

She wished she could be as successful. She felt her body tingle from an existing battle and hunger for training, for the satisfaction of becoming stronger.

Tensely she watched the fight between her prince and Cell. Cell's blows seemed to have no effect on Vegeta, as if they simply bounced off. Was Vegeta really that strong?

The fighters disappeared under the water. Kera let go of Piccolo's hand and continued to focus her gaze on the island where Trunks stood, also following the fight. Like hell Piccolo was going to show her how to see things. She had just figured that out for herself. It was all a matter of concentration and focus.

Her eyes wandered over the island. Trunks seemed restless. Was he having doubts about Vegeta's strength? Kera's eyes widened. There was someone else on the island. Krillin! He was holding something in his hand. It had to be the remote control Bulma had given him to destroy 18. He threw the remote to the ground and stepped on it, destroying it. Kera followed his gaze. Only a few yards away from him stood 18, with the demolished 16 leaning against a rock behind her.

"Oh, no!" Kera gasped.

"What is it?" All eyes turned to her.

"Krillin threw the remote control Bulma had given him to destroy 18 to the ground and rendered it useless." She covered her mouth in shock.

Horror spread among the others. "I've been sitting for hours developing this remote!" Bulma was on the verge of tears.

Kera paid no further attention to Bulma. Vegeta and Cell had reappeared from the water and were facing each other in the air. Cell was panting heavily, while Vegeta still seemed to be full of energy. Then she saw a condescending smirk on Cell's face and he suddenly yelled out, "18, where are you? With you I can finally defeat this firefly."

"When you absorb 18, you will have gained your final power?", Vegeta assured Cell. Cell nodded and continued to grin. "Good, then complete yourself. This is too boring for me here otherwise."

"Father, how dare you." Trunks jumped forward and tried to grab Vegeta by the shoulder, but he shook him off. He turned to face Cell, but at that moment he spotted 18, 16 and Krillin.

"Krillin, get out of here!" yelled Trunks.

"Oh, Trunks, trust me. Whether he absorbs it or not, I will defeat him."

Cell raced towards 18, Trunks tried to intervene but lost sight of him. Vegeta held Trunks back. He didn't want him to intervene. 16 tried to protect 18, but he couldn't do anything either.

Piccolo:

"Shit!" Kera couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"Can you please enlighten us as to what is happening down there!" Bulma's voice rolled over.

"Trunks ..." was all Piccolo said.

"What?" Bulma shouted at him.

"Vegeta is waiting for Cell to absorb 18. Trunks won't let that happen and fights Cell. But ..." Kera broke off in mid-sentence.

"But what?"

"I'm afraid he doesn't stand a chance," Piccolo finished the sentence for her.

They were silent for a while. Bulma's eyes rushed back and forth between them.

Kera's fingers clawed at his. He could feel how angry she was. Cell had managed to get hold of 18. He was transforming. From up here they could only watch, powerless. Piccolo felt Cell's new energy.

'Piccolo, I must intervene.' Kera's thoughts brought him back to reality.

'But he ordered you to stay here.'

'I don't care about that. I swore to protect him. What he's doing now is just stupid.'

The corners of Piccolo's mouth lifted barely noticeably, then he looked at her seriously again. 'I'll go with you.'

Kera shook her head. 'No. That's my job. I must protect my prince and his son. His pride clouds his judgement.'

Piccolo felt Tien's and Bulma's eyes dart back and forth between him and Kera, but he ignored the questioning looks. He nodded and leaned down to give her a quick kiss on the cheek.

She gave him another quick smile and flew away. Piccolo looked after her with mixed feelings. "Vegeta, you dog, this is all your fault," he muttered to himself.

Bulma was stunned and had sat down on the ground. "But ... he knows what's at stake. Why is he doing this?"

"I'm afraid it's Saiyan pride that takes over in these cases and shuts down rational thought," Piccolo said as he watched Kera's flight to Vegeta.