Yeah, I was so busy being excited about getting close to the Android Gang's introduction, I kinda forgot to plan what to do with 19 and 20. They kinda just became a footnote.

Anyway, I've finished the next pseudo-POV chapter and have started the next actual one. Depending on how long the actual one gets I might split it into two, still posting it in the same week, because it might turn out really long and also it's rather plot relevant.

Crapcase39: I acknowledge your complaints, most of which have been noted by others. Some are really just personal taste, Some people like the DBZA jokes, others don't. And yeah, the early chapters aren't great, I hadn't really written anything in a few years before starting, and what I did write back then, was fairly obviously written by a high schooler who didn't plan much ahead.
The genderbending is a part of this story. The point of it is that she's been put into Gohan's position and all that implies. Just because I don't focus on it every chapter doesn't mean it's unnecessary. SIGohan is biologically 10, so options are rather limited. Again, I'd probably file it under personal taste. In the most logical sense, could have rushed through and fixed it with the dragon balls and just make everything work out, but narratively that's not how I wanted to deal with it.
And yeah, the Super Sayain is the most iconic scene in the show. Everyone knows it. And sure, part of it is that I had run low on time for my weekly upload, but even if I hadn't, maybe I would have had time to write more of it, but to shoehorn SIGohan into that scene needlessly didn't make much sense to me.
and, I will say, I have two major changes planned for the end of the Cell Saga. Hope you stick around 'til then.

Phreak91: yep, that is a solution. Deus Ex Dragon Balls are always an option, but narratively I'm holding off on it for now

Even I noticed we were flying farther than strictly necessary. We passed by several uninhabited islands that were plenty big enough for fighting that Goku passed up.

I could hardly complain when Gero decided enough was enough and demanded we stop and land.

Goku was clutching his chest.

Piccolo surveyed the area. Goku was out of breath, only flying.

It was too late to interfere now. If I pointed out Goku was weak now, Gero would only get a confidence boost.

"Before we get started, I want to know how you know my name," he asked in between breaths.

"As you wish, though I doubt it'll mean much to you in mere moments when you have been ground to a pulp. But, if that is the last thing you'd like to hear before you die, I will tell you."

Gero described his surveillance bug robots, and how they've been spying on him from his second world tournament up to the Sayain fights. And how they compiled information to create the two of them, supposedly strong enough to defeat Goku. All because Goku defeated the Red Ribbon Army as a kid.

I'm pretty sure there was also another reason, but I can't remember what it was. I know it wasn't mentioned in the anime.

Eh, it probably didn't matter.

"All this over a grudge?" Goku questioned.

"From the day you defeated the Red Ribbon Army, Dr. Gero planned his revenge. We will realize this dream."

"You're one of these "perfect fighting machines" I take it?" Piccolo asked.

"Yes I am. I was designed to be superior to Goku in every possible way."

"Was he spying on me when I was fighting on Planet Namek? Or these past few years since?"

"There was no need. Dr. Gero had already compiled all the information he needed and calculated your growth accordingly."

"Ah, that's a shame then," Nappa said, "Raditz might even be able to beat you if that's all you planned for," he prodded. Raditz scowled and turned away.

"So, if you stopped watching him at Namek, you have no idea about his actual power leap. Let alone the Super Sayain," Piccolo concluded.

"A what?"

"Goku," was all Piccolo said as he smirked and looked over.

Taking the cue Goku started focusing his Ki, his hair flowing up with the energy, until with a roar it sparked gold and his eyes glowed a sharp blue.

The ki was almost overwhelmingly bright this close up. I'd gotten more used to it over the past year but even so, I avoided directly focusing on it for long.

Goku was sweating from the effort.

Piccolo noticed.

"The rest of you stay out of this," Goku declared, "it looks like it's me they want and that's exactly who they'll get."

"This is a most unexpected development indeed," Gero noted but did not sound concerned.

"This technique is not listed in my files, 20," the other Android noted. That'd make him 19 then.

"Nor is it in mine. But there is no cause for concern. Yes, it is an impressive ability, but it is nothing we cannot handle. 19 will demonstrate as such."

Said Android stepped forward.

"Wait, 19? 20?" Piccolo noticed the inconsistency.

"Yes. That is our names, how rude, we should have introduced ourselves earlier. Odd that you make a note of it, however."

"That's not-" Tien started but was cut off with a glance from Piccolo.

"So, us knowing the future did change the outcome," Piccolo noted mentally.

"Looks like it."

"But why create new Androids if the other ones were supposed to be strong enough to take us all out. And why did these new ones attack the same city?"

"Dunno. Gero supposedly didn't know we were training so it couldn't have been that. Maybe just because Dad died in the other timeline? He didn't feel the need to create these ones. No idea about the city though."

Goku didn't comment on the inconsistency himself, rather focusing on his current opponent, "all right, have it your way. I wouldn't count on it if I were you though."

He charged forward, the fight quickly evolving into the familiar blurs and movements far too fast to keep track of if you weren't up close. That being before you factor in the smoke clouds caused by ki blasts or rubble from crashed into mountainsides.

Seems I was alone in not being able to track the fight, or at least just me and Raditz, who was looking in the right direction but wasn't really focusing on it. Even Chiaotzu seemed-

Huh. Chiaotzu was here. I don't think he was in canon. I don't really think he was strong enough to really make a difference, but still, neat.

Despite my not being able to quite track the fight, it was fun to watch Gero, who clearly could track it, and was looking scared, until he covered it up that is.

Someone landed behind us. I turned to see Krillin, Yamcha, and Ocari now standing there.

Ocari?

What was- ah, stubborn child act. Right.

He was hopefully still aware of the fact that he wasn't strong enough to interfere.

"How's it going?" Krillin asked upon landing.

"The Android can't even lay a hand on Goku. We've got this in the bag," Tien smirked up at the fight. Chiaotzu smiled and hummed in agreement.

"Maybe," Piccolo frowned.

Raditz glanced over and frowned. He turned back and started pressing at his scouter.

"Kakarot's power is lowering," he announced as if it was a casual statement.

"What do you mean it's lowering?" Krillin turned and asked.

"I mean, the number is going down," Raditz dryly pointed at his scouter.

"Yeah I got- never mind, how can it be going down if he's winning?"

"How should I know? I'm not the one fighting."

"The Android must be draining his energy!" Yamcha concluded.

"What?" Piccolo asked and everyone turned to Yamcha.

"When that Android had me before, it felt like my energy was leaving me," he elaborated.

"Yeah. You had a hole in your chest. Pretty draining," Raditz deadpanned.

"No! It was different! I've died once too you know, it felt different from that! It felt really weird, Goku would definitely know if it was happening to him."

The conversation was interrupted by Goku kicking 19 into the ground.

The cheers were for naught as 19 got back up.

"Ka-Me Ha-Me, HA!" Goku fired a beam down at the Android.

19 smiled and laughed. They held out a single hand as the beam grew brighter.

And got no further than the palm.

It was wild, I could sense the beam itself, but the second 19 absorbed it, it was gone. Even after a blast settles, I could usually feel traces of it. Especially one that strong.

"That's, not good," Tien concluded.

"I told you! He absorbed it! I was right!"

"GOKU!" Piccolo shouted up, "DO NOT USE ANY ENERGY ATTACKS! THEY ABSORB ENERGY THROUGH THEIR HANDS!"

If Goku responded I couldn't hear it.

"Goku, he's tired! How did that thing take so much of his energy?" Krillin asked.

"I don't think it did. I think there's something else going on." Piccolo scowled.

This part of the fight, was not hard to keep track of. Goku couldn't even fight back as 19 decided it was their turn to run on the offensive.

Goku barely managed to catch himself in flight, a couple of feet from hitting the ground at most.

Almost instinctively, he started to charge another Kamehameha wave, only to let it spark out of existence with a shout from Piccolo interrupting him.

Goku lowered to the ground.

He was clutching his chest.

I grimaced, the risk of saying anything now was far less than the risk of Gero overhearing, right?

I decided it must be, "it's the heart virus. It must be getting to him now."

"That must be it! It's just happening much later than the boy from the future said it would!" Piccolo elaborated.

"Wait, but wasn't he given medicine for it?" Yamcha asked.

"It's a treatment, not preventative. There's no point in taking it if you don't show symptoms."

"Then- what do we-"

"I've never seen Goku like this, I, we have to do something!" Krillin said in concern, and indeed, Goku had all but collapsed, clutching his chest in pain and fighting to maintain his composure.

Worst of all, Gero had a terrible smug look on his face, as if this was something he caused and not some stupid virus. I knew Goku would get better, but the fact that I couldn't personally wipe away that look off Gero's face was aggravating at best.

Before anyone else could move, Krillin tossed a Senzu Bean to Goku.

"We are well aware of the respective properties of the Senzu Bean-"

"Oh shut up. We get it. You know things. Wooow. Move on," I said. Because it was an alternative to punching the dude that was less likely to get me killed.

Gero glanced back with an annoyed frown, but otherwise ignored me.

19 fired a pair of eye lasers at Goku. Those really are cheating. There's no windup, nothing to warn you before it happens. Even mouth blasts have a more obvious tell.

Goku, however, managed to dodge. Not that it amounted to much when 19 immediately beat him down into the dirt.

Goku struggled on the ground, unable to get up.

"Why isn't the Senzu Bean working? The Senzu Beans always work!" Krillin lamented.

"Guess it isn't a magic cure-all after all," Raditz muttered.

Just a magic cure most.

"It must not work on viruses," I frowned, "he needs the medicine Tr- the future boy gave him."

I ignored the suspicious glances from Piccolo and Raditz.

19 did not let up on their assault, further attacking Goku and sending him skidding through the rocks.

Goku's hair faded back to black.

19 took the weakness as a clear advantage and outright sat on top of Goku, placing their palm over his neck to absorb his energy.

Goku struggled in vain to remove his hand.

"Alright! That's enough!" Piccolo rushed forward, quickly followed by the rest of the group, sans Raditz and thankfully Ocari.

Gero appeared in front of us.

"You will remain where you are. Unless you believe you can get past me."

No one moved for a moment, then Piccolo darted forward. Gero seemed to move but froze. It was only for a second but that was plenty of time for Piccolo to kick him out of the air and rushed towards Goku.

I glanced to the side to see Chiaotzu with his palms outstretched, straining with whatever effort that must have taken.

Ah, right. Cascading consequences do still exist. How am I supposed to tell what will and won't make a difference?

19 was too busy absorbing energy to notice before Piccolo kicked them off to the side. The fight that followed was much more fair. While 19 had gained energy from Goku, Piccolo also wasn't literally dying.

Gero had gotten back up. He seemed injured, but was now rushing over to- was it the fight, or Goku? I couldn't quite tell.

Either way, there was no way he'd be allowed to get that far.

"Light of Death!"

A spiraled beam shot at Gero, he barely managed to dodge, alerted by the shouted attack name.

He glanced back to glare as I remained in place, with two fingers extended.

That attack was more difficult. The spiral gave it more piercing damage, but it also required more concentration to power. It was of no use to me in actual combat, but surprise attacks with it can be useful.

Also really glad I don't have to call it "Special Beam Cannon." I'd gladly take the edge lord attack name over that nonsense. I'd call it by its full title if I could avoid that. I don't care how long the name is I will say "Demonic Piercing Light Murder Gun" out loud long before Special Beam Cannon. Granted, I am glad Light of Death works just as well.

It'd be even better if I didn't have to say an attack name at all because that is a liability in battle, but unfortunately, with a more complicated attack like that I do need the additional tether as a focus

Nappa was apparently fed up with the sidelines as well, as he then rushed forward, intercepting Gero before he could do anything else.

Taking the opportunity of both Androids being distracted, Tien and Krillin rushed to Goku. The rest of the group met them there.

"Someone's gotta get Goku home, get him that antidote the future kid gave him," Tien frowned as he kneeled over Goku's unconscious form.

That, that wouldn't be me, right? I mean, that'd make the most sense, for it to be me, I'm Goku's kid, by default you would think- but I couldn't be sidelined already. That, I couldn't do anything then.

"I'll take him back. I probably won't be of much help here anyway," Yamcha said.

There were no objections.

Yamcha hoisted Goku over his shoulder and with little more to say they were off.

I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

Yamcha barely managed to dodge a pit of eye beams from 19z

"That's enough!" Gero broke free from his fight with Nappa.

"19, don't bother. It is clear we can eliminate Goku at any time we wish. For now, we will take care of the rest of these heathens. Now then-"

"Barbed wire," I interrupted.

"What?"

Instead of answering, I pointed to the side. Everyone there followed my gesture, looking towards the power level rapidly getting closer.

Sure enough, a moment later, Vegeta landed in place.

"You're late," I stated.

"I come when I please. No sooner. No later."

"Oh is that why you ended up with an accident baby," Raditz muttered, too quietly for Vegeta to actually hear. I choked on a surprised laugh.

"Where is Kakarot?"

"Heart virus. You'd know this if you got here on time."

"What? Wasn't he supposed to get that a year ago?"

"Yeah. It's late. Just got it now. Probably because he didn't interact with as many people over the past few years. Yamcha took him back to get the medicine. No, he couldn't have taken it earlier since it's a treatment and there's no point in taking it without symptoms. Anything else?"

"No, that pretty much covers it."

"Ok, now that the recap's out of the way- can we please focus back on the Androids?" Krillin inputted.

"Yes. Let's." Gero agreed.

"Very well then. All of you, do not interpret me," Vegeta announced.

"You don't get to just show up and demand to fight. I already was fighting. You can wait your turn," Piccolo glared.

"Hey now, there's gonna be enough fighting for everyone I'm sure," Krillin interrupted, probably trying to avoid a fight between the two of them, which, while unlikely, not impossible, "Vegeta probably just wants to make up for being late, why don't we just let him take care of this?"

"Yeah, if prince entitlement wants to show off why not let him?"

"Gohan. Please. Not now."

"I will fight Vegeta now? Yes?" 19 asked Gero.

"Well, aren't you being greedy today? You've already absorbed well and enough energy from Goku, and now you want Vegeta too? Very well then. You can have Vegeta. But the rest are mine, understand?"

"Oh uh, don't use energy attacks. They can absorb them. Don't let them grab you either. The same thing," Krillin noted.

Vegeta scoffed, "fine then. I'll just have to grind it into a pile of scrap."

"Let me ask you, does a Machine know to experience fear?"

Vegeta strained with effort, his hair slowly flashing between black and blonde, before with a roar a familiar golden glow surrounded Vegeta.

"Oh, ok. Guess Vegeta's a Super Sayain now. He is on our side, right?" Krillin asked.

"You might have become a Super Sayain, but you are still no match for us. 19, if you will?"

At Gero's order, 19 fired his eye beams at Vegeta. They quite literally had no effect. I'm not sure if they even actually hit him or if they were dissipated purely by his aura.

"Now then. I'll ask one more time. Can a machine feel fear?"

…

…

…

I stepped out and blinked as my eyes adjusted to the light.

Huh. Guess it worked then.

I extended my senses until I felt several strong powers out in the distance.

How long has it been since I've sensed so many in one place? Too long, I guess.

Regardless, I nodded in the appropriate direction and we flew to the area. By the time we got there, however, the fighting had clearly ended, nothing left but a crater and some shattered Android remains. True Android, not the more cyborg-like ones I'd grown used to.

Clover walked up and picked up the Android's severed head, tossing it once or twice.

"So, uh, correct me if I'm wrong, but this isn't either of our Androids, is it? You seen anything like this?"

"No, I haven't. Guess things have changed."

"T'aw, hear that Trunks? Guess you've already messed with things. Looks like they had it covered though," Clover dropped the Android head to the ground.

Trunks only rolled his eyes at her antics.

"Well, guess we're back on the search. Hey, you think this thing replaced pretty boy and blondie, or you think there are just more of them now?"

"Added to, I would think. Hey, you two go on ahead and find them. I'll catch up."

"What? Where are you going?" Trunks asked.

"Don't worry about it. It'll be fine, promise," I waved them off before I took off in the exact opposite direction that I felt the rest of the cast were.

Yeah, I ain't calling it Special Beam Cannon. You can't make me