Cell was just about finished with his catch of the day. A herd of Tyrannosaurus. It was not in their nature to herd in packs but after his frequent feeding of him they began to clump together as though grouping up would give them opportunity to slay the predator that was making a mockery of him.

It hadn't worked out. Cell was sucking in the last of his catch, watching the orange reptilian skin sink into the stinger of his tail, becoming bio fuel for his body to process and become stronger with. It felt so good…always gave him a reason to shiver with delight as he felt his tail work but right now, it felt less so.

{Nothing challenges me anymore. I'm the strongest on this world but now there's not really anyone that can give me a worthwhile chase. Sure I could hunt Trunks…But that would go against everything I've worked so hard to achieve.}

He couldn't keep going on like this. He knew that if his boredom began to take over, he might return to the way his alter ego had been back in the past. He needed stimulus. Maybe Bulma had a new simulation training room he might be able to test out. Her contraptions always caught him by surprise.

{Restoration at 95 Percent.}

There was that voice again. Cell's tail returned to its natural position after the last of his meal had been properly processed. Throughout the year it kept giving him an update on whatever it was that was being recovered. He just didn't know WHAT it was doing.

{If it's a new android model THAT could be fun. I wouldn't feel so bored.}

That was when he felt it. That sharp unnerving presence. If he hadn't trained so much in the past year, especially within the time chamber so many times he might not have picked up on it but when he did he almost retched. In that moment he really wished he hadn't taken the time with to learn how to sense God Ki.

A power that clearly broke the limitations of what any mortal might be capable of. His hands trembled as it was approaching the planet in a remarkably fast rate. There was no doubt about who it was. He made to steel himself for what was about to happen. "I didn't call him yet. I haven't finished training…!"

Ready or not, Beerus was here. On Earth.

Trunks and Mai had their hands full with a large table that they had been asked to carry out of the main Capsule Corp building. It was the 4th one THIS day that Bulma had them spread out, in preparation for West City's grand re-opening. After years of repairs and help from the Jr's, Red included, the city was finally back at full operational working order. Nothing short of a miracle after the last 2 decades of humanity running about in fear when they might meet their hands at a pair of mechanical menaces.

This celebratory feast, as that was indeed what it was when Red was already carrying out different assortments of foods and laying them out on the table in a faster pace than Trunks or Mai could finish putting down their cargo. This was a feast not only to celebrate their city coming back into full gear, but also to Trunks' disdain, also to celebrate their next step as a species. The Androids had been a hostile force for as long as current people could remember, but now they were beginning to take the place as humanities next phase in evolution. At least that's how Bulma put it.

The idea made Trunks sick. That anyone could think that becoming like…those things…those terrible people, was their destiny as the human race? With power like that in more and more people by the day he couldn't help but wonder if it wouldn't all go awry.

"I'm still opposed to this. Our race was almost obliterated because two of those things decided they didn't like humanity. So why are we holding them up so high on a pedestal now." Trunks didn't mean it as a question, and he didn't mean to air out his grievances either but if he didn't say something it'd eat away at him.

"One of those androids saved our bacon. Not all of them are evil you know. They're just like us really. Human beings can be pretty wicked when you get down to it, but that doesn't mean all of us are bad. Cell hasn't harmed any of us in the last 3 years so I think if he's capable of change when his programming was to destroy us all, then we as humans when given the option to become even stronger, can bring positivity to Android creations." Mai had a way of making long winded speeches but she always showed that she didn't have the same distrust in the Androids as Trunks held. She did hate them as enemies when they were terrorizing the planet, but in some odd way, she also respected their tenacity. She wanted to be like the disastrous beauty that was Android 18. Maybe once she was more sure of the technology, she might even volunteer to have Bulma change her into one. For now though she was proud to be a human.

No sooner than when they set down the table did Red come upon them, draping a white cloth over it's surface and spreading an assortment of foods that assailed the nostrils of the humans with delight. The speed in which the newest Jr was able to move only served to prove Mai's point. She dared to think that in their training rounds he was slowing himself down for her own benefit, otherwise she'd not even see him on that course.

"You're a cheeky little guy. You know that right?" She quipped.

He didn't answer, only grinned at her until a bright flash of light came down just behind his human companions. He had to close one eye to keep himself from being blinded and pulled the two of them behind himself as he used himself as a shield in case this were just the beginning of an attack. As small as he was, he still possessed a strength that would have put Majin Buu to shame.

What came out of the flash of light was an image he recalled seeing from his fathers memories. From the odd scriptures that his father called Manga. A purple feline, slim in build wearing what he could only describe as black and blue Egyptian attire. On his torso he wore mostly nothing except for a black cloth that draped along his chest with blue stripes and an orange diamond designed smack dab in the middle of it while wearing a pair of baggy looking blue pants all the way down towards his shins, where his feet were decorated with a pair of beige colored pointed shoes with gold rings right along the ankles. Similar rings, were adorned along his biceps while along his wrists were a pair of similarly golden bangles. He certainly dressed in an attire that denoted importance. Last but not least Red noted the sash that was worn along Beerus's waist, serving as a belt of some sort with the same diamond patterned marking as on the God's chest piece, two white and one orange.

Next to them was their attendant Whis. They were dressed in similar attire to the feline wth light blue skin, Red would have almost attributed it to paleness with a scepter in one hand and a halo that wrapped around their neck like they were making a fashion statement.

"We're here lord Beerus. And it looks like they've rolled out the red carpet for us. I dare say they may have been expecting us." Whis started with a jolly disposition that really could have changed within a moment's notice.

"Yes. They really put out all the stops. So many delicious smelling foods in one place…But I can't help but think that we're crashing a party Whis. Perhaps an apology to the owner of this establishment is in order for our intrusion." Beerus had both hands behind his back, poised in a way that just spelled importance. He did however hone in on Trunks who at the moment was just staring at the two of them with a bemused expression. "Whis. Is that the Saiyan boy you were talking about on our way here?"

"Half Saiyan my lord. He is quite simply the only Saiyan left alive in this universe. That can transform into a Super Saiyan that is."

"Really?" Beerus took a few steps forward and took note of how on guard Red was but showed no signs that he was actively worried about what the Android might do. If anything he eyed them as a nuisance but held his tongue. Instead he kept his attention on Trunks, taking a moment's notice to slip past the small android's defense to get to the half saiyan, prodding their body. "I'm told you took a time machine to the past once. An that in that timeline you defeated Frieza, is that right?"

The whole thing was a blur to Trunks who didn't even see Beerus make his move. But there he was not a second later, prodding at his arms and chest, like he were some oddity that the God had to inspect. "I'm…Well yes I did. On both counts. Who ARE you though."

The question relayed to him seemed to surprise the feline who's ears perked up before he closed his eyes and removed his claws from Trunks' form. "My apologies…I did fail to introduce myself. My name is Beerus. I am the God of Destruction of this universe and you…and that Cell have peaked my curiosity." He opened his eyes slightly, only enough to make note of Trunks' sudden look of worry. It wasn't fear outright, but he seemed to understand the severity of getting a deity's attention. "Do not worry. I have no intention of casting judgement on you for that. What's done is done, and I'll be willing to let it slide if you answer my questions."

Trunks could not get a feel for this one's Ki. Yet everything in his instincts were telling him that he should not seek to anger this person. The look in the feline's eyes. It was one that would have no qualms erasing him, or any of them out of existence, yet it would also have no hard feelings on the matter either. To them, it was all just the day in the life of a destroyer. He swallowed.

"I'll answer as best I can."

A smirk from Beerus, he was pleased to know that he could instill obedience into people who have only just learned of his existence. It felt good. "Do you know anything about a Super Saiyan God?"

"A Saiyan God? Err no…Not really. That's the first I'm hearing about it…err Sir Beerus."

"Lord. Please use the title Lord when addressing me. It's more polite." Beerus Corrected, taking a breath. He had a feeling that answer would lead to nothing. Oh well. "Where can I find the creature known as Cell?"

That had Trunks' attention. His eyes for a second narrowed, as if cautious about what Beerus' intentions were with them. "Why do you want to know about him?"

"So you DO know him. I hear he is the most powerful creature in the universe, aside from myself that is. And wish to test his strength. Mortals that have powers that ascend to Godhood are rare. So I want to see for myself if he is worthy of it."

Worthy? That didn't sound very good to Trunks. "You just missed him. Maybe try coming back tomorrow."

"You're lying." Beerus answered in a monotone voice. He glared at the boy as if the very act of defiance had angered him. "I am well aware that he's making his way here now. I can sense his power. Why do you lie about his presence? Are you afraid I might kill him?""

Why DID he care? Trunks made it clear every time they interacted that he had no love for the Bio Android and yet just then, he'd tried to protect them from this…this God. And something made him fear that his own life could be on the line if he continued that line of disobedience. "With all due respect uhm…Lord. He has done nothing to cause worry. Yes in the past I traveled to he WAS evil. But this incarnation of him has done nothing but good."

Trunks' defense of his father shocked even Red, who hadn't expected such from the boy. No…He always sensed disdain of his kind from the half saiyan but against a creature that could very well obliterate the lot of them, he stood more firm than ever. He decided to follow the boy's example and tugged on Mai's sleeve, gesturing to the Capsule corp building. He wanted her gone, away in case things went awry. Neither he nor Trunks could actually stop this guy if he wanted to rampage, but they might be able to buy time.

"Forgive my intrusion into your conversation." Red started, getting a sudden glare from the God of Destruction which gave him a moment's pause. "Cell is my father. He is quite a powerful warrior. But perhaps until he arrives…I could give you a taste of what he's capable of?"

"You?" Beerus' eyes relaxed but a moment, hostility washed away and now replaced with growing curiosity. "You have my attention small one."

That stung. But he was definitely diminutive. He couldn't deny that, and he WOULDN'T when it came to a deity. "I am born from Cell. Created when he absorbed the strongest threats that came to our world. My power is but a fraction of his…but it could whet your appetite in anticipation for his arrival. Maybe you can judge his worthiness from my performance."

"A display of performance ahead of his arrival? You don't look particularly strong. But if it's a demonstration that you're after. I suppose we can do SOMETHING to pass the time. Just know that if I'm not impressed with what you can show I might just destroy you on the spot."

It was no idle threat. Red could see in the eyes of the destroyer that one false step and he would be as good as dead. He started hovering above Capsule corp in hopes that their demonstration wouldn't destroy the city. "Do you mind, if we move this someplace else? We've literally just finished renovating the city. I'd hate to see all our hard work wasted."

Beerus made no comment verbally. However he did use a flick of his wrist to gesture for the small red Android to lead the way. This would serve to allow Cell a little extra time to arrive at their location, and keep from causing unnecessary damage.

Their flight was short lived. Red didn't think the feline's patience was all there so he dropped a few miles off on a worn down highway. No cars in sight…Humanity was still working to replace what was lost after all, so those who still had working vehicles were a commodity nowadays. But the locale being free of people made for the perfect sparring location.

Red stepped foot onto the cracked asphalt from wear and tear and let out a soft breath. "Now…I'll come at you with everything I've got so you better be ready."

Upon landing, Beerus's hands remained tied behind his back, claws pressed to each other as he looked at the little thing bored. "Do it, don't say it or I'll assume you're nothing but talk. I told you I'd erase you if I was not impressed. So far you're doing a horrible job."

The red mini Cell looked offended by how Beerus took him so lightly. 'no matter' Red thought, hands balling into a fist as he charged up into full power, electricity sparking around him as the horns at the top of his head curved back some, similarly to how Cell's had in his fight with Dabura, a yellow aura surrounding him as he transformed into his OWN Super Saiyan Cell form.

"Aaah, I can see how you might be formidable! And this is just a portion of your masters power?"

Red didn't answer directly. Rather he let his speed do the talking. He charged, arms raised up in a defensive stance as he closed their distance within a span of a few seconds, aiming to punch swiftly into Beerus's chest, but the Feline caught his fist…not with their palm, but with a finger! The audacity of such a thing! Red picked up his pace and unleashed a flurry of punches, each of them aimed to break the Deity's defense but the most he could do was force Beerus to use two fingers.

None of his attacks would hit, and after growing bored of simply blocking, Beerus started shifting slightly. A step back, a turn to the left. He was completely evading everything Red could throw out. At one point, even spinning elegantly behind the young Android and flicking them in the back of the head with nothing but a claw, sending them spiraling towards a few broken vehicles.

"You're strong for a mortal I'll give you that. If that Majin Buu fellow were awake in this era I'm sure you'd give them a run for their money!"

It was a compliment as far as anyone could tell, but from Beerus' perspective such a display of strength would hardly be enough to warm him up. "Come now. We came all this way out of the city because you didn't want any harm done to it, but you've yet to land a meaningful hit that would suggest we ever had to vacate."

"You want a reason? I'll give you a reason." Red pressed his palms together and gathered the his energy right into I, condensing it into a sphere before releasing his charged blast directly at Beerus, watching the feline be engulfed within an attack that had he been aiming it at the planet itself probably could have shorn it in two. "Now…there's a testament to my father's power. I'm still nothing compared to him though…"

He looked at the great cloud of dust that gathered around the impacted area, sure that he must have done SOMETHING to Beerus, but with a twitch of his tail the dust settled down and he was merely yawning, unharmed. "I think I'm getting bored with you. I hope your father is definitely much more than you are otherwise I'll erase you all for wasting my time."

Beerus stared at the incredulous Red whom was now speechless from such a display of power that clearly denoted their class differences. "Fare well." Beerus lifted a single clawed hand, readying a blast in the red Android's direction and fired, noting the look of resignation on their face just before the blast could make contact.

Another Ki blast however struck his own from the side, forcing them to detonate on a cliff side in the distance. The ensuing impact left Beerus' ears and tail flapping in the wind, Red having to close his own eyes to prevent debris from entering them as the sight of green filled his vision. Cell stood right in front of him now, his yellow eyes glaring in the direction of the God of Destruction.

"I knew I didn't stand a chance..but I had to try father. He's…He's looking for you!"

Cell just looked at the state Red was in and understood immediately. They had a power that could make any creature stand before him in reverence. Even Trunks was no match for Red whom had power comparable to a Super Saiyan 3. It was simply a fact that Beerus was way beyond that. "You wanted me specifically?"

Understanding now, Beerus stood up straight, smiling as if he'd done nothing to warrant the Android's rage. "Undoubtedly. I'm searching for a warrior that is capable of challenging me in battle. Someone fit to be my rival. Tell me, do the word Super Saiyan God ring a bell?"

It did. Cell's eyes lit up when he'd heard them and recalled mention of that in his old life, before he came here. What was that life exactly…? "A Saiyan that ascends to the level of Godhood through the connection of 5 Saiyans of pure heard. They channel their power into him or her to create a new god."

"So you DO know of it. That makes things simpler. Are you that God?"

"No I'm not, Lord Beerus."

"You know who I am."

"I know because it's my job to know. I know a lot of things. And while I'm not a Super Saiyan God, I believe I can offer you the challenge that you seek all the same. I just ask you forgive my Son's foolishness."

The way this one spoke. Beerus had an inkling…but he couldn't piece out exactly what it was. Then it occurred to him. "You are no divine being. Yet you speak of knowledge that shouldn't be so readily available. You're an off worlder…aren't you?"

That got Cell's attention. Nobody suspected that he might not be from around here or knew of his past but here Beerus was asking it before they'd even gotten started. "I'll tell you what. There's something I really need to tell you about Lord Beerus. If you'd just give me a moment I-"

He stopped. The reason he stopped was that Beerus lifted a hand, palm outward facing Cell's direction. "No. If you want me to hear you out now, I want you to fight me. If you can prove that you're strong enough to be my rival then I will listen to whatever it is you have to say. So far though I can't say I'm impressed. Your power, while it's much higher than the red one over there, I'm afraid you'd only last another 60 seconds more. So if you have something to say, show me that you're not just the average warrior."

The term average never offended Cell back in his old life, but something about it now…hearing it in such a calm, smug tone made him feel as though not only was he insulted, but the hard work his father spent his life to make him was being reduced to common place. That wouldn't be tolerated. He clenched his fists, letting them tense before going loose.

"Very well lord…I've been saving this for a long time. I hope that it will provide you with a more suitable challenge..."