Book 4: The Dissonance of The Earthling Saiyan

by Espeon804

Book 4. Humanity has proved itself a threat. Their ultimate creation backfires and becomes their worst enemy. A Bio-Android goes by the name of Cell - an insect like organism who absorbs anyone it can get to... but for what purpose? Saiyan, Human, Namekian, and Android are forced to join forces. This is indeed a dissonance. It seems that Goku is struggling with himself.

22. Show us your power, Trunks!

Chapter 22 Plot:

Chapter 22: "Show us your power, Trunks! The Tournament has begun!" The Cell games have finally started, and who is Cell's first pick? It's Trunks! No one ever said Cell would do the picking, but there can't be any complaints. No weapons means no swords, but the half-Saiyan warrior proves he doesn't need it to fight! It's clear why Cell wanted to fight Trunks first. And it's also obvious why he would want to fight Kakarot last. Maybe this was all due to personal grudges?

DURING THE FIGHT…

Cell grows more and more interested with the potential Saiyan hybrids have. So, what does he do? In hopes for a better challenge, he begins to push all sorts of buttons. This pushes Trunks to memories he does not wish to resurface. Trunks quickly realizes the only way he can make it is by wearing down Cell as much as possible. However, there is internal conflict playing tug-a-war within his subconscious!

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A/N: Espeon804 here with another great chapter!

By the way, if you missed Chapter 21, take a look at it now! :D

PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2, 2021!

WORDS: 21,124

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YO! Did you know the very first Pokémon game I ever played was "Pokémon Diamond Version"? I was eight years old, playing the recently released game I borrowed from a friend. Thank you, Chris, for introducing me to an awesome franchise!

I got me a copy of Platinum later on, of course. So Sinnoh is in my heart. When they announced BrilliantDiamond and ShiningPearl, I was upset about the art direction they took at first, but when they revealed more trailers and the features they tweaked, I was sold. They actually polished a few things up. So naturally, I will choose BrilliantDiamond in dedication to my first game.

As for Legends Arceus, which ALSO takes place in Sinnoh… imma go broke. Rip.

I have a story that takes place in the Sinnoh Region! "Pokèmon Insighter: Platinum" a re-rewrite of my old Pokemon Reunion story, which isn't around anymore because it's so bad. Lol

Feel free to check it out if you wish.

ANYWAYS… onto OTES...

I decided to re-read all of book 1, and look over books 2 and 3.

I died several times in the process.

Especially at book 3. While all the books have their charms, I can't count HOW many times I was cringing at book 3. The stupid references to mental disorders was killing me. What was I doing?!

I was taking psychology at the time, wasn't it?

Sigh.

Reading chapters 15-32 had me DEAD. (I was laughing a lot.) Especially at 20, when I kept telling myself "This is stupid!"

I wonder in a few years if I look back at this, I'll suffer?

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DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN DB, DBZ, DBGT, DBZKAI, OR DBS! Akira Toriyama does!

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Key:

"Talking"

"Foreign Language"

'Thoughts'

'Telepathy'

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Hm. You know what would be neat? Time Breaker Gine from the OTES universe.

It will never happen, but it is still pretty cool.

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- Chapter 22: Show us your power, Trunks! The Tournament has begun! -

"My first opponent… is the teenager right there." Cell points directly at the purple-haired teen, who is frozen in place. "I guess you could say it's a bit personal. After all, the runt has given me plenty of trouble in my own timeline. Such as… taking away what was meant for me. It's only fitting I get to fight him first, don't you think?"

"What?" Raditz is surprised, along with everyone else. That was… an unexpected choice.

Future Trunks says nothing, but his expression tells just how much of a setback this is for him. 'Damn! Why do I have to go first? I don't exactly… want to be seen!'

"Your tail is quivering." Cell notes with amusement. "You're nervous. But, that's perfectly normal. I would be shaking in my boots if my opponent was the embodiment of perfection. You should feel honored you get to fight me in this perfect body."

'This wasn't part of the plan! I should have thought of this being a possibility!' Trunks finds himself taking many steps back as Cell approaches him.

"Do you know why I arranged this tournament instead of, well… fighting everyone at once?" Cell asks him. He doesn't bother to wait for an answer. "Maybe you see it as a sign of mercy. Maybe you see it as honor. But, this is the way I see it."

Trunks glances behind him. The edge of the ring is a few leaps away. He can't keep moving like this. There's no avoiding this.

So, he gets into his fighting stance.

"They say when two Saiyans get into a fight, no one shall interfere, since it would only make things worse." Cell smiles. "Are you familiar with that unspoken rule, Trunks?"

"I'm… somewhat familiar," Future Trunks says. He recalls the few times Tarble and Karot would clash into a heated battle in his timeline. It was mostly due to Karot defending him from Tarble's fury.

And each time they did fight, it was as if they were going to kill each other.

"Tooth and claw. Teeth beard. They say violence isn't always the answer, but that rule doesn't apply to the Saiyan race… am I wrong?" Cell glances at Nappa.

"Human and Saiyan perspectives differ from one another," Nappa clearifies. "You aren't exactly wrong."

Cell chuckles. "It seems the Saiyan side of me wants to face all of you in personal battles. I'm sure each of you holds quite a grudge you would like to settle, all while hoping it would be enough to kill me. This is your opportunity, so take it to heart. But first, allow me to settle my own personal grudge. I'm going to have a lot of fun killing Trunks a second time."

Energy spikes through Trunks' spine. Instincts are screaming.

He throws out his hands without thinking, capturing a pair of punches that would have attacked his face. The heavy impact nearly knocks him off his feet. Pushing against the Android's strength is beginning to strain him already. Cell has an advantage with his fists.

Cell is interested. "Oh. You're quite limber, aren't you? Let's see what you learned."

Trunks is forced to take a heavy step back. He nearly slips the second time. Gritting his teeth, he feels his muscles beginning to burn. Cell wears a grin, knowing he can't hold off against him for very long.

'Just remember what you are fighting for! Remember everything the Androids did!' Trunks plants his feet on the ground and puts more strength in his arms. Slowly, he is pushing Cell back, but he knows this is temporary. Eventually, one of them will have to break the hold. One of them will make the move to fight for real.

He glances towards the spectators. All of them are watching. Each and everyone of them is silently judging. He can't let them all down, especially Turles, who took the time to train him. Especially his father, who he can look up to.

He can do this.

Trunks grips the fists tight, and he pulls Cell forward, using his push to his advantage. He jumps and kicks both feet forward, kicking him against the torso, freeing his hold. He lands as Cell skids backwards, who spreads his wings to slow down his motion.

Cell rises, dusting his chest off before smiling. "Not bad. You're a clever kid. Let's see how you counter this."

He jumps and soars forward. Trunks immediately crosses his arms in front of his face, blocking the blow. The teen retaliates with a roundhouse kick, striking him against his face, but he doesn't even budge. He leaps back in time to save his ankle from getting snagged. Cell is already pursuing him.

Trunks blocks another blow before delivering his own. Cell easily swats it aside, all while wearing that smile.

The pair of warriors began to exchange blows, their limbs moving in a blur. The air ripples with each impact, booming and powerful. Cell is easily able to keep up with Trunks, no matter where he goes. They seem to pop up in all corners of the ring.

Trunks lands on his feet and performs several backflips to gain distance, just to catch his breath. Cell vanishes and appears right behind him. He spins around, blocking a punch with his forearm. Trunks feels his strength getting overwhelmed.

Quickly raising a leg, he blocks a kick, but Cell's other foot sweeps against his grounded ankle, knocking Trunks off balance. Before he could hit the ground, Cell throws a straight kick that connects with his face, throwing his head back. The foe locks his hands together, slamming them against his chest. The wind is forced out Trunks' lungs as his backside slams against the tournament grounds.

"Come on, Trunks. I know very well that's not all you can do." Cell steps back, as if to give Trunks some room to recover. "Show me that power of yours. You are half Raditz, after all. How different is it from Vegeta? I would like to see."

Vegeta snarls. "I refuse to believe that another me was dumb enough…!"

Trunks rolls to his stomach, and pushes himself to his knees. He's finally able to cough, getting the much needed air as he climbs to his feet. He glares at Cell, growing tired of his voice.

Clenching both fists, he throws them down as he screams. His energy cloaks and flows around his body as he transforms into a Super Saiyan. He pushes himself forward with a ready punch. It's blocked, but Cell is pushed back this time. Another punch, and Cell is knocked off his feet. Trunks is after him to keep the momentum. He continues his rapid attacks, all while Cell blocks and flies backwards across the stage.

Turles frowns. "This isn't even close to what I've seen. What is he doing?"

"Huh?" Kakarot looks at him. "How much stronger did he get?"

"More than what he's putting out. It could be that he's trying to preserve his energy, which isn't a bad idea. Still… I have my concerns." Turles frowns. "He's been aloof for a while now, a year in my perspective."

"So, it's not just me who noticed that," Raditz says. "He was beating himself up the other day after the whole Broly incident. He was broken in spirit more than he was broken physically."

Broly glances at Raditz, hearing his name mentioned.

"I'm all too familiar with that feeling," Gine admits. "Look at the way he's fighting."

"Yeah. I see it. He's very defensive, as if to minimize as much pain as possible," Kakarot says. "And when he's not defensive, he tries to go for the weak spot immediately. But, Cell doesn't seem to have one."

Trunks misses a punch, flying past Cell. He looks to his side, and he's kneed against the stomach. He flips like a rolling pin before hitting the ground. Pressing both hands down, he pushes himself back to his feet in time to avoid getting stomped on. He ducks, avoiding a punch, and he sends an uppercut before twisting his body, elbowing Cell against the chest. He pursues him, landing a series of blows against the stumbling Cell.

"There you go!" Krillin cheers. "Go, Trunks!"

He just has to wear down Cell enough for the next fighter to have an easier time. All he has to do is drag this out for as long as possible.

He sends a heavy punch square against Cell's face, and he watches him flip and hit the ground.

"Not bad, kid!" Tien shouts.

Trunks sucks in a breath. "Now!" He launches forward, seeing the opening he needs. Throwing his foot down, it aims for Cell's head.

His ankle is snagged. He's stuck in midair!

Cell slowly sits up, wiping the purple blood that trickled down his mouth. "Congratulations. You got first blood. Now, it's my turn."

He pulls Trunks down and slams his fist against Trunks' nose. Cell does this again, and again. Blisters of pain tell Trunks that Cell had already broken it. The metallic scent that floods his nostrils is alarming.

Finally, Cell lets him go. Trunks nearly falls as he jumps back, covering his nose before grabbing it. A harsh tug forces it back in its proper position.

"That's just the tip of the iceberg," Cell says as he rises. "Let's see how you fare against my true speed!"

He's gone.

Trunks looks in every direction, but he can't find Cell anywhere! Where could he have possibly gone? He's not behind him, or above, so where—

Cell is right in front of him. "Hello there!

Trunks is treated like a soccer ball before he could respond. Pain stabs through his chin as he shoots towards the sky. Using his energy, he slows himself to a stop, and he is looking for Cell again. 'Just how fast is he? He can't possibly be hiding!'

At his right.

He turns around, managing to block a punch that would have otherwise dislocated his shoulder. However, he leaves himself exposed. Cell throws his elbow against the top of his head, and Trunks' guard is broken. He's kneed against the stomach, and the pain shoots right to his back. A pair of fists slam on his backside, and the ground comes closer than he is prepared for. He crashes through the tiles, causing chunks of it to fly and clatter nearby.

It hurts. Everything hurts now. His head is throbbing, which will surely develop into a nasty headache later if he survives this…

He pushes himself back to his feet, biting back the blistering pain that attacks every part of his body. He can shake it off. He's familiar with this pain. The Androids are the ones to thank.

Cell huffs as he charges a single-hand blast. He fires, and it's the fastest thing Trunks has ever seen.

He leaps, and the blast pierces the ground where he stood before it bursts. The shockwave blows him back further. He forces himself to land, skidding and twisting his body around to face the hovering Cell.

Cell sends more blasts raining down on Trunks. The teen is forced to keep jumping around and across the ring, avoiding each one just barely.

"What is he doing?" Vegeta frowns. He raises his voice. "Stop playing around! You're not this pathetic!"

Another quick blast comes flying down. Trunks stands his ground this time, and he swats it, ignoring the sting in his hand. The blast is redirected towards Cell.

Cell smirks before slapping the blast back, and firing another one to follow the same path.

Trunks didn't expect that.

He makes a massive leap, screaming as the pair of blasts take out a chunk of the ring behind him. He is blown back by the shockwave, flipping out of control. Everyone watching anticipates the worst.

"Seleriak! No!" Gine and Raditz scream.

Trunks sees the ground. If he does as much as tap it…!

"HAAAAAAAAA!"

His energy flares, forcing the air around Trunks to rotate around him. It slows down his fall to a stop, and he hovers just a foot from the illuminated dirt. His tail grips his leg, as if he subconsciously knew that would count if it grazed anything.

Trunks rises until he is upright, and he lands a good distance from the edge of the ring. His energy settles as he takes a deep breath. That was far too close.

He looks up, seeing Cell slowly descend with his arms crossed. Again, Trunks is back in his fighting stance, but now he begins to wonder if that was just luck. He might get blown out the ring next time without doing as much as anything to Cell!

"Damn it, kid! What the hell are you doing?" The last thing Trunks expected to hear was a scolding from Turles. He glances back at his uncle, all while not lowering his guard in case Cell tries anything.

"I'm sorry!" Trunks shouts back. "I won't let it happen next time!"

"Next time? There won't be a next time if he kills you!" Turles shouts.

Cell has landed. Trunks has to fight the urge to step back. "Turles is right, you know. You might not get a second time."

"Damn it." Trunks can't even keep up with him! What is he supposed to do?! It's like fighting the Androids, but worse! He was only able to survive them because he was able to fend them off all while running away.

But there is nowhere to run here.

"I don't think preserving your strength is doing you any favors," Vegeta calls out. "I know this isn't all you are capable of, so stop wasting everyone's time!"

Vegeta is right… but… he only has one shot at Cell. He can't afford to waste it.

He can't find an opening either. By the time there is one, he might just be fertilizer!

"Honestly, I am a bit concerned. Not for you, don't get the wrong idea," Cell says. "When you first arrived here, you were a lot more bold, more cunning. You were insane enough to attack Goku as a way to test his abilities."

Trunks pauses. "How do you—"

Cell taps his head. "The one who created me. I know every single fight that took place here on this rock."

That's right. Of course… that's how the other Androids knew how to counter some of them.

"Where is that boldness now? Is it because I've had my family reunion? Such events are supposed to be wholesome! And yet, you look at me with that dumb expression on your face."

His wings twitch. Trunks prepares himself.

"I want to see that boldness again." Cell steps closer before he takes off, soaring straight for him, and Trunks shifts his feet back, reaching for the stealth of his sword. Cell is arrogant enough to have his guard down, so he just has to cut off an arm or two to force him to…

'Wait. Where's my sword?'

Oh yeah…

No weapons allowed…

Trunks prepares to block, but Cell vanishes right before he could hit him. His eyes try to locate him, and they fall on the foe who is to his left.

WHAM!

Trunks is blown off his feet. Cell makes a sharp turn to his right side, and gives it the same treatment.

The pain is sharp. Trunks is forced the other way!

Left.

Right.

Left.

Right!

Left!

"GAAAH!" Trunks is struck on his right again before he's slammed back to the ground. Just as he stands, Cell lands a left hook against his face, followed by a right. Trunks' entire body is thrashed around, treated like a punching bag.

Androids.

Tarble.

He needs to get away!

"Someone make it stop!" Kauli shouts at them all. "He can't take it anymore!"

"Quiet, woman!" Vegeta snaps at her. "The fight doesn't stop until he is either blown out of the ring, or he dies." He shrugs. "Or, he can just give up, but that would be unforgivable."

"What if he does give up?" Krillin is somewhat hoping he will. "It could save him!"

"You don't have too much to worry about," Piccolo says. He reveals a brown sack tied by a thin rope.

"You brought more Senzu Beans!" Kakarot chuckles. "That's great! We were short on those on our side."

"Even so, I wouldn't want them to go into waste before we need them the most," Piccolo says. "That kid isn't going to step out the ring on purpose."

"If you assume he would, you're wrong," Gine says, watching the fight with a pained expression.

"He won't give up," Raditz says, frowning. "He may be getting his ass beat, but my kid isn't going to give up. Maybe if he were a human, but he's still half Saiyan. The term give up is something that simply won't cross his mind."

"Then he's just being stubborn! He'll die!" Yamcha shouts. "I know all of you saw him being frantic out there! He's not exactly enjoying this!"

"I know," Turles says. "Not at all. You noticed he tries to go for his back. He wanted his sword."

Piccolo frowns. "That wouldn't make much of a difference."

"Maybe not," Nappa agrees. "But in all the fights before this one, he always brought that sword, even if it won't do him any good. He seems a lot more confident with it. It's almost like a security blanket."

Kauli grows worried. "So, he's anxious without it."

"I was worried about that," Turles says. "During training… the boy fought well, but occasionally, he was a coward. I don't know if that was his human half or what. But, that coward-like behavior… it's a defense mechanism."

"What?" Tarble pauses. "H… how is being a coward a defense mechanism? I suppose it's because you're trying to protect yourself by running away but…"

"He's afraid of your future counterpart for sure. But… he seems more afraid of himself."

"Sounds like Kakarot's kid," Raditz pipes in.

Karot looks at them, aware he has been mentioned. His focus is broken as Trunks cries out again.

Trunks is on the ground again, wheezing. He can't take another beating like that. Cell is humiliating him now, something the Androids enjoy doing more than anything. The twins he absorbed must be part of the influence…!

Cell grips Trunks by the head. "Merely beating you down grows boring quickly. I should just kill you, but wouldn't that be rude to do so soon?"

He has to think of something, and fast!

"Wait…" Trunks manages to say. "You don't… you don't want to kill me yet."

It's enough to keep Cell from punching him again, at least. "Oh? Really? Enlighten me."

Good. He brought some time to at least get his head together. 'I need to find a way to land a good hit on him. He makes it near impossible to do. On top of that, he can heal himself. The only chance I really have is if I unleash everything I have. But, if I try to go all-out at the start, I'll only wear myself out. There will be no progress.'

What is he supposed to do? What's the best option here? This isn't like the Androids, who he can avoid when needed. He's face-to-face with a problem until he either solves it, or it kills him.

"Come on. I'm waiting." Cell is growing impatient.

"I know… a thousand ways to kill you. I can promise you that," Trunks says.

"Then why are you hesitating?" Cell's face twists as he tries to understand the teenager. "This entire time, you've only been skipping around trying to avoid everything I throw at you. Don't think I didn't notice. You're a slippery one, I'll give you that. It must be something you mastered, considering the fact you've been running away your entire life."

Cell begins to squeeze his head. The pain is unbearable.

"And when you are forced to face the threat, you seem to lose your focus. Come on, Trunks! Where is that ruthlessness your Saiyan half you're supposed to have? Even Karot is better than you! Hell, even the present-day you is a lot better, and he's just a baby!"

Trunks is thrown back. He is on the ground, rolling to his knees. Standing up is painful, but it's better than getting squeezed to death.

Cell isn't approaching him. He must be waiting for an answer.

"When… the entire world falls into despair, you have to stay sane or… fall into the darkness." Trunks answers. "I chose the former. Everyone else around me danced with madness, and… I had to keep my eyes open to survive. You don't… you don't want to push that button, Cell. The future I came from it's far worse than what you see now."

"But I'm from the future too." Cell proclaims, settling a hand against his chest. "I know what it is like, at least from where I came from. Perhaps it's a lot more depressing for you, but I had quite a taste of it. Besides, maybe I want to push that button."

Trunks watches him vanish again. Where is he going to hit him this time!

"Trunks! Behind you!" Karot screams.

Trunks spins around and fires a blast that slams directly against Cell's chest. He jumps back, stunned to see the Android unphased.

"Hm. That was unexpected. Disappointing, but unexpected." Cell brushes his chest before looking at Trunks. "Is that what your mother said when you were born? Explains why she locked you away."

A growl rips through Trunks' throat. A heavier blast is unleashed straight from the palm, and Cell is flung right off his feet, smoke clouding from his chest.

Cell lands on his feet, grunting and almost hissing. He raises a single hand and presses it against a gaping baseball-sized wound, which oozes with purple blood. It goes as deep as the heart would go, but Cell is still standing.

He lowers his blood-coated hand, grinning.

"There it is," Cell chuckles. "I caught a glimpse of it. See? Now was that too hard?"

Trunks isn't sure how to respond. His eyes are locked on the wound he managed to inflict.

Does he even have a heart?

"It seems you really cared about your mother. That's at least one thing you share in common with the other Trunks I encountered." Cell stands tall, puffing out his chest. In just a few seconds, the wound closes back, with a new shell and all. He pats his chest as he goes on. "If it's true that a half-breed's power is linked to their emotions, then I will just have to find a way to trigger it. Your human half tends to feel a great deal of sympathy for others. How about we test that theory?"

"I wouldn't try that," Trunks growls. "You're insane." He doesn't get Cell. Once he thinks he has him figured out, he does something else entirely new. Is it due to all the cells he has?

What he just witnessed, also concerns him. He healed faster this time around. Perhaps it has something to do with his perfect body…

"I'm quite glad I found my way here, actually. I think that wound would have hurt a lot worse otherwise," Cell says. "In a timeline where Saiyans influenced technology is quite fascinating to me. I'll have to personally thank Kauli for this."

"What? Me?" Kauli frowns. "Hold on. The last time I checked, I don't exist wherever you came from. If you're from an entirely different timeline, how is it possible for you to have the cells of anyone else?"

"Simple. You fools made one grave error," Cell says. "I decided to pay someone a visit."

"I… I don't catch you," Kauli says, visibly confused.

"Alright. Allow me to spell it out for you," Cell says. "While all of you were preparing for the tournament, I explored these ruins of a recently destroyed building. Everything was ravaged… all except the basement rooms. To my delight, I stumbled across a room filled with creatures that were prototypes of yours truly. There were all types of them as you can imagine. I believe that room was called Animal Kingdom… something like that."

Trunks feels his body freeze. But, he's not the only one. He takes notice of the horror crossing Kakarot's and Kauli's faces.

"While there, I met someone lovely who brought me up to speed. Her name, I believe, was Aqua Phlounder."

"What…?" Kauli sounds distraught now.

"She struck a deal with me," Cell says. "In exchange for dealing with the traitor over there…" he points at Kauli. "... I get access to even more power. Would you believe it if I told you Chille kept an entire room of developing chimeras in a separate area?"

"I believe it." Kauli hisses.

Trunks is all-too familiar with that room. His mother brought him there several times before. It's where he met Wusabi before...

"Aqua was kind enough to let me visit myself in the infirmary," Cell is amused by the stunned expressions. "At the time I was imperfect, so I was more than happier to see little me. It was like looking at baby pictures, but more in person. It's quite a bizarre sensation—Trunks, you know where I am going at."

"Don't pull me to be relatable!" Trunks shouts at him, more terrified than angry. He doesn't like where this is going, not at all.

Cell smiles. "It wasn't… the booster I was seeking. Baby me was as weak as a human at the time, so I was somewhat disappointed. But, it did me good… because I have the cells of every fool in this timeline that wasn't in my own… that includes yours too, Ice Phlounder."

Kauli is as still as a deer in headlights. The fear in her eyes speaks volumes.

"So behold, the ultimate weapon in the flesh! That's… what they wanted to call me," Cell says. "But if any of you believed you could defeat me with mortal wounds alone, I'm afraid I'll only heal faster than you can deal with. Though, if it makes you feel better… it took until now for me to finally master it. Does this seem familiar to you, Goku?"

"Why you…!" Kakarot snarls. He has to restrain himself from stepping in. Trunks powers up, bracing himself.

A cry of dismay breaks attention. It sends chills. Trunks knows that kind of cry. He heard it countless times in his own timeline.

"Damn it!" Kauli is on her knees, balling a pair of trembling fists. "Damn it! Damn it! DAMN IIIIIT!" The ground is pounded, splitting cracks across the surface. "So, that was what she meant…! When she told me… when she told me that she wouldn't kill me directly! She came to see me to mock me! She knew… she knew!"

It falls silent. Everyone is stunned.

"She was always one step ahead of me… always better than me at everything! The schooling, the military training, the technology… she hardly liked me when dad found me, all because he started to pay more attention to me! He was always looking after me, especially after the Saiyan outbreak. He knew… he knew who I was and he didn't turn against me. He protected me…" Kauli sinks. "And he died protecting me. She hates me for it. She hates me so much…! Of course she would find a way to torment me, it all makes sense... Why didn't I see this coming?!"

"It's… it's okay, Kauli." Kakarot tries his best to calm her down. His son nearby watches silently. "None of us knew this would even happen. I mean, we—"

"Stop with the excuses! There are none!" Kauli snaps at him. "Can't you see? Because of my stupid cells, that monster can reginerate without too many repercussions, just like Chille and all the rest! It's all because of me! Why didn't I think about this?! I should have thought to direct everyone to the damn lab at that possibility! We could have destroyed that creature before the future Cell could find it! I'm so stupid! Stupid! STUPID!"

Another heavy punch, and the ground sinks beneath her fists. Her entire body wouldn't stop shaking. She lowers her head against the dirt, breathing through her teeth. A hiccup escapes her mouth.

"Kauli…" Kakarot is frozen. He doesn't know what to say or do.

She's crying.

Trunks wants to run over there and support her, but he can't. It would disqualify him from the ring.

Cell's laughter fills the arena. "Aw, you can't be serious, Kauli! I thought you were a lot stronger than this! The best response you can give me is a bunch of pathetic tears?"

"Hey. That's enough," Tarble says, almost spitting his words. "You have a lot of nerve to mock her like this. She hasn't even fought you yet!"

"I was just stating the facts, young prince," Cell says. "Then again, that might have been the Kauli talking. My bad."

"Even if that is true, I know she's your enemy and all, but that was pretty low, even coming from you!" Yamcha chimes in.

Cell shrugs. "It just comes out sometimes. It can't really be helped. If you don't have the backbone to take it, then why are you even here?"

"I can't wait until I step into the battlefield." Tarble is seething now. "Just you wait. I'll make you regret ever existing!"

Cell laughs. "What an empty threat! By all means, little prince, you are free to try when your turn comes. Just allow me to play with the future boy for a little longer."

Now that Trunks heard everything, whatever confidence he still has is starting to dwindle away.

The fight just started, but it might just end as quickly now.

Raditz tries to be supportive the best way he knows how. He's awkward about it, unsure how to deal with tears. It's somewhat alien to hear him using a gentle tone, as if he is mirroring it from someone. "Come on, Kauli. You have to pull yourself together. Cell is saying all this to get to your head. You can't let him do that."

"Stop lying to me!" Kauli shouts through a sob. "You're only saying that to sugarcoat the truth! You can't do that! You just….!"

"Daaaaah, this is really getting on my damn nerves!" Vegeta marches straight over, pushing the alarmed Tarble aside. "Stop all that whining! You sob like a damn Earthling! So Cell had access to a room you knew about! Oh, boo-hoo! Your tears won't change the fact that it happened, so get over it!"

"Vegeta!" Kakarot frowns. "That wasn't very nice!"

"Shut up, Kakarot! I'm not you! I'm not going to baby someone all because they are in their little feelings!" Vegeta glares at Kauli. "Get up!"

"Please Vegeta… not now…" Kauli whispers.

"Tch…! You really are a sorry excuse of a Saiyan! These Humans really poisoned your mind with those sorry emotions! I don't give a damn about your sob story! You will still have to get up and fight! If I have to kick you around to force you on your feet, then fine!" He steps forward.

His arm is snagged.

It all falls silent.

Vegeta turns back, his voice threatening. "Unhand me, or I will break your handicapped arm."

Turles stands firm, unflinching. His tone mirrors the prince's, but far more loathing. "You heard what she said, or are you deaf? Leave her alone."

Disbelief hangs in the air. Kauli had stopped crying, staring at the pair as if an apocalypse would brew right between them. Nappa clearly wants to say something, but he's unsure of the direction things are going.

"Are you seriously defending her?" Vegeta asks, anger in his voice. "This cursed planet has really turned you fools into a bunch of soft imbeciles! Let her cry like that back at our homeworld, and they would have beaten her near death!"

"Sorry to say it, but we aren't on Planet Vegeta anymore. Things are different here," Turles says. "It's best you drop that privileged mindset, because it's the very reason why we are in this mess in the first place. Must I remind you what happened between you and that monster? Who is responsible for that, I wonder?"

Vegeta's angry expression loosens a bit. There is a hint of curiosity before he narrows his eyes. "Where the hell is all this foolish bravery coming from?"

"Don't know. Maybe it has something to do with the sobbing woman you were about to knock some sense into."

Tarble doesn't appear so pleased.

"You and your brothers are far too alike for me to stomach," Vegeta sneers. "Since you care about her so much, how about you take the beating for her?!"

"Vegeta." Nappa calls. "It's best we leave it be."

"Are you seriously giving me orders?"

"Not at all. Just a suggestion. We need everyone at full strength, remember? Can't very well happen if you beat down everyone who is a nuisance to you. Let Turles go. You can pin all your frustrations against Cell when it's your turn."

Vegeta takes a quick look around, seeing the many angry or concerned eyes pinned at him. They burn the brightest from his brother, and the Saiyan who holds him so tightly.

"Tch." Vegeta pulls his arm free, and he walks away. "The idiots… hey! You! Half-breed!"

Trunks jumps. "Y-yes?"

"Hurry up and lose already so I can have my turn!"

"I-I don't think that's what Nappa meant, Vegeta!" Trunks shouts back, his voice almost strained. "We are supposed to be wearing him down!"

"Did you miss everything that creature said? That's next to impossible thanks to the crybaby here. But trust me when I say I'll prove he's not invincible! It begins with you, out of the ring!"

"You can't guarantee you would be next—"

"No one is asking you, boy!" Vegeta shouts. "Just get on with it then! Get knocked out of the ring or die! I don't care! Just stop stalling!"

"I wasn't the one stalling!" Trunks shouts. "It was—" his words are caught in his throat as Cell lands in front of him. He leaps back to put a gap between them again, feeling his heart trying to leap out his chest at the same time.

"Vegeta is right, Trunks. You shouldn't be stalling. It's time we wrap this up. But, I would hate to do that so empty-handed."

"Oh, no… what do you want…?" Future Trunks shakes his head, wanting to get away. "What could you possibly want out of me?"

"For you to get angry." Cell smiles.

"That's very specific," Trunks says, wearing a frown now. "I don't think that's a normal request—ACK!"

He's on his knees after taking a heavy kick against the stomach.

"It's a brand-new day, and the sun is high! All the birds are singing that you're gonna die."

Trunks jerks his head up, looking at Cell. Why do those words taunt him so much?

Cell crouches right in front of him, gripping his chin, forcing the teen to look directly at him.

"Tell me... How useless was your training?"

Trunks feels fresh chills. His training?

- OoOoOoOo -

The Hyperbolic Time Chamber. He was very familiar with the place now. He memorized his way around the building like the back of his hand, but he knew better than to wander far from it, or risk being lost in the endless white void forever.

Gently, he set his empty bento box aside before he rose to his feet. Pushing the chair in, he left the kitchen and crossed the living room. As he stepped out of the building, he gripped one of the many pillars and watched Turles spar against the air.

It's a sight he had been used to before coming to this timeline. Tarble was always training everyday. Karot on the other hand was only training when he had to. There was a very interesting difference between the two.

What his mother told him was true, after all. Saiyans are obsessed with fighting. It's like an itch they can never get rid of.

She also told Trunks it's his human side that tamed those urges. It was why Trunks never came across the idea of learning how to fight in the first place.

Karot and Tarble had to train him themselves. Karot was more understanding. He related to Trunks. He understood what it was like to live between worlds, and he was willing to teach him what he learned.

Tarble on the other hand tolerated it, but he always hated it when his human side 'overpowered the other' (that's what he called it) to the point that Trunks came off as a coward in his eyes. Trunks couldn't decide if it's because of Tarble's own past, or if that's just Saiyan talk.

But several times did Karot have to step in when Tarble grew sick of it. He had to remind the prince that Trunks is not a pure-blooded Saiyan… that he was just like Karot. That… he was just learning how to fight.

Trunks remembered always being so scared. The Androids terrified him. They still did, but not as much as back then. He would often run to Tarble or more preferably Karot whenever he came across something that scared him. Karot was always so gentle and reassuring, telling him it was okay to be scared.

Tarble didn't like that. He scolded Karot, and told him they shouldn't baby him.

The pair always bumped heads when it came to how to properly raise Trunks, but they still protected him regardless. They taught him everything they could. Karot even lended him his sword when he got old enough, and taught him how to wield it.

He missed Karot. Trunks only wanted to prove to them that he wasn't afraid of anything. He foolishly faced the Androids himself.

And Karot had to move in and save him. It cost him his life.

Tarble was furious after that. Whatever piece of sanity he had left snapped that day. Ever since, his temper grew worse and worse until Trunks was walking in eggshells every second of his life. Even after many years, Trunks couldn't get used to his teacher's wrath. The insults, the degrading, the beatings… all of it. He couldn't go a single day without it.

And whenever he allowed a speck of that human cowardly side show… or any interest in humanity in general…

"Seleriak." Turles' voice snapped Trunks from his train of thought. "You're finally done eating, I see. I've waited long enough."

"Sorry." Trunks bowed his head before he hurried over to Turles. "I was just watching you a bit, if that is okay?"

Turles was puzzled by this. "Learning with your eyes is fine as well. You we're just running a little late."

"Sorry."

"And you don't have to keep apologizing."

"So—oh. Uh…"

"Nevermind." Turles shook his head. "Tch. I haven't had to train anyone since I had my crew."

"Your… your crew?"

"It's a long story, one that ended with a lethal explosion. To think I would lose them all right under my nose, and what do I get?" Turles pulls back his sleeve, revealing the metal arm. "An unscheduled amputation."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't be. What's done is done. It was fun, while it lasted.'

Trunks was curious. "What exactly did you and your crew do before you crashed on Earth?"

Turles paused, and he chuckled. "It's best I don't tell you. All you need to know is… I have no plans of giving this sad planet any special treatment."

"Oh… okay."

"We've wasted enough time. Training resumes now," Turles said. "While fighting Cell, I've noticed a nuisance we will have to find a solution to. Chille and Gero certainly thought this through about how Cell would handle us."

"Is it the fact he can regenerate?"

"Well, yes. But it's also the cursed idea that Cell is a walking insect," Turles responded. "Insects have a hard exoskeleton that protects their bodies from the elements. How to deal with them?"

Turles shuddered.

"Me personally, would rather not. But, you're lucky your uncle has some experience dealing with overgrown insects."

"What did you do? Run away?" Trunks asked.

To save himself from the embarrassment, Turles turned away. "W-well, there are different ways to deal with creatures that have their skeleton on the outside than on the inside. You could try to break through the shell to get to where he is vulnerable, but he could easily fix himself up. That is where you and Karot come in."

"Huh? Me and… Karot?" Trunks didn't expect to hear that.

"Nappa recognized something interesting about the likes of you both. Even Kakarot pointed it out. You may not see it, but the both of you have dormant power just waiting to come out. It's something you had since you were young. Kakarot mentioned this when he spoke about Karot's fits of rage. The kid's power level would skyrocket for a short period of time… until he calmed down."

He chuckled.

"Once, I despised the mere existence of half breeds," Turles said. "I even tried to get your cousin killed a couple times.".

'Thanks. That's reassuring,' Trunks thought.

"It may also have to do with the fact he was Kakarot's son, and I truly hated Kakarot at first. That is a story for you another day. I am far more interested to see what you are capable of."

Trunks wasn't sure how to feel after he heard that.

"What do you know? Here I am training a half-breed. Never thought I would see the day." Turles slipped into a fighting stance. "I want to see this dormant power they referred to."

He rocketed forward, and he attacked.

Keeping up with Turles wasn't an issue to Trunks. His mind kept wandering back to what he was just told. He knew he experienced something like that before… twice. Both of them involved losing someone he was close to.

And he hated how it felt. He didn't want to feel it again.

"You're not limber enough!" Turles shouted. "You're fighting far too much like a human!"

The words snapped him from his thoughts. A heavy punch landed across his face, and he was on the ground.

"You allowed yourself to get distracted. That's what you get," Turles said.

Now he sounded like Tarble.

"Get up! We just started! If you want to survive against that cursed creature, you have to stay on your feet!"

Trunks noticed Turles diving right for him. Trunks kicked himself back, avoiding a blast that would have sent him flying.

Then, he was gone.

Trunks knew he was moving faster than the eye could follow. Finding Turles wasn't too difficult. He was right above him, arms crossed.

"When Saiyans fight, we use all of our senses. See what is coming for you. Listen to your surroundings. Feel the shift in the air and the ground beneath your feet. Smell the scents that surround you. Taste the air to know your course."

He vanished again. His energy signal… it was right behind Trunks.

"Use every limb, including your tail when necessary. Your Saiyan blood will boil. Embrace it at the heat of battle, and allow your instincts to guide you. You'll move far more naturally…. like so."

Trunks turned around in time to block an incoming attack. Turles' attacks grew stronger with every blow, to the point Trunks felt himself getting pushed back. Whenever he tried to send his own, Turles moved cleverly, ducking and sweeping right past him.

'He's… like a monkey…!' Trunks thought.

A strike behind his head sent Trunks to the ground. He felt his back getting slammed by a heavy boot. Trying to get to his knees was too difficult with the amount of pressure fighting to keep him down.

Maybe if he can just transform…

"I'm well aware you're stronger than me," Turles said, as if he read his thoughts. "But you choose not to go Super Saiyan. Is it to give me a fair fight?"

Trunks could hardly turn his head back.

"Such a Human way of thinking. When you are fighting for your life, there should be no boundaries. You think Cell would give a damn about being fair? The only fair thing he will do is kill you if you falter. I'll let you try again."

Trunks was freed. He stood up and turned to face his uncle, who looked quite disappointed.

"Tell me, how did you become a Super Saiyan?" Turles asked.

The question seemed to almost come from nowhere. Still, Trunks gave his answer. "When I faced the Androids to prove my worth… I was about to get killed, but then Master Karot rushed in to save me. He sent me away."

Trunks bit his lip. He hated recalling the event.

"I got scared. I couldn't stop worrying about him, so instead of finding Tarble, I went back. I went back in time to see him get blasted… in horrible ways. They… they twisted his neck. They left him just like that…" Trunks took a deep breath. It was fresh in his head. "I saw… Karot die in front of me… and I was powerless to stop it. He died… protecting me. His death could had been avoided, but I was so stupid…"

Turles raised an eyebrow, as if he found something interesting. "Do you remember how you felt…? The first time?"

Trunks frowns. How he felt?

"Like… I wanted to destroy everything around me. Like… like… my blood was cooking me alive from the inside. It felt like it was going to burst out of my veins if I didn't do as much as move. It felt like I was going to breathe fire. I wanted to scream… I wanted to dismantle those Androids to tiny pieces…"

"That… is your Saiyan blood."

Trunks looked at his hands. His Saiyan blood?

"It seems to work a little differently for the half-breeds," Turles said. He was intrigued with him. "For us, it keeps us on our toes, bringing all senses alive. It keeps us fighting. For you… it seems to have another effect. It summons a great deal of bloodlust, as if it overcomes your human nature. I've seen it happen with your cousin times before."

"When you put it like that, it makes it sound like I'm a monster," Trunks said.

"Does that scare you?" Turles asked. "Are you afraid of what you might do when you get that angry?"

Trunks didn't want to answer those questions. "Why are you asking me all this?"

"I need to see your Saiyan side."

"What?" Trunks should have expected this. He didn't know why he was surprised. "I mean, I understand why, but why now? I don't exactly get upset easily."

"Then you better find it now, because I won't be holding back." Turles clenched his fists before shouting, and his energy flared. It felt massive, flowing around his body like an ugly storm.

The skyrocketing intensity radiating from Turles nearly spooked Trunks.

'His energy surpassed my own!' he thought.

"Let loose your power! I know that's not all you can do!" Turles rocketed forward, and Trunks was only fast enough to block the first few attacks. "You're a lot stronger than me! Pretend I am the enemy, who is about to kill you!"

A heavy kick sent Trunks back. He had no time to recover. Turles was right in front of him, unleashing a point-blank blast. Trunks was blown back, stinging pain courses through him. He didn't even hit the ground, because Turles was at his tail, kicking him back into the air.

Trunks stiffened his body and blocked. He shoved Turles' arm aside and struck his exposed chest before unleashing a blast. Turles was blown back. Trunks prepared a Masenko, but Turles had already recovered.

"Not good enough! Why are you holding back?!" Turles struck his chin, throwing Trunks' attack off course. Trunks recovered quick enough to spare his face from another assault.

The two fighters were exchanging blows. Turles has the advantage, landing several hits before chopping the teen against his neck, stunning him. He locked his hands together and hammered his head, and Trunks spiraled to the ground.

Trunks shook as he rose to his feet. Turles was already in front of him. He leaped back and shouted, flaring his energy before throwing his hands out in front of him. He unleashed a heavy blast, one Turles was more than happier to take on directly.

Turles blocked it with his own, cancelling out the impact.

Turles growled. "How stubborn are you?!"

Turles connected a punch against Trunks' chest faster than he could react. Another knocks the wind out of him. A third sent the teenager flipping backwards.

Trunks gritted his teeth. He couldn't breathe, and Turles wouldn't give him time to recover. The attacks continued, battering Trunks' body. Occasionally he would block and land a good punch or two, but Turles was ruthless. If anything, it seemed like he was trying to kill him.

Turles slammed his hand against his flank, and a blast tears through the skin, searing the exposed flash underneath. The pain was unbearable. Trunks could only scream as he found the ability to breathe again.

A flare of frustration took hold. Trunks' painful cry morphed into a scream as he took the form of a Super Saiyan. He slammed his foot against Turles' head, sending him crashing to the ground.

Turles stood, and he stared at the golden form with a grin. "That's better."

Keeping up with Turles was a walk in the park. Trunks had the upper hand. The tables had been turned, and it was Turles' turn to get pushed back. Despite getting beaten down, his uncle didn't seem all too satisfied.

It made no sense to him.

"You're still holding back!" Turles shouted.

"I don't exactly want to kill you!" Trunks shouted back.

"And there is that ignorance! Can't you see I'm trying to kill you? Just because I am at a disadvantage does not mean this fight is over!" Turles can't land a single hit on him, but he was far more furious than Trunks was. Every time Trunks sent him back, he only came back. He proved to be stubborn. He was giving his all, but Trunks had little issue.

"This isn't enough to defeat Cell! I need to feel all of it!" Turles shouted. "Stop resisting!"

He must be crazy, but he might have a point.

Trunks pulled back a fist and sent it forward with all the strength he could muster. It buried deep against Turles' stomach. The warrior wheezed, and he was hunched over, spitting. Trunks lowered his hand, watching him struggle.

"Is that good enough for you?" Trunks asked. He hoped it would convince Turles to not pull another stunt.

Turles lifted his head, grinning. "That hurt like hell… but it isn't what I'm looking for."

"What—"

Turles moved, and stabbing pain shot through Trunks' spine. He bit back a scream before his eyes fell on Turles' hand, which squeezed the life out of his glowing tail.

He could still move… after that…?

"Gotcha," Turles said, his grin widening. "You lowered your guard assuming you got me. That is your lethal mistake, kid."

He squeezed tight, and the overwhelming pain nearly took Trunks' breath away. More pressure was applied, and Trunks found himself losing his Super Saiyan form. His body falls limp, but Turles caught him in an embrace.

"According to Nappa and Kakarot, whenever Karot felt he was in grave danger, his Saiyan blood would boil over!"

He started to squeeze, and Trunks felt something pop.

"GAAAAAAAGH!"

Blistering pain stabbed through his spine, attacking every nerve in his body. Future Trunks couldn't move as much as a finger. His body refused to move out of reflex to the agonizing pain itself.

This was far worse than having his tail chopped in half, far worse!

"Your biggest mistake was not training your tail to overcome its weakness," Turles said. "Did you know if you squeeze the tail and the spine at the same time, it leaves the Saiyan completely paralyzed?"

His bear hug tightened. The blistering pain made light dance across Trunks' vision. It's too much to endure. He might just pass out…!

"Stop! It hurts! This isn't going to work! You'll kill me!"

"Trust me that it will! Look deep! Call for it!"

"I… I can't—GAAAAAAAGH!"

"Show it to me!" Turles screamed. "Or I'll have to find a good excuse for Raditz when he finds his son dead!"

It's too much….too much…! He's going to die…!

Just as his vision started to cloud over, he saw their faces. The Androids… Karot dead on the ground… and a terrifying Tarble who stood right over him.

Something snapped.

It flared like a raging flame, and it cloaked his entire body as he heard himself scream. He flexed his body, a Super Saiyan once more, and tore himself free from the deadly embrace. His energy was wild, as his turquoise eyes locked on the target.

His punch connected to Turles' face before he could blink. The impact forced the Saiyan's body to turn before he crashed through the ground.

Trunks didn't remember landing. Nor did he remember when he started walking. What he did know was that the pain had been replaced with a boiling heat, with only the tingling on the surface of his skin to remain.

Turles' face had gone pale, but that hardly matters anymore.

"Kid…" Turles rose to his feet. He started to distance himself. "Hey, kid. Can you hear me?"

"Why must you all resort to bringing me near death to get what you want?" Trunks couldn't recognize his own voice. It didn't matter. He can move again. That was all he cared about.

He wanted to return the pain dealt to him by tenfold.

Turles continued to step away. "Seleriak. Seleriak!"

Closer. He raised a single hand.

"Trunks! That's enough!"

He froze. A sense of familiarity…

He stared at Turles a little longer, his vision clouded. His body felt heavy.

The aura around him died, and he's back on the floor. His eyes only saw the fast approaching boots of Turles before the world fell to black.

- OoOoOoOo -

He still doesn't know what happened back there, but it scares him. It felt unreal. As if… a part of him woke up and chose violence.

If Cell pushes him that far, he isn't sure if he would come back. He has an idea now, on what that was. He knows it has something to do with his nature and nurture combined.

"Do you not know who trained me?!" Future Trunks clenches his fists.

"Yes, I know. In your sad little timeline, it was Vegeta's sorry little brother who lost his way. I heard that story a thousand times." Cell shoves Trunks back and stands, crossing his arms. "Hard to believe considering that you can be quite timid. Then again, domestic abuse can really screw with the head, can it? Do Saiyans even go through that?"

"YES!" Raditz, Kakarot, and Nappa shout at once.

"Well, you learn something new everyday. I just find it interesting you haven't cracked or anything Trunks. I would expect that from someone who has human blood."

Future Trunks narrows his eyes.

"The more tame the blood their other half is, the more explosive the half-blood's outburst will be. That is what makes them so special, or so the rumors say. So, all I have to do is make you snap, and I get to see just how big and bad you really are." Cell chuckles. "Ouch. You'll cut yourself with that edge, kid."

"That… please don't ever say that again," Tarble mutters.

"You're right. Must be the Kauli talking." Cell huffs.

"Wha—"

"Anyways, what I learned from the doctor intrigues me. So then, I'll just beat you silly until I see the results of what I want."

"You don't get it," Trunks says.

"Hm?"

"I… don't know how to explain it but… it's like, whenever I do snap… I can't stop myself, and I hate it," Trunks says. "It's like… watching a movie. I can't control what happens… I can only anticipate it. Everything seems to happen far beyond my grasp… as if I am someone else and not me."

"That's… exactly how it feels…" Karot says, drawing some attention. "Someone else understands it. I thought I was the only one."

Cell huffs. "The both of you annoy me with the way you think. I'll draw it out from one of you, one way or another, because at this very moment Trunks, you are hardly even a challenge."

Trunks growls. Is he really that weak?

"And honestly, I thought coming here would change how I feel about you… but no. You're still nothing compared to me even in this timeline."

"This… timeline?"

"Seeing you here does make me wonder one thing. I have a personal question for you, Trunks. You must be wondering sooo much about me. Did I already tell you?"

Trunks frowns. "I don't think I—"

"How much do you know about time travel?"

Trunks frowns. "Did you ask me this before?"

"Maybe… maybe not. Which Trunks am I speaking to again?" Cell is puzzled. "Doesn't matter. You are well aware of how I ended up here. That should be obvious."

"Time machine. The same one Tarble built—"

"Wrong. That one was made by your lovely mother, who is still alive in that timeline by the way. What a shame, since the one you know is dead. Gunned down, was she?"

Trunks growls.

"Back to what I was saying… I suppose I could give you a congratulations. You defeated the Androids. You saved the world!" Cell falsely praises him with a smile. "Good job, Trunks. You did what you came to the past for."

"I don't like where this is going."

"So, like all careless teenagers, you celebrate. But, you made a grave error. You are well aware of it now. Caught up to speed now? I met you, you met me, I killed you and borrowed your time machine."

Trunks is frozen. "Wait… wait a second…."

"That's right. You're not the only one who came to the past to fix problems. The only difference between you and I… is that multiverse timelines don't bother me. While your future won't change, I was still able to obtain my perfect body. So… I give you my thanks. Truly. So, in exchange for your gift, I will assure your demise will be a lot less painful than what the other Trunks had to experience. I had to make sure the other you suffered… oh so very much."

Trunks takes a step back. Did he… the other him…?

"Why would he tell him all of this?" Krillin is concerned for Trunks. "The kid is going to lose spirit."

"No. I see what he's doing…" Turles says. "He's attacking him where it really hurts. It will make a Saiyan see red in an instant."

"Attacking him with words… I don't see how…" Tien looks back at Trunks.

The teen's mind is swirling with countless questions.

"So what you're saying is… you being here is the brat's fault? For carelessly letting his guard down?" Vegeta asks Cell.

"Yes and no. But remember Vegeta. This was your son who got killed."

"Me getting with that blue-haired banshee? I refuse to believe that!"

Trunks tunes out from the conversation. His mind had gone blank.

The… he… the other him couldn't have possibly died that easily. His story didn't end there… it couldn't have.

He didn't win and lose all in one swoop. That can't be it!

How many other Trunks made the same mistake…?

How many other Trunks died and caused other Cells to reach their goal?

How many Cells actually won?

What if this Cell wins…?

Not here! He can't let that happen here! Otherwise…

Otherwise…!

He almost didn't recognize his own roar. His flowing energy doubles in size, sending the dirt around him swirling as an aggressive dust storm. With power coursing through every part of his body, his take off is powerful. He closes the gap between them and lands a heavy attack. He caught that smug insect by surprise.

Now that Trunks has a better feel, he notices it will be a lot harder to break Cell. Every blow against his body stabs his knuckles. That exoskeleton…

He will break it.

His arm gets caught before he could land another hit. Cell throws Trunks off before unleashing a frenzy of blasts. Trunks curled himself into a ball to take minimum damage before diving back down. Both fighters lock hands, and their combined energy sends anything close by flying away.

"Better, but not good enough." Cell headbutts Trunks, breaking his hold. He grips his hands and spins the teenager around before throwing him through the ground.

With pain stabbing all over his body, Trunks pulls himself out of the crater, growling. Now this has gotten very annoying. The constant mockery, the way Cell keeps toying with him… he feels his tail lashing behind him.

Cell still has that stupid smile on his face.

Just like his late siblings!

"I am not like the other Trunks!" Trunks hisses through bared teeth. "I will not falter! Even if I can't defeat you, I'll break you!"

Cell is amused by this. "Oooh. It's starting to come out."

"Is all of this really a game to you?" Trunks snaps at him. "Humiliation?!"

"Looks like I'm doing something right," Cell says. "Are you done running away like a coward? If so, feel free to come at me. I'm wide open."

Now, he sounds like Android 18.

"That is… unless you want to meet the same fate as the other Trunks."

A fresh wave of anger nearly swallows him.

"Fine." Trunks snarls. "FINE!"

He spreads out both hands, pink and black bolts building rapidly and forming into a pair of spheres. They hardly tangle. He's forced to bite back his pain as it starts to zap his hands, but it's merely an annoyance. It's nothing compared to the threat that hovers above.

Snarling, Trunks thrusts both hands forward. "WEEKEEEEEEND!"

A pair of massive pink blasts are unleashed, flying right towards Cell. The bio-Android spirals himself like a screw as he dives right between them.

He missed?!

Trunks steps back just as Cell arrives. He prepares another blast, but Cell steps around and behind him. Strong arms snag Trunks from behind, crushing his chest with little effort.

This again?!

"Trunks!" Many voices shout.

Trunks screams as he continues to get crushed by the deadly bear hug. His limbs are locked, he can't escape! To make matters worse, Cell moves one of his arms against his neck, putting him in a choke hold.

"Hmmm. Now… why does this look so familiar…?" Cell asks, unbothered by the thrashing teenager. "I think I've seen this somewhere before… let me think…"

"Kid…!" Kauli rises, half-spooked. "Get out of there!"

More pressure is applied around his neck. Trunks is starting to suffocate.

"You know, this is exactly how the other Trunks died. Very poetic, don't you think?" Cell asks, almost laughing. "I almost feel sorry for you. I suppose it can't be helped, considering the fact that this is your destiny!"

Trunks' lips pull back with a heavy snarl. Pink bolts of static jump across his body.

"Huh?" Cell's eyes widened.

"Huh?!" Raditz and Gine learn forward.

Trunks screams as he releases a powerful discharge, all while flaring his energy. Both Trunks and Cell are swallowed by the pink electrical field. The bolts snake around Cell the most, attacking every part of his body. He clearly doesn't like it, evident from his pain-filled screams that sound quite satisfying to Trunks' ears.

"Is that…?" Gine's eyes are wide.

The entire field is bathed with pink light. All eyes watch Cell struggle within as Trunks continues to pour out as much as he can muster. Cell's cry of pain is nearly drowned out by the teenager's wrathful scream.

Finally, it shrinks.

Cell wheezes, completely stunned as the bolts continue to leap across his figure. Trunks, now free, slowly sinks towards the ground, gripping his stunned arm as he glares at Cell. The aftermath of the discharge leaves Trunks biting back his pain as the bolts continue to scurry across his own body.

"How do you… like that….?" Trunks pants. Once his feet touch the ground, he rocks, fighting to stay upright. A wave of static courses through him again, and he's forced to shut his eyes as the recoil feels near unbearable. It thankfully settles, but it's certainly a nuisance.

"Hahahaha! I knew it!" Raditz throws a fist in the air. "That's my boy! You show that insect who he's messing with!"

"Wow. He's excited." Krillin notes. "I guess Saiyan parents can feel joy."

"Wow. He inherited Raditz's energy type," Kakarot says. "It still needs work, but that's amazing!"

"No," Gine says. "That power isn't something to be proud of."

She's not smiling. Everyone is looking at her, confused.

But her eyes are fixed on the fight.

Trunks shakes his body before planting his feet. Launching himself forward, he closes the gap between himself and the stunned enemy in less than a second. Just as Cell notices his presence, his face is greeted by an angry fist. Trunks delivers another hook afterwards, and another that follows, pushing Cell back with every hit.

'I've got to do this now, while I still can!' he thinks to himself.

Spreading out one hand, it creates a sphere of condensed energy. The other follows, and Trunks fires a barrage of direct blasts that batter Cell like bullets. The bystanders' eyes watch dust and smoke cloak over them both, with only the glow from the inside and the relentless sounds of explosions telling them the raging assault is yet to end.

It ends as Cell flies backwards out the smokescreen, completely against his will. Trunks is right after him, with his speed increasing. The expression on his face is filled with fury.

He shoots around and behind the enemy with a sharp turn, and he throws out his foot, kicking Cell right at the center of his spine, snapping his backside. Cell's mouth hangs open as he fails to cry out in pain. Locked fists bash at the top of his skull, sending him crashing against Trunks' rising knee.

An elbow across the face.

An elbow against the torso.

A heavy punch against the stomach.

A nasty uppercut under his chin.

Cell is thrown above and over Trunks' head, and he's body slammed head first against the ground.

Trunks stands over him, his hands a blur until they form a diamond. He snarls and shouts; "BURNING ATTACK!"

Cell's eyes widen before he vanishes within the massive orange blast. Spectators shield their eyes from the light and flying dust.

"Do you think that got him?!" Yamcha shouts over the explosive sound.

"Even if it didn't, Trunks dealt a number on him," Tien replies. "Talk about a sudden flip in sides. That kid's quite scary. Whatever he did to Cell earlier left him wide vulnerable."

Piccolo has his arms crossed. His eyes narrow towards the dust as his cape flows behind him.

Trunks leaps back to gain distance. He slips into a defensive stance, fighting to catch his breath. He did what he could in that window. All he can do now is see if it has any effect.

The cloud begins to settle, and to everyone's surprise, Cell is still standing, bent over and gaping.

"Color me surprised," Vegeta says. "He actually did something to that freak."

"But what did he do?! To do that much?!" Nappa shouts.

A chunk of Cell's torso had been blown off, leaving him without an arm and missing a portion of his thigh. His left side is bathed with purple goo, and his eyes speak volumes about the pain he's experiencing.

Despite the flaring anger, there is great satisfaction Trunks can't help but feel. It's clear on his face... the prideful grin.

"That… really hurt." Cell glares at Trunks. His body expands, and what is missing grows back with a nasty green goo. Standing tall, he tests his new arm before patting his chest, frowning. "I must say, if I didn't move in time, you might have blown me away."

And now the grin is gone.

"Why you…!" Trunks catches himself. He did what he had to, right? His job was just to wear him down. Did he deal enough damage to make it harder for Cell to recover his stamina? Judging from his stance… maybe he did…

'Hopefully, it's enough to help Kakarot and the others,' Trunks thinks to himself. A wave of pain courses through him. He refuses to show it. 'After unleashing all that energy, I don't think I can do it again.'

The occasional static that runs through his arms is enough proof.

"That was awesome, Trunks!" Karot cheers him on. "I bet if you keep it up, Cell will have a tough time fighting the rest of us!"

Nappa frowns. "I don't know about that, kid."

"Huh?" Karot's smile drops as he looks at him. "What do you mean? He had to force Cell to heal himself. I know Cell said it takes away his strength a lot less now but… it's better than nothing."

Nappa shakes his head. "That's not what I'm talking about."

"Take a good look at your cousin," Turles says.

"Huh…?" Karot studies him. "He's still a Super Saiyan. He's not badly hurt or anything…"

"Young eyes tend to miss even the smallest details," Nappa says. "While what Seleriak just did was effective, it also took a toll on him. I've seen this with Raditz before."

Karot looks at Raditz. He's not so happy anymore.

"I see it now," Raditz says. "He unleashed all his energy in a powerful discharge. The only reason why he was able to deal damage to Cell was because he was unable to protect himself from the attacks that came afterwards."

"That's right. Didn't your mother mention before how stunning an enemy unguarded leaves them vulnerable?" Krillin asks.

Raditz nods.

"He hasn't mastered it yet." Now Gine has the floor. Her expression is serious. "It's evident he rarely ever resorts to such tactics. Otherwise, it wouldn't have hurt him the way it did. The thing about plasma energy is that it's very dangerous, solely because it can turn against the user if they are reckless with it."

"I can't count how many turns I cooked my own hands trying to master a Saturday Crush," Raditz says. "So imagine that, but with the entire body."

Now, everyone is worried.

Tarble frowns. "So… what you're saying is, right now it's like a double-edged sword."

"That's right," Gine says.

"So, the boy doesn't know his own limitations." Vegeta frowns. "But he used it anyway to escape the death trap. Reckless move, but it saved his life. Unfortunately, the fool is the one who's vulnerable now."

Raditz nods. "Tch. I should have seen this coming. I got too excited with the mere fact he can use it. He probably never liked it much when he was younger, so he never bothered to practice with it. I can't blame him. It hurts like hell if you do it wrong."

"He's trying to put on a brave face," Nappa says. "He doesn't want Cell to get an idea."

"He's a smart kid," Turles says. "He might find a way out of this one, even if it hurts."

Cell flexes his fingers, huffing. "Is that really it? All that mockery and the best you can do is throw a little fit? If I remember correctly… Saiyan rage is far stronger than that. Where are the fireworks? The death threats? The berserk rage? I don't see any of it. If you want to survive, you will have to give me a lot more."

Trunks grits his teeth. He prepares himself.

"However, judging from the look on your face… you gave me everything you had in that little fiasco."

"What?" Trunks is frozen. Can he see right through him?

"Yes, I can see right through you. Everyone can see right through you. You're done. Finished. That little trick you pulled hurt you a lot more than it hurt me. Tell me, was it really worth it? Just to get a good hit on me? I'm back in one piece, and you are fighting to stay on your feet. Tell me who really suffered here."

"I'm… I'm not done yet!" Trunks pushes himself to fly forward again, but he's effortlessly swatted aside. Hitting the ground never felt so painful. Every muscle in his body burns…!

"You are still… very, very green. A late teenager you are, but you've only been fighting raging Androids since you were a child." Cell motions an arm towards the watching crowd. "Take a good look around you, Trunks. These other Saiyans, and even the Humans have fought in battles you can only dream of. They fought all sorts of opponents, faced all sorts of fighting styles… but you… you still have so much to learn. One, for starters… if you haven't mastered a technique… maybe it's best to not use it if it will have repercussions."

Trunks is on his knees, glaring at Cell. This can't be it…

"I'm starting to see why your teacher couldn't stand you. You… are extremely hard-headed. That's the very reason both Karot and Tarble died, is it not?"

Trunks feels his breathing hitch.

How could he possibly know that?

"Such ignorance is your downfall. You think you have one thing figured out, but you only make matters worse for yourself." Cell slowly walks forward. "Now look at you. On your knees, like the pathetic whelp you truly are."

For a second, Tarble took Cell's place as he approached him. He feels himself starting to crawl back.

"There is no SUCH THING as mercy! The slightest mistake will kill you! But your mistake… it killed Karot! Our only chance to survive! You uppity BRAT!"

"I… I'm not…" Trunks' words are nearly audible. "Don't… don't do that."

"It's obvious to me that you are the type who doesn't learn until you are beaten to near death." Cell is closer now, his words sinking deep. "Did I say something wrong? I mean, it's true… isn't it? So what's with the pale look? You aren't deaf, are you?"

Why can't he move? His body won't… let him move.

Cell frowns. "If you truly want to die that badly, then I'll be glad to grant you that privilege."

Tarble is...

" I AM THROUGH WITH YOUR STUPIDITY! DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERE CORPSE?! IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WANT, THEN I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO GRANT THAT WISH!"

"Stop it…" Trunks mutters.

"Since you are already on your knees… how about you bow down and show some respect?" Cell chuckles.

"I SAID STOOOOOOP!"

Cell is nearly blown back by the explosive energy erupting from the teenager. He's gripping his head, trying to force the thoughts out of his head. His stiff tail would twitch as the ground beneath him began to crack.

He can't get rid of them. Even now… he can still see him…!

"Oh my. You don't look so good." Cell is amused. "Did I bring back some bad memories?"

He failed again. He charged in recklessly and who is here to save him this time? No one!

He can't do anything right even now, even after all that training. All because he was so hesitant… all because he didn't try hard enough. He only hurt himself, as he always did.

Everyone is going to die because of him!

"Hey! Kid!" Nappa calls. "Kid!"

Voices don't reach him anymore. All he can hear are the angry rants of his failures. The pain throbbing through his body… he deserves this.

He deserves all of it.

He deserves to get a beating.

"This…" Cell tilts his head. "Has taken a turn I wasn't expecting."

He has every reason to be confused.

Trunks is nearly curled against the ground as his explosive energy dies. His Super Saiyan form drops and his ragged breathing picks up until he begins to hyperventilate.

"You can't be serious!" Vegeta snaps. "Pull yourself together, you idiot!"

"Have some consideration!" Kauli shouts at the prince. "The boy is having a panic attack!"

"In the middle of a fight?!" Vegeta is angrier now. "That's the worst possible time! Damn that idiot!"

It sinks it for everyone what's happening.

"Aaaand there is his human half. It just had to take complete hold of him—the complete opposite of what I was hoping for!" Cell shouts, frowning. "Good grief. You know, I've decided I like the other Trunks a lot better. I mean, sure, he was Vegeta's kid, but that's probably why that one was a lot more interesting to me than the one seeded from Raditz! This one is a cowardly sniveling brat! I would expect that from Gohan out of all people!"

Hearing his name mentioned, Karot grows even more worried. He looks at Raditz for some clarity, but even Raditz has no answer to how to help with this.

"He was doing so well, too." Turles groans. "Damn it."

Cell is truly angry. "I mean, sure. Vegeta and Bulma had their one-night stand where I came from, but here, Trunks was a mere accident child!"

Trunks flinches at that. Of course he would say that… of course he would…!

"What does it take to piss off a teenager?" Cell asks the crowd now. "You know what? Don't answer that. It doesn't matter. I'm already bored with him. I'm done here! Thanks for nothing, Seleriak!"

A heavy punch against Trunks' stomach sends him to his knees. He collapses to the ground, coughing and spitting. Cell grabs him by the tail, and he tosses him out the ring.

Trunks hits the ground, the scent of earth flaring as he spits out grain. He doesn't move. There's hardly a reason to.

He lost a long time ago.

"Next!" Cell's booming voice shakes the crowd.

It seems to be the very signal they need. A handful of fighters fly right over to Trunks.

"Trunks! Are you alright?!" Krillin tries to pull him to at least sit up. "C'mon! You have to say something!"

The firm hold on his arm flashes an image of Android 17.

"Don't!" Future Trunks slaps him away, and he scoots back, his eyes shut. "Don't… don't touch me! I… I just….!"

"Easy boy." Turles says. "It's over now. You did what you could. Just rest a bit."

"No… I didn't. I couldn't even get angry enough to fight Cell the way I should have…! All I had to do… was get enraged, and fight! I couldn't even do that!" Trunks grips his head again. "I failed. It's all my fault. My fault…"

"Don't say such harsh things to yourself." Tarble's assuring voice makes the teen freeze. "You merely tried to—"

"STAY AWAY!"

The roar is more than enough to keep Tarble from getting any closer. He's left confused, feeling pity for the traumatized teen. He begins to wonder what exactly his future counterpart did…

Nappa places a hand on Tarble's shoulder. "Maybe it's best if you stay away from him for a while."

Tarble appears upset about this. "Right. I'm sorry."

Those closest to the younger prince are taken back by his response. They were anticipating something... different.

No scolding? No belittling? By looking at his expression, Tarble appears disturbed by what he just heard.

Looking at Trunks...

Maybe Trunks is not as stable as everyone thought, or maybe he just held on for this long…

Regardless of which, his eyes hold unspeakable fear. The way they lock on to Tarble makes nearly everyone feel helpless on how to help him.

Gine is next to approach Trunks, but she's very gentle, keeping a distance as she crouches down to his level. She speaks in a gentle tone, giving him a smile. "It's okay, Seleriak. You did your best, and that's all that matters. You did not fail here… not at all. You said you were going to get him, and you did. That's more than successful to me."

Her eyes…

Trunks doesn't understand how they can be so soft… he has never seen them before… except from his own mother.

The weight of his fight, and the energy unleashed before takes a hold of him. The energy he had to stay conscious is gone.

He falls over, unconscious.

"There he goes." Tien sighs. "He's done."

"Don't say things like that," Krillin says. "Didn't you see how he freaked out before?"

"That's how the majority of humanity feels. Now the Saiyans know."

"Now is not a good time to hold a grudge," Piccolo says. "We just lost a fighter. Keep your eyes peeled. Cell won't wait around forever."

Everyone agrees. Gine is careful, lifting Trunks from the dirt.

"You're not as brave as I thought." Karot stares at Trunks. His frown forms into a small smile. "But… you're a lot better than most people. Anyone else would have run away."

"He never had the chance to." Kakarot watches the teen sleep. It looks like a relief to him.

Gine strokes his head gently, settling him on her lap. "The boy just needs a nap, that is all."

"Mom. He's practically 18," Raditz says.

"18 and without a childhood. The poor thing…" Gine watches him sleep. "How much pain did he have to endure? Maybe we Saiyans can take it, but we have to remember he's half human, just like Karot. Their human side is more attuned to emotions, more attune to trauma. They aren't as mentally strong as we are. For him to hold on for so long… he's perhaps the strongest boy I've ever met."

"You have a point," Tarble says. "To think I was connected to all this… if only I can tell him sorry."

"You aren't the other you. That's what counts," Nappa says. "But I can only imagine how much this kid had to go through."

"I came here to help Kakarot free himself from his bind. I never anticipated I would be taking part in this fight." Gine lowers her head. "I thought I was able to quit fighting all together, but look at where I stand."

Vegeta huffs and looks away, clearly not wanting to be part of the conversation.

"Ever since Paragus… my mind has been restless… it's as if my past is coming back to haunt me. I hate the way it makes me feel. I hate… the stupid genetics. I don't want to fall back, and then I look at Karot and Seleriak… their pain. I know that pain. They suffered long enough, just as I did. Our hands… they have been forced for far too long."

"That is a very nice sob story." Cell raises his voice, taking over the floor. "But what is done is done. I've had my fun with future boy there… and I'm ready to move on."

Everyone is tense. Gine holds Trunks close to her, willing to protect him is necessary.

Cell rockets forward, and he stands right before the crowd. Raising a finger, he points directly at the shortest fighter of them all.

Krillin's eyes lock on. "M-me…?"

"Not just you. You wouldn't even last five minutes," Cell says. He looks at the other Z-fighters. "Yamcha, and Tien. That should balance things off, but that still makes you Earthlings an appetizer… so, you know what? Piccolo! How about you join in?"

"What?" Piccolo gives Cell his full attention.

"According to Goku… the Humans aren't exactly push overs as many would think. I should know. You three got quite annoying with that trick you pulled against me to keep me away from 17. As for the Namekian, I just added him in to even out the odds."

"You dare to—"

Cell chuckles as he spreads his arms. "Let's see what mediocrity the Earthlings have to offer."

---

BONUS: OTES GAMING TIME!

Today's topic… movesets!

Keep in mind the attack names vary from game to game. The names listed are mostly from Xenoverse.

Some attacks listed were created by me.

I won't list them all. Mainly because there are so many. I'll list the important ones.

Raditz has such a big movepool. He needs to chill from those days of the week. Take a vacation—Wait.

-Kakarot-

(Physical Attacks)

*Tail Slap - User knocks away the opponent using their tail. Can also be used to throw opponent off their tail if grabbed.

*Power Pole - Any melee attack used by Goku's red staff. Extend and more.

*Meteor Combination - User drops to hands and feet, preparing for a sprint. A running start, a barrage of attacks is delivered by one foot before an elbow to the face knocks the enemy back. It is finished with a Kamehameha Wave.

*Rock, Paper N' Scissors - User can choose to throw a punch, palm strike, or poke the eyes.

*"How About We Play a Game?" - Kakarot begins with a staff stab into the ground to knock enemy flying before engaging in close combat. Book only.

*Penetrate! - Ultimate - A pulse of energy launches user from the ground. They pierce through target with a single punch.

*Range of Fury - Two users lock tails and spin to gain speed. Up in release, they attack in quick turns. Book only.

*Primal Roar of Fury -Team Ultimate- A more powerful version of "Range of Fury" Causes heavy recoil damage. Book only.

(Ki Attacks)

*Fire Breath - User breathes out a massive trail of flames directly from mouth. Can leave the target burned for a period of time if landed long enough. Attack is at its strongest when user is in their Great Ape form. Book only.

*Explosive Retaliation - User sends a small blue blast that draws a line through the ground. Explosions rip through the drawn path afterwards. Book only.

*Double Sunday - User unleashes a pair of pink Ki Blasts in a V-Shape style.

*Super Kamehameha -Ultimate- A more powerful version of The Kamehameha Wave. User forms a blue blast on one side before connecting wrists together to unleash a gigantic blast.

(Status Moves)

*Solar Flare - User presses fingers against the side of the head, releasing a blinding light. Target is temporarily blinded.

*Afterimage - User uses speed to make illusional copies of themself.

*Primal Mindset - Only for a small period of time. If Saiyan is enraged enough, attacks are boosted by a huge amount, but accuracy and defense will drop just as much. Behavior is close to that of a Great Ape. Book only.

*Power Ball - User can create a white ball of light. Sent to the sky, merging with the atmosphere, an artificial moon is created to cause a Great Ape/Oozaru transformation.

*Great Ape/Oozaru - If certain conditions are met, user can transform into a Great Ape/Oozaru. Power is multiplied by ten. Slight chance of going into a primal mindset.

*Super Saiyan - User can transform into a Super Saiyan. Power is multiplied by fifty.

-Raditz-

(Physical Attacks)

*Tail Slap - User knocks away the opponent using their tail. Can also be used to throw opponent off their tail if grabbed.

*"Behind You!" - Raditz waits for target to engage. He suddenly appears behind them and kicks his legs back.

*Dynamite Monday - A full-powered rush attack.

*Range of Fury - Two users lock tails and spin to gain speed. Up in release, they attack in quick turns. Book only.

*Primal Roar of Fury -Team Ultimate- A more powerful version of "Range of Fury" Causes heavy recoil damage. Book only.

(Ki Attacks)

*Primal Howl - User releases a powerful shout very similar to the Oozaru howl. Target's guard is broken and they are sent flying. Book only.

*Fire Breath - User breathes out a massive trail of flames directly from mouth. Can leave the target burned for a period of time if landed long enough. Attack is at its strongest when user is in their Great Ape form. Book only.

*"Begone!" - Raditz forms a sphere of energy and unleashes it towards the target as a heavy attack.

*Weekly Special - Raditz fires a frenzy of ki attacks.

*Dismaying Thursday - A pulsing energy wave against the ground. Purple bolts burst from the ground and combine to a lethal explosion. Book only.

*Shining Friday - Close range attack. A ball of energy strikes the target or blocks their attack.

*"Here's a Present!"/Saturday Crush - Orange and pink bolts build against the palm, unleashed as a flying blob of energy. An attack that will stun the enemy.

*Double Sunday -User unleashes a pair of pink Ki Blasts in a V-Shape style.

*Weekend - Ultimate - A more powerful version of Double Sunday.

*Kamehameha Wave - User forms a blue blast on one side before connecting wrists together to unleash the attack.

*Double Weekend Kamehameha - Finisher - A combination of "Weekend" and "The Kamehameha Wave". Drains nearly all of stamina. May cause heavy recoil. Book only

(Status Moves)

*Power Ball - User can create a white ball of light. Sent to the sky, merging with the atmosphere, an artificial moon is created to cause a Great Ape/Oozaru transformation.

*Primal Mindset - Only for a small period of time. If Saiyan is enraged enough, attacks are boosted by a huge amount, but accuracy and defense will drop just as much. Behavior is close to that of a Great Ape. Book only.

*Great Ape/Oozaru - If certain conditions are met, user can transform into a Great Ape/Oozaru. Power is multiplied by ten. Slight chance of going into a primal mindset.

*Super Saiyan - User can transform into a Super Saiyan. Power is multiplied by fifty.

-Turles-

(Physical Attacks)

*Tail Slap - User knocks away the opponent using their tail. Can also be used to throw opponent off their tail if grabbed.

"I'll Dig Your Grave!" – Turles punches the target, followed by a knee strike to the air. Target is struck to the ground, ending with a Sudden Storm.

(Ki Attacks)

*Fire Breath - User breathes out a massive trail of flames directly from mouth. Can leave the target burned for a period of time if landed long enough. Attack is at its strongest when user is in their Great Ape form. Book only.

Sudden Storm - Turles unleashes a series of one-handed purple energy attacks.

Pulse Drive - A purple beam of energy is unleashed from finger or palm, followed by a column of energy blast that erupt.

Kill Driver - User presses palms together before moving them apart, creating an orange ring of energy that is unleashed towards the target.

*Kamehameha Wave - User forms a blue blast on one side before connecting wrists together to unleash the attack.

Meteor Burst - Ultimate - Turles unleashes a close-range and massive purple blast that swallows the target and sends them flying back.

Calamity Blaster - Ultimate - Turles charges two purple energy spheres behind his neck. Thrusting then forward, a huge purple blast of energy is unleashed from both hands.

(Status Moves)

*Power Ball - User can create a white ball of light. Sent to the sky, merging with the atmosphere, an artificial moon is created to cause a Great Ape/Oozaru transformation.

*Primal Mindset - Only for a small period of time. If Saiyan is enraged enough, attacks are boosted by a huge amount, but accuracy and defense will drop just as much. Behavior is close to that of a Great Ape. Book only.

*Great Ape/Oozaru - If certain conditions are met, user can transform into a Great Ape/Oozaru. Power is multiplied by ten. Slight chance of going into a primal mindset.

-Vegeta-

(Physical Attacks)

*Tail Slap - User knocks away the opponent using their tail. Can also be used to throw opponent off their tail if grabbed.

*Dirty Fireworks - User throws a heavy punch to the target, stunning them before sending them to the air. A flex of his index finger causes target to explode. Most effective on weak opponents.

(Ki Attacks)

*Explosive Wave - User spreads out their body releases a explosive wave of energy. Knocks close targets back while blocking any oncoming attacks. Destroys most obstacles nearby.

*Fire Breath - User breathes out a massive trail of flames directly from mouth. Can leave the target burned for a period of time if landed long enough. Attack is at its strongest when user is in their Great Ape form. Book only.

*Fireball - User unleashes a flaming energy blast that may burn the target.

*Big Bang Attack - User unleashes a blue energy blast that strikes down the target.

*Galick Gun - Ultimate - User bends to the side while having hands pressed parallel to each other. A purple blast of energy is unleashed with a single thrust.

*Final Flash - Ultimate - User stretches arms out before bringing them together while charging energy. Attack is unleashed as a massive yellow blast that deals heavy damage.

(Status Moves)

*Power Ball - User can create a white ball of light. Sent to the sky, merging with the atmosphere, an artificial moon is created to cause a Great Ape/Oozaru transformation.

*Great Ape/Oozaru - If certain conditions are met, user can transform into a Great Ape/Oozaru. Power is multiplied by ten. Slight chance of going into a primal mindset.

*Super Saiyan - User can transform into a Super Saiyan. Power is multiplied by fifty.

-Tarble-

(Physical Attacks)

*Tail Slap - User knocks away the opponent using their tail. Can also be used to throw opponent off their tail if grabbed.

*"I've Had It With You!" - Tarble begins with an uppercut before delivering a heavy shot to the stomach, followed by a direct blast against the target, and a frenzy of ki attacks to finish it off. Book only.

"Bloody Hell!" - Tarble vanishes and strikes the target with a powerful chop and kicks them back. This is followed by a series of chops across the face before a headbutt knocks the target down. A heavy blast finishes it. Book only.

(Ki Attacks)

*Fire Breath - User breathes out a massive trail of flames directly from mouth. Can leave the target burned for a period of time if landed long enough. Attack is at its strongest when user is in their Great Ape form. Book only.

Explosive Wave - User spreads out their body releases a explosive wave of energy. Knocks close targets back while blocking any oncoming attacks. Destroys most obstacles nearby.

Galick Burst -Ultimate- A different version of Galick Gun. Blast is weaker but more spread out.

Nuclear Wrath - Ultimate - User forms a dark condensed sphere of energy between the palm of their hands before allowing it to grow, throwing it towards their target as an explosive lethal attack. Book only.

(Status Moves)

*Power Ball - User can create a white ball of light. Sent to the sky, merging with the atmosphere, an artificial moon is created to cause a Great Ape/Oozaru transformation.

*Great Ape/Oozaru - If certain conditions are met, user can transform into a Great Ape/Oozaru. Power is multiplied by ten. Slight chance of going into a primal mindset.

*Super Saiyan - User can transform into a Super Saiyan. Power is multiplied by fifty.

-Nappa-

(Physical Attacks)

*Tail Slap - User knocks away the opponent using their tail. Can also be used to throw opponent off their tail if grabbed.

Arm Break - Energy engulfs the body to make blows more powerful. Capable of causing amputation for the target.

(Ki Attacks)

Explosive Wave - User spreads out their body releases a explosive wave of energy. Knocks close targets back while blocking any oncoming attacks. Destroys most obstacles nearby.

*Fire Breath - User breathes out a massive trail of flames directly from mouth. Can leave the target burned for a period of time if landed long enough. Attack is at its strongest when user is in their Great Ape form. Book only.

Bomber DX - Intense white energy engulfs the arm and focuses on the hand. Send towards the target and deals heavy damage.

Break Cannon -Ultimate- A yellow blast is fired from the mouth.

Volcano Eruption - Ultimate - User gathers energy to the hand and flicks two fingers up. A powerful erupting explosion causes a huge range of damage. Capable of destroying entire cities.

(Status Moves)

*Power Ball - User can create a white ball of light. Sent to the sky, merging with the atmosphere, an artificial moon is created to cause a Great Ape/Oozaru transformation.

*Great Ape/Oozaru - If certain conditions are met, user can transform into a Great Ape/Oozaru. Power is multiplied by ten. Slight chance of going into a primal mindset.

-Karot-

(Physical Attacks)

*Tail Slap - User knocks away the opponent using their tail. Can also be used to throw opponent off their tail if grabbed.

*Sword - User wilds a sword to fight.

*"You Animal!/I Said Move!" - Karot ambushes target with a heavy kick against the head before sending a frenzy of punches against the stomach. A kick to send the target down is followed by a frenzy of ki attacks and a Masenko.

(Ki Attacks)

*Masenko - User brings both hands above head, fingers laying over the other. Yellow energy builds to the palm, unleashed as a blast in a single thrust.

*Kamehameha Wave - User forms a blue blast on one side before connecting wrists together to unleash the attack.

(Status Moves)

*Great Ape/Oozaru - If certain conditions are met, user can transform into a Great Ape/Oozaru. Power is multiplied by ten. Slight chance of going into a primal mindset.

*Super Saiyan - User can transform into a Super Saiyan. Power is multiplied by fifty.

-Trunks (Future)-

(Physical Attacks)

*Tail Slap - User knocks away the opponent using their tail. Can also be used to throw opponent off their tail if grabbed.

*Sword - User wilds a sword to fight.

(Ki Attacks)

Explosive Wave - User spreads out their body releases a explosive wave of energy. Knocks close targets back while blocking any oncoming attacks. Destroys most obstacles nearby.

*Masenko - User brings both hands above head, fingers laying over the other. Yellow energy builds to the palm, unleashed as a blast in a single thrust.

*Kamehameha Wave - User forms a blue blast on one side before connected wrists together to unleash the attack.

*Weekend - A more powerful version of Double Sunday.

*Angry Discharge - An alternate version of Tuesday Thunderstorm. User releases a wild discharge that stuns the target. If used too quickly or recklessly, it stuns the target for much longer, but it also deals recoil and weakens the user. Book only.

*Burning Attack -Ultimate- Trunks moves his hands in a rapid motion before bringing his thumb and index finger to form a rhombus, unleashing a powerful yellow blast.

(Status Moves)

*Great Ape/Oozaru - If certain conditions are met, user can transform into a Great Ape/Oozaru. Power is multiplied by ten. Slight chance of going into a primal mindset.

*Super Saiyan - User can transform into a Super Saiyan. Power is multiplied by fifty.

-Kauli-

(Physical Attacks)

*Tail Slap - User knocks away the opponent using their tail. Can also be used to throw opponent off their tail if grabbed.

*Nunchucks- User wilds Nunchucks to fight. Book only.

*"I'm Not Playing Around!" - Kauli locks the enemy in a bind using the chains of her Nunchucks, and constricts them. She deals several heavy blows against the targets back before pulling the chains free to send them to the ground. Book only.

(Ki Attacks)

*Fire Breath - User breathes out a massive trail of flames directly from mouth. Can leave the target burned for a period of time if landed long enough. Attack is at its strongest when user is in their Great Ape form. Book only.

(Status Moves)

*Primal Mindset - Only for a small period of time. If Saiyan is enraged enough, attacks are boosted by a huge amount, but accuracy and defense will drop just as much. Behavior is close to that of a Great Ape. Book only.

*Great Ape/Oozaru - If certain conditions are met, user can transform into a Great Ape/Oozaru. Power is multiplied by ten. Slight chance of going into a primal mindset.

-Gine-

(Physical Attacks)

*Tail Slap - User knocks away the opponent using their tail. Can also be used to throw opponent off their tail if grabbed.

*Fury Flurry/"Handle my wrath!" - Gine delivers a harsh kick against the target's chest, breaking their guard. She follows with a wrathful frenzy of kicks against the same area. The final one is heavy, sending the target flying back. Book only.

(Ki Attacks)

*Fire Breath - User breathes out a massive trail of flames directly from mouth. Can leave the target burned for a period of time if landed long enough. Attack is at its strongest when user is in their Great Ape form. Book only.

*Single Sunday - User unleashes a single pink blast that can knock an opponent flying back. Book only.

*Tuesday Thunderstorm - User builds up plasma-like energy within their bodies before unleashing it as a wicked thunderbolt. Drains stamina. Book only.

*Dismaying Thursday - A pulsing energy wave against the ground. Purple bolts burst from the ground and combine to a lethal explosion. Alternatively, the user can send a wave through their target to stun them for a long period of time, but it does little damage. Book only.

*Endless Thundercrash - Ultimate - Gine unleashes a lightning storm-like blast from each hand in turns. Bolts burst and swallow target after impact, stunning them the longer it is carried out. Attack works as a combo, dealing more damage with every successful hit. Combo goes up to six - and will stun and leave Gine vulnerable as recoil. Book only.

(Status Moves)

*Electric Dome- Gine creates a pink forcefield to protect herself from outside attacks. It does not hold well against ultimates. If dome is attacked directly, the attacker will get zapped. Gine can break the shield and unleash it against the target with minimum damage, but it leaves her completely exposed to any attack. Book only.

*Primal Mindset - Only for a small period of time. If Saiyan is enraged enough, attacks are boosted by a huge amount, but accuracy and defense will drop just as much. Behavior is close to that of a Great Ape. Book only.

*Great Ape/Oozaru - If certain conditions are met, user can transform into a Great Ape/Oozaru. Power is multiplied by ten. Slight chance of going into a primal mindset.

-Broly-

(Physical Attacks)

*Tail Slap - User knocks away the opponent using their tail. Can also be used to throw opponent off their tail if grabbed.

(Ki Attacks)

*Eraser Blow - Broly unleashes a green energy orb at the target. If it lands while the attack is still on his hand, it will deal a chain of damage before knocking the target away.

*Eraser Cannon - Ultimate - Broly charges a powerful green orb he holds above his head before unleashing it as a mighty blast.

*Gigantic Roar - Ultimate - Broly chargers a green blast from inside his mouth before unleashing it as a mighty blast.

(Status Moves)

Powered Shell - Broly creates a green forcefield that deflects projectiles and physical attacks. It won't hold well against ultimates. Broly can unleash a storm of ki blasts from inside to attack the opponent, but the shield will break.

*Primal Mindset - Only for a small period of time. If Saiyan is enraged enough, attacks are boosted by a huge amount, but accuracy and defense will drop just as much. Behavior is close to that of a Great Ape. Book only.

*Great Ape/Oozaru - If certain conditions are met, user can transform into a Great Ape/Oozaru. Power is multiplied by ten. Slight chance of going into a primal mindset.

*Super Saiyan - User can transform into a Super Saiyan. Power is multiplied by fifty.

---

Possible Questions:

PQ1: Early update?! What?!

A: In my defense, I had too much fun writing this chapter, so I sorta finished quickly. But also, this document was created as far back as 2019, so this chapter has been in the works for years, along with the others. Whether or not you believe it is fine.

I can't say for sure if the other chapters will be released in the same place. Considering Diamond and Pearl remakes are around the corner may hinder that. I will admit. Aaaaah my childhood!

PQ2: Why is OTES Trunks timid compared to Canon Trunks?

A: More reasons than one. It has a lot to do with the way he was raised by his mother and Tarble later down the line. Imagine being sheltered your entire life, only to find out your mother lied to you, ONLY to see her die in front of you because of your MERE existence. That's a lot to take in.

And we know how things went with Karot and Tarble. Trunks throughout his entire life was shamed for what he is. If that doesn't kill self-esteem, I don't know what does.

What he had to endure throughout his entire life… seeing the Androids and seeing Tarble fall apart before him… it's a sad case. He held on for so long, but Cell pushed too many buttons and he just couldn't take it anymore.

We saw a glimpse of this happening after the fight with Broly. So Trunks telling everyone he deserved to get beaten down… poor dude.

To hear Cell break it down to Trunks about how he arrived at their timeline, he took it both ways. He didn't want to fail like the other Trunks, but at the same time… maybe it is his destiny to fail. That's what's going through his mind. What will it take to help him?

PQ3: Kauli and Aqua?

A: For Cell to tell Kauli about what he did… it has been hinted throughout book 3 and 4. The OTES Cell… uh, the one who… wasn't born yet, was created in the same area that the Chimeras were instead of Gero's lab.

As for the Cell they are fighting now, which timeline did he come from? Whatever timeline you wish. I leave that to the reader to interpret.

But Kauli beating herself up for not seeing this as an opportunity… it was a hard piece to write for me. Not because of the emotions or because I like the character. It was simply due to me trying to make sure the segment was written as realistic as possible. It's still not perfect.

How will this affect her fight against Cell? Only time will tell.

PQ4: Why does Cell want to see Trunks' Saiyan side so bad?

A: I'm sure a few people are thinking about the Canon fight with Gohan and Cell when he tried the same thing. The reason why Trunks has a fight here isn't just because he didn't have an opportunity to fight Perfect Cell earlier, but because I want the Cell games to be more engaging.

This Cell is willing to give everyone a shot. I want you to try to figure out which cells are making him think like that? Hmmm

But back to the question, this series has always looked deeper into the Saiyan hybrids and their behavior. Their Human half makes them more attuned to their emotions and compassion to others, while hindering their Saiyan side's endless thirst for battle. Their Saiyan half makes them have more combat potential and strength than the pure-blooded counterparts, while hindering their Human's side ability to keep their emotions stable. According to Cell (probably the Nappa talking) the more tame their other half is, the more explosive their outburst will be when their Saiyan blood takes complete control.

Somehow I am reminded of Inuyasha, and how whenever his demon blood takes control of his human half, he loses all sense of reason and goes on a killing spree. I haven't watched the anime in a while though. Did you know there's a sequel?

In Cell's eyes, the Human half is not worth fighting against. He wants a bigger challenge. He wants to fight Trunks and Karot at their best. (Probably the Vegeta talking) So, what does he do? He constantly mocks and toys with Trunks, trying to find some way to trigger that Saiyan side of him he wants to see so bad.

He only managed to get a glimpse of it. In the end, he said the wrong thing and we saw what happened near the end of the chapter.

Is it all over for Trunks? We'll see.

PQ5: What about Broly? How will he fare?

A: Broly will play a role in the fight, of course. But how? I have it planned already. I'm not excluding anyone from the fight. This might come back and bite me. It's the only reason why these fights are going to take place for some time.

PQ6: What?! The Earthlings and Piccolo are going to fight?!

A: Yep! It's more of a personal reason too. I really hate how after the Saiyan saga, the Z-fighters got tossed to the sidelines to become sitting ducks, or just Goku's hype crew. I mean, these dudes had so many awesome fights from Dragon Ball. After the whole alien thing, turns out the human race is weak compared to every other alien race out there for some reason. It doesn't make sense to me.

Here, while the humans aren't as strong, their wits and technology make up for it. While Earth tech is primitive compared to other words, they managed to create the Androids AND Cell. I find that very, very cool.

It's also why Book 3 circled around humanity so much.

But yes, the Earthlings will have their time to shine, along with Piccolo since they need a hand, according to Cell. But let me just say I am a fan of writing creative combat. So we'll see how this goes.

PQ7: Will any close relationships develop?

A: If anyone came here for romance, I'm sad to say I'm not your girl. Though the only romance piece I tried and failed to write was "Wigglytuff's True Perfect Apple" which is available here to read. It's horrible. Don't look at it. I haven't looked at it in years.

But if I must write anything romantic, I often keep it brief to try to prevent it from coming off as cheesy. Then again, my perspective towards romance is exactly that. Never liked it. Too predictable. Too dramatic. Too cheesy. Too many people crying. I just can't do it. Lol

Will I judge you if you love it? Of course not! I'm the problem here. You're free to judge me for disliking it! Haha.

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Question Time:

Q: NEW OTES UPDATES LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOO-

I've gotta say your work's honestly been a HUGE inspiration for me, everything from the pacing, the banter, the ways perspectives change and how everything is described; it's all amazing, thank you for sticking through to writing this chapter even though I'm willing to bet it wasn't easy in the slightest. In a way I suppose I can kinda relate to what's been keeping you from working on it too much despite you knowing how the rest of the book is supposed to go- I'm guessing it's burnout. You've been working on this series for about 6/7 years right? Can't blame you for going through any of it, to be putting out work of this quality for so long and for free is something big. Don't feel rushed to put out any new chapters or anything.

To the chapter now HOOOLY-

On god this chapter bussin. Respecfully. Sure the time chamber bits weren't particularly lengthy but honestly I didn't mind it that much, those shorts gave just enough to give an idea of what being in there would've been like for each of them; RIP Nappa though. Was hoping he'd get to lay down some wisdom or tactically outplay Karot and earn his respect. Was also expecting Turles to get done like Nappa by Trunks; turns out he's either a lot better or Trunks is a bit too good at holding back when the flashbacks kick in. I've got a feeling Kauli's words are gonna be reaaaal relevant later down the line; seeing what she said about Aqua and taking in just WHO she said it to actually had me gasping. I just know he's gonna remember that, and Goku's gonna be in for a REAL treat.

I'll never get tired of seeing people talk smack to Vegeta. Hell, I'd do it myself even if I end up in a casket after, he really deserves it sometimes.

AND OOOOOOOOOOO TURLES DID NOT JUST DO THAT-

When I read that scene first I was like "What if Tarble walks in and sees?".

But then I let that sink and was like "oh."

Because well, Tarble. He can't exactly...

...see it coming.

The one thing more satisfying than seeing Vegeta get smack talked, is seeing him get layed out like peanut butter in a sandwich. It's just so cathartic-

Also poor Trunks, Cell wants him first rip. He's actually probably my favourite gold hair boy in dragon ball; there's just so much drip.

(You were right about Together Forever by the way. Fun fact; somehow listening to it led me down a rabbit hole that got me to find your discord lmao)

A: Thank you so much! I feel really bad that book 4 has been lingering since 2017. It's been what? Around 4 years? That's insanity! The only bright side from the slow updates is that at least my writing style and everything related to it gets a little better. I remember when I was young, back in 2015, I would write a chapter and upload it without doing as much as proofreading.

Let me just say re-reading all of book 1 in one day felt like a fever dream.

I've decided to handle the time chamber bits a little differently, so we can have some action and characterization at the same time. We will see more of Nappa's and Karot's interactions down the line. But today, we were able to look deeper into Trunks and Turles.

Aqua and Kauli's relationship… you can take it however you want. Today, we finally get to see Kauli's true feelings towards her sister. Cell sure knows how to get into people's heads. The impact Aqua has here is evident!

Vegeta is getting bitten left and right for what he did. The consequences of all he did is coming clear, but this chapter made it clear he's not the only one who caused Cell to obtain so much strength! Don't worry, Vegeta will have his turn soon. Helpfully, it won't take me forever to get to that point.

As for Turles and Kauli, once again, you're free to take it how you like. We are yet to know just how exactly Kauli feels about Turles, buuut we have a better insight on Turles. Oh boy. Just wait until Tarble finds out what happened.

And yes, Together Forever is a bop. Best bop. The true ending. :)

I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! I hope this one didn't disappoint!

Q: Wow, you're actually back, prayers answered! So, there's so much about this chapter I can't say it all, so I'll just say keep going, you're heavily underrated and should have triple digits on favs, follows and reviewsZ

A: Oooh thank you for the review! I'm not sure if I deserve so many favs or follows though. Hahaha.

Maybe I'm being too critical of myself. I'm glad you are enjoying it! Don't feel shy about leaving a long review. I don't mind at all! :)

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Next Time:

*insert DBZ Kai "episode preview theme" here*

Yamcha: (pleasant) Yo! It's Yamcha!

Yamcha: (nervous) This is it, guys! Use everything against Cell! It's either all or nothing at this point! We can't afford to let him toss us around like trash!

Tien: (determined) Prove to him that Humans are not pushovers. Maybe we are not as strong as the Saiyans, maybe we aren't a Namekian, but we aren't sitting ducks!

Piccolo: (annoyed) I don't care how you fight him. Just don't get in my way, and remember whatever training you had to endure. Maybe, you'll stay alive.

Krillin: (nervous) Yeah. It's time we show that Cell what we are made of!

Yamcha: (determined) That's right!

Vegeta: (taunting) I'll give you fools ten minutes. This should be fun to watch.

Tien: (annoyed) Sorry to say, you'll be disappointed.

Next time on: "The Dissonance of The Earthling Saiyan"! Chapter 23! "Human warriors, prove your worth! It's time to go all-out!"

Yamcha: This is it, guys! Let's show everyone what we learned while training under King Kai!

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REVIEW! REVIEW!

To be Continued in Chapter 23!

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Upcoming Chapters: (Read at your own risk!)

Chapter 23: "Human warriors, prove your worth! It's time to go all-out!" Cell so far shows little signs of being taken down. The hope next lies on the Z-Fighters who most of the Saiyans find a bit… unhelpful. However, Kakarot knows they aren't to be underestimated. The Humans learned a lot since their defeat five years back! Krillin, Yamcha, and Tien work together to fight that terrible threat! It seems they truly learned a lot. Humans learn from their mistakes better than anyone else, after all!

Chapter 24: "Time for the elites to take the floor! Incredible display of power!" Cell had decided to make things more interesting. After his battle against the Humans, he finds a thrill to fighting more than one opponent. He demands all three of the "higher ranking" Saiyans to take a stand. Surely, they can overwhelm him… right? It's hard to say, but they didn't train for nothing. The only concern is of Vegeta and Tarble can even work together properly during this intense fight!

Chapter 25: "Relentless Brothers, do your best! A reason to stay alive!" Cell has finally made to call to battle Kakarot, but sooner than expected. Seems he decided to bend his own rules due to his own boredom. Fight like Saiyans, he says! Go all-out, for the sake of Planet Earth! It's not a good sign when combined efforts doesn't do as much as hoped. Cell has all the techniques. He knows every counter. They can only keep their fingers crossed. Just how powerful is he? When things seem to turn sour, one Saiyan is terrified of losing it all. Their action leads to an unseen consequence!

Chapter 26: "The situation turns bleak! Don't lose your determination!" Every effort seems to fall. Perfect Cell is just to… perfect! There appears to be no flaw in anything about him. Kakarot and his brothers reluctantly agree to allow Karot to fight Perfect Cell on his own, which seems to be a huge shocker for most! Future Trunks feels the need to step in, afraid of losing Karot twice! Perfect Cell decides that since the Saiyans sent their children to fight… why not send his… own? Oh boy. This is… not an ideal playdate for anyone.

Chapter 27: "Clear your mind, and just let go! Become your own warrior!" Everything seems to be… impossible to recover from. This is the moment everyone sees their own major flaws. This entire fight is the consequences of everyone's decisions. Running away, holding back… it will do nothing. But even with their best efforts… what can they do? What do they see in themselves? What does Karot see within himself? They saw half-breeds have greater potential. Is that what they are afraid of? To lose due to being afraid of breaking your own limits seems cowardly. Just… let it go.