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.

26. The situation turns bleak!

Chapter 26 Plot:

Chapter 26: "The situation turns bleak! Don't lose your determination!" Every effort seems to fall. Perfect Cell is just too…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.

BUT FIRST THINGS FIRST…

Cell isn't impressed with who was chosen to fight in Kakarot's place. But, he will see what the deal is. At least, for a time. Unfortunately, just as he suspected, these two young fighters aren't displaying what he wants to see. Feeling disappointed, he decides to see if maybe he can give them a hand. "Get angry!" he says.

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A/N: Espeon804 here with another great chapter!

PUBLISHED: MARCH 10TH, 2024!

WORDS: 21,306

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SPECIAL CHAPTER THEME TIME:

When you see a number next to a paragraph, play the corresponding song for a fun experience! Of course I added the names for an easier search.

Today's the OST from Dragon Ball Super.

These tracks are extended because I quite enjoyed listening to them while writing these scenes. It's very fitting. So take a listen. :)

1) "Dystopian Future"

/watch?v=Ps7ZONZ-sLo

2) "A Dangerous New Enemy"

/watch?v=rxhoXehpaEw

3) (Xenoverse) "Emperor Frieza Cutscene theme" (unofficial title)

/watch?v=P_JW9VLdgeI

4) "Absolute Power"

/watch?v=PVS6ce58678

5) "Champa"

/watch?v=v4vBKsbvJEo

6) "Jiren's Power Unleashed"

/watch?v=-SW1Yw3Gmyk

7) "Death-match with Goku Black"

/watch?v=evCj1we7G9c

8) "Vegeta's Strength"

/watch?v=Voe9_GEU-ek

9) "The Earth's Fate"

/watch?v=T_3pK2JTViY

10) A Secret Plan With One's Life on The Line

/watch?v=JlDcXsdwbDA

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…Ok

I just want to say thank you, Akira Toriyama, for the incredible works you gave us over the years. Rest in Peace.

Your influence across the world remains strong as ever.

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DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Dragon Ball franchise. Akira Toriyama, I hope you made a safe trip to Other World.

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Key:

"Talking"

"Foreign Language"

'Thoughts'

'Telepathy'

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I'm more determined to finish this series now. We are closer to the end.

Thank you.

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--Chapter 26: The situation turns bleak! Don't lose your determination! --

-- AUGUST 25TH, AGE 780 --

Loud, horrified sobbing.

It echoed through the abandoned and destroyed space of an amusement park. It could be heard bouncing from the pieces of a merry-go-round, around the dismantled rollercoaster, underneath the split bridge…

Curled into the smallest ball his body could muster, the young Trunks was halfway buried inside a bush, lacking clothes. His entire body trembled as he continued to break down.

What laid in front of him was a bloody teddy bear soaked in a puddle. It was one of the few things spared from the many cracks and craters that ravaged the roads.

Disturbed puddles and footsteps cut his crying short. A blue jacket fell over his shoulders.

Trunks lifted his head. His face was red and puffy as he met the more mature face that looked down at him with pity. Trunks wiped away his tears using the sleeve of the new jacket, sniffling.

"There you are. Decided to hide away here, huh?"

The mature voice of Karot spoke. He didn't sound disappointed. It was as if he expected it…but who wouldn't?

"You must be starving."

Trunks shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut. He tried to speak, but his lip quivered and his words turned into gibberish. He couldn't stop himself from breaking down into tears again. He was tormented by his thoughts.

A pair of pants dropped in front of him.

He looked up at his master. Fully grown with thick hair sprouting down his back. His back was all Trunks could see. Karot's focus was towards the horrible destructive sight that stretched for miles. There was still smoke rising from the distant craters that were blown to the ground.

Trunks' hands trembled as they reached for the pair of pants. He dragged it close and got dressed. It was difficult to do as much as slip his legs through due to how heavy they felt. One of his feet was coated with dry blood.

Blood that wasn't his.

He couldn't scream. Instead, he fell to the ground again, choking back another sob. He didn't realize Karot was next to him until he heard him taking a seat to his right.

"Hey. Hey now. Look at me." Karot reached for him, but his hand was slapped away. He recoiled, not because it hurt, but because he didn't expect it.

He had been silent for so long. It wasn't until Trunks felt his hand again that he tried to pull away. This time, Karot had a firmer grasp.

"Your hands are covered with blood. Your blood. What did you do?" Karot looked over, and his eyes went wide. "Why would…you do that to yourself?"

Trunks could still feel the throbbing and stinging pain. The bleeding had stopped only recently.

He had torn off his own tail.

"No, no…no you aren't supposed to do that." Karot's voice didn't increase in volume, but he sounded panicked. "Tarble's gonna be angry. What were you thinking?"

Trunks pulled harder and freed his hand again. He once again buried his face. He was no longer crying, but he refused to speak.

"You know it's just going to grow back, right?"

He hated that it could. Trunks wished he could burn it off permanently so that it could never be used against him ever again.

Karot sighed, and he looked ahead again. "You know…I understand how you feel, Trunks."

He didn't. He never did. He was lying.

"When my father turned against this planet, he and Uncle Raditz had to shape me up to prepare to meet Prince Vegeta and Mr. Nappa. I was scared of everything, you know? Didn't feel like I was cut out for anything. Even when the Saiyans started their rampage through this planet…it took for my dad to push me in order to actually do something. I never really liked killing people…but it had to be done."

Hearing those words didn't make any sense. Why was he talking about it like it was a good thing? Killing anything wasn't a good thing. Killing is what made his mother so angry. Killing took her away from him.

"I know how you feel about this, but you have to understand. The people on this planet will kill you no matter what you do. You can try to be nice to them, but it will never work."

Trunks hated that. It always felt like he was out of place—that he didn't belong. When he was discovered by Chille and the others, they immediately wanted to kill him and his mother. It was all because he existed. Any human now would try to kill him just for existing. But, even when his mentors saved him, it didn't feel any different. He couldn't fit in. He wasn't them.

He didn't belong anywhere.

His pressed his lips together, his voice soft as he finally spoke. "That's because…you and the other Saiyans hurt them first. They didn't do anything to you."

Concern was written all over Karot's face. He sighed, a sign that what was said was the wrong answer. "You've been with me for how many years? Still holding on to those teachings those Humans gave to you, huh? You do realize they never cared about you. They only kept you around because of your blood. They were going to use you, too."

It stung. Trunks didn't want to accept that. "That's a lie. My mother loved me."

"What kind of mother would lock her kid in a basement and neglect him of any kind of enrichment?"

"Stop saying that. She was just protecting me."

Trunks already knew his mother wasn't a great person. He was never allowed to leave the basement. That large space was all he knew up until he wandered out, and his mother was killed. Even after being saved, everything was terrifying for him. The world was so vast, far beyond what he pictured in stories. It scared him. It still did.

It was too much information for his mind to bear. Showers existed outside, falling everywhere he went. Trunks remembered when he felt heavy air blowing against him, he couldn't find a giant fan, no matter how hard he looked. It wasn't until Karot told him it was something called 'wind'. Something that was natural outside.

There was so much he didn't know about the outside. Karot did his best to teach him, but there was so much to catch up on.

His mother kept him from outside to protect him. Trunks was sure of it. She wasn't going to use him as some kind of weapon…right…?

Right…?

He doesn't know what to believe. Everything he thought was wrong, was right. Everything that was right, was wrong. But…sometimes what the Saiyans saw as right was wrong. But no, what the Humans saw as wrong was right to the Saiyans…

Nothing made sense. Nothing at all. What was right and wrong? Everytime he believed he figured it out, it turned out to be something else. Even as Trunks sat at that moment, he knew there was no one alive for miles. They were all killed…murdered.

Was it murder? Karot made it seem like it was the right thing to do? Was it self-defense? If so, why did everyone have to die…?

He didn't know what to think. The more he tried, the more his head would spin.

Trunks gave up. He buried his face again.

"You're going to have to stop being so soft to him, Karot."

Teacher…

1) Both of the Saiyan hybrids looked up, meeting the disapproving gaze of the prince. He looked far worse, and the scent of blood was strong on him. If Trunks could hide away in a hole somewhere, he would.

"He's nearly fourteen, Prince Tarble. He can't handle all of this," Karot said.

Tarble frowned. "Saiyan children have their first kill the moment they grow in their teeth. What's his excuse, other than being shut away for the majority of his life?"

"He's not full-blooded. He's not you. We know this."

"Yes, but regardless, that's still Saiyan blood in his veins." Tarble walked closer. "Just like you, he has a very interesting temper that surfaces his hidden potential. But unlike you, until he stops acting so Human, it will be the only useful thing about him."

Trunks didn't want to be as much as perceived anymore.

Karot frowned. "Prince Tarble, please. He's had enough for today. We can clear out the rest of the perimeter without him."

"Why exempt him? He's not dying."

"He's exhausted."

Tarble frowned as his attention focused on Trunks. "You cut off your tail."

Trunks looked away. His ears picked up heavy footsteps, and he looked back. His heart sunk at the sight of the prince storming towards him with ruthless energy.

Karot stepped in front of him and snatched Tarble's arm. They both stood there, with Tarble glaring at him. Karot was silent, but his lashing tail exposed his emotions.

"You can't shelter him forever, child," Tarble said.

"I'm fully grown." Karot's eyes hardened.

"Fully grown, and you still had to do the work for him. I'm not an idiot. He couldn't have possibly done all of this damage willingly!"

Trunks flinched. He wasn't even the one being yelled at. He felt terrible for Karot. His master was in trouble because of him.

"And you."

Trunks knew it was his turn. He braced himself for it.

"How much longer will you fight against it?" Tarble asked. "There will be a day that it becomes meaningless, and you will realize there is no point. At your lowest, it will swallow you whole and eat you alive. I've felt it trying to slip from the cracks. You are just as bloodthirsty as you like to call me. One day you will understand…just how freeing it feels to not be afraid anymore. You only seem to understand this in your primal form, but that's only because your Human half is not getting in the way."

Trunks froze. "My…my what?"

Tarble looked at Karot. "Go ahead and tell him, Karot! Tell him why he just about killed everyone here!"

Karot's eyes went wide with terror. "Prince Tarble, that's not—"

"If you won't tell him then I will." Tarble pulled his arm free and stared down Trunks. "Since you lack the ability to harden your heart when necessary, Karot granted you a favor, if I should even call it that."

Trunks jumped as Tarble screamed. A near-blinding ball of white energy was gathered to the palm of his hand, hovering there. Whatever it was, it took away a fraction of Tarble's own energy.

What was that…? And why did it look so familiar?

"Prince Tarble!" Karot gasped.

"Quiet! You see this?!" Tarble narrowed his eyes. "This is called a Power Ball. When combined with this planet's atmosphere, it becomes an artificial satellite that releases 17 million zenos! It's the very same portion you will get when staring directly at a full moon. I know you are smart enough to put this together. From what I can judge, your hesitation has left your cousin with no other option but to lend you a hand in doing what you were meant to do."

At first, Trunks didn't quite get it. The sphere of energy wasn't a technique used to hurt anyone. The small lecture almost flew over his head.

But it clicked. He remembered seeing it in the sky just the night before. Anything after that, it was all a blur. He just remembered being incredibly angry…

A false moon.

But it wasn't Tarble's doing?! It was…

…no…

Trunks looked at Karot, feeling the pain of betrayal stabbing his heart. "You…you made me turn into that monster…?"

Karot didn't want to answer at first, but it became meaningless to say nothing. The look in Trunks eyes made him confess. "I am… so sorry, Trunks. It was either that or…they would have killed you."

Tarble was right. Karot really did…

But why would he…

"You promised you wouldn't use it!" Trunks stood and stomped the ground. Small cracks exploded around the imprint. "You LIED!"

"Trunks, it was a complicated situation—"

"LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Trunks' aura exploded against his will. His eyes burned as they stared down at them both, who were stunned by his sudden change of personality.

"I HATE you!"

He rocketed from the ground, and he was in the sky within seconds. Tears were flying off his face as he wiped his nose with a single sleeve. He wanted nothing to do with any of them.

He wanted nothing to do with anyone.

-- PRESENT DAY --

'I am not a monster.'

The last time Trunks fought Cell, he broke down and became a complete coward. He can't grasp why Gine told him it was okay. His teacher would have said the complete opposite. His teacher would have scolded him for hours.

Nothing about what he did was ok at all. Running away from a fight is the most dishonorable thing a Saiyan could do.

Even now, as Trunks stands before Cell, he wants to get away. He doesn't want to fight that monster. But, he can't just allow Karot to fight against him by himself. It isn't right. He can't let that happen again.

But, just looking at the kid. Despite being so young compared to him, he's a lot braver, more confident. But, he had his fair share of horrors as well, didn't he?

Trunks takes a deep breath. The soft roar of thunder brings him back to the horrendous sight of his mentor, lifeless on the ground during a stormy night.

He can't back down again. No matter what Cell does, he can't back out.

…

Karot can tell that Trunks is terrified beyond words.

In all his years growing up, Karot had learned to pick up other people's emotions. At first, he wasn't sure why it was something he could do. But, recently, he started to understand. He walked in so many eggshells—too many eggshells. It always felt like someone was going to snap if they were nudged a little too much. He tried his best to avoid being that final straw for so long. It started with Vegeta, then it was Raditz, then Frieza. Recently, it was his father, and now, at this very moment, it is Cell.

Cell wasn't happy. Cell saw them as a joke, a waste of time, even. If Karot displays any lack of praise, he is going to die. That is what Karot feels radiating from Cell.

Usually Karot can figure out a way to remain tolerable. But, in this case, he doesn't know what Cell wants. A good fight? Or, is it just his father's life? This monster has unrealistic standards hanging over everyone's heads. What is he supposed to do?

His father believes that he and Trunks can put an end to him. But how? Cell bested both Vegeta and his father in power alone. He has everyone beat. So why? Why have such reckless faith now?

Maybe, it's because Karot did see a trend during these rounds. He watched everything carefully. It wasn't too difficult to keep up with. He saw every flaw, and he knows Trunks did as well.

Trunks…

Trunks is older than him, but came from a future that was described to be far worse than the present they are living in now. And yet, he looks fine. At least, on the outside.

Karot feels a bit uneasy. Ever since the fighting started…not, since the fight against Broly, Trunks has been more shaken up than usual. The confidence he displayed when they first met him had to be a facade. He's scared. And that fear has surfaced more and more. But that fear is not pinned towards Cell somehow.

It's almost as if Trunks is afraid of himself.

Karot knows how that feels. He's scared, too. He doesn't want to fight, and it's not because he doesn't believe he stands a chance.

It's beginning to make sense, on why his father chose him.

Cell doesn't look the tiniest bit impressed. He's not even doing the usual mockery. He's just…waiting for something to happen.

Alright.

Karot growls before he crosses both arms over his head. He throws them down with a scream, unleashing golden aura as he transforms into a Super Saiyan. Trunks follows suit, transforming just as quick.

"This is different…" Cell is intrigued. "Straight to Super Saiyan, are we? I wonder how long you will be able to keep this brave face. Not many sons would be so willing to fight for their fathers."

He's trying to psyche them out. Karot looks at Trunks, hoping that he is holding himself together.

Cell beckons them with a single curling finger.

2) Karot plants his feet, and he kicks himself forward. Once he is close enough, he sends a frenzy of attacks. He doesn't land a single one as Cell dodges them, unimpressed. That's when Trunks joins in, and both of the Saiyan hybrids work together to try to land a single blow on him.

Cell blocks their punches with two arms. He sends his own, and they are both dodged as they step around it. Cell is on the offensive, trying to land a single punch on them. They are tracking his movements, avoiding just about every blow. Cell switches to a sweeping kick, but Karot jumps, saving his ankles. Trunks blocks the next kick with a single arm.

"Hm." Cell picks up speed with his attacks. The two are keeping up. His swinging leg is shoved aside by Trunks, and the teen strikes his chest with the palm of his hand, sending him staggering back.

…

"Look at them go! They are so fast!" Krillin is impressed by what he is seeing.

Piccolo frowns. "You are far too optimistic. You fought him earlier, so you must realize Cell is toying with them. They won't last too long out there."

Krillin's smile vanishes. "Yeah…you're right."

"There's no need to worry," Kakarot says. "Just watch. In a few moments, we are going to see some impressive work here. I just know it."

"You sure are positive," Yamcha says. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

Kakarot nods. It doesn't make anyone feel much better.

…

Dodging is becoming too difficult now. Karot had far too many close calls as each attack is faster than the last. His dodging has turned into blocking and redirecting. He misses once, and blunt pain strikes his face. He staggers, and a foot strikes him across the head. He's on the ground.

Trunks shouts and lunges, but his attack is dodged as he is kicked on the chest. Just before he could fall, Cell catches him by his hair.

Karot jumps for his aid, but he is chopped on the neck. With the pain stunning him, he feels himself being lifted from the ground by his hair as well.

Cell smiles, and he slams their heads together, earning a scream from both of them. He does it again, and the third time makes them bleed. He continues to bash their skulls together, ignoring their cries as he laughs to himself.

Karot can't think straight. He…has to get out!

…

"Oh, no! Not looking good…!" Yamcha shouts.

"This is a bad idea," Tien says. "These kids don't know what they are doing! They need to get out of there!"

Raditz glares at his youngest brother. "Kakarot. I am not so fond of my son being treated like a cymbal here!"

"I'm telling you. It's fine," Kakarot assures them.

"What do you mean by fine? Your kid is out there too, you know! I don't think your little plan is working!"

But Kakarot doesn't respond this time. He watches, without a hint of worry.

"Hello?! I know you can hear me!"

Gine hasn't said a word, but the look on her face speaks for her.

Turles manages to sit up not long after the fighting started. He is in a world of pain, but the fighting is enough for him to ignore it. Upon hearing Kakarot's careless attitude, he can only stare, trying to figure out what is going through his brother's mind. 'I don't like how calm you are about this. These kids and their power aren't the only thing in this foolish plan of yours, is it? There is something else…something you are not telling us. Just what the hell are you planning to do? Why are you so content about it…?'

…

After inflicting a few more collisions, Cell decides he has enough. Karot can tell, because he is tossed in the air. He only catches sight of the blur of Cell as he spins and kicks Trunks with enough force to be heard across the terrain. To Karot's horror, Trunks is sent plummeting towards the earth below.

Cell swings his other leg. Air is forced out Karot's lungs as pain stabs his stomach. The world around Karot blurs as he spirals down, crashing through the earth.

His mouth is wide open, but all that enters is dirt. He can't spit it out as his lungs remain non-functional. Karot crawls out the crater, drooling as he tries to breathe. He blinks away the blood that trickles down the bleeding gash on his forehead. His head already has a splitting headache. His lungs are burning, desperate for air.

Cell lands a distance away. He is taking his time coming towards him while his arms are crossed.

By the time Karot is on his feet, he takes in a desperate gulp of air. He wipes his mouth clean of any dirt as he tries to get his breathing back to normal. That is when he notices it. Cell stands right in front of him.

A single finger is pointed at his nose. Karot feels the world freeze as a sphere of pink energy gathers to the tip of it.

The air roars as Trunks rockets towards Cell, but he is blasted back by Cell's free hand. The finger blast is fired.

Karot gasps. He ducks. The blast pierces through a distant boulder, leaving a clean hole. Another is fired, and Karot jumps aside. It almost touched him.

Karot scrambles back as Cell fires more in a frenzy. He almost trips over his feet as he tries to keep the momentum. If there is a window to fly—there has to be without the risk of being shot in the process!

Cell takes his casual stroll forward, humming a tune as he follows Karot's movements with his finger. He continues the rapid fire, watching the panic. The sharp changes in direction almost catches the child several times. Cell's feet leave the ground as he makes his ascend.

The firing stopped. Karot can finally catch his breath, but not for long. All of Cell's fingers have that same horrible glow.

Trunks is just getting back to his feet when he sees it. He looks at Karot, panicked.

"Alright. Let's see you dodge this!" Cell fires then all at once. It was like a deadly meteor shower raining their way towards them both.

They both scream. Karot and Trunks both leap and jump in every direction imaginable as the ground around them becomes decorated with smoking holes.

Sharp, burning pain pierces through Karot's shoulder. He almost hits the ground, but he recoils back in time. Another laser whizzes past his nose, burning off an inch of his hair clean. The drastic shift of weight on his legs forces him to the ground.

The frenzy has stopped, but the ground is bathed in yellow light.

Karot looks up. A massive yellow blast is coming his way. He lunges and hits the ground with a roll. A fresh wave of pain pulsed through his shot and bleeding shoulder. The ground shakes as the blast makes contact.

Cell fires another, and Karot is forced to lunge again. He fires at Trunks, and the teen scrambles. Karot's boot is blown off by the next blast. He hit the earth.

A cluster of zapping pink energy flies and swallows Karot. His muscles lock, refusing to do as much as budge as he collapses to the ground. Cell has landed, and he makes his way over.

Trunks flies in. Cell turns and unleashes another Saturday Crush. The bolts run through Trunks' body. The teen flinches, but he balls a fist and draws it back.

"Wh—" Cell is slugged across the face before he can speak his disbelief. It's followed by a spinning kick that sends him tumbling on the ground.

Trunks lands and helds Karot to his feet. "Are you alright?!"

Karot can finally move again, but everything is still buzzing. "Yeah…thanks."

"Your shoulder, it's—"

"I know. I'll be ok." Karot turns his attention to Cell.

The bio-Android is already back to his feet, somewhat intrigued. "You won't be able to shake it off next time."

He jumps and vanishes from sight. Karot's eyes dart around. He and Trunks turn around in time to block Cell's punch with the combination of their strength.

Cell is surprised. He attacks again, and they both dodge. He throws a crescent kick, and he misses them again. He huffs, and his attacks turn into a blur. He lands an uppercut against Trunks, and Karot hooks Cell in response.

Cell steps back and takes a moment, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. The tiniest smear of purple blood is left behind.

He vanishes from sight again. Trunks has no time to react before his chest is battered by a flurry of punches. A heavy blow sends Trunks off his feet. Another sends him flying and crashing through a rock formation. It collapses with him inside.

Karot steps back as Cell turns to him and vanishes. He turns around. A heavy blow strikes the back of his head. His face slams on the ground. He rolls to his back, gripping his stinging nose.

A foot knocks his hands free before slamming down on his head, pinning him down. More pressure cracks the ground, and Karot is screaming in pain.

…

Broly takes a step forward. He wants to jump in to help them, but he knows he can't.

"This is too much pressure for them, don't you think?" Krillin asks Kakarot. "Cell isn't playing so nice anymore. He's actually hurting them out there!"

"As if that implies he was ever playing nice with anyone to begin with…" Nappa glares at Krillin.

"That's because Kakarot pissed him off, and he's taking it out on them!" Vegeta shouts. "He can blabber about their potential all he likes, but what good is it if they are dead?!"

Gine grabs Kakarot's arm. A hint of fear is on her face. "I understand you want to believe in their strength. Trust me, I know how they feel, but just as Vegeta said…what good is it right now?"

"They won't die," Kakarot says. "I know it looks rough right now, but have some faith. They got this."

"This isn't so convincing," Tarble says. "Their combined performance is beginning to falter. How can you be so casual about this?"

Turles wants to believe his brother, but the expectations are too high for him to accept. He knows Kakarot is still recovering from what the demon did to him. Could it be that he is still influenced by the demon's crave for violence without knowing?

Watching others suffer was one of Kakarot's favorite things before.

'I can't believe I am thinking this…but I'm worried about those kids. They were clearly not suitable for the upbringing they had. If the Time Chamber taught me anything, it's that these kids have been running away from themselves…and I don't blame them for it.'

-- OoOoOoOo --

The first thing Turles saw upon opening his eyes, were a blue pair staring right back at him.

"What the hell—" Saiyan words exclaimed from Turles' mouth as he sprung from his bed. He stared at the teenager who stood at the edge of it.

"You do realize that your guard is completely down when you sleep. And, you are a terribly heavy sleeper," Trunks said. "You left your neck completely exposed. Anyone could have just walked in and slit your throat open."

"What the hell kid?!"

3) "That's what Teacher always told me," Trunks shrugged.

Turles opened his mouth, searching for something to say. He sighed, rubbing his neck. "Of course it was your teacher. How long did he teach you anyway?"

"Ever since he saved me when I was small," Trunks said. "Before, it was just me and my mom. Then when Chille discovered me, I kinda destroyed the place. After that, Master Karot and Teacher looked after me."

"And how old were you?"

"Uh…hm." Trunks thought for a second. "Maybe 6? 7?"

"Oh wow. And you…lived in a basement before that?"

"Yeah. Me and Wasabi."

"Wait who the hell is—"

"Lava-breathing tiger."

Turles blinked. "Ok then. So about your teacher…"

"He taught me a lot of things, yeah," Trunks said. "Taught me how to fight. Him and Karot."

"Have you utilized everything?"

Trunks hesitated. "N...not exactly?"

"Why not?"

"Not fond of half of the ideas…" Trunks shrugged. "I mean, I've only started looking into them recently since the Cell games are so close. I figured…why not see which one of these are the most effective? Cell isn't exactly a machine. He can die the same way we can if we know what we are doing. It's just that since he's harder to kill, it would require far more extreme measures. But, maybe you don't care. You're a Saiyan. Your morals are different."

Turles was curious. He got up from his bed and stretched his arms. "Hit me then. I'm curious about what 'extreme measures' you've thought of."

"Anatomy is as fascinating as it is flawed," Trunks said. "Like our tails. It's one of the most important parts of our bodies. Teacher said it's our strongest limb. But because of that, the flaw is how easy it is to rip off. And also—!"

Turles stepped back as Trunks stood.

"Snapping the tail only stuns you temporally," Trunks said. "If you shatter the bones right at the pressure points—"

Turles froze upon his tail being held in a tight grasp.

"...your entire body will lock up. You won't be able to move unless it's removed. And well uh…usually that's the easiest way to kill a Saiyan."

"H…how…"

"Teacher told me," Trunks said. "It's how he took out Vegeta."

"I see. Very impressive…" Turles had his eyes glued on the hand. "Can I have my tail back now?"

"Oh, sure." Trunks released it.

Turles never wrapped his tail back in place so fast before. It wasn't that he was afraid—was he afraid? The kid grabbed it in an instant, and he knew exactly what to do.

He was silent. He was waiting.

"What else do you know, kid?" Turles was a bit more curious, a lot more cautious.

"Right, let's see…" Trunks tapped his chin. Almost in an instant, he remembered something else. "Oh, yeah. You can only hold your breath underwater for so long. At some point, your body will try to breathe against your will. You will have to resist the urge to breathe or you'll end up having water in your lungs."

"Well, yes. But I don't see—"

"Right. Since Cell is modeled after an insect, it's a wonder if he even has lungs or not. How does he breathe? Through his skin, maybe? Regardless, I'm sure when he can't hold his breath forever, right? Even insects can drown."

Turles shivered. He was not in the mood to talk about insect anatomy.

"But what if it turns out he can't drown? Maybe we can send him deep into the ocean or something? Your mind can play tricks on you if you breathe only oxygen in the depths of the sea. See, it's important to mix oxygen with nitrogen and helium. The helium is so the air isn't weighted down so much by the water pressure, see. If it's just pure oxygen, then it gets condensed and you end up breathing too much at once. Then, you lose your sense of direction—can't tell up from down. It's how even the most skilled divers drown during underwater cave explorations. I think I've read about that one in a book. Did you know Karot had taken out a few soldiers that way because they were too scared to resurface? They were going to die anyway, but I guess they preferred to drown. Don't see how that's any better though…"

Turles nodded. The kid must have done research. But for him to know such information almost conflicts his softer personality. It was…strange.

"That's three different possible ways we can kill Cell. Maybe. Although the diving part is…very specific. Probably won't work," Trunks said.

"You have your mother's intelligence alright…" Turles said.

"So, what I realized is that he can die. He just…doesn't get to that point when he…actually dies. What happens is he gets to the very brink of death and recovers from there. So, even if we blow up his head, or scorch him alive, or drown him, or dismember him, he'll just bounce back good as new, right?"

Turles watched him carefully. He was…listing all of that so casually.

"A Saiyan can only hold their breath in the vacuum of space for a while? Half an hour give or take, before the oxygen in your blood begins to run low. Maybe your blood vessels will rupture? Or maybe you'll freeze to death? There's probably ten different ways you can die out there. Not sure if it would work against Cell though. He's part Cold? Frieza? I think he could survive."

Turles' face twisted.

"But regardless, at some point, Cell's regeneration will slow down. And maybe, it would stop entirely," Trunks said. "All we have to do is keep burning his energy. Once that slows down, we just have to break him. Immobilize him, so that he can't move. I'm pretty sure he can revive himself for as long as a single cell survives. It only takes one cell for it to multiply into thousands. So, we have to burn everything."

Turles raised an eyebrow. "You know all of this, but you don't have the will to do it, do you?"

Trunks sighed as he took a seat.

"Your teacher has told you about hardening your heart, hasn't he?"

"...All the time, especially when he was furious with me," Trunks said. "Whenever I did something stupid, I guess."

Turles frowned. "I…don't think you did anything too foolish. From what I've seen, you're a rather clever kid. Sometimes terrifyingly so."

Trunks' eyes lit up. "R-really?"

"You came from a timeline where it was everyone for themselves. From all the stories you've told me, it's safe to assume the Tarble you speak of has deteriorated beyond recognition, especially after Karot died."

Trunks' smile vanished. "Yeah…yeah. I guess you could say that."

Turles was a bit puzzled by the teen. He couldn't understand Humans if he tried, so a Saiyan with Human blood was…a bit odd to him.

But upon spending time with him the last few months, he was beginning to understand how he thinks. A lot of his jumpy nature came from whatever damage that was inflicted on him from his own timeline.

Turles didn't know how to brighten his spirits. He wasn't his mother. The best he could do was guide him.

"I said I would teach you how to use your anger like a Saiyan. Not whatever…Tarble taught you. Let's tap into your Saiyan instincts," Turles said. "Your Human tendencies? Let's try to push it aside. That explosive temper? We don't want that yet. I want to see your anger focused."

Trunks frowned. "That's hard to do. I'm not a full Saiyan."

"I know. But we can try. Tell me. You say you fear your own anger. Why is that? Saiyans use rage as a means to heighten their battle instincts."

"I already told you. When I get worked up, that's when those horrible thoughts start to surface," Trunks said. "The angrier I get, the worse they get…and the more I want to act upon them. It…scares me."

"That level of rage is not felt by Humans, so it doesn't feel natural. Is that it?"

"I…think so."

"Were your mentors familiar with it?"

"...Yeah. Master Karot told me he had a similar problem. He would black out, and wake up, surrounded by destruction. But, if he's somewhat conscious, he just remembers being angry, and wanting to destroy the trigger. He said it's terrifying how easy it is to hurt people when you don't care anymore."

"And, you have a similar situation?"

Trunks frowned. "Everytime I black out…when I come to my senses…someone is dead. And I feel sick to my stomach. I don't like to kill people, but Teacher has forced me to do so to toughen me up…"

He drummed his fingers together.

"But…what really scares me…is if I am conscious…that rage..it feels…the power behind it feels incredible. It makes me feel like a monster."

Turles was puzzled by this. "That's just your Human way of thinking. That power you feel is your Saiyan blood. You should take pride in it."

"How can I, when I feel satisfaction hurting the source of my suffering?"

Turles would complain, but he had to stop and think. The kid looked distraught…spooked. He had to remind himself this is a person who grew up with Human morals…well…somewhat humane. Trunks didn't think like a Saiyan. Turles had to dig deeper. What would Kakarot think? What was he like before he was captured by those soldiers?

The Humans that were once Kakarot's allies, were squeamish about bloodshed. But, that was because their way of life was a lot more lax and merciful.

Yes. That was it. They preferred to make their enemies suffer as little as possible. It was strange to Turles, but with that context, he could puzzle together how Trunks' mind works.

"Have you ever felt such a…terrible sensation before?" Turles didn't like to call it 'terrible', but he had to get to the teen's level. Perhaps there was something about him that even he didn't understand.

Yes, he looked uncomfortable. But, Trunks was willing to talk. He was hugging his own body in a tight manner to soothe his own nerves, perhaps. His eyes were on his feet. He was thinking. If Turles pushed him to speak, then the teen would back out, and they would get nowhere.

He would have to wait.

A minute passed. Then, another. Trunks sat there with his troubled thoughts. His face twisted, painted with a twinge of fear. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He hugged his legs closer to his body.

"I was 14 years old," Trunks finally said. "After Karot died and Tarble lashed out at me…I decided to run away. I didn't want to go back there anymore. I didn't want to be seen by anyone anymore, because…I felt worthless."

Turles nodded.

"I don't know how far I went, but I wandered into the ruins of the place I was born in. And, this probably doesn't surprise you, but I got caught in a bad spot. Turned out Chille wasn't dead."

Turles nodded at that. "Checks out. That bastard was hard to kill in this timeline too."

"The memory is fuzzy…but I remember being so angry. I was so angry at him. He was the reason my mom lost herself. He was the reason I was locked away. He was the reason Karot and Tarble lost themselves. He was the source of…so much of my misery. Just thinking about it even now…even…now…"

Turles heard the shuffle. Trunks' nails were digging deep into his thighs. The only thing that didn't change was his face, but his presence was thick with incredible pressure.

'So much bloodlust. This kid…' Turles said nothing. He had to understand—

Trunks' body was highlighted with a yellow glow. His face started to change; his lips trembled before they parted, revealing nearly every tooth. His eyes were blazing as his body trembled.

'There's that look again.' It was the third time Turles had seen it. The first when he was squeezing the life out of Trunks during training. The second when he insulted his master.

It was impressive…just how quick his attitude changed each time.

"Don't fight it," Turles said. He was cautious, taking a couple steps back, just in case.

Trunks shut his eyes as he took in a sharp breath. "It burns…so much."

"I know." Turles tried to use the tone his mother would use, but it was strange. "It's fine. Describe it to me. If you keep your mind running, you won't black out so easily. Speak to me. Your emotions that day when you faced him. Every detail…tell me."

"It burned."

Fire.

"Why does it have to burn like this? It's like my veins are on fire. My chest hurts so much! I can hear my heart pounding in my ears…I hate it…I hate this…!" His trembling hands reached his head.

"Don't fight it," Turles told him again. "Let it flow through you. I will be ok."

Turles wasn't sure how true that was, though.

Trunks shook his head as his eyes squeezed tighter. "I hate this…! I…"

"Against Chille. What happened?"

"Chille…" Trunks almost whispered. "Hard to remember. I…couldn't stop…I…."

His energy was climbing. Turles noticed the air picking up.

"I want you to remember. Cell is the result of Chille's last effort to destroy us. Cell is the result of your mother falling apart. Cell is the result of Dr. Gero wanting to transform everyone into something else against their will. I know you don't want that reality."

"Hah…." Trunks curled his body tighter. "Hahaha…."

"That anger you feel…you have to unleash it, or it will poison you," Turles said. "Unleash it against that monster, or he will consume all of us. Use that rage as a weapon. Stop restraining it. No one else is here."

"No…no one…"

Trunks lowered his hands to his lap. His tail was completely still.

"So…much easier…" he whispered.

Trunks was slow to his feet. Once he stood tall, his tail snapped to the right, and his eyes opened. The irises shifted to a turquoise color, and his aura flared.

He transformed into a Super Saiyan.

4) "Good. Good. That's it." Turles nodded. He was growing nervous, but he didn't want to lose face. At that moment, the energy he felt from that kid…it was the strongest he ever felt. Was that what it was like…when he stopped worrying about the what-ifs…?

No. He shouldn't be afraid…

"Your eyes aren't red. Your anger is focused and controlled. That's good." It was more of a note to himself than to Trunks. "But now, we need to focus that anger tighter. It's still a tad wild. Take in a deep breath and hold it. Focus your energy."

He was almost worried when Trunks didn't respond right away. But upon his eyes closing, and hearing him breath…it was good progress.

Trunks' tail was settling. The fur was resting. It was perfect.

"There. There you go." Turles nodded. "Now, how do you feel?"

Trunks looked at his hands. "Hard to say. Still pissed off, but I don't want to kill you this time."

'THIS time?!'

The words caught Turles off guard. He brushed it off and cleared his throat. "It looks like you've managed to tap further into your Super Saiyan state. So now…we need to work on mastering it. You can call upon your anger at any time to summon it like this."

-- OoOoOoOo --

The mountain of boulders shoot out like flying catapults. They crash into the ground or shatter in smaller pieces as they collide against each other. A massive trio fly towards the audience. Many jump to avoid being struck. Gine catches one with both hands. Piccolo shatters one with a side punch.

Gine sets the boulder down as her eyes remain fixed on the flowing golden energy where the pile once resided. Her face is filled with shock.

The Super Saiyan aura flows around Trunks' battered and bruised body, with an intensity never seen before. He pulls his arms close to his body, and the aura begins to spiral.

"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Trunks' energy explodes.

Cell is nearly blown away. His bored expression morphs into a small smile as he relaxes his body, finally content with what he is seeing. "Well now. Doesn't take much, does it?"

"Ngh…!"

Cell looks down at his foot. He had forgotten about Karot for a moment. His smile fades as he finds it harder to keep his foot pinned down. It's being pushed back as Karot rises to his knees.

Karot can sense the intensity of Trunks' rising power. If he's not giving up, then why should he?

"It's not over…! I was just…getting started…!" Karot's own power explodes, forcing Cell to take a step back. He throws his head back, screaming towards the sky as he pours out all the power he can muster. The ground trembles beneath his feet as the air around him flows stronger.

The powerful gusts can be felt as far as where the audience stands. They are guarding their faces from the flying dust and debris. Many have to stand firm to not be pushed back by the force of it.

"What…what the hell…?" Vegeta is almost at a lost for words.

Tarble is almost intimidated by it. "Their energy…! It's…it's stronger than Vegeta's!"

"What?!" Vegeta doesn't want to believe it himself.

Broly's mouth hangs open. It was the same strong burst of energy he felt before. He remembers. He remembers how it overpowered him.

"I can't believe that these kids are so strong!" Tien shouts. "Is this why you were betting on them, Goku?"

Kakarot smiles, like a proud father. "Something like that. Now that the kids shook their fears away, that just pushes them closer to where they need to be."

"Looks like they finally did it…" Turles chuckles, but it's cut short as he winches in pain. He waves off any concern, wearing a smile again. "The malice is there. Not as intense as I would like, but it's there…"

"Say again?" Kauli asks. "You're saying they can be worse than this?"

"Seleriak just about killed me several times in there," Turles says. "I tried to teach him how to channel his rage like a Saiyan, but in the end…"

"Yeah. I know what you are talking about. It was the same for Karot. It became something else," Nappa says. "It exploded. I thought I was a goner."

"His power?" Raditz asks.

"It skyrocketed beyond anything I've ever felt before," Turles says. "Every cell in my body was telling me I wouldn't survive."

"What?!" Tarble is stunned. "You're serious?!"

"I don't lie about strength."

"Yeah, that's exactly what it was." Nappa nods. "Only for Kakarot's kid, the pressure that surrounded him was suffocating."

"Two different responses…" Gine taps her chin. "A fury beyond our own understanding. One is ice cold, and the other…"

She looks at the two who continue to power up.

"Kid's a lot more twisted than he lets on," Turles says. "All those years of resentment. It builds so much."

Vegeta is left speechless from all that he heard. He looks at Kakarot again, who hasn't contributed anything to the conversation. He's just watching. Watching with that stupid smile on his face.

"Kakarot, what the hell is going on here?" Vegeta asks. "You better explain yourself right now! Stop leaving out the context! This isn't just you being an idiot after all, is it?"

Kakarot chuckles.

"Explain!"

"I guess…you can say I added everything together," Kakarot says.

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"You said yourself that Saiyan hybrids show a lot of promise, right? His mother's side of the family have the temper of a raging ox. Their strength is impressive from a Human as well. You could say that plays a part."

'That…and the possibility they inherited my twisted fury,' Gine thought.

"Combine that with how intense Human emotions are…" Vegeta eyes go wide. "You can't be serious. Is this why you idiots tossed them to fight that monster like this?!"

"I guess so," Kakarot says.

"You're gambling here! It will only work if they decide to embrace it! They won't!"

"You don't know that." Kakarot's blunt answer catches the prince off guard. He ignores the glare as he places his hands near his hips. "They will, very soon."

…

Cell chuckles as the two fighters resume their fighting stances. "Well then! This is your full power, isn't it? I have to say, at first I was very skeptical, but now it makes perfect sense. You two are by far, the most powerful warriors I've ever faced! This…just got a lot more interesting. Heh-heh-heh…"

He places one foot in front of the other, spreading out his hands.

"But even with all that power, it's still not enough to defeat me. So, come at me with what you will. All your efforts will be in va—"

Trunks vanishes and appears mid-jump above Cell's head. He turns his body and slams the heel of his boot square on his face, sending the enemy to the ground.

Cell pushes himself to his knees, and he wipes the side of his face. "Alright…so no talking then." He throws up an arm, blocking a punch from Trunks that would have otherwise brought him back down. He swings his arm, sending Trunks back in a stagger. He's back on his feet.

Karot lunges, and his first two punches are blocked. He kicks Cell on the chest, freeing his hands, and delivering another kick to knock him off balance. Trunks jumps in at that same moment, landing a blow with a strong fist.

Cell throws his head down to avoid another punch from Trunks. He sends his own, but Trunks tilts his head, avoiding it. Cell throws another punch, and Trunks ducks again. A swinging foot takes his place, knocking Cell's arm upwards. Karot blasts his face with a single hand. The stinging pain stuns him for a second.

Whenever Karot is forced to dodge, Trunks moves in to attack. Karot attacks every time Cell finds an opening in Trunks' efforts. With the constant attacks exchanging between the two Saiyan hybrids, Cell realizes he can't catch a break, not even for a second.

He tries to fly back for distance, but the pair match his speed. Cell takes a left hook, an uppercut, a gut punch, and a barrage of several more attacks. It's not that it hurts too much. It was growing too annoying for him. Every time he tries to attack one, the other counters, and Cell is punished.

After taking another kick to the face, Cell sneers and throws out both hands with a scream. A crackling, transparent purple barrier is unleashed. The two young fighters back out as it continues to expand.

Cell, within the core, lets out a strained laugh as the back of his shoulders begin to bulge. For a second, the energy he is outputting keeps him from breathing as he continues to strain his body.

Exploding from underneath the skin of his shoulders—coated with green ooze—are a pair of extra arms.

"Seriously…?" Tien is too shocked to be angry.

"That's just disgusting…!" Turles squeezes his eyes shut.

Cell flexes the new pair of arms. Once satisfied, the barrier vanishes, and he rockets forward with speed that not even Karot or Trunks can follow.

Just as their eyes catch on, they are punched simultaneously. They both try to counter, but their attacks become far too easy to block. The attacks from Cell become more rapid.

"It seems you've grown far too accustomed to fighting your opponent with two arms…so how about four?!" Cell uppercuts them both at once. He wraps one hand around Trunks neck, and two others around Karot's body. He makes a dive for the ground.

Trunks tries to pull the arm free, but it tightens around his neck. He is forced through the ground, and stomped on his back, pushing the air out of his lungs.

Karot opens his mouth, but his words are cut shot as he is punched by Cell's extra fists. His head is thrown around as he is punched in a frenzy. His legs are too short for him to kick himself free. Cell's constriction around his body tightens, locking his arms from slipping as much as an inch.

Finally, Cell has grown bored of him. He grabs his head, and the world is a blur in an instant as Karot is slammed through the ground. As if his chest remembers the heavy blow it took before, he is again unable to breathe.

As soon as Cell lifts his foot from Trunks' back, the teen jumps right at him.

Trunks' first punch is caught. Cell grips his arm as he tries with his other fist. Unable to pull away, he swings a leg towards Cell's chin, but his ankle is caught by the third hand. The fourth snatches his other leg!

"He's trapped!" Yamcha shouts.

"This doesn't make any sense. Isn't that technique supposed to drain him?" Krillin wonders.

"That's what I'm wondering." Tien growls. "Don't tell me. Did he somehow improve my Four Witches too?"

No matter how hard Trunks struggles, he can't pull himself free. Cell is laughing at his efforts before opening his mouth wide, gathering yellow energy to the base of it.

Karot finally recovers from the barrage he took, just in time to see the horrors. He launches from the ground in a desperate attempt to reach Cell before Trunks is blasted by the point-blank Break Cannon…!

Trunks shut his eyes as he screams. Cell laughs as he prepares to fire.

A lavender tail strikes his jaw, forcing it shut. It explodes, and the shockwave knocks Trunks free. He hits the ground, and seconds later, Karot lands next to him, helping him to his feet.

Being so close to the blast singed Trunks' tail fur, leaving patches that would take weeks to grow back.

Cell is in no better shape. Not even remotely close.

His hands are pressed against his jaw that is coated with blood. Eyes are wide with disbelief as he tries to put it back together. Moving his hand away, it falls wide open, far more than natural. It hangs by just a few threads of skin and muscle.

He can't speak, but his heated glare towards Trunks says enough words. He grips the jaw, and he tears it clean from his skull, tossing it to the ground. The two young fighters freeze, caught off guard by what they just witnessed.

The audience isn't any less disturbed. Turles especially looks pale on the face.

5) "I…I think I'm starting to understand…why we were chosen to fight a monster," Karot says to Trunks.

"Yeah. I think I figured it out," Trunks says. "Cell said we are the strongest fighters he has faced so far, right?"

"It's not that. I heard Yamcha mention it earlier. He said…that it takes a monster to beat a monster." Karot looks at Trunks' horrified eyes. "You've seen people die from much worse, haven't you? This doesn't even bother you."

Trunks didn't think about it before. But Karot was right.

He saw far worse. This is nothing.

And that alone scares him.

The incomprehensible noises from Cell is a reminder that he is going to regenerate any second. Karot meets his burning gaze.

"We don't have to do this, you know," Karot says. "We can stop this pointless fighting. I didn't even want to fight, but it's not because I'm scared of you. You're tough, but…what scares me is my dad. He knows what we are capable of. We have the power to defeat you, Cell. But, it's not just the power that I am worried about."

"Hu?" Cell raises an eyebrow.

"Yeah…I think I know what he's saying," Trunks agrees. "I don't think you understand, Cell. I am…absolutely terrified of myself. If I get pushed too far, there's no turning back. And Goku…he's betting on that happening to the both of us. It's a very twisted method, and I despise it, but it makes sense. It's something my teacher tried to take advantage of several times. This isn't new to me."

Cell lowers his head with a grunt as a new jaw finally sprouts. He stands, pushing his thumbs inside the side of his mouth, popping the jaw back into place.

"I know you're not directly following Dr. Gero's programming. You're making your own decisions, aren't you?" Karot asks. "So you can choose to end this tournament."

"Why should I?" Cell asks. "Your cousin just blew out my jaw, and that was from self-defense alone. That kind of quick thinking under pressure doesn't just come from anyone. He wasn't so keen on mortally wounding me earlier, now was he?"

"My objective was to weaken you," Trunks says.

"I never said death was illegal."

"You're not understanding," Trunks says. "If I—"

Cell chuckles. "If this is your attempt to intimidate me, I'm sorry to say it is ineffective. What you did manage to do however…was grant you the privilege of living."

"Wh…what?"

"What you two said has intrigued me. There is something sealed away in your psyche that you don't want to let out, and I believe it's connected to whatever your hidden potential might just be. I would like to see it for myself."

Karot was hoping Cell wouldn't say that.

But what was he kidding? He has Saiyan genes. Of course he will want to try something stupid to see what he wants.

Cell chuckles at their faces. "I've tried to get it out from you before, Trunks, but you instead decided to cry like one of those defenseless Human spawns. Perhaps you will present to me something different. Perhaps Goku's son will prove to be entertaining? You both do have the eyes of someone who is very familiar with death. So…how am I going to get what I want this time? Perhaps a different method is required. You said that all I have to do is push you, hm?"

Trunks steps back as Karot braces himself.

"If that's the case, then fine. I'll stop holding back."

"Wh—"

Cell clenches all four fists as he spreads his feet apart. The ground begins to tremble as his energy flares.

"I thought…I thought he was already going all out when he fought against Goku!" Yamcha shouts.

"No…no I don't think so…" Raditz mutters.

"You're forgetting that he got stronger from the Senzu Beans," Tarble reminds them.

Nappa growls. "I think we are about to see…just how outclassed we really are!"

Cell screams as he unleashes his power. A far more powerful gust swirls around his body in a mightier vortex than what the young fighters presented before. Karot and Trunks can't even look at him directly as the wind stings their eyes. They are forced to shield it, all while sinking their feet into the earth to keep their bodies from being blown away.

The amount of energy Cell is exerting is nothing ever felt before. Just when Karot believed it couldn't get high enough, another pulse of energy proves him wrong. His stomach drops and his mind begins to race as he tries to find some sort of method to stand against such raw power.

He comes to nothing.

There is nothing!

'I can't…there is no way…!'

…

Yamcha's face floods with horror as the energy continues to climb. He can't even find words, looking at the Saiyans for some sort of hope.

But even they were stunned, especially Vegeta. For the first time in years, the prince wears the face of someone filled with endless regret.

"Someone…someone get those kids out of there!" Kauli shouts over the wind. "They won't stand a chance against him anymore! It's too much!"

Broly can't tear his eyes away. He grips the fur wrapped around his waist.

"This is his full power…?" Raditz gasps.

Turles frowns. "Ok Kakarot, I get what you are trying to do here, but I'm starting to think it's time to pull them back. They are going to get plummeted out there!"

Kakarot doesn't respond. His attention is glued to Cell. His face didn't change at all. He still looks content with everything, and everyone in the audience is beginning to think that something has gone wrong with him.

"Kakarot! Don't you hear me?!" Turles shouts. "Kakarot!"

…

6) The flowing wind begins to settle. Cell chuckles at their fearful faces as he takes his first few steps towards them. Lighting flashes and thunder roars, almost as if the storm itself was singing songs of the danger.

Karot can't move. His body won't listen to him, no matter how hard he tries to do as much as lift a leg. His eyes can't look away from the monster that draws closer. The amount of energy radiating from him is nothing Karot ever felt before.

He's going to die.

Cell laughs. "What do you think? This perfect body has power far beyond what your puny minds imagined, doesn't it? Even I am impressed. That doctor did one hell of a good job."

'Move…! You have to move…!'

"Judging from the looks on your faces, your Human halves are doing that stupid freeze thing. It's such a flawed defense mechanism. It doesn't even work. All that you are doing is making yourselves a far easier target."

'Move…! Move…!'

"But isn't this cute? You are almost like dogs, with your tails between your legs. Although, I can't judge too harshly. I would be scared, too. But…that isn't what I am looking for. I need you kids to get mad! So don't worry, I won't torture you too much."

A fresh wave of fear. Karot's mind is spiraling. If only he knew Trunks was in a far worse state.

Trunks, who is all too familiar with torture.

Cell chuckles, and he makes his lunge.

He is right in front of Karot before he can even register it. A fist hovers above his head. Karot still can't move.

His entire skull rattles as he is struck and sent flying off his feet. His back is kicked by a sharp foot before he can scream. The ground beneath him shrinks. He is in the air.

Cell meets him above. He punches him across the face again, followed by another strike. He locks his hands together and slugs him directly on the face. He flies after him, kicking him across the field before he can hit the ground.

"Come on! Don't you hate being humiliated like this?!" Cell shouts as he kicks Karot high in the sky again. "Look at your cousin, Trunks! He's in trouble, and you're just standing there!"

Trunks wants to move, but he just can't. Like Karot, it's like his body refuses to listen to him. All he can do is stare into the void of nothing with his head filled with dreadful thoughts.

Cell appears in front of him. "How about I help you get a jump start?"

Trunks is punched off his feet by an uppercut that slams his jaws shut. A kick sends him flying.

Cell grabs Trunks and throws him at Karot. He fires a weak blast at them both, knocking them back. "Come on, children! What's the matter? Aren't you getting frustrated? Getting angry? Let's see it!" Cell kicks Trunks to the ground with a laugh.

Karot is kicked off the ground, and slammed back down. His ankle is grabbed, and he is dragged across the earth.

"That hidden power is the only way that you will ever stand a chance against me, right? I don't see any glowing!" Cell lifts Karot from the ground and batters him with a flurry of punches. Karot's cries of pain flood Trunks' ears.

Finally…finally…he feels his body moving. Trunks is on his knees, hearing Cell's laughter.

'Not again…I can't let Karot die again…!'

Trunks is on his feet.

'It's my time machine that led Cell here. It's my fault I wasn't strong enough…to stop Vegeta from handing him the Androids. It's my fault…for being…too scared to do anything…when I fought him before…! Damn..! Damn it…! Do something, you sniveling brat! DO SOMETHING AND STOP BEING A WASTE OF SPACE!'

Trunks rockets towards Cell with a desperate cry. He throws a punch, but Cell steps away from it and elbows the back of his head, sending him to the ground. Before he can get to his knees, an arm wraps around his neck and lifts him up.

Cell blocks a punch from Karot. "Ah, finally. You are moving. But…that was a weak effort." He twists Karot's arm around, and a loud pop is rewarded with a scream. Cell begins to strangle Karot the same way, and now he has both fighters held from the ground.

He raises his two extra fists, and he slams them down on their stomachs, cutting their screams short. He continues to do this, all while tightening the strangulation. "What kind of children are you?! It shouldn't take so much to piss you off! Is this really how you want to go out? Dying a pitiful death such as this?!"

…

"I…I can't watch this anymore!" Kauli prepares to jump, but Tarble grabs her arm. "What the hell! Can't you tell what's happening out there?!"

"I am well aware, but you know all too well that your interference will do nothing but set you in danger!" Tarble shouts.

"Then what am I supposed to do?! I can't just stand here and watch as those kids get tortured like this!"

"I stand with Kauli here. This is getting way too out of hand, Goku!" Krillin shouts. "Enemy or not, they are still kids, and kids shouldn't have to live through something like this! Especially your son! He's only 10!"

"I know it looks bad, but you have to believe me," Kakarot says. "This is exactly what they need. At any moment now, someone is going to snap, and Cell is going to regret what he has done to them."

"Do you not hear them?!" Krillin shouts. "Those are not screams of anger, Goku! They are in pain!"

Before Kakarot can respond, a firm hand grips his shoulder and turns him around.

Raditz is glaring at him, almost snarling. "I was going to see how this plays out, but this is presenting itself as pointless! Those kids are scared for their lives, and you honestly think they will just suddenly get angry?!"

"Whenever they get pushed to a corner, that's usually what happens!" Kakarot explains.

Raditz snatches Kakarot by the collar of his shirt, and he pulls him close to his face. "Use your head, dumbass! It doesn't matter who the hell they are up against! They are still children! Saiyan blood or not, have you left out the formula that they are half Human as well?! It doesn't work the same way!"

"You've seen what they can do, Raditz! Especially Karot! He held off Broly when I was out for the count! You told me yourself!"

Broly shuffles, trying to calm himself up on hearing his name. He looks towards the battle, feeling great concern for the young fighters.

Raditz pulls Kakarot closer. "That's not the point! He was protecting you!"

"So that's just what they need to do!" Kakarot shouts.

Nappa stomps the ground, stealing the spotlight. "THEY ARE NOTHING LIKE US, YOU IDIOT!"

Kakarot and Raditz both freeze, taking several steps back.

"I get what you are saying, trust me. But did you ever once sit and think?" Nappa asks. "I'm going to ask you this, Kakarot. Do those kids even have an idea on what your plan is?!"

Kakarot freezes. "I…never told them."

Raditz punches him on the chest, and drops Kakarot on the ground. "You're telling me that you sent our sons out there, oblivious to what you have in mind?! Who the hell does that?! Who sends fighters out into the field without a plan?!"

Kakarot coughs. "I…I thought if I didn't tell them…it would trigger their rage easier…"

"You little…!"

Gine grabs Raditz's fist before he could punch his brother again. Guiding it away, she looks down at Kakarot. "This has gone on long enough. I can't…watch this anymore. I understand that you probably mean well, but they…they aren't you."

"I…" Kakarot lowers his head.

Nappa growls. "They lack the battle sense we have, so think for once! Why have they been fighting all this time? For the thrill of it? Or was it to save their lives?! Don't tell me you look at your own son and you can't see he had his hand forced all these years! During the time I was with Karot, not once did he ever enjoy anything during the training! The only time the kid managed to feel a sense of freedom, was when he was asleep!"

Kakarot has gone silent now.

"Raditz had no choice but to train him before Vegeta and I arrived. Did you forget? If your son came off as useless, Vegeta would have killed him without a second thought! That is why your son knows how to fight! It's not because he chose to! He was forced to!"

Vegeta scoffs, but he says nothing.

Raditz growls. "Your son had seen countless things no human could ever stomach and walk out sane. Did you forget he went mute for a period of time because of what you did to that one soldier? Did you forget how traumatized he is because of the demon who took hold of your body? Now he is out here again, fighting for his life, and all you have to say is that he will be okay?! He's lucky he didn't lose his mind as you did!"

Kakarot doesn't know what else to say.

He can't say anything.

Turles finally speaks up. His voice is blunt, but it's clear he's just as angry. "During my time with Seleriak, he wasn't enjoying much of anything. Our first training session was a mess. He was frightened, as if I was going to break every bone in his body if he did as much as look at me wrong. Something tells me it has to do with Tarble's future counterpart. He must have beat the kid senseless for the smallest reasons. He trained that kid in gruesome ways, and forced him to fight even when he didn't want to. If you ask me, he has every right to be afraid."

Strained screams fill the air in the silence. Kakarot is still, his mind lingering on everything that was said.

"This is… this is all because of me, is it?" Kakarot sinks to his knees. "Everything I did…led to this. I could have left them alone, but I choose to torment the Humans instead, and this is the result. I didn't want to accept it before but…"

Karot's sobbing echoes from the distance.

"What the hell is wrong with me…? Cell has gone full power…what can we do…?"

Raditz sighs and helps Kakarot to his feet.

"And now that there are no Dragon Balls. It's because of me…because Piccolo didn't have any other option but to fuse with Kami just to stand the slightest chance—I…I had a feeling it would end up like this. That's okay. I'll fix this."

"What? Now?" Raditz is confused, and a bit frightened by those words.

"Really? You? Fixing this mess?" Vegeta glares at him. "If I can't do it, what makes you think you can?!"

"Because…I had a backup plan all along," Kakarot admits.

"You're serious?" Nappa glares at him.

"Oh, please," Vegeta says. "And what would that be? It can't possibly be any more reckless than this, can it?"

Kakarot pauses, staring at the prince. He turns away from the crowd, and sighs. "I'm going out there."

"No, you're not!" Gine shouts.

"You don't stand the slightest chance! And, did you forget?! Cell wants your head!" Raditz shouts.

"Yeah, I know."

"That doesn't justify anything!"

"Yeah, but—"

"No, Kakarot. I forbid you." Gine holds out an arm in front of him. "I'll go."

"HUH?!" Her sons stare at her.

"But mom! What makes you think you can do anything this time?!" Kakarot asks.

"I know what I am doing." Gine makes her way forward. "You have to trust me."

Turles growls. "Mom, he's resistant towards your energy attacks. It won't work like it did before!"

"He's resistant. Not immune. Just like me. Just like Raditz." Gine looks back at them all. "I just need to buy the boys time to get out of the field. The rest of you need to come up with something, and quickly. I won't be able to hold him off forever."

"You understand that he's much stronger now, and he's not wounded as he was before," Piccolo says. "So how will you know this will work?"

Gine narrows her eyes. "I have a clear head this time. It won't be like before."

…

Karot can feel the world around him fading. He can't…breathe. No longer can he move. It feels so much easier…to just give up.

Just as the thought crosses his mind, his neck is free, and he hits the ground. He takes in a gulp of air as he coughs the heaviest he ever did. Everything hurts, but not as much as his lungs burn. Not as much as his stomach curls. He wants to puke.

Trunks is dropped next to him, and he too is wheezing. Karot reaches out for him, but a foot slamming on his back pins him back down.

"Oh, no. You're not allowed to just quit. No, no, no, no…" Cell shakes his head. "I don't see what I am doing wrong here. How much more are you willing to take until you finally snap?" Cell takes his other foot and grinds Karot's hand down on the ground, ignoring the exhausted cries. He points a finger towards Trunks, gathering the pink sphere of energy there. "Well then. Let's try this then."

He fires. It shoots through Trunks' foot. The teen screams.

"Don't worry. I won't hit anything important. I don't want to kill you yet…as tempting as it may be."

He fires again. It shoots through Trunks' shoulder.

"Still no reaction from either of you, huh? What a shame. Maybe I can understand Gohan, but Trunks? You would think someone from such a grim future would know what to do in a situation like this one."

Trunks' flank is grazed. A bleeding gash, and the teen rolls to his back.

"Maybe if you can't use one of your legs, you'll become a little more desperate?" Cell stomps Karot down again as he aims his finger towards Trunks' thigh.

"KAIO KEN!"

Cell holds up a hand and catches Gine's arm with ease. "Yeah. That little trick isn't going to work on me anymore."

Gine wears a snarl. "Kaio Ken times three!"

Cell's eyes widen as her energy flares more than it ever did before. "You're handing that output a lot better than the triclops did, but do you really think that's going to—"

Gine thrusts her free hand forward, unleashing a massive rotating sphere of purple-pink energy.

Cell is knocked off his feet and hits the ground. While it didn't seem to hurt him, he is somewhat surprised by the impact.

Gine rockets forward and attacks. Her blows are heavier, but they are easily blocked. Cell isn't the slightest bit impressed.

"Ok. This has gone on long enough." He blocks both of her fists and punches her body with his other two. His next punch is caught and pulled back. "How—?"

Raditz punches him down to the ground.

"Raditz! What are you doing?!" Gine gasps.

"I'm here to help! What else! Don't turn me down because I'm just going to say no. Sorry."

Gine almost wants to yell at him, but she smiles instead. "You are so much like your father."

Cell sits up, surprised. "Raditz?!"

"Yeah. That's me." Raditz transforms into a Super Saiyan. "It's going to be different this time."

"F…father…!" Trunks is on his knees.

Raditz glances at Trunks, but his attention snaps back to Cell who is soaring at them both.

7) "Interfering with my experiment, aren't you? I'll just break you again!" Cell closes the gap between them in an instant. He punches Raditz and Gine both with a thrust of an arm, knocking them off their feet. He turns to Raditz, sending a kick, but the buzzing air forces him to jump back.

A Destructo Disk flies past, an inch away from cutting clean through his head.

"What? Krillin?" Cell is stunned. He makes his move, but his back is blasted by a Dodon Ray. A small trail of smoke trails off as he spins around. "Tien!"

"Let's go! Everyone at once!" Piccolo fires a blast of his own. "Wear down Cell as much as you can! He may be stronger, but if he has no opening to attack, we might just have a chance!"

"You don't have to tell us twice!" Yamcha fires a Kamehameha Wave. Cell swats it aside. He deflects a Maseko, and he guard his face in time to protect his body from being struck by a Break Cannon.

Nearly everyone is attacking Cell. Instead of getting hurt, the bio-Android is being pushed back. He guards his face, glaring at everyone through the gap of his arms. The constant explosions forces him to plant his feet.

"Kaio Ken…Neo Wolf Fang Fist! AWOOOO!" Yamcha lunges at Cell with everything he has, battering the enemy across the face.

"This is getting really annoying….!" Cell catches Yamcha's hand and aims a glowing palm at his face.

The back of his head is kicked by Raditz, and that is enough to knock him to the ground.

"Uh…" Yamcha blinks.

"What are you stopping for?! You heard the Namekian! Keep…" Raditz charges a Double Sunday. "...going!"

Cell is on his feet, and the blast strikes him back. He prepares a Saturday Crush, but Tarble flies in and blasts him at point-blank range. Cell flies from a cloud of smoke. He's forced to jump to avoid another Destructo Disk. The back of his head is struck by a blast fired from Tien. He blocks a punch from Nappa, but an extending green arm constricts around his neck. He's forced to let go.

Karot and Trunks are on their feet, watching the sights, speechless.

'Hey. You two brats.'

Both of them jump at the unfamiliar and deep voice invading their heads. They look around, for a source, but there is no direction.

'You are useless here. Stand down and back off until you figure yourselves out. Let the adults do the fighting.'

"Who….who is that?" Karot can't decide if he wants to feel offended or scared.

'That doesn't matter right now! If you stay there and Cell catches you, then what they are doing would be pointless! Return to the sidelines, and don't get in anyone's way!'

Karot and Trunks exchange looks. Realizing they aren't hallucinating, they both jump in the air. Pain is written all over their faces from the damage Cell dealt on them, but they fly away from the chaos.

Cell catches sight of them. "Oh, no you don't—"

Nappa punches him down. "Eyes on me, you freak!"

"Why you…!"

Raditz jumps back. "Mom! I have an idea!"

Gine lands next to him. "What is it?"

"Can you do that lighting thing again?"

"Wh…what? You're serious? But you don't know how to—"

"I know. But you have to trust the process. Seeing how you handle it gave me a plan."

Gine is a bit confused. As Raditz places his hand on her shoulder, fear crosses her face. However, his determined glare was enough for her to believe him. "Ok. But I'm good to need him to stay far away from me. It takes quite a bit for my body to adapt to such a massive charge. You will need to keep your feet firmly on the earth to not get hurt, you understand?"

"Yeah. I know." Raditz raises his voice. "You hear that?"

"Yeah! We'll hold him off!" Piccolo constricts Cell with his other arm, but he's struggling to keep him still.

Gine narrows her eyes before nodding at Raditz. As her hair rises from the building static, she throws a single hand in the air. "Come to me!"

A lighting bolt shoots down, striking both her and Raditz at once. Raditz almost lost his footing from how strong the impact was.

It was scorching hot!

…

Kauli clenches her fists. "Damn. I hate being forced to watch! Why do Broly and I have to stay here?!"

"Because, we need someone to protect Kakarot just in case Cell gets any funny ideas," Turles says.

Broly nods.

"Then why aren't you out there?!" Kauli demands.

"First of all, I passed on the opportunity of healing, alright? Secondly…I am very content with staying right here. But, if I have too, I'll fight to keep Kakarot alive with everything I got. Seems fair."

"Sorry, guys," Kakarot sighs.

"What about Vegeta?!" Kauli glares at the prince. "I don't see you doing anything!"

Vegeta glances at her before turning his back on them again. "Why should I get involved in a fight that isn't mine? Besides, it's pointless. The moment Cell finds an opening, they are all going to be overpowered in an instant, and someone is going to die."

"Oh, so now you're afraid of dying. Is that what it is?"

"What?" Vegeta spins around to face her. "I never said that!"

"But you sure are implying it! Don't tell me that you are scared of him now! For what?! You're the one who gave him that body!"

"I've been reminded plenty of times, thank you!" Vegeta growls. "And who do you think you are talking to?"

"An arrogant stuck-up bitch who constantly has a stick up his ass!" Kauli steps closer, ignoring the glare. "Or at least, you were that person! What has gotten into you? It's not like you to be this hesitant! You ought to hit me by now for talking to you like this, right?!"

Vegeta clenches his teeth.

"If you want to stay here until the planet blows up, then fine! I don't care!" Kauli shouts. "But what you're not going to do is talk down everyone all because they are fighting an impossible battle! Don't you think we know what already?!"

"Even if I do jump in, then what difference does it really make? All that is being done is delaying the inevitable!"

"So Cell humiliated you twice and tore off your tail! So what if you got compared to Frieza and now you see just how much that sucks?! Oh, boo-boo! Get over it! We are all outclassed! We all did horrendous things! Welcome to the club!"

"Did…did you just…?"

"Aren't you supposed to be the embodiment of the Saiyan race or whatever? Aren't you angry?! Cell tore off your tail! You should be pissed off! Go make him pay for what he did to you instead of sulking here like a damn baby! And don't say you aren't because you are! Inevitable my ass!"

Vegeta, Turles, Broly, and Kakarot stare at her, speechless. Kakarot is fearful, but Turles begins to chuckle.

A scream from Cell grabs their attention. He has blown everyone away, and he is free. He blasts Krillin and Yamcha away. He grabs Tien and throws him at Piccolo. He knees Nappa at the stomach and kicks him down.

"You…oh…I just remembered what you did…" Cell is seething as he stomps down on Nappa's chest. "I am going to make you regret what you did to me! Let's see how you like it!"

He opens his mouth wide, gathering energy there.

"Oh, no!" Krillin tries to jump back in, but he's swatted aside by Cell. Everyone jumps in, and Cell unleashes the transparent barrier again, blowing everyone back.

"He's done! I can't get through!" Tarble tries punching it, but his fist bounces off. He continues to attack it. "Damn it!"

A small crack shoots across the surface.

Tarble freezes. He heard it. "We…we have to break it. Everyone! Attack the barrier with everything you've got! Hurry!"

Cell laughs as the ball of collected energy grows large in front of his mouth. Nappa's eyes are wide with terror.

"Mr. Nappa! NOOOO!" Karot screams as he makes a u-turn.

"Gohan! What are you doing?!" Trunks flies after him.

Vegeta growls. 'If that idiot dies…then he was too weak from the start!'

"Mom!" Raditz shouts. "You have to do it now!"

"With that barrier up, it will only be ineffective! I need a clear target!" Gine shouts.

"We are running out of time!"

A series of explosions strike the barrier as everyone unleashes every energy blast imaginable, but all it does is spread the cracks further.

Vegeta steps closer. 'A Saiyan who can't free themselves from something as much as a pin down is no warrior at all! He's going to die a pitiful death, and it will be all his own doing! No one told him to jump in! No one…!'

Vegeta froze. For a second, he can see himself in Nappa's position.

He was pinned down the same way.

He was thrashed and treated like a ragdoll.

He was blasted like that…

He was…

His lips curl back as the ground cracks beneath his feet.

Vegeta throws his head back, screaming out his frustrations towards the sky. He takes on the golden-clad form, and he rockets from the ground. With the back of his hand slamming against the palm of the other, he turns his body sideways. "Curse that woman! Curse everyone on this stupid planet! CURSE THIS WRETCHED WORLD!"

Cell blinks and looks up. 'Where did he—?!'

8) "TAKE THIIIIS! HAAAAAAAAAAA!" Vegeta fires his Galick Gun, and it pierces the weak top of the barrier.

It shatters. A shockwave blows everyone back. It knocks Cell off his feet. The Break Cannon shoots towards the sky, and Vegeta is grazed on the shoulder.

"NOW!" Raditz screams.

"I see it!" Gine has already started to rub her hands together. Pulling them apart, she raises one hand. "Endless THUNDERCRASH!"

Cell turns around, and the small bolts fly past him before expanding to an electrical explosion. He flips himself back to his feet, shaking off the static with ease. He flies towards Gine, shouting, "That's not going to work!"

Gine growls, and she fires again. Cell flies around the strands. Her third one was dodged. The bolts explode behind Cell. "Impossible!"

"Don't stop! Concentrate it to a single blast!"

"Wh-what?!" Gine looks at Raditz as if he has gone mad.

"Don't think about it! Just do it! You said it was designed to take on multiple targets! That's why it's not working! Force it on one! Can you do that?!"

Cell is caught by another wave.

"I…I never did that before! I don't know if that's going to work!"

"Well today we are about to find out!"

"W-we?!"

Raditz clamps his fingers around hers, and he redirects them so that only the index and thumb were pointing out. He straights out her arm. "Do it again!"

"But Raditz! That's too much condensed energy!"

"For one person unperfected, yes! That's why I am here to channel it with you! What other choice do we have?!" Raditz whips his tail free from around his waist, and he drops to his knees, forcing her down. He settles his tail on the earth. "Keep yourself grounded, and fire!"

Gine stiffins, but she nods as her eyes fall on Cell. She and Raditz both scream as they fire their merged energy.

Cell is further annoyed by the sight. "What in the meaning of ' not working' do you Saiyans not understand—WHAT?!"

He is shot by the giant bolt, and the ground bursts beneath his feet. His body is thrown back. It's followed by a second bolt, and he is shot to the sky, screaming.

"Whoa…!" Krillin gasps. "It's like…"

"They are redirecting the lightning bolt, and turning it into some sort of energy blast!" Nappa can't believe his own eyes.

"STOP!" Cell screams.

He is shot again, and he can't seem to move.

"STOP IT!"

Karot and Trunks hover in the air, watching as Cell constantly gets struck by bolt after bolt. Trunks is transfixed by it the most as he looks at his own hands. Small pink bolts snake around his fingers. 'I…I can do that…?'

"AAAAAAAAGH!" Cell is shot from the sky like a bird, and he spirals to the ground. Upon crashing, another bolt sends him tumbling. He lifts his head, seething as large bolts jump around his body. He collapses again. "D-damn…! What the hell is this…?! I thought I was immune to this…!"

"Don't just stand there!" Vegeta snaps at the watching fighters. "While he is down! Kill the bastard!"

Everyone begins to charge their attacks, and Cell takes great notice. He is on his knees, his eyes wide with rage. "Why won't everyone…stop INTERFERIIIIIIIIIING?!"

His energy is unleashed as a massive electrical shockwave. It rips through everyone, stunning many as they rain on the ground like dolls. The whirlwind is far too intense for anyone to stand against. The clouds above begin to part, and the bolt Gine was harvesting explodes. She and Raditz are blown off their feet.

Once it settles, Cell drops to one knee, completely out of breath. Small bolts continue to jump. He tries to shake them off, but to no avail.

"Heheheheheh…alright, Cell…you almost lost your temper there. Cool the Saiyan blood…and take a deep breath…"

Cell takes in a deep inhale through his nose, and he is on his feet.

"So now everyone is fighting? That wasn't part of the rules…but fine. Whatever. Forget the damn rules. Here is a new segment for you."

Raditz grunts as he gets to his knees. The buzzing in his ears tells him that his own energy has turned against him. But his mom…

Gine can't seem to move as much as a finger. The bolt had turned on her far worse.

"Mom…!" Raditz tries to help her to her feet, but doing as much as tapping her zapped his fingers.

Cell studies each fighter as they try to shake off the electric charge. "Let's see. How many fighters? 3…6…9—oh I can't forget about those four over there. 13? Eugh. That's going to be a bit of a nuisance, but it will do."

He takes in a deep breath as he spreads out his wings. The stinger of his tucked tail begins to expand. Wide open like a snake's jaw, it spits something large out, followed by another…and…much more.

"Oh gods…" Tarble whispers. "Someone fill me in on what's happening here…?!"

"You…don't want to know…" Tien whispers.

"What the hell is this?!" Nappa shouts.

Piccolo is repulsed. "I don't understand! Where's the egg?!"

Everyone's eyes can't leave the horrors before him as Cell spits out one after another. A thud behind Kauli is enough to tear her focus from Cell, to a passed out Turles.

"Oh, no…" Kakarot should have seen that coming.

"Hey! Hey! Wake up!" Kauli hurries over and begins to shake him. "Turles!"

Cell's tail settles back to its normal shape, and his wings fold. "Well then…that took a lot more out of me than I hoped…but it was worthwhile."

He spreads out his arms.

"Everyone, allow me to introduce you…to my children."

9) One by one, they stood. They are as small as children, with azure shells instead of green. The mini-Cells crackle and laugh and scream with sadistic joy.

"Oh gods, he really is a roach…" Tarble takes a step back. "I'm sensing a lot of fresh energy signals…!"

"Their power!" Vegeta shouts. "They can't be…!"

"What you are sensing isn't wrong. Each of these Cell Jrs are about as strong as me. Take that in for a moment and realize just how deep of a hole the lot of you have dug yourselves into."

"THAT'S BULLSHIT!" Raditz screams.

"Want me to show you? Fine." Cell looks at the spawns. "Listen well, children. Take a look at all the mean grown-ups. They are your new playdates! Feel free to roughhouse with them to your heart's content! And remember, be nice to each other. Now go! Have fun with your new toys!"

"Oh, damn!" Raditz steps back as the Cell Jrs spring at them all.

Everyone manages to get back to their feet, some more exhausted than others. They slip into their fighting stances. The Cell Jrs scream and laugh as they fly towards their chosen targets.

"Oh, no!" Karot flies in, but he freezes as Cell suddenly appears in front of him.

"Nuh-uh-uh. That gift isn't for you." Cell smiles and punches Karot on the stomach. The kid hunches over in pain. "Since you are such a bore, you skip out on this fun. But, it's not just you."

Trunks stiffens as Cell glares at him.

"Since the both of you are such a disappointment…you're going to sit here and watch as your allies and friends die. The best part is, it's all your fault."

"N…no…!" Trunks growls. "Leave them alone!" He lunges, but he is sent back down

Cell turns back to the chaos with a smile all over his face.

Everyone is fighting, but the only ones enjoying it are the Cell Jrs. In every direction, a fighter is too occupied with their own enemy to lend anyone else assistance.

Kakarot, Kauli, and Broly are forced to fight four at a time, protecting Turles who is unable to fend for himself.

"So, Goku." Kauli glares at him. As she blocks a punch. "Did you anticipate this?!"

Kakarot frowns and kicks a Cell jr. aside. "Sorry to say I didn't."

"Well…if this is how we are going to go out…!" Kauli misses her punch, and she is kicked to the ground.

Broly gasps and kicks the Cell Jr off of her. He swings another off him.

Karot watches as everyone fights out of pure desperation. They are being pushed back and giving their all, but he knows the Cell Jrs are holding back for their own twisted amusement. From how heavy they are hitting them, they are practically torturing them.

"See what happens when you decide to be difficult? Everyone has to suffer." Cell looks at the kids with a smug smile. "All you had to do was get angry. But, since neither of you can do that much, you get to watch them be treated like punching bags."

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Trunks snaps at him.

"Hm?'

"I already told you what would happen!" Trunks tries to reason with Cell. "All the ugly thoughts…the terrifying thoughts…it makes me feel sick. I don't want…I don't want them to come out. I don't want to become a monster!"

"Maybe I want to see that monster," Cell says. "Whatever side of you scares you, I would rather fight that than the sniveling coward I ended up facing!"

"I'm serious! You don't understand! You don't have to do this! It's not worth it!" Trunks begs.

Cell raises an eyebrow before turning back to the crowd. "Children, stop pulling your punches now. I know you can do better than that! But remember, don't kill them, alright? I want them to wish they have died."

"What?!" Karot gasps.

And just like that, Tien and Krillin are on the ground, screaming. Yamcha tries to counter with a Kaio Ken, but even that proves to be worthless as he is thrown to the ground.

Piccolo's arm is caught by the Cell Jr he is fighting. The small creature grins and laughs before twisting and ripping his arm clean from the shoulder, earning a scream that paralyzes nearly everyone.

"STOP!" Trunks screams.

"Oh, your little screams aren't going to do anything." Cell waves him off.

Kakarot is sent to the ground, and he is plummeted by two of them. Kauli is knocked to the ground, and she is stomped down. Every attempt to get to her feet results in her being sent back to the ground.

"N-no!" Broly grabs a Cell jr by its head and throws it at its sibling. The Cell Jrs began to gang up on him. He swings at them, keeping them at bay.

Gine and Raditz miss every blast they fire as their bodies struggle to recover from the lighting bolt they endured. It doesn't take long for the Cell Jrs to lunge at them and attack them with relentless brutality.

Nappa misses one swing, then another. The Cell Jr jumps around him, sticking its tongue out and laughing at him. Vegeta is busy with his own problem, blocking to the best of his ability, but he is punished in no time soon.

Tarble grows more frustrated by the second. "Damn these spawns! How the hell are they—"

His words are cut short as the Cell Jr tightens the necklace around his neck. The prince grits his teeth and tries to throw the small monster off, but he is brought to the ground. He spits as his body fights for a single sip of air.

"It's strangling him!" Nappa rushes forward, but the Cell Jr he was fighting jumps on his back and throws its hands around his neck. The Saiyan is forced to stop, twisting his body around as he tries to tear the creature off him.

"That idiot…!" Vegeta tries to make his way over, but he is backhanded across the face.

Tarble is on his knees as his neck gets pulled back further. His skin is red around the pressure of the chain as the Cell Jr twists it further, crackling at his misery.

Trunks is frozen. His mind falls back to when his teacher was overpowered by the Androids. His teacher's final sacrifice…at a moment of clarity…!

Trunks screams and charges, but Cell steps in front of him and punches him down, sending him tumbling across the earth.

"Humiliating…" Cell snorts.

Karot growls. What can he do?! What can he—

Pieces of the chain burst and fly in every direction, and they rain on the ground. Tarble's body snaps back, and he hits the earth. He gasps in a lungful of air before giving in to a coughing fit.

The Cell Jr. glares at what remains of the broken chain before tossing it aside.

"It broke…!" Tarble feels for his chest. "The spares…the spares are back on the ship…!"

"If you panic, you will make it worse!" Vegeta shouts at him. "Pull yourself together—GAH!" He was punched on the nose. The Cell Jr. begins to batter him with punches again.

"Damn it…!" Nappa lifts his head, but it is kicked back down by the Cell Jr.

Tien cries out as he is kicked on the flank. Krillin's head is stomped through the earth. Piccolo is left fighting with one arm. Yamcha can't do as much as get to his knees without being kicked back down.

This feeling of helplessness…Trunks just wants it all to end.

Too weak to help anyone. Forced to sit back and watch. It's the worst feeling of all. Why is he…so weak…?

Cell looks at him. "Well, well. Am I seeing what I want to see?"

"I'll….!" Trunks is trembling with fear. "I'll kill you…! And….!"

"And what?" Cell brushes the threat aside. "If I'm already dead, what else can you do at that point? Come on, if you are going to threaten me, at least make it make sense."

"I'll rip you to shreds. If you don't stop this! You'll be as good as dead!"

"Rip me to shreds? That's such a baby threat. Come on. You can do better than that. You're starting to bore me. Again. Don't do that."

Trunks takes a step back.

"Just leave them alone!" Karot shouts, desperate. "Please! I promise, I promise I'll give you the fight you want! Just stop hurting them!"

"If you want a monster, I'll be the monster!" Trunks shouts. "I just…I can…!"

"You lack the guts. Both of you do," Cell huffs. "Which is ironic, considering the amount of it spilled you've seen growing up. At this point, one would think the both of you would be desensitized. Or maybe you're just that weak-minded. Doesn't matter. I'm done here."

Cell turns towards the crowd. "Alright children, I believe it is time to—"

"NO!" Karot jumps at Cell, but his attack was easily avoided. Trunks lunges at him as well. Again, it is ineffective.

"I can understand Trunks here, but you Gohan, are an interesting case." Cell sidesteps another attack. "I thought you hated everyone. I thought you would prefer them dead. So why are you protecting them?"

He catches Karot's arm.

"Maybe it's because all along, deep down, you know that you care about them…and they are all you have left. Typical of a rebellious child."

Karot cries out as he is thrown to the ground.

"They don't know how good they have something until it's out of their reach."

Trunks growls and attacks again.

"Just look at your cousin." Cell kicks Trunks aside. "He knows exactly how that feels. He's fighting so hard to stop it. It's just too bad it's doing absolutely nothing."

…

Vegeta crashes on the ground, groaning as pain throbs all over his body.

If he were honest to himself, he would admit that he has grown tired of being on the ground like this. It's the third time, and at this point, it's the most annoying thing that has ever happened to him.

The only best bet he sees on doing some amount of damage…

He hates to admit it. It hurts his pride…but that technique did a number on Cell. What about his underlings…?

Vegeta growls. He can't believe it…that he has to resort to…

…help.

He pushes himself to his knees, turning his attention towards the Earthlings. They are helpless on the ground. But maybe…maybe if he can somehow distract one of those spawns, one of those Humans can make themselves useful.

"But how the hell are they going to be given a window to make another one of those glowing bomb things…?"

"You…you're going to need a distraction…" Tarble whispers.

Vegeta was so distracted by his own pain, he didn't sense Tarble nearby. He looks at him, seeing the pitiful state his brother is in. "What? What could possibly work now? Everything we've tried hasn't worked! We don't have enough time for the Humans to pull it off!"

10) "You do now…" Tarble's fingers dig into the earth as his eyes squeeze shut. He sucks in a sharp breath before holding it. His gloves become painted in clay as they dig deeper. He releases a heavy exhale before breathing in again. A long groan raises concern.

"The hell…?" Vegeta can't figure it out. "You aren't bleeding out, are you?"

"N…no…." Tarble wheezes. "No…but everything is scorching hot. It feels like my veins want to burst…! Hah…hah…"

Vegeta winches as his muscles scream at him for daring to move, but his instincts are louder, telling him to move. Move far away! Just seeing Tarble's twitching tail becoming eerily still tells Vegeta everything he needs to know.

"Oh hell—!" Vegeta catches his words. He can't let Tarble think he's panicking, because then he would panic too, and it would only get worse.

Tarble would hold his breath before groaning, as if he's in constant agony. His mouth hangs open as he tries to breathe properly. The drumming is filling his ears.

His heart is racing, beating stronger with every rhythm. He could feel it in his chest.

"Tarble!" Vegeta hisses. "Tarble! Listen to me, damn it! You can hear me, right?!"

"Daaaah…. you're so loud…..!" Tarble's words are cut short again. It's enough confirmation.

"I need you to keep your composure. You're transforming."

Tarble groans again, but this time…it sounds like he's not happy about what he just heard.

"That scorching sensation is every muscle in your body preparing to expand. Your heart is pounding because it's starting to grow. It's the first, because the rest of your growing body is going to need a bigger blood supply."

"Is that why…it's in my ears…? Aaaaaaaagh…" Tarble buries his face into the ground.

"You have no reason to panic. You're in the first stage. Seems to be taking a while because this change is not natural. It usually takes half a minute at best." Vegeta takes a look around. The Cell Jrs haven't noticed yet. Good. "I need you to focus. Don't let the sound of your heart drown you. Keep talking to me, for as long as you can."

"Keep talking…? It's so hard to breathe…" Tarble wheezes.

"Your lungs will grow too. Give it some time."

"For you to know all the steps tells me…you are all too familiar with such a hideous form…"

The ground shakes. Raditz is still giving his all out there. His energy type is perhaps the main reason he and his mother are still on their feet.

They won't be able to hold them off forever.

Vegeta bites back a curse, his mind racing in every possible scenario. All he can do is try to take advantage of this misfortune. If he can just…turn it around. He just needs Tarble to listen to him. He can't stop talking, or he'll be lost.

"Of course I am!" Vegeta says. "These were the exact steps Nappa taught to me!"

"N-N…Nap…pa…?"

Tarble gasps again, and he clenches his mouth shut as he rolls his head, resting the top of it on the ground instead. He spits and sputters. His lips curl back. His teeth are steadily sharpening into fangs.

The furs on his tail are beginning to rise. Tarble's groan morphs into a long hiss.

"Tarble!" Vegeta lifts his head higher. "Listen to my voice! Can you still hear me? Focus on me, nothing else! Focus!"

Switching to the Saiyan language seems to have an effect. Tarble opens his eyes, and they shift over to Vegeta. Despite the damage they've sustained, the red glow of the irises are still there, almost vibrant. It's almost as if Tarble can see him, from how they pierce so clean.

"You've entered stage 2," Vegeta explains. "This is when your bloodlust begins to skyrocket. Do not let it hold you. Ignore everything else!"

Vegeta has to hope nothing attacks Tarble here. Not during this phase. It would be impossible to reason with him then!

But just his luck, a Cell Jr. has decided to move towards them!

'D-damn! Not good…!'

Vegeta is on his knees.

'I don't even know why I am wasting my time helping this idiot! But whatever…I guess it only makes sense…'

He stands, wiping his mouth clean from the small trail of blood. He slips into a fighting stance.

"Well, c'mon! Come at me!"

The Cell Jr. lunges, but Nappa steps in and blocks the attack instead. His Super Saiyan aura flows stronger as he fights against the monster's strength.

"What the—Nappa I never asked for your—"

"You focus on your brother! I can handle this on my own!"

"You know you can't, you idiot! Are you really that stupid?!"

"Heh." Nappa grins. "When you are fighting to protect someone, it makes you do stupid things sometimes, don't you think?"

Vegeta stares as Nappa punches the small monster back. The one that was attacking Tarble moves in, along with Nappa's personal problem.

Up against three? He will throw his life away!

Is Nappa so dead-set on protecting him? All because of what the king demanded from him? He's dead! Why does it still matter? It doesn't make any sense! What kind of Saiyan would do something like that?

Nappa still stands his ground, fighting as hard as he can muster. He's taking a beating.

"Don't worry about me!"

Vegeta growls. Somehow, turning away from the sight was harder to do than he thought. He can't understand it. Why did it bother him the way it did—

Tarble.

His attention is back to his brother. "Can you still hear me?"

"Ngh…your voice is terribly loud…"

"You will soon enter stage three. I will keep talking to you for as long as you can. Remember to focus on my voice, nothing else. You got that?!"

"Y…ye—hhhNnnNnNNNN…!"

'He must be terrified. I can see why. The change doesn't exactly feel good.'

He can hear Nappa being beaten on the ground. The laughter of those Cell Jrs are almost grating to Vegeta's ears.

"Pin down all of that anger towards these pesky clones, you hear me? Think about only them, and how much you desire to destroy them if you must!"

Tarble's breathing is far too heavy, and he's growling so much, he can no longer form words.

"That's it. Don't lose sight of your goal! Don't—"

Nappa is overwhelmed by the combined strength of the Cell Jrs. No longer can he move as two of them hold his legs down. The other is treating him like a punching bag.

They have grown bored with him. He is sent to the ground, and they turn their attention to Vegeta.

'Oh, hell…!'

Vegeta braces himself, but the Cell Jrs rush forward faster than he can react. He manages to block the first few blows before getting overwhelmed.

One of them are heading for Tarble!

"Damn you!" Vegeta ignores the other two as he pursues the third. "Don't you dare!"

His kick is caught. The Cell Jr. holds his leg, chuckling as the Saiyan fails to pull it free. It lifts his hand high, and it slams its elbow down.

Something snaps. Blistering sharp pain. Vegeta screams.

Tarble freezes and stares. Vegeta is helpless on the ground. Nappa isn't moving. Kauli isn't moving…

His eyes flare with rage as he releases a seething hiss. He punches a small crater in the ground, and his mouth snaps open as he screams an inhumane cry.

The Cell Jr. freezes, almost having second thoughts about attacking him.

"Huh?" Cell turns to the prince, but a blast targeting his back distracts him.

"You said this is for your children to handle! Worry about us!" Karot lowers his hand before he makes another attempt to attack. Cell dodges every blow before striking Karot down.

"Why should I worry when you aren't even a threat?" Cell dismisses him. "This just got a lot more interesting…"

Trunks is paralyzed with fear. 'No…no…not again…!'

The fangs grow longer as Tarble's face morphs into a snout. With nails darkening and growing into sharp claws, they dig into the earth as if to anchor him. His armor stretches, adapting to his rapidly growing size. Dark fur sprouts and coats his skin, and the fur of his tail darkens to the same color. Ears sharpen and increase in length…

All the fighting had stopped. All eyes are on Tarble.

Kauli lifts her head just enough to see what is happening. She recognizes the growing beast, and fear floods her face.

"He…he changed…!" Krillin gasps. "He's a Great Ape, guys! This could be bad…!"

The gigantic beast is on his feet, lifting both fists in the air. He releases a loud roar that can be heard for miles.

Raditz lies helpless on the ground. "Ugh…that sounds like Tarble. He's pissed. Mom…?"

"Still here…" Gine mutters. "I guess…such a transformation was going to happen regardless…"

"But can he harness that aggression? That's…that's what I'm worried about."

Tarble snarls and raises a fist high above his head before swinging at a cliffside, bringing the formation down with the heavy impact. He crushes boulders beneath his feet, and smashes everything close to him.

"Nope…nope he can't…" Raditz shields his head as rocks rain down on him.

"That…that armor…that's Tarble isn't it…?" Kakarot can only watch as the Saiyan prince rampages like a mad beast. "He did say he never changed before. He must be terrified…"

Vegeta hisses through the pain of his broken leg. 'Damn! I just needed one more second, and I might have had him!'

A massive blast is unleashed from Tarble's maw, piercing through the wasteland and scorching the ground. Another takes down another foundation. Tarble picks up a fallen boulder and holds it above his head. He throws it down towards Vegeta.

Vegeta's eyes widen, but he is shoved out the way by Nappa, who collapses the second he touches the ground.

"Hey! Don't pass out now!" Vegeta shouts.

"He has completely lost it!" Tien shields his head as gravel rains down on him. "Damn! What can we do now?!"

Cell chuckles. "Well now. Isn't this one big joke? I don't even need my children to do the job of finishing you all off. The beastly prince will do it for me! Have fun trying to defend yourself against someone you can't kill! Not unless you are willing to go that far! Ahahahaha!"

"Tarble…no…" Karot gasps.

Trunks can't form words. Not anymore. Tarble in that terrible form…it looks no different from how his teacher would act.

It almost feels as if he's reliving his own timeline.

A lot of people died that day. And Trunks couldn't do anything to stop him.

And it was his fault.

Tarble is going to kill everyone here.

And it will be his fault.

---

A/N: Four chapters remain.

Just want to say that the Cell saga is perhaps one of my favorite arcs in the series. It was really fun how it explored nearly everyone, between Tien's standoff against Cell, Krillin's hesitation with 18, and Gohan's overall conflict.

I believe between Goku's fight against Frieza, and Gohan's against Cell, it's one of the reasons why anime got so popular in the West.

So thank you, Akira Toriyama. Truly.

---

Possible Questions:

PQ1: Oozaru Tarble?!?!

A: Did you truly think I was going to go one book without the transformation?

Jokes aside, this was one of the many beats I had planned for years, but never got to until now. Although originally…it was gonna be Gine.

It's a bit nostalgic. I remember writing the one Raditz had back in Namek.

PQ2: Does Karot truly care about others?

A: Considering how he behaved through this book, it's not hard to see why one would think he doesn't. But he's angry at everything because of what his father did. He's scared. So what does he do?

He lashes out at everyone as a means to protect himself.

But now the reality of losing everyone is right before him. And he realizes…a lot of things.

PQ3: Does Gine's alternate attack have a name?

A: Mmm. Thinking about it. I might make it "Endless Thunderbolt" or something, I have no idea yet.

PQ4: Trunks has killed before?

A: Aside from being forced to in his Oozaru form? A few times, actually. And as expected, it was because Tarble made him do it.

PQ5: What's with Cell behaving so erratically every now and then?

A: If anyone noticed, yay. It was a purposeful thing.

It shall be answered in the upcoming chapters.

PQ6: When will we see Broly fight properly?!

A: I have it written down. Don't worry.

Trust me. I want to get there too.

PQ7: When are we seeing THE scene?!

A: :)

What is going to happen in the next chapter? Can't say.

Although considering the formula it's following, I'm sure it's the most anticipated one.

---

Question Time:

Hmm. I don't mind not getting any new reviews.

I'm just writing now because I am determined. Although it's a funny idea imagining someone finally seeing the "Complete" next to the title in the future. Haha.

(I know I'm ready to see it.)

---

Next Time:

*Insert DBZ Kai's "Episode Preview theme" here*

Trunks: (Determined) Hey, it's me again, Trunks speaking.

Trunks: (Scared) This is bad! Really bad! Tarble is a giant monster! He's…he's going to crush us if we don't do something!

Cell: (Laughing) Oh this is great! Just when I thought it was getting boring, you fools just keep surprising me. It's too bad that this time, it has turned against you!

Trunks: (Frustrated) Just what is even happening anymore? How are we supposed to kill him when he keeps bouncing back up like this?!

Karot: (Angry) We can't just…give up! We have to keep trying! I just…I just have to get angry! That's all I need to do!

Cell: (Bored) You've shown some promise…but this tournament is getting stale. I've seen what I've wanted. So children, it's time you throw your toys away! Daddy has things to do!

Cell Jrs: YAAAAAY! EEEEH-HEEE!

Karot and Trunks: (Scared!) No! Leave them alone!

Cell: Next time on, "The Dissonance of The Earthling Saiyan"! Chapter 27: "Clear your mind, and just let go! Become your own warrior!"

Cell: (Laughs) Oh, sure. Let's see how that works out!

Cell: (Confused) Hm? Goku…? What's with that look on your face?

Kakarot: …Go ahead. Keep laughing.

Because you will be screaming very soon.

---

REVIEW! REVIEW!

To be Continued in Chapter 27!

---

Upcoming Chapters: (Read at your own risk!)

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 say 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.

Chapter 28: "The Dissonance of The Earthling Saiyan" The true potential that was seen from time to time among the hybrids is here. And it brings a greater promise than foreseen! Perfect Cell has finally met his match! There's a chance! A major chance! The long fight can finally come to an end! But there is a major role that the warriors seem to have forgotten. Never should anyone lower the guard… no matter what. The consequences are life-threatening, after all… so what do you do? You push aside your grudges… and make up for your mistakes. Combine your efforts, even if it seems futile.

Chapter 29: "The future is never over! It's time to part ways!" With another harsh battle won, the warriors can only try to catch a breath. But the fight for sought peace is far from over. While humanity seems to slowly gain its senses… there is still an air of unease. Not everyone was able to rest in peace. The next mission is to gain back what was lost. However, it cannot be done with everyone. The timeframe has finally been meet, and it's time to say goodbye. Until next time! While they part ways, they fight for what they believe is right!

THE FINAL CHAPTER - Chapter 30: "What it means to be a warrior." In the present and the future… it's time to make a final score with old enemies. Raditz and the others begin their research to track and prevent anymore destruction. Future Trunks stands firm, stronger than ever, and ready to bring peace to his timeline once and for all. Meanwhile, Gine holds her promise to protect her children, no matter what. They all will encounter what was once a major threat. Never again shall they dare to bring any harm to anyone! What does it mean to be a warrior? The answer will vary, but a fight will always come!