Dragon Ball Z: the Next Generation

by The Legendary Dragon Reaper

Who would've expected that just a few changes could have such a major impact. Read as Gohan and Kai journey through life and across the universe in this exciting retelling of DBZ, with changes and surprises around every corner. Yamcha x Bulma, Raditz x Android 18, Gohan x Erasa later on. Other pairings undecided at the moment.

23. Enter Cell, Shattering Limitations

(Normal speak)

(Thoughts/ Kami speaking inside Piccolo's head)

(Techniques)

Guest: Well it's like I had him say before, limitations are only a state of mind. Besides, a huge part of the reason why Saiyans pull so far ahead is because of the Super Saiyan transformations. Face it, if it wasn't for that then the gap in power between Saiyans and other characters like the Earthlings and Namekians would be a lot more even.

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By this point, Raditz and the others had brought Goku to Kame House in order to hide him from the Androids while he recovered, and was explaining the situation to Master Roshi, Launch and the others "And then they just flew off, Kami only knows where they are right now."

Master Roshi gave a grave frown as he thought over what Raditz had said "And all of this is happening right now?"

"Yep, all we can do for now is wait until Kakarot is fully recovered, and hope that does happen before the Androids are able to figure out where we're hiding out."

"I guess all we can do now is wait, and move onto other important matters."

"...I should've guessed that this was coming. So there's a hot one now?"

"Oh like you wouldn't believe. Her eyes are this beautiful and piercing blue, her confidence is stunning, especially by the standards of a non-Saiyan, plus this thing that she does with her hair is a major turn on-"

"Fantastic, now how's the rack?"

"I'm surprised you didn't start with that."

"Sometimes you just have to work your way up."

"Uh, hey guys?" that was when Krillin made his way downstairs "Just a quick update, Goku is in the middle of sweating like a bucket and the sweat is purple. Is that normal?"

"Did he eat any grapes?"

"I… have no idea."

"That boy can't handle his grapes. Speaking of fruit Raditz, what are we talking here? Are they along the lines of apples, oranges or melons?"

Raditz let out a groan "Is that really important?"

"YES!"

"...Fine, oranges."

"That's my brother's student!"

"And just like that I'm out of here."

"Where are you going?"

"To blow stuff up and clear my head." and so Raditz promptly blasted off.

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Bulma shot a grin over at two Gohan's and Kai "Not to toot my own horn-"

"You will either way." Kai noted dryly, which was ignored.

"-but I really must be even more of a genius than I thought, I mean I was able to crack time travel for crying out loud."

"Yeah awesome, just wait until the cult following of Back to the Future inevitably comes to your doorstep trying to skin you. I know this because I play laser tag with the leader of that cult following on weekends."

"Putting aside the fact that you have way too much time on your hands, we can't just leave this time machine out here like this or else there would be way too many questions if someone should find it." Future Gohan promptly pressed a button on the second time machine, regressing it back into its capsule form.

"Hey is it alright if I shrink the other one down for you?" asked Gohan.

"Sure thing, thanks… I guess me."

"No problem." so Gohan shrunk the other one down.

Bulma promptly picked up the egg shells that had been found in the time machine "Well in the meantime, I'm gonna take these weird egg shells or whatever they are back with me so I can study them."

"Probably for the best." Kai noted "In the meantime everybody is hiding out at Kame House so they can hide Goku from the Androids."

"Isn't that literally the second place they'd look?"

"Logic hasn't existed since before the existence of Phineas and Ferb. Anyway we're only hiding out there until Goku recovers enough to fight the Androids, that's the best bet we've got right now as much as I hate to admit it."

"But I don't get it, couldn't you guys just team up without Goku and take on the Androids without too much of a problem?"

"Again, as much as I hate to admit it, that's not an option. Gohan, Piccolo, Nail and I teamed up on them and we couldn't even slow them down, and both of my arms got snapped like twigs by the dude among them. We were lucky to get out of there with our lives."

"Wow, so they're that good?"

"Yep, which means that if we're gonna find a way to beat them then we'll have to get seriously creative."

"So all of you are hiding out at Kame House?"

"All of us except Piccolo, he's trying to fuse with Kami in order to power up enough to take on the Androids. It's a lose-lose situation, even if he does power up we'll still be losing the Dragon Balls because of it-" Kai paused, then glanced over in another direction "Hey Gohan, are you feeling that?"

"Yeah, it's coming from over that way." Gohan started following Kai in a direction a short distance away until they came across something "Woah."

"Well hey there, what the hell do you know?"

"Looks like we found our first clue, hey guys I think you should come over here and take a look at this!"

"What is it, what did you guys find?" Future Gohan and Bulma rushed over to them, only to be left stunned by what they were seeing: the shedded skin of a large, insect-like creature sitting in front of them "What the heck is that thing, and why does it smell like that cheese mom used to make and leave out in the sun to make it smell worse?"

"Whatever it came from, it's just the molt."'

Bulma was seriously freaked out and hid behind Future Gohan "You mean something crawled out of that?"

"It's like with a cockroach, but a lot bigger."

"Whatever it is, I'm taking it home with me." Kai promptly pulled out a capsule, earning some odd and disturbed looks "How the hell could I not? This definitely didn't come off any overgrown cicada."

"If I had to guess then I'd say that came from the egg we found in the time machine, but what kind of creature comes out of skin that looks like that?"

"What kind of creature comes out of what looks like a purple egg with herpes? But more importantly how the hell did it end up here in the first place, what did someone put that egg in the time machine on purpose or did they travel back here along with it?"

"But why would they do that?"

"How the hell should I know, all I do know is that this is making Back to the Future look shitter by the second." Kai reached down inside the skin, only to pull his hand back out and found it covered in a foul smelling pink liquid "Hey Gohan do you still carry hand sanitizer on you?" he was promptly handed a small bottle, which he quickly emptied "Thanks. Putting aside how disgusting that felt, it felt fresh so that means whatever did this did so not too long ago, and that means that the thing is probably still somewhere nearby." that was when the sound of rustling nearby caused Bulma to run away screaming.

Gohan and his future self wasted no time in dropping into combat stances, only for them to relax when they saw a few groundhogs popping up a short distance away.

"Calm down you guys, if it was here we'd probably sense it."

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

That was when Bulma promptly climbed into her ship "Hey so be real with me, you guys think sticking around is a bad idea too right?"

"Without a doubt."

"Well in that case I'm gonna go ahead and get the hell out of here, since you guys are heading over to Kame House after this I'll go ahead and give you a call once I get home. Oh yeah and that reminds me, send Yamcha back home as fast as you can so at least I've got something to shield myself and Bulla!" and so she promptly blasted off into the skies.

'Well at least she knows what's too dangerous even for her.'

Kai looked down and sniffed his hand "Out of curiosity, how much hand sanitizer did you actually bring with you?"

"Less than what you need." was the simultaneous chorus.

"Just fucking perfect. Still though, the egg in the second time machine and that molted skin that makes my hand smells like a whore hut, what the hell is going on? Hey future Spike, I don't suppose you have any idea what the hell that thing is?"

Future Gohan shook his head "I've never seen it before, without a doubt it didn't come from the future that I grew up in."

"Let's think about this, you showed up and wrecked both Frieza and his father and apprently this bug creature showed up a year before that, so that bug thing has been in this timeline for a total of about four years."

"That's right, at least what the console said inside the cockpit."

"So something from almost a decade the future has been slipping around in this timeline for about four years, how the hell could no one have ever even noticed that."

"But the question is, who sent it and why is it here in the first place?"

"And for that matter, what are the Androids up to right now?"

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What the Androids are up to right now…

18 was currently in a store trying on a new outfit, but she was… well let's just say she was less than impressed with their taste in fashion "Let me get this straight, you mean this is the best outfit you've got in stock?"

The shop clerk was oblivious to her opinion "Oh yeah that's our top of the line, gosh ma'am that looks right perdy on you. So how do you like it?"

"Like is a strong word, for that matter so is tolerate. Hate is actually looking a little bit weak right now."

"Oh but come on now darling, you look like the most beautiful rose in a rose garden. I'm sure that if I come home with you my daddy might even love me again."

"And just like that it's my cue to leave, see you later cowboy." and so she promptly walked out of the store.

"Uh, hey sweetheart you have to pay for those, either cash or credit. The register is on the inside you know!" he chased her outside even as she got in the van "You are getting into your car, you are driving away and I have been robbed. Dammit you blonde bimbo, you get back here this instant you hear me?!"

The van stopped, then started reversing back towards him.

"Oh no, nonononononono!" he promptly ran back inside.

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Meanwhile…

Bulma was flying her way back towards West City, still shaken by the discovery of the creature's molted skin "Well that was all kinds of unnerving."

"We interrupt this program to bring you a late breaking update to one of our news stories from earlier today, approximately one hour ago all contact with Gingertown, an area located on the outskirts of West City, was lost all of a sudden. According to our team on the scene, if I'm reading this correctly, it seems all of the residents have vanished without so much as a trace as to where they've gone. Yes that is what it says, not a single person in Gingertown can be accounted for at this time. Our news team is currently investigating the cause of this mass disappearance, we'll be sure to update you with details when they report in."

"Gingertown huh, but that isn't too far from where we descovered that creatue and the other time machine. I wonder… No, it couldn't be."

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Meanwhile, at Kame House…

Yamcha was quick to pick up the phone when it started ringing "Kame House, where the beaches are fine and- Oh hey babe."

"Hey listen Yamcha, you know how we were down by Gingertown right?"

"Yeah checking out that other time machine, why?"

"Turn on the TV to channel 872, from what I just heard there's some major shit going on down there right now."

"Shit of what variety exactly?"

"The not good kind, just turn it on!"

"Alright alright, take it easy." Yamcha promptly snatched the remote and changed the channel "I can't tell you how much of a relief this is, I'm sick of having to listen to Roshi watching porn all the time. Not that I need it, I've got you."

"Save it for later."

"Right right."

"This is Flash Stormwood reporting live for CQTV here on location in Gingertown, yeah you can suck on that one Jimmy Firecracker of ZTV!"

"Yes thank you Flash, what's the situation down there? Just moments ago, screams erupted through the streets, only for them to be followed by deafening silence. Now the place seems to be nothing but a ghost town, littered with the clothes of its former inhabitants. More than 15,000 people have disappeared, and we have yet to find out the reason as to why this development has taken place."

"Well do you currently have any speculations as to why this might be Flash?"

"Well Hal I can't say for certain, how recreational marijuana use was recently legalized in this region, so I believe we can all come to the same conclusion."

"And that is?"

"Most likely not camera friendly. Oh wait just a moment, it seems that someone else is approaching us. Excuse me you terrifying looking gentleman, would you mind giving your opinion on the legalization of- OH MY GOD NO!" and then the screen cut out, and when the camera came back online, the crew was nowhere in sight.

Yamcha and Krillin shared a nervous look "Yeah, I'm thinking one of us should probably go and check that out."

Master Roshi nodded "Yeah good call boys, my stash is running a little bit low."

"...Ignoring that, what do you think babe? Is this the Androids finally making their move?"

"No it's definitely not them, and don't just take my word for it. When the boys get there and here about this I'm sure they'll agree."

"But if it wasn't them, and I'm still going with if because I'm not really convinced, you're saying that it has something to do with the other time machine?"

"Oh yeah definitely, there's no question about that. Kai and the others will be sure to fill you and the others in once they get there."

"Yeah okay, but it better be one hell of a story because this is all really messed up."

"Hey Master Roshi, everybody it's us, can we come in?" that was when Gohan and the others entered the building, only to find everyone invested in "Hey Yamcha, Krillin, what's everyone looking at on there?"

"I'm just glad you guys are back, do you like mysteries?"

"Do I?! Wait what why, what's up?"

"Take a look at the news and then maybe you'll be able to tell us."

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Meanwhile, on the Lookout…

Kami looked down on the Earth below, his expression one of pure horror as he witnessed the events taking place 'What… this monstrocity…'

"What are you seeing?" asked Piccolo "Snap out of it already Kami, what the hell is going on down there? Say something dammit!"

"What… What matter of foul monstrocity has been unleashed?"

"What? What the hell are you talking about? Say something already you old fool, what monstrocity are you seeing? This is ridiculous Kami, just cut the crap and say something! There is no way I'm going to let you keep me in the dark any longer! You're going to tell me exactly what you saw down there, right now."

"...Fine, so be it."

"It's about time, so what is this monstrocity you're talking about and what the hell is going on down there?"

"Why should I need to go through the trouble of using words with Piccolo? After all, once you and I have merged into a single Namekian warrior you'll know exactly what I saw."

"So you've finally come to your senses then? Took you long enough, whatever is down there it must really be something else."

"Let's just get this over with, the longer we take the more victims succumb to the monster lurking down there."

"Alright, but let me make this clear. I have no intention of deferring to you, if either of us is in charge it's going to be me, you understand?"

"Of course I do, you are younger than I and your power has far exceeded anything that I would be able to muster now. It is only fair. My power will be at your disposal whenever you may needed it, and you shall have all of the knowledge I've amassed over the last 300 years. Now I'm sure you're already familiar with the technique, so since you are to be the foundation place your hand upon me."

"Right." Piccolo placed his hand on Kami's chest.

"Now come, let us become one again."

"No Kami please, you mustn't!" Mr Popo pleaded.

"You have no need to worry about me my loyal friend, I want this. It's not an overseer that the Earth and her people need right now, what it needs is a warrior capable of protecting the planet and its people. Piccolo is different now, for the evil that had previously tainted his heart has all but faded away. Once we have merged I doubt we shall ever be split again, he and I will at last be as once."

"Dear Kami… don't go…"

"I suppose this is goodbye then. Thank you for all of your years of service, Mr Popo." and with that, Kami let out a loud roar as he was engulfed in a white aura that surged high above the Lookout, engulfing the entire area in a massive white light.

'Goodbye… Kami…'

When the light subsided, Piccolo was the only one that remained, the white light that surrounded his body slowly subsiding 'So this is who we were? It's strange, but now I feel everything that he felt. Being the guardian for over 300 years, seeing war, sickness, death and so much worse. All the while being trapped on this Lookout, unable to interact with the outside world for more than a few mere moments at a time. And the only chance he had to escape it is to give up his free will to me, as if he were just going from one prison to another. It's strange, something in me actually makes me feel sorry for him now. But it had to be done, if we didn't do it now then we would just lose everything. But now isn't the time for brooding, I have work to do.' so with that in mind, he slowly started walking towards the edge of the Lookout.

This was when Mr Popo finally found his voice "If you can hear me Kami, then please… take care of yourself."

"I'm neither Kami nor Piccolo now, I'm simply a Namekian warrior who's long since forgotten his true name." he stopped at the edge, then looked back at Mr Popo and grinned "Now then, I bid you farewell." and with that, he burst off the edge of the Lookout and soared across the skies at blinding levels of speed, only one objective on his mind 'I hope you're ready monster, because I'm coming for you.'

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Meanwhile, back at Kame House…

Kai looked at the screen and let out a loud snort "Well that's just classic, right when God is about to disappear suddenly the rapture starts happening."

"Now now now now, now the Libs are surely going to get all bent out of shape about Racism over this, but this is just what happens when you elect a dog as king." that comment was the last one made before the TV was shut off.

"Hey if they get involved in political shit that's when it's time to draw the line."

Ignoring this, Krillin and the others glanced over at Future Gohan "So you guys think whatever it is that came out of that egg is what's causing all of this?"

Future Gohan nodded "Well that is what makes the most sense right now. Don't worry, I'll make sure that I get to the bottom of this no matter what it may take."

"Hold on a second, you're thinking of going alone?" asked Gohan.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Keep in mind that I can turn into a Super Saiyan if things end up going South, besides it's the Androids we have to worry about."

"We thought that whatever we had to face wouldn't be too much of a problem, and then we ended up meeting Frieza. There's no way you're going alone, I'm coming with you."

"Like heck you are!" Chichi rounded on him "Your poor father is still stuck in bed, this is no time for you to be off looking for a fight!"

"That's exactly why I have to do this mom, if dad can't fight then someone has to fill in until he gets better."

"Listen here, I don't care if that thing spits fire! I'm not letting you get dragged into some kind of war with a bunch of robots and bugs!"

"Mom that ship has sailed, that's my future self for crying out loud!" he pointed over in the direction of Future Gohan "He's here because no one else could stand up to the Androids, if we have to fight to keep everyone safe then so be it, even if it means disobeying you!" so with that in mind, he promptly flashed into Super Saiyan "In the meantime, you guys should stick around here and defend dad from the Androids in case they come here looking for him while we're over in Gingertown."

Tarble nodded "Don't worry Gohan, no matter what happens I'll protect sensei with my life. But in the meantime you should be careful out there, make sure you don't do anything too reckless. I have a feeling we're going to need all of the help we can get when the time comes that we have to fight against the Androids."

"Right, and Kai please don't do anything stupid while I'm gone." and so both Gohan's promptly blasted off into the skies.

"Wait a second, Kai you're not going with them?"

"Of course I am, I just have to pee first." and so Kai promptly slammed the bathroom door behind him.

"...He's an odd boy."

"He gets that from his mother." Yamcha told him flatly.

Chichi on the other hand, she was staring off into space out the window, her mind drifting as the wind did 'That boy that came from the future… that was Gohan…?'

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The scene in Gingertown was desolate and abandoned, with only the close of its former people littering the city.

Piccolo, now powered up more than ever before, touched down on the ground and started wandering through the streets 'Come out monster, I know you're here somewhere, stalking me from the shadows and waiting for me to come to you.'

Sure enough, as if on cue, a creepy humming started sounding from within the shadows, quickly catching his attention, followed by singing "Mr Sandman… bring me a dream…"

'Well if this isn't creepy as hell then I don't know what is.'

"Make him the cutest, that I've ever seen… Give him two lips, like roses and clover… Then tell him that his lonesome nights. Are. Over." and as the voice finished singing, a sinister looking green bug creature revealed himself to Piccolo while carrying the unconscious form of a fat guy in a suit, and he shot Piccolo a menacing grin "Hello… friend."

"Took you long enough, monster." Piccolo shot the creature a look of disdain, but then froze as he got a feel of the creature's Ki signature 'That Ki, why does it feel like it's coming from… No it can't be, this doesn't make any sense…'

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Meanwhile, back at Kame House…

Tarble and Chichi were busy taking care of Goku while he was sleeping "It's only been a day since the virus showed itself, but it looks like he's really taking a turn for the better." then he heard the sound of groaning "Sensei, are you awake? Sensei it's me, it's Tarble." the groaning was promptly replaced with snoring.

Chichi let out a sigh "And he's out again."

"But this is a good sign, he's definitely on the path to a full recovery, and I'll do whatever I can to help him get there."

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Meanwhile, back in Gingertown…

The fat guy in the creature's clutches slowly regained consciousness, only to find himself freaked out by the sight of the creature holding him, and then he tried to appeal to Piccolo "Hey you with the big pointy ears, help me! Don't just stand there you idiot do something, I'm in serious trouble here! Hey I'm begging you, come on man! Oh so you want to play hard ball do you, well if that's how it has to be then fine!" he pulled a big wad of cash out of his pocket "Look I'm the richest guy in Gingertown alright, you can have all the money you'll ever need and all you have to do is get rid of this thing! Come on you idiot don't just stand there, hurry up and rescue me!"

Ignoring the fat guy's rantings, Piccolo eyed the creature with clear distaste "I have no idea if you can even understand what I'm saying but just let the man go free, even if he is groveling in a way so pathetic his life does have value."

"...So be it." the creature released his hold on the fat guy, his voice deep and raspy "But before we proceed any further I do have one question."

"And what would that be?"

"You wanna see me drink this guy?!" he then proceeded to stab the fat guy in the back with his tail, and then he literally started drinking the man through his tail, causing him to cry out in pain as he slowly dissolved until only his clothes remained "And that makes a solid 15,000. So tell me something Piccolo, what brings you to my neighborhood?"

"I sensed a disturbance."

"Well I am pretty disturbing."

"Understatement of the year."

"I mean do you remember how I drank that guy right in front of you? Yeah that was fucking weird."

"So it seems I was right when I guessed that you were the one who exterminated this entire city then."

"Oh no, that was another guy. His name was Shit Sherlock, first name No."

"But why, just why?"

"Well there are four reasons. First of all, I'm fucking evil. Second of all, I was asleep for almost four years and I'm understandably hungry. Third of all, there's nothing more satisfying than the rush I get from watching a man disappear. And four, and this is something that I really need you to pay attention to." the creature dropped into a stance and started unleashing a quick surge of energy, blowing apart the ground beneath him as well as a large part of the now abandoned city surrounding them "And four: That is how I power the beautiful temple that is my body."

"Just what kind of creature are you, and how do you know to call me Piccolo?"

"What reason would I have to not know the name of my brother?"

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Meanwhile, back at Kame House…

Tarble and the others quickly bolted out onto the beach outside of Kame House."

Yamcha nodded "Yeah no doubt, I've never felt anything close to this powerful."

"And it feels like Frieza and his dad's power, along with sensei, Piccolo, Raditz and all of us rolled into one!"

"But what does that mean?"

"Whatever it is, I doubt it's anything good. Do you think Kai sensed it?"

Kai stumbled out of the bathroom as he finished tying his gi back together "Okay what the hell am I sensing? Is that Gohan? Is that me? Is that me stronger than me?! That's it, I'll fucking kill me!"

"...I think that's a yes then."

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Future Gohan soared across the skies alongside his present self at full speed, his mind racing 'It feels like I can sense Piccolo, Frieza and Father, and even that of myself and Kai. Somehow it feels as if all of their Ki signatures are coming from one single source.'

"You can sense it too right?" that was when Gohan got his attention "It's coming from the direction of Gingertown, not far from where we found that egg and shedded skin with the other time machine. You think they're connected?"

"If they're not connected in any way then I'll make my hair go flat and wear a green tracksuit to a showdown against Frieza." that was a jab at Gohan in Resurrection F if you didn't get it.

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Raditz's head snapped up from where he was training in a rocky mountain location as he sensed the creature's Ki signature "Myself and Frieza, Piccolo and Nail, and all of them rolled into a single source? But how can that be possible? It doesn't make sense, Gohan travelled back from a decade in the future and he slaughtered Frieza and King Cold like lambs, and- Wait a second, is that Kakarot's energy as well? I don't understand, I know he's still resting back at Kame House with Nail and the others.'

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Piccolo's eyes narrowed as he suppressed a growl "Now tell me just what kind of creature you are and make it quick, start giving me some answers."

The creature let out a hiss and a chuckle "That's on a need to know basis, and you don't need to know. I try to make a habit of not talking to my food."

"Start talking, I don't intend to ask you again."

"And I don't intend to answer you again, how's that for a rhetorical answer?" he was met wit only a smirk.

"It's a shame, I typically like to know who I've defeated but I guess for you I'll just have to make an exception."

"Oh the horror, the Jolly Green Giant intends to kill me. You're living in quite the fantasy aren't you?"

"I don't know how or where you encountered the name Piccolo, and frankly I don't care about that. But…" Piccolo suddenly sent out a massive surge of energy, leaving him standing in a large crater that left even the creature taken aback. When everything settled down, Piccolo was still standing where he was, though his body was now pulsating with energy "But unfortunately for you, I'm not him."

"What's that, you say you're not Piccolo? Alright I'll play along with what I'm assuming is a midlife crisis, if you're not Piccolo then who are you?"

"Wouldn't you like to know? You know all things considered I probably should thank you for wiping out all of the people here before I showed up, that will make it a hell of a lot easier for me to do what I need to do."

"And what would that be exactly?"

"It's simple, now I'm free to kill you without having to hold back." and so on that note, he promptly charged an fired an Explosive Demon Wave, causing the creature to cry out in pain as he was engulfed in the explosion that followed, which was more than enough to obliterate all that remained of Gingertown.

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Future Gohan continued flying alongside his present self towards the scene of Gingertown, his mind racing "Dammit, it doesn't make sense! A duplicate time machine, a monster on the loose, and now an entire city is either missing or dead, and we still don't know where the Androids are right now."

"Yeah tell me about it, sounds like a total fuster-cluck."

Future Gohan jumped and looked back to see Kai and Nail flying alonside him "What the-"

"Sup?"

"But how did you- I didn't even sense you."

"Namek-Ken wasn't the only trick I learned from Nail, that's one I affectionately refer to as Stealth Mode."

"...Yeah sure, let's go with that." Gohan let out a sigh.

"So what are we looking at?"

"I have absolutely no idea, it could be a giant cicada monster for all we know."

"Considering what we found with the time machine, that seems like a pretty good guess."

"Plus just now there was a power surge in Gingertown, so that creature isn't the only thing waiting for us over there." Future Gohan pointed out "The only question is, what's this other one waiting for us?"

"Pull your head out of your ass and think for a second Gohan, it's obviously Piccolo."

"Wait what? But that power is off the charts, and it's unlike anything I've sensed from Piccolo before now."

"Didn't you listen to what Nail told you? Piccolo and Kami merged back into the Namekian warrior they were in the first place, and since Piccolo was already almost on the level of me and a Super Saiyan before, now we've got a Super Namekian on our side."

"So that's what Piccolo is capable of at his maximum potential? It's incredible, it makes me wonder why Piccolo didn't fuse with Kami in my time?"

"Probably because he and Kami hate each other's guts and it would've cost you guys the Dragon Balls anyway."

"...Yeah that sounds about right-" the three of them stopped when they noticed the explosion in the distance "Woah."

Gohan breathed a sigh of amazement "I guess that's a taste of the new and improved Piccolo in action."

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Meanwhile, with the Androids…

18 shot a dirty look over at 17 "I can't believe you actually managed to screw up the van."

17 gave a shrug "Honestly I don't have a clue what you were expecting, I never even got a chance to get my license before Dr Gero went all Blade Runner on us."

"Yeah yeah, whatever excuse lets you sleep at night. Hey 16, how's that tranny coming along over there?"

"I don't believe that the car identifies as either male or female." 16 told him.

"...Yeah okay, I walked into that. So what do you think that explosion was over there anyway?"

"I don't know, and frankly who gives a damn." 17 gave a shrug "If I had to guess it's probably just that kid throwing a hissy fit or something-"

"Wait!" 16 cut into their conversation again "Did you mean the transmission? Because I fixed it 10 minutes ago." he started the van.

"...Yeah, works for me."

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As a result of the blast fired by Piccolo, the entire city of Gingertown had been reduced to nothing more than a wasteland.

Piccolo looked ahead of him, waiting for the creature to emerge 'I know you're still in there, I may not know what you are but that doesn't mean I can't tell what my opponent can take.'

"Excellent." a voice echoed in his mind "You're being sure not to underestimate your opponent, a wise choice."

'Cut the mysterious voice crap Kami, I know that's you in there."

"I suspected as much. Worry not, sooner or later I should fade into the depths of your subconscious. Eventually."

Sure enough, the creature burst out from the rubble and took to the skies "Hey, do you wanna see something cool?" he placed two fingers to his forehead and started charging Ki into them.

'Wait a second, what the hell is he doing?'

"That looks like your technique."

'Well it's not!'

"He's doing the finger thing."

'So what, Goku does that too when he teleports-'

"Special Beam Cannon!" in a shocking move, the creature promptly unleashed a full power Special Beam Cannon.

Brushing off the shock for the moment, Piccolo deflected the attack with ease, causing it to detonate a great distance away from the battlefield.

The creature blitzed behind Piccolo and aimed a fist at the back of his head.

Piccolo spun around to avoid the attack and dealt the creature a spin kick to the spine 'Yeah, I can get used to that.'

"Wait a second, did you just spin-kick him?"

'I know right, I've always wanted to do that.'

"Well please don't do it again."

'My body, my rules old man!' Piccolo aimed an elbow at the creature's head.

The creature dodged the attack and retreated away a fair distance 'Great he's faster than me, that could be a slight pain in the ass, but-'

"Gotcha!" Piccolo blitzed behind the creature and kicked him in the spine.

"Dammit my ass-butt!" the creature stopped himself and tried to deal Piccolo a quick kick to the chest.

Piccolo leapt over the attack and dealt the creature a solid fist to the face, sending him hurtling towards the ground, and then rushed to intercept him.

The creature stopped himself in mid air and tried to retreat, only to find Piccolo in mid air prepared to intercept him 'He's gonna kick me again, isn't he?'

Piccolo promptly dealt the creature a solid kick to the face, sending him crashing to the ground at full speed. He then promptly returned to the ground as the creature burst out from the rubble "So that's the best you can do? My senses and that annoying voice in my head told me you were a much bigger deal than this, are you holding back on me or something?"

The creature let out a chuckle "You are a formidable opponent I will admit, never mind the fact that I would be able to crush you with ease once my form has been perfected."

"Perfected how?" he was met with only a smirk, and then the realization hit him "Wait a second, you mean that's the reason why you wiped out and absorbed all of the people in Gingertown?"

"I already told you that before, absorbing people is how I power the beautiful temple that is my body."

"Son of a- Tell me something beast, whose idea was it to send you back to our time in the first place? Let me take a wild guess, another one of your disgusting kind?"

"So you know about that, well I hate to disappoint you but I came back to this time of my own accord. That puny time machine you're referring to was too small for this body, so I was forced to revert back to my egg form in order to travel. I have to admit I find it surprising you were able to deduce how I arrived here so easily, but with that being said I have many other secrets you know nothing about. But before we get to that, I'm gonna need you to do me a solid and not kick me anymore alright?"

"Start by telling me who and what you are, why you came to our time and how you know my technique, and maybe I'll consider it."

"Well what can I say? "Imitation is the greatest form of flattery."- Oscar Wilde. And adding onto that note…" he dropped into a stance and cupped his hands at his side, shocking Piccolo right to the core "Ka…"

'That stance, no there's no way that should be possible! The only one who knows how to use that technique is Goku! And Gohan.'

"Me…"

'And Master Roshi. And Yamcha.'

"Ha…"

'And Krillin. And Tien.'

"Me…"

'And me that one time I tried it just to see if I could-'

"HAAAA!" in another shocking move, the creature fired forward a full power Kamehameha wave, engulfing the entire area in an explosion.

Piccolo appeared above the cloud of smoke, having dodged the blast at the last second 'Well that's just great, this thing is full of surprises.'

"Surprise!" the creature suddenly grabbed Piccolo from behind.

'Oh great, he's behind me.'

"Howdy neighbor, you mind joining me for a feast?" the creature promptly stuck his tail directly into Piccolo's arm, causing him to scream in pain "Oh ho ho, it must be your first time because you are tight! And unfortunately for you, it's also your last." he started drinking the bioenergy out of Piccolo's arm.

'Dammit dammit dammit!'

"You realize he's drinking your arm."

'I know!'

"Well then do something!"

'I am!' Piccolo gritted his teeth and dealt the creature a headbutt to the face, forcing him to release his grip while he (Piccolo) returned to the ground, his arm incredibly shriveled up as a result.

The creature recovered and returned to the ground in front of Piccolo "Wow, I guess you look more like Kami than I was led to believe."

"Dick."

"You sure you don't want me to do the other arm and even you out? Let's be real here, having to look at that is just distracting."

"Distracting or not, it doesn't change the fact that the tables have turned on me." Piccolo gritted his teeth "I can't even keep my balance in a battle stance while my arm is like this, not after what you just did to me. I'm no fool, I see that I don't have a chance in hell of beating you now."

"Ah submission, a second favorite to futile resistance. If it's any consolation though, with your current level of power absorbing you will bring me so close to my perfect form that you'll practically fuel my evolution."

"Before you finish off you at least have to tell me this, what sort of abomination are you? You have Goku and Frieza's, all of our Ki signatures, you even know the Special Beam Cannon and the Kamehameha."

"Oh, well…"

"Unless you don't have anything important to say."

"No no no, it's just that this is actually a first for me. You're the first person I've come across that even bothers to ask "Who?" or "What?" Normally they just ask… Why? Well for starters, you can call me Cell. I'm sure by now you're familiar with my father, Dr Gero."

"Oh god dammit, not another one."

"I was created by the computer in Dr Gero's secret laboratory, many years ago he began collecting cell samples from the greatest fighters the world had to offer in hopes of synthesizing their DNA into the creating into the creation of the ultimate Android. His research was successful, but due to the extreme length of time that would be required by the process he chose to abandon it in favor of more short-term alternatives. While the doctor took the time to turn his attention elsewhere, his computer was left to carry out the experiment, working day and night to create the perfect fightinig machine. Additional cells were collected and incorporated into the design, such as from you Piccolo, Son Goku, and even others such as Raditz and his Saiyan comrades. These samples were taken at the time of the Saiyan invasion, while you were all at the peak of your powers."

"From all the way back then, well I suppose that would explain why your Kamehameha technique was so pathetic."

"But wait there's more, we were also fortunate enough to gather cells from Frieza and his father when they had their brief stay on Earth, incorporating their powers as well. We could've easily acquired the cells of the boy who had travelled back in time, but it had already been determined by the computer that we had already taken enough Saiyan samples."

"Oh yeah, and how exactly did you come by these samples? We were the only ones there at the time when Frieza's ship landed, we would've noticed the presence of anyone else."

"It shouldn't be that hard for you to figure out, it's the same way Dr Gero collected the data he needed for all of his research, a fleat of tiny surveillance robots the size of a fly that are able to get in close without being detected. Take a look for yourself, even now every move you make is being watched and the stream of data is being relayed to the computer to be analyzed. Who knows, it may even try to take another cell sample from you."

"That little son of a-" Piccolo promptly annihilated the drone with a Ki blast.

"Hate to break it to you but it's too little too late, the computer already has plenty of samples as it is and the process is well underway. In a time span of only 12 years I will emerge, the final and greatest creation of Dr Gero."

"But that's impossible, we completely destroyed Dr Gero's lab and now it's nothing but a pile of rubble. Gohan made sure of it."

"Shot in the dark Green Man, you ever hear of having a basement?"

"...Oh."

"Yes, the computer is in an underground bunker beneath the lab."

"I see. So tell me something else, if you showed up from the future four years ago then why did you wait until now to show your ugly face?"

"It's quite simple, in order to fit inside the time machine I was forced to regress back to my larval state, and it took four years for my body to mature into the form standing before you now. After all, you can't rush perfection."

"Then one last question, you must have some reason for coming back in time in the first place, so what is it?"

"I was created to be the perfect fighting machine, but in order to achieve that status I require more than the bioenergy of mere humans. I cannot reach my true perfection until I have also absorbed two highly specialized lifeforms, without them the computer's data shows that I will never reach the full potential of my design. The ones I need are two of Dr Gero's other creations, I refer to Androids 17 and 18!"

"What?!"

"However, in the future I come from these Androids no longer exist. Son Gohan had somehow managed to defeat both, unknowingly thwarting my quest for perfection before it even had a chance to begin. But luckily for me, Gohan had a time machine ripe for the taking, and once that meddling wretch was out of the way my search could continue, and I used his time machine to travel back to the past where my pray was still thriving."

"But why would you choose to go back so far?"

"Who can say really? Son Gohan had already set the destination for the time machine, all I had to do was push a button. Which was really all that I could do, seeing how I had started to revert back to my egg form."

'So that's it, the Gohan of that timeline must have succeeded in finding a way to destroy the Android, and he was planning to come back here to tell the rest of us the news. But then this monster threw a wrench into that plan.'

"Oh and by the way, the computer showed me something else I believe you're going to find quite interesting."

"And that is?"

"Once I achieve my Perfect Form I'll be absolutely invincible, the greatest power the universe has ever known!"

"Oh yeah and what then, what kind of purpose will it serve you to gain that much power? What's your ultimate plan?"

"What do you mean my plan, who said anything about me having a plan? I want to become stronger because I want to become stronger, I seek power for the sake of power, it's what the computer designed me to do. Either that or perhaps it's simply the Saiyan DNA in my genetic infrastructure that drives me to test my limits, or Frieza's, or even yours Piccolo. Then again, there's a chance that the boy Kai's DNA has a large part of that."

"...Alright."

"Good, then if you've heard enough."

"I've heard plenty, everything I need to know."

"Well in that case, I'm gonna drink you now."

"Just one thing before that, do you want to see something cool?"

"Now I know you're playing me, and I do."

"Cool." so Piccolo ripped off his shriveled arm, and with a quick roar he promptly regenerated it in an instant.

"Oh that is hardcore, and also not good for me. So you pretended to be down for the count to get me to talk."

"And now that I know what you are I know how to stop you, for someone who claims to share my DNA you should've realized that I have the ability to regenerate any damaged limbs. It's all over Cell, even with the energy you managed to drain from my arm your power is still no match for mine. You travelled to the wrong time in your quest for perfection, this is where your journey ends."

"Not a bad move Namekian, you sacrificed your arm because you knew it would cause me to lower my guard. A cunning strategy, I never expected anything of that sort from you."

"I wish I could take the credit for that, but I have Kami to thank for that bit of insight."

"What? I see, so that explains it. You really aren't just Piccolo anymore, you've merged your powers with those of Kami!"

"Now you've got it, it's about time you started catching on."

'But at the same time, if the Guardian of Earth is gone then that means the Dragon Balls are gone as well, so if anyone dies now then there's no chance of wishing them back. That actually works to my advantage. I was wondering how you managed to increase your power level so drastically, but now I understand."

"What you've seen has only been the tip of the iceberg, why don't I give you a glimpse of what I can really do. From here on out there's no more holding back."

'This is also not good for me, I need to find an opportunity to make my escape.' then he noticed something out of the corner of his eye 'And I think I just found it.'

Sure enough, Kai and the cavalcade had arrived on the scene "Well looks like someone owes me some major Zeni, that's the new and improved Piccolo down there, but- What the hell is that supposed to be down there?"

"I think I know." Future Gohan muttered "That thing from the egg must have grown up to become this monster."

"I know that you dumbass, I was being rhetorical." they lowered themselves to the ground.

Cell's eyes narrowed as he studied the group 'Son Gohan, one from this timeline, but also one from the future? So he's here as well. Interesting, this must be where he travelled back in the time machine before I came along and appropriated it. No matter, I've already killed him once so if it's true that history repeats itself then it seems that this time the future will as well.'

"So start talking Jolly Green Godman, is this the thing responsible for turning Gingertown into the world's first mandatory nudist colony?"

Piccolo shot him a disturbed look "I'm going to assume you mean that he's responsible for all of the disappearances in Gingertown, and just say yes. Watch out for his tail, he uses the stinger to absorb people and steal their energy."

"But why does his Ki signature feel like dad, yours and everyone else all coming from a single point?" asked Gohan.

"We can save the explanations for later, right now we just need to deal with this pest."

Cell let out a chuckle "Well it would seem that someone is confident, sorry to disappoint you but I have no intention of making it that easy."

"Spare me the attempts to salvage the shattered remains of your ego Cell, you're outnumbered and outclassed. I'd say that the odds are stacked against you."

"I agree, it would seem that my best option is to retreat for the time being."

"Not a chance, it will take a lot more than another weak Kamehameha imitation to get past the four of us."

"Oh believe me Piccolo, I'm well aware of that. But I have much more than the Kamehameha at my disposal, I have every ability that Son Goku has in his arsenal, from the Kamehameha to even the Kaioken."

"This is getting more and more ridiculous by the second. I can imagine Goku won't be happy when he finds out that this thing stole his moves."

"Probably as happy as everyone else was when they found that that Goku stole their moves in the first place."

"...Alright that's a fair point."

"And Son Goku is alive you say? So it would seem that he hasn't succumbed to the Heart Virus in this timeline, that makes things much more interesting. It would seem that events in this timeline are unfolding differently from the one I came from. Now if you'll excuse me I have a couple of Androids that I need to track down." Cell promptly took to the air "I should also warn you not to make any attempts to stop me from reaching my Perfect Form, or the next time we meet will be the last moments you have in this plane of existence, especially not if Piccolo here is the best you have to offer. So until next time, let me leave all of you enlightened! Solar Flare!" he quickly unleashed a Solar Flare, leaving Piccolo and everyone else blinded while he disappeared across the horizon.

"That cowardly son of a-"

"Dammit…" Nail opened his eyes after a moment and looked around, only to find that Cell was nowhere in sight "Looking back, perhaps we should've anticipated that sooner."

"Hold on a second, that thing knew Goku's moves but I thought Tien was the one who used the Solar Flare."

"The same could be said for the Kamehameha." Kai pointed out dryly "Solar Flare is actually pretty simple to learn, I can use it and so can Goku, Krillin and Yamcha."

"That's just fucking perfect." the group took to the skies and looked around, only to find that there was no sign of Cell "He must be suppressing his Ki signature, if he knows that trick too then we'll never find him."

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Meanwhile, with another warrior that doesn't have hair…

Tien was bolting across the skies as fast as he could, his mind racing 'I don't know what the hell is going on, but I have a bad feeling about this.'

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Raditz bolted towards the scene of Gingetown in Super Saiyan form, his mind racing 'One of those massive power levels I was sensing just vanished all of a sudden, but the second one is still there dead ahead. I can rule out the Androids, they don't give off any energy to track, and I know that Kakarot is still out of commission, so who the hell could it be?'

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Meanwhile, back at Kame House…

With a mighty roar, Tarble threw a few punches along the beach in front of Kame House, the shockwaves rippling along the sea a short distance in front of him 'Sensei is still out of commission, and there's no telling what the others are going to be dealing with or when they'll be back, so I have to be prepared to give it everything I've got if the Androids show up looking for him.'

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By this point, Cell was in the clear and decided to pay a visit to the nearest city, Nicky Town, in order to increase his power, but was sidetracked by a battletball team in spiked shoulder pads that had come up behind him. Unfortunately for them, Cell was able to absorb them in a matter of moments, but once he caught a glimpse of Raditz flying overhead, he quickly finished up with the battletball team and made a beeline for Nicky Town.

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Meanwhile, back at what used to be Gingertown…

"Dammit dammit dammit dammit DAMMIT!" Piccolo's aura flared around his body, coinciding with his rage "What the hell have I done?! I could've easily beaten that freak, I should've taken him out instead of wasting time with questions!"

This was when Raditz finally arrived on the scene overhead and saw Piccolo powering up in his rage "What the hell, is that Piccolo? I don't believe this."

"I was wondering where you ran off too." Nail commented.

"You would too if you had to deal with the old man being a perv. Anyway start talking, tell me everything that happened."

"I can sense Tien's Ki signature heading in our direction, it'll be easier for all of us if I fill you in once he gets here." Piccolo told him.

"Then while we wait at least answer me this, how did you manage to increase your power level so drastically in just a matter of hours? Even your energy signature feels different, you might as well be a different person."

"That's because he technically is a different person." Nail told him "Apparently Piccolo and his other half Kami made the decision to merge back into the being they used to be, in order to tap into a greater reservoir of dormant power, which is why you weren't able to recognize him."

"I see. But to think he's capable of producing that much power now, his level of strength is more than any of us put together, Super Saiyan or not.'

Kai let out a loud scoff "It doesn't matter if he's fused with God or not, you've still got a trump card right here, yours truly!"

"...Do you really believe your own hype that much?"

"Bitch please, I am the hype!"

Piccolo ignored this exchange and started musing to himself 'What's our next move? I might be able to hold my own against 17 and 18, but with 16 along with them there's no way I'd be able to defeat all three of them at once. No, in order to stop Cell from absorbing the Androids we'll have to go after him directly.'

That was when Gohan noticed Tien flying towards them "Hey guys look up there, Tien is heading this way!"

Sure enough, at that moment Tien dropped to the ground next to them "Hey, I finally tracked you guys down. I just followed that massive Ki signature and equally massive amount of screaming in rage. So what did I miss?"

"Piccolo fused with Kami."

"Oh, so that finally came full circle."

"But more importantly, we have another threat to deal with." Piccolo told them "As in another Android created by Dr Gero!" he was met with a stunned silence.

And then Kai broke it "Do I hear five?!"

"Craze as it might sound, the monster who attacked this town is actually an Android from the future created by Dr Gero's computer 24 years from now."

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By this point, Cell had reached the outskirts of Nicky Town and wasted no time in making a beeline for the city, preparing to absorb the inhabitants and steal their energy in order to make himself more powerful.

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Meanwhile, back at Gingertown, or what's left of it…

Piccolo finished explaining everything to the others "Crazy as it sounds, that's basically it in a nutshell."

Raditz was the first one to find his voice "My DNA, and Kakarot's and all of us?"

"That's what we're up against right now, in order to prevent Cell from reaching his Perfect Form we'll either need to find him and take him out, or we'll have to figure out a way to kill the other Androids before he can absorb them. It's one or the other."

"So what do you think we should do?" asked Nail.

"I say we start tracking down Cell while we still have a chance against him, before he absorbs enough energy to become unstoppable."

Kai said nothing, he just gritted his teeth 'Dammit, it's like they're throwing it in my face everywhere I look! After all of the training I've done to push myself to the absolute limit, every time I look ahead someone new has left my power in the dust, it's like the universe just doesn't want me to surpass them! No there's no way I'm going to stand for that, sorry Universe but I still have one or two tricks up my sleeve!'

"So there you have it, Cell is here for the sake of absorbing 17 and 18 and he won't rest until he achieves his Perfect Form, and until he manages to do that he's going to keep wiping out more and more cities in order to make himself more powerful, so we have to stop him."

"We have to find him first." Future Gohan pointed out "Now that he knows that Piccolo is a threat to him in his current form he's bound to keep moving from one city to the next with his Ki signature hidden, so we'll only be left chasing his shadow, which means that unless we can find a way to get a step ahead of him before he can absorb the Androids, we're going to have a real problem on our hands. The entire planet will be nothing but a plaything to him."

"Yes and not just our planet either, in his Perfect Form Cell could pose a threat to the entire universe, so I assume that considering that he has Frieza's DNA in his makeup he's not lacking in ambition."

"He's not the only one with ambition." Kai pointed out flatly "You might see a threat but I see a challenge, his potential to wipe out the universe means that it is possible to get that much stronger, so now I know for a fact that it there are new heights for me to push myself."

"Even now you still have your biggest problem going for you, half the time you overestimate your own capabilities and the other half you completely brush off any threats to your own life just for the sake of proving your own strength. If Cell is able to absorb 17 and 18 then his power will be able to surpass both of theirs combined, and you remember damn well how you faired against only one of them."

"And don't think that just because you were my teacher and a Super Namekian I'm going to let you talk down to me, I already made it clear before that I believe that limitations are only a state of mind." he breathed a sigh filled with clear aggression "Look, I promise you that I'll get strong enough to take down Cell and the Androids, and I have some ideas of my own on just how to do that. Besides, I know that Goku is gonna try the same thing when he finally decides to pull his ass out of bed, that much you can count on. Go ahead, I fucking dare you guys to try and tell me that I'm wrong."

"...As clear his mental instability makes itself even now, he has a point." Future Gohan pointed out "As we are now, Piccolo is the only one who has the power to take out Cell, and who knows how long it's going to be before even he's outclassed. The only hope we have of winning is to get way stronger than we are right now, and as Kai would put it that means we're going to have to get creative. I actually tried to do something similar when I was training to face off with the Androids in my time."

"Which was what exactly?" asked Raditz.

"I tried to push myself and see if I could find a level beyond Super Saiyan."

"Beyond Super Saiyan, is that even possible?"

"If it is then I wasn't anywhere near close to finding it, but then the Kai of my timeline died fighting the Androids, and after that I just gave up on that idea."

"Well let's keep that in reserve for a moment, there's something else I need to confirm with you right now. These rules for time travel, you said that you couldn't go back further and destroy the Androids before they're activated right?"

"Exactly, we would be able to create a new timeline where the Androids don't exist along with who knows what other changes but it wouldn't help us get rid of the ones in this timeline."

"So does that mean it would be a waste of time if I suggested that we go back to Dr Gero's lab in North City, find his basement and then go blow up the mini Cell still in that birthing pod or whatever it's called?"

"...No you're right, changes to the timeline or not we should still do it anyway. At the very least we should be able to make sure that another version of Cell doesn't show up a decade in the future of this timeline."

"So then it's settled." Piccolo noted "All of you head for the lab, I'll search around the area here to see if I can pick up on Cell's trail."

"I'd rather stick around, you need the extra eyes." Tien pointed out, with Nail and Kai nodding in agreement.

"...Fine."

"If you think that's for the best then okay, but if you haven't found him in the next few hours just meet us back at Kame House." Gohan told him "If we keep an eye on the news then we should be able to get at least a general idea of where and when Cell is going to pop up next. So are you guys ready."

"Ready." Future Gohan and Raditz both gave simultaneous nods, and the three of them headed off in the direction of North City.

"So tell me future me, do you really think it's going to be possible for you to find a level beyond the likes of a Super Saiyan? That sounds pretty crazy, neither me or dad or any of us ever bothered to look that far."

"I know that the idea itself sounds insane, but when it comes to the Saiyan genes I'm pretty sure the word "impossible" has about as much meaning as "limitations", as in none at all.

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Kai and the others looked around at the scene of where Cell had encountered the battleball team bus, only to find no sign of him "Nothing but clothes with stab marks, if I had to guess then I would say that Cell came here through here not too long ago."

"Aw dammit." Tien muttered "He killed my star battleback too, my entire fantasy team just went straight to hell."

"...Are you for real right now?"

"What? I have hobbies." he was met with a scoff.

"No you don't.

"Are you done?" Nail asked dryly.

"As long as he doesn't pretent to have any more hobbies."

"Anyway he'll need a far greater amount of energy than this if we wishes to gain enough power to absorb the Androids, he'll have to aim for an area with a larger population."

"He couldn't have gotten too far in such a short amount of time, if we hurry we might be able to track him down before then."

"Right." and so the four of them promptly took to the skies.

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Meanwhile, outside of North City…

Gohan threw aside a piece of rubble and shuddered as a cold wind blew through the area "Oh man, was it always this cold around here? We were here at noon, there's no way it could've been this cold."

"If you're looking for a way to warm up, I suggest you start looking." Future Gohan told him, his tone flat.

"Well what do we do now? If there is some kind of basement down there then we'll have a pretty hard time getting to it underneath all of this rubble."

"I have one idea in mind for that, take my advice and stand back." Raditz promptly started firing a few Ki blasts to clear out the rubble, with the others soon following.

"You know there are times when I question our lifestyle, but shooting lasers like this can be fun sometimes."

"Just don't start making laser noises like something out of Star Wars."

"I wasn't going to do that!"

"Really?"

"...Maybe."

"He's lying, I used to do this in secret until I was ten." Future Gohan fired a few Ki blasts of his own at the rubble "And seriously, anyone who denies making laser noises as a kid is lying through their teeth."

"Adding onto that point, not really, come take a look at this." Raditz called them over to where he had found a ladder leading underground "Either Dr Gero had an underground stripjoint, or I found the entrance to his secret lab."

"So should we go have a look?"

"We might as well." so the three of them leapt down the ladder and into the underground cavern, and they started walking.

"Before we actually find something down here, I need to ask both of you for a favor."

"Which is what exactly?"

"If we actually do find any more Androids down here… please don't let Kai find out or he'll never let me live it down."

"I make no such promises when it comes to that kid."

"Well I had to try." they soon ended up coming across a large metal door, and once they pushed the door open the lights flashed on, revealing the secret underground lab in all of its glory.

"Wow, danger Will Robinson." Gohan muttered.

"Who's Will Robinson?"

"...The future is no fun."

"It's really not." Future Gohan looked up at the computer in the center of the room "Dammit, so it really is here. That definitely looks like the computer an evil genius would use."

"And that's not all, check this out." Raditz motioned for them to check out a large tank filled with green fluid "So if I were a gambling man, I would say that this has to be the Cell from our timeline, still in his tank just like we thought."

"If that's the case then there's no point in waiting around, we should hurry and destroy this place while we can." Gohan suggested.

"Makes sense to me."

"No wait you two, hold off on that for just a minute." Future Gohan walked over to a nearby desk holding some schematics "No way…"

"What's the matter?"

"From the looks of it, I think we just found the blueprints for Android 17. This is incredible, do either of you two realize what this means? If we bring these back to Bulma then we could use them to find a way to turn the Androids off before Cell can find them!"

'Don't ask how to turn them on, don't ask her to turn them on, don't ask how to turn Android 18 on! How do you turn Android 17 on? Shit!'

"Plus there's a lot more here, just take a look! It lists their real names, 17 and 18 are apparently named Lapiz and Lazuli. And take a look here, apparently Android 16 was actually modeled after Dr Gero's dead son."

"...Are you making that up? It sounds to me like you're making that up."

"Well okay then, grab those things and let's kill Cell and get the hell out of here."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

"Actually about that, I've been thinking." Gohan cut in "Technically this version of Cell has never done anything wrong, so doesn't it have a right to life just like the rest of us?"

"This is about a lot more than just a right to life. This is about making a choice, a choice that three of us all need to make. A choice between making a terrible mistake that could ruin millions of lives and- Okay you know what fuck it, I'm just going to drop the pretences and say it in a way that Kai would. We're aborting Cell, end of discussion."

"...Fine, I guess that makes sense." so with that in mind, the three of them started blasting different parts of the lab, making sure that nothing was left standing.

Future Gohan looked up at Cell's tube, the only thing remaining of the lab, and he gritted his teeth furiously 'Damn monster, I'm not going to let another world be ruined by you and the rest of your kind! I won't let anyone else go through that kind of hell, never again, whether it be my world or this one or any other!' he fired a quick Ki blast at the tube, obliterating it on the spot and leaving nothing behind.

"Looks like someone got some much needed catharsis." Raditz patted him on the shoulder "Why don't you try destroying the real deal next time, see how that turns out."

"Only time will tell."

"I guess so. Anyway come on, we'd better get back to the surface before this place comes down on our heads."

"Right." and so the three of them bolted back up to the surface before they were caught in the ensuing explosion.

"And here's one more for the road!" on that note, Raditz promptly a Saturday Crush down at the remains of the lab, leaving no traces behind in the massive explosion that followed.

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A few minutes later…

Soon enough, Future Gohan and the others were flying away from North City with the blueprints in hand "Not going to lie, that actually felt pretty good."

"Try taking out one of the real deals, then we get to talk." Raditz told him dryly. "But either way, finding those blueprints was definitely a stroke of luck."

"No arguments here." then Future Gohan suddenly frowned "Hey Raditz, do you think you could take these blueprints back to Capsule Corp on your own? I feel like me and my future self should head back to Kame House and keep an eye on Father while he's recovering from the Heart Virus over there. Besides, if it really is possible for us to find a way to go beyond Super Saiyan then I should try, and I should run it by him too."

"I see, that makes sense. Go ahead and do what you have to do, I'll take these blueprints and get them back to Bulma." so he was handed the blueprints by Future Gohan "And for that matter don't count me out either, the first chance I get I'll be looking for a way to go beyond Super Saiyan myself. Just be sure to watch yourself."

"The same could be said for you."

"Duly noted." and so they promptly blasted off in different directions.

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Kai pulled out his phone and raised an eyebrow at what he was hearing "Hey guys, call it a hunch but I have a feeling you're going to want to hear this."

"What is it?" asked Nail.

"See for yourself." he put it on speaker.

"Hey there, welcome back to 98.5, the Cell. We have another caller making a request…"

"Please don't kill me!"

"Sorry my friend, that's not in the lineup." cue the squelching sound and screams of agony "And unfortunately, neither is Another One Bites the Dust for that matter. Speaking of the lineup, for the next half hour we've got Hungry like the Wolf by Duran Duran, Killing Me Softly With His Song by Lauren Hill, followed by All By Myself by Eric Carmen. Now don't touch that dial." and on that incredibly menacing warning, the radio suddenly shut off.

Kai stuffed his phone back in his gi pocket "So yeah, call it a hunch but I think I know where we should be searching next."

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Meanwhile, at Capsule Corp…

Bulma looked over the blueprints intently for a moment "So you're saying that if we use these blueprints to find a weakness in Android 17, then we should be able to prevent this Cell from absorbing him and the other Androids and destroying the universe. Does that about cover everything?"

Raditz nodded "That's about the sum of it, so can you do it or not?"

"Well it's easier said than done, these look like they're based off of technology I've never even seen before. It's a real shame too, if Dr Gero hadn't been so hellbent on revenge and just applied his genius and used it for good then we could've had a major advantage going for us."

"Not the time for that."

"I know I know. Anyway from the looks of it, he started with a human basis and converted their organic tissue on a cellular level, and the polarized nuclei would make it possible for his body and cells too fuse together. I'm going to have to study this a little bit more, but from the looks of it there are a few synthetic components in the design that might be our best hope for finding a weak spot."

"I hate to ask though, but is taking them out really the only way?"

"Why do you care exactly? They're mostly machinery at this point, well except for the girl that is. From the looks of it she still has some areas that Dr Gero probably had plans for, that sick old bastard."

"So you're saying that she still has a-"

"Vagina yeah, call it a hunch but I have a feeling there are some other things Gero was keeping to himself."

"...And just like that, she went from a 9 to a 10."

"Don't know, don't want to know. Anyway, how's everyone else holding up?"

"Well from what I know, Nail, Piccolo, the Triclops and the psycho runt are out right now looking for Cell, so hopefully that's going well. Kakarot is still recovering from that Heart Virus over at Kame House, and both versions of his son went back to oversee his recovery. Speaking of which, if there's nothing I can do to help you here then I should head over and check up on him myself."

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Meanwhile, at Kame House…

Future Gohan sat on the shores of Kame House, his mind drifting with the wind 'Even after everything I've been through, I still remember the peaceful times when I could just sit on this beach with my best friend, without a care in the world.'

"Well your father is still sleeping."

Future Gohan spared a quick glance back to see Chichi coming up behind him "Better him sleeping than dead, and considering in my world that alternative actually happened I would call that progress."

"That makes some sense." Chichi sat down next to him and noticed the cybernetic leg where his original left leg used to be "Does it hurt having that?"

"Considering I was once blown to pieces by an intergalatic warlord in order for my father to fulfill an ancient alien prophecy, not really no. Sure it's not the same as having actual flesh and bone down there, but it's better than nothing."

"You've changed a lot from the boy that you are in this time, haven't you?"

"The future hasn't been kind to you, has it?"

"I thought I already established that beforehand."

"You did, but I never saw how much pain your held in your heart, but when I see that look in your eyes."

"...It never stops hurting you know, when I think about how everyone I love is dead, either because of the Androids or that damn heart virus."

"Do you want to talk about it? It could help."

"Talking with Bulma never helped."

"Yeah well, do you know the difference? I'm your mother." Chichi pulled Future Gohan into a tight hug.

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Meanwhile, in some city with a population getting smaller by the second…

Cell was making his way through an airport hanger, chasing after a young woman and a little boy that was running for their lives 'You see, life sure has a way of working itself out. I find a time machine, I kill its pilot and take it back in time by about a decade and a half. I burow underground for four years, I come out and find a highly populated city only a few miles away. I get a surprise in Piccolo being the strongest of Goku's allies, I still manage to slip away so I can gain enough bioenergy to surpass him undoubtedly. Let's see what else I can get to work in my favor.' when he saw the woman and the boy trip over a steel gurder, he pounced and thursted his tail towards them, only for them to disappear in a flash, and he looked up and smirked "Well this is unexpected, to think I would be discovered by you of all people… Raditz."

Sure enough, Raditz appeared before him holding the woman and the child "So this is where you were stalking innocents like a predator."

"That's the idea, but I have to say I'm impressed you were able to find me."

"Yeah well that's what I get for trying to find a shortcut back to Kame House, I guess fate just decided to be an asshole."

"Um, excuse me sir?" the woman looked up at Raditz "Thank you for saving us."

"Forget it, just take my advice and get the hell out of here while you can."

"Right, come on we'd better go." and so the woman and the boy quickly rushed off.

'Great, it's always the attractive ones that slip through your fingers.'

"Well well." Cell let out a chuckle "Believe it or not, you've actually made this a great deal easier on me, your bioenergy will be far more efficient than that of either of those pathetic specimens would be when I absorb it."

"The real question is, will you be able to get it from me?"

"Give me a moment and we'll find out."

"I suppose so." Raditz flashed into Super Saiyan just in time to avoid a charge from Cell and dealt him a kick to the head, sending him skidding backwards a short distance.

Cell quickly stopped himself and thrusted his tail forward at full speed.

Raditz quickly dodged every thrust of the tail and hit Cell with a Ki blast that forced him to retreat a short distance "Hey Cell, get a load of this!"

"Hm?"

"Solar Flare!" Raditz was quick to blind Cell with a Solar Flare, causing him to cry out in pain from the light.

When Cell finally regained his vision, he looked around only to find that Raditz was nowhere to be seen "Well, it would seem he's more slippery than I gave him credit for."

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Raditz was hiding behind the walls of one of the hanger buildings, his mind racing'I'd better not take any unnecessary risks, I can't beat him on my own right now so I'll have to play this one safe until the others can get here.'

"Surprise!" Cell's tail suddenly thrusted through the wall behind him.

"Not today you ugly serpent!" Raditz whipped around and hit Cell at point blank range with a quick Saturday Crush blast, engulfing him in the explosion that followed.

When the explosion cleared, it revealed that Cell had sustained some minor damage in the form of having lost one of his arms and one of his wings, and he spat out some blood "Most impressive, I suppose I should expect no less from the brother of Son Goku. However…" he quickly regenerated his missing body parts "You'll have to do far better than that if you wish to defeat me." he suddenly blitzed forward and slugged Raditz straight across the face, sending him crashing through the building "I'm going to enjoy absorbing your energy and adding it onto my own."

"Raditz hold on!" that was when Nail and Piccolo showed up on the scene, with Kai and Tien both right behind them.

"Such a shame, I suppose I'll have to absorb your energy another time then." so with a quick flash, Cell disappeared from the scene.

Piccolo let out a growl as he touched the ground "Dammit, he's already hiding his energy so we can't track him."

"Nevermind that, are you alright Raditz?" asked Nail.

"Don't worry about me." Raditz pulled himself to his feet "I've been a hell of a lot worse."

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Meanwhile, back at Kame House…

Future Gohan gritted his teeth and forced himself not to cry as he relayed to Chichi the events that took place in his timeline "There were a few bits and pieces over there… and Kai's body was over there… I knew that I was too late… Kai was all I had left… I was all alone… I could only break down then and there… some half-blooded Super Saiyan with a metal leg, I was just a joke."

"Don't be like that sweetie, we both know you're not a joke." Chichi pulled him into a hug "I mean you're here now aren't you, talking to the best person to help you when you're at your lowest, your mother."

"Yeah, yeah I guess so."

"A joke, no. A failure, well of course."

"That… That's honestly a little bit harsh mom, even for you."

"But do you know what your failures make you? It makes you just like everyone else."

"But I'm not supposed to be like everyone else am I?"

"Gohan everyone fails at who they're supposed to be. The measure of any person, an alien or a hero or anyone… it comes from how well they succeed at just being who they are."

"...You know I've really missed you mom. I still feel like maybe there was something that I could've done to help you and Grandpa back in my time."

"You can't control everything and you can't save everyone, but the reason you're here in the first place is that you know that just because you can't save everyone, that doesn't mean you're not supposed to try." Chichi pulled him into a tight hug "Maybe sometimes fate just decides to throw us a bone, to put us back on the right path."

"I love you mom."

"I love you too son, now promise me that the next time you go out there, you'll go and be the man you're meant to be."

"I… I will, I promise."

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3 days came and went in the blink of an eye, and despite the efforts of Piccolo and the others, the terror spree brought on by Cell's actions continued.

"We're receiving reports that the monster from Gingertown is now moving through the urban areas of section 48 South. According to initial estimates, it appears that half of the population in that area has already vanished.'

"Dammit!" Piccolo let out a snarl "There's no way we'll get there in time to stop him, he'll see us coming from miles away!"

"Hold that thought you guys, we might have one way of getting there." Launch pulled out a capsule and threw it, revealing a submarine floating on the shores of Kame House, and she quickly ushered everyone inside "Let me introduce all of you to the USS M'Tits, if we travel in this bad boy then there isn't a chance in hell of him sensing any of us coming until we land right on top of him."

"That area isn't near the ocean." Upa pointed out.

"Then just go on foot from where we dock, it can't be that far and at least he can't sense any of us coming."

"We'll still have to make it fast before he's able to absorb enough people that he's even more powerful than Piccolo, but at least this way we have a chance. All we have to do is get there without Cell sensing us coming and then Piccolo can take care of the rest, after all he still does have a lot more power than what we've seen so far."

"Hate to break it to you Upa, but it's not going to be that simple." Piccolo told him flatly "Unless we actually do land right on top of Cell, we're still going to have a chase on our hands."

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Meanwhile, with the Androids…

18 wasn't exactly keen about the thought of offroading in the pink van they had appropriated a few days prior "I can't believe you actually took this piece of crap offroading, this thing barely even handled on the freeway!"

"Oh come on 18, where the hell is your sense of adventure?" 17 waved her off.

"About 15 miles back, just like the shocks!"

16 let out a sigh "I personally enjoy this alternate route, it is decked with foliage and wildlifie and-" he was cut off by 18 firing a Ki blast that levelled most of the forest in front of them "-and spending time with you, but clearly you disagree."

"Dial it back a few notches fire-crotch."

"Not gonna lie sis, that was kind of a dick move." 17 noted dryly.

"Oh come on, we can just take him to a zoo after this. How's that 16, do you want to hit up a zoo after this?"

"...I want to see the parrots." was all 16 said.

"And there we go."

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Meanwhile, at Kame House…

Chichi was in the middle of filling up a pan of water to bring to Goku, when she was suddenly knocked over by a sudden blast of the earth shaking "Oh my god, what the hell was that? Did the androids find us, are we under attack?! Well I say bring it on, there's no way I'm letting you get my husband you robotic sons of-" she bolted to the upstairs bedroom, only to find that Goku was nowhere to be seen "Oh no Goku, they already got him!" she looked out the window and her jaw nearly dropped.

"Hey now, what's with all of the commotion?" Master Roshi made his way into the room and looked out the window, only to see a massive shockwave of water spraying everywhere "Huh, well either Goku is awake or Moses has brought the Jews. Either way, my pantry isn't full enough for this.

Chichi looked down and her face lit up at what she saw "Goku!"

Sure enough, Goku was down on the beach, wide awake and firing a barrage of Kamehamehas after the ocean "Ka… Me… Ha… Me… HA!" he quickly fired another one, dividing the ocean to the point where the mainland was visible, at least for the trained eye "Yes, now to see if I can make the walls go higher."

"Goku!" Chichi wasted no time as she jumped from the window down onto the beach and rushed towards him, throwing her arms around him.

"Hey." Goku gently wraped his arms around her "I'm sorry I gave you such a big scare, but you don't have to worry anymore. I'm all better now, I promise."

"Are you, you really promise?"

"Hey come on, if I was still sick then could I do this?" he picked her up and started spinning her around with glee.

"Goku come on, stop it you're being silly!"

"Hey you're the one who wanted to see that I was feeling better." he kept spinning her until she was suddenly flung high into the air "Oh boy, I guess I overdid it a little bit there." he quickly caught Chichi in his arms as she came back down.

"You're being so crazy!"

"It's alright I've got you honey, it's really good to see you Chichi."

"Goku!" that was when Master Roshi came up to him with a gigantic bruise on his head.

"Hey Master Roshi."

"It seems like you're back to your old self, you've missed one hell of a day."

"Yeah and I'm fired up and ready to go, and just in time by the looks of it. I heard about everything that was happening while I was asleep, you'd be surprised what you can hear in the middle of a pirate dream. Plus I had dreams about me being a ninja, a superhero, a guild wizard, a hunter, a half demon dog man with a gigantic sword, and a Shinigami, whatever that is, but a lot of them ended. My point is I know what we're up against, I guess we're gonna have a real fight on our hands this time around."

"Wait a second, you've gotta be kidding me!" Chichi rounded on him "You can't start fighting right when you get out of bed, you just got better."

"No need to get worked up so soon Chichi, I know I'm not ready. After all, Kai and Piccolo are both stronger than Super Saiyans, if they can't stand up to the Androids then I doubt I stand a chance either. I guess Gohan, the future one I mean, had the right idea when he brought up taking things to the next level."

"What?"

"Yep." Goku looked out at the ocean "If we're gonna win this fight, then I'll have to find a way to go beyond Super Saiyan… But first, I should probably go get some proper clothes on. These ones smell like I've been wearing them for a week. Which I have."

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About 20 minutes later…

Soon enough, Goku had changed into a fresh new gi, his body and resolve now restored to full capacity "Alright then, I'm going to train until I can go even higher than Super Saiyan."

"What?!" Master Roshi broke the doorknob off in shock "You're serious, do you have any idea how crazy that sounds?! How do you know that it's even possible?"

"Truth be told I have no idea if it actually is possible, but I do know that it's the only way we have any chance of winning this fight. I don't think we can afford not to at least try. I'll give it a full year, if I can't do it by then I'll just have to try something else."

"A year?! But we don't have anywhere near that long!"

"It's gonna be alright, in the place where I'm going to train you can get a year's worth of training in a day."

"...Huh?"

"It'll make sense later. And by the way Chichi, I was thinking that it would be a good idea if I brought Gohan to train with me too."

"You… mean… my… boy?" Chichi's teeth were grinding furiously "Well, not on your life mister!" but then she gave him a smirk "At least that's what I would say if I thought it would make any sort of difference, it's not like I have a choice now do I? So let me go ahead and tell you now that you damn well better beat those Androids okay?"

"You've got yourself a deal."

"But afterwards when all of this is finished and the world is safe again, I'm not going to let anything else get in the way of Gohan's studies. Got it?"

"Got it. I knew that no matter how much she might try to deny it, even Chichi knows when you've gotta put aside what you want and focus on the bigger picture.'

"As for you, two things I have in mind for you. One, you're going to stay at home for awhile and help me out with some housework. Two, I have something else I want to talk to you about, how some big changes are coming."

"I gotcha, thanks Chichi." they gently pecked each other on the lips "Well I'm off, but I promise I'll be back soon." then he placed two fingers to his forehead and disappeared via Instant Transmission.

'You'd better keep that promise, if you die out there on me I'll never forgive you.'

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Meanwhile, with the crew of misfits…

Tien was quick growing impatient "Hey is this as fast as this thing can go? We have to make it before Cell can run off again!"

"Hey dial it back hotstuff." blonde Launch blew him off "Sorry if this thing can't go at the speed of light like all of you freaks."

"Oh sure." Kai rolled his eyes "You change personalities when you sneeze and for some reason your hair turns color, but apparently we're the freaks."

Gohan let out a sigh "If only dad were here…" he failed to notice Goku pop in behind him, startling everyone else. Well, everyone except Kai.

"He's right there."

"Yeah when we need him, we could really use him right now."

"Yeah, I mean he could use his Instant Transmission and then we could be on top of Cell faster than he can blink."

"He's right behind you."

"And then we could just- Wait what?" Gohan looked back and his jaw nearly dropped "No way… Dad?"

"Hey guys." Goku waved at them "So did you guys miss me or what?"

"Dad!" Gohan suddenly launched forward and pulled Goku into a tight hug "Dad you're here, I can't believe you're really here!"

"Hey take it easy son, but yeah it's really me."

"Man it's so good to see you dad! So when did you wake up, does this mean you're cured, you don't look sick anymore, so you're really all better?"

"Yeah I got up a little while ago, your mother and I took a shower (see who catches that little hint) and I got into some new clothes, all things considered I'm back to 100%. Well make that about 75%, I haven't eaten in days."

"Hungry huh? Yeah, it sounds like you're back to your old self again."

"Yep, I've never felt better, really."

"Father…" Future Gohan pulled himself to his feet and locked eyes with Goku, trying to hold back his tears, only to be pulled into a hug by Goku.

"You've really grown up haven't you son? I'm proud of you. Oh wait, hang on just a quick second okay?" so he went over to Piccolo with a huge shit-eating grin "Hey there, so how's it going Kamiccolo?"

"Oh for the love of-" Piccolo took a moment to calm himself "Look we combined our powers and our bodies, not our names. From now on just stick with Piccolo, that is if you know what's best for you."

"Would've been good to hear about three days ago." Kai grumbled as he made his way out of another room in the submarine.

"What do you think I think of when we're trying to track down Cell and I fall silent? I have my own thoughts to ponder."

"And I pray to the God living inside your head that we never have to hear them."

"Hey everybody has a few skeletons in the closet right?" Goku patted Kai on the shoulder and gave him a grin "Nice work finishing that fat Android by the way Kai, I'm pretty impressed by how strong you've gotten. I heard you lost that other fight pretty bad though."

"You're treading over dangerous waters palm tree, if you don't want to lose an arm then take that hand off my shoulder right now." that was enough to get him to retract the hand.

"But you know what they say: Whenever you fall off that horse, you get right back up and you eat that horse. I say you come and eat that horse with me."

"What the fuck are you saying?"

"I'll get to that." Goku let out a sigh "Look, as much as I hate to say it I don't think I'll be able to beat this Cell or any of the other Androids as I am right now. They're just way too strong for me or for any of us."

"For now maybe, but I have a plan of my own to get strong enough to bring them all down once and for all. All it takes is a cup of water."

"I think I have an idea of where you're going with this, but in the meantime I was planning to take Gohan and do some training. I was thinking we would go to that place where you can do a year's worth of training in a day."

Piccolo was quick to figure out what he was getting at "I see, so you want to take Gohan and go inside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. A clever idea, but to think you can last an entire year inside that place is pretty risky in itself. As I recall, the last time you went in there you barely lasted for a month."

"Yeah I know, but the way I see it this is the best option we have at the moment. I'm planning to take Gohan, both versions of him, and frankly I'm pretty confident we can handle it as we are right now."

"Fine then hurry up and go, Cell is out there absorbing whole cities and his power level is growing by the minute and if we let him find 17 and 18 and reach his Perfect Form then we don't stand a chance in hell."

"Right." Goku turned back to the others "Raditz, Tarble, I hate to say it but I think at least a few of us should stay behind and help Piccolo and the others with the search. Separately you wouldn't win, but together you could at least hold your own."

Raditz looked down at Tarble, then over at Goku "Just do what you have to do, we can go beyond Super Saiyan when we're not in imminent mortal danger."

"Right." Goku gripped both Gohan and Future Gohan by the shoulders, and then he quickly motioned for Gohan to grab onto Kai "Alright, are you ready to go guys?"

"If I may, I wish to accompany you as well." Nail gripped Goku by the shoulder "I have a theory that I wish to test."

"If you think you can help then I say go for it."

"Sensei, just one moment." Tarble quickly stopped him "We're up against enemies that could oneshot the likes of Frieza, what is it that makes it seem like you're happy about it. Aren't you scared, even a little bit?"

"I think it's too soon to tell." and on that note, Goku, Gohan, Kai, Future Gohan and Nail all disappeared in a flash.

"Sensei…"

"Well that must be nice." Tien muttered "I wish I could be so nonchalant about the planet being on the verge of imminent annihilation."

"I don't think that's it. This works out well for us, Sensei might not know that he can win but he also doesn't know that he can't win either. As long as Sensei hasn't given up, that means we still have a chance of winning."

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Soon enough, Goku and the others materialized on Kami's Lookout, or rather just the Lookout as it would now be called "Alright, so before we get to the chamber there are a few things you guys should know."

"Such as what exactly?" asked Nail.

"Well like I told you guys, one year in there is only one day out there, but at the same time it only has enough supplies inside to accomodate two people at a time, and it can only be used for a total of 48 hours. Anyway, to save time I was figuring that I could take the Gohan from this timeline, and since you insisted on coming would you mind going with the Gohan that came from the future."

"So be it. However, just to be safe and considering you have Instant Transmission at your disposal, perhaps it would be for the best if myself and the future Gohan went first."

"Yeah, that's a good idea, especially considering we don't have Dragon Balls anymore."

"Big whoop, you guys have a whole planet of people waiting to make you more." Kai let out a loud scoff "Face it, as long as Dragon Balls are a thing death doesn't have any consequences for any of us. Anyway have fun giving the middle finger to Back to the Future, I've got my own thing to do that puts Super Saiyans to shame." and he blasted off the Lookout and soared downwards.

"The boy has promise, and he seems to have a plan."

"Yeah he's got a plan alright, a pretty risky one though." Goku commented "He knows that we don't have the Grand Elder Namekian here to give him a power up, and he can't rely on the Hyperbolic Time Chamber like we do because humans ages a lot faster than Saiyans and Namekians do, so he's aiming for something that I used when I was a kid to power up enough to defeat Piccolo's father when I was a kid. He's going to drink the Ultra Divine Water."

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Meanwhile, at Mount Paozu…

17 blasted a nearby rock out of boredom and glanced over at the inside of the house "So what's the deal 18, what does it look like in there?"

"It looks like Goku is married to some kind of Chinese princess." 18 told him flatly "I mean seriously, I'm glad that she's the same size as me, but who wears crap like this?"

"I mean, is Goku in there?"

"Oh no, the place is empty." 18 made her way back outside "And by that, I mean devoid of both people and taste."

"6/10 on the burn. So what about 16, anything on that radar of yours?"

16 shook his head "I do not detect the presence of Son Goku. However, the two most logical places for him to hide would be the Capsule Corporation in West City, or the island of Kame House, where his Master Roshi can be found."

"Okay then, so which one is closest?"

"The island is closer, approximately 1,600 miles to the Southeast."

"Well okay then, let's start flying."

"It's about time." 18 muttered as the three of them took to the air."

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Mr Popo was waiting for Goku and the others when they entered the building "Welcome my friends, this way please. I've been expecting you, so I've prepared the chamber for all of you in advance. You'll find everything you need to sustain you during your training."

Gohan glanced up at Goku as they followed Mr Popo "I'm not sure about this dad, are you sure this is the key to going beyond Super Saiyan?"

Goku gave a shrug "Even if we do power up it's possible that I won't be able to defeat the Androids and Cell on my own, but then again that's why you're coming with me. Who knows, maybe we'll even get to fight them together."

"I never thought you liked fighting in teams."

"I usually prefer fighting on my own, but I'll do it when I need to. There were a few times like before when I teamed up with Tien and Yamcha back when we fought Vegeta, or back when they fought Frieza. Now it's father and son time."

"Here we are." Mr Popo led them to a large wooden door at the end of the hallway.

Nail frowned slightly "So this is the Hyperbolic Time Chamber that Goku spoke of."

"Indeed it is. Inside the chamber, time moves 365.24 times the speed of this dimension. So which of you will be going first?"

"Myself and the Gohan of the future will be going first."

"Alright it's time then, the best of luck you guys."

Future Gohan and Nail shared a look and nodded "We'll be as quick as we can Father, with any luck we'll be more than powerful enough to defeat the Androids by the time we come out."

"Don't worry about us Gohan, just make sure you guys do what you have to do."

"Right." and on that note, Future Gohan and Nail entered the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, with the door shutting behind them.

"And now it's up to them."

"Hey dad, I just thought of something." Gohan looked up at him "How long have you know about this?"

"Since before you were born."

"And we never used it to train against the Saiyans or the Androids, why exactly?"

"Becuase if we did then we probably wouldn't have survied, Kami and Mr Popo threw me in there once when I was a kid and I barely lasted a month in there."

"And out here that would be?"

"About two hours."

"...Huh."

"Yeah."

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Future Gohan looked around the inside of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber "It's strange, this heat feels suffocating and the gravity feels a lot stronger in here too." he walked further into the chamber and nearly froze at the sight of the empty white void "What… What the hell is all of this?"

Nail looked around himself "Remarkable…"

"It's nothing but pure empty white space, there's no end to it! So this is the place where Father claimed that he was barely able to last for a month, now I'm beginning to understand why."

"The conditions do appear to take a toll on the unexperienced, but with that being said, the fact that we don't have to hold back due to the endless void makes it ideal for training."

'So me and Nail are supposed to spend an entire year in this place? Honestly, what did I get myself into?'

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Meanwhile, further down Korin Tower…

Korin didn't even have to turn his gaze away from the ledge to know that Kai was standing right behind him "I figured that you were going to come sooner or later."

"Then I'm right to assume that you know why I'm here?" Kai guessed.

"I do. I understand you a lot better than you realize kid, why you're so passionate about martial arts and why you keep pushing yourself to test your limits and push beyond them."

"Don't even think about spewing about any of that Whiskers the Wonder Cat, I don't care if you are a mystical master or whatever."

"Relax kid, I don't make a habit of getting into people's personal lives when they don't want it, and when I don't want it."

"Goku and the others are going somewhere they can do a year's worth of training in a year, I absolutely refuse to fall behind them. Upa did it while we were off on Namek, and now I say it's my turn."

"...So you know what I've got with me here."

"It's not exactly a well guarded secret, I want you to let me have a crack at the Ultra Divine Water while Gohan and the others are training."

"Looks like you've done your research. The Ultra Divine Water is packed with mystical properties and magical zing, it will greatly enhance the abilities of the one who drinks it but first you're going to have to track it down in order to drink it and enjoy its benefits. It's a perilous journey, far to the North there is a maze made entirely of ice. You're first going to have to navigate through this icy labyrinth in order to obtain this special water, it's hidden somewhere in a cave at the end of the maze. Many brave explorers have attempted to to navigate through this maze in an attempt to reach the Ultra Divine Water only for none of them to ever be heard from again."

"And Goku and Upa were the only ones that actually survived drinking it."

"Yep, so now that you know the peril involved what are you going to do? Do you still wish to seek it out?"

"You're damn right I do. It's like I said to Gohan, limitations are only a state of mind, just like how this water is only a stepping stone on my path to the top."

"I see, well you've got guts I'll give you that much. Come with me, I'll show you how to get to the start of the maze." he led him into another room.

"So how long is it going to take me to get to this icy labyrinth or whatever?"

"As long as it takes you to hop into that pot." Korin pointed to a loan pot sitting in the corner of the room "It's a sort of portal that will take you there almost instantly, now before you go I have one word of advice."

"What would that be?"

"If you're dead set on going then there's one thing that you absolutely must avoid no matter what."

"What?"

"Darkness, a Darkness blacker than the night itself. It shields the Ultra Divine Water with an illusion so cunning and mind breaking that you may never be able to escape its empty void once you become ensnared in it."

"I'll keep that in mind." and with that, Kai leapt into the pot.

'Your kid has serious guts Scarlet, just like you did when you first drank the Ultra Divine Water all those years ago. Now then, let's see if he's got the grit to back up all of the talk.'

A/N:

And with this highly anticipated chapter we see the rebith of the Super Namekian, the introduction of Cell, Goku's recovery from the supposedly fatal Heart Virus, and we see a showdown between Piccolo and 17 about to begin in earnest while our Saiyan characters (with the exception of Raditz) are heading into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.

As I'm sure you guys noticed, I'm doing what TFS did and keeping Kami in the story as a voice in Piccolo's head, but to a less comical extent than they did for obvious reasons. I know I haven't included the original King Piccolo as a voice just yet, but for good reason. That will work out soon, I promise.

In this fic, Cell is meant to be a mix of lines from the DBZ Kai dub and the TFS dub, which I think blend together very nicely. Plus most of the TFS references in this story come from Kai, and considering how Cell has Kai's DNA in this fic, I think it makes sense.

For those that hadn't noticed, the scene between Chichi and Future Gohan was inspired by the scene between Thor and his mother Frigga from Avengers: Endgame. That movie is by far the best of the MCU, at least in my opinion, and when I was watching it awhile ago, I realized that if I wanted to have a moment between Future Gohan and his deceased mother, then that was the best way to go about it.

I decided to have Nail go in the time chamber with Future Gohan in order to give him something else to do in this arc. That, and I need Raditz around for my shipping of him and 18, and I have something in mind for Tarble to do in the next chapter, since I haven't really had him do anything in this arc since I had him go Super Saiyan.

As I planned out this chapter, I was struggling to come up with a way to keep the human characters (particularly Kai) relevant to the story, and to make sure they can keep up with the likes of the Saiyans and the Namekians. I was initially thinking about having the human characters go into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, but considering how they age far faster than Saiyans and Namekians, I decided that it wasn't worth the risk. But then I realized that I had forgotten about what I had Upa do in chapter 8, and how I could have the others do the same: Drink the Ultra Divine Water. Kai is the first one to go at it, and he'll be bringing it back to Korin to spare the others the trip when their time comes.

Power levels:

Weighted Piccolo: 360 million

Raditz: 10.4 million

Super Saiyan Raditz: 260 million

Goku (Zenkai from Heart Virus): 14 million

Imperfect Cell: 290 million