Sorry this took longer than expected, there were a few scenes I had to cut to save for later but I think I'm happy with the chapter.
Hope you enjoy.
A New Equalizer
Trunks and Gohan ended their fight with a fist into the other's face.
Both stood still for a few seconds.
One of them fell to the ground, the other stood tall.
Trunks had fallen, now in base form looking up at Gohan standing, still in his Super Saiyan 3 form.
"Incredible Gohan, from what I've sensed, this form isn't as far as a leap from my Ultimate Form, but still you made the most out of your potential here."
Gohan chuckled before reverting to his base and lending down his hand. "You had me on the ropes, you've only gotten better at avoiding telegraphing your moves, I don't have anything left to teach you."
Trunks took his hand as he helped him stand up. "Thanks, you've only gotten better too." The half Saiyan said. "I learned from this I'll get even stronger thanks to you."
The master and student were satisfied with the match happy to see how much further they could go.
"Hmph, well I suppose you could've done worse " Vegeta judged as he landed beside his son. "I expect a better result next time."
Trunks looked at his father and nodded.
"I did all I could." He responded. "Next time, I'll do better."
Vegeta looked up at his son and only smirked at that response.
"That was great you guys!" Goku yelled ecstatic from the fight. "Trunks you've grown, I wasn't sure if you had caught up to Gohan, this form of yours is amazing." He looked at his son. "And Gohan, those were some great usage of Piccolo's and mine techniques. But man that fight could've gone either way."
Gohan scratched his hair the same way his father would. "Thanks, Dad."
Iolite, Bulma, and Shorz came to them as well.
"That was awesome Dad!" Shorz yelled. "And Gohan! You're everything Dad said you were and more!"
Gohan's former teacher chuckled. "Your father was too."
Iolite looked at Gohan and her father.
"It was a really great fight, Dad." She admired. "I think you could've won if you tried to be more defensive."
Trunks chuckled at his daughter's criticisms. "I'll keep that in mind and you'll have plenty of fighters here for a while."
Iolite was confused when she heard that.
"Hey, Gohan!" Shorz yelled to his father's teacher. "Can you show us that Super Saiyan 3? I wanna see it again?"
"Hehe," Gohan scratched his hair. "Maybe later, I'm too banged up to try."
"Hmph" Vegeta glanced down at his grandson. "Mine is far more impressive."
Shorz looked at his grandfather with interest. "You can do it to Grandpa?"
The full-blooded Saiyan glared down at him.
"Did you assume I couldn't?"
That made the hybrid squirm and hid behind his grandmother.
"Vegeta!" Bulma yelled at him. "Come on, try being nicer to your grandson."
"Hmph" Vegeta crossed his arms and turned away from her.
"Don't you turn away from me!" The woman yelled at him while he seemed to ignore him.
Goku, Gohan, and Trunks just chuckled as the two bantered.
For their son, Trunks he was just enjoying the sight of his parents arguing. It felt like fights he had occasionally with Lazuli when they had disagreements. Something he missed out on growing up.
"Hey, Dad." Iolite tapped his shoulder to get his attention.
"Something wrong?" He asked seeing how unsure she looked.
His daughter was afraid to know one thing, but she had to ask.
"What do you mean that me and Shorz will have plenty of time to learn techniques?"
Trunks was straightforward, hoping his daughter would accept his decision. "We want you and the boys to stay here while we handle everything."
Iolite heard that and felt a faint sense of anger.
Before her father could notice, something else got their attention.
"Hey guys come on!" He yelled. "Let's head to King Kai's, the gang's back from training!"
That got Bulma's attention. "Wait so you mean Krillin, Yamcha, and everyone else?"
It was something she never thought she'd live to see the day when all the gang from the old days were in one place. Back before they realized Goku was an alien, things were still crazy but way less outlandish than what goes on today.
Goku nodded in confirmation and Bulma smiled at that.
"Come on Vegeta!" Goku raised a hand to him. "Come with us, I'm sure King Yemha won't mind you leaving us here for a few minutes."
The prince glanced over to Iolite who looked stoic, but clearly he could see a glint of anger in her. Perfect, she was going to need that.
"Not right now." He responded. "I promised Iolite a training session."
Trunks heard that and glanced at his daughter.
She looked shocked and stared back at Vegeta.
"You mean right now?"
"Better to start now," Vegeta said hinting that he was going to give her the advice she requested.
Trunks was silent for a bit looking between them before smiling. He was happy to see his daughter already bonding after only one sparring session together. It felt similar to when he came and trained with him.
"Do your best Iolite." The half-Saiyan said to her. "It'll be rough, but I know you can do it."
Iolite looked back at her father before nodding.
"Alrighty, just let King Kai know if you want to come with us," Goku said as the others gathered around him.
"Hey, Vegeta!" Bulma yelled. "You better remember that she's still our grand-baby, don't you dare go overboard."
"Grandma" Iolite groaned hearing her talk like that.
All vanished except her and Vegeta.
"Your father and grandmother coddle you too much." The prince noted.
"Tell me about it." She was sixteen years old and she's still treated like a damn toddler.
"You won't get that from me," Vegeta stated. "Especially if you want to achieve the third transformation, don't you dare back away from this, understood?"
Iolite was happy to hear that, this man may be her grandfather but she wasn't going to treat her like a little kid like everyone else did. He was going to treat her like a warrior, the way she thought she deserved to be treated.
"I never quit."
"Good" Vegeta responded. "Now, I will show you the steps, that won't be enough, you will need the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, by then it will be up to you. You have to memorize everything, I will not repeat, if you forget then it's your problem.." The prince stated. "Ready?"
"Show me." She demanded.
Vegeta smirked looking forward to starting the training.
XXX
Hyperbolic Time Chamber
Days had passed in the time chamber.
Zangya was battered on her hands and knees, blood dripped all over herself.
Lazuli knelt to check on her.
But the Hera pushed her back.
"Keep going." She said as she fought to push herself.
"Come on" Lazuli scolded. "You've managed to hold your own against times 3, you've done enough."
The Hera stood up while grinning, her body was glowing violet, the same purple as her Psycho Threads.
Lazuli was confused as she saw her change.
Zangya thought of all she had gone through, Lazuli was getting further and further ahead of her with her Kaioken. Her husband will as well, she needs to catch up.
She has to find a way to break through.
"I think it's time," Zangya said grinning as her body flooded with purple energy. She yelled as her body started to unleash a violet light.
Lazuli covered her face as the energy was enough to push her back, she put them down and looked at her.
She didn't seem so different, it was like Kaioken but with purple instead of red.
"What is this, your energy, it's increased." Lazuli put her arms aside. "Looks like you leveled up huh?" She smirked proud of her growth.
Zangya looked at her hands looking at the new aura she had gotten, she was right, her power-up wasn't quite what she expected.
"This is it?" The Hera asked. "What a letdown! My power, it's only increased by half!" She was expecting a new powerful form for the Hera transformation. But this was a joke.
"It's not so bad is it?" Lazuli asked while crossing her arms. "Sure, I might not be what you wanted but it's still quite the jump isn't it?"
"Tch" The Hera was greatly annoyed. "Oh, whatever! Fine, I'll just train more for a new level, it's the best I can hope for." She was already the pinnacle of her species, she supposed that she couldn't expect much.
She thought of the opponents she had fought, she had only survived 21 because she had caught her off guard. If it wasn't for 16 saving her she would've been killed. She had grudgingly accepted that Lazuli, her husband, and Trunks were just going to remain ahead of her and her duty may be to protect the children.
That might just be her role. If so, she'll just make sure she's as strong as possible.
Lazuli scoffed. "Fine, maybe a fight will get you to stop sulking." She said taking on a fighting stance. Her body wrapped in Kaioken, she can tell she's still stronger with just a double, but she made it clear that she wanted a times 3 at least.
Zangya took her own stance, not expecting much, preparing to defend.
The Cyborg ran forward and threw a kick towards the Hera's side.
With gritted teeth, the Hera caught the leg with both hands.
Lazuli was impressed that she had managed to block her, but she knew better than to not attack, she got annoyed when she didn't attack when there was an opening.
The blonde then threw a fist towards her face.
But to her surprise the punch was caught, Lazuli's face showed that she wasn't expecting that.
Zangya looked up at her with an annoyed expression, she threw a fist into the cyborg's stomach.
The off-guard Android coughed as she was sent flying, she caught herself midair while gripping her stomach.
That attack hurt, more than it should have, even with this power increase. Her Kaioken should still make her energy strong enough to shield her from damage.
"What did I tell you?" Zangya crossed her arms annoyed. "To take every hit you can, it's bad enough I can't compete with times ten, don't you dare give me free shots on top of it."
Lazuli was confused, she didn't seem aware of what had just happened, she was pissed that she had held back?
"I, didn't" She admitted. "I attacked as soon as I saw an opening."
Zangya wanted to accuse her of lying to protect her pride, but she knew her not to lie. Did she manage to send her flying at times 3?
Lazuli put a hand on her gut before chuckling.
"Looks like this isn't as bad as you thought." The blonde then spread her arms. "Let's try times five." She grunted as a light red aura wrapped around her body.
The Hera could see that she was now using half her max, but smirked, she was starting to catch up, and she placed a hand forward with her left arm up and her right at her side.
Lazuli took her stance, her left fist raised next to her chin and her right downward near her waist.
The two started a new clash.
Zangya charged forward wrapped in her violet aura ready to see what else her new state could do.
Once she was within range she threw an elbow.
But Lazuli was able to lean her head back easily enough.
The Hera then threw a vicious straight punch in her face.
Again the cyborg side stepped forcing the strike to miss.
She had a theory for what would happen but she had to be sure, she threw a kick towards her side.
It connected sending Zangya back.
But it only sent her back by a foot, despite the power gap, even the Hera was surprised by this.
Lazuli felt something strange once she made contact, her Kaioken aura started fading in and out.
Wanting to take the opportunity Zangya kicked up Lazuli's chin forcing her to go upward, she then slammed another kick into her torso.
This forced the Android back, but she caught herself in mid-air, still wrapped in Kaioken's aura.
And Zangya was coming towards her and threw a fist.
Lazuli then ducked underneath it and threw a fist up the Hera's jaw, she felt her energy diminish a bit from the blow and was shocked at what she saw.
Zangya was smirking, like the attack didn't affect her much, she then slammed a kick across Lazuli's face, she then slammed a knee into her stomach, and ended it by throwing a vicious elbow across Lazuli's cheek.
This sent the Android skidding across the barren training ground.
Lazuli was now covered in bruises and blood leaked out of her lip, she wiped her face as she got up, those attacks, hurt, her own physical attacks were numbed, and every hit she landed on Zangya drained her Kaioken and slowed her infinite energy core.
This power, it's beyond what she expected, power wise it isn't much, but it's a huge danger to any Ki user.
Zangya appeared above her with her arms apart. "I think I'm ready for times ten now, don't you?"
Lazuli looked up and smirked before wiping her blood.
"Bout time." She said as she wrapped herself in Kaioken aura, this time using her maximum kaiaked.
The two women smiled at each other pleased at seeing what the other could do.
Lazuli knew that close combat wouldn't amount to too much so she fired a powerful energy wave at her.
Zangya raced down seeing the energy blast and crossed black wanting to see how much this power could take.
The blast detonated against her, but the explosion had started to shrink.
She felt pain, but not as much pain as she thought she would.
Lazuli then appeared behind her with her fist cocked back and threw a fist across her cheek.
The Hera wasn't quick enough to dodge and was punched across the face.
But again the attack felt like it was being held back, still, she was tossed several feet away.
Lazuli appeared above Zangya and threw a downward kick toward her stomach.
But the Hera was quick enough to block her leg and then threw a fist straight for her face.
The Cyborg tilted her head avoiding the punch.
She then flew back to gain some distance from the Hera.
Lazuli was confused, she was at Kaioken times ten, she shouldn't have seen that coming, not with this kind of strength. Is she affecting her without coming into contact? That has to be it, getting close to her drains her energy, not as noticeable, but she can feel her strength diminishing, she was slowing down to the point where she could be hit.
But the Hera wouldn't let her question for long, she sped towards her.
The blonde could see that it did look like she was getting faster.
Lazuli put her hands down in front of her waist, forming a pink energy wave. "Blitz Stream!" She fired the wave variation of Power Blitz.
Zangya smirked as she raised one hand holding her hands together, forming a golden fiery ball of energy. "Beauty Trigger!" She fired her signature attack.
The Cyborg can sense that her Blitz Stream was much stronger than her attack.
But as she predicted, Zangya's attack was pushing her attack back.
This made her put more energy into her Blitz Stream, wanting to see what more it could take.
The two energies clashed as they met in the middle, until they exploded in violet energy, as if both energy were even.
Lazuli was amazed, energy at that level should have been easily overwhelmed.
"Don't stop now!" Zangya yelled as she pulled back her hand holding green energy, she then fired a barrage of green energy blasts, her Trap Shooter.
Her energy attacks were faster too, she evaded the attacks as they exploded on the ground. She almost deflected one, but she remembered her fusion Zazuli's energy had been able to decrease even an Android's energy.
Zangya managed to appear in front of her.
Lazuli was shocked, now she had to engage in close combat again.
The Hera threw a chop aiming for the Android's neck.
But Lazuli pulled her head back avoiding the strike and threw a kick to Zangya's shin area.
It struck but the Cyborg grimaced as she made contact.
Zangya did as well but she smirked not feeling that much pain. She then threw a kick up towards Lazuli's chin.
The Android evaded but then Zangya quickly threw a chop strike into her abdomen.
Lazuli coughed as she as it landed.
Zangya didn't stop there as she threw an elbow across her chin, she then kicked into the Android's side and finally landed a kick across the Android's face.
The Cyborg stumbled back from the force.
Unrelenting, the Hera then threw another kick aimed at her torso.
But the Android was able to duck underneath it and swept kick the alien, forcing her to go down, she then rose up and slammed a fist into her stomach, then she rose a leg kicking her against her face.
Zangya's blood sprayed out her face as her body rose off the ground.
Lazuli jumped to appear behind her and slammed a straight kick into her back.
The blow sent Zangya down crashing into the void floor.
Lazuli then rose a hand preparing a pink ball of energy. Clearly, close combat is this new ability's strong point, she needed to wear it down with distance. "Power Bli-"
But Zangya recovered and flew up to knee Lazuli in the stomach.
"Gah!" She spat out a glob of spit as her Power Blitz faded, her Kaioken Aura was starting to fade away.
The hera grimaced, her violet aura was starting to fade, whatever this power was, it was at its limit.
Their techniques were on their last legs, they both knew they had to finish the fight now.
Lazuli pulled away from the knee strike and tried to palm strike across her face.
But Zangya with her speed raised an arm to block it before brushing it aside.
The Android's right eye closed grimacing from the pain, but she didn't stop and threw a punch towards her stomach.
However the Hera caught it within her palm before using her other hand to uppercut Lazuli.
The blow forced the blonde back.
Zangya then lowered herself placing her hands on the ground before performing a handstand kicking both feet up her chin forcing her further in the air.
Lazuli couldn't stop the attack and was propelled upward.
The Hera dashed upward before slamming a fist into Lazuli's stomach.
And with that Zangya's violet aura finally faded.
After that final strike, so did Lazuli's Kaioken aura.
Both women floated in the air for a few seconds.
Lazuli smiled still with a fist in her gut. "Not bad." She then closed her eyes and fell while her opponent floated in the air.
Zangya looked down at where she was falling until she hit the ground, almost like she couldn't believe it, she had used times 10, and she had won.
The Hera let out a pained expression her new ability had similar side effects to Kaioken, she started to fall and land beside Lazuli.
Both women were on the ground in pain from their nearly life-ending sparring match.
"So…" Lazuli opened one eye. "Still wanna bitch about your new trick, elf ears?"
"Hahaha" Zangya chuckled. "Since I finally have beaten you, I guess not billboard brow."
They chuckled while teasing each other.
Zangya managed to sit up while Lazuli was still lying down.
"It wasn't what I pictured in my head, I was hoping for a form that would enhance my beauty." She explained. "But I guess it's something similar to Kaioken, a technique not a transformation, though it doesn't just increase my power."
"Right," Lazuli nodded. "Your power level grew not by much, but it looks like it lowers the energy of anyone close to you, your body emits the same energy you use to deplete your opponents, so you lower the energy of your opponent not just when you attack but when their close to you, slowing them down so you can land attacks, and weakening their strikes, and, your energy attacks do the same, kinda like Zazuli did, only our fusion didn't have this aura that drains anything near it, gotta say it feels a bit unfair now that you can do it on your own,."
Zangya smirked, finally after all these years she had managed to catch up to her, and now she'll be of even greater aid in the final battle. While stealing the spotlight.
"Quit it with the smirk," Lazuli said. "The only reason you won is because I didn't know how your power works, next time you're hitting the ground first."
The Hera chuckled. "Sure, blondie, but I'm just beginning, I'll improve it over and over to surpass you, just try to catch up to me." She put a hand to her chin. "Now what to call it, it utilizes, Psychokinetic energy, I think I'll call it, the Psycho State, that has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"
Lazuli stood up while stretching.
"All well and good, but let's get cleaned up at least." The Cyborg said. "Ugh, gonna need a change of clothes."
"If only there was a mall here." Zangya sighed as she walked towards the building ready to rest up.
The two women would continue to push their limits, improving their powers and understanding each other's weaknesses.
XXX
's Timeline
The cell was on a table, with many devices attached to it.
"Extraordinary" One of the Gero's stated. "Absorbing Bojack has caused another massive jump in power, from the data you may be able to withstand the monster Majin Buu."
That made his prized creation think of that creature, she had shown him data on various creatures in the timelines Towa had visited.
"Doctor" Dr. Gero got his attention. "Do you think that my next absorption would be Majin Buu?"
He didn't have much of a problem with that, only absorption of such a thing would be difficult. Buu can sever his body without harm, if he were to try to absorb him the same way he had wanted to absorb 17 and 18 it would not end well for him, as a severed may latch on to himself on the outside and proceed to absorb him.
That would be an unfavorable outcome.
Dr. Gero looked at Cell. "She has yet to inform me." He admitted in an annoyed tone. "So far she is an asset, however, keep your wits about you, I am watching her closely, and I will inform you if she needs… removing."
Cell nodded as another of Gero's copies walked by him with a chart.
"Now that you have absorbed Bojack's Biomass, your body is now strong enough to contain Broly's rising energy, and but in time with just powering up even I do not know what power you will gain."
One of the doctor's copies removed the wires attached to his body.
"Go on, do so."
Cell got off the table and floated above the planet, his green aura surrounded him before it spread.
With a roar his body was coated in blue lightning and a green aura.
He could feel it, Broly's cells were forcing his energy to rise, to overflow.
Cell chuckled as he powered up rising to his maximum potential.
As he powered up the copies of Dr. Gero covered their faces as the wind pushed them back, they were expecting to be destroyed like the copy that was destroyed a moment after had taken in Broly.
And to their surprise, no energy was scattered, he wasn't firing hundreds of ki blasts at once from overloading.
Dr. Gero wondered why that is, he did make adjustments to his body so he could handle his ever-increasing power, but it should not be to this extent. This must be Cell's doing, he was mastering his new body, and he had attained even greater control of his energy than before.
According to the data he had now surpassed Daburack's might.
Cell floated above the ground wrapped in his powerful Ki. He laughed loudly as looked into his hand, a purple web of energy revealed itself. Psychokinetic energy, the power unique to the Hera race.
"Hmhmhm" Cell chuckled to himself. "This power is beyond anything I imagined." He always thought his so-called "Perfect" Form would be the best he could possibly have. But he this? He hasn't even met 17 and 18 and he's gained powers that make that form miniscule in comparison.
"Soon" Cell smiled as his tail rose. "Soon I will obtain a form that is the pinnacle of all this timeline and the next. Something beyond even perfection."
He was anxious for Towa to return and give him his next meal.
XXX
Trunks's timeline Otherworld
Trunks had introduced his son to the other Z-fighters, it looks as though they were as accepting of him as Goku and Gohan were.
"Wow, I guess Bulma's brains run in the family huh?" Krillin asked looking down at Shorz and then at Bulma. "Seriously it's gotta be genetic."
Bulma chuckled. "Course he is, brains runs in the family, Iolite's also pretty smart too."
"Not much compared to me!" Shorz said smiling.
"Shorz, don't be rude." Bulma scolded her grandson.
While watching the Z-fighters reunite with Bulma and meet his son, Trunks couldn't help but wonder what his father was doing with Iolite. He was pleased to see them form some sort of bond, but he was not sure how to feel about leaving them alone. His father can be beyond harsh.
He can sense his energy swelling, just like Gohan did when he turned Super Saiyan 3. Was he really showing her how to use that form?
Now he's turned to normal, and Iolite's energy is still the same.
He squeezed his fists, great, he was hoping that she wouldn't argue, but it looked like she was going to make things difficult.
"Trunks"
The half Saiyan turned to Gohan who looked concerned.
"Everything alright?"
She won't even have the choice, he'll leave her here where it's safe. For her own good.
"Yeah, I'm fine Gohan just thinking."
"Hey Dad!" Shorz ran up to Trunks.
"Is it true that you're gonna leave us here to learn techniques from everyone here?" He asked with an excited look.
Trunks patted his head with a smile. At least his son will be easy to convince.
"That's right, just remember to be respectful of whoever you learn from, ok?" He smiled.
Shorz nodded enthusiastically, looking forward to any new techniques he could get his hands on. Joyaku will join him here to, so maybe they can both learn, and together they can come up with crazy techniques for their fusion to use!
Trunks smiled at his son while crossing his arms.
"Oh?" Goku stopped talking to everyone as if he heard something. "Hang on guys, guess Vegeta's ready." The orange-clad man put his fingers to his head before vanishing.
Once he was gone the others focused on Trunks.
"Hey, Trunks!" Yamcha looked at him. "So you also have a daughter, huh, he sparred with Vegeta, so is she uh still ok?"
"Yamcha come on." Tien scolded.
The former desert banded chuckled. "What? You of all people know what I mean, man it really has been a long time since you are defending him."
The triclops rolled all his eyes.
Trunks chuckled. "My daughter's tougher than she looks."
Goku arrived with Iolite next to him.
"Alright gang, here's Trunks's daughter." He introduced. "And Bulma's granddaughter Iolite."
Iolite looked at everyone else and was happy to see that they seemed to share the same sentiment that Goku, Gohan, and her grandfather showed her.
"Hiya" Yamcha greeted offering a handshake. "Name's Yamcha, it's great to meet you, can't believe Bulma's a granny now."
She shook his hand. "Hi, Grandma told me stories about you."
"Did she?" He chuckled hoping she didn't describe his old fear of women.
Krillin, Tien, and Chiaotzu introduced themselves as well, all politely greeting her.
Once Piccolo came forward he shook her hand as well.
"I heard that you trained, my dad's master, that true?" She asked with a friendly smile.
"I was, though I doubt he was as rough to him as I was to Gohan," Piccolo said with a grin.
Iolite smiled back but then after she had gotten acquainted with everyone she went over to her father.
"Can we talk alone?"
Trunks knew what she would ask.
Once the two walked farther away for the non-namekiens to hear.
The half-Saiyan was ready for an argument, he knew what she would ask and was ready to refuse.
"Dad, listen I-" She paused but remembered her father's words she had to be direct. "I'm going in the hyperbolic time chamber, and I'm going to join the fight."
Trunks was surprised at the demand, she normally wasn't like that. His father definitely was influencing her.
He thought of what they were facing, Lapis and Lazuli back when they were full Androids. She was knocked out in minutes, but Shorz was unfortunate enough to see what his mother was like before she regained her humanity.
They do not want to have her fight against a loved one to the death, even if they are not the same.
"Out of the question." Trunks shot it down. "You aren't ready."
"I am!" She demanded. "I've trained ever since I could walk, I can now match you with the same forms, I can compete with Auntie, and I can fight Mom and Uncle without their Kaioken." She explained. "So with the hyperbolic time chamber, I can and I will catch up to you!"
Trunks made a mental note to have a word with his father after this conversation. "No, you will stay here where you're safe, end of discussion."
"As long Towa as can't find her way here again."
That made Trunks pause.
"You told me when I was a kid that Towa came here and resurrected, Hirudegarn and two others. If you lose what's going to stop her from reaching here with whatever minions she has?"
The half-Saiyan realized that she had a point. Towa had come here, and if she brings a strong enough force, she and the boys may not be safe.
"You saw my fight with Gohan, Goku and your grandfather should be around the same level, together they can stop anything." He defended.
"How do you know for sure? You've been wrong before!"
Again the Saiyan paused. They would have fusion, even if his father would be against it, Goku and Gohan can do it, or with Piccolo or any of the other Z-fighters. But who knows how long it would last? He wasn't sure what to say to that, but he was going to remain firm.
Iolite can see that his argument was starting to fall apart and she had one thing.
"Give me one year in the time chamber." She said to him. "Just one year and I bet I can fight you at full power."
Quite a claim, his Ultimate Form was well beyond her Super Saiyan 2.
"I know what you're going to attempt." Trunks said to her. "I sensed my father utilizing the third form, I gave up on trying to get it a long time ago. Gohan explained to me that the form would be unobtainable in the living world, and even if I could the energy strain wouldn't be worth it, you would be even more vulnerable than you are now."
That word offended her and she glared in a way that reminded him of her mother. But she kept her emotions in check.
"If you're right I'll stay here with no complaints." Iolite declared. "But either way, I need to use it, that way if anything happens, then I can at least protect myself if Goku and the others can't, but if you're wrong I'll join in the fight."
Trunks thought of this, he couldn't believe he was thinking about this. Damn it, he didn't think his father would get her to try this. But what she said makes sense, he doubts he can reach his level with a year of training, even as he is, a year of her training wouldn't close the gap. Plus he gave up on obtaining the third form a long time ago as he was told it was likely impossible with a living body and the energy strain for the living would make it ineffective.
She will need training even if she doesn't join in the fight.
Taking this agreement might be for the best.
Lazuli is going to kill him for this.
"You will go after your mother and Zangya." Trunks stated.
Iolite smiled hearing that.
"But" Trunks raised a finger. "I'm going to have Dende keep watch of you, I don't know what the form will do to you, but I want to make sure it isn't fatal, if I see any sign of you being in danger, then the deal's off right then and there." He demanded.
"What?" Iolite got angry hearing that. "But-"
"No" The half Saiyan demanded. "You want to prove that you're ready? To bring you, my daughter, into danger? Then show me you can keep yourself out of danger as well as get stronger." He conditioned. "Take it or leave it."
Iolite sighed while looking away for a few seconds, debating whether to argue further or not. This extra condition was unfair, especially since they have a healer. She should be able to do it if she was able to get healed, but her father was basically restricting her from that.
If only there was a way she could heal herself.
She was hoping Dende would heal her on the brink of exhaustion whenever she needed it, but without it, she doesn't know.
Screw it!
"Deal" Iolite agreed determined. "Just wait, I'll prove you wrong and show that I can keep up with a stubborn old man like you!" She said with a scowl ready to take on the challenge.
Trunks looked down at her and glared back at her. She usually called him an old man when they got into an argument. He was fine with this arrangement, he didn't doubt his daughter's talent, but knew that she could not possibly catch up to him in a year.
At least he hoped she wouldn't.
Otherwise Lazuli was going to kill him for this.
XXX
Dr. Gero's Timeline
Cell stood with his arms crossed, waiting for the next component he needed for his next step, he had tried to see if Dr. Gero new what was next, but even he didn't know. Who else was worth absorbing? He only hoped that this next one would put up a fight, the result of forcing Bojack to merge his cells into him was a significant increase, but those equal to his perfect form wouldn't help much.
His patience would be rewarded when a portal opened.
Towa would arrive with another shorter individual by her side. The demon's next target for Cell was something the Android or his creator could see coming. They only had two conditions to be brought to Cell.
"Evening Cell, I can see that Dr. Gero was done with your adjustments."
The Android didn't seem to hear her and looked at the shorter red-skinned, purple-clad individual next to her. He couldn't sense any power from him, it was like an ant.
"You had me wait all this time for him?" Clearly he was disappointed.
One they had to be unnoticeable by their timeline, in various timelines she found a few examples of this, like Turles or Slug. In most timelines, they would either be dead before they gained power or never born in the first place.
Two, obviously they had to have submittal power that can benefit Cell.
She found one, a monster that was destined to remain sealed for eternity, and his creator would die of old age or by hostile life forms.
The short man giggled. "So you're the one that wishes to face my monster? How nice to meet you."
Cell looked confused hearing that. "What are you talking about? What creation? You don't look like Babidi."
"Babidi?" The red imp asked. "Oh, I met him once, he tried to take the power from my beast for his Majin Buu, but no, whatever he created is nothing like what I have." He pulled out a music box with a gold pattern on it.
Another wizard-like Babidi? With a different monster? Now the Bio Android was intrigued, he turned to the demon.
"Who is this? What have you brought me?"
Towa chuckled. "I suppose it's my fault, I didn't show you all the timelines available." She turned to the short wizard. "Alright, Hoi, hand me the box and I will fulfill my end of the agreement."
Hoi handed the box, but watched closely, prepared to use spells to take the box and escape if need be.
The demon looked at the box and tapped her staff.
She had studied all fields of magic while studying the time machine. She learned all kinds of seals and how to undo them.
The music box was then forced open.
A light appeared that spread across the region.
Cell closed his eyes until it faded, when he opened it he saw something he didn't expect.
It was a humanoid alien, with white skin, pointy ears with a red mohawk. Most may mistake him for a Kai. He had a brown shoulder pad top that went down around his legs and the back with a blue sash. Brown gloves, bronze boots, and a tight dark-colored skin tight suit underneath.
Cell was able to read his power level, it was decent but trivial to him. He wouldn't gain much from absorbing him, surely he wasn't the monster Towa recommended.
"What?" Tapion was confused and looked around as if he awoke from a long sleep, he then turned to Hoi. "You?!"
"Oh! Good to see you old friend." Hoi said smiling staring at the swordsman. "I had almost given up hope until a fellow mage came to me." He rose his hand to Towa beside him.
Tapion turned to the demon. "You, do you have any idea what you have done?!"
Towa chuckled. "I'm not done yet." She vanished and tapped her staff into his chest.
The swordsman unsheathed his blade blocking the staff.
She then placed a palm into his chest.
"Release" Using her knowledge of how the beast's seal works she was able to unlock the legendary creature.
Tapion's eyes widened. "N-no!" He screamed as his body started to emit steam.
The swordsman gripped his chest fighting whatever the demon had done to him, he wasn't asleep, but he could feel HIM escaping. This couldn't be real, he was supposed to be locked away for eternity!
Tapion fell to the ground losing consciousness as the smoke rose above him.
"Yes!" Hoi yelled and steam started to rise from his own body. "Finally, you are free now, come Hirudegarn!"
Towa then grabbed a flute from Tapion, who looked up at her.
"Who are you?" The swordsman asked. "W-why?"
She merely smiled down at him before crushing the flute in her hand. "You will find out." She looked up at the smoke that rose from both Hoi and Tapion.
Cell watched as smoke filled in front of him, it started to take shape, and most importantly, he sensed a powerful life force.
"What is this?" He asked as he took a step back needing to be ready for what is happening.
"Your next step Cell, good luck."
The smoke formed together and took shape.
It was a giant monster, with a white skull-shaped head, brown arms, and legs, and a white bone-like torso with a black chest, and black plates. Clawed feet and hands, and a long black tail with a spear tip at the end.
Hirudegarn roared with a sound that shook the planet.
Cell smiled beneath his mask ready for his next challenge and rise in power.
Y'know I feel like this was out of left field, having Hirudegarn become Cell's next meal.
But thinking back at all the strangeness I've done.
A fusion of Bojack and Dabura.
Android 13 mixing with material from the Big Gete Star.(My biggest but humorous regret)
And of course a crack pairing of Trunks and 18.
I decided that this is the least weird decision I've done so I committed.
One reason I included Hirudegarn is because he is a part of Trunks's past in my story and he did slay him just before the Baby Saga started, felt like it was appropriate.
Anyhow hope u enjoyed the chapter and look forward to the next.
Review Responces
The Rocha: Lol, happy to hear that, good to see you are here. And hope you'll read Tournament of Space and Time written by shadowwriter01, where my characters are going to clash with other timelines.
I've been wanting to have Iolite meet Vegeta since she was introduced, thank goodness she never met his Android clone.
Ooh, nice idea, I think I'll borrow it, thank you, it'd be good for all their fighting styles and techniques to pass on to the next generation.
That's basically what I wanted when I wrote their personalities, so glad u feel that way.
That is their plan, though Iolite's against that, she now has an opportunity to join the fight.
Lol no she did not.
Close, but nope, time for Cell to face the Wrath of the Dragon.
Yep, she'll definitely be a problem. Android Zangya was my friend Shadowwriter01's idea.
Hope u like what I did with Zangya's new technique, Psycho State.
Yeah, which is why I hesitated with sparring her, but in ones where she and 18 are the same side, they never fuse, so I had to do it. I think I know what your talking about Unburdened Fury. I want to back to reading that, I stopped after the free for all between Broly, Cold, and Bojack because i got busy but I'm sure it's still great at this point.
I really thought about it, toyed with the idea of Gohan Black, but Sometimes Darkness Can See The Light got to it first, it's another Trunks X 18 story. Plus after Baby Gohan, it would've felt a bit repetitive. Also I honestly didn't want to deal with trying to scale DBS in my story, wasn't sure how to do it without getting people really mad.
Maybe one day I can do a story where Zamasu takes Baby's idea and takes bodies of the Z-fighters. We'll call it the Zamasu Corps, lol.
Shadowwriter01: Glad u liked it, I wanted Iolite to be written as a smart fighter that can at least be clever against veterans like Vegeta. So I thought about it, here my thoughts for how Zangya's technique would interact with those concepts.
1. Spirit Fission can undo energy absorption, Zangya's Psycho State is more about energy depletion, so it couldn't undo it since it's not absorbing just depleting. But Spirit Fission did keep Vegeta's energy from being absorbed, so I would say it can protect the user from getting their energy depleted.
2. God Ki is all about energy control and keeping Ki from leaking out of the body and flowing through the body so I would say it would slow down or even nullify her technique's effect depending on how refined it is.
3. Android Energy Absorbing, similar to what we see with Pyscho Poison affecting Androids, it even effects artificial Ki so it would end up draining them faster should they try to absorb it. It was why Super 18 evaded Zazuli's energy attacks, she knew it wouldn't end well.
Thank you, and am happy to advertise, I'm really enjoying Space and Time and currently rereading Aftermath.
Well guys, that's it, sorry for not updating weekly like I promised, but I promise to try to speed it up while not ruining my chapters.
Hope to see u again soon.
Have an Awesome day! :)