Cell chuckled darkly, his eyes glinting with malice as he scanned the battlefield. At last, he had found Android 17 and Android 18—the final pieces he needed to achieve his perfect form. The thought of perfection being so tantalizingly close made his smirk widen. All that remained was to eliminate Piccolo and any other obstacles standing in his way.
As he shifted his gaze briefly away from the androids and Piccolo, his eyes landed on an unexpected figure: Android 16. Cell's expression briefly shifted to confusion. He hadn't accounted for this one—an unfamiliar face that didn't align with the data stored in his mind.
"Another one of Gero's creations, I presume," Cell mused aloud, his eyes narrowing slightly as he noted the Red Ribbon insignia on 16's chest. "You must be one of his earlier models."
16 stood silently, his stoic demeanor betraying no reaction to Cell's words.
With a dismissive wave of his hand, Cell scoffed, deciding that 16 posed no real threat. "An inconvenience, at best," he muttered.
But then, his gaze shifted to Android Z, standing calmly among the group. Cell's smirk faltered, replaced with mild intrigue. This android was unfamiliar—his data banks contained very little information about him. Yet something about Z tugged at a faint memory buried deep in Cell's programming.
Cell tilted his head, studying Z's face intently. "Strange," he murmured, almost to himself. "Why do I feel like I've seen that face before?"
Then it hit him.
A fragmented memory surfaced from his early days in Dr. Gero's lab, back when Cell had been in his larval state. He remembered seeing a young, innocent-looking boy—a human, whom Gero had introduced as his 'nephew.' The boy had been Ash Ketchum. He recalled how the child had approached the glass container housing his embryonic form, his face lit with curiosity and friendliness.
"Well, isn't this an interesting twist?" Cell said, his chuckle returning, but this time directed at Z. His gaze flickered with amusement. "I didn't expect to see that same boy here... though I see you've undergone quite the transformation."
Z's brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about?" he asked cautiously.
Cell smirked, dismissing the question with a wave. "Oh, just reminiscing. No need to trouble yourself with the details. The past is... irrelevant." His smirk widened as he continued. "I have no quarrel with you or the Red Ribbon relic over there," he said, gesturing briefly at 16. "But if either of you decides to interfere with my plans... well, let's just say you'll regret it."
Z's gaze hardened, the subtle tension in his body signaling his readiness for a fight. Beside him, 16 remained composed, his mechanical eyes locked on Cell, analyzing him without a word.
"Stay out of my way," Cell warned, his voice low and deadly, "and you'll live to see another day. But cross me, and I'll crush you like the insects you are."
Cell turned back to Piccolo and the androids. "Now then," he said, his voice echoing ominously, "where were we? Ah, yes!"
The sinister android spread his arms and assumed a confident stance, his entire being brimming with anticipation. A golden aura erupted around him, the energy pulsating with the life force of the countless innocent people he had absorbed. Piccolo's face turned pale, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he felt Cell's power level skyrocketing to unthinkable heights.
"Th-Those innocent people..." Piccolo muttered, his voice shaking with a mix of horror and anger.
Android 17 glanced over at Piccolo, confusion flashing across his face. "What's got you so worked up, Namekian?" he asked. To him, Cell didn't seem particularly threatening—yet.
The ground beneath them began to tremble violently, cracks spidering across the island as Cell's golden aura flared brighter and brighter. The oppressive energy filled the air, making it hard to breathe.
Android 18 frowned. "What's going on? Why is everything shaking like this?" she asked, glancing at the others.
16, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "The creature calling itself Cell is a significant threat," he said. "His power far surpasses what we've faced so far."
Z stepped forward, nodding in agreement. "16 is right," he said, his gaze fixed firmly on Cell. "He's stronger than both Piccolo and 17 combined right now."
18 crossed her arms. "You two are crazy," she scoffed. "No one's that strong."
Neither 16 nor Z responded to her remark, their focus unbroken as they watched Cell's power continue to rise.
With a final surge of energy, Cell's aura exploded outward, a golden shockwave rippling across the battlefield, causing chunks of the island to crumble into the ocean. His smirk widened, his eyes glinting with sadistic delight as he finished powering up.
"Now," Cell said smoothly, his voice reverberating with confidence, "let's see how long you all can entertain me before I get bored."
Piccolo clenched his fists as he glared at Cell. "Damn it... he's stronger than I ever imagined," he thought grimly.
17 finally began to grasp the gravity of the situation as he narrowed his eyes at Cell. "Guess I'll have to take you seriously after all," he muttered.
Cell laughed with a low menacing sound that filled the air with dread. "Please do. I'd hate for this to end too quickly."
17 glanced at Piccolo. "Guess we'll have to put our fight on hold until we deal with this freak," he said, his tone almost begrudging.
Piccolo, though fatigued, nodded slowly. "Agreed," he said.
Cell laughed mockingly, spreading his arms wide as if inviting them. "How touching," he sneered. "The warrior and the machine teaming up. Go ahead—come at me. Let's see what you can do."
Without hesitation, Piccolo sprang into action, charging directly at Cell, his battle cry ringing out across the island. But his movements, dulled by fatigue, were sloppy and predictable. Cell smirked, effortlessly sidestepping Piccolo's strike and countering with a devastating punch to the side, sending the Namekian skidding across the ground in a cloud of dust.
"Pathetic," Cell muttered, turning his attention to 17.
Android 17 darted forward, his attacks swift and precise as he threw a barrage of punches and kicks. Cell blocked each strike with ease. In a fluid motion, Cell landed a punishing blow to 17's gut, causing the android to double over with a groan. Before 17 could recover, Cell grabbed his arm, lifted him effortlessly, and slammed him to the ground over his shoulder. The ground cracked under the impact, and 17 let out a pained groan as Cell's foot pressed down on his back, pinning him in place. Cell's tail unfurled menacingly, the tip opening like a grotesque flower.
"Time to become part of something greater," Cell taunted, his voice dripping with malice as the tail began to lower toward 17.
"Not so fast!"
Cell turned his head just in time to see Piccolo flying toward him. The Namekian delivered a powerful kick to Cell's face, the impact forcing him to stumble backward and releasing 17 from his grasp. "N-N-Noooooo!"
17 pushed himself to his feet, dusting off his clothes and wincing slightly. "Nice save," he said, glancing at Piccolo with a faint smirk. "Thanks."
Piccolo, breathing heavily, nodded. "Don't mention it."
Cell wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, his expression twisting with annoyance. "That was a mistake," he growled, his glare locking onto Piccolo. "You'll pay for that one, Namekian."
From the sidelines, 18 crossed her arms as she watched the chaotic clash. Her gaze shifted from 17 to Cell, and for the first time, a sliver of doubt crept into her voice.
"Do you think they have a chance?" she asked, not looking at anyone in particular.
16's stoic face tilted slightly as he answered, "No. Their combined efforts will not be enough. Piccolo is already fatigued and nearing his limit. And while 17 has infinite energy, his strength alone cannot match Cell's overwhelming power."
18 frowned, glancing briefly at 16. "So, what? We just stand here and let them get torn apart?"
Z, who stood beside them with his arms crossed, nodded grimly. "16's right. Cell's playing with them. He's deliberately wearing Piccolo down, knowing he's the weaker link. And once Piccolo's out of the picture, it'll be 17's turn."
18 clenched her fists. "If 17 won't run out of power, why can't he handle Cell?"
Z exhaled sharply, his sharp gaze fixed on Cell's glowing figure. "He's stronger, smarter, and has already proven he can counter every move Piccolo and 17 make."
16's gaze didn't waver from the fight. "Cell has calculated every outcome. If we do not intervene soon, 17 will fall, and Cell will absorb him. Once that happens, he will become even stronger—unstoppable."
18 narrowed her eyes. "And what about you two? Just going to watch?"
Z's brow furrowed, his expression briefly conflicted before hardening. "I'll step in when I have to. Right now, 17 and Piccolo are buying us time, but the window is closing fast. If we don't act soon, it'll be too late."
16 glanced briefly at Z, then back at the battlefield. "Agreed. Timing will be everything. For now, we observe... and prepare."
As the three watched, Cell's laughter echoed ominously through the battlefield. "Hurry it up. I don't have all day for this foolishness."
Nearby, 17 pushed himself to his feet, dusting off his shirt as he shot a glance at Piccolo. "Hey, do you have some kind of plan to deal with this freak?"
Piccolo, still catching his breath, clenched his fists. "No... but that's not going to stop me now!" With a battle cry, Piccolo charged at Cell once more.
17 groaned, shaking his head in frustration. "This is a bad idea." Despite his doubts, 17 dashed forward, following Piccolo's lead. The two fighters attacked in unison, unleashing a relentless barrage of punches and kicks.
But Cell remained utterly unfazed. He blocked every strike with ease, his smirk growing wider as he analyzed their attacks.
"Predictable," Cell muttered before going on the offensive.
With one swift backhand, Cell sent 17 flying backward, the android skidding across the battlefield on his side. Piccolo's assault continued, but Cell countered with brutal precision, hammering the Namekian with a series of rapid strikes. Each blow reverberated across the battlefield, and Piccolo let out a grunt of pain as he was sent tumbling. He crashed to the ground, groaning as he struggled to rise.
From a distance, 17 winced, clutching his side as he forced himself upright. His eyes narrowed as he spotted Cell slowly advancing toward the injured Piccolo.
"No, Piccolo..." 17 muttered under his breath.
Piccolo, now on one knee, wiped blood from his mouth and glared at Cell, who approached with a menacing calm. Despite his battered state, Piccolo didn't back down.
"Still standing?" Cell mocked, a low chuckle escaping his lips. "I admire your persistence, Namekian. Too bad it won't save you."
In a desperate bid to turn the tide, Piccolo shifted his stance. He brought his hands together, forming a circle as he began to channel his energy. A golden glow emanated from his palms, the sheer intensity of his power shaking the ground beneath him. Piccolo roared as the energy swirled violently in his hands.
Cell paused briefly, arching an eyebrow as the Namekian powered up. "Interesting. But do you really think that will make a difference?"
Piccolo ignored the taunt, pouring every ounce of his remaining energy into the attack. The aura around him flared, and the air crackled with electricity.
From the sidelines, 17 watched in awe. "Piccolo..."
Piccolo gritted his teeth as he felt the energy swell to its peak, his arms trembling under the sheer force of his attack. "This ends now! Eat this, Cell!" With a fierce cry, Piccolo thrust his hands forward. "Makōsen!"
The powerful blast of ki erupted from his palms, tearing through the air like a missile. The golden beam roared toward Cell, its sheer intensity shaking the ground and kicking up a whirlwind of debris.
Cell didn't flinch as the beam closed in. A sinister smirk crossed his face just before the Makōsen struck.
The beam engulfed Cell in a blinding light, its energy exploding upon impact. The shockwave was so powerful it shook the entire island, and the sky lit up as though a second sun had appeared. Half the island was consumed by the massive blast, leaving a smoldering crater in its wake.
Back at Kame House, the tremors reached even the distant shores where Tien, Yamcha, and Krillin were gathered.
Yamcha flinched. "What the heck was that?!"
Tien's expression darkened, his third eye narrowing as he felt the residual energy. "That... that was Piccolo's energy."
Krillin's face paled as he sensed the immense power fading. "Oh no... that means Piccolo's in trouble. Let's hope that blast wasn't his last stand."
The three warriors exchanged worried glances.
As the smoke cleared on the battlefield, Piccolo remained standing, panting heavily with one knee almost giving out. His eyes strained to see through the thick cloud of dust and debris, hoping his attack had finally ended the nightmare that was Cell.
The silence was deafening, save for the crackling remnants of his blast echoing through the air.
But then... a slow, mocking clap broke the stillness.
"Impressive," Cell's voice rang out, cutting through the haze like a dagger. As the dust finally settled, Cell's silhouette emerged, his figure completely unharmed.
Piccolo's eyes widened in horror. "No... impossible!"
Cell smirked, brushing a speck of dirt off his shoulder. "You've got spirit, Namekian. I'll give you that. But if that was your trump card... you're finished."
Z stood silently, his fists clenched, his eyes closed as he sensed the grim reality of the battle. "It's over," he muttered, his voice tinged with resignation. "Piccolo has lost the will to fight. Cell is too strong for him."
16, ever stoic, nodded in agreement. "Piccolo has reached his limit. Any further resistance is futile."
18 frowned deeply, her arms crossed as she watched the battle unfold. "So what now? What are we supposed to do? Just stand here and let that monster win?"
Z turned to her, his tone calm yet firm. "You need to leave."
18 snapped her head toward him, glaring. "What? Are you insane? I'm not running away!"
16 interjected, his voice steady and almost mechanical. "Z is correct. You and 17 must retreat while you still have the chance. If Cell absorbs either of you, his power will be unstoppable."
18's fists tightened as she refused to listen. "No way. I'm not leaving, and neither is 17. You two are just going to give up? What are you going to do?"
Neither Z nor 16 answered her, their focus shifting back to the battlefield as Cell loomed over the fallen Piccolo.
Piccolo lay on the ground, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth as he struggled to stay conscious. Cell loomed over him, a smug grin plastered across his face.
"Poor Piccolo," Cell taunted. "You tried so hard, didn't you? But in the end, you're just another stepping stone on my path to perfection."
Piccolo forced himself onto his elbows, his body trembling as he glared up at the creature before him.
Cell smirked, and with lightning speed, he delivered a powerful punch to Piccolo's face, the force of the blow sending the Namekian sprawling onto his back. The sickening crack of his neck echoed through the air, causing 17 and 18 to recoil in horror.
"PICCOLO!" 17 shouted, his voice trembling with disbelief.
Cell chuckled, pleased with his work, as he casually lifted Piccolo's limp body off the ground by his collar. The Namekian hung lifelessly, his head drooping.
"Such valiant effort," Cell mocked, his tone dripping with condescension. "You've truly given it your all, haven't you, Namekian? But this is where your story ends."
Piccolo's groan of pain was the only response he could muster.
With a sinister grin, Cell placed his open palm against Piccolo's chest.
"Goodbye, Piccolo. Thanks for the entertainment," Cell said mockingly before releasing a powerful ki blast that pierced through Piccolo's chest.
The explosion of energy sent a shockwave across the battlefield, and Piccolo's agonized scream echoed through the air before his body went limp.
From the sidelines, 17 and 18 stared in shock as they witnessed the horrifying scene.
"No..." 18 muttered.
"Piccolo...That monster," 17 said in disbelief.
Z and 16 narrowed their gazes on the chuckling Cell as he callously tossed Piccolo's seemingly lifeless body into the ocean. The faint splash echoed in the tense air, the ripples marking the end of one battle and the beginning of another.
Cell turned his head slowly, his predatory eyes glinting as they fixed on Android 17. He smirked. "And then there was one. It's just you and me now, 17."