A/N: Double chapter tonight. I wanted to do some more world building and show what a few of the other major players were up to. Obviously, this is a Gohan x Rini story, so Goku isn't going to be the focus. Because this takes place after the original Cell Saga, Goku is stuck in otherworld and I'll probably keep him there, at least for the foreseeable future. I also wanted to address the whole time travel / timeline thing that's going on in a way that wouldn't just be an unengaging lore dump. Anyway, enough talk, I hope you enjoy.

King Kai stood with his hands behind his back, eyes closed behind his black sunglasses, fingers balled into tight fists, his antennae extended, quivering. He was focused on the commotion occurring on Earth, a planet in his section of the galaxy. Technically, he was the North Kai, responsible for everything which occurred in his quadrant, an official overseeing the mechanisms of the universe, ensuring that everything operated properly.

Sadly, that was a task easier said than done, and during the last little get together with his colleagues from the South, East, and West, they had definitely let him know he'd gotten the short end of the stick.

Earth.

That was the main source of his problems. The rest of his section, it seemed, was mostly quiet, save for the rogue space pirate or galactic tyrant here or there, it was smooth sailing. But Earth, Earth was a different matter entirely. Ever since the Saiyans arrived on that planet, something had broke in the natural order of the world, situations and threats seemed to spin out of control on a regular basis; just what he needed, another headache.

As King Kai focused, he sensed such a thing right now, two massive energy signatures, not too far apart in time, the sure indication of impending danger.

"Hey King Kai, did you feel that?"

King Kai's eyes opened and he turned his attention to his companion, noting the halo over his head. Goku was dead, as was he himself after the Saiyan had recklessly brought Cell to his tiny little planet.

King Kai could remember the warrior's words fresh in his mind 'I'm sorry, I didn't know where else to go!'. Fixing the planet had been something of a simple task for King Kai, it was certainly within his power to do so, but what he couldn't fix was the halo above his head, the fact that, although he continued to execute his duties in the same capacity as also, he was technically dead.

"Of course I did Goku, now quiet down, I'm trying to concentrate."

The taller male had a sheepish grin on his face, an excitement in his eyes that was hard to contain. Goku was a warrior from a race of warriors, the mere hint of coming combat was enough to get his blood pumping! But King Kai knew that Goku wouldn't be fighting in this upcoming conflict; the rules established by Lord Zeno, and executed through King Yemma were very clear and few exceptions given.

King Kai focused and got a lock on the energy again, but it seemed to have faded, was more subdued, like the individual was trying to suppress their ki. It was difficult at distance to track, but eventually King Kai made the discovery he was looking for and realization dawned on him again.

"It's Cell."

King Kai said with confidence, letting his antennae relax as he straightened up a bit. Goku seemed even more excited after that, as though the threat to his home planet was secondary to the chance to fight Cell again one on one.

"Oh, wow, really? Are you sure?"

The Saiyan was practically jumping at the opportunity at a rematch.

"But wait a second King Kai, how can that happen? Gohan destroyed Cell during the Cell Games?"

Goku threw his hands back behind his head, interlocking his fingers as he leaned back somewhat, clearly casual in his stance, his mind hard at work trying to formulate an answer; King Kai didn't wait for him to stumble upon a solution, thinking deeply had never been Goku's strong suit.

"Timelines, Goku. This Cell is different from the one you know. I can't say for certain, but I believe he has come from the future, from Trunk's timeline."

Recognition dawned on Goku's features and he let his grin return.

"If that's the case, then he must be even stronger than before! Especially because we were able to sense him all the way out here. I can't wait for a rematch!"

King Kai cut him off with an annoyed interjection, turning to face Goku as he berated him, finger wagging.

"Absolutely not Goku. Need I remind you that the last time you fought Cell, both of us ended up dead. And besides, you are aware that you cannot leave Otherworld for Earth, no matter how much I may try to bend the rules for you."

It was true. The celestial organization of the universe was hierarchical, Kamis, then Kais, then Supreme Kais, then the Grand Supreme Kai, then of course, Lord Zenos himself. Knowing this, there were occasionally rules that could be flexed here and there, minor technicalities that could be overlooked, but a dead person returning to the living world without authorization was certainly not one of them. No, the Earth was going to have to face this threat on its own, without Goku's aid.

Goku seemed bummed by the clarification of the rules, but still hopeful.

"Well, Gohan already beat Cell once, I'm sure he'll be fine. I believe in him. There's a power lurking inside him that even he hasn't fully awakened."

King Kai understood, but was still doubtful. The Cell which had returned from the future was far more powerful than the one native to this timeline.

"Besides, how does all of this stuff work anyway King Kai? Timelines and time travel? It's starting to make my head kinda' hurt."

Goku stated sheepishly with an embarrassed smile.

King Kai sighed, and began to explain it curtly, in language the Saiyan would understand.

"The future is not set in stone Goku. From important points, time diverges. There are many ruined timelines in this universe, forsaken threads that burn out before the tapestry is fully woven. There are futures were the universe has collapsed, where entire galaxies are wiped out, there are futures where I'm still alive!"

King Kai grabbed a rolled up newspaper and jumped the small height that he could to smack Goku over the head with it. The Saiyan reacted with a comical feign of injury, but they both knew it hadn't hurt him a wit.

"The point is, this Cell probably came from such a timeline, a future that was totally ruined by his victory. But to go this far, to push the limits of reality and travel back in time to the here and now, he must be searching for something, something that he needs."

The speculation was open and Goku suddenly extended a finger.

"Oh, I know King Kai! Trunks must have destroyed the androids in his timeline, that must be what's missing."

As much as King Kai hated to admit it, Goku's speculation was probably right. Androids 17 and 18 were likely destroyed by Trunks in the future, which meant that Cell was not back, in this timeline, to try and regain what he had lost, to achieve his perfect form.

"Isn't there something we can do to help King Kai? I mean, something that wouldn't break the rules?"

King Kai shook his head.

"No, not right now. We'll have to wait and see, observe at a distance until the right time comes."