A Simple Change
Chapter 2: Cell's Downfall, A New Protector
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ. If I did I wouldn't be writing this as it would've already been done.
AN: What it do folks. Firstly I have to thank everyone who reviewed the first chapter. Now to answer a question posed to me in the reviews. How does the world know Bulma had something to do with them seeing the broadcast? Simple. In the corner of every of the screen is the transparent insignia of Capsule Corporation.
I figured with Capsule Corp. being the single greatest corporation in the world they should have some broadcasting equipment. Hell I know they did how else could they talk to Goku on his spaceship when he was going to Namek. I had always thought Bulma should have had something prepared, especially since the cameras always seem to go out when something major is going on.
Now as far as Videl is concerned. I brought her in now because I needed a different way to introduce her since Hercule will NOT be getting the credit for beating Cell. Also she and Gohan will meet far earlier than they did in cannon as I've got a few tricks up my sleeve.
Finally in regards to Lime's hair color. Yes she is in fact a redhead. I know because I have the episode on my computer as part of my Cell Games Collection.
Last Time
"What shit GOKU!" screamed King Kai seeing his former student appear on his planet with Cell.
Instincts kicking in the Kai turned on a dime and ran before jumping, flying off and trying to put as much distance between himself and the bulging android as needed. Not three seconds later the android exploded the last thing either Goku or King Kai seeing was a white light.
Start Now
Everyone within Capsule Corp was quiet except for the sobbing Chichi. Everyone else was watching Gohan the sobbing child creating a large crater with his fist. Soon the remaining Z fighters came down towards the boy each having a solemn looks on their face.
Before anything could be done however everyone, including Gohan turned horrified faces towards the spot where Goku and Cell disappeared. Because of the smoke no one could see anything, though they all knew he was there. Then as if to prove his existence a purple beam shot out of the smoke hitting and going through the armor Trunks was wearing killing him instantly. As the smoke cleared it showed the form of Cell once more in his perfect form lightning-like energy surging around his body.
Everyone stopped seeing this Vegeta in particular looking at his son's body in shock. Then with a cry of rage he launched himself towards the android going Super Saiyan in an instant. As soon as this happened a golden ki blast shot from his right hand hitting the bio-droid right in the face. Not giving the android a second he fired a volley of ki blast at the creature hurtling chunks of earth into the air.
Gohan seeing this made his move and took the sky. Once he managed to get to a suitable height his hands glowed golden with energy. Then with a cry of rage he unleashed it sending a barrage of energy blast down at the android, even still he was far from finished. Quickly his hands came together above his head, palms open and left hand in front of the right. A second later a yellow ball of energy formed in front of his hands before he let of his attack.
"MASENKO HA"
With his attack finished the demi-saiyan decended to the ground panting. Touching down he smirked with pride seeing his handy work before glancing over towards Vegeta.
"Fool you may have a few Saiyan cells, but there nothing when compared to a true Saiyan." Said the Saiyan prince, looking into the site of their combined attack.
His smirk however died away feeling a strong ki signature streaking at him fast. Before Vegeta could react a fist was planted into his stomach before he was backhanded to the ground creating a crater upon impact. Cocking his right hand back Cell sent it forward a beam of golden energy heading for the downed prince.
Gohan saw this however and before he even realized what he was doing had raced to cover Vegeta. The blast struck his left arm damaging it badly causing Gohan to cry out in pain.
Capsule Corp:
Chichi looked at the wound to her sons arm in horror and cringed hearing his screams of pain. His arm had blood rolling off of it like water from a waterfall. The shock on the boys face would forever be burned into her minds eye. Even still she could tell this wasn't enough to stop Gohan, he'd fight as long as he was conscious. He was too much like his father to do otherwise.
The Ox King however was focused on different matters than Gohan's arm. He wanted to go and fight himself, even knowing he wouldn't be of much help. Even still he didn't want to leave his grandson at the mercy of that…thing. On top of that he had his own plans for Gohan which starting tomorrow he would put into motion.
Orange Star City:
Videl sat watching with mixed emotions. On one hand she was angry that Cell wouldn't just die. On another she was a bit worried seeing the damage the golden haired boy had taken to his arm. And finally she was confused, what the hell was a Saiyan? Her thoughts however were broken as Cell finally emerged from the smoke.
Cell Games:
Cell emerged from the smoke with a smirk on his face. Vegeta's attack had done nothing at all, as he had managed to put up an energy shield. Gohan's attack however had not only broken the shield but destroyed one of his arms, which he'd been forced to re-grow. He smirked seeing the damage his last attack had done to Gohan, though it was meant to kill Vegeta.
Gohan somehow managed to climb to his feet, his left harm hanging limply by his side dead to the world. His ki was badly drained though he somehow still maintained his ascended form.
"Stupid monkeys, did you honestly think your petty attacks could harm me. When are you going to get it through those thick skulls of yours? I.AM.PERFECT." Stated the android putting emphasis on the last three words.
With that said he brought his arms in front of him cupping them together. Energy sparked around the bio-droids hands as he brought his hands back taking the classic stance for the Kamehameha Wave.
"This is the end boy. I will destroy you, your friends, and this entire planet. But before that I want you to remember one thing. I will live FOREVER." Said the bio-droid making the eye's of all the conscious Z fighters.
Cells golden aura burst forth around him as the winds circled him. The force it was putting out was enough to throw the ZTV crew as well as Hercule off of their feet. His power could even be felt as far as New Namek.
"I-I can't stop it." thought the demi-saiyan. 'With my energy and arm in their current states there's no way for me to stop it. Wait maybe I could…'
Vegeta's thoughts were similar to Gohan's. He couldn't even sit up so standing and fighting were definitely out of the question. Even still he couldn't help but feel as if he'd made a mockery out of the Saiyan race.
"Ultimate perfection; I have spent decades searching for it. And now after absorbing the androids I have finally attained just that." said the bio-droid his energy still building. The planet shook as his energy levels continued to rise.
"What's the matter boy, aren't you even going to try to stop me?" taunted the android.
"No. I wont" answered Gohan quietly.
"Tch. How boring, then I suppose there is no point in drawing this out any longer." With that said blue energy collected in his palms while Gohan simply stood still.
'This is it Gohan, its all or nothing. What ever the result this will be the end' thought the young warrior.
Snake Way:
Goku was shocked with Gohan's actions. For all his life he'd never known Gohan to give up on anything so why would he be doing so now, it just didn't make any since.
"He's not giving up." said King Kai catching the Saiyans attention.
"His aura has no trace of despair anywhere, only confidence though it is shaky at best."
Orange Star City:
The group of four watched with batted breath as Cell brought his hands forward to fire. Even still the boy just stood where he was not moving, his hair casting his face in shadows.
"This is it we're done for" said Erasa fear shaking her voice.
The others remained quiet though even they got the feeling that it was in fact over. Videl's head lowered her eyes facing her legs effectively hiding the tears streaking down her face.
Cell Games:
"You can do this Gohan, I know you can" said Goku's voice though only the mentioned person could hear it.
"I won't try to stop you." Said Gohan his voice echoing around the area.
"I WILL stop you." With that said the boys own golden aura burst around him. The sparks of lightning-like energy sprung back to life as he brought his right arm in front of him.
"Gohan" whispered Piccolo in awe.
"He's finally ready" said Krillin looking up from his tending of 18.
"KAAAAAAAAAA" echoed Gohan's voice around the mountains.
"MEEEEEEEEEEEE" his arm pulled back behind him
"HAAAAAAAAAAA" lightning-like energy surged around his hand.
"MEEEEEEEEEEEEE" blue energy collected in his palm, his aura growing even higher.
"Now that's more like it" said Cell. With that both fighters expanded their auras until they joined together.
"Now you DIE" screamed Cell the blue beam firing from his hands.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAA" screamed Gohan his own blue beam firing and racing towards Cell's.
"Shit those beams are way too big! Let's go" cried Krillin before he took to the air carrying the body of android 18.
Tien and Yamcha nodded their accent and followed, Trunk's body being carried between them.
"Gohan" whispered Piccolo before he too took to the skies.
The beams finally clashed battling against each other fiercely. Trying to over power each other both fighters poured more energy into their respective attacks, causing the beams to grow. As the beams grow they destroyed anything that was touching the ground.
Capsule Corp:
Everyone watched in awe as the two beams struggled. None of them had ever imagined that Gohan had been this powerful. Luckily the camera was far enough away so they could see both the fighters and the attacks, and not just the light from the attacks themselves.
Orange Star City:
Videl shook her head when the camera showed her father and the ZTV crew being sent flying from the force of the attacks. She couldn't believe that after all that the man was still saying it was all just cheap tricks. She winced however when the bolder they were flying on finally hit the ground, hard. What got her the most however was what she was seeing right now.
"Is he…" started Erasa
"…talking into a rock" finished Videl both having sweat drops on their heads.
Cell Games:
"This must be hard for you with all those wounds. I'm sure this makes them BURN." Said the bio-droid forcing even more energy into his attack overpowering Gohan's attack until only a bit of it was still holding up.
"Now this is where you END." Said Cell pushing even more energy into the attack. Gohan grunted at that his beam being reduced to just the side in front of him, and he was forced to one knee.
With a grunt of effort the boy managed to push more energy into the attack causing them to even out once more as he stood to his feet.
"You fool don't you get it I am the perfect weapon." Said Cell forcing even more energy into his attack.
"Shit it's too much" said Gohan still trying to hold the beam.
"Gohan" came Goku's voice once again.
"If you're holding back because you're worried about the planet forget about it. Any damage done can be fixed with the Dragonballs." Finished the older and dead Saiyan.
Worried and tired of just watching Piccolo flew out, his white aura bursting forth around him. flying around the occupied android he brought his arms back before throwing them forward.
"Masenko-HA" cried the Namek a golden beam of energy flying from his hands into the androids back. He was shocked speechless however when the attack did no damage. Annoyed Cell looked back before his wings opened up and an energy blast flew from his back striking the Namek and sending him flying.
"Where the hell did Piccolo's brain go, to think he could save Gohan all by himself" said Krillin.
"He didn't think he could, but he went anyway." Said Tien energy waves pouring off of him.
"Tien not you too" said Krillin
"Sorry Krillin, but it's just not my style to just wait for death and not put up a decent fight."
"Because you're a man of honor, and a little pig headed." Said Yamcha with a grin.
"Maybe so, but I've always liked that honor excuse more." Replied the three eyed man grinning down at his friend.
"Hey Krillin, I'll leave Trunks here with you." said Yamcha
"Oh c'mon Yamcha not you too" exclaimed Krillin in exasperation.
His answer was Yamcha's own white aura bursting to life. Then nodding to one another both Tien and Yamcha took off to help out.
"Damn it" said Krillin with a sigh.
"I guess playing it safe is one thing we'll never learn" said Krillin with a smirk. Then taking one glance back he followed after his friends his own aura springing to life.
"Special Beam Cannon" called Piccolo before his signature attack slammed into Cells back. Looking up Cell was greeted to the sight of the remaining Z fighters landing around him before they all unleashed their own attacks.
Annoyed the bio-droid sent a wave of energy from his body sending all but Gohan flying. Gohan in response focused more energy into his attack pushing Cell back a bit. Quickly correcting his footing the android pumped even more power into the beam forcing them back into the stalemate.
Struggling to their feet both Yamcha and Tien renewed their attacks upon the androids back. They were quickly sent back to the ground as Cell released another power blast. The androids reprieve didn't last however as both Piccolo and Krillin stepped up and unleashed their own attacks.
Finally not able to simply watch anymore Vegeta launched himself into action, transforming as soon as he left the ground. While this was going on Cells attack had slowly started to push Gohan's back, while holding off Krillin's and Piccolo's as well. Getting to their feet Yamcha and Tien resumed their attacks upon the android only for Cell to blast them all off their feet yet again sending them flying.
The planet began to shake from the power being unleashed, the ground around them breaking up. finally Vegeta made his move unleashing his own energy blast striking the android in the back. Cell looked back in shock, which was just the distraction Gohan needed to make his move.
With a scream Gohan's power poured out increasing the strength of his attack at least four times. Cell was caught completely by surprise, his blast being overpowered and Gohan's hitting him dead center.
Walking forward the demi-saiyan put even more energy into his attack. The pressure of the attack was great enough that Cell's body stared to break apart slowly, the pieces being disintegrated. Gohan seeing this poured in the remainder of his energy speeding up the process until nothing, not even a cell remained behind. Once this was done the beam flew up into space were it disintegrated completely.
The camera spun showing a panting Gohan floating in the air his arm still outstretched. Gradually his arm lowered until it rested by his side. His energy lowed as his hair and eyes turned black his golden aura disappearing. Then without warning the boy fell from the sky landing on his back. The camera turned once again showing the wide eyed faces of Yamcha, Tien, Krillin, Piccolo and Vegeta.
"H-he did it. Cells ki signature has completely disappeared." Said the Namek in shock.
"You mean it, we're really safe again." Asked Krillin hope shining in his voice.
"Yeah" answered the Namek.
"Damn it's been a few years since I heard someone say that." said Yamcha
"Yeah" seconded Tien.
"You guys know what this means?" said Yamcha getting questioning looks from the others.
"The kid just became the strongest fighter in the Universe." He said with a grin getting a smirk from the Namek and a scowl from Vegeta.
"Alright guys lets pack up there's still work to be done." Said the sobered up Namek before he floated down and grabbed Gohan. Tien and Yamcha floated down and quickly grabbed Trunks
"Vegeta you coming" asked Piccolo looking over his shoulder.
"I'll catch up." said the prince quietly getting a nod from the Namek who turned and took off his white aura springing up protectively around himself and Gohan. Tien and Yamcha seeing this nodded his way before following after the Namek.
"You've beaten me again Kakarot." Spoke the prince after a few silent moments.
"Not only have you surpassed me in power but your son has as well. You've left me alone in this universe, the last of our once proud race. Hopefully I too can die gloriously in battle as all Saiyan's should."
With that said the prince blasted off after the group his blue aura blazing to life around him. once he was gone the camera's turned showing the man known as Hercule climbing out from under the rocks. Not long later the ZTV crew pulled themselves out along with Hercules students.
Hercule seeing he was the only person around quickly claimed he had been the one to defeat Cell. The reporter looked at him incredulously for a moment before shrugging and going with it. once this happened the camera shut itself down the last things being seen was the insignia for Capsule Corporation.
Lookout:
The atmosphere was tensed upon Dende's Lookout. Everyone stood looking upon the imposing form of the great dragon before them. Things had been going according to plan for the most part. Gohan had been all healed up once they arrived and Trunks had been brought back to life, along with anyone else killed by Gero's androids using the first wish the dragon granted. Now however they had a problem
The second wish they had planned on using to bring Goku back seeing as this was a new Dragon. Unfortunately it didn't work since Dende had used the same model to create this dragon as the old one. It was at this point that Goku himself had intervened.
He had told him that they shouldn't wish him back at all. Apparently he and King Kai had been called in to see the Grand Kai. Even still he asked if they could bring King Kai back to life seeing as he owed the Kai for the destruction of his planet and subsequent death.
They had agreed to do this until the group was reminded about the bomb's planted within androids 17 and 18. King Kai had suggested they go with the bombs and he'd contact Mouri on Namek about his own problem. Finally Goku brought up one final topic.
"Dende have you chosen a protector yet?" asked the Saiyan
"A protector, what's that?" questioned the young guardian.
"The protector is just that. You see each time a guardian is chosen they chose a protector to fight in case trouble occurs as the Guardian's cant fight themselves. Goku had been the one that Kami had appointed." Answered Piccolo with a contemplative look.
"Well couldn't you do that now Piccolo." Asked Yamcha.
"No. Kami was guardian himself as such I have to teach Dende how to do the job." Said Piccolo.
"Gohan can do it" said Goku catching everyone by surprise.
"Not only is he the strongest but this way Chichi can't confine him to that room all day." Said the Saiyan nodding to himself at his brilliance.
Gohan's eyes lit up upon hearing this. He had known of his fate to be stuck in his bedroom studying. He however had never liked doing that, now however with his Saiyan side free once more it was something that he could not allow.
"Good idea Goku that would also force Chichi to let Gohan grow up." said King Kai putting in his two cents.
"I don't see why he couldn't do it, he does meet all the qualifications." Said Piccolo thoughtfully.
"The pays good too." said Goku shocking everyone but Piccolo.
"What do you mean dad?" asked Goku.
"Well I never told Chichi but with the money I made doing this over the years, as well as what Chichi gets with her royal status our family is the richest in the world. In fact the only people who even compare are the Briefs. Hell your mother still thinks we're living off the prize money from the Martial Arts tournaments." Finished the Saiyan with a chuckle.
"So what do you think Gohan?" asked Dende.
"You had me at less studying." Said Gohan with a smirk.
With that settled they made the wish to have the androids bombs removed. After talking a bit more everyone took off in their own directions. Strangely enough Vegeta stayed back with Trunks, Gohan, and Yamcha as they flew.
"Trunks" called Vegeta breaking the silence that they flew in.
"After you settle things at home I want you to come back. It's time you learned about your heritage. I don't want to die and take that knowledge with me." Finished the prince getting a nod from his lavender haired son.
"That goes for you to brat. A First Class Elite should know about his race." Then before anyone could break out of their surprise and question him he blasted off towards what had become his home.
"Gohan aren't you heading home." Asked Trunks when Gohan didn't break off.
"No. Mom is at Capsule Corp with Grandpa." Answered the newly promoted demi-saiyan.
"Well guys this is where we part see ya soon" said Yamcha.
"See ya" chorused the two demi's before Yamcha blasted off his own way.
Once he was gone the two demi's nodded to each other before they to blasted off trying to beat each other to Capsule Corp.
Orange Star City:
Videl sighed as she stared up at the night sky. After Cell was killed Erasa had taken it upon herself to throw a party that just about their entire school attended. Before that however her father had arrived only to be chewed out for trying to steal the credit for beating Cell.
She sighed at that, her parents hadn't been getting along since her father won the last Budokai tournament. She had even heard her mother and Erasa's mom talking about her getting a divorce. This didn't particularly bother her too much, as long as she went with her mom.
Throughout the party though most people had been talking about the Cell Games. Which eventually led to her thinking about the boy who had beaten Cell. Many of the girls had even mentioned starting a fan club for the boy, one she was actually considering to join. Quietly she got up from her spot and headed to her room, she'd need rest if she was to train with her mom in the morning.
Son House:
Chichi was not happy right now. First her husband had died and couldn't be brought back due to a summons from one of the Kai's. Then Gohan had been chosen as the Earth's new protector, something she opposed greatly. She had always wanted Gohan to be a scholar, not a fighter like his father.
That however was quickly squashed when Dende and even King Kai had told her the matter was closed and was an order from the Grand Kai himself. Apparently it wasn't just that Gohan was the strongest but that he cared about this planet just as much as his father did. They even said that the Grand Kai wouldn't allow for Gohan's potential to be wasted, or the planet to be destroyed for her selfish desires.
They did however agree that Gohan should still study. Now however he wouldn't just study all day, he'd train and have some time just to relax. More had been added when Vegeta had told everyone about Gohan's promotion to Elite and that he'd be studying the history of his race. Apparently there was more to the Saiyans than the Earthling mother knew.
Bulma had taken that chance to invite Chichi to come whenever Gohan did if she wanted to. Apparently the blue haired woman believed she needed to get out of the woods more. With a sigh the woman shook herself from her thoughts wondering absently what the future would hold.
AN: That's it the chap's done. Cell's finally been destroyed and Gohan walks a new uncharted path. The world now knows Hercule was not the one responsible for Cell's destruction. Next chapter Gohan's new life truly begins. Thanks for reading and please review. Till Next time LATER.