What Could've Been
Chapter 11: Cell Games
The future cyborg twins' emotional blue orbs stared at the martial artist with an overblown kinky hair and, much to their surprises, found their hearts heavy while cold sweats dripped from their foreheads.
He's just like all those other challengers brave, or rather stupid enough to take on us...
"I hope you are paying attention Cell, cause this is your fate seconds later!" The one known as Mr. Satan declared proudly, his finger pointing at a pile of broken concrete tiles then back at his opponent before giving it the thumbs down.
Okay, definitely stupid...that kind of destruction isn't anywhere near what that monster is...no, I can't believe I'll ever say this, but even we are more capable than this world champ...
Future Eighteen raised an eyebrow, folding her arms and trying to act bored but truth was her body refused to stop shivering, causing the proud terminatress to mentally reprimand herself.
"Hey relax sis," Future Seventeen rested a hand on his sister's shoulder for the umpteenth time since the viewing had begun. "Besides, why should we care when those z-fighters don't?" He added, hoping to sound relaxed if not reassuring but only managed out a troubled voice.
"Y-yeah you are right bro. It's not like this guy is of any importance."
"Damn straight sis, it's not like he's Krillin right?"
"Hey, watch what you are saying little brat!"
The twins locked eyes momentarily before both burst into an awkward laughter filled with foreboding pain. Try as they might, neither could so much as pry their attention away from the lanky fighter, whose confidence far out measured his strength. It didn't help much that his opponent, the man eater was eyeing him with unfeeling, cold stare that was sickening identical to ones the future cyborgs were well known for.
Oh dear other us, he's going to die isn't he?
It was at that same moment Mr. Satan let out a thunderous yell and charged forward, his fists pounding away at Cell's dotted exterior in such a futile way it would've been hilarious for the deceased killers had it not been for bloody flashbacks kept haunting them. Scenes where foolhardy fighters kept on smashing those bleeding knuckles at their pristine skins till even bone cracking could be heard came flooding back like a tsunami of agony.
"Now for the finish!"
Overwhelmed by imageries that used to lull them peacefully to sleep but now elicited stomach turning sensation at best, the future siblings were finally coerced to shy away, least they acquired yet another grotesque memory. To the formerly cynical duo, Satan's boastful declaration might as well be an invitation for Cell to end his existence. It was no different than their countless victims begging for a swift death.
At least he'll die painlessly...
No wait, what if that freak is anything like...like us?
More goosebumps inducing visuals invaded their minds, visuals where pleas of quick departure to the afterlife were denied and, in their places, prolonging deaths that led to energy blast holes filled corpses.
B-but we only reserved those for ones we couldn't stand...surely that creature didn't loath Mr. Satan that much right?
SMACK!
They picked up a sharp collision sound of sorts then heard nothing, no triumphant boast, whimpers, nor begs for mercy. It could only mean one thing they realized.
G-good, so it killed Satan in a single strike...here's hoping his death expression isn't facing us...
Apprehensively, they opened their quivering eyelids, fully expecting a bloody scene of decapitation or fist through the torso. What they saw or rather, didn't saw made both cocked an eyebrow in confusion.
W-wait, why's that monster raising its right arm like that? And where's that amateur? D-Did it incinerate that foolish human?
But that certainly doesn't sound like an energy attack...no, that's definitely a physical strike...
Their inquisitive gaze searched around the scene for signs of carnage but found no traces of the fighter with huge afro nor of his remains.
"Don't worry you two, Mr. Satan's still alive."
It took King Kai pointing directly at a tiny dot plastered against distant mountain ranges for them to finally put the puzzles together and realized Cell had merely knocked the fighter away. To further compound their surprise was the man had, after several agonizing tries, managed to get back on his feet with apparently no more injury than nosebleeds.
"I-Is that freak showing mercy?" Future Seventeen stammered as he recalled his other self's brutal beat down and eventual absorption from the repulsive creature.
"Y-yeah I guess so, maybe the creep just isn't interested in inflicting needless pain." Future Eighteen pondered aloud, her voice betraying the slightest signs of guilt.
I-If even that monster was capable of sparing lives, w-what does that say about us?
"Or maybe Cell just didn't think that Satan guy isn't worth him killing." Her brother quickly interjected, sensing her troubles.
"Y-yeah, that must be it. There's no other explanation!" She replied gratefully but obviously unconvinced.
From across the screen, the cyborg siblings could tell the z-fighters were just as weirded out as they were, with even the most stoic such as Piccolo and Vegeta appearing comically bewildered. Present Krillin meanwhile was leaning toward a kid sporting a weird golden hairdo and whispering, "You know Gohan, even I was cheering for Cell there."
As much as the future blonde cyborg enjoyed the warrior monk's cheeky grin and how he had managed to find something to entertain himself, she couldn't help but glared icily at the warrior monk, admonishing him through time and dimension that, "How can you say stuff like that Krillin? Cheering for that creature? Don't you know what it's done to you? To us? And here I thought you were better than that!"
Her raven-haired counterpart on the other hand furrowed his brows at the unnatural blond in purple and white getup, his brain working overtime to process Krillin's words and stored data regarding a certain nemesis before something clicked and he gasped, "Wait, that little brat is Gohan? Why's he not glowing like the other Super Saiyans?"
"Say that again bro? Where's Gohan? How come I didn't see him?" The elder sister examined the scene before her, fully expecting to see a tall demi-Saiyan in orange gi amongst the warriors gathered.
"That kid in Piccolo dress sis, the child beside your favorite midget man. That's Gohan from this timeline." The younger brother pointed at the youngster the same height as Krillin.
"A-are you kidding me, that's not Gohan." She blurted out without thinking.
"Why? Cause he still has...well, two arms?" He retorted; having to take a pause before saying the last part as a shade of shame overtook cheeky expression.
"T-that's not what I meant." Her voice was defensive but quiet, sharing the same guilt-ridden tone.
"Well that's Gohan sis, and you need to stop getting distracted all the time."
The duo didn't have much time to bicker; however, as someone who they immediately identified as Goku had stepped onto the ring, causing them to hold their breath, their hands entwined nervously beneath the desk at the undoubtedly fierce battle to come. Neither had forgotten King Kai's promise that their present selves' absorption wasn't the last of them and secretly prayed for a miracle.
I-Is Goku, our primary target the one who'll save us? Or perhaps it was someone else? In either case, please let them be okay...they don't deserve this...
The ferocity and skill of the ensuing fight had left both future cyborgs stunned, as the two warriors, all glowing an uncomfortable golden glow that reminded them of their killer, exchanged blows after blows, blasts after blasts until their bodies were littered with bruises.
T-this is insane, they were definitely way stronger than the Trunks who killed us...
Our powers in comparison were...nothing...
"Hey what do you think you are doing Goku? You want to destroy everyone or what?" Future Eighteen had yelled vehemently and felt, much to her surprise, a sensation akin to genuine concern, one she's felt solely for their human counterparts and dare she say, a certain bald monk. Except this time, the scope was much larger, encompassing the planet and all its inhabitants threatened by Goku as he charged up a Kamehameha up on the sky.
Yeah blew it all up and take it with you to hell...sure looked like something we'd...we'd do...
Her mounting concern was quickly alleviated though, when the Saiyan teleported right beside his foe and let loose a bluish energy wave that blew the monster's top off. So astonishing was the feat both viewers leapt off their seats, with Future Seventeen turning toward his host looking all hopeful and asked, "I-Is this it King Kai? Are we going to crawl out of Cell's belly now?"
Assuming if that blast didn't kill us as well bro...maybe we'll see them in the afterlife now...
Future Eighteen had her reservations too, yet couldn't help but shifted her emotional blue orbs at the ever calm deity.
"Why don't you see for it yourself?" King Kai merely gestured back toward the scene and greeting them was the unbelievable sight of the insectoid's bottom half jumping back up and regenerating its upper body, which was made all the more disturbing by the yellowish liquid dripping from Cell's newly grown parts.
"Are you kidding me? There's really no saving us now is there?" The raven-haired cyborg spat dejectedly, his blonde counterpart meanwhile shook her head and slumped back onto the seat.
Nearly devoid of all hope, the duo didn't even bothered saying much when Goku bombarded his foe with a barrage of ki blasts, as both were all too convinced whatever the Super Saiyan did, Cell had a perfect counter in store. Their pessimism was proven correct with the humanoid insect did just that, erecting a barrier that had Future Seventeen muttered "Copycat!" under his breath.
No amount of cynicism could prepare the future cyborgs for Goku's surrender; however, and they would've tumbled onto the floor like mannequins had it not been their linked arms steadying each other, the only form of support either had for each other.
"If you forfeit then I'll have no choice but to blow up the planet Goku!" Cell declared matter-of-factly.
As repulsing it was to even share the same thoughts with the monster, Future Eighteen couldn't help but let loose her pent up frustrations, "That's right you stupid Saiyan! What the hell is the matter with you? And I thought that freak Gero had you declared as our primary target for a reason!"
"Yeah, no kidding sis, I guess someone had us watch these nonsense just to show the planet getting blown to smithereens!" Future Seventeen chimed in as he shot a cold glare at King Kai.
Once more, the guardian refused to spare them any emotion and merely stared ahead, refuting the cyborg's blame with his knowing look.
"I would like to nominate Gohan, the only person here who could defeat you!"
It took them nearly a minute to process what sounded like random gibberish and for a while, all Future Seventeen and Eighteen could do was blink, their expression turning from shock to an indignant smirk before loud chuckles burst from their mouth.
By kami, sure we've...well, murdered plenty of people, including children, but none of those parents ever volunteered their kids to be slaughtered...
Besides how old is this Gohan? He can't be much older than when we were playing mud by our old home...he's almost like...
"You hear that sis?" Future version of the young boy asked, gritting his teeth.
"Sure did bro. No wonder Gero want us to kill that idiot. How cowardly could he be to ask his son fight his battle?" The older blonde's tone matched her brother's rage.
He nodded, his fingers digging into his skin, "Besides, if an adult Gohan couldn't stand up against us, what's a kid Gohan going to do against Cell?"
As if reiterating the future cyborg's thoughts, Earth's defenders all huddled around their champion, voicing their contempt.
"Are you sure this is wise Goku?" Three-eyed Tien asked gravely, to which the two viewers nodded.
"Yeah, Gohna's just a kid." Scar-faced Yamcha added much to their relief.
"Goku, surely there must be another way, like all of us ganging up on Cell!" The lilac-haired Trunks implored, his troubled gaze showing a special kind of attachment the future cyborg twins classified as nearly sibling-like. It would've touched them had it not been the possibility they were staring right at their killer.
"Don't be ridiculous Goku! You'll only be sending Gohan to an early grave!" Green-skinned Piccolo's explosive rebuttal resonated with the future cyborgs' thoughts the most and both tried chiming in, unaware their actions had no impact on the unfolding scene.
Dotted-head Krillin meanwhile looked back and forth between his best friend and the young demi-Saiyan with a solemn expression, "You know you can count on my support all the time Goku, but sorry, I just can't agree with you here. Listen to yourself, are you really going to make your son fight?"
"That's right Krillin, talk some sense into that idiot!" Future Eighteen cheered while her brother looked on, sporting a saddened yet acknowledging grin.
Sister dearest's feeling for Krillin is just like...like Coral...
Even Vegeta, as the future cyborgs noted with his cockiness thinned his mouth into a downward curve, his statement of how "A Saiyan ought to fight his battle alone!" clearly contradicting with his true feelings.
Damn straight! Listen to your friends Goku and don't so heartless!
"Sorry folks, but you guys have got to trust me on this one! I just know Gohan's the one capable of defeating Cell!" Goku proclaimed confidently much to everyone, including the deceased destroyers' displeasure.
"Oh by the way Krillin, care to give me a senzu bean?"
And now you want to heal yourself! Not a bad idea since you'll be fighting soon...
"Here Cell, catch!"
Wait what?
No longer staring at their primary target and his son, who had been a thorn on their sides for so long, the duo found their consciousness transported back to the well-kept lawn of their cozy suburban home. There, rather than a merry young family full of laughter where two adorable kids were being watched by their trusted guardians, the twisted scene had their parents led them toward none other than Gero, whose gleeful smile mirrored his ultimate creation's.
A killing intent so pure and undiluted that frightened even the mass murderers themselves surged through their bodies, expelling from every pore in the form of sinister electric currents. The circular hut began to shake violently, the magnitude of this quake only outmatched by intensity of those flashing crimson orbs.
"Calm down, it's all a playback remember?" King Kai hurriedly interjected, his commanding yet soothing voice unclogging their rage-filled minds.
"I...we...," Future Eighteen stammered, not from fear of reproach but from the overwhelming emotion swelling inside.
"Sorry Mr. God! But we just couldn't help it. And what did you expect?" Future Seventeen managed to snap sarcastically.
It was the deity's turn to lower his head, taken aback by their development but quickly regained his composure as he masked the shock by feigning adjusting his attire, the only indication of surprise coming from flashes in his glasses.
I was somewhat afraid you two would cheer on as Cell roughed up Gohan...guess you guys really do have hearts after all...
"Never mind, just control yourselves better next time. Cause this episode is far from over!" The guardian advised sternly.
The advice couldn't have come at a more appropriate time too, for what the former mass murderers witnessed made their skin crawl. Every punch from the devious creature, every blast that either landed or missed intentionally, every sound of bone cracking and agonizing groan from the demi-Saiyan struck against their nerves. The crying, the begging to stop unbefitting of a child, the pleading look at his father all conjured up endless imageries of all their counterparts' sufferings to date.
A-and to think our other selves lent their power to this monster for such despicable deeds...
Attempting to peel their gazes away didn't work either, as amongst the z-fighters stood in their opinion rightfully loathed Goku, whose expectant expression baffled the duo.
D-don't most parents place themselves in front of their offspring when...when we executed them?
Don't they sometimes even beg us to take their lives instead?
Even those who abandoned their kids to...to us were too ashamed to look back...sometimes even asking for forgiveness as they ran...
Let alone observing as calmly as this Goku's doing...
No amount of memory searching could explain this logic-defying scene.
"What's the matter kid? Get angry, get upset! Let me see that hidden strength of yours!" The creature whose name alone induced unimaginable distress cackled as it squeezed, no, attempted to compress the already small boy.
"No more, please no more," The two viewers mumbled in unison, eyes watery and burning. The uncanny resemblance between their innocent, younger selves and the suffering half-Saiyan had the duo began an unconcealed prayer, if only to alleviate their own pain.
Their eyes were shut tight when they heard a pained gasp from Gohan, followed by weak thud of collapse onto the ground, forcing out trickles of hot tears as thoughts of their murdered children victims, of orphans dying at Gero's table swarming their consciousness. This was only replaced by an even more prominent concern for their present selves.
E-even if they aren't torturing Gohan themselves, they did lent Cell their strength...I sure hope they won't be held accountable for this despicable deed...
"Quickly Krillin, throw me a senzu bean!"
At first, they weren't sure if they've heard Goku's words correctly, and even then neither was in any hurry to sneak a peek. Eventually, Future Eighteen pried her moist eyelids opened, albeit fearfully as there was no telling to whom the insane father will toss the bean to.
Luckily for her, the first hints of reassurance came when she saw Gohan's chest still heaving up and down while on the ground, but it was all dashed when she saw Cell making its way straight for Krillin and all the surprise and fear in his large round eyes.
"No Krillin, get out of the way! Or at least protect your neck!" The future cyborg screamed and forced her gaze on the scene as frightening as it was. She nearly breathed a sigh of relief when the warrior monk remained untouched after kami knew Cell did what, only to let out a horrified gasp seeing the bag of senzu bean in its firm grasp.
N-no, this means if that freak hurt Krillin again, he couldn't be healed...
"Hey what do you think you are doing Sixteen?"
"Huh?" The elder sister blurted out all puzzled at her brother's frightful shout.
Unfortunately, there was no confusion nor any other way to interpret what the orange-headed android was doing, as it wrapped its arms firmly around the monster in a squeeze. Mechanical or not, the look of death, or someone ready to sacrificing their life for the greater good was plastered all over the gentle giant's firm gaze, that alongside hints of apology.
"Sorry to do this to you guys, but I'll detonate the bomb inside of me. It will kill everyone present but at least Cell will be dead!" Sixteen stated gravely then, perhaps fearing its own demise as much as all other living beings, shut its eyes and let out a deafening scream.
All the cybernetic brother and sister could do was sharing a gloomy gaze.
So this is how it all ends? How fitting for all of that sick Gero's creation to leave this world together...
B-but this means...this means all the others will die along with us...
And they didn't deserve it...none of us...at least us from that world deserved more...
Fully expecting a literal Earth shattering boom yet determined to see it to the end, the deceased world-ending duo sat there, fingers clasped firmer than ever. Breath stifling seconds passed by, then minutes but nothing happened.
"What's going on? How come I didn't detonate?" Sixteen asked full of emotion just like its ocean blue eyes.
"Sorry Sixteen, but Dr. Briefs found your explosive device and removed it. We all thought it's too dangerous." Present Krillin shouted, his voice trembling.
Neither of the future cyborgs had time to process those words and what they implied when another explosion happened in front of heir very eyes. In a scale completely different from then still imperfect Cell's casual headshot, this yellow blast erupted from the mechanical giant's back before ripping the entire body apart.
"SIXTEEN!"
Gohan had shouted, Goku gasped, Trunks winced, Yamcha covered his face, Tien swallowed a gulp, Piccolo trembled in rage, Vegeta cursed, and Krillin shied his teary gaze from the taken-apart android.
As for the two future cyborgs, they had stood up, chairs knocked down onto the floor, mouth agape and cat-like eyes as wide as they could be. The countless batteries, gears, meters, and other machineries were sent airborne might as well as be organic organs and the crimson oil human blood.
W-what just happened?
They traced Sixteen's head as it arched through the air, taking in how the android's expression turned from shock to realization and finally resignation. It was the last piece to come down, which then began rolling across the rocky surface until it rested right by none other than Cell's feet.
N-no, don't you dare!
Their limits were breached when the still functional head with its blinking eyes was kicked away, disposed of like some garbage the monster claimed.
Brother and sister screamed furiously, not the kind of blood-curdling scream but one imbued with unimaginable sorrow. Just like everything in their life; however, such emotional outburst failed to achieve anything substantial aside from minimal structural damage to the house. They could tell it certainly didn't prevent the despicable creature from conjuring up seven equally grotesque beings from its shrunken tail.
Even more pain and agony followed, this time inflicted on the alternative version of their former sworn enemies. Such unapologetic beat down of who they've long classified as lower beings brought no joy, only more suffering. Unable to handle the never-ending distress, they had fallen into a mental coma, their exterior frozen in time.
Make it all stop...
No more pain, no more scream, no more killing...
Please...just stop...
"That's enough Cell Jr.; you guys may kill your preys now. Let's end this pointless charade." The adult humanoid insect ordered as if mocking the future cyborgs but neither bothered commenting on it.
Y-yeah, let's just end this...
There's no one left anyways...it's all over...
Their conclusion weren't that far off either, as strewing across the battlefield laid broken bodies all sustaining clearly visible injuries. Even the feistiest of warriors were barely holding off the onslaught of mini-Cells, unable to help their friends writhing in agony.
One such downed figure as observed by Future Eighteen was a cleanly shaven monk whose usual shiny head now covered in shades of dark brown and sinister red and his bright orange gi torn. Despite his sorry state, the newly hatched bio-android refused to let up and buried its foot against his stomach, sending the short warrior crashing into another rocky formation before pouncing on him once more. In spite of its cruelty, this torture failed to elicit any response from the future blonde cyborg, who could only look on numbly.
It's okay Krillin...you've tried just I know you would...I guess it's your fate to be killed by us regardless of dimension...
The catatonic Future Seventeen meanwhile gazed at another person, the supposed world savior Gohan, who was left standing on the same spot completely immobile save for his quivering lips, begging the parent of those small terrors to stop but received nothing more than a psychotic smirk.
Don't bother Gohan, you were never meant to succeed...if Cell didn't destroy the Earth now, another warrior might rise up to challenge it decades later but that's clearly not you...
All of the sudden, from off the screen came a familiar object, bouncing across the battle-scar filled ground. Perhaps it was by chance or as some would call fate, but the disembodied head of Sixteen just happened to be facing Gohan upon stopping. What's more, on its face composed of burned Mohawk and peeling off artificial skin was a gentle smile that baffled the future cyborgs.
"Gohan, it's alright, release your anger, there is nothing to fear!" The all mechanical, nonliving being said in the most human tone possible. It tugged at the hearts of the two deceased, cybernetic enhanced humans.
"Please, protect the natures and animals that I loved."
CRASH!
A foot descended upon the head boring Sixteen's trademark gentle expression, crushing what's left of who the future cyborgs considered as a family they never had. Floods of tears broke through their shock-induced stupor, their gazes no longer blank but boiling like raging ocean water in a tropical storm.
It's gone, it's really gone...
Sixteen, our brother in arms, is...dead...
And it, no, he's the least deserving of such cruel fate...this is just...unfair!
Still immersed in sorrow, the two viewers were unable to grasp the intense action unfolding, all they knew was Gohan, whose meek golden aura had somehow transcended into a literal electrifying glow, had made short work of the diabolic mini-Cells. The parent bug monster itself apparently did little better neither, as even after a thunderous roar that rocked the entire world, all it took were a face twisting gut punch and uppercut to the chin to stagger the self-proclaimed invincible being.
Good job Gohan, but just like our times, you were too late...
They were gone...all three of them...our comparably innocent selves and blameless Sixteen...
Except of course...
A nervous glance over at the z-fighters' direction bestowed the former murderous duo a small reprieve in the form of seven standing individuals, all full of bruises but undeniably restored back to health, and aided by Trunks of all people. The longer they studied the young half-Saiyan, the deeper they analyzed his physique and juxtaposed it against their killer, the more they were convinced of their demise by this version of Trunks's very hand. In a reassuring twist, this brought only silent acknowledgement.
Dying by your hand probably meant you and everyone else came out fine isn't it?
So everything returned to normal without us in this world, just like how it's always meant to be...
Back on screen, Cell's bloodied skin and waning confidence all but confirmed their prediction. Its regeneration intimidated absolutely no one, for that the pair knew it was exchanging stamina for body parts, nor would getting all buff do it any favor. It was a tale they knew far better than any, one where yet another world destroyer was put in its place, its self-programmed mission to rule over all beings cut short.
A roundhouse kick to Cell's crown-like skull left an irreparable crack and sealed its fate. It doubled over, hands clasping against its mouth, trying whatever it took to withhold a bulge from escaping its throat.
Great, what is it going to do now? Spit out more of those little demons?
Future Eighteen had at last regained her composure and even managed to let herself enjoy the monster's demolishment. She could see an object far larger than mini-Cells was coming out of the creature's throat, and then the future cyborg froze.
"Sis!" Future Seventeen exclaimed in disbelief but also joy.
"Eighteen!" Present Krillin cried out in a near synchronized pitch, carrying a mixture of shock, concern, and minimal traces of happiness in his voice.
Having these two soothing voices reaching her simultaneously was music to the future blonde's ears. Lying on the ground, covered in unsightly spit was an unconscious but intact Present Eighteen. As icing on the cake was the warrior monk trying to get to the comatose blonde, his hands out stretched and expression even more animated than usual.
She's free! I am free!
Future Eighteen's shock-induced pale cheeks were replaced by a warm blush, she didn't know if the out cold girl could hear a certain bald warrior's shouts of concern, since for all she knew her other self could well have been deceased long time ago, her life energy sucked dry, leaving but a pretty looking husk. Nevertheless, the future cyborg woman prayed her younger version could hear it somehow; hear how much she had been missed.
"That's it! You will pay for what you've done!" Cell screamed, completely abandoning his haughtiness, to which its audiences chuckled joyfully.
"You are the man Gohan! Now please, give it another punch! Have that creep spit me out too!" Future Seventeen began showering praises upon the other version of his once loathed enemy and in the process, made his sister giggle at his goofy demeanor.
"What sister dearest? You have something to say?" The younger brother shot his sibling an annoyed, almost icy glare.
"Hey relax bro. I'm sure Gohan will take care of everything. Isn't that right King Kai?" The elder sister reassured, placing a hand on his shoulder then turned back at their host.
The guardian of North Galaxy though betrayed no more feeling than needed and merely gave them a shrug, accompanied by a monotone, "Maybe, we'll see."
Great, can't he be more open about what's to happen? It's only a matter of time before that life absorbing freak was made to cough up everyone!
Though displeased, the duo remained cheerfully silent, their attention drifting back to the scene, with Future Seventeen even starting a relaxed whistle.
Only greeting him was a bloated, nearly unrecognizable Semi-Perfect Cell, whose already bulky limbs were enlarged to a whole new level. It would've been a joke worthy sight had it not been the future cyborg male's churning stomach, letting him know it wasn't all as it appeared to be. Compounding on his sense of foreboding were the previously overjoyed z-fighters panicking, debating amongst themselves how to prevent a soon to explode Cell.
W-wait, it doesn't make any sense...it can explode?
Gone was the whistle and his hard-won cheeky grin, forcefully shoved aside by the familiar sense of death.
There I was, no he was, all alone, probably seeing his sister dearest making an escape...
Unable to resist the influx of despair and sensation of abandonment, Future Seventeen leaned against his trusted partner for comfort, his head buried against her shoulder, his shoulder length raven hair dripped across her arm. Like countless times before, their fingers were linked in an inseparable grip during times of utter crisis.
Was he, were they holding hands the whole time? Counseling each other even inside the beast?
And now he's the one left behind...
"Sorry guys, but this is the only solution I have." Goku meanwhile was wearing a fulfilled yet martyr-like grin. "Tell your mother I'm sorry okay Gohan?" With it, the Saiyan vanished with a bloated Cell.
Neither were sure what to make of the disappearance when the scene abruptly changed to a very familiar environment, and that being their host's planet with all its purple sky, evergreen field, and dome-like house. There, another King Kai, one clearly unable to hold his poker face, went into full panic mode, waving his arms up and down.
Had it been days earlier when they had just begun the viewing, Future Seventeen would've mocked the deity for being such a scaredy-cat and that he, despite of being a god, couldn't escape death itself. This time though, he merely sobbed silently against his sibling, not bothering to look at his demise, for that the loud boom was all that's needed to confirm Present Seventeen's death.
At least sister dearest and her little monk made it out alive...
"I'm sorry brother, sister is really sorry. I wish we could've both made it out alive!" Future Eighteen ran her fingers through his black locks, her chin resting against his head trying to provide enough warmth to offset the pain. The motherly sibling then turned toward King Kai with warm ocean blue eyes that sparkled in a thin wall of tear.
"It must suck seeing yourself die didn't it?" Her tone was surprisingly soothing.
Her host let out a sigh as he studied his guest through the impenetrable shade before consented in a reluctant nod.
"I'm sorry to see this King Kai. I-I'm sure your other self achieved something." She said in a voice full of sympathy.
Seemingly stunned by her sympathy, the all-knowing deity paused briefly before squeezing out a hesitant, "Thank you...Eighteen, but unfortunately Goku and my sacrifice achieved nothing."
"N-no way, it couldn't be!" So shocking was the revelation even Future Seventeen pried his mucus stained face away.
"Bro?" She asked, full of concern.
"It's alright sis, let's see this to the very end shall we?" He replied firmly and wiped his face clean.
Back on Earth, Present Krillin could be seem putting his hand on a weeping Gohan's back, letting him know in a tone half parental and half friend that Goku was proud of him. The warrior monk then, in a move that further accelerated Future Eighteen's pounding heart, made his way toward the unconscious cyborg girl and, with what she could only describe as all the gentleness in the world, lifted her up. In his caring hands, Eighteen, formerly known as Lazuli, wasn't a trophy nor item as was the case with Crimson or Gero, nor simply a building block to advance its evolution as with Cell.
Lucky girl, you are a breathing, human girl to him...
"Hey, what do you think you are doing with that robot? If it's alive then kill it!" Vegeta had screamed vehemently, his rage filled scowl enough to end someone many times over with how scary it was.
Yet to Future Eighteen's relief, Present Krillin only held the unconscious body closer, his determination all that was needed to reassure her. "No we can't do that Vegeta, Eighteen hasn't done anything wrong. She's just like all of us, a victim of Cell."
Well said Krillin, of course she hasn't...I knew you of all people could see that...
And now all they had to do was to survive this all...
Just as King Kai warned, a sickening familiar golden ki erupted except this time, it conjured up strong electric currents identical to Gohan's. Without any warning and perhaps due to confusion, a beam shot right past Present Krillin and Eighteen, piercing a bewildered Trunks.
"Trunks!" The future cyborgs yelled to their own surprises, experiencing genuine sorrow for the man they already deduced as their killer.
He...he's the one offering Krillin senzu beans...on two occasion too! How dare that monster!
The twins narrowed their eyes, seething with anger at what they mentally coined as the unkillable cockroach. Across the scene, the feeling appeared to be mutual across the assembled fighters, and they nodded in acknowledgement even as Vegeta exploded in anger over his lost son, a very human emotion the two former pure humans couldn't agree with more.
For someone wanting poor other me dead so much, he sure harbored a lot of feelings for his son...
Convinced fate was on the good guys' side, if only because they had experienced firsthand what it's like to meet their match after decades of unchallenged reign, that along with knowing King Kai wouldn't have them sit through the whole tragedy just to disappoint with Dr. Gero's victory through Cell, they cheered on regardless of how dire the situation was. The cry for revenge, for justice rang throughout the circular room for the first time, causing most deceased z-fighters outside from their time to turn heads in confusion at the incomprehensible fuss. Well most at least, seeing Future Krillin merely peered through the windows sporting a sad but satisfied smile.
"That's it Gohan! End Gero's nightmare once and for all!"
"Free sister dearest from his nightmare! So that other me may rest in peace!"
"Do it! Don't let up!"
The former killer's faith was finally rewarded in the satisfying imagery of Cell slowly disintegrating, hopefully painfully the two thought, in Gohan's Kamehameha wave. The dazzling golden beam, as if executing heaven's will, vanquished the monster like a purifying light. When the lightshow finally died down, all had returned to normal save for a giant, monumental-like crater.
"Yes, they've done it!" The former killer cyborgs shouted in joy like it was their personal victory and wrapped each other in a tight embrace.
For once during the viewing, King Kai smiled at the development.
Watching the battered z-fighters making their way high up through the cloud canopies turned out to be one of the most mind calming scenes. This was true especially in Future Eighteen's case, whose tomato-colored blush never faded seeing her present self's chest heaving up and down while snuggling closer against her protector. In spite of her vulnerability, the monk didn't so much as crept those hands to more private parts, his only response being a looks of concern.
I hope you are having a good dream girl...cause you more than deserved it...and what better place to enjoy it then well...beside him?
They watched as the victories warriors ascended past even the thinnest layer of air and, to their surprise, landed atop an alien looking platform composed of pure white tiles. In the middle of this seemingly sacred ground was a rather strange architecture with yellowish circular domes for roofs. Seeing such foreign yet magnificent place left the two viewers flabbergasted.
H-how come we've never discovered this place during our...our decades of rampage...
The future twins lowered their heads, both appearing grim before letting out a sigh and shrugged.
Perhaps it's better this way, otherwise we would've killed everyone here...
From the weird yet in place structure emerged someone who the duo could only identify as another Namekian, and a child at that judging from his barely Piccolo waist height.
"I saw it all! You guys made it!" The green-skinned kid exclaimed with a childish glee, running up to greet his friends. For the future siblings, they couldn't help but felt their hearts warm up by the merry reunion.
"Thank you Dende, now could you please heal Gohan?" Yamcha asked, laying the injured half-Saiyan down.
"Of course, you need not ask. Just doing my job right?" The young Namekian replied and placed his hands atop his patient's body.
The future twins observed curiously as a strange sort of glow erupted from Dende's small palms, engulfing the half-Saiyan in undoubtedly a warm sensation. To their astonishment, once the light dissipated, gone were the many bruises and bloodstains and a healthy Gohan emerged, jumping up and down joyfully.
S-so this is their healer? I-I wonder if there is one in our world too? Perhaps he can heal all our victims who had somehow survived?
"Dende, I need to ask you a favor too! Can you please heal her as well?"
Present Krillin's pleading voice rang through King Kai's room and Future Eighteen swallowed a nervous gulp, her fear heightened when all the z-fighters peered over at the unconscious blonde, all sporting undeniably judgmental looks. It was as if the gang was making nonverbal threats to their bald colleague, letting him know by mere cold gaze alone that "Why should we help an enemy!" and "Don't be ridiculous Krillin, you can't heal a robot!"
P-please, she's innocent, she's nothing like me...
The short-statured bald warrior, seemingly reading his comrades' minds, stepped in front of the comatose young blonde and spread his arms out in a protective manner, his eyebrows furrowing, lips arched down in a frown.
I-is Krillin going to defend me? No I meant her? Against his friends?
"Guys please, Eighteen isn't anything like Cell right? We should all give her a chance to start anew what do you say? Isn't that what this group is all about?" He implored, evidently putting every residual of his emotion into the touching declaration.
Those affected weren't just the future cyborgs, who were both sporting watery gazes, but the assembled Earth's defenders too, as all wore somewhat guilty expressions.
"Common guys, we can all trust Krillin can't we?" Present Gohan was the first to lend his support, and soon, nods and agreeable murmurs followed.
G-Gohan...and to think we...we ganged up, brutalized, and then...and then...
Murdered you in our world...
Nothing could describe how shameful the future siblings felt.
Dende meanwhile had begun to work on reviving the cyborg girl, his hands hovering over her and emitted the healing light. The future cyborgs held their breaths and looked on as Present Eighteen's fingers began to move ever so slightly, followed by clear indications of her eyeballs moving underneath the eyelids.
Finally, the beautiful blue orbs came into view and, letting out a shocked gasp, the present cyborg girl observed her surroundings before comically sprang onto her feet, her gloved hands balled into fists. This sudden development prompted all fighters into action, as many took up fighting posture, save for the most composed ones and Krillin, who readily stood beside her.
"No you don't want to do it sis!" Future Seventeen screamed in panic at his sibling's counterpart, but luckily, his trouble was erased in no time when Present Krillin assured with a soothing tone. "It's okay Eighteen, you are safe now. Cell is gone, defeated by Gohan."
The weirded out cyborg girl regained some facial colors yet remained standing still on the spot. "G-Gohan?" Her eyes were wide in disbelief but gone was the needless aggression.
"Yeah that's right! He's crazy strong now so don't even try anything stupid!" Yamcha blurted out, to which Future Eighteen almost snorted. Almost.
I doubt other me would do anything Yamcha, me on the other hand would've most likely killed you...at least the person I was would...
"Hey take it easy Yamcha, she wouldn't do such thing." The warrior monk reassured yet again, earning him a puzzled gaze from the blonde girl, whose touched yet guarded expression seemed to
inquire nonverbally "W-why do care so much?"
"Cause he's got a thing for you isn't that right sister dear?" Future Seventeen joked as he playfully elbowed his partner's waist, who raised an eyebrow but remained laser focused on the unfolding scenario.
P-please Krillin, don't do anything stupid...knowing me, I wouldn't want anyone to make a move on me this soon...
Too bad for the future killer, the savior of universe destroyed all hints of subtleties with an annoying outburst of "I got it! Krillin likes Eighteen!"
Present Krillin's mouth dropped comically wide opened while everyone else paused in time and space, except for Present Eighteen whose cheeks flushed ever so slightly before her eyes narrowed and a huff full of contempt escaped her curved downward lips.
"Very funny old man, what do you take me for? Damsel in distress? Or should I fall for you cause you've rescued me?" She spat icily then, without sparing the sweating monk another gaze, took off from the white platform.
"No! You stupid girl!" Future Eighteen screamed louder than she ever had in her life.
Future Seventeen on the other hand burst into a tear inducing laughter and collapsed onto the floor, earning him a death glare from his fuming twin who strode over, one of her leg swinging backward, adopting a kicking posture.
"H-hey take it easy sis. A-at least we ki...I mean taught that Gohan a lesson in our time right?" He had to hurriedly rephrase his wording, if only to alleviate the burden of guilt momentarily.
"Hmph!" Was her displeased response.
Right at that moment, an unnatural darkness engulfed the room and the future siblings refocused at the screen in bewilderment. Present Eighteen, who was now nearly at cloud level, had turned her head sharply back toward the lookout too, her semi-frosty eyes still bearing traces of ocean blue much to Future Eighteen's relief.
That's right girl, you should definitely investigate it...
The older blonde only dared entertaining such thought in her head, least her brother, now stumbling for breath, cracked jokes at her expense again.
The younger cyborg girl seemingly need not be told what to do; however, as she sneaked back onto the white platform and hid behind a stony column with the agility of a jewel thief. There, she, along with her audiences was treated to the rare sight of a gigantic, sky-filling green dragon that left all three gawked at it in stupor.
"That's Shenron, the eternal wish granting dragon conjured up by gathering seven Dragon Balls. I believe in this world, you can make two wishes." Their host explained for the first time, garnering him two pairs of astonished gazes.
"O-okay, thanks King Kai." They acknowledged gratefully and began pondering over the most pressing issue.
J-just what kind of wishes are they going to make? Probably something about restoring order no doubt...
The first wish, as the future twins sort of guessed, was to revive all killed by Cell, and while such impossible request almost had them roll their eyes, the results quickly materialized in the form of Trunks coming back to life.
Good, he doesn't deserve to stay dead either...
Even if he's probably coming after us next...
S-so what's the second wish?
"Shenron, could you please revert Cyborg Seventeen and Eighteen back to human?"
"Krillin!" The future cyborgs both gasped, taken aback by the show of generosity even from the kind-hearted monk. For two beings who had long forsaken any chance of normality, becoming pure human again was a fantasy neither dared indulging but now that the possibility had revealed itself, they sank into deep, concentrated thoughts.
If we do become human again, assuming none of us did what we did of course, what's there for us?
To lead a normal life? To earn a living? To go back school perhaps?
T-to have a...no that's not possible, a...
Family?
A much younger cyborg girl still hidden from sight was just as speechless, her light blush from earlier returned and with it, the thawing of any traces of arctic cold in those gem-like orbs. Timidly, she swallowed a gulp, her head lowered then raised.
"Sorry, but I those two have powers far beyond me. I can't do that."
So disappointing was the news Future Seventeen and Eighteen slumped back against their seats and shook in defeat, their radiant eyes dimming much like Present Eighteen's, whose vibrant pupil was reduced to no more than a monochrome shade.
"Okay, how about taking away the bombs buried in them? You can do at least that can't you?"
Goosebumps inducing shiver ran through the deceased murderers' bodies once more. Gingerly, their hands rested against their chests, feeling nothing out of place which they guessed was due to lacking physical form. Even so, both clearly recalled while still alive, something alien, something border lining intrusive if not downright invasive had been buried deep in their chest.
"Oh Krillin!" Future Eighteen remarked with difficulty, clearly stunned out of her breath.
H-how could I have killed him in our timeline...how?
"What's done is done sis, but congrats, looks like he's a good man." It was Future Seventeen's turn to take his sister into a comforting hug, letting his shirt soak up with her boiling tears like a sponge.
"Yes please...," Was young Present Eighteen's quiet response, her fingers digging into the stony surface, leaving visible finger marks that betrayed the fire burning underneath that cold exterior.
"Very well, that can be done! Farewell!"
A faint glow burst forth from the cyborg girl's midsection. Immediately, her eyes flashed yellow, a shade the future twins easily identified as activation of their internal diagnosing program. By the time her examination was complete, her sea-colored eyes had returned and along with it, an expression that screamed freedom.
N-no way...it worked...
"Krillin, I know you like Eighteen and all, but why make the wish on that Seventeen as well?" Three-eyed Tien crossed his arms and asked in a puzzled but non-judgmental tone.
Even so, his question elicited a murderous, crimson blinking glare from Future Seventeen, who stood up and pointed at the triclops indignantly, "Hey what do you mean by that Seventeen? I'll have you know your Seventeen is a chill guy!"
Future Eighteen felt like bursting out in chuckles, if only as payback for her sibling's countless disruptions but she held her words and gazed expectedly at Krillin as did Present Eighteen, both probably thinking the same thing.
Yeah Krillin, why my brother too? Let's see your true color...
"W-well, you see, I thought that since the dragon revived all of Cell's victims so Seventeen must be back too," The warrior monk paused, taking a deep breath.
S-so that other me is alive too?
Future Seventeen had stopped throwing his fit and gazed at the short fighter dumbfounded.
Under multiple pairs of inquisitive gazes, Present Krillin burst into an awkward chuckle, his cheeks flushed, mind probably swarming with his crush. "B-besides, I always thought Eighteen looked good with Seventeen, I'm sure they'll make a lovely couple." He finished, voice betraying tinges of pain that was quickly suppressed.
No matter how hard the older male cyborg wanted to contain his bustling emotion, least he angered his sister for the umpteenth time that day, there was no withholding the laughter and the playful spirit was sent rolling on the floor.
"Y-ya hear that sis? W-we'll make a lovely couple! What a comedian he is!"
His elder sibling didn't know whether to feel touched or embarrassed, to value the warrior monk's consideration or smack her head over his stupidity. The former terminatress didn't have much time to ponder over a proper reaction either, seeing the young blonde had suppressed the growing shade of tomato red creeping on her face and leapt out her hiding spot, fingers crunched into fists.
"Hey bonehead, Seventeen's my twin brother so don't get ahead of yourself! Also if you think I'll thank you for the bomb removal, you are clearly mistaken!"
This time, Future Eighteen didn't bothered reprimanding this other her for the outburst, even if she harbored a lingering thought.
Well spoken, but at least let Krillin know you aren't angry at him okay?
Silence reigned afterwards, during which Present Krillin slumped his head down, seemingly barely able to gaze at his enraged crush, whose facial pigment unbeknownst to him had long abandoned the fiery red and took on a milky white, if not warm pink shade.
"I'll see you later okay?"
Future Eighteen blasted off from her seat in joy like a rocket at her present self lingering on just long enough to ensure those words sank into her audience's head. Although no more than few fleeting seconds, the cyborg girl's crystal blue orbs met those rich chocolate brown pools before she made a hasty departure, her beet red cheeks barely noticeable.
A/N: Thanks for the longer wait and thanks for reading as always. This is probably one of the most intense chapters I've written and I apologize for rehashing a lot of canon material. I really tried shortening things as much as possible but there are some parts I felt that just couldn't be omitted without hindering the story.
I would also like to thank all of my reviewers no matter if it's positive or negative, I believe they are all equally valid. For everyone who can see the reason behind my retelling of DBZ story, thank you and I hope I've added something more. For those who thinks I am merely rewriting the canon story, I appreciate your honesty. You aren't wrong but I assure you I do it with a purpose. Hopefully it paid off.
I can also say confidently I'm just about done with rehashing DBZ lore anyways and the chapters to come won't repeat anything I hope. Well, except for the mandatory K18 elements of course, cause to be frank, writing K18 or should I say F-Krillin and F18 from a different angle is one of the chief reasons for me to take on this story.
This is it for now and take care. Stay warm in the winter season. Looking forward to reading your inputs.