Part 3, Chapter 2: Attack of the Ultimate Android

A-Are those...?

Clothes. Scattered everywhere. But no bodies?

This is just creepy... What's going on?!

We might be looking at the signs of people that's been absorbed. It'd be consistent with the info Mai provided.

They were absorbed? By what?

Dr. Gero's android series included a type with a...unique ability, shall we say.

This model preys on living beings, absorbing their bio-essence to claim power for itself.

In other words, it eats people?! Eesh.

The sad state of this town is most likely the handiwork of that very android.

So that's the android you're tracking?

No, actually. We are looking for androids, but not quite the one that absorbed the citizens in this city.

Seriously? Which means...

...A total of two android types have infiltrated this city!

Ahhhhhh!

Incoming! Keep your guard up!

Dodoria?! You're still alive?!

O-Of course I'm alive! Just who the heck are you?!

Oh. It's a different Dodoria. Figures!

Shove it, big mouth! We gotta move before h-he gets here...

He? Who's he? Hey, I asked you a question!

That's of no concern to you, kid! Now move it, or I personally guarantee... you'll lose it!

Yeeek! These guys are good, too!

Dammit. Pull out, boys!

Hey, wait up! You still haven't answered my...

Hmm... You're the one who sent those oafs packing?

Not a good idea to swipe our targets... But no matter. YOU look more enjoyable to fight with!

W-Who is it?!

Androids #17 and #18! I've found you at last!

Hear that, #18? We're celebrities. Roll out the red carpet.

Please. The only thing you're famous for is picking fights.

I take it these are the ones you've been looking for, Zahha? And hey, you should've told me there's two of them!

Yep. And with the absorption model I mentioned still lurking around, we're in for a long day...

#17, #18! I'll get straight to the point. Leave this town. Now!

You're telling US to scram? You're either stark raving mad or suicidal.

Trust me, I'm neither. The situation's critical. It's YOU two being locked on!

Works for me! I was getting bored.

Darn! Nothing I say is getting through...

We'll enjoy turning that apparent predator into prey later. As for your merry band... you ARE tournament fighters, no?

Then the only way out of this encounter... is with your fists!

Grah! We don't have the time for this!

Wow, you sure are better than you look. And you're not even androids. Props.

True, I'm glad we wound up in this era.

This tournament beats scouring our original world for Son Goku any day.

(Scouring for Goku? In their original world...? Then these guys...)

(...aren't from the timeline where Goku dies from the heart virus!)

You're not bad yourselves. Guess this'll be exciting!

Uh, Shallot? Stop goading them on!

Obviously talking's not working. What choice do we have but to pound 'em down?

But, still...!

There you are! #17! #18!

I've searched high and low for you two! Don't test me further!

Hey, it's...

Dr. Gero?! What're you doi... wait, this actually saves us a truckload of trouble!

We've been looking for YOU, old fart! Now tell us about the "ultimate warrior"!

How are you privy to such knowledge?!

...Ah. Turles. The fool talked, didn't he? Saiyan blunderer.

So you DO know something! Spill it or else!

Ho ho. All will be clear in due time.

Weird. The last time we met, I'm pretty sure I detached your head.

He's not the corpse from our timeline, duh. Let's just kill him again. How about I do it?

Apparently it doesn't matter which world I'm in. You two will always be the same... Defective!

But in spite of your shortcomings, you will still prove useful. Rejoice... and surrender!

Huh? Are these guys androids too?

I'll have a guess--#19, aren't they? You know, the model that got canned before we came awake.

Ah, one of those outdated energy-absorption types, right? Laughable.

I'll dismantle 'em like cheap furniture!

Send in ten or ten thousand of those junkers, it just won't make a difference. You never learn a lesson, do you?

Ready to die again, old man?

...

No quips this time, eh? Our hatred of you aren't perished yet... Not before getting a squeak out of you!

Grrrngh!

Say goodbye!

Keh heh heh. What fools you are! Gloating at a mere copy!

...What?

Quake in fear...

For soon, death will be at your doorstep...in the form of my greatest creation!

A copy, he says. Could you get any more deranged?

Interesting, for an old man. Alright, we'll break every single decrepit doppelganger of the doc.

Take this as a side dish for the tournament, #18. Let's see who can destroy the real.

Fine. But let's not forget we still have to find #16. He is a friend, after all.

(They know about #16. Meaning...)

Aaaaaaah!

What was that?

Sounds like a fight. I'm in.

NO! DON'T GO!

...Huh?

N-No! Noooooo...!

S-Stay back, monster! Please! ...Gaaaaaah!

Ki's disappearing from this city... One after another...!

S-Someone...help! Anyooone!!

... It sure got quiet fast.

Holy... Hey, Zahha. This Ki... You think it's the people-eater?

Most likely. I can feel there's a Ki that's grown huge.

Scratch that. Definitely!

He's coming!

It's the ultimate android...Cell!

That thing's an android? More like swamp monster.

Pardon, the ultimate what? Everyone knows the great #17 is the strongest, without a question.

Bweee...!

Oh my...

#17, #18! There you are...!

Listen, everyone! If Cell latches onto you, he'll absorb your essence and then it's game over!

Absorb? The hell's that mean?

Who cares? Anyway, I'm not touching a single inch of that nasty thing.

*sigh* I guess it's my turn, then?

...You! Monster!

...?

Just what the hell are you...?

You're a mixture of everyone's Ki... Ginyu's in there. Frieza. Frost...

Nappa...even Vegeta! What's going on, you bastard?!

So you know Vegeta, do you? Then perhaps this may pique your interest...

Huh?

Keh keh keh...

Galick Gun!

Wha-?!

How? How's he able to...

Galick Gun!

...use Vegeta's move?!

Cell is a bio-android created from the genes of various fighters...! That's why he can mimic their moves...

Heh... Someone's studied up. Let's end the warm-up here, shall we?

...! He's coming!

#17, #18... You're mine!!

Ngh! You sure can pack a punch, monster...!

Congratulations, #18. You're first!

...!

Not if I can help it!

Hrm?!

Piccolo and Cabba! Great timing! Come buy us a few minutes!

One second in and Zahha's already doling orders. What're we, your maids?

...! Piccolo...?!

Ah, Zahha! So, the fighter you were talking about was Piccolo?!

But it sure doesn't feel like Piccolo... His Ki's different. And way more intense!

It had better be. This Piccolo's from a bit farther down the timeline.

A bit?! What kinda training do you have to do to get THIS strong?!

There's time for talking and a time for fighting, kid. This is the latter.

I never thought I'd get to see your ugly mug again, Cell.

Ah, Piccolo. You do know about "Cell," eh? But I'm sorry to inform you...

...that's not me!

Wh-What do you mean?!

More is better! Your bio-essence is also mine!!

(Damn, he's strong! He's even tougher than the same form of Cell I fought back in the day...!)

How many?! How many did you absorb to get this power?!

Fool! My enhanced strength isn't merely a result of absorption.

From the very time I came into being, I was worlds ahead of the Cell you know!

Wh-Who are you, then? WHAT are you...?!

I am Cell...but I've surpassed Cell!!

The interdimensional chaos brought warriors from all times to a single spot, allowing Dr. Gero to forge me from their genes!

...! A newly born Cell in this timeline...?! So that's the secret to your strength!

He he he... My dear Piccolo, as you well know, I am still imperfect...

Once I have absorbed #17 and #18, I will achieve my Perfect Form, the true ultimate!

An enticing prospect, #17, #18? You have the privilege of merging with ME!

I don't even know where to start with this slime...

Correct me if I'm wrong but...basically this evil green guy is bad news, right? Then let's end him here and now!

No, Shallot! Wait! ...That's your cue, Cabba!

Roger that! Get down, guys!

Ragh! Such petty tricks!

Now! Everyone, come here!

'Til next time, Cell!

They disappeared... Instant transmission? ...No. This maneuver isn't in my data banks.

Heh heh, intriguing...! This world is indeed a smorgasbord of power and techniques!

More! I require more essence of yet stronger fighters!

Then I'll absorb the two androids... and reach my Perfect Form to become the strongest Cell ever!

Phew. It worked. Thanks for the assist, Cabba.

Always happy to help!

What was that, anyway?

Locational phasing spell. Er, "teleportation" for the layman.

Neato. You don't need a car anymore.

The spell takes time to activate, so I had Piccolo and Cabba here buy me some.

Speaking of Piccolo, you've fought Cell before. How was this version?

His strength is near limitless. And if what he's saying is true...

...reaching his Perfect Form would propel him far beyond the Cell I knew. Far, far beyond.

Th-The point of no return... It's a good thing we were able to protect #17 and #18!

Right on! Now let's make Cell a green grease stain and end this thing!

Not exactly the thinking type, are you? Defeating Cell is much easier said than done. Zahha, what's your next move?

Do you have to ask? The complete destruction...

...of #17 and #18!

WHAT?!

If the twins go, Cell can't reach his Perfect Form... The logic's sound.

You're going to destroy them?! Isn't that a bit much?

Nuh uh. We just got our freedom. I, for one, would like to enjoy it a little more.

Destroy who? US? Just try it.

This is life or death, #17. Time to get serious!

I suppose it had to come to this. Were I in your shoes, I'd do the same.

Bring it, androids!

Tch, you pesty mosquitoes... I'm starting to get pissed...

It's gonna require a little more muscle to destroy them completely. Shallot, lend me your power!

...bull.

Huh? What's that?

I said this fight's a buncha bull!

We need to do one thing and one thing only: to kick Cell's butt! I ain't here to kill these two!

Look at you, Zahha. Shaking at the prospect of Cell reaching this Perfect Form or whatever!

Recall what's your real target! And stop trying to take the easy route!

We beat Cell, we end this. Period!

You...

...Cell won't stop absorbing fighters. Eventually not even these two...

...will be able to defend his onslaught. They WILL be absorbed. It's only a matter of when.

No worries! The moment Cell arrives, I'm sending him to a steaming crater!

And how do you intend to do that? He keeps getting stronger.

Simple. We get stronger too!

...Heh.

This fight's over. #17, #18. Forgive me for my behavior there.

I'll keep Cell off your backs. You have my word.

Uh, what? You just did a complete 180 there.

I didn't actually plan on destroying them. But in order to take this route, I needed to make sure you were fully committed.

And after that spiel, I think you are. Well, Shallot?

You bet! ...Wait a second. You set me up, Zahha!

That swordsman did a number on us. Used us to prod him into action.

...There's a timeline out there in which you two are cut-throat killing machines. If it turned out that way, I would've had to scrap you.

But from the looks of it, I can belay my fears.

You're acquainted with #16, right?

Yeah. What of it?

So you're friends with #16, and on top of that, looking for Goku.

If what Piccolo says is true, then you two aren't the murder-happy monsters I mentioned.

Meaning we don't have to fight. We can even...form an alliance.

Right, right. You mentioned keeping Cell off our backs?

Exactly. Which is where Shallot comes in...as your new bodyguard.

We don't want Cell absorbing you, and you sure as hell don't want that either. ...What do you say?

Hm, I'm fine with whatever, so long as I get to scuffle in this tournament.

We can take that green blowhard alone, but if you're offering to help, knock yourselves out.

Then it's settled. Congrats on your new job, Shallot!

Tch, whatever... Cell shows, I choke him with his own tail. Bodyguard or not, my plan's the same.

You seem upset, Shallot. Hey, sorry for deceiving you.

Maybe I was sub-consciously hoping to get an earful of your high spirits.

We beat Cell, we end this. Period!

...You never change, do you? That's why I trust you.

Allow me to make it clear, Shallot. No jokes. No lies, this time. Let's take Cell down together.

Zahha...

Aw, you DO care!

Why didn't you say that from the get-go? Did you think for a second I'd say no?!

...Ow. I-I guess not. Thanks, Shallot.

...Hold your horses.

What's up, Piccolo?

Shallot, was it? Fight me.

You crazy? Why?

Prove to me you're up to the task of bodyguard. Plus, I wanted to see how strong you are.

If that's how it is, bring it on! Frankly, I was hoping to throw down with you too!

...Hmph, that's a pass. Protect the androids with your life. Got it?

No prob. I'll blow the spots straight off Cell the second he scuttles outta the woodwork.

By the way...you're totally different from the Piccolo I know. My nose is picking up more than one scent!

That's because it is. I'm what you get after fusing the old Piccolo with Kami.

Fuse...? Kami...? Weird, but okay!

Sorry to interrupt, but I think our friend Cabba deserves an introduction.

H-hi! I'm Cabba! Nice to meet you!

Cabba's a Saiyan too, just like you, but from a different universe.

Cabba, eh? You strong? What say we size each other up with a quick match?

Wh-Whaaat? Now?

Simmer down, Shallot. You're tasked with protecting the androids. Save your energy, will you?

Ergh... Okay, match is on hold 'til AFTER we beat Cell.

Thanks for understanding. Cabba, I'd like you on guard duty alongside Shallot.

Sure thing!

Meanwhile, I'll pursue Dr. Gero and Cell with Piccolo.

(We got the bodyguards. Now, gotta work on the safeguards. You can never be too careful...)

Once I've found the doc and his prize creation, I'll drop a line to Cabba. See you, Shallot!

Finally, it's go time! Cell, Gero, whoever! Come at us, now!

W-Why'd you want the enemies to attack us...

Then let's not wait for their attack. Let's find them, AND kill them, of course.

S-Seriously? Can't we just, you know, wait here?

I say we off the doc first. Who's up for finding his hideout?

We're looking for his hideout now? Wouldn't it be safer to wait for Zahha to contact us...?

Nah. You've got me, remember? So let's be pro-active and find Gero! I've got a couple burning questions for him anyway!

Add another for me. He probably knows where #16 is.

16? Isn't it after 15?

I mean ANDROID #16, our friend. He was popped to this world too.

He's a silent giant. Full mechanical type. Happen to see him?

I probably woulda remembered seeing a guy like that... Sorry. But we can beat it out of Gero later!

G-Guys? This is getting WAY out of hand...!

First order of business: find Gero's hideout, right? I'm already on it!

Geez, Bulma?! You came outta nowhere!

I'm analyzing data from the lab you found. There might be something pertaining to the hideout.

I'll keep you posted! Shouldn't be long!

Cuts in, cuts out without even a "hi" or "bye." Sheesh.

Don't know who the girl was, but sounds like we can leave the deduction to her.

Say, we got any wheels? I'd like to roll out the second we pinpoint that hideout.

A car, huh? There's bound to be one in town. Town being...thataway.

Yippee! Let's get lunch while we're at it!

G-Guys...? GUYS?! Could you wait?!

(It's like I don't exist... Keep it together, Cabba. Zahha's counting on you!)