Part 4, Chapter 8: The Conclusion to the Super Cell Games!

Hmm? It sure is quiet... I wonder if I can stop hiding now...

Holy moly... The ring's been blasted to bits!

That fraud Cell must've used too much gunpowder in his stupid parlor tricks!

Well, I guess there's no other choice... Looks like the Super Cell Games will have to be cancelled now!

But whew... Thank the stars, it's over...

...

Ack! I mean, CURSE the stars! If only, oh if only my stomach wasn't acting up at a time like this, then Cell would be...!

...Well, it's going to be cancelled anyway, so all's well that ends well, I suppose! Ah ha ha...

This looks like the prime time for me to take a celebratory photo! A little anonymous leak to the press and then...!

Wow, that was amazing, Master!

Thanks, Cabba. With that, Cell's done for good. ...And #17 can finally rest easy.

...

But jeez, am I ever beat... Come on, let's get Zahha away from here and have a nice well-deserved meal...

Agh...!

What's wrong, Master?!

My legs... They feel like jelly! Ha ha!

You're stumbling around like a toddler! A true warrior is aware of their limits while they fight.

Aw shaddap, I don't need the lecture! Next time I'll be careful, that good enough for ya?

Oh...no...

Hey, chill Gohan! I'm fine! I'll be back to normal in no...

Everyone! Watch out!!

Huh?!

What was that?!

Who attacked us?! Show yourself!

You don't think...

Ngh!

Heh heh heh, dodged, did you? Well, I must say you have learned from the past, Gohan!

I knew it... Cell!

H-Hey, why is he still alive?! And is it just me or has his Ki gotten even bigger?!

What... What the hell is this?!

...You...!! I blasted you into ashes!

So why are you here in one piece?!

A salient question indeed...

But I believe young Gohan over there knows the answer... Share with the class, why don't you, hm?

You do?

It's his core...

His core...? Like in a fruit...?

Heh, allow me to explain. Inside my head rests a special clump of cells which form my core.

Essentially, as long as they're not destroyed, I can regenerate as many times as I want.

You're pulling my tail...

That's not all. Thanks to the presence of Saiyan cells in my core, I regenerate even stronger than I was before!

Coming back from the brink of death, I emerge in a form that's even more perfect!

I can't believe it... I didn't think such a coincidence could happen twice!

A coincidence? You think this is a coincidence, Gohan? Ha ha ha, you fool!

Well, what if I were to tell you that the Super Cell Games were designed to bring about this "coincidence"?

No...!

Use those inferior brain cells of yours. I have data on the previous me, remember?

The me you fought before surpassed perfection, so isn't it only natural that I would aim to do the same?

And so, if I were able to predict the moment my body would be destroyed, I could protect my core.

All I had to do was organize a way for some warriors to push me to that point, to the precipice of my annihilation.

Thus, I held the Super Cell Games!

Unbelievable... You planned all this out just so that you could surpass your Perfect Form?!

Exactly.

I must thank you two in particular, Shallot, Cabba. Your power grew exactly as I predicted it would.

You're tellin' me you just let yourself lose so that you could grow stronger?!

Now, now, don't misunderstand. I fought with all my might, truly and honestly.

For although I could make calculations, I had no surefire guarantee that I would be able to protect my core.

This was no mere game to me! It was a risk that I was willing to bet my entire life on!

Dammit...!

You... I'm sick of your slimy plots!

But enough of maybes and past fears. Here I am now, more than perfect!

Gohan, do you remember what I told you? I believe I said that there was ANOTHER purpose to the Super Cell Games...

The purpose of the Super Cell Games is as I announced to the world on TV. However... That's not to say I don't have other, personal goals in mind...

Gohan, this is where I will challenge you.

It will be my first taste of revenge, you could say.

You said it'd be your first taste of revenge...

Exactly! Well remembered. In this super Perfect Form, I, Cell...

...shall DESTROY you, Gohan!!

Hraaaaaah!

Cell! You monster!

Heh heh heh!

It...didn't work?!

Daaaaaah!

Waaah!

Gaaaaah!

No! Bardock! Cabbaaa!

Wonderful! This power is greater than I ever imagined it to be!

Why... Why did you take such a roundabout way to achieve your goal?!

Roundabout? What ever do you mean?

You want to overcome death to get stronger... You want to defeat me...

Did you really have to risk your own life like this to make that happen?

Not only that, you didn't need to involve innocent people around the world with your stupid Super Cell Games!

Heh, very well. I'll take the time to put your mind at ease, shall I?

First off, yes, I suppose I could have simply self-destructed myself like the previous me did to gain this power...

That way, there'd be far fewer variables to control for and I wouldn't have to worry about my core being destroyed...

Second, regarding exacting my revenge upon you, Gohan. I could probably have succeeded without this powering up at all.

I could've simply relied on the aid of Cooler and Boujack to win, but that'd be too easy. I have standards, you know.

...

In either case, there is something very important which both these methods lack. Fun. Don't you think so?

That's all this boils down to?!

Indeed! Through the Super Cell Games I could experience the thrill of risking my very life to achieve my goals!

I have been looking forward to defeating you, Gohan, so wouldn't it be more enjoyable for me to do it in this form?

Yes... Killing you while your face contorts in fear at my overwhelming strength! What bliss! Ha ha ha!

You're insane... Treating other people's lives like toys is crazy enough, but treating even your own like that?

Hmph, well then, is question time over now? All satisfied?

Good. I think it's time for you to die, Saiyans.

This is unforgivable... You organized these so-called Super Cell Games...

...for such an idiotic reason!

Oh! You wound me, Gohan!

Shallot, surely you can respect my methods, hm?

After all, I'm only doing as #17 and the others did! I'm simply walking my own path, living life to the fullest, right?! Hah ha ha!!

Don't screw with me, Cell! How dare you compare yourself to them!

They're nothing like you!!

Heh heh heh, very well. Bark all you like.

Now that you're all riled up, how about you try taking me on? I'll enjoy watching you cower in fear before my might!

Bring it on! I beat you once already!

(Something's wrong... Shallot's only a regular Super Saiyan right now!)

(Oh no... He mustn't have any strength left to go Super Saiyan 2!)

You...

You gotta be kidding me!

Cell's up without even a scratch on him! I shouldn't have got so close!

Darn it darn it darn it, I gotta get away from here!

Ngh...

Eep?! A voice?! W-Who's there?! Y-You want a piece of the Champ?!

Ah... It's...you...

Oh! You're on our side, aren't ya? You're beat up something awful! We gotta get you out of here!

No... Don't!

I have...a request...

For...me?

Ack...!

Ngh...!

Is that REALLY all you have?! Oh, the fact that I struggled against you two worms seems like a bad dream now!

Dammit... If only I had my stamina back!

Moaning are we, Shallot? That's very unlike you.

Let me tell you this. Even if you had all the stamina in the world, you still wouldn't be able to beat me.

But...I assume you're well aware of that now.

Go...screw...yourself...!

This...isn't over!

Agh!

No, Shallot!

Heh heh... And then there was one.

...

But, alas, I can't finish things as they are. After all, though your body's in tatters, I still haven't broken your spirit.

And you never will!

Heh... Obstinate brat.

Tell me why you, who deplores fighting and violence, refuse to just give up?

Because I have something I need to protect...

Oh?

I'm sick of letting people I care about die before my eyes... Like Dad did...

I won't let it happen again! That's why I keep on fighting!

Heh, so your drive stems from pure and simple regret, does it?

However, I am growing rather tired of hearing your endless prattle about how you believe you can still protect them.

Urk!

It's pitiful! I am going to destroy your unwarranted delusions with my unmatchable power!

Unwarranted, are they?

There's no way you guys'll lose!

No... They're not... Dad told us!

He told us that we would win!

Ngh... Agh... Go...han!

Daaaaagh!

You tenacious little brat! You're getting pretty cocky having only heard some drivel from your idiot father!

Give it up and accept your death!

Agh!

Dammit... Go...han...

(Gohan's managed to keep fighting!)

(I can't afford to just...lie here doing nothing!)

(Ngh, I need to help him! Dammit, this stupid body!)

(Move...! MOVE! Stand up, damn you!)

(If I don't get up now... I can't...)

(I can't avenge them!)

(C'mon, body!)

(What the...?)

!!!

Ungh! Grkh!

Graaaaah...

Gaaaaagh!

Hm?

Shallot!

*pant* *pant*

Heh heh... I guess their big mouths are one thing that will never change...

Hmph. I think you stood up too fast, you're talking nonsense! Did I hit you one too many times? Heh heh heh.

Guys, you don't need to tell me twice... I'm gonna burn him down...

So sit tight and watch the show, #17, #18!

Haaaaah!

Hyaaagh!

Gagh! Nghhh!!

*pant* *pant*

You Saiyan cockroaches! Just how many times are you gonna keep crawling back up?!

I am CELL! The ultimate warrior! I have defied death itself to achieve this power!

I will not be stopped by the likes of you!!

Wait... That stance! He's gonna fire a Kamehameha!

This is it! I'm ending it all! Your pathetic ideals won't save you now... I'll obliterate you with pure power!

Tch, what happened to your cool-headedness, huh? Didn't think you were the type to win by force!

(This isn't good, his Ki is unbelievable! I don't think we can hold this back!)

But...even so! I'll never give up!

You said it! We're gonna do this!

It is futile! There's no way two rats on their deathbed can stop THIS much power!

Well unfortunately for you, you have another rat to deal with!

What?! Zahha?!

Haaaaah!

Whoa! No way, Zahha!

Our Ki...it's come back!

Good grief... I must say your "stick at it till you win it" philosophy is not my cup of tea...

Phew... There, I've healed both of you. You might not be back at full strength, but...*pant*...it should be...enough...

Damn you damn you DAMN YOU! Why couldn't you have just died?!

Don't you dare think your wretched magic is enough to beat me!!

Heh... It's more than enough! And now...

Cell, you're going down!

Haaa!

Nngraaaah!

Hraaaaah!

Why... WHY!!

Heh... Finally! Finally we've got you on the ropes!

This time we're gonna eradicate you, core and all!

This is impossible! I am the perfect life form! I should be able to beat even a hundred of you!

I refuse to believe that the power of some rats who refuse to die surpasses mine! I won't accept it!

You would never understand, Cell, because you choose to fight alone!

Exactly! You treat people like toys... like they're nothing more than just a meal to be consumed!

There's no way that WE...

Could lose to someone like you!

What's happening...?!

I'm being...pushed back!

Hraaaaah!

N-No way...

But I... I'm the ultimate warrior!

Gyaaaaaaa!

...

*pant* *pant*

Heh heh... We...we did it!

Whoa, Shallot! Hey, Shallot!!

...

Heh heh, how'd ya like that?! We beat you! We finally did!

That'll show you, Cell!

Eek! Holy...! Do you have to start shouting?!

Wow, Shallot, were you fighting even in your dreams? Man, you really have a one-track mind...

Hng?! Wait, where am I?

Back in the city. As soon as you and Gohan took down Cell, you collapsed.

So, wait, the fact that you're here... and safe...and that I'm here too... means that...

Yes, Master! We won! We won!!

He's right. I can't sense Cell's Ki anymore. We beat him well and truly this time!

Oh...cool...

Hm? You sound uncharacteristically downbeat, Shallot.

Well... I couldn't beat him on my own. I needed Gohan's and your strength to finally take him down.

If you hadn't shown up to heal us, we would've been toast!

And if Hercule hadn't shown up to help ME, then I wouldn't have been able to go and heal you.

Wait, that show-off guy?!

Huh?! You want me to carry you to him?!

Please! I don't have the strength to make it on my own. You're the only one who can help right now!

B-B-But isn't Cell over there too?

Not only that, both you and that kid are in no condition to fight! You should pull out and get some rest!

That doesn't matter right now. If we don't do something, this planet is finished! You know that, right?

I know...but... Gah!

I'm begging you. It doesn't even have to be all the way.

You want to save this planet too. Right, Champion?

...

F-Fine! I'll take you to him!

B-But if it gets hairy, I'm hightailing it outta there! Got it?

You see Shallot, none of us could've beaten Cell on our own. We all fought tooth and nail just to scrape through victorious.

Jeez, that guy...

Ha ha, yes, it seems that this era's history has repeated itself and the world was saved once again by Hercule!

Hmph.

Ha ha ha.

Hm? Wait a sec, where's Bardock?

He's long gone.

He left a message... Well, actually he just said to tell you, "Don't get yourself killed, kid."

What, that's it?! What a piece of... Man, he really does whatever he wants.

We're leaving too. From tomorrow we're going back to gathering intel on our own.

Wait, already? But we're finally all back together! Why tomorrow?!

I told you before, didn't I? I don't really want to rely on the help of the gods.

So I think it's best if we keep investigating without any outside help.

And in addition to my own personal qualms, I think it's best for us to gather intel in groups so as to cover the most ground.

Fine... I get it...

It's not as if we'll never see each other again, Shallot. I'm sure we'll need each other's help in the future.

Yeah... You're right!

Hey, hey, enough with the heart to hearts! Come join everyone and eat!

After all, you won the Super Cell Games, didn't you? Consider this my treat!

Really?! Aw yeah!

Again with your one-track mind...

But, Bulma, are you happy with this? I mean you worked so hard to fix #16...

...It's not like I feel nothing about it... But it's not my business. He kept saying how he had something he needed to do.

#16 found something that he wanted to do and did it, right? Can't hate the guy for that, even if I did go through all that trouble fixing him up... *sigh*

Alright, I get it... I think...

This is the part where you at least pretend to understand, Jaco! It's called "being sensitive"! This is why you can't keep a girlfriend, jeez...

EXCUSE ME?! And I'd rather YOU not comment on my love life, thank you very much!

I almost missed these stupid spats, you know...

Stupid spats, huh...

(Just what happened during the fight with Cell? Why could I hear their voices?)

(Oh well, no point worrying about it!)

(More importantly, I beat him, you guys. I got revenge for what he did to you!)

Now then, it's time for us to go.

Gohan, I'll only ask once more... Are you sure you wish to go with us?

If you go with Shallot, you can see your father again, albeit one of a different era.

It's fine, Zahha! I'll see Dad again in my original era, so don't worry.

It's a little silly, but knowing that alone is enough.

Not only that, I heard Piccolo was with you before, so I want to fill in for him!

Heh, alright, I understand. You're a tough kid with a big heart.

Man, where is Goku, though? Has he really not come to see off his son?

He's already gone. He shot off at top speed saying Beerus would chew him out if he found out he came here.

Jeez, he's like a kid sneaking back home past curfew... He's so strong it's weird to know he's got that side, too.

Right, so Gohan's coming with us, but Cabba, what will you do?

You're asking me?!

I'd be glad to have you with us, but you've taken Shallot on as your master, right?

Yes, I did, but...

(Gohan's so young but so capable! Maybe it's time for me to try going solo to get stronger?)

(But I still want to continue my training! Although Zahha could train me too, I guess...)

...

Hey, Cabba.

Ack! Yes?!

We haven't had a good bout yet, have we?

I guess not?

Don't you remember what we said when we first met?

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.

And here we are! Cell is beat, so it's time for that match!

Huh?! I suppose that IS true, but we've sparred plenty of times already!

C'mon Cabba, you weren't a Super Saiyan then! I want to fight the current you!

Zahha just patched you up... and you're itching for ANOTHER fight?!

Ha ha, it's fine. It precedes a momentary parting, so I'll permit them to fight!

Permit us? What're you on about, Zahha! You're gonna be fighting too! And you too, Gohan!

...Huuuh?!

You're on!

Yeah! We're going to be apart, so why don't we take advantage of everyone being here while we can!

Y-Yes sir, Master! It would be a pleasure!

Good grief, you are such a musclehead...!

*pant* *pant*

*pant* *pant*

Ha ha! Man, you're tough! You've really gotten stronger, Cabba!

Thank you, Master! It's all thanks to your teachings!

And it goes without saying, but you two are something, as well!

With them by your side Cabba, I have no doubt that you can get even stronger.

So go with them and show me how much stronger you can become. Warriors' training, remember?

...!!! Thank you, Master!

I will do my best and make you proud!

(I can't believe I'm saying this, but you've turned into quite the capable master, Shallot.)

Very well, it's time for us to be off.

Alright!

Stay well, Master!

I'll be in touch should anything come up. One thing... Don't die, okay?

Heh, you got it! That goes for you lot, too!

...

Jeez, this is awkward... Being a master sure is tough.

Man, Nappa and Vegeta sure made this master stuff look easy! Heh!

...

It's pretty quiet with those guys all gone. I guess we're back to how things usually were.

Yeah... Feels kinda weird...

I wonder when Lord Beerus and the others will be back...

Who knows. We have no idea what he's looking into, so there's no way of knowing how long it'll take...

Do you have any clue as to what it might be?

...I'm looking into the dark Ki.

Gwah! Lord Beerus?!

It seems you've dealt with the ultimate warrior.

Yeah! It got a bit crazy, but we did it!

Heh heh heh, nice one, Shallot! You sure showed Cell who was boss!

So the ultimate warrior's name was Cell, was it? Hmm... I swear I told you to wait on the sidelines, so how would you know that?

Oh? Me? Ah ha ha ha! Who knows! I guess I have telekinesis! Ha ha... Ha ha ha!

Grr, I can't believe you... Oh well, it's over now. More importantly, Shallot...

Another one appeared, didn't they? Someone possessing the dark Ki?

Oh, yeah!

Just what is it? This dark Ki?

When I was searching, I found a few possibilities for the technique that's causing it.

It's been tough to pinpoint what it was because there's hundreds of different brainwashing techniques! I'm exhausted!

We thought if we could find out the nature of the dark Ki, we could find who is spreading it around...

But it isn't going as smoothly as I hoped. I guess I need to keep at it and hopefully it'll lead me to who's responsible.

Tch, if I knew it'd take this long, I would've started investigating it earlier!

If I had, I wouldn't be so in the dark!

Huh, but...it's not dark right now?

He means he hasn't found any clues yet. Shallot, you should really work on your language skills, not just fighting...

It feels like ages since I last saw this.

Hmm... A clue, huh...

Ribrianne, what happened before we all met up?

I-I don't know. First, I showed up in this era.

Then there was a "little wizard" who called out to me...but it all gets fuzzy after that.

Wait! I have a clue! The little wizard!

The little what?

The one who had the dark Ki was called Ribrianne. She told us that the last thing she remembered before being brainwashed was a little wizard!

Hmm...

It is better than nothing, but unfortunately this universe is full of those you could call "wizards."

Did this Ribrianne say anything else? Did she get a name? Or tell you where this happened? Or have any idea of their goal?

Huh?! Uh... No...

No?! Then we're back to square one!

Hmm...

What're you thinking about, Goku? Do you have any inkling as to who it might be?

Maybe...

Hey, Shallot, did someone called Dabura enter the Super Cell Games?

Dabura...

Oh, you mean the guy with horns? Nah, he wasn't in the actual games.

The demon who aided the ultimate warrior? What's small about him?

Not him, his boss! His boss is a small wizard!

Really?! And his name?!

...Babidi!

I have returned.

Welcome, Dabura. Did you collect enough energy?

Yes. It is just as Lord Babidi predicted, the Super Cell Games provided a vast amount of energy.

Of course I was right! So? What about those who were added to Cell's team? Did they...die?

Yes, sir. Unfortunately, Cooler and Boujack are no more.

And that Ribrianne managed to break free from your spell.

What?! Tch, seems there were more losses than I foresaw...

The Saiyan boy who is working under the God of Destruction Beerus displayed unexpected strength.

Tch, I see. No matter. He is powerless in the grand scheme of things.

I hold the life of the Supreme Kai in the palm of my hand... Hee hee hee!

We may have had some unexpected setbacks, but we managed to get quite some energy from the Super Cell Games.

...But it is still not enough.

More... MORE! I need more energy!

Without it... I can't get "that"...

I need a level of energy that surpasses even that which was required to break the seal on Majin Buu! Hee hee hee!