Chapter XV: A change in the air

Disclaimer: I do not own this amazing manga/anime series.

AN: Just to let you all know, this one's more of a 'filler' chapter than what I normally dish out, seeing as it acts as a build-up towards Cell's next match. Also, I'm glad that the response to my (hopefully) improving skills in regards to fight scenes is so positive. I was kinda having my fingers crossed for that one, to be honest! ;)

Read on!

"I forfeit."

...

Those two words made it certain that a vast variety of reactions would come flying in from all four corners of the very much destroyed Cell Games stage. Key fact being, that those words had been uttered by someone like Son Goku.

"Wha-What did Goku just say? Didja catch onto that Tien?" Yamcha, sporting his most bewildered expression till date, asked his three-eyed companion, fingers beginning to tremble as fresh droplets of perspiration trickled down and past his scarred cheek. He didn't just say what I think he said. Did he?

"…"

Feeling as if his throat had completely dried up all of a sudden, the triclops in question took his own sweet time to come out of his state of shock and personal disbelief. I-I can't believe I'd live to see the day. Goku? Actually giving up? No… th-there's got to be something wrong here. I can't accept this!

Subconsciously clenching both of his fists, Tien gritted his teeth in frustration before finally providing an answer to his comrade's query.

"Yes Yamcha, I heard him."

Feeling sick to his stomach whilst stating his next few words, the man adopted a bitter tone before continuing, "It… seems that our friend has finally found a guy who actually surpasses him." Either that, or he's just come across a 'legitimate' reason to act like a coward.

All hope had been lost for the ex-bandit then.

"Wh-What? No way."

Still in denial over the fact that one of his earliest pals had just thrown in the towel, Yamcha began to show signs of despair once more… as was expected from one as prone to hesitancy and (mental) insecurity as him.

Shutting his eyes away from it all, Tien lowered his head as if in mourning... muscles still tensed as he remained rooted to his spot. If we are destined to perish today, at least I can die knowing that Goku gave this fight his all.

Glancing over to where Krillin and Trunks stood transfixed... or rather, frozen into place, the seasoned Z Fighter began to harbor feelings of slight regret and disappointment for the latter of the two.

Still, I can't help but feel for Trunks. After all that he has done for us, we simply couldn't avert the catastrophe that he had actually warned us about. Poor kid.

In all honesty, Tien wasn't the only one who was undergoing certain 'emotional' upheavals...

As he stood in muted shock; prideful demeanor almost completely forgotten –

"…" He… He just…

He couldn't even fathom it. It was just too much for him to bear… truly. The sheer agony that he was experiencing right then couldn't be summarized using mere words.

First, a low-class clown robs him of his honor, of his pride. Then, he achieves the title of the strongest being in the universe, the mythical 'Super Saiyan' and avenges their murdered race, promptly moving forward and surpassing him at every possible turn… even going ahead and facing his target first instead of offering the golden chance to one such as him.

And now... this.

Kakarot… you have stolen my honor and all that comes with it. You've tarnished my rank amongst our people and not even cared in the least about your own heritage and self-respect. But this… this I cannot stand! IT'S UNACCEPTABLE!

Controlling the urge to channel his embroiling emotions over to the still smiling saiyan, who was standing some meters ahead of him, through a potent ki blast, Vegeta somehow managed to yell out two simple words instead…

"You coward!"

He didn't care whether the idiot had actually heard him or not, and he most certainly did not bother to check whether his son or any of the other fools around him were listening in or not. All that mattered to the proud prince of an extinct race was the fact that a member of his long-dead planet had just practiced cowardice in battle.

And that too, right in front of his very eyes.

Such a dishonorable act easily warranted the death penalty, according to 'saiyan law'. Hell, even his father, the late king himself, wouldn't have allowed the bone-headed idiot to live another minute had he still been alive.

Prompt execution of the perpetrator was undoubtedly the call of the hour, according to the disgusted prince.

"What an insult… this is a slap on the face of every saiyan... living or dead." You've… shamed me Kakarot. Truly. Me, as well as your own dead father.

"Father?"

Whipping his head in the direction of the concerned voice, stern frown still present across his brow, the flame-haired male noticed how his right fist had been raised up to his eye-level without his knowledge, when before both of his arms had been crossed across his broad chest. Shit. I overreacted to the clown's antics again.

Lowering the appendage before re-entering his usual 'aloof' demeanor, the man turned away from his offspring before grunting out a curt response, "What?"

Looking from Goku to where his father stood and back again, Trunks kept his lips shut tight and swallowed the bothersome lump in his throat. How can I put this?

Deciding to just 'wing it' for once, the lavender-haired youth finally spoke, "Goku, just gave up didn't he?"

Yet to move from his disinterested position, the still (highly) annoyed prince kept mum, opting not to open his mouth lest he lash out at the boy. As expected from a Halfling such as him. He just doesn't understand the value of 'true pride' and what it means to a real saiyan.

Of course, with his mind still cluttered with thoughts that openly mocked his rival's lack of guts, Vegeta wasn't at all prepared for his son's next statement.

...

Trunks knew that his next few words might irk his father a tad but he decided to get it over with anyway, considering the fact that things would be going from bad to worse unless some 'action' was taken from their end. He probably knows this already… but, I just wanna hear him say it.

"You're… gonna be taking his place now right?"

"!" Say what?

Completely taken aback at the insinuation, Vegeta kept his lips slightly parted, in genuine surprise, whilst boring holes into into his nervous son's skull. Me? Replace Kakarot? What does he mea-? Oh!

Realizing just what the time traveler was referring to, the man turned away from the former once again before replying.

"Judging by Kakarot's display of blatant cowardice, I suppose it is an unavoidable burden that I must shoulder." Not that I'm complaining about it, to be bluntly honest.

Letting out a small sigh at that, Trunks then adopted a sincere smile, "Well, just don't overdo it, okay? You gotta make sure that you come back to us in 'one piece'."

"...!"

Feeling his eyebrow twitch at the sheer cheek of the youngster, the red-faced prince shot back, onyx eyes now sporting their old competitive fire within, "Hah! Just sit back and watch me, brat. I'll show you all just how powerful I have actually become!" Even Kakarot's feats will pale in front of me when I show them the fruits of my training, Ha-ha!

"…"

Allowing another sigh, a bigger one this time, to escape him, the boy from the future did a mental face palm. (Sigh!) He sounds just like Cell now.

Over with Piccolo and Gohan –

Ruffle!

"..."

Ridding himself of, both, his trademark turban and heavy cape, the super namek kept his pensive expression in place, mind totally focused on what his role would be from that point onward... especially since said 'role' would involve his dear pupil.

Alright, I see how it is. Goku planned to use his fight with Cell to show Gohan just how he should approach this battle. Hmph, that guy really thought this one through for once.

Noticing how the boy hadn't really moved, not even an inch, since his father's declaration had resonated all across the empty valley, the tall warrior frowned slightly… his eyes bearing a dark look that gave way to his inner tension fairly easily. In short, he wanted Gohan to mentally note down all of Cell's strengths and weaknesses.

Said look also managed to completely betray the outer coating of rock-solid composure that he had managed to conjure up about his imposing frame.

Well, observing his opponent's movements and fighting strategy has been a part of his training for a long time now. But… he's still not ready for a fight of this level. He just isn't.

Knowing that his emotions had begun to influence his more 'rational' train of thought, Piccolo closed his eyes for a moment before addressing his student.

"Gohan…"

"…"

Left in a state of total shock and bemusement, courtesy of his father's strange and uncharacteristic behavior throughout the match and towards the build-up of the games; mind confused over what had just happened a mere 'two minutes' back, young Gohan simply did not know how to react.

His mind couldn't even begin to figure out the reason for such a rash decision, seeing as how the Son patriarch was usually so level-headed. Not even once did the idea cross his inexperienced mind that whatever decision his father may have taken, it wouldn't have been without 'good' reason.

Why? Why would dad just 'give up' like that? He was doing so well up till now. If.. If he knew that he'd lose, what was the point of taking Cell on then?

Far too many questions and doubts were floating around his head at that point so Piccolo thought it best to knock some sense back into him. Not unlike how he used to do while training him in the past.

(Sigh!) Here goes…

"Gohan!"

"WHA-?!"

Brought out of his reverie by the booming voice of his mentor, the demi-saiyan took a while to convert his surprised babbling into coherent words.

"Wh-What happened Piccolo?" He sure can yell when he wants to.

Satisfied with the results of his clarion call, the green-skinned Z Fighter kept his internal amusement under check before deciding to stick to the task at hand. He's got a long way to go still. Why would you do something like this Goku? Choosing to send a mere boy, a powerful one I'll admit, but still a boy to fight in your place?

Clapping a hand onto the confused lad's strong shoulder, Piccolo spoke in as near a fatherly tone as possible, ignoring the fact that it made him feel a tad bit 'odd' from within.

"Listen Gohan, your father… had a reason for forfeiting this match."

"…!"

Eyes widening at the new revelation, Gohan opened his mouth to inquire further… but was promptly silenced by the look in his former teacher's eyes.

"I won't disclose it to you now though. It's probably best if you hear it from Goku himself." The boy won't be able to handle it otherwise. Such a shocking piece of news should be shared with utmost care. His father's words are sure to make him feel more 'at ease' if anything.

The son of Goku, however, was harboring completely different thoughts.

"…" What could it be? Piccolo would never hide something from me unless it was some sort of extremely sensitive information.

...

Returning his gaze over to where his father stood, bright orange gi torn a tad; bruises and cuts adorning his smiling face and arms due to his titanic battle, Gohan hardened his expression and made a mental resolution. Whatever it is, I'm sure dad will tell me about it soon.

For the young warrior, his entire frame had shook from head to toe ever since the unfamiliar words had left the blonde hero's lips.

But, with something to cling onto for the time being, it was definitely becoming easier for him to breathe, regardless of the fact that the situation looked bleak… even if for only the moment.

I can't help but wonder though, why is he still looking so confident?

Some distance away, with one who 'actually' knew about it all –

Expression hard... and hair flowing along peacefully with the gentle breeze that had picked up, a tall, heavily-built man kept his lips sealed in a thin line as his golden arm bands gleamed in the afternoon sun.

Finally. It's about time he opened his damn mouth.

Mentally relieved that the crappy affair had finally come to an end, the muscled warrior allowed a small smirk to replace his sour expression… blood experiencing an adrenaline rush that was customary to one such as him, unbridled saiyan nature ensuring that his thirst for combat rose to uncontrollable levels.

You've made me wait for way too long Kakarot. It's time for you to step aside while I squash this annoying bug. The guys starting to be a real pain in the ass for me.

Grinning like his old self for a while before reeling in his savage nature once more, Broly felt his insides squirm due to the growing agitation and daunting appetite for battle that his body being subjected to.

Then, after I'm done with him... it will be your turn.

Cracking his knuckles and eyeing his next victim, the beastly man prepared his mind beforehand, lest he fail to keep his end of the deal. Okay, no losing control. I've gotta make sure that this… 'Cell' or whoever he is, doesn't act up too much. Kakarot didn't want him blowing himself up or anything either.

Ridding himself of his smirk before replacing it with a scowl (again), the tall warrior brought his innate musings to an abrupt end.

After I've done my bit, it'll be the brat's turn to face the music. Hmph, what a waste though, I was really looking forward to tearing that overgrown cockroach apart.

Blood boiling slightly at the very thought, raw hunger for a good ol' fashioned brawl eating away at him from within, Broly sucked in a deep breath of fresh air and waited… as he had been doing for the past hour or so.

Hurry it up and finish your little speech Kakarot! Make me wait any longer and I'll really tear you a new one!

In the middle –

"…" He's… got to be joking.

Lowering his arms and dispersing the ki emanating within them, a completely confused Cell chose to keep his verbal displeasure to himself, seeing as his mind was far too preoccupied with 'ignoring' the sickeningly smug smile present upon the exhausted saiyan's face.

I don't know what he's planned, but I'll not allow him to get away with it so easily!

Whuish!

Returning to the air after having made up his mind, the displeased host turned his head towards the equally shocked group of fighters below him before speaking.

"Well, did all of you hear that?"

None of the human warriors dared reply to the evil android's query; rest of the lot opting to simply listen in and try to ready their defenses lest the former unleash an attack on all of them out of sheer anger.

"..."

Adopting an amused smile at the speechlessness of his audience, Cell shut his eyes before shaking his head in mild disappointment. As expected… from a bunch of headless chickens.

Directing his full attention back towards his, He's still smiling like an idiot after that? opponent, the slightly irritated creature spoke, his 'now' serious voice making his question seem more like a threat, "Goku, do even you know what those words mean?" As far as my database is concerned, this hard-headed fool has never accepted defeat, or given up during a fight, in his entire life. The credit for that probably goes to his repulsive saiyan heritage too.

Poff! Poff!

Dusting off his messed up gi for the first time since their match had begun, a thoroughly confident Goku hollered back, eyes sporting a gleam that made Cell raise an interested eyebrow in tandem, "Yep! I most certainly do Cell!"

Glancing over to his group of gob smacked comrades, the man inwardly chuckled before sending a small wink their way… only managing to elicit a response from Piccolo (who resisted the urge to nod back in reply) as he did so. Yosh, it's time.

"But before I go and join my friends over there, I'd like to give you something…"

Reaching towards his belt, he pulled out a small, brown pouch that looked 'awfully familiar' to a certain bald monk.

I-Is that-?

He simply couldn't believe his eyes. Neither could he figure out just why Goku was going through with the insane idea. No way… is he nuts?

Unable to stand it any longer, Krillin finally stuttered out the question that was eating away at his insides. Rhetorically speaking, of course.

"H-Hey guys, why is Goku bringing out those senzu beans?"

Mind a complete mess of what it had once been, courtesy of his old pal's 'highly unusual' behavior, the short fighter inwardly wailed… in spite of knowing that his voice wouldn't reach the ears of the blonde saiyan, Just what is Goku doing?!

...

Sporting a cocky look in his eyes, mind knowing that the ball was now officially in his court, Goku unfastened the flimsy thread around the mouth of the pouch and scooped out a single, green-colored bean. There we go.

Not waiting for any sort of invitation, the man promptly yelled out the following instruction over to his watchful opponent; fellow Z Fighters eyeballs nearly popping out at his unbelievable act. More than half of them being thoroughly convinced that their so-called 'leader' had officially lost it.

"Here, catch!"

And with that, the hero of the planet Earth hurled a certain magical bean over to the one of the most deadliest creatures to ever exist in the known and unknown universe.

"…" Hm.

Paf!

Having caught the tiny thing with relative ease, Cell held it within his open palm and stared blankly at its mysterious surface, trying to ascertain whether this was some sort of trick from his former challenger's end.

Ah… I know what these beans are. That Korin creature was quite co-operative in filling me in regarding their unusual properties. Good thing that I paid him a visit before this.

Looking from the green object over to his still smiling adversary, Cell mimicked the expression of the latter. What a naïve fool. He just keeps finding more and more ways to amuse me.

Rubbing his nose with his forefinger, akin to when he was a kid, Goku winked in response to Cell's nasty smirk, Hehe, good thing he fell for it. It would've gotten a lil' boring otherwise.

"Don't worry, just eat it. It'll help you recover your energy completely. Although, it may be a bit crunchy when ya taste it for the first time!"

Unable to hold in his amusement any longer, Cell nearly laughed out loud, "HAHAHA! Oh I know about this so-called bean alright. It's the very same handicap that you weak maggots used to survive against me for so long!"

"…"

Putting up a stern demeanor for the first time since he had stated his withdrawal from the tournament, Goku stared blankly at the evil being; latter's words holding a certain truth to them that even he found hard to deny.

Images of a near-dead Piccolo and Vegeta, latter's defeat being narrated to him via Trunks ten days prior, popped up in his psyche as he clenched a single fist in response. Just a bit more time you guys. By the end of today, Cell will pay for all that he's done.

...

Popping the bean into his mouth and swallowing it whole, Cell grinned wide before frowning down at the silent saiyan.

"However, I would like to offer you my thanks for this novel gift, Goku. After all, this way I'll be able to erase both you and your precious friends at my MAXIMUM!"

That final word resonated all across the land as it's speaker roared out his intentions to all those gathered… before tapping into further reserves of his latent power; bolts and sparks of blue static flying all around as his muscles pumped outwards due to the excess ki that flowed through them.

To top it all, his torso became surrounded by a menacing aura of bright gold as a 'mandatory' gust of wind picked up... causing a ferocious gale to join the fray.

VOOOO…!

"HRAAAA!"

BRAAAAM!

Having raised up their arms due to the vast assortment of stones and debris that flew their way once more, the petrified Z warriors tried their level best to remain focused and plan their next move… not that they were actually in any position to do anything anymore, to be frank.

Wh-What do we do now?! There's no way that we can go up against a guy like that anymore! There's just no way!

The scar-face bandit was thinking the right type of thoughts for once it would seem. Seeing as his other two compatriots were also harboring similar ideas and feelings.

Digging his heels into the dusty ground as a few rogue sparks tore at his clothes, promptly making him flinch in the process, Krillin kept his eyes shut tight lest he lose his concentration. Man! I'm focusing so much ki just into my legs, it's crazy!

Putting up a cross-arm block as a large chunk of rock flew directly at him, the diminutive man gritted his teeth as it crashed against his forearms.

"Oof!" It's almost impossible to even hold our ground when he's powering up! How the hell does Goku expect us to even stay alive when he's at full power?!

His eyes currently being unable to see the happenings around him, Krillin could only rely on his ki sensing ability to discern friend from foe. Not that it was all that hard to do so.

Whoa. Looks like only Broly, Vegeta and Gohan are taking this lightly. The rest of the guys are in the same state as little ol' me!

For Tien Shinhan, it was pretty much the same story... although, he was a bit better equipped for something of this level due to his constant meditation.

Urk! Even if I focus all of my energy into blocking out this wind, it still finds a way to break through!

Not one to give in that easily, the triclops mentally patted his back for having opted to not allow his small friend to tag along. It's a good thing that Chiaotzu isn't here. He definitely wouldn't have lasted more than '5 seconds' against this monster!

As the three human fighters struggled to keep their heads from flying off of their trembling shoulders, their associates, who were situated a few meters onto their left… having relocated over to a rocky cliff face from the initial positions that they all had occupied at the beginning of the day, still kept their guard up in spite of finding it far easier to handle the furious winds that had picked up.

All they were interested in, to be precise, was the source of the ruckus and mayhem.

...

Unable to comprehend just why his top rival had undertaken the suicidal route of offering his enemy one of those infernal beans, Vegeta growled out loud before lowering his muscled forearms.

Just what was that dumbass thinking?! Giving the enemy something like that? And that too, when he knows how cunning that green bastard can be.

Not wanting to pressurize his brain any further, the rightfully agitated prince chose to think about his role in the scheme of things from that point forward, recent breakthrough via his training regime making him feel more at ease than most of his other associates.

No matter, regardless of how strong he's gotten, Cell will still face his end at my hands!

A strange smirk grew across his lips as he thought that, aura flashing for a brief second before vanishing once more.

Oh yes, my match with him will surely prove to be a shocker for that overconfident Kakarot.

With a young human female –

Oooh! What now?

Holding onto the top of the boulder that she had, quite recently, chosen as her new hiding spot for dear life; fingers gripping onto it with all that she could muster, the daughter of the late world champ felt something fall behind her.

Actually, make that a 'pair' of somethings.

"Huh?" What in the world?

...

Pushing his boss from over his stomach, low grunt escaping him as his precious camera remained embedded in the muddy ground onto his right, Z-TV's top cameraman struggled to get to his feet, raging gust of wind proving to be his downfall. Again.

"Wha-agh!"

Downed once again by the accursed winds, the youth cursed lightly before addressing his superior.

"Sir! Do you still want to continue reporting this?! Now that Mr. Satan's no longer here to protect us, it's definitely not safe for us to be here!"

Pow!

Whacking the man atop his head, bony fist trembling a tad due to being subjected to the above act, a certain 'greasy-haired' reporter yelled out his internal frustration and agony for all to hear.

"DON'T YOU TELL ME WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING OR NOT! ARE YOU SUGGESTING THAT I JUST 'ALLOW' THE BIGGEST SCOOP OF THE CENTURY TO SLIP THROUGH MY FINGERS?!"

His empowered rant making the poor man cover his ears with both hands, the pompous TV anchor failed to notice the sharp pebble that had been flung in his direction.

Mommy!

Until too late.

Not being able to dodge the thing, the man now sported a nasty, red spot right between his eyes. Said pebble being thrown by none other than the girl who had, till then, quietly observed his and his junior's animated conversation.

That'll shut him up for a while.

Dusting her hands off before bringing the disoriented man to his feet (knees), by the collar no less, Videl glared at the poor soul with all the fury (and menace) that she could muster.

"Now listen here, I don't who you are or what you're doing here… but it's pretty clear to me that you don't have any sort of way of leaving this place at the moment."

Waiting for her words to sink into the flustered creature's thick skull, the 'fired-up' girl continued on with her semi-threat.

"So, in order to make sure that you get home in one piece, and don't get dragged into the 'fireworks display' over there, make sure that you keep your big mouth shut and follow my lead. Got it?" Phew! It's amazing how much dad used to shout and talk. It's really hard work!

"…" U-Uh…

Quite unable to form a satisfactory response, the well-dressed man glanced over at his accomplice, who merely nodded back (having cleaned his camera's muddied lens by then), before giving the pig-tailed female his consent.

"I-I understand m-ma'am."

Smiling at his co-operative nature, Videl released him without a moment's hesitation and chirped back her approval, "Good."

When...

"!" Huh? The winds stopped?

Not really picking up the change in the weather, to put it simply, the suddenly curious girl peeked from over the top of the smooth boulder… tiny nose being just visible over the latter as she swallowed a persistent lump in her throat. Is… Is it over? What happened to that blonde guy?

Her question was soon answered… new companions vying for space behind her small frame as their eyes (and camera lens) took in the ongoing proceedings. Microphone being the only missing element in the 'picture perfect' pose.

After having raised his astounding power to his level of satisfaction –

"…" Yes, now things will get interesting. Interesting and… gory. Hmhmhm.

Flexing his fingers via a mundane clenching exercise, Cell met the quiet man's eyes before stating his next plan of action.

"You know, Goku, I was really hoping that we could go on with our match. Seeing as it was providing quite a lot of fun, thrill and excitement for not only us…"

Gesturing to the ever-cautious group onto his far left with his corresponding hand, the dastardly creature made his point clear, "… but our loyal audience as well."

Goku merely smirked back at the confidence and vain disposition of his foe, dark-colored pouch still in hand as he remained as calm as a cucumber throughout.

"Really."

Sending his own wink back this time around; albeit in a mocking vein, Cell assured his first challenger of the same, "Oh, they enjoyed every second, I'm sure." Seeing as it would've been their last chance to 'enjoy' anything in general. Hmhm.

...

Having had his fill of talking for the day, the genuinely tired saiyan, rid himself of a crick in his neck before addressing the entire valley as a whole.

"Okay Cell, I think I've taken up more of your time than I had actually planned to."

Barely registering the look of annoyance on his fellow saiyan's face before moving on with his statement, via the corner of his right eye, Goku smirked and continued, "Now though, you'll be facing someone who's actually stronger than me."

Cell couldn't help but interrupt the composed warrior's statement then.

"Hm? What's this? Someone stronger than you?"

Not even caring to disguise the sarcasm in his tone, the ultimate being stifled his soft laughter with difficulty before proceeding, "Don't you think that we're past that stage now? I mean, just who out of the many gathered here is actually superior to you and I?"

Shifted his body in mid-air so that he could have a clear aerial view of the scattered group of fighters, human trio having joined the other saiyans and namekian over by the cliff-face so as to remain part of the proceedings, Cell got a mischievous look in his cold blue eyes. Ookay, here we go with the head count.

"Who shall it be? Trunks, Piccolo or... an old favorite? The 'all-powerful' prince of saiyans, Vegeta?"

...

Balling his fists at the verbal jab yet keeping his temper under solid control, the flame-haired male merely glanced over at his son, Piccolo forming a key part of the picture as well due to having stood close by.

Heh, they sure look sad for some reason. If they had wanted to sport a shame-faced expression when offered such a golden chance to reclaim a meager amount of their pride they should've just stayed at home!

Removing his gaze from the pair of weak-willed cretins, Vegeta returned his complete attention to the one who had mocked his saiyan ancestry by using his own 'esteemed title' against it.

I'll make him pay. Once that moment arrives, I will avenge my pride by crushing his head under my boot!

The oath that he had just taken, without even allowing his emotions to influence the former, would certainly prove to be a key force in his battle against the powerful bio-android… in the sense that it would drive him on to touch heights hat he had, until recently, only dreamed of.

Vegeta's personal war, against the cocky creature who claimed to be the most 'perfect being' to ever exist, had only just begun.

Back with Goku's 'baton pass' –

Letting the guy finish first before completing his own statement, the blonde warrior grinned slightly before pointing over to where his friends and son stood.

"You're wrong Cell! He's someone you've never faced before now!"

"…?"

Cell, having had his curiosity peaked, now wanted to know just who the delusional saiyan was referring to.

"I'm tired of your verbal games Goku, SAY THE NAME!"

Ignoring the booming demand made by the, obviously, agitated and impatient host, Goku contained his excited giggles with great difficulty before blasting off to reclaim his place amongst his fellows.

"?" Just what is that fool doing? If he doesn't send this mysterious person over to me at once I'm going to reduce this pitiful planet to space dust!

Not accustomed to having his questions left unanswered, Cell was just about to interrogate the remaining warriors about this 'mystery fighter' when Goku's parting words made him stop dead in his tracks...

"Oh! Almost forgot…"

Arms crossed across his chest and eyes housing a venomous glare within, Cell nearly barked back, "What? Feeling ready to spit out the weaklings name are we?"

Offering a simple, possibly 'empathic' smile to the infuriated freak of science, the good-natured saiyan spoke; voice a clear reflection of his current attitude towards the former, as if showing pity towards his plight, "About that senzu bean that I just gave you…"

"What about it?" I've just about had it with him and his riddles!

The man turned his eyes away from the livid creature and instead focused solely upon his recent house guest, latter wordlessly staring up at him as he landed a few feet in front of where he stood. I almost feel bad for the guy, he probably wasn't expecting someone like him to show up today.

"… you were gonna be needing something like it if you planned on taking this guy on."

"…?!" What? Did I hit him too hard on the head or is he finally losing it?

Unfazed by the bold declaration made by the confident man, Cell merely watched with the gaze of a hawk as the former slowly made his way over to his chosen candidate. Alright, show me who this person is so that I can crush him… just like how I've outclassed you.

...

Walking calmly over to where the surprisingly patient saiyan stood, both arms crossed and a reasonable-sized scowl present on his face, Goku scratched the back of his head sheepishly before offering an apology.

"Hehehe, sorry for taking so long!"

No answer. As was expected.

Undeterred by the above, Goku continued on with the one-sided yet 'bright' conversation.

"I gotta admit though, that was the most excited that I'd gotten in a long time." Although, I was genuinely worried for my life too, Hehe!

Not finding it to be a matter to laugh at in the least, patience having almost run its course entirely by now, the well-built male shot back, "Don't act if I didn't make you cry for your mother in our last fight, Kakarot!"

"!" Oh... yeah.

Sweating profusely and raising both hands up in a comical manner, a flustered Goku began offering his usual 'inane' explanations, "H-Hey! That's not what I meant at all! I was just-"

His 'comrade' however, ended the conversation without a moment's hesitation. In his usual, no-nonsense style.

"Save it. I've heard your annoying voice far too much today already."

"Uh... okay, I'll just go and meet the others then. Good luck!"

Hmph.

Sporting a relieved expression before racing off to greet his worried son, who had just flown over with the rest of his concerned friends (barring Vegeta and, understandably, Piccolo as well), with a small hug, the happy-go-lucky saiyan from Earth inwardly congratulated himself for his plan's success.

Phew! To think that I thought about this 'ten days' ago, Hehehe! How time flies.

In the middle -

"Ahem!"

Making sure that his audience was concentrating upon him once more, the mastermind behind the 'live-or-die' tournament spoke, "I hate to break up your precious reunion, but aren't you forgetting some-?"

"!"

Weeee!

What?! Where did that come from?

Unfortunately for the befuddled bio-android, no one was ready with an answer. Nevertheless, he still managed to dodge the oncoming projectile without much trouble.

BOOOOM!

Struggling for aerial balance due to the sheer force of the explosion, the shocked creature failed to put up his guard in time, overconfidence being the sole culprit for the same.

"Argh!" Such… raw power. Who's behind it?

Whipping his head from left to right in his quest to locate the source of the deadly blast…

There! Found him!

… Cell finally zeroed in on a solitary figure standing upon a rock formation that was more like a giant pillar, rising proudly up towards the sky… quite close to his own current height.

"He sent… you?" How? I thought that only Vegeta was capable of rivaling Goku in terms of strength!

...

Raising his head and making his dark pools visible to the, visibly shaken, creature form beyond his raven-colored locks, the saiyan of legend smirked wide... in an almost 'devilish' manner.

"That's right… me. The one who's gonna squash you flat like the bug that you are! Heh!"

There was an definite change in the air now… and along with it, the Earth's fortunes had also taken a turn for the better. That much was certain... at least, until the carnage returned full-circle.

AN: Well, all I can say is that this one took far less time to jot down as compared to the last few chaps. To be absolutely blunt.

Anyway, since no one has any sort of questions at this point, I'm hoping that the next one garners some really AWESOME reviews... cuz you all will get to see a really intense fight take center-stage (WITHOUT DOUBT!).

Until next time then, good peeps!

Chow -