Lucky Chance

Chapter 14

A/N: Keep in mind, from this point on, this is more of an alternate timeline, and only follows the TV's plot loosely (only 'cause I can't remember everything that happened in complete detail). Anything goes.

Feet touched the ground. A slight breeze. For some unknown reason, it gave me chills. A fighting ring, not too sure how big. Tournament styled. We had met up with Goku and the others along the way. Unfortunately, Bulma insisted that 16 be brought with us. Oh yes, she assured us that he was reprogrammed, but I refused to believe that and fight along side him. Him? No, gomen. It. I refused to fight along side it. I clutched the video camera in one hand and the bag of senzu beans in the other. They entrusted me with them. There, in the middle of the ring stood our opponent. I prepared my camera. It was probably half an hour till the games began. And when that would happen, all hell would break loose. We stood an arm's length away from the ring's edge. Just as I thought and expected, grandpa Satan had showed up in a flashy helicopter with two lackeys and a female reporter. There was already a reporter and a cameraman waiting at the site. The reporter has told us to leave since it was very dangerous, but we completely tuned him out. As soon as Hercule got out, the male reporter ran up asking a million questions a second, all answered by Hercule saying, "I'll beat Cell." I shook my head. It was truly pathetic that this man was supposed to be my grandfather. I decided to take this time to video tape some of the Z gang saying some words to my future family.

"Hey guys!" I called everyone's attention. "Listen, I was gonna do some taping before the battle, is that okay?" The z fighters nodded, except Vegeta and Piccolo who didn't seem to notice my question. I held the camera and focused it on Trunks first. The red light turned on. "Kay, Trunks, say a few words for Bulma-san." Trunks smiled and blushed.

"Hey mom, we're about to fight Cell," he said. I could tell he wasn't used to doing this type of thing. Camera shy, probably. "Everyone's here. I got to meet dad. You're right, he is a jacka-" Trunks was cut off by a silent glare from Vegeta. "Er...great man." I giggled.

"Since Vegeta decided to add his silent glare, he's next," I announced. I heard Vegeta growled.

"Keep that stupid camera away from me," he grunted. Too late for him. The camera was focused on him.

"Please, Veggie! Say something," I pleaded. Vegeta growled louder.

"Don't ever call me that!" he scowled. "And I won't say anything to a filming box!"

"You just did!" I cheered. His frown got deeper. "Well at least say something to Bulma-san. I know she'd want you to." I saw an immediate change in Vegeta's features. Almost softer. He stared into the camera.

"So?" he said. "What should I say?"

"Well how about 'hello' for starters?"

"Hello, woman. Now what?"

"Um...I don't know!! She's your mate! Tell her you love her!" I heard Vegeta scowl.

"Moving on!" He pushed the camera away from him. I giggled and turned to Goku.

"Your turn, grandpa!" Goku gave the classic Son grin.

"Hiya, Chi-chi!!" he greeted to the camera. "How are things there? Oops! Guess I shouldn't have asked that." Krillin, Yamcha, Gohan and I started laughing. "If it means anything, I miss you. Stay well okay. We're doing everything we can to keep this dimension safe. And go easy on Pan and her studies. Oh, and hi Bulma!" Next to get 'interviewed' was Gohan.

"Okay Gohan. You're up!"

"Hi mom!' Gohan said sheepishly. "Well...I'm keeping up in my studies. And when this whole Cell thing is over, I'll become the scholar you want me to be. I'm sorry about what happened in your time." He paused. "And Pan's being stubborn. She won't tell me who her mom is. So...mysterious mother of Pan, I'll hopefully see you later. I love ya, kaasan!" Gohan gave a thumbs-up.

"Who wants to go next?" I went through the rest of the Z warriors and they said their hellos to Chi-chi and Bulma. I made sure not to put 16 on camera. I didn't want to scare my family. The half hour went by so quickly and soon, I heard the shout of the reporter.

"That's it, folks!" he yelled to his cameraman. He was obviously making a report to viewers. "It's finally time for the Cell Games to begin!" I turned my camera to the ring where Cell was. He seemed calm and slightly unimpressed. Suddenly, he looked in our direction. A smirk found its way to his cruel face.

"Welcome to the Cell Games," he boomed. "I hope you enjoy your stay because I guarantee it to be very painful." I caught it all on tape. "Who will be the first to meet their doom?" What happened next surprised me. Satan stepped up.

"I challenge you, Cell!" he yelled in an obviously fake heroic voice. Cell didn't even look in his direction.

"Oh, did you hear that, viewers?" the reporter practically screamed to the camera before him. "Hercule Satan has announced that he's going to fight Cell." I focused my camera on Satan.

"Well, there he is," I whispered to the camera. "Grandpa Satan. I know what you're thinking, mom. 'He's crazy to even be here.' But Cell probably won't even waste his time on him. No worries." At least that was I was hoping. I truly didn't want my grandfather to die again. Satan looked very confident.

"And, to help demonstrate my power," he boasted. "I'll have my two students fight before me!"

"Uh...Goku, is that such a good idea?" I heard Krillin ask. "I mean, look at the goof ball! He doesn't stand a chance!" I quickly turned the camera off before Krillin could bash grandpa Satan anymore. I knew my mom wouldn't be pleased.

"Hey, go easy on the guy," I said jokingly.

"Let him go first," said Goku. "If he dies..."

"Oh right!" Krillin suddenly remembered something, cutting Goku off. "I remember! They're gathered together, right?"

"Yep," replied Goku. "They should be on Kami's lookout." I stared at them blankly. What were they talking about? Who were they talking about? And why were 'they' on Kami's lookout? Kami was gone now, merged with Piccolo, so the lookout should be empty except for Mr. Popo. I did remember that Gohan and Goku had gone to the lookout a few days ago. Maybe...Naw! There aren't anymore Nameks on Earth except Piccolo and I know he didn't take the role of Kami.

In front of me, in the ring, one man stepped up to the challenge, one of Satan's men. He was a blond, probable in his late 20s. Him, I had no concern for. I didn't even watch when he supposedly tried to attack Cell, and was thrown from the ring. Next came a fat oaf who was defeated just as quickly. Finally, Satan himself entered the ring. He seemed ready to fight, when suddenly, he faked a stomach ache or something. I put a hand over my face. Why did I have to be related to him of all people? Cell barely acknowledged him as Satan took a million kicks and punches at Cell. Cell finally growled and slapped Satan out of the ring. I winced slightly as he slammed into a mountain. That was gonna leave a mark. Cell mockingly pretended to brush himself off.

"Now, where were we?" he asked our group. "Which of you will be fighting me today?" Goku put a foot on the side of the ring.

"Me," he announced. There were whispers among the reporters and defeated fighters. I grinned. This would be interesting. A part of me said, 'He's not strong enough, remember?' I pushed that thought to the back of my mind. He was gonna win. He had to, or no one else would be able to. Goku walked into the ring and readied himself. Cell did the same and took up a fighting stance. In a blur of motion, they both disappeared. At least, that's probably what Satan and his lackeys saw. It seemed we (the Z fighters) were having no trouble at all watching. Goku jumped left, Cell followed. Punching, kicking, a few ki blasts here and there, nothing a regular fight wouldn't have. 16 made a few comments here and there about the fighters power ratings. Cell was occasionally using some of the z fighter's energy attacks, like Freeza' disks. I quickly peeked out of the corner of my eyes at the others. Squinting, I tried to figure out if what I was seeing was correct. It appeared like Gohan was less than half a second ahead of everyone else. Before I could further examine anything, my attention was drawn away.

"Y'know, I think this ring is a little too crowded," Cell boomed. I held my breath. What was he talking about? "And without the ring, there would be no rules, right?" Goku seemed to get what Cell was talking about. The both of them jumped into the air. Cell looked down on us. "I'd advise you creatures to stand clear of the ring, unless you have a death wish." We gasped. The full-blooded humans ran first, followed by saiya-jins and demi-saiya-jins. Once we were a safe distance away, on top of a mountain ridge cliff, Cell proceeded to blow away the entire ring in one blast.

"Oh, this is just great!" Krillin muttered sarcastically. "Just what we need, no rules. As if he didn't already have an advantage over us."

"What'll we do?" Yamcha gasped. "What if Cell uses this 'no rules' policy to attack us?"

"Coward," I heard Vegeta muttered. Obviously, the humans didn't hear him.

"You fool! What do you think you're doing?" Cell's voice boomed. Goku was high in the sky, preparing what looked like a Kamehameha. Wait, what?! He can't do that!

"Grandpa!" I yelled. "If you fire that blast, you might hit the Earth!" Goku seemed to ignore me. I growled. "Grandpa, listen to me!!"

"Kame..." he chanted the attack's name.

"Goku!" Krillin yelled. "He won't really fire...will he?" I continued staring, then shakily backed up one step.

"Oh, Kami, I hope not," I whispered.

"Hame..."

"He is gonna fire!" Piccolo growled.

"His power level is off the charts," 16 said. "If he fires at this rate, he'll wipe out this entire planet."

"Kakorrot!" Vegeta called. "Stop this at once!" Goku opened his mouth to say the last word of his attack when suddenly, he vanished and appeared right in front of Cell.

"HA!!!" The energy wave took Cell by surprise and blasted away his top half. Our group let out cheers. So he had a plan after all: teleport in front of Cell and fire a Kamehameha. Clever, but...

"He did it!" Yamcha cheered. I didn't move. Something wasn't right. Ki... I gasped.

"Fools!" I exclaimed. "If Cell is truly dead, then why is his corpse still giving off energy?" They others halted in mid-cheer. A scowl and frown appeared on their faces. I even saw Goku's smile dropped.

"It's true..." 16 said quietly. "Cell's power is simply reduced by half, but it's increasing." Just as I thought and feared, Cell's body began moving. A new top half sprouted from his torso. Ew. Everyone gasped. Cell smirked.

"Nice little trick, Goku," he insulted. Cell and Goku continued to fight, but it seemed like that ugly beast of an android was getting the advantage. He was like a powerhouse, just full of energy! And grandpa was already at his max power. I didn't like the looks of this battle. The two fighters separated and began a staring contest. Grandpa stood up straight.

"Y'know, Cell, you're clearly stronger than me," he announced loud and clear. I couldn't believe my eyes. What was he doing? He was admitting defeat to the enemy. The other z fighters held their breaths, waiting for ojiisan to continue.

"Proud, saiya-jin Goku, admitting he's weaker?" Cell questioned mockingly.

"Yes, that's right, and continuing this fight would seem senseless. So...I forfeit." There were numerous gasps. I stared in complete shock. Forfeit? FORFEIT?! I didn't understand. Goku was our best hope at winning and defeating Cell, but he was throwing his match! Cell was even slightly surprised.

"Forfeit? You can't do that!" he yelled. "Our match was just getting interesting! Just take a senzu bean and we'll continue!"

"I actually have a fighter, much more stronger than me." Cell cocked an invisible eyebrow.

"Really?" he asked. Goku nodded and levitated into the, floating towards us.

When he was in earshot range, Vegeta yelled, "Kakorrot! What in Kami's name are you doing?! Do you think you're worthy enough to call yourself a saiya-jin after what you just did?!"

"I gave it all my best," jiisan began. "But it just wasn't enough, and to continue fighting would be suicide."

"Saiya-jins fight to the end, coward!" Vegeta growled.

"I know someone who might be able to beat Cell, some stronger than me." At this point, I was pretty confused. I looked around our group. There was Trunks and Vegeta, who weren't able to beat Cell before. Yamcha, Krillin, and Tien were definitely much weaker than all of us. Then myself and Gohan...father?

"You don't mean..." I trailed off.

"Goku!" Cell boomed. "Where is this mysterious fighter you speak of?!" Goku ignored him and turned to me and Gohan. He put his hands on Gohan's shoulders.

"Gohan, son, I know you have the power to beat Cell," he whispered. The others gasped.

"You mean...Gohan?" Krillin stuttered.

"Why me?" my young dad asked. "I...I don't think I..."

"Gohan, did you have any trouble at all watching our movements in the battle?" Goku asked.

"Not really, but..." It clicked. Goku had once mentioned that a fighter's strength can be measured by how fast they are and if you could see them when they were at their fastest. I remembered tousan had kept a good eye on the battle the entire time, not once falling behind. Did that mean...? "That's because you guys weren't fight at full strength!"

"I don't know about Cell, but I gave it everything I had!" That confirmed my suspicions.

"Tousan is stronger than Cell?" I asked.

"Well, I would say 'enormously' stronger," jiisan laughed. "But he is pretty close." He turned to dad again. "Son, I know you can do it. I know you're strong enough. You just have to believe in yourself!" I wondered how tousan had gotten so much stronger compared to my real father in the future. I found some encouraging words to say.

"Dad, you can do it," I began. "You have your father's strength and your mothers will to go on. You have a special ability that no one else has! Your hidden powers might be the key to winning this battle! If you could tap into it, you can win!"

"But I don't want to fight!" Gohan cried. The group went silent. "I don't want to fight now. I never wanted to fight ever! I just wanted to be normal!" I looked at him sternly.

"Gohan, what I'm about to say might hurt, but you have to hear this." I closed my eyes. "You've never been normal, you will never be normal. You have to learn to accept that and move on, adapt to it and learn to deal with it. Stop trying to hide who you really are and pushing your alien side away. It's the only way you can live with yourself! And if you continue to neglect your alien side, you won't make it through this battle! Then you'll never have a chance to as normal as you want!" Gohan's eyes welled up with tears.

"But I don't want the fate of the world resting on my shoulders," he whispered faintly to me. "I wish Cell never came around." I began feeling upset again. I felt responsible for bring this fate upon him, upon everyone. Somehow, I felt like it was all my fault Cell was here, and in a way, it was my fault. It was the time machine that Bulma built for Trunks and I.

"Goman nasai," I whispered, kneeling to face him. "Just fight this one last time, and it'll all be over. You and your tousan can go home and live the rest of your lives in peace. Please, father, don't let this world become the barren world I grew up in." That seemed to spark a light of hope and encouragement in Gohan's eyes.

"For you, Pan, I'll fight." I smiled and gave him a hug. "I'll fight and defeat Cell for you and Trunks."

*~*~*~*~

Alright, Gohan's about to fight!! Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of Dragonball Z...er...I mean Lucky Chance!