Bringer of Death

Otherworld Saga, Part 2: Storm the Gates of Hell

Otherworld Saga, Part 2: Storm the Gates of Hell

"It's a good thing you didn't rush off alone," Goku said, addressing Pikkon for the first time. The green-skinned warrior, who seemed to already know his way around Otherworld, flew just out in front of the two dead Saiyans. Though he found it unlikely he'd need any help handling the small uprising, he wasn't the type to get defensive over it. Rolling onto his back with his arms folded, he watched Goku as the Saiyan continued. "I'm sure you're a really tough guy, but I doubt you can handle someone like Cell—by yourself, that is." The pure-hearted Saiyan was trying his best not to sound insulting.

"Just stay out of my way." Vegeta accelerated and cut in, his tone leaving no room to doubt both his seriousness and his excitement. "That includes you, Kakarott. Neither of you would stand a chance against Cell anyway."

"Aw, but Vegeta, that's not fair! Cell killed me too, y'know—and with a cheap shot, no less. How about you let me have a go at him first? I mean, you got to beat him already, so it's only fair."

"Hmph," the dead prince scoffed. He knew his stubbornness was nothing more than a play to assert his dominance, to be the alpha of the pack and satisfy his pride—but Kakarott had asked politely... "Well, Kakarott, I suppose you've got a point. Although I'll no doubt have to step in to finish the job, I'll allow you to give it a try. He nearly killed you in the future as well, if I recall. I'd say your pride is definitely on the line."

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that." Being reminded of his first brush with Cell sobered Goku. "So...we have a deal, then?"

"I'll allow it, if only because it is your right as a Saiyan warrior to face him on your own. Besides, if you can't even defeat Cell, our own fight may be much less enjoyable than I had previously anticipated. Anyway, so long as we're calling dibs, Frieza is mine and mine alone."

"Of course," agreed Goku. The prospect of facing Cell might have been a treat under different circumstances, but the younger Saiyan reminded himself that this was much more serious. Gero's final android had proven to be a creature of total depravity, undeserving of mercy or pity. Cell had wrought chaos and destruction across two timelines in his life, and Hell had seemingly done nothing to temper his lust for death. Goku knew he would have to somehow find a way to end this once and for all.

Cell's yellow foot ground downwards, slowly crushing yet another poor ogre's skull into Hell's dry dirt. Surrounding the bio-android, a small band of villains crossed their arms smugly. Their new gang leader was an inspiration, proving to be quite gifted at unifying the various residents of the eternal prison. Although Frieza himself had tried several times to escape from Hell unsuccessfully, he and the others were sure things would be different this time around—Cell's power was in an entirely new league.

"Last chance to escape with your head intact!" the creature laughed, pressing downward even harder, the dirt beneath beginning to give way. "Tell me the way out of this place, now!"

Frieza allowed a slight chuckle, impressed with Cell's cruelty, if not so much by his undignified methods. At his own feet an ogre in similar shape dared not move with Frieza's tail coiled around his neck. The entire horizon surrounding them was nothing but dead, jagged formations protruding out of the ground ominously. The brown dirt beneath them was a lifeless void, barren and harsh. And in the center of all, a pond of blood, as deep and thick as their own guilt. But from the rolling clouds above them, three tiny figures suddenly descended into their cursed realm.

"I—I...don't know..." the bearded red ogre mumbled, fighting just to hold on through the pain. "I...swear...please, just let me go..."

Cell smiled, releasing the pressure from his foot for a moment. "Hmm. I do believe you. Sadly, though, I'm afraid that makes you..." he paused rearing his leg back, "EXPENDABLE!"