Bringer of Death

Cell Saga - Part 2: Upgrade

Cell Saga - Part 2: Upgrade 

Cell's thick, muscular tail-a smooth, solid green appendage with black marks scattered across it-was more of a weapon than anything else. The Z Fighters still didn't know that it was the key to his absorption abilities; it had allowed him to absorb the entire population of Gingertown. The sharp, six-inch brown stinger on the end was now embedded in the prince's neck. 

The monster prided himself on the tactical advantages of a tail. He had acquired its shape and size from frost demon DNA, though the stinger and absorption mechanism were Gero's own biogenetic designs. Like Frieza, he had begun to appreciate the advantages of having a fifth appendage with which to attack, one that his opponents were rarely able to anticipate or counter. Thanks to this advantage, he had taken the much stronger and faster Vegeta by surprise. 

"So, how does it feel, Vegeta?" Cell taunted, laughing at how easy his success had been. "Oh, wait, you're paralyzed now, aren't you? You won't even be able to speak. Why would I even bother asking you questions?" Cell laughed louder and higher, his narrow eyes daring the Z Fighters to intervene. He had Vegeta right where he wanted him; if they were foolish enough to try and save the prince, he would happily destroy them. 

When no one moved, Cell continued his rant. "And now, Vegeta, allow me to put all that energy of yours to better use! Hahahahah!" Immediately he began to suck through his tail, attempting to drain not only Vegeta's energy but also his entire biological essence. 

CRUNCH! Vegeta suddenly twisted, gripping Cell's tail with one powerful fist. The prince's strong fingers dug into the monster's flesh forcefully, breaking through skin and meat, until Cell was gasping in pain. Then, effortlessly, Vegeta lifted the stinger out from the back of his neck and turned. 

"Oh, Cell. Did you really think you could defeat me so easily?" the deep, confident voice of the prince boomed. Vegeta twisted his neck from side to side, cracking it forcefully as he stretched. 

With his left hand, the prince reached around and felt the spot on the back of his neck where Cell's stinger had pierced his flesh. How fortunate that Cell had struck the one point on his body that wasn't organic, the one place where Cell was incapable of draining any energy. Vegeta was dismayed at how narrowly he had escaped defeat...but he wasn't about to let Cell discover what was still a weakness. 

"Your power is pathetic, Cell. Even now, you would try to rest on your lousy attempts to rob me of my energy in order to win. You're no warrior; you can't even use your stolen techniques well. Pathetic...I'm through toying with you." Vegeta kicked off the ground and into the warm blue sky, letting the air brush across his face and through his hair. Suddenly, he rolled, accelerating, and dove back towards Cell. 

TTTTHRUCKK! 

The prince drove his right fist into Cell's gut, just below his chest plating. The sound of the cracking exoskeleton could be heard across the battlefield; moments later, a fleshy gurgle sounded as the monster's internal organs were crushed. Gero's monster spat frothy purple blood, choking as the prince twisted his fist. The pain was unbearable, worse than anything Cell had ever imagined. Just as he began to regain his breath, the prince violently ripped his fist out, causing the android to crash onto its knees. 

Vegeta grabbed Cell by his torso with both hands, holding him up and shaking him. Then the Ascended Super Saiyan stared directly into Cell's eyes. "Give me one reason why I shouldn't destroy you this instant, Cell. Go on..." 

Though he clearly wanted to speak, the creature simply couldn't. He continued coughing blood, spraying purple flecks onto Vegeta's face. 'Damn it! Why didn't that work!?' Cell thought, desperate. 'Why couldn't I drain his energy? The androids must be here by now. I've got to find them!'