The Super Saiyan Girl

EP. 15 - Prepare

Trunks hadn't moved since Cell left, the cruel words repeating in his head over and over, causing his anger to rise. His whole body tensed, grinding his teeth, clenching his fists, as his ki rose with his emotions. 

Niya sensed his ki rising and hurriedly placed her hands on his shoulders, remaining in her Super Saiyan form in case he transformed. Her turquoise eyes bore into his as she looked up at him. "Trunks," she stressed, trying to keep her voice stable despite her fiery frustration and anger inside her. "You need to calm down. Don't let him get to you." 

Trunks still looked frustrated and looked away. "How can I be calm when I couldn't defeat Cell? How can I stay calm knowing he's out there with no one to stop him from killing more people? I can't stand it! I can't stand the thought of another timeline ending up like ours!"

Niya wanted to shout and be angry with him, but she knew it wouldn't do any good. "I know, Trunks, I know," she spoke gently, moving her hands to the sides of his face, turning it to face her. "But hope isn't lost yet. We have ten days to train for this Tournament. And once Goku and Gohan get out of the Time Chamber, we'll beat Cell! Just you watch!" she smiled at him. 

Slowly, Trunks' ki began to lower the longer he stared at her. Despite her golden, spiky hair, her increased ki, her more buffed body, she was still herself -- her smiling, warm self. His boiling blood began to calm and his tensed muscles relaxed in her hold. His frown softened to a small smile, "Right."

Niya wore a bright smile at his reply and relaxed into her Base form, glad he was calmed. After a moment, her smile faltered as she realized her hands were still on his face. Her thumbs were caressing his cheeks, but froze as Niya realized what she was doing. As Trunks raised a hand to place it on one of hers, she pulled hers away with an ache in her chest, leaving his hand in the air. Niya could see his dejected eyes as he lowered his hand, and it squeezed her heart.

A moment later, Krillin and Vegeta landed. The saiyans both turned to their new company. 

"Hey, guys," Krillin greeted, seeming relieved. "Glad you're okay. But... where's Cell?" He looked around.

Trunks took a moment before he answered, taking a moment to glance at Niya, who's eyes were soft. "Well, I... lost. His power was much greater than mine."

Vegeta chuckled. He had his back turned to them. "Of course he is. Foolish boy. What made you think you can take on Cell now that he's complete?"

Both Krillin and Niya frowned, but the saiyaness beat him to open her mouth. 

"How dare you say that?" Niya yelled at the prince, clenching her fists at her sides. "Trunks did all he could to stop Cell while you just let him become complete! He even saved your life! And not to mention that his strength is--!" 

"Niya!" Trunks cut her off. She turned to him, and he shook his head to silence her. The prince slightly peered over his shoulder at the silence.

Then, Trunks got to catching them up on what happened between him and Cell. 

"A Martial Arts Tournament?" Krillin questioned, to which Trunks assured with a nod. However, Krillin still seemed dubious. "Are you sure about that?"

Once again, Trunks nodded, but Vegeta was a few feet away, silent.

"So," Krillin began, "who's gonna be in this? I mean, nobody can beat Cell, so it won't be much of a Tournament." 

"It might seem that way now," Niya interjected, "but we still have to look forward to when Goku and Gohan get out of the Time Chamber!"

Trunks suddenly had an idea. "And when they get out, I'll go back in to continue my training," he told them with a confidence.

"There's no need for that," Vegeta smirked. "I will be the one who goes back inside that room, and I'll beat Cell.