Chapter Two: How Did This Happen?

**When Cell is trying to absorb 17..**

"There is no use trying to resist, you are but the first key to my perfect puzzle. Then I'm coming for you, 18! Be still and accept your fate," said Cell. 22 was fighting Number 16, and he was trying to convince her to not go along with Cell. "Are you blind that you stand by serving someone who doesn't care two cents about you? Or, is it the programming?"

The air was filled with sudden screaming. 17 was absorbed, and 22 said, "Atta boy, Cell, one step away from Perfection!" She quickly fired a massive Kamehameha at 16, completely disintegrating his body. Then, thinking with a cool head, she flew up to 18, and started pummeling her. But all too soon Vegeta arrived, which put a spin on things. 18 hid in a bush, hardly daring to breathe, for fear of Cell finding her. After a long, drawn-out fight, Cell said, "You like challenges, don't you, Vegeta? So if you let me find 18 and absorb her, then I will be more of a challenge than before." Trunks said, "Don't take that chance, father! You will be putting the world in danger! Beat him now, while you can!

But did Veggie listen? Nooooo.

**Just as the tournament is about to begin..**

"Cell, are you sure? I think maybe I should fight in your place, you...you could get injured, hurt, whatever you want to call it," said 22.

"And why are you saying that, eh?" said Cell with a grin.