Manipulates the Androids to help him fight Vegeta before manipulating Vegeta to help him absorb them

"Wait!" the creature shouted, his voice unsteady because of the severe pain. "If you kill me now you'll never know what happened to Goku!"

Vegeta paused, thinking back to how he had handled a similar situation as this with Dodoria. "Hmm. Well I was planning to finish you off right away, but I know all those losers over there are dying to know if you REALLY killed Kakarott. And I must confess, I have some slight investment in this little bit of information myself."

The prince stepped forward, suddenly only a few feet from Cell's face. His right hand, shaped like a gun, had been placed directly to what remained of Cell's head—the broken crests atop his head leaking purple blood down into the creature's eyes.

"Start talking, Cell, or I end it all this instant!"

"So be it," the creature said in a raspy tone.

Vegeta lowered his hand to his side casually, then levitated a few feet backwards so as to not be in Cell's face anymore.

"Well, get on with it then. And I want to know who you are and where you came from, not just what you know about Kakarott!"

'This is it…my last chance to find them,' he thought. 'If I reveal that I'm after the androids, I'm certain all the Z fighters would rush to their aid. And that's if the androids themselves don't flee—I'd never find them! Of course, it's also possible I could convince them I'm on their side…hmm…a fellow android in need. It would be tricky.'

Cell had so far planned everything one step ahead, but everything had depended on drawing out the androids by now. He was certain they were close, probably hiding in the surrounding area for cover. If only Vegeta had been weaker, like in his original plan, he could have drawn the androids out easily through manipulation and deceit. Surprise, which had been his ally in the past, was no longer on his side. Suddenly, the idea came to him—a nearly certain way to make sure he still got everything he wanted. 'Yesss, that's it. Vegeta does have a weakness as well. One of these plans is bound to work!'

Cell tried to slow his panting down, recovering enough energy to speak clearly. Blood was still dripping off of his body towards the ground at his feet; many of his wounds were still wide open. When he had finally caught his breath, he began.

"As I have said, my name is Cell. And I am from the future, the same world as Trunks."

Trunks tightened his fists. How had this thing returned, and what had it done to his mother?

"You are no doubt wondering where I got my incredible strength. The answer is simple…I, too, am…an android." Cell delivered his news with plenty of dramatic pauses.

"WHAT?" cried Trunks.

The Z fighters each shared looks of fear and worry, wondering how it could be possible. He didn't look anything like the other androids, and unlike them he had detectable energy—THEIR energy. It didn't add up.

"I am of a far different design than my other android brethren. I was created using DNA samples from the most powerful and skilled warriors in the universe—all of their strengths combined into one super being with none of their weaknesses!" Cell exclaimed proudly. "Doctor Gero discovered a means by which he could fuse all that power into one cell, and then cultivate that cell into a singular invincible entity. However, the good doctor soon realized that he had begun a project that would take decades to complete. So he programmed his super computer to complete my evolution, to help him create perfection, so that he could go spend his time developing other android models."

...

"I kept hearing trying to track down number 17 and 18 to…join…with them, but they were always one step ahead of me. We could have made such a fantastic team, but it wasn't meant to be. Eventually, one day, I detected a most peculiar energy signature. I couldn't believe it was actually true, but I followed it to its source as quickly as I could. Had I been closer, things may have ended up very differently, but I happened to be far away on the other side of the planet.

...

Nearby, the mechanical trio listened eagerly to every bit of information being revealed. Occasionally the speaking was too quiet for them to make out, but 16 had advanced hearing and was able to repeat what was being said for the others.

"So, it seems that Trunks was telling the truth about us after all," 18 said. "…in the future, we killed most of the population of this planet."

"Yeah, but somehow we still lost to Goku…it's got to be a mistake!"

"Negative, 17," their tall companion said. "If Goku's power was anywhere near Vegeta's now, he could have easily defeated both of you at once."

17 frowned in frustration and shock. But still, just because another version of him had lost didn't mean that he would. Numbers didn't mean much to him—what was important was belief in himself, and that he had in abundance. His sister, though, seemed quite bothered.

"Darn it!" 18 said. "I just don't get why all this is happening. I thought I had changed, that I could prevent it—I didn't want to become a killer like that."

"This future is different, 18. You will not become that way now. You are good," 16 stated.

"Thanks, 16, but how can you be sure?" the blonde asked. Though she tried not to show it, this was something that still caused her a lot of angst. Did she really have free will? What if Gero had delayed programming that would kick in when she least expected it? What if some electronic virus took control of her? She wanted to choose her own path, just as she knew her brother did.

"I have seen it. You are like me—you would rather protect than hurt," 16 reassured. "And not even your programming can dictate your choices for you."

"But, 16, you're the one who said you must kill Goku. You said you HAVE to!" 17 argued, joining in.

"Goku is dead now. Now that his death is no longer an option, I can choose what I wish to do."

"Well that sure makes it easy on you, doesn't it?" snapped the teenager. "Listen, what do you all think of this 'Cell' creature? He says he wanted to help us, right?"

"No, he wanted to help the future versions of us—he wanted to join in the killing spree," 18 said. "I don't trust him any more. Besides…he's hideous."

"Oh, come on, sis. It could be fun to have another in our group."

"We should wait," 16 said. "Cell's intentions are not yet clear. And we would still be in danger from Vegeta, even if Cell were to join us."

"Great…" 17 sighed. "More waiting."

...

The battlefield was only respectfully quiet for a few brief seconds, though. Cell, his snakelike eyes grinning at his treachery, continued his grand theatrical explanation. He was breathing much more steadily now—strangely enough, he even appeared almost relaxed. "You see, Vegeta, even now I have not given up. I always find a way to triumph—for my design is PERFECT!"

Suddenly, Cell's body began to bulge outward, and fresh new limbs, each covered in green slime, shot out from his restored torso. His regeneration complete, his body entirely whole, he dashed at the prince.

Shocked, Vegeta could only duck and throw an instinctive shoulder block that sent Cell flipping over him. But the monster was ready. Its long, snakelike tail shot out and the stinger plunged into Vegeta's back. "Now all your power is MINE!"

- Bringer of Death Chapter 43

"Wow…Vegeta. Cell can't do a thing." The lovely Number 18 still watched closely, not sure whether to be disgusted or frightened. "It looks like this is the end of it."

"Affirmative, 18. Cell's energy has begun to drop. If we were to intervene, now would be the time," 16 replied. The three humanoid robots were still watching from the edge of the tree line. 16 had, once again, protected a nest of small birds from the incoming waves of destruction as they waited.

The trio wasn't sure how to proceed. 18's gut instinct was to leave, to get as far away from Vegeta as she could. But she had begun to wonder about Cell. Though it seemed he was programmed for evil, perhaps he too could change. Hearing about everything her future counterpart had done made her incredibly glad that she had chosen a different path; maybe she could help Cell have the same opportunity. Her empathy for this new android was the only thing keeping her from fleeing.

17 didn't really care about trying to reform Cell—he simply saw the opportunity to have more fun with another super-powered companion. He thought the insectoid appearance was rather hideous, but figured that they could learn to get along. Cell clearly had spirit, not to mention power. Maybe they could rescue him from Vegeta—the prince was, after all, a common enemy. But would they be able to escape unscathed? 17 hadn't figured that part out yet.

The twins' tall companion hadn't yet given an opinion, being content to simply comment on their ideas. But he certainly seemed ready for action. They should either help or leave; staying put wasn't going to get them anywhere.

"Well, what's it gonna be, sis? We helping this guy out or not?" 17 asked.

She knew the brave thing to do would be to stay and help, but the survival instinct in the back of her brain begged her reconsider. Assisting Cell would surely invite the wrath of Vegeta, and they might all be destroyed if they showed themselves, regardless of their intentions. "I can't do it, 17. I just can't."

But even as the words left her lips, she recoiled in shame. She couldn't let a fellow android be destroyed because of her own silly fear! 'I have to find the strength,' she thought. 'If it were me, I would want help.' She gritted her teeth. "Actually, 17…I can do this. Let's help!"

"That's what I like to hear," laughed 17. "Let the fun begin!"

...

"Any last words, Cell?" Vegeta asked coldly. He, too, was bothered by Cell's lack of frustration with his current scenario. The creature still exuded a curious confidence that planted a tiny seed of doubt in the prince's mind. But the time for hesitation was over…this would end now.

Suddenly, he heard Krillin's shrill voice yelling behind him. "Wait a second! Are those—the androids!?"

"Krillin, you're right! What are they doing?" Trunks yelled, frustrated. Now was not the time for Vegeta to be distracted.

With 17 in the lead, the three androids lifted off from the tree line, heading straight for the battle. Both Cell and Vegeta turned to face their approach. Within moments, they were all hovering in midair, an uneasy balance a hundred feet off the ground. All of Gero's creations were on their guard, fists clenched and jaws tight. But Vegeta, whose golden aura still rippled magnificently around him, still appeared completely at ease.

"We've come to put an end to this, Vegeta!" 17 said, still cocky from the last time he had fought the prince. "Cell's an android, like us…it's none of your business what happens to him anymore."

Though he maintained an outward calm, Cell was inwardly exultant. This was perfect! He knew his plan was a long shot, but his persistence had paid off. From the moment he knew he was outmatched against Vegeta, he had done everything in his power to sell his ploy, pitching to the androids in every possible way, trying to motivate them to reveal themselves. And now the two objects of his search had appeared in front of him, actually offering to help him! He wondered which part of his brilliance had done the trick. But he quickly resumed his act.

"Ahah! You three must be the good Doctor's other creations. How pleasant to make your acquaintance…and what perfect timing you have!" He immediately recognized both the powerful #17 and the lovely #18, though the appearance of the other one was unexpected. He was probably just an older model…of no consequence. Soon, the twins would be a part of him. He would have to make a mental note of their appearance now, before they joined in his perfection.

Vegeta, too, was smiling. The prince had spotted their movement just moments before Krillin had. This day was working out well; he had the opportunity to dispose of all his enemies at once.

"Well, well. If it isn't my favorite group of practice drones. You know, I was worried you wouldn't show up when it turned out that Kakarott hadn't really returned. Fortunate for me, you three aren't very bright."

17 puffed up his chest arrogantly. "Watch your tongue, Vegeta! You don't want 16 over here to have to embarrass you again." His voice was as smooth and collected as always.

Ignoring her brother, 18 turned to Cell and began. "You should come with us, Cell. Let's get out of here right now. It might be hard for you to trust us right now, but we need to stick together. It was hard for me too—but we can help you."

Cell licked his purple beak, grinning cruelly. "You're so right, my dear. You're 18, no?" His voice was low and hideous. "You're quite lovely, you know that? I feel there is an even greater depth of truth to your words than you can realize."

Something in his tone scared her, but the girl bravely continued. "Uh, well, I'm glad you agree, Cell. Now, let's get out of here before Vegeta kills us al—"

"—before I kill you all, eh?" blithely interrupted Vegeta. "I'm afraid it's too late for that! But what else did you expect to happen when you dared to show your faces in front of me again?"

16 stepped out in front of the group defensively, his mechanical blue eyes looking sternly back at Vegeta. He would fight to protect his friends if need be. Now that his primary objective—the death of Goku—was no longer in place, he would gladly sacrifice his own existence for that of his two companions.

"Oh, how quaint. The big guy knows he's the one I'm after. What he doesn't realize is that I'm still going to eradicate his punk robot pals when I'm through with him," Vegeta boasted, laughing.

Cell's grin continued to grow. Things were just getting better and better. 'How wonderful it will be if Vegeta starts fighting this 16 character! I'll be able to absorb both 17 and 18 in one shot, uninterrupted.' It was surprising that everyone acted as though 16 was stronger than the others…but he didn't care. As long as 16 could distract Vegeta for a few moments, his plan could work. Perfection was right in front of him, he could smell it. In only a few more minutes, he would have the power to crush Vegeta effortlessly.

His gleeful plans were interrupted as the Z Fighters took to the air, surrounding the five warriors. Trunks, already in his Super Saiyan state, was the first to speak.

"You androids should get out of here now. This is your last chance! I don't know if you've been paying attention or not, but Cell is nothing like you two. He's already just as bad as the monsters you became in my future—it's too late for his redemption!" When he had first heard 18's plea toward Cell, he had been surprised…but when he thought harder, it did make sense. She had received mercy and now she wanted to see the same forgiveness extended toward another. Hearing her words, he was glad that he had spared her.

"We're not running away, Trunks," interjected 17. "We're here for our new friend, Cell. We only leave if he comes with us."

Vegeta began to chuckle. He imagined he could take on all four androids now, maybe without even using his full power—quite the reverse of what had happened before.

"You're not listening to me!" Trunks yelled. "Cell is evil! He's done nothing but manipulate and murder—he's even killed Goku! Don't you understand? If you take his side, you're dooming yourselves to the same future you've worked so hard to avoid!" Trunks' pleas were impassioned, emotion carried by every sound. Even as he said the words, he couldn't believe he wanted to save the androids, but he did. They had proven themselves to him. This world was different. But in order for it to stay better than his future, they needed to eliminate Cell right now—that much was clear.

As the others continued to debate, Cell considered his options, silently calculating. His next move needed to be perfect; one misstep and it could all backfire. If he just got one of the androids, the added power would probably be more than enough to defeat Vegeta. But if he revealed his plans too soon and Vegeta stopped him, they would all turn on him. No, he had to keep up the pretense—his only allies right now were the androids.

"Oh, Trunks, your words wound me," Cell lied. "How shall I prove myself, friends?" he intoned, mostly to the androids. He would continue taking every precaution, seizing every advantage…going to any lengths in the pursuit of perfection.

17 looked curiously at 18, waiting for her to speak, since she was the one who seemed to need the most convincing. But the girl hadn't been thinking straight. At first, upon seeing Trunks, she had cringed. She still remembered the searing, violent heat of his attack…but then he began defending her. It had definitely messed with her head. Did Cell really have to prove anything? He was one of them, wasn't he?

Trunks spoke up again. "Why don't you start by telling me what you did with my time machine? I'm going to need it to get home, and I'd like it back."

Cell eyed number 18, who nodded. It would be a sign of good faith for him to answer. Not that it mattered much anyway. He had no more use for a time machine, and it was likely in disrepair now, covered in moss.

"Ah, yes. You would want to know about that, Trunks. Shall I continue my story, then?" Cell glanced over at Vegeta for approval. The prince rolled his eyes, signifying both his annoyance but also his compliance with the completion of the account.

"Very well, then. After…dealing…with Goku, I tried to board the time machine, but my current form was too large to fit inside. Regrettably, I had to regress into my egg-like larval form for the journey. This would force me to hibernate underground for several years before I could emerge from my cocoon once again." There wasn't any harm in telling them how his metamorphosis took place; it's not like they would live beyond this day anyway.

He continued. "I didn't want to risk anyone destroying 17 and 18 before I could…join…them, so I set the time machine back a little over three years. Progamming it was easy. I wasn't certain how much time I would need to complete my metamorphosis, but it seems a little over three years is plenty. The time machine is now just outside this very city—I'm sure you can find it if you look."

...

Cell began to chuckle, clearly impressed. "Fascinating theory, boy. You have a tremendous grasp of how these things work. So, is everyone satisfied now?" He turned to the androids, his excitement growing—he could almost taste their energy and the perfection that awaited him. How wonderful it would be for the androids to step in and defend him against Vegeta…only to then allow him the perfect opportunity to absorb them.

But Vegeta had been silent long enough. "Yes, I believe I am satisfied. That explains everything, Cell, and as such, you've nothing left to barter with. So now, I'm going to obliterate you." Vegeta lifted his hand high, a golden orb forming above it.

Cell's eyes widened. It wasn't supposed to happen like this! Not yet, he needed just a little more time. Things were almost in place!

Vegeta's blast began to swell, growing in size exponentially. The attack was similar to Frieza's death ball, but filled with the burning, white-hot energy of an Ascended Super Saiyan.

"You see, Cell…Frieza destroyed my home planet along with the entire Saiyan race using an attack like this! And, well, seeing as how you've got so much frost demon DNA in you, not to mention Saiyan DNA, this should feel like one big déjà vu!"

The others had slowly began to back away through the air—everyone but Cell. Immediately, the Z fighters were concerned for the Earth's safety.

"Surely Vegeta knows better than to throw a blast like that at the surface of the planet!" Piccolo yelled.

"He knows what he's doing," Trunks responded. "I've seen my father handle energy like that before."

Gohan's eyes shook. "You sure about that, Trunks? Vegeta looks pretty intense up there."

"Yeah," Krillin gulped. "I'm not sure that Vegeta has ever been an expert on restraint."

The Z fighters braced on the ground now, covering their eyes as they looked up. This was going to be huge, even if it only hit Cell and never touched the planet.

"Don't worry, Krillin. My dad's in total control. Just look at Cell. For the first time so far he really looks scared—which I have to say is a relief! I don't think there's anything he could say or do to wriggle his way out of this one."

Trunks was right. The power hungry being from the future was indeed desperate. So many of his previous plans had been so close to working, but whether through bad luck or simply impatience, Vegeta had stopped him short of his goal.

Vegeta's eyes began to smile—the most satisfying victories were those that pushed him to a whole new level of strength, ones that forced him to overcome in the face of adversity. This battle had done just that, awakening in the prince a whole wellspring of new power, but it was time to end things. As he had learned against both Frieza and Cooler, simply being stronger than your opponent didn't guarantee victory. In fact, if anything, it pushed the other fighter to the edge of desperation, making them unimaginably dangerous.

'I'm out of options!' the monster inwardly shouted. There were no more tricks he had to play, no more ways to manipulate things to his own end—save his one final hope…the truth. 'I can hardly believe it's come to this,' Cell inwardly complained, true anger rising within him for the first time. 'This wouldn't be happening to me if that arrogant Saiyan hadn't gotten so strong! Forget how he did it, he is the cause of my desperation...and I will surely reward him once I transform...'

Vegeta sharpened his brow, signifying his seriousness. "Cell, prepare to meet your maker...and I'm not talking about Doctor Gero! Haha! This fight is OVER—I only wish your boasts of power hadn't been such a letdown!" The prince barely smirked, but then continued in a rising tone. The tip of his finger was twitching, begging him to throw the giant blast. "You see, Cell, I wasn't able to use near my full strength. You barely got a taste of what I'm capable of...I only allowed you think you might have a chance. Such a disappointment! But then again, I didn't really expect some biological abomination to be a match for the Prince of all Saiyans, the true Lord of the entire universe!"

All it would take is the smallest flick of his finger to send the titanic golden sphere of death into Cell's body, obliterating the creature entirely. The Z fighters each held their breath, waiting. Even the androids were in suspense. There was no way they were going to get in between Vegeta and Cell—not with that kind of power charged up. They could only wait and see what happened, hoping that somehow their new android friend could evade the blast. The brightness of the energy sphere was so bright it seemed to overpower the sun.

This was it…Cell's final opportunity. He closed his eyes in frustration, hating that it had come to this.

"WAAIIT!" Cell cried, throwing his hands up in surrender. This was his last hope. "If a true challenge is what you really want, allow me to absorb androids 17 and 18!"

Everyone froze, stunned.

"If battle is what calls your name, Vegeta, if what you love is overcoming impossible odds, if your very bones ache to test the new power you've achieved, you MUST allow this!"

Z fighters and androids alike turned to Cell in shock, finally realizing what Cell had truly been after all along.

"Did he just say…absorb us?" 17 asked in a slightly perturbed voice, quickly spinning around to see his sister's reaction. He was suddenly very uncomfortable.

"YUCK! I risked my life to save him, and he wants to absorb me?!" she exclaimed. "What kind of twisted freak is he?" She continued to back away defensively. Oh, how wrong she had been, how foolish. 'I tried to show this creature mercy, I risked everything! I was so blind.' She wished there was a way for her to take it back, that they could be back in the woods, safe and sound. Cell must have wanted them to do this from the beginning. Was there time to escape? 'I got us into this mess,' she realized, 'with my attempts to be nice…maybe being good isn't worth it after all.'

"I don't know, 18, but there's no way I'm gonna let that happen," the boy said, turning back to eye Cell very carefully. The words pulled 18 from her thoughts and back into urgency of the moment.

"Wait…you don't think Vegeta would actually let him, do you?" 18 asked. She hadn't considered that Vegeta would just let Cell have them. Would he really do something so cruel?

16 was the one to respond. "He might, 18, for the sport of fighting a stronger version of Cell. But if Cell had access to enough of your strength, he might be able to defeat Vegeta."

"No, Vegeta! Don't do it!" Piccolo yelled. He immediately regretted speaking up; Vegeta had a long history of doing the exact opposite of whatever Piccolo wanted.

Trunks started to object as well, but something stopped him. He wanted to beg his father to see reason, to refuse Cell's ploy to gain more strength. But at the same time, he knew such words would probably be wasted—they would only further distance him from his father. His only chance was to get Vegeta angry.

"Does he really deserve the chance to get more power, father? After all he's done to mock the Saiyans, even stripping you of your right to face Kakarott again, you can't just allow him to get away with it! He doesn't deserve it, dad! I say finish this NOW!"

The other Z fighters fell silent, leaving everything up to Trunks. If anyone could get through to the prince, it would be his son.

But Vegeta continued to ponder, weighing his options. 'The boy is right. Cell doesn't have a shred of dignity, not after all the power he's stolen. And even now, he would beg me to allow his energy thefts to continue! Well I don't care how much stolen power he has, whether he gets the androids or not, I'll never allow him to defeat me. He has robbed me of my right to vengeance by killing Kakarott!' Vegeta hadn't allowed that thought to sink in yet; the fact that he would never have his chance to defeat Kakarott, that there would never be a resolution to the conflict between them. Cell had stolen that chance, yes, but even with his anger swelling, the prince continued to deliberate. It wasn't hesitation he was feeling, rather, curiosity. If Kakarott was gone, this might be the one last and final chance to test his true power. All the same, Vegeta couldn't shake the feeling that he was making a huge mistake.

Cell had made his plea; his cards were finally on the table. He could hardly believe it had come to this, but his fate rested completely in the hands of Vegeta.

"So, Vegeta, what's it going to be? Are you content to defeat me in this weakened state, or are you bold enough to face a foe at your own level?" Cell was unrelenting in his pleas. He knew all too well that the key to tempting Vegeta would be to appeal completely to his Saiyan pride. That, and to make it seem as if their powers would be equal were he to absorb one of the androids—when in fact, Cell expected his power to become supremely perfect, or at least partially perfect.

The bio-android smirked ever so slightly. His ploy was going to work; he could see it in Vegeta's eyes. If the prince was going to destroy him, he would have done so already. Of course, his performance had been flawless, and it seemed that everyone present had accepted the fact that they would have to wait on Vegeta's decision. Now, if only the androids would stay put…

...

Cell began to laugh, his instincts telling him what Vegeta was wrestling over. "Come now, Vegeta. Don't be such a poor sport about Goku. Think about it this way: with your DNA inside me, it's almost as if you were the one who killed him. You should be thanking me! Hahah!"

Vegeta's eyes narrowed. "I WILL destroy you, Cell: make no mistake about that. It is my just due. It was also my due to face Kakarott, and since you stole that honor from me, I will take my satisfaction from you!" He was yelling now, furious.

"Gohan," he suddenly began, "I'm sorry about your father. Just stay out of my way!" The boy couldn't believe what he had just heard—no one could. It was as if the prince suddenly had the smallest bit of a heart. But it quickly vanished.

"Cell, you would be a miserable opponent even if our power levels were equal. But all the same, I want to fight you at your very best, displaying my superiority to all. And to prove it, I'm going to allow you to get what you want. Know that I do this for Kakarott, not for you, Cell. He reminded me against King Cold that it means nothing to defeat your opponent if they aren't fighting at their fullest. It would be an insult for you to hold back your true power…an insult that I cannot allow. So go. Absorb one of your pathetic androids."

...

The explosion sent Cell tumbling nearly a hundred yards, his body smoking. He looked up at Vegeta, incensed. Would he really stoop so low as asking the prince for help again? The very thought was loathsome to the bio android, yet he clearly was about to lose to Android 16. That's when he reminded himself of his one main goal; it was all that really mattered. However he achieved his perfection would be inconsequential—all that was important was obtaining it. He barely dodged a punch from 16, dashing to his right. Then, Cell began to plead, finally desperate enough to ask for help. But there was no need.

Vegeta suddenly vanished, reappearing above 16 and slamming the android in the head with two powerful fists. The orange-haired android went careening down into the city, crashing and forming yet another crater of debris.

- Bringer of Death Chapter 44