Bulma revved the engine on the capsule car as she turned down the radio. "You've gotta hear this! There's some monster attacking a city near here. They sent in the army, but he just blew them away! That's probably your best bet for finding Piccolo..."
Trunks, Chibi, and Krillin nodded their approval before rocketing into the sky. The wind pulled at Chibi's hair and she clenched her hands into fists in anticipation of the coming battle. As they approached, she could feel the large power that had to be what they were looking for. It wasn't like the androids, this power was different. It gave her the creeps.
Trunks landed with his usual flourish and set the sailor down. They spotted Piccolo in moments. He seemed to be facing a very... strange opponent. Which was saying a lot, since Piccolo looked odd enough as it was. The stranger's appearance was bug-like and Trunks had a sinking feeling he knew why. He was covered from head to toe in thick green armor that looked more like skin. His wicked tail swished back and forth at the arrival of the 3 new visitors and a sneer formed on his beak-like mouth before he jetted off into the sky. Everyone must have been too shocked by his appearance to do much but stand by and watch.
Piccolo sauntered over with his usual chill grace, "He's another of Gero's experiments. A bio-android. He was made from cells of each of the Z fighters, not to mention Frieza as well. He calls himself Cell... appropriate enough." Piccolo finished with a frown.
"What was he doing here?" Krillin managed to stutter.
"He becomes stronger when he absorbs the power of others. If you haven't already noticed, this town is empty for a reason. He left no one behind." Piccolo finished.
"We have to follow him!" Eternal Sailor Moon blurted. "We can't let him get away with this!"
Piccolo raised an eyebrow, which was as much at her outburst as it was at her seemingly outrageous costume. "I'll go. You three go find Goku and let him know about this. Maybe it'll give him incentive to heal that lazy body of his a little faster."
Krillin shook his head, "no way! I'm gonna help look for that nasty bug thing!"
Piccolo gave a shrug before launching into the sky. Krillin waved a quick goodbye before following the Namekian.
Trunks turned to Chibi and took her hand and they too, were off.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Goku! Goku get back in bed!"
Trunks cringed at the sound of ChiChi's angry screams as they entered the house. He took it as a good sign though, if Goku was actually up and about enough to be annoying ChiChi. Gohan smiled as they entered, reassuring Trunks that all was -almost- back to normal at least.
"But ChiChi! They need me to help! I can't just sit here in a bed!" Goku argued.
"Agh!" ChiChi gave a frustrated groan, "Can't someone ELSE save the world for once?!" She stood with her hands on her hips and Goku finished dressing and tied his belt around his waist. For the first time she noticed they had guests and put on a sweet smile, "ah, Trunks right? and... I have no idea who this young lady is..."
Eternal Sailor Moon opted for the handshake this time, rather than a pose. She smiled warmly, "I'm Eternal Sailor Moon, but um, please, just call me Chibi."
ChiChi nodded, "ah... yes..."
Gohan looked in awe, "that's a really cool super-hero costume!"
Chibi smiled, "you think so?"
Gohan, "yeah! When I grow up, I'm going to be a superhero too and---" he stopped after a glare from his mother, "of course... not until I'm done studying for my degree and..."
Trunks decided to cut the conversation short, "Goku, we've got a lot to discuss. The androids have gone into hiding. Not only that, there's something out there that might be an even bigger threat..."
Goku looked puzzled as usual as Trunks finished explaining. "So we've got to hurry! We have to-"
Goku shook his head, "I have an idea. Come on, I'll use Instant Transfer, it'll be a lot quicker, trust me." He shot a look at his son, "You too Gohan, we'll need your help."
ChiChi was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, "But he has to study! He can't be running off to save the world! His entrance exams are next month and-"
"Bye Mom!" Gohan waved quickly, and in a flash, they were all gone.
* * * * * * * * * *
Within minutes Goku, Trunks, Chibi, Gohan, and now Vegeta had gathered at Kami's lookout; the tall tower that watched all of earth. Vegeta sneered, "so tell us Kakarott, what is it you've brought us here for?"
Goku smiled triumphantly, "I thought we could do some training, get stronger so we can beat those androids..."
Vegeta rolled his eyes, "Moron. We'll need to train for more than a few hours to be able to beat them!"
Goku nodded, "Exactly! That's why we're here! Let me show you the Hyperbolic Time Chamber!"
Vegeta crossed his arms, "The what?"
"It's a room I found here when I was younger. To us on the outside, it appears that a day has passed, but inside, time is different. An entire year can pass in a day!" Goku exclaimed.
Puzzled looks were spread on everyone's faces as Goku scratched his head, "I know it sounds kind of unbelievable, but it really works! I think we should start training right away!"
Vegeta pushed past his rival, "Right. Give me a week in here and-"
Goku put a hand on his shoulder to stop him, much to Vegeta's distaste. "You can't."
Vegeta threw the hand away, "The heck I can't! You-"
Goku laughed and shook his head, "no, you really can't. You can only stay in the chamber for a day at a time. and even then, you can only go in a couple of times your entire life... It puts too great a strain on you to-"
Vegeta sniffed, "a day then."
Goku, "And two can use the chamber at a time. It might be wise to bring a partner to spar with."
Vegeta rolled his eyes at the delay. "Very well. You, purple haired brat. Come on then."
Trunks took a step back in shock, "ah... right. I'll just be a moment."
Chibi started to protest, but he quieted her with a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll be back before you know it." She nodded slowly and watched his back as he entered the chamber. It would be easy for her, spending only a day without him, but for him, it would be a year... will he still be the same man she held so closely in her heart? All she could do was wait... and once again... hope.