Disclaimer: Dragonball (Z/Kai) is owned by Akira Toriyama

Title: Cellular Rewind
Author: Nada
Rating: T for Teen
Genre: Adventure, Family, Angst, Humorous
Pairings: None
Warning: OOC-ness, Crap quality, Alternate Universe

Nada: Here's the thing, I wrote this story in 2010-2011 so it's kinda crappy compared to my latest works (which I conveniently haven't posted on here.) It's the first DBZ fanfic I wrote (followed by Crazy Eights) but decided I didn't want to post it because I thought it was crap (even though it was really fun to write.) This plot actually isn't entirely mine, but the one story I read that had a plot like this was really bad and I thought the idea had potential, thus, this story was born. The genres aren't entirely accurate either, but I had to make due.

This story takes place post-Cell Games and, yes, you will definitely see the over abused "time travel" and "Gohan guilt" patterns that pop up all the time in the Gohan part of the fandom. However, this story really isn't about the angst. It's there, but it's not the main focus.

Prologue

He couldn't believe it was possible. He couldn't believe that a mere child could ever make him cower in fear. No, that was impossible. No child his age could ever posses such power, it was unfathomable. No, that boy was no child. He was a monster, a monster that needed to be exterminated before it grew even more powerful.

His fists clenched tightly at the thought. His memories replayed the hours leading up to his "self-destruction".

He had grossly underestimated the lad. To think that out of all the fighters he had faced, it was a mere child that had brought him to his knees-literally!

Cell growled. He felt the energy within his being swell in rage but he managed to calm himself, allowing his energy to drop low enough that detecting his presence would be near impossible. The last thing he wanted was to be detected by the fighters below, not that he didn't already possess enough power to destroy them all if he wanted to. It was that boy he didn't want to alarm.

At his present state, Cell was very much aware that fighting the child again would do him no good. Their powers were at equal match and considering how easily emotional that boy could get he wouldn't be surprised if the half-breed garnered the advantage. He couldn't risk it, despite how much he wanted to.

Cell needed a plan, something that would give him greater advantage over the demi-saiyan. Something like-

"A time machine," the android grinned. His mind flashed back to an era that seemed so long ago despite the fact it had yet to happen.

Yes, a time machine! Traveling back to a time before the boy could hardly be considered a threat seemed like a good idea to him, perhaps not quite as entertaining as he would like, but to watch the demi-saiyan-as well as everyone else-cower in fear to his power made it all the more worth it.

Cell crossed his arms and closed his eyes in thought. He could afford to be patient, he had waited his entire existence to reach true perfection and if he wanted to annihilate the filth of the universe then he would need a careful plan.

After all, he needed his plan to be absolutely perfect in order to demonstrate the true meaning of fear to Son Gohan.

-x-X-x-

Gohan stood watching the others use up their last remaining wish on removing the bombs from inside Androids Seventeen and Eighteen, his mind wandered back to Goku's last words only a few moments ago. He pushed the thoughts aside; it wasn't the right time to address them just yet. He should be happy like the others; Cell was defeated, even if it was at the price of their beloved companion.

But still, the Planet was saved, the wounds of Cell's destruction were healed thanks to the power of the dragon balls and yet…

The boy sighed heavily, snapping himself out of his gloomy thoughts when the sky suddenly brightened once more. Shenron's presence faded from the Earth, disappearing in a flash of yellow light as the seven spheres instantly parted from the Look Out.

"I can't believe it's actually over," he overheard Yamcha say to Tien and Krillin. "It feels so weird saying it. Earth is finally at peace."

No thanks to me. Gohan grumbled inwardly. If only I listened to Dad and killed Cell when I had the chance… He would still be here…

The black haired demi-saiyan shook his head. He tried his best to shake away the unnecessary thoughts from his mind. It didn't matter now; he tried to tell himself, it was done. Cell was dead. Goku was dead. Earth was at peace that was all that mattered.

"At least it's-" he stopped mid-sentence, the hairs on the back of his neck erected as though a cold chill ran up his spine. He spun around in place, his dark eyes widening in disbelief as he scanned the air for something he knew he couldn't see. He knew that familiar feeling.

He knew that energy signature all too well; that familiar unpleasant sensation that brought dread and despair to the pit of his stomach. Gohan refused to believe it were possible. His Dad sacrificed himself to save the planet, they all had seen it! How could Cell still be alive?

Without a word, or so much as a warning, the eleven-year-old shot into the air and dived into the direction of Cell's ki signature, feeling the awful mixture of energy surge in power like he was ready to attack.

Gohan's heart picked up speed, pumping adrenaline hurriedly throughout his veins. In a flash of light, he transformed, his onyx colored hair spiked upward into sharp spikes and shimmered a brilliant gold; his coal colored eyes flashed teal-green. With a surge of energy, he pushed down his ki toward his feet and blasted away from sight.

He was gone before the others could even stop him.

-x-X-x-

"Cell!" Gohan screamed the moment he touched ground.

He glanced around the surrounding area, though his eyes stung from the black smoke bellowing out of one of the destroyed buildings. Gohan wandered the path of Capsule Corp. cautiously, tuning out the panicked screams of the workers as they evacuated the building. He focused on sensing Cell's energy, but found no trace of it, much to his chagrin.

"Cell!" He yelled again, the smoke around him swirled in energy induced wind. "Show yourself you coward!"

As if on cue, a crimson colored beam flashed through the smoke, catching the young warrior off guard from behind. Gohan spun around at the sudden spike of energy, but it was too late. The attack tore through his shoulder-tearing through thick layers of muscle and shattering his joint bone in between.

He cried out in agony, clutching the wound tightly as blood began to trickle down his arm and drip onto the dirt below. Cell's familiar chuckle sounded from behind the thinning veil of smoke. He was very much alive.

"That should slow you down, boy." the android smirked, climbing into the Time Machine Trunks rode in. "I would love to stay and have a re-match but I've got power to obtain and a future to remake." the creature laughed, sliding the oval shaped windshield in place.

Gohan watched in horror as the ship took off into the air and vanished, taking Cell where ever he pleased.

"NO!" He screamed, collapsing to his knees.

With his right hand soaked with blood from clutching his wound, he slammed his fist onto the ground, his eyes shut tightly in hopes of restraining his frustrated tears. How could this have happened? How could Cell be alive? Was his father's death in vain?

"DAMN IT!" He screamed again, slamming a bloody fist into the ground again. His golden aura flared in a surge of power. It kicked up dust and dirt all around him like a swirling tornado until it all seemed to die away. He was left crouched on the ground like a broken soul.

He had been so caught up in his moment of rage that he failed to sense the rest of the Z-fighters land behind him. A collective sound of gasps escaped their lips from the damage done to Capsule Corporation. Luckily, it looked like the damage wasn't too extreme.

"Gohan," came the gruff voice of Piccolo, who approached the boy with a hint of concern flashing in his eyes, though it was well masked from his face. "What happened?"

"You're injured again," Krillin stated pointlessly. He kneeled beside the distraught boy. "Jeez, you sure get yourself hurt almost as easily as your Dad."

"Krillin," Gohan managed, his whole frame trembling from the mixture of emotions and pain that swirled through his body like a hurricane. He lifted his head, casting teary teal eyes at the bald headed fighter before turning his gaze away toward the Namekian now standing beside him. The others still lingered behind. "It was Cell. He's still alive!"

"Alive?!" Krillin gulped, the other fighters tensed at the revelation.

"So that energy we felt before wasn't in our heads." Tien muttered. He cast a glance to Yamcha, who visibly dropped his shoulders in dejection.

"Oh man," the man exhaled, dishearten, "And just when I was getting used to the idea of Earth being at peace again."

"Then where is he now?!" the Saiyan prince demanded fiercely. "Why can't I sense his energy anywhere?!"

Gohan eyed the clearing. The smoke from before no longer obstructed his view of the backyard, or what was supposed to be the backyard. To the other's surprise-and Trunks's horror-only one Time Machine stood in place, with its rust from the years of enduring stormy weather gleaming dully beneath the ray of light. Its moss still clung onto the metal body of the machine despite all the commotion that had gone on earlier.

Beside the rusted old machine, or at least what was supposed to be beside it, was an empty patch of grass still indented slightly with imprints of Trunks's Time Machine.

"My Time Machine!" the lavender haired demi-saiyan exclaimed, blue eyes widening disbelievingly at the barren sight. "Wh-where-?"

"Cell…"

A heavy silence surrounded them as they tried to digest the shocking revelation. Whatever joy and relief they felt before completely vanished, replaced with nothing but frustration, for Cell's return, and sorrow, for having Goku's death be in vain.

Gohan clenched his fist. He forced himself to his feet and straightened his back, feeling the fire of his rage suddenly flare again. "I'm going after him." He declared, his brows furrowing in determination. "I'm the only one strong enough that can defeat him." He lowered his eyes slightly, the words of his father suddenly echoing within his ears. "I won't let Dad's death be in vain."

"You've already had your chance and failed. Such power is wasted on a mere child!" Vegeta spat.

"Father!"

"Vegeta!"

"If anyone is to defeat that monstrous creation it'll be me, the Prince of all Saiyans, not some soft minded child!"

"Haven't you learned your lesson? You're not strong enough to face Cell!" Krillin argued despite the threatening glare the full blooded prince was giving him.

"Hmph, I am far stronger now than when the Cell Games began."

"Father please," Trunks tried, "If you're stronger now than imagine how much more so Gohan is."

"Face it Vegeta," Piccolo started, his eyes narrowing on the agitated prince. "Gohan still has the advantage over you. Without the next level of Super Saiyan, you won't stand a chance."

The elder Saiyan growled in irritation, yet he crossed his burly arms against his chest without another word, much to the surprise of everyone.

"Please…" the half-breed tried again, his body growing tired from the blood loss he had yet to attend to. "I have to do this. Just give me the chance!"

Tien and Yamcha exchanged similar glances of approval, neither one of them seeing anything wrong with the boy's plea. Vegeta made no sign of approval or disapproval. Instead, he surveyed the damage done to Capsule Corp while Trunks looked concerned over the plan, yet like his father, said nothing of it.

After a moment of silence all around, Piccolo rested a large green hand over the kid's unwounded shoulder and said, "Looks like no one's going to stop you kid."

Gohan flashed his old mentor a grateful smile. Suddenly, his vision swam out of focus and his body staggered backward into Piccolo's embrace.

"Whoa there," Krillin chuckled, dark eyes assessing the damage done to the boy's arm. "Before we do anything, we should get back to the Look Out and have Dende heal that arm of yours."

The boy glanced at the arm in question for a moment. The pain, which had subsided into a dull throb throughout their confrontation, suddenly blossomed into an overwhelming ache. He winced, turning away from the wound and flashed Krillin a care-free smile. "Oh right, haha."

-x-X-x-

"Are you sure you want to go through with this?" Trunks asked for the fifth time that day.

After Dende healed his arm and explaining the situation to Dr. Briefs, the others re-gathered around the back of the damaged Capsule Corp. building, waiting for Dr. Briefs to finish the repairs on their remaining time machine.

"I have to do this," the younger demi-Saiyan replied, his eyes practically burning with determination. "I won't let Cell get away with what he's done." He looked away from the mossy time machine and glanced up at the tall lavender haired fighter beside him. "Don't worry, I'll be okay."

"That's not what I'm worried about," Trunks exhaled, closing his eyes for a moment. "Gohan, time traveling is risky business. There are a lot of things that could alter the outcome of the future."

"That doesn't mean I'll let Cell alter somebody else's future."

"You can't just waltz up into an alternate timeline to stop him either. The slightest thing could ruin the original flow of the timeline!"

"That certainly didn't stop you, now did it?"

The two half-breeds glared at each other angrily. Trunks was to first to break their stubborn glare off with a sigh. He crossed his arms and turned his attention toward the time machine Dr. Briefs refilled with fuel.

"How are you going to find him? He could be anywhere in time right now."

"I don't know yet," the boy admitted sheepishly, his hand automatically rubbed the back of his neck habitually. "But I have a hunch!"

Trunks stared at the boy with wide eyes, completely floored at the boy's willingness to time travel without a definite destination in mind. Before he could get the chance to reply, Gohan gave the future fighter a bright confident smile that could assuage any doubt from the elder boy's mind.

"Don't worry Trunks! I think I know where Cell will go. Trust me on this."

The lavender haired fighter snapped out of his shock and quickly flashed the eleven-year-old a small smile. "Okay, I'll trust you, Gohan."

"Well it's finished!" they heard Dr. Briefs exclaim. He wiped the sweat away from his brow with the back of his lab coat sleeve. "This baby has enough juice for at least a roundtrip, depending how far back in time one wants to travel, of course."

Dr. Briefs took a step back, examining the mossy, rusted machine with a scientist's pride. Piccolo eyed the machine with skepticism, a part of him uneasy about the condition of the contraption. Yet, one look at Gohan's determined face kept him from saying a word. Instead, he turned to the boy and said, "Are you ready for this?"

Gohan tore his eyes away from the machine to the Namekian and nodded his head. "I'm ready."

"Be careful Gohan."

Gohan gave his friends an assuring smile before climbing into the time machine. He plugged in the numbers of the time era he was sure Cell would appear in. A subconscious part of him hoped the time machine had enough fuel to travel back home from such a distance, though, he had a sinking suspicion that it wouldn't.

The Z-fighters (and Dr. Briefs) backed away from the ship as it began to rumble to life. The engines spewed out fire and smoke onto the grass with enough force to lift the heavy metal body of the machine off the ground. With a wave goodbye, Gohan pressed the button he recognized would launch the ship, and in a matter of seconds, he vanished.

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Trunks muttered uneasily.

He turned around, accessing the damage done to his temporary home and wondered what his mother's reaction would be once she found out about all that has happened when Krillin's voice suddenly filled the air.

"Oh no!" the short fighter smacked himself hard in the forehead with his hand. "Who's going to break the news to Chichi?"

Silence fell among them.

Nada: Here goes nothing, haha. I tried to keep everyone in character when I was writing this originally and Vegeta gave me a bitch of a time. He's easier now, but that's probably because DBZ Abridged tainted my perception of him. Anyway, hoping to hear comments on this. Regardless if the story does well or not, Cellular Rewind is already done. It's just a matter of posting up the chapters for anyone who's interested.