Inside the clothing store, Android 18 finally found an outfit she liked.
The light fabric perfectly outlined her figure—her slim waist, full chest, and long toned legs.
She turned slightly, admiring herself from different angles in the mirror.
"This one… is nice."
Her lips curved faintly as her fingers brushed the exposed skin at her waist. A slight blush appeared on her face, as if she had thought of something.
"But… is it too revealing?"
She glanced at another outfit nearby—one that looked more like battle gear—and hesitated. She didn't want to dress like she was ready for a fight anymore. It wasn't pretty.
Just then, a strange noise came from outside—along with a faint groaning sound.
Her brows furrowed in annoyance. That sound ruined her mood.
She casually tossed aside the clothes and walked toward the door.
"17, what are you doing? Can't you wait a little longer?"
But the moment she stepped out, she froze.
A grotesque creature stood before her—covered in green armor-like skin, with an insect-like tail. Its body was swelling and mutating, bones cracking as it evolved.
It was Cell.
Android 18's eyes sharpened.
"Who are you?"
Cell didn't answer. He continued evolving.
She quickly looked around.
"Where's 17?"
At that moment, Cell completed his transformation into his second form. His bulky body looked powerful—but his face was oddly grotesque.
He grinned and pointed to himself.
"Looking for 17? He's right here."
His body twisted—and part of it morphed into Android 17's appearance.
"18, I'm right here."
18's pupils shrank.
"17… what happened to you?!"
Cell smirked.
"This is Dr. Gero's design. When we merge, we become the ultimate being. Come join me… it feels wonderful."
But 18 immediately realized something was wrong.
"That's not him. What did you do to 17?!"
Cell dropped the act.
"He's already part of me. Now… it's your turn."
His tail suddenly expanded and lunged toward her.
18 jumped back and fired an energy blast.
But it did nothing.
Cell brushed it aside effortlessly and appeared in front of her instantly.
"You can't escape."
18 kicked him hard—but it had no effect.
She used the recoil to retreat, but Cell caught up immediately.
Her attacks were useless.
Despair crept in.
Just as his tail was about to swallow her—
A figure suddenly appeared.
A powerful kick smashed into Cell's face, sending him flying.
18 blinked in shock.
"…It's not Goku…" she murmured, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
The man was Android 16.
"18, don't let him absorb you! Run!" he said.
"Who are you? Why are you helping me?"
"No time—just go!"
Cell stood up, furious.
"You again, 16. Useless scrap!"
16 charged, throwing a heavy punch—but Cell didn't even move.
Then—
Cell struck back.
A single blow.
Half of 16's body was destroyed, sparks flying from exposed wires.
"RUN!" 16 shouted.
18's heart pounded.
She turned and fled at full speed.
But behind her—
Cell's voice followed like a nightmare.
"You can't escape…"
His tail closed in again.
The shadow swallowed her.
For the first time—she felt true fear.
And then—
A figure appeared in front of her.
Instantly.
Two fingers on his forehead.
It was Goku.
He grabbed her and vanished with her in an instant, dodging the attack.
18 froze in his arms.
She could feel his warmth… his scent… the steady strength in his body.
All her fear disappeared.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
She looked up at him.
"I… I'm fine. Thank you…"
Her heartbeat skipped.
Goku placed her behind him, facing Cell.
Looking at his back—
For some reason, she felt completely safe.
Her blue eyes softened.
And a strange feeling rose in her heart.
"Is this… what love feels like?"
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