Waiting in the Wings

Blow for Blow

Piccolo and Android 17 land on another island after obliterating the first. Android 17 compliments Piccolo's surprising strength but maintains his arrogance, insisting that it will never be enough to truly defeat the androids. He demands Goku's location again, and when Piccolo refuses, 17 decides to continue fighting until Piccolo changes his mind. The two stand perfectly still, studying each other, before 17 lashes out with a punch so fast Piccolo cannot even attempt to dodge. Piccolo recovers and swings at 17's face, but 17 ducks beneath the strike and drives a devastating blow into Piccolo's stomach, then elbows him into the ground. Piccolo rises, dodges a follow-up kick with a backflip, and acknowledges 17's incredible speed while noting that his punches lack real force. Stung by the remark, 17 charges. The two exchange a furious flurry of strikes and counters, with neither gaining a clear advantage. Android 18 looks on in disbelief at how evenly they are matched.

A Remote and a Race

Cell continues flying at top speed toward the battlefield, intent on absorbing Androids 17 and 18 to reach perfection. At Kame House, Tien Shinhan and Krillin feel Piccolo's energy spiking and also sense Cell approaching. Chi-Chi runs outside to tell them Bulma is calling with urgent news. Over the phone, Bulma announces she has built a Shut Down Remote that can deactivate the androids. Krillin tells her to bring it immediately since Piccolo is already fighting. Tien sees a glimmer of hope: if the androids are destroyed, Cell loses his path to perfection. Krillin, however, feels conflicted at the thought of having to destroy Android 18.

Cell Arrives

On the Lookout, Goku and Gohan sense Cell's energy hurtling toward Piccolo. Goku grows impatient, certain Vegeta should have achieved a new Super Saiyan form by now. Back on the island, Piccolo fires another Explosive Demon Wave that connects with 17. He begins breathing heavily from exhaustion, and 17 grins, reminding Piccolo that his own energy supply is infinite. Before Piccolo can respond, he senses a powerful new presence. Cell has arrived.