Cell vs. the Androids

Cell's Arrival

Cell gazes down at Piccolo and Android 17 with open anticipation, declaring that the time has finally come to absorb Androids 17 and 18 and achieve perfection. Android 17 has no idea who Cell is, which surprises Piccolo. Cell also notices Android 16 but dismisses him as a weaker model not worth his attention. As Cell descends and begins powering up, Piccolo notes that his ki has risen dramatically since their previous encounter. Piccolo demands to know how many people Cell absorbed to gain this strength. Cell chuckles and claims they are not victims but part of something greater.

The Scramble

At Kame House, Krillin, Master Roshi, Tien Shinhan, and Chi-Chi wait anxiously for word from the battlefield. Tien feels hopeless now that Cell's power has grown so much, and Roshi estimates Bulma will arrive with the Shut Down Remote in about twenty minutes. Krillin realizes he can simply fly to Bulma and cut the wait to a minute or two. He speeds off immediately. Tien then decides he cannot sit idle any longer and launches toward the island to help Piccolo. Roshi, frustrated by his own inability to contribute, reflects on the days when he was considered the strongest fighter on Earth.

Cell Overpowers 17

On the island, Android 17 orders Cell to leave so he can finish his fight with Piccolo, but Cell responds by raising his tail. Piccolo shouts at 17 to run, warning him that Cell intends to absorb him. Cell strikes with his tail, narrowly missing 17, and continues pressing the attack. Though 17 dodges several strikes, Cell catches him by the arm and hurls him into the ground. Piccolo kicks Cell in the face to separate him from 17. When the confused android asks why this creature needs to absorb him, Piccolo explains that Cell is an artificial being created by Dr. Gero's supercomputer, designed to absorb 17 and 18 to become complete. Cell tries to persuade Android 17 to comply willingly, but 17 refuses. Android 16 urges 17 to flee, yet 17 stubbornly charges at Cell and is elbowed into the earth. Piccolo rushes in to help.