The End of the Cell Game

Cell's Final Gambit

The Z Fighters watch in confusion as Cell's body continues to balloon outward. Even Gohan, who has been unshakable since achieving Super Saiyan 2, shows visible concern for the first time. Cell announces that he will self-destruct within sixty seconds, and the resulting explosion will wipe the Earth from existence. The fighters are stunned. Gohan furiously tells Cell he will not allow it and prepares to strike, but Cell warns that any physical impact will detonate him instantly, accelerating the planet's destruction.

Gohan freezes, trapped by the ultimatum. Cell gleefully counts down. At thirty seconds, Yamcha shouts that they need to act, but Piccolo shakes his head and says nothing can be done. At twenty seconds, Gohan remembers his father's plea to finish Cell immediately and drops to his knees, overwhelmed by the realization that his desire to prolong Cell's suffering has led to this catastrophe.

Goku's Sacrifice

With ten seconds left, Goku turns to face the other fighters. Krillin asks what he is thinking, and Goku says quietly that he cannot find any other way to save the planet. He tells them goodbye and raises two fingers to his forehead in the Instant Transmission pose. Cell, unaware of what is happening, laughs and proclaims that the Cell Games have ended in a draw.

Goku vanishes and reappears directly beside Cell. He places one hand on the android's body, looks at Gohan, and tells his son he is proud of him. He asks Gohan to tell Chi-Chi that he is sorry. Goku triggers Instant Transmission and disappears with Cell. They rematerialize on King Kai's tiny planet. Goku offers a brief apology, explaining it was the only safe destination he could reach. Cell detonates an instant later. The explosion obliterates the planet and kills Goku, King Kai, and Bubbles. Back on Earth, the Z Fighters stand in stunned silence. Krillin falls to his knees, overcome with grief.