Kamehameha vs. Kamehameha

Beam Struggle

Gohan's one-armed Kamehameha and Cell's Solar Kamehameha erupt at the same moment, and the two beams slam into each other with cataclysmic force. Piccolo shouts for the Z Fighters to get clear, but the shockwave from the collision arrives first, hurling everyone backwards. Mr. Satan, Jimmy Firecracker, and the cameraman Lionel are sent tumbling as well. A swirling sphere of energy forms at the point of impact, growing larger as both fighters pour more power into the deadlock. Earthquake-like tremors rattle the planet from the sheer volume of ki being released.

The Turning Point

The struggle stretches on, and Piccolo watches with growing dread as Gohan begins losing ground. Cell senses victory and declares that the fight is over. From Other World, Goku speaks to Gohan through telepathy once more, insisting that his son is holding back. Gohan protests that he is giving everything he has, but Goku corrects him: Gohan is subconsciously restraining his output for fear of destroying the Earth. Goku reminds him that the Dragon Balls can restore whatever damage follows and urges him to stop worrying. Cell screams a triumphant farewell, confident the planet will be gone in seconds.

Vegeta's Intervention

At that critical moment, a Galick Blazer slams into the back of Cell's head. Cell whips around in confusion and spots Vegeta hovering behind him, arm still extended. The distraction lasts only an instant, but Goku senses the shift immediately and roars at Gohan to release his full power now. Gohan complies without hesitation, flooding the beam with every last reserve of energy. Cell snaps back toward the oncoming wave, but it is already too late. The amplified Kamehameha swallows him whole. As his body disintegrates, Cell screams that this is impossible, that he is supposed to be invincible. Every cell in his body is vaporized, leaving nothing behind. The beam dissipates, and an utterly spent Gohan drops out of Super Saiyan 2, reverting to his base form as he collapses onto the ravaged ground. The Z Fighters stare in disbelief, while on Snake Way, Goku pumps his fist in celebration. Lying in the dirt, Gohan allows himself a small, exhausted smile.