My First Step Towards Power Began When I Married Vados

"Ugh… Gohan!"

Goku's voice trembled as he struggled against the crippling pain of his heart ailment. He could hardly stand, let alone fight.

"Goku, you should focus on surviving," came an icy voice from behind.

Goku weakly turned and found Android 17 glaring at him, eyes brimming with lethal intent.

"Sorry, Goku, but I have orders from Dr. Gero," Android 17 said. "You have to die—heart disease or not."

"Goku… Goku…"

"Damn it, there's nobody left to stop them!"

"If Kahn were here, this would never happen…"

"Mmm…"

Krillin, Tien Shinhan, and the other Z Fighters watched helplessly. Even though they were some of Earth's strongest humans, these Androids—and the Saiyans—operated on a whole different level. Goku was as helpless as a fish on a cutting board.

Standing off to one side, Vegeta observed the moment, his thoughts racing back to the past. He remembered when he, Nappa, and Raditz first arrived on Earth, effortlessly crushing the Z Fighters and leaving Goku on the brink of death. Back then, Kahn had appeared and changed everything.

"Tch…" Vegeta scoffed quietly. But now… now was different. He'd trained hard and believed himself just as strong as Kahn—no reason to fear him anymore.

Meanwhile, Android 17 raised his right hand, conjuring a glowing orb of ki that shimmered with deadly force. "I've already dealt with the rest of these pests. Now nothing stands between me and your destruction, Goku."

Android 16, Android 18, and Vegeta looked on impassively, while the Z Fighters stood by in horror, furious at their own powerlessness.

"Dad…"

Gohan's voice was thick with agony and frustration. He was too badly injured to lift a finger; if he charged in now, he'd only get killed alongside his father. There was only one person he could think of who might save Goku.

"Goodbye, Goku," Android 17 announced.

Boom!

He unleashed the ki blast; it cut through the air in a blazing streak, heading straight for Goku.

Eyes wide, Gohan screamed, "Uncle Ka—!"

Boom!

An instant before the blast struck Goku, the sphere of energy was suddenly knocked away, veering off into the distance and obliterating a mountainside in a deafening explosion.

"What the hell…?"

Android 17 froze, brow furrowing at this unthinkable interruption.

"He's here!"

Vegeta snapped to attention, every muscle tensing as if bracing for an oncoming threat. His gaze darted around frantically.

"What just happened?"

Android 16 and Android 18 shared a glance, their unease growing.

"It's gotta be Kahn!"

Krillin's face lit up with hope. "He's finally back!"

"Where is he?!"

All eyes searched the area, but no one could see Kahn yet.

Suddenly, a powerful voice resonated through the battlefield, "So you think you can threaten my brother?"

It echoed like thunder, laced with anger. Gohan turned, and in that moment, he saw a figure appear as if from thin air—tall, imposing, dressed in orange fighting gear. The man's face was handsome yet fierce, his sheer presence radiating authority and confidence.

"Uncle Kahn!" Gohan exclaimed, overwhelmed with relief.

"K-Kahn?"

Vegeta's eyes widened. He followed Gohan's line of sight and spotted the very figure he'd been wanting to see. Kahn stood protectively in front of Goku, an aura of silent menace rolling off him. It was obvious how formidable he was—even more so than Vegeta remembered.

"Kahn's here! Yes!"

Krillin and Yamcha could only stare, relief mingling with awe. They could practically feel the tension melt away. They'd seen him in action before, and if any of them understood Kahn's power, it was these two. Suddenly, the impossible felt possible again.

Turning sharply, Android 17 found himself face-to-face with Kahn's steely gaze. The Android's confident smirk faltered a bit; in contrast to Kahn's tall, muscular form, Android 17 looked almost scrawny.

"I guess you're Kahn," 17 said, trying to keep his composure. He remembered Dr. Gero's research notes on Kahn—but they hadn't hinted at anything like this.

"17, get back!"

Android 18 yelled, sensing Kahn's dangerous aura. But 17 found himself pinned by the sheer force of Kahn's presence, as if gravity had tripled in an instant.

Kahn glared at Android 17. "You dare go after my brother life? It seems you all have a death wish."

Boom!

A surge of crushing energy rolled off Kahn, and 17 staggered, fighting an invisible weight that made his head pound.

"Argh!"

17 managed, gritting his teeth. "Damn it, so this is Kahn's power…"

"Don't worry," Kahn said icily. "First you'll pay for what you did to Goku,"

"17!" Android 18 shouted, but she soon caught the attention of Khan himself.

Khan turned his head to look at Android 18 and raised his finger pointing at her, "And you—Don't worry bitch, I'll settle the account with you next for how you treated my nephew. Maybe I'll slap the shit out of you."

Android 18 shuddered and sweat dropped off her brow.

Khan turned back to Android 17 and like lightning he shot forward.

Wham!

In a single, blur-quick motion, Android 17 flew backward as if shot from a cannon, crashing through a massive boulder and smashing it to pieces. He finally tumbled to the ground, limp and unconscious, limbs splayed haphazardly.

One blow. That was all it took.

The same Android 17 who had trounced even Piccolo in minutes was down for the count, courtesy of Kahn.

All around the battlefield, jaws dropped. The Z Fighters, moments ago facing certain doom, now felt a surge of hope. Kahn's return had changed the entire game in the blink of an eye.

"Wow… he's so strong!"

"Android 17 didn't even get a chance to fight back…"

"I can't believe how far Kahn's power has come in these few years!"

The Z Fighters stood in shock, each marveling at the power they'd just witnessed. Before, they could still sense Kahn's energy. Now, with him standing right there, it felt immeasurable.

It was sobering—but also a relief. If Kahn's strength merely matched the Androids', they'd still be in danger. Instead, he seemed to have soared past them by several dimensions.

On the far side, Vegeta locked his gaze on Kahn, his heart pounding with equal parts awe and frustration.

"How did he even land that blow just now? I never saw him move!"

Vegeta had been certain he could match Kahn, but he couldn't even follow Kahn's attack. Worse, Kahn wasn't even in Super Saiyan form.

"Damn it…" Vegeta seethed inwardly, "I thought I'd closed the gap, but it's bigger than ever! What did that bastard do over these five years!?"

Meanwhile, Android 18 bent down beside the unconscious Android 17, tapping his cheek.

"C'mon, 17… wake up."

No response.

Android 16 approached, placing a hand gently on Android 17's shoulder. "He's alive, just knocked out. He'll come around eventually." Turning to Kahn, Android 16's expression tightened. "But we can't take him. He's too strong."

Android 18 clenched her jaw. 16 was right—fighting Kahn now was suicide. They had to retreat or risk total annihilation.

Swallowing her pride, Android 18 hoisted Android 17's limp form. "16, we're leaving—now."

"Understood."

Android 16 nodded, and the trio began to pull away.

"Did I say you could go?"

Kahn's icy voice cracked across the field. Android 16 and Android 18 suddenly felt as though a mountain had dropped onto their shoulders, leaving them unable to move.

"Are you kidding me…?" Android 18 hissed, fear flashing across her eyes.

"Dr. Gero's data never said he was anywhere near this strong!"

Kahn scoffed. "You're relying on that outdated fool's notes? Pathetic."

He took a step forward—instantly crossing dozens of yards—and appeared mere inches from Android 18. Her face went white; she'd never seen anyone move that fast.

"You liked pummeling my nephew, didn't you, 18?"

Kahn's anger was palpable. Yes, Android 18 was beautiful—short blonde hair, blue eyes, curves in all the right places. But he didn't care. Not after what she'd done to Gohan and tried to do to Goku.

"W-What do you want?!"Android 18 snapped, her voice trembling in spite of herself.

Kahn's tone was cold as steel. "I want payback for my family."

He raised his right hand and—

Slap!

The open palm crashed against Android 18's perfect face, flipping her over several times before she slammed into the ground. A dark bruise instantly formed on her cheek.

"You… you bastard!"

Android 18 struggled to her feet, a mixture of rage and humiliation blazing in her eyes. Never had she been so demeaned in front of anyone.

"I'll kill you!"

She charged Kahn, eyes burning with fury.

"Begone."

His chilling glare alone blasted a wave of ki that slammed into her.

"Agh!"

Android 18 soared backward like a rag doll, crashing hard onto the ground.

She coughed, blood spotting her lips. Her disheveled blond hair and pale face gave her a tragic look that would have inspired pity in almost anyone but Kahn.

"Yes! That's what I'm talkin' about!"

"17 got one-shot, now 18 too! Kahn is on another level!"

"It's incredible! Five years was all it took for him to become a monster!"

The Z Fighters watched in awe, their dread replaced by profound relief. Minutes ago, Goku's life had been seconds away from ending. Now, the Androids were learning a bitter lesson in fear.

It was deeply satisfying, seeing Android 17 and Android 18—who had toyed with Gohan—now lying on the ground like broken puppets.

Kahn turned to Android 16, standing a short distance away.

"Well?" he said coolly. "Do you want to try your luck, too?"

Android 16's gaze held steady for a moment, then he took one step back. That was all. No words were needed to show he wasn't about to pick a fight he couldn't possibly win.

Kahn inclined his head slightly. He believed in handling friend and foe according to their deeds, and though Android 16's mission was also to kill Goku, he hadn't attacked when Goku was helpless. Kahn could honor that restraint.

Android 16 wisely chose not to challenge Kahn, staying out of the conflict entirely. He knew full well that anyone capable of defeating Android 17 and Android 18 so easily could also handle him without much trouble.

Suddenly, Kahn shifted his focus to Vegeta, who stood not far away. "I hear you planned on challenging me. Called me a coward, did you?"

Though Kahn hadn't been physically there a few moments ago, he'd seen everything through the projection on Whis's Angel Staff. He knew exactly why Vegeta had come to Earth.

Feeling Kahn's gaze, Vegeta's confidence faltered. He'd come here so sure of his power, but now he could barely keep himself from shaking. Even standing near Kahn, he felt an overwhelming oppression. If he actually fought him, would he end up like 17 or 18—defeated in a single move?

"You… you misunderstood," Vegeta mumbled, looking away. Gone was the arrogant swagger he'd shown upon arrival. "I never said you were a coward."

Kahn bared his teeth in a grin that made Vegeta's scalp prickle. "Really? Then you wanting to challenge me was true enough, right? It's been a few years since we last met, and it looks like your self-confidence is back."

Kahn gave Vegeta a quick once-over, instantly analyzing his current power. While Vegeta's 'Super Saiyan Full Power' form was decent for this time around, it was still pitifully weak compared to Kahn.

"You must think you've surpassed me," Kahn went on, "but I'll accept your challenge anyway. Let's see what you've got."

He hooked a finger at Vegeta, signaling him to begin whenever he pleased.

"Tch…"

Vegeta's eyelid twitched. At this point, he couldn't just walk away, not after all the taunting he'd done. To back down now would be the ultimate humiliation for a Saiyan Prince.

With a burst of golden light, Vegeta tapped into his Super Saiyan Full Power once again. Curling one hand into a fist, he yelled, "Tremble! Kahn, this is the power of Vegeta! The prince of all Saiyans!"

"Mhm," Kahn said calmly. "Pretty good. Now, come at me."

"Yah!"

Vegeta launched forward, cracking the ground beneath him as he charged at lightning speed. He threw a powerful punch aimed right for Kahn's face.

But Kahn remained still, arms folded behind his back, making no move to dodge or block. He let Vegeta's fist strike him head-on.

Bang!

Despite Vegeta pouring all his strength into that blow, Kahn didn't so much as blink. Not even a slight wobble. Vegeta's eyes went wide in shock.

"Wh-what?! My punch… did nothing…"

Kahn opened his mouth to deliver some biting remark—but before he could speak, Vegeta suddenly let out a "Gwah!" and went flying on his own, reverting to his normal form as he hit the ground with a thud.

"Uh…?"

Everyone, including Kahn, wore the same confused expression.

"Uhh… what just happened?"

Krillin and the other Z Fighters had question marks practically dancing above their heads. Kahn obviously hadn't even touched Vegeta, so why was he sprawling on the ground?

Vegeta, half-reclining on the scorched earth, clutched his chest. "So… so strong…"

Kahn raised an eyebrow. "Vegeta, I didn't even hit you. Did you just… knock yourself out?"

Hearing that, the Z Fighters were more bewildered than ever. They'd clearly witnessed Kahn doing absolutely nothing, yet Vegeta had gone flying.

Faced with this embarrassment, Vegeta flushed. But then he turned his face away, saying in a strained voice, "It just… shows how powerful you are, Kahn."

His pride wouldn't let him outright run, but it also wouldn't let him keep fighting this unstoppable foe. Sometimes, you just have to swallow your pride.

Krillin nearly burst out laughing. "Vegeta, you're killin' me! You came to challenge Kahn, and now this?"

"Shut up," Vegeta growled, his eyelid twitching ominously.

"What are you gonna do if I don't?" Krillin countered, making a goofy face. It was clear that, with Kahn around, Vegeta wouldn't dare harm him.

Kahn raised a hand to settle them down. "Alright, that's enough bickering. Is anyone here still able to move?"

A chorus of affirmations rang out. Everyone had just enough energy left to fly away.

"Piccolo," Kahn said, "you and Gohan take Goku back. I'll figure out how to treat his heart disease. Everyone else… head home and rest."

Piccolo nodded in agreement. He may have once been Goku's enemy, but now they were allies. "No problem."

Turning to Vegeta, Kahn asked, "What about you?"

Vegeta stood up, trying to regain a scrap of dignity. "Can I… stay here on Earth? I want to see how you train. Maybe learn a thing or two."

Seeing Kahn's display today, Vegeta no longer dared believe he could surpass him outright. He just wanted to close the gap, even a little. Besides, if he left Earth, he had nowhere to go. His only real goal now was to grow stronger.

"Suit yourself," Kahn said curtly.

Unseen by any of them, a hidden figure watched from the shadows, eyes gleaming with predatory interest at the sight of Android 17 and Android 18 lying injured.

Before anyone could depart, a streak of green burst out from behind a nearby rock with a chilling whoosh, snake-like eyes fixed on the Androids, who lay beaten and injured.

"You worthless fighters," hissed the reptilian figure. "Android 17 and 18 belong to me—your precious Cell!"

A new threat had just arrived, and the battle was far from over.

…

(Side note— this is chapter 52, 53 and 54 of the mtl. The chapters are only like 700 words so I put them together. It's how I've been doing it since the beginning. Okay bye now. :))