Chapter: 56 I am Back

Kahn's cold, dark eyes locked onto the retreating form of First Form Cell, his voice slicing through the tension like a blade.

"Any last words?"

A palpable wave of killing intent rippled through the battlefield. Even during his earlier clashes with Androids 17 and 18, Kahn hadn't exuded such a sinister aura. This wasn't just a battle—it was an execution.

To Kahn, the grotesque creation known as Cell was an abomination, an insult to life itself. While the Androids' misguided vendetta against Goku was a product of Dr. Gero's programming, Cell embodied something far worse: malice and greed. Kahn had already decided that Cell would not leave this battlefield alive.

Cell, sensing the imminent danger, didn't waste time on bravado. His survival instinct took over as he turned and bolted toward the sky at his maximum speed. The only thought dominating his mind was escape.

However, Kahn remained unfazed. He raised his palm slowly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

"So, running away is your final decision? Allow me to send you off properly."

As he spoke, purple-black energy began to swirl in his hand, crackling with arcs of dark red lightning. The sheer intensity of the energy sent shockwaves rippling through the atmosphere, making even Vegeta and the other Z fighters flinch.

"What… what is this power?!" Vegeta muttered, his usual pride melting into a mix of awe and fear.

"This energy feels… destructive," Piccolo added, his sharp senses immediately identifying the dangerous nature of the attack.

Kahn ignored their reactions. The energy in his palm condensed into a spiraling disk, its violent rotation causing the surrounding air to distort. The overwhelming force was undeniable—this was destruction incarnate.

With calm precision, Kahn whispered the name of his attack.

"Space Annihilation Cannon."

The disk shot forth, tearing through the sky with a sound like the rending of reality itself. Wherever it passed, space seemed to collapse in its wake, leaving behind a trail of jet-black cracks.

First Form Cell didn't even have time to scream. The Annihilation Cannon overtook him, engulfing his form entirely. His energy signature vanished in an instant, leaving no trace behind.

The attack continued its path, piercing through Earth's atmosphere and into the void of space. There was no explosion, no dramatic display—just the cold, silent annihilation of everything in its path. Even the heavens seemed to shudder as the rift in space slowly began to mend itself.

When it was over, the battlefield fell into a stunned silence.

Kahn lowered his hand and glanced at the fading remnants of his attack. "Not bad," he said to himself, his tone almost casual. "Though that was just a fraction of its true power."

The Z fighters stared at him, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and unease.

"Just a fraction?" Vegeta muttered, his pride taking yet another hit. "If that's a fraction, then what would happen if he used his full power?"

Even Piccolo, who prided himself on remaining calm and composed, felt a chill run down his spine. The sheer destructive potential of Kahn's attack was unlike anything they had ever witnessed.

Kahn turned to the group and addressed them with his usual calm demeanor. "Cell's gone. There's no need to worry anymore."

With that, he began to walk away, signaling the end of the battle. Gohan and the others followed, their expressions still dazed.

After Kahn and the Z fighters departed, Android 18 slowly got to her feet, her body still wracked with pain. She glanced at the direction where Cell had been obliterated, then at the spot where Kahn had stood.

Her emotions were a storm of confusion and frustration. "Why did he save me?" she muttered under her breath. "He was ready to kill me just moments ago."

Despite her anger, she couldn't shake the image of Kahn stepping in at the last second, saving her from a fate worse than death. His cold, commanding presence had left an indelible impression on her.

Shaking her head, she turned her attention to Android 17, who was still unconscious nearby. She walked over to him, her steps heavy with exhaustion. "Let's go," she said softly to Android 16, who had been silently watching everything unfold.

The trio left the battlefield, their future uncertain but their lives intact—for now.

After ensuring Goku received the heart virus medicine, Kahn left Mount Paozu without delay. His heart yearned for home, for the one person he had been separated from for five long years—his wife, Vados.

The journey felt like an eternity, even for someone of Kahn's strength and speed. Memories of Vados flooded his mind, each one a reminder of the love and companionship they shared.

In a small house nestled on the outskirts of the city, Vados sat in the living room, her usually serene demeanor replaced by nervous anticipation. She fidgeted with the gold ring on her left hand, the symbol of their bond.

"Honey… it's been so long," she whispered to herself, her voice tinged with both longing and apprehension. "I wonder if you've changed."

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Her heart skipped a beat.

He's here.

Gathering herself, Vados stood and approached the door. But before she could open it, the door creaked open on its own, revealing Kahn's familiar figure.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Vados stared at him, taking in every detail of his face—the maturity in his features, the strength in his posture. He looked different, yet he was still the same man she had fallen in love with.

Kahn's gaze softened as he looked at her. "I'm home," he said, his voice gentle.

Before Vados could respond, Kahn stepped forward and pulled her into a warm embrace. "I'm sorry for making you wait so long," he murmured. "But I'm here now, and I'll make it up to you."

Vados closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clung to him. In that moment, the five years of separation melted away, replaced by the overwhelming joy of reunion.

For Kahn, the battlefield could wait. For now, his focus was on the love he had waited so long to return to.

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To be continued…