Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ New Surprises ❯ Piccolo's decision ( Chapter 4 )

Piccolo stood outside the outlook staring down at the earth below.

His mind was confused and worried. He just didn't know what to do. He sighed deeply. He should mediate on this but for the first time in his life his mind was too restless to slip into mediation.

And all of this because of what Dende had to tell him.

No…it wasn't Dende's fault. He was just the messenger.

It was his body that was to blame. It was betraying him. Why now…why at all? He just didn't understand.

Piccolo shifted slightly when he heard footsteps. Turning slightly he made a face as the god of the earth approached.

Dende: Are you ok Piccolo?

Piccolo: NO I'm not!

Dende shook his head and looked down at the earth. As always he heard the soft mutterings. As thousands, no millions of humans and other folk prayed to their god…or gods. It didn't matter what they worshiped he heard them all.

That was the part of this job that Dende hated most…and loved.

He loved to help people and make their wishes come true. He hated hearing a buzz in his head 24 7. It took a lot to drown out their voices. He could hear Piccolo's voice added to the list. Wishing was the same as praying to the powers. He probably didn't even realize Dende could hear him. He was wishing for his problem to go away. He didn't want to deal with this. He wasn't going to deal with this.

Dende didn't like the sound of that…so he searched for other voices.

He closed his eyes shifting though several voices at once. On in particular stood out from the rest. A young woman…she was wishing with all her heart and soul for the very thing Piccolo was rejecting.

Dende: You know there are people on earth that would do anything for this. I can hear them now.

Piccolo growled.

Piccolo: Then give it to them…and take this away from me! I know you can do it Dende.

Dende was taken aback. This was wrong and Piccolo knew it.

Piccolo's anger steamed within. He knew the answer to his request before he asked. He knew Dende he would not do anything like this.

Beside Kami wouldn't allow him. He had allowed Piccolo to blurt out that horrible idea only because he knew Dende wouldn't.

Damn that old Namek! Just a small Ki blast and everything would be over. He wouldn't be dealing with this! Damn him!

The old Geezer was actually happy about it.

Well Piccolo was not!

Dende: I will not!

Another thought entered his head. Normally he wouldn't even consider it. But he wasn't in his right mind.

Piccolo: If you had anything to do with this!

Dende took a step back from the angry Namek.

Dende: Piccolo you know better.

Piccolo sighed and with a flexing of his ki rose into the air. He had to get out of her. Dende was making him feel worst.

Dende watched as he speed away without another word. Testament to how upset he was. Piccolo was never rude to him. Poor Piccolo…

Dende focused on the voice he heard earlier.

He felt her pain and her deep want.

Dende: You're wish is granted.

A new life began.

Goku or as most people called him `Little Goku' hung back as his name sake started to tell his story.

He had never met this grandfather before, so he wasn't sure what to make of him. For one thing he could see why people called him a perfect mix of his two grandfathers. Even Goku could see this. It was such a subtle blend that one couldn't tell where one grandfather's feature began and the other's ended.

Second there was something wrong. The guy seemed nice enough…but there was something about him, an aloofness that discouraged Goku from mingling with his Grandfather.

Goku narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. If anyone were to look at him now they would be surprised at how much of Vegeta reared its head in him.

What was it about this Goku, his Grandfather that seemed wrong? Little Goku just couldn't place this Saiy-jin with the stories that his mother and father (Del) had told him.

He wondered if anyone else noticed this? Probably not their senses were dulled by familiarity. It seemed that everyone but him knew Goku better than themselves.

Hell even his little brother and sister had meet him before.

He was the only one with a fresh look at him.

It was the eyes…Goku decided after a moment of consideration. Those white eyes just look weird. They didn't fit in with the way Goku was acting…or was expected to act.

The fire behind them didn't match what Goku was saying or pretending to feel.

Goku wasn't stupid. Just because he was 11 years old didn't make him blind.

The Goku was acting! He was acting like the old Goku, the one of legend.

Little Goku smirked, proud to have figured out Goku's act. He wondered if anyone else noticed this.

Looking around he picked out several people that seemed to be giving him sly glances…some were amused, like Vegeta's, others more confused…Like Gohan, and Goku's new girlfriend.

They knew the truth, and so did he.

Suddenly little Goku stiffened. Goten had just come out of the house and was making his way toward the fire.

A pang of sorrow hit Goku as it always did. It saddened him beyond what even he could explain that Goten had never visited…or even called.

The good news was things seemed to be looking up. Goten seemed to have listened to him earlier. But Goku wasn't sure…what if Goten still decided to ignore him. He didn't think he could handle that.

`I think he broke up with Paris'

Goku recalled the words he heard someone whisper.

If that was true then Goten didn't have any excuses anymore.

Goku thought about the so-called reason Goten never came over. He said that Paris threw such a fit that he couldn't. Goten wasn't one to lied, or so his mother told him. So he could only believe Goten. Still was that a good enough reason.

Of course Goku didn't have to live with that woman…Thank Kami. So he had a slightly distorted view of the situation.

Goku suddenly noticed his father (Del) looking at him looking at Goten. Del's face broken into a huge grin and he winked at his son. Goku smiled and chuckled softly.

In the beginning Goku had been afraid to speak of his feelings about Goten to his father. He was afraid that he wouldn't understand, or worse be hurt.

But Del had surprised him greatly by encouraging his son more than expected to get to know his biological father.

And so when the time came he had approached him. Goku thought everything went rather well…he could tell Goten was feeling guilty about the way things were between them. Maybe he would finally get off his ass and do something about it.

The story was finally starting to get good. Big Goku had finally gotten to the part about the Shrike and his fight. Little Goku leaned forward eagerly as Goku spoke about its terrible eyes and razor sharp thorns. Blades so horribly sharp that they cut though a super Saiy-jins level 4's flesh like a `hot knife though butter'.

Goku looked up…and somehow their eyes met.

Little Goku reeled back by the hard cold look in Goku's eyes.

A blink and it was gone.

What the hell was that?

It had happened so fast Goku wasn't even sure he had seen it.

Watching Goku's face very closely Little Goku searched for the coldness that had for a moment arisen. It didn't reappear…his Grandfather wasn't going to slip up again.

Goku realized that his Grandfather hid his feelings well. If he hadn't looked at his face that exact moment he would have missed it.

This battle, this monster was still haunting Goku, Little Goku was sure of it.

The story ended.

Goku found a sudden new admiration for this Saiy-jin, his grandfather.

To go though so much…to feel so much pain, and to change so much. Yet pretend to be the same, and tell your story to those who ask. That had to be hard. He was a great as everyone said he was.

A sudden commotion caught his attention. Everyone seemed to be talking at once. Above the noise Goku could hear his uncle's voice.

Gohan: Piccolo.

Piccolo: You won't believe what Dende says I'm going to do.

Piccolo's face was something to behold. Even people that had known him their entire lives shielded away from his angry face.

Gohan was one of the few that approached him. But only because the Namek nodded and gestured that he wanted to speak to him.

Piccolo took to the air and flew out a little way from the house. Far enough that now one would hear, Gohan followed.

He was totally and utterly confused.

Gohan: Piccolo? What's wrong?

Piccolo sighed sadly…well Kami did. Piccolo was happy about the decision he chose. Kami didn't have a choice in this one.

Piccolo steeled his nerves. He needed to get this over with quickly. He only had a few hours…before.

Piccolo: I need to ask a favor Gohan. You're the only one I feel I can ask.

Gohan: Of course Piccolo…anything.

Piccolo: I don't know how to say this. So I'll be blunt about it. Dende says that I'm replicating.

Gohan: Replicating??

At first Gohan didn't understand what he was saying then he remembered something he read at school. Asexual reproduce by replicating…Asexual replicate…piccolo replicate…Namek's are Asexual…Piccolo's a Namek…Piccolo's a asexual that's reproducing.

Gohan: OH MY GOSH!

Gohan's mouth dropped to the ground. His eyes were huge and staring. He couldn't believe what Piccolo had just said.

Piccolo: I feel about the same way.

Gohan tried to organize his thoughts. But damn it was hard. Piccolo was laying an egg.

That was just too much for him to take in at once.

Piccolo was going to be a father…err…parent??

Gohan forced words past his mouth.

Gohan: You…wanted to ask…me a question?

Piccolo: Yes. Gohan I don't want this. But I have been given no choice.

Gohan mouthed the words no choice.

Piccolo: Gohan…I want you to raise him. For I cannot.

Ok now Gohan was really flabbergasted.

He didn't know what to say. What does one say to something like that?

He sure in the hell didn't know.

Gohan: I I I I…I…I

Piccolo: I've only got a few hours before…the egg comes. I'm sorry to have to ask…but you're the only one I trust enough.

Gohan: I I I I…I I…I have to ask my wife.

Piccolo: Go ask. I shall wait here.

Gohan took to the air shakily as Piccolo sat in a meditating position.

He could believe this. Piccolo was having a kid and he wanted him to take care of it.

For one thing did Gohan what to raise another child? Pan was a hand full as it was. And who knew what Namek children did.

But Piccolo was his best friend. He had done a lot…during the saiy-jin invasion. Hell Piccolo died for him. He had done even more during the Frieza threat.

And he was the only one that stood up to Buu when Gotenks was training.

He had done so much for him and for the earth. Was this too much to ask in return?

It wasn't like the guy had ever…ever asked for anything.

Piccolo was probably the least selfless soul on the planet. Heck even father asked for stuff every now and then.

And now he had a problem…and he was asking Gohan a favor.

Should he do it?

Gohan thought about it. Truth be told he wouldn't mind raising Piccolo's son. There were worst things in the universe to do.

But would Videl agree? Now there was the kicker.

Videl would have to agree before he did. Gohan wouldn't do something like this without his wife's ok.

Gohan flew over the house and landed. Several people gave him curious looks.

They could tell something was up from the paleness in his skin.

Searching though the crowd, he shrugged off questions and finally reached Videl.

Gohan: Videl.

Gohan's voice slipped into a whisper.

Gohan: We need to talk alone.

Videl's eyes brow shot straight up. She could tell it was important by the way he spoke.

So quickly she excused herself and the two made their way behind the house.

Videl: Gohan…what's the matter. You're white as a ghost.

Gohan nodded and smiled weakly. He felt like he was going to faint. But not yet…he had to find out if it was a go.

Videl: Is Piccolo ok? What did he say? I can tell whatever he said is the reason you're upset.

Gohan: I'm not upset…just shocked. Shocked beyond believe.

Videl crossed her arms as she waited for Gohan to continue.

Gohan: Videl…honey. I'm just going to say this…be prepared. Piccolo is having a son and he wants us to adopt it.

Videls mouth dropped.

For a moment she said nothing, just stared at Gohan. Gohan gulped and rubbed the back of his head. Finally Videl gained back a little of her voice.

Videl: What did you say?

Something in her voice was dangerous. Gohan startled at it.

Gohan: that I needed to ask you.

Videl: RIGHT answer. I would have killed you if you said yes to this without asking.

Gohan laughed nervously.

Videl rubbed the side of her head. She just knew she would be getting a major headache soon.

Videl: First off…Gohan what do you want to do? The truth please.

Without hesitation Gohan answered.

Gohan: I want to do this.

Videl studied him a moment. Her eyes cut thought him to his very soul.

Videl: This is important to you isn't it?

Gohan nodded…there was so much to say; yet he didn't know how to express himself.

Gohan: Its just…Piccolo has done so much for everyone. And never asked for anything in return. I feel that this the least we could do.

Videl: Gohan we're taking about a child! We're too old…we have grandchildren.

Gohan: I know. But I feel…I don't know…that this is somehow the right thing to do. I don't know why but something is telling me to say yes. I can't explain it entirely.

Videl: Gohan…your not just saying this because you want Piccolo to think well of you are you? You seriously believe this.

Again without hesitation Gohan answered.

Gohan: Yes…I do Videl.

Videl winched at the pounding headache appeared.

Videl: Ok Gohan…tell Piccolo Ok.

Videl looked up when Gohan didn't say anything. She sighed as she saw that Gohan had already taken off.

By Kami what was she getting herself into?

As soon as Videl said yes Gohan had taken off like a bat out of hell. He speed to where he left Piccolo.

As he approached he thought over what he said to Videl. He hadn't meant to say what he did. He had entirely different argument for taking the egg. Yet that came out…almost on its own. Like he was talking for another.

It was weird.

Someone…or something…

Gohan looked toward the sky.

Wanted him to raise this child. And well he wouldn't say no to whoever was out there.

He wanted to raise him. He really did.

Gohan could make out Piccolo now.

As he came closer something struck him as wrong. Piccolo wasn't meditating. He seemed to be on his knees.

Gohan speed up and raced toward his old teacher.

He reached him just as Piccolo threw up.

Piccolo wanted to scream…wanted to cry…wanted to die.

Yet he could do none of that. By the pit and nine hells this hurt. This hurt more than when he was killed.

One thing was sure coming out of this; Piccolo had new respect for the old namek Guro.

How the hell could he stand to do this so many times?

Piccolo's body shuddered and he started to gag.

Whatever…well he knew what it was…had moved a little upward.

Piccolo clinched his fist together so hard that blood ran from his palms.

It moved more.

Piccolo for the first time in his life hated being a Namek. He hated his green skin…his pink patched, his antenna…and most of all he hated this egg.

Even the old one within him was starting to harbor bad feelings.

This just hurt too much for it not to.

Piccolo felt an unresistable urge to open his mouth.

He did…impossible wide. He could actually feel his jaw bones disconnect to allow the thing within him to pass.

Pain upon pain upon pain!

Kami he would give anything if Dende would send a rock or something to knock him out.

He felt the egg in the back of his throat.

Another shudder of pain.

Piccolo lowered himself to the ground. His body demanded that he do this.

The egg passed though and rolled calmly onto the grass.

The pain stopped as suddenly as it started.

Breathing hard Piccolo wiped the side of his mouth and forced his jaw back into place.

He stared at the thing that caused too much pain.

He had heard stories about how women fell in love instantly with their children after the extreme pain of birth. Piccolo felt nothing toward this egg. Not even Kami felt any kind of tenderness toward it. Only a slight feeling of accomplishment.

The egg was rather large…large enough that Piccolo wondered how the hell did that come out of him. It was an off white color with small purple spots.

Piccolo thought back to when he first hatched. His egg had had green spots not purple.

Suddenly Piccolo realized he wasn't alone.

He looked up at the wide-eyed Gohan.

Piccolo tried to speak but found he couldn't his throat was just to sore.

He resorted to telepathy.

Piccolo: Gohan what did she say?

Gohan: Uh?? What?? Oh…um she said yes Piccolo.

Piccolo: Good…take it. I don't want it anymore.

Gohan looked unsure toward the egg. He hadn't expected to be given the egg. He had assumed Piccolo would see it hatched and then give him the baby. What the hell did he know about eggs?

Gohan: Don't you want to see it hatch??

Piccolo: no

Piccolo said it firmly enough that Gohan was slightly startled.

He had never seen Piccolo act this cold toward anything. Even when he was a bad guy.

Timidly Gohan reached for the egg. It was slightly warm to the touch.

He picked it up surprised at its weight. He weighed hardly anything at all.

Gohan: Do you want to name him?

Piccolo turned away.

Gohan felt strange. He felt it was wrong for Piccolo to dismiss this egg thus. Of course that was the human side of him talking. What did he know about Nameks? Maybe they all were like this.

A tiny voice in his head spoke. Guro wasn't like that.

Gohan felt that Piccolo needed a connection of some sort with his son. This was a feeling just like the one he told Videl. In fact this one was even stronger than the one before.

Gohan: Piccolo Please…at least name him. Please.

Piccolo sighed.

Piccolo: Fine…

Piccolo thought for a moment. He hadn't thought of any names. He assumed that Gohan and Videl would take care of that. That is if they took him. If they hadn't Piccolo would have left the egg with either Goku or Dende then taken off without a word.

He was glad someone had agreed to take his son.

Name…what could he name him.

Piccolo had been born knowing his name. He wasn't a normal born Namek. He had been the reincarnation basically of his father. So much so that Kami hadn't even died because Piccolo was alive.

This child wouldn't be like that. He would know nothing at birth. He was a clean slate.

Name…what could he name him?

For some reason one of Piccolo's favorite books popped into his mind.

It was called Dune.

In it he remembered someone…remembered a chapter.

In the book a man named Liet was left to die on a dessert planet. He was beaten and dieing but he wasn't giving up.

In the book he was starting to get delirious and kept hearing his father voice in his head. He father kept telling him things. Things that were stupid and didn't make sense.

The man hated his father, and loved him at the same time.

His name was Liet.

Piccolo: Liet

With that Piccolo gathered what energy he had and took off. He wanted to be far far away. Away from everything he knew…he just wanted to rest.

Gohan watched as Piccolo left.

Leit

Gohan looked down at the egg. He could sense within the life.

The baby was strong, stronger than he had been as a boy. Interesting.

Gohan: Liet…a nice name. Lets get you home. Your new mother will love to see you.

Turning away from Piccolo's fleeing figure Gohan started toward his granddaughter's house.

He didn't understand Piccolo or his reason for doing this. But he would question him.

Right now though he had more important things to think about.

Namely how to explain this egg…and to keep his father from trying to eat it.