Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Pure Providence ❯ Akukei is an evil scheme ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter Three: Akukei is an evil scheme

Ree, having heard the myth long ago, was well aware of that these "dragonballs" were linked with Namekians. The tale of the mysterious orbs had reached the far borders of the galaxy, but, like most legends, the fine points were vague and the magic beyond belief. Consequently, no one believed the story of the dragonballs. But Ree had heard Piccolo herself, there were dragonballs on Earth, and Vegeta was coming to get them. If the saiyan prince got his claws on the wish-granting power of the dragon, there would be one obvious consequence; Vegeta would rule the universe. And, in Ree's mind, the answer to this problem was just as obvious; the linked Namekian had to be destroyed.

"Piccolo must be the one who controls the dragonballs," thought Ree, "Roshi said to talk to this Kami guy, but I already know that the best way to help this planet is killing Piccolo." The evil plot that was slowly forming in Ree's mind became clearer and clearer as she flew the miles away. She would wish back Goku as soon as she collect the dragonballs, that way she wouldn't owe the earthlings anything. Then all she would have to do is kill Piccolo. Her plan was so exquisite that she closed her eyes, humming and smiling to herself, unaware that Kami's lofty pole was directly in front of her.

"Ouch," Ree rubbed her forehead, looking up the pole towards Corin's place, "this must be the spot."

Ree landed on the Lookout and gazed around from the plants to the buildings, until her eyes fell on a plump man, with his back turned to her, watering plants, "Uh, you over there! Where is Kami?"

Popo gaped at Ree in her saiyan battle armor, and, tensely, pointed towards the nearest building. Ree sauntered by him without noticing his fear of her because she was used to being dealt with like a bomb waiting to explode. It was the elderly Namekian's reaction that troubled Ree; he smiled at her.

"You're finally here?" He questioned.

"You knew I was coming?"

"You'd be surprised how little of what goes on down there escapes my eye," Kami's friendly face suddenly turned doleful, "You don't seem like the kind of person that will be offended if I'm direct, so I'll make this simple."

"Fine with me."

"I've been considering some options..." Kami started.

"So have I..." thought Ree. She now realized that Kami, being another Namekian, might also have to be destroyed. Her plan now had a glitch, but she'd work it out later.

"As our warriors are now, we'd be destroyed by these saiyans. That is, if they are as strong as Raditz said they were."

"Don't worry, they much stronger than Raditz even knew," Ree sighed despairingly.

"Well, you seem to be strong enough to help train the Z warriors, so that will be your task," Kami walked out of the room and beckoned Ree to follow, "now, on to more pleasant things, introductions. And if I'm not mistaken, Tien and Chaotzu will be here in a matter of moments." Sure enough, a pair of warriors came onto the lookout and started towards her, only seconds later. One was very tall and muscular, and if it wasn't for his third eye, Ree would wonder what made him special enough to be summoned to the lookout. The boy following him was painted white, and barely reached his companion's knee; he reminded Ree of a delicate china doll, and she liked him because of it already.

"Ah, Tienshinhan, Chaotzu, I'd like you to meet Ree." Ree nodded her head, as did the two earthlings.

"Have the others arrived yet?" asked Tien.

"You bet we have!" exclaimed Krillin, just landing onto the lookout with Yamcha, "Geez, Ree, you sure got here quick."

"It's not hard to spot a enormous watchtower on a rod," Ree said sarcastically.

"Ha, I guess not," Krillin grinned and winked at Ree, who, much to her own surprise, smiled back. Some smiles just cannot be denied.

Kami beheld the scene optimisticly; there was hope for her yet. "Ree will be assisting in your training in the next year," Kami declared.

"But she's a child," protested Tienshihan, "how is she going to train us?"

"Yeah," agreed Yamcha, "we're probably ten times stronger than she is.

Ree pulled her head back in loathing, "I could wipe the floor with any of you! In fact," Ree crouched down, "I challenge all four of you!"

"If you wish," responded Tien. He charged towards Ree, aiming to punch her in the abdomen. But just as he approached striking distance, Ree disappeared and reappeared above him, slamming his back so hard that he made a dent in the pavement.

"That was fast, kid. Where did you learn to move like that?" asked Yamcha, watching Tien struggle to his feet.

Ree glowered at Tien, and then, ignoring Yamcha's question, turned to leave. After she had gone, the others formed their individual game plans and began their training.

* * *

Hours after Ree's confrontation with Tien, she decided to put her scheme into action. She walked up to Kami, who was still observing the Z warriors.

"I have a question Kami-sama (1)," Ree murmured.

"Sama, eh? I figured after such a bad day, you were going to call me Kami-baka (2) from now on," Kami chuckled.

"I've had worse days. I wanted to ask about the dragonballs. Did Piccolo make them?"

"You're very perceptive to have made such a close guess, but no, Piccolo did not make the dragonballs, even though he is connected to them. I did, very long ago."

"Arigatou, that's all I needed to know," Ree turned and walked back about ten feet, ready to strike Kami from behind with a lethal blow.

"I expect to live a long life, Ree," Kami said, his back still turned to her. Ree gasped; had he known all along?

"I... I don't know what you're talking about," Ree stuttered.

"Nonsense, you were preparing to kill me to eliminate the dragonballs," Kami turned and smiled down on her, "remember, nothing much gets past me. Now, I think one turn deserves another.

"What?" Ree exclaimed. Did Kami think he could make an attempt on her life now? When in reality, she hadn't even tried to kill him, only planned to.

"You threatened my life, so I believe you owe me something."

"I don't owe anything, I'm training those losers, remember?" Ree spun around to go, but was interrupted by Kami's urgent voice.

"Well, if you won't repay a debt, then do me a favor, protect the boy. I know better than anyone that Piccolo will grow impatient with Gohan, and he'll need an extra eye on him."

Ree thought about it for a long time. She didn't want to make any more pledges to these people. But if Ree promised to guard Gohan, she might be able to catch Piccolo tormenting him, and that would give her a reason to kill. Kami did say Piccolo was connected to the balls, even though he did not create them.

"Very well," she said against her better judgment, "I'll protect him."

* * *

Night fell on the lookout, and Ree walked around the watchtower aimlessly. She had been thinking about the day and had come to two conclusions. First of all, she needed to put aside her pride and apologize to her new comrades. She would be spending a long time with them at the least, so she'd ought to get along with them a little better. Secondly, Ree couldn't kill Piccolo or Kami. Plain and simple, she was already growing attached to the grandfatherly Kami, and if she killed Piccolo, Kami would also disappear. Perhaps a new plan would be the best.

The more she thought about it, Ree was actually looking forward to being on Earth; it was a beautiful planet and there were many pleasant people there... Suddenly Ree's hands flew to her open mouth and she snapped out of her happy state of mind. What was she thinking?! She was a saiyan herself, and, even though she had not told the others this, she was just as evil as Raditz.

"What am I doing to myself," Ree talked to the wind, "making all these promises to these people. First protecting a planet, and now protecting a boy. It's all making me sound like some sort of savior." Ree got up and ran to the edge of the lookout. She looked over the edge, shouting to Earthlings that were too far below to hear, "I'm not a savior! Did you hear me? I'm a demon! Not a savior... not a savior." Ree slumped down to her knees, her body shaking from her sobs, when footsteps could be heard approaching and a shadows cast over Ree's figure.

"You're not a demon," said Krillin.

"Stop lying to me and go away!"

"No really," Krillin bent down and put his hand on her shoulder, "you're helping all of us, especially Gohan. If anything makes someone a good person, willingly protecting others definitely does."

"You only think I'm good because you don't know what I am," Ree pushed off Krillin's hand and stood up, "You don't know anything I've done! I've murdered innocent children younger and way more defenseless than Gohan! Do you still think I'm some sort of angel?"

Krillin put his hands behind his head and looked out into the night sky, "We'll know if you're an angel before long," he turned and smiled at Ree, "won't we?" Krillin yawned and walked off to bed, leaving Ree to her thoughts.

She stayed outside in the cold, watching the stars and listening to the total silence up on the lookout, until sleep claimed her. When she woke a few hours later, long before the dawn, she had a warm blanket covering her and an adorable stuffed Koala toy next to her head. She picked up the stuffed animal and, smiling, wondered if it was tender Kami or friendly Krillin that left her the gift. Little did Ree know, but there were three eyes watching her from the darkness, sorry that he had offended her earlier and glad that she enjoyed his gift.

* * *

Footnotes:

(1) "-Sama" is Japanese suffix used to show respect. It's loosely translated to master or lord.

(2) "Baka" is Japanese for idiot.

Author's notes:

Well instead of my usual 1000 words, I made this chapter about 1800 words to appease Jackie. Hope you all enjoy it!