Piccolo-Who Am I?
It's the same routine every day. Fight, train, meditate, drink, fight, train, meditate, drink.
His whole life has been a basic cycle. Ever since that fateful day all those years ago. During the
World's Martial Arts Tournament. His battle with Goku. And his greatest defeat.
Piccolo sat alone in the middle of a meadow. It was a quiet place. A place where he could
just relax. Lately, however, he had many things on his mind. It had been two weeks since Gohan
had killed Cell, and since that time, Piccolo had suffered from disturbances in his concentration.
He had trouble meditating, because disturbing images constantly flashed in his mind. The same
images came to him.
Gohan with his injured arm, struggling to protect those he cared about...
Cell absorbing androids 17 and 18...
Cell escaping their first battle...
Innocent people being absorbed by Cell...
And the image that occurred the most, Goku sacrificing himself for the Earth.
Why did Goku have to do that? Piccolo was more than willing to die to protect the planet.
He could have been the one to do it. But Goku didn't even think twice about it. Now, everything
was different in the world. Everyone was safe, but they thought that fool Mr. Satan was the one
that saved them all. But Goku and Gohan were the real heroes.
And that's what got to Piccolo the most. He was powerless to do anything to help his
friends. It seemed that he always fell short of his goals. He didn't stop Vegeta and Nappa, he
didn't stop Frieza, he didn't stop the androids, and he didn't stop Cell. He was becoming
worthless to his friends. So what was the point? Why was he even there? And who was he?
When he was first born, all he knew was that his sole purpose was to kill Goku. Even
after Goku died in their fight with Raditz, Piccolo didn't feel fulfilled. There was something else
that he needed, but what? What could he possibly do to fulfill himself?
"What is my purpose?" Piccolo said aloud. "Why was I put on this Earth? Who am I?
Why must I fight time and time again just to fail? And why must those around me die? Damn
you, Goku! Why did you have to sacrifice yourself like that? It should have been me! This planet
needs you...but you're gone. And you chose to stay in Heaven just for our safety. So you'll never
come back...which means that...it's up to us..."
Piccolo looked into the sky after a moment and smiled. Goku had sent him the message,
even though no words were spoken. Now, Piccolo knew what is was he had to do. And he
realized what his purpose was.
Even though he wasn't the one to finish off Cell, Piccolo was indirectly responsible for
the salvation of Earth. He was the first person to train Gohan, the first to unlock his hidden
powers, and the first person who Gohan could truly look up to as far as fighters go. Then, a great
swell of pride swept through Piccolo. Gohan, this child who was Piccolo's best friend, was the
savior of Earth. So what reason was there to be upset? It didn't matter, just as long as Piccolo
gave it 100%. All he had to do was try and fight, and the world would be safer. And now he
knew who he was.
"I am Piccolo, and I am a warrior. I have sworn to protect this planet to the best of my abilities.
That is all I can do."
From that day on, Piccolo had no trouble meditating. And high above him, Goku smiled.
"Goodbye, old friend," said Goku.
