The Slow Burn
It's been nearly 5 years, but i've decided that I need to finish this story. My life went up, down and back round - and I realised how much I love writing fanfiction and i've been inspired by some fabulous writing recently on
My original username was winterschild, but my email account has long since been deactivated so I am now writing as winterschild90. I have re-written this story, as my writing has changed (hopefully for the better) over the years. It is a complete re-write of my story of the name The Friction, and also the continuation.
Set post Buu, slightly AU. Goku is alive and i'm including the humans as I always loved them in DBZ. I refer to Piccolo's Sire as Daimao and King Piccolo, in this they are separate entities.
Warning: Swearing, violence and some horror.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball Z or any of its characters.
Enjoy!
Chapter One -
The better of two evils
An awful sort of silence descended as Dende stood at the edge of the lookout. He frowned at the impending arrival of the Z senshi, some beginning to form tiny dots in the distance below. King Kai must have also contacted Goku, no doubt, and the little Kami's grip tightened around his staff as he recalled the rotund deity's warning, nasal voice ever present.
'It's been a millennia since it was last seen, and we couldn't even destroy it then'
Dende waited for the odd but wise being to continue.
'We have one option, and i'm sure you won't like it any better than I do, but you'll find out soon enough!'
He had explained, in vague detail, that there was something on its way. The creature's power was beyond anything that they had faced before. That all the Super Saiyans in the world wouldn't hold a candle to the being's dark ability to savage those around it, and would only inadvertently make it stronger. King Kai had told Dende of the great effort and war between it and the Kai's in ancient times, and how they had very nearly lost, but that he didn't know any more than that. The young Namekian was at a loss, King Kai managing to say everything and nothing all at once. He was roused from his musings as Gohan touched down, smiling fondly in his black trousers and carefully tucked in shirt, young Pan standing boldly at his side. Videl was wearing fighting garb, something which Dende had not seen since Buu.
Soon after, a spar weary Vegeta and Trunks landed, followed closely by Goku holding Chi-chi and Goten. Chi-chi was complaining loudly and Goten ran to Trunks. The sound of an air car whirred and an irate Bulma landed, jumping out and landing dramatically, short blue hair bobbing and already yelling, with Bra's little hand firmly grasped in her own.
"Come on Krillin, we don't have all day!"
Sheepish, Krillin jumped out with Eighteen, Marron, Tien and Yamcha. Last to arrive was Piccolo, cape billowing in the air as he landed softly, scowling and looking altogether beaten half to death. Sparring with Vegeta again. Gohan thought it odd that Piccolo should be the final addition, but was distracted by Dende walking over before he could give the thought any more attention.
"I'm glad you could all make it, I take it that King Kai contacted you as well Goku?"
The Saiyan laughed nervously and nodded in confirmation. Krillin then spoke up, fists clenched with an odd combination of excitement and apprehension.
"So what is it exactly? And when is it going to arrive?"
Dende looked at the smaller man, noting the cream linen shirt and trousers, he smiled internally, how human they all looked now.
"Approximately four days from now" he realised with a little curiosity that King Kai hadn't been as forthcoming to Goku. He opened his mouth to speak again but was abruptly cut off by Bulma's demanding tones.
"So what's the plan?"
"There...there isn't one. We have no chance of fighting it, King Kai said as much"
Bulma was immediately enraged.
"What do you mean?! There must be something-"
She was cut off by a delicate and familiar voice wandering towards them. All looked around, startled. Gohan noticed as Piccolo, now looking at least a little healed, tensed immediately. He felt the same tension as he groaned internally. It's got to be bad if the Supreme Kai has showed up.
"There isn't any way you can destroy it, not exactly anyway"
Goku spoke then, unusually getting straight to the point.
"So what can we do then? And why is it heading to Earth?"
The Supreme Kai looked up to the Saiyan, his ear ring obnoxiously glinting in the light.
"We don't know exactly, I think it's drawn to power, but I can't be sure. The old scrolls don't tell us much" He paused before continuing. "We are working on a solution, though it isn't going exactly to plan unfortunately".
Piccolo interrupted then, deep tones rumbling in dissatisfaction. He walked to stand beside Gohan but winced as he crossed his arms, the injuries of the latest spar still stinging.
"Meaning?"
The Supreme Kai faltered then, filling the Z senshi with unease.
"We know of only two beings that have any possible chance of defeating this creature, though we're not certain that they will manage it"
Violet features grimaced as he continued, the Z senshi hanging onto his every word.
"These two beings, they're not exactly...on our side, so to speak, and neither do they want to be. One is dead and by your hand Goku, but we negotiated his revival for this purpose. We also had to make some difficult concessions to sweeten the deal, unfortunately."
Goku's confusion was evident in his voice, his mind was spinning through the catalogue of enemies he had killed.
"I don't understand, if they're not on our side then why would they even help us?" And who is it?
The Supreme Kai smiled "Well, we have made a trade. The other is known as Tazaka, a particularly heinous criminal on the run from galaxy authorities. We offered him a clean slate for his cooperation, for him and his associates. The other, demanded his youth, his power, his body and his freedom. You already know him as...King Piccolo." The small Kai uncharacteristically growled out the last part.
Goku blanched and stormed towards the tiny deity, ignoring the gasps of surprise from his friends and clenching his fists to punctuate his point.
"What?! You gave him back his body? He's evil! I killed him once already, I don't want to have to do it again!"
Piccolo watched with a pensive expression as the Saiyan shouted, with Vegeta scowling at his side. Unwanted memories that belonged to his Sire flickered in his mind's eye, images of death and destruction, of blood and fire and screaming echoing in his ears. He was a murderer, a Tyrant, a monster. How can they be letting him go?. He wondered then, if his Sire would first kill him as punishment for shunning his legacy, before butchering the others, saving Goku for last. The thought was unsettling and his throat dried up.
The Supreme Kai spoke then, to defend his decision.
"We don't have a choice Goku, they are our only hope. This creature, it power comes from darkness. They are the only ones who have a chance!"
"How?! I've killed one of them! He's not even that strong!" Goku's dark eyes were piercing.
"This creature...it feeds on good energy, on any goodness in anything, like a fuel. Even an echo of a kind thought or feeling is enough! That's why we need these two, there isn't a single ounce of goodness between them. The creature will not have the advantage" We hope.
Krillin opened his mouth, but Yamcha's hand on his shoulder silenced him. He felt more than heard Yamcha's words. Let Goku handle it.
Vegeta didn't care much for that sentiment, and demanded, voice seething.
"When do they arrive?"
"How about now?" Dark, sibilant tones startled the Z senshi into silence.
Chi-chi instinctively grabbed the young Goten and pushed him behind her. Piccolo marvelled at her bravery, the way her fear gave way to ferocious protection in the defence of her children. Keeping him safe from an enemy she couldn't see. Gohan looked around frantically, but he couldn't sense anything, before a cold chuckle laced up his spine and there, stood behind all of them, was someone he never thought he'd see. Piccolo knew the voice before he was even sure he'd heard it, the laughing only confirmed the chilling truth. He slowly turned to face his Sire.
Sharp white teeth grabbed his attention, then the jade skin which was pulled around them in some sickly smirk. Gohan frowned, dark eyes that reminded him so much of his mentor, yet so little, pierced him as he stared. He was tall, taller than Piccolo even, his frame clad in some kind of dark shirt and trousers, shirt sleeves rolled up, all black. There was something on his shirt, glistening slightly and the demi Saiyan thought it might be blood. The smell of sweet tobacco filled his nostrils and he wrinkled them in displeasure, noticing the cigarette clasped between two long green fingers. The old Namek stared at Gohan with distaste, with narrow eyes unlike Piccolo's wide ones.
Goku stepped forward then, glancing nervously to his right as a knot grew tight in his stomach. Piccolo had unfolded his arms and was stood rigid, quiet surprise wrought on his features. The dark deeds this man had done filtered through Piccolo like ice cold water. He hadn't imagined that he'd have to face his Sire, and he wasn't ready for it. He felt his own claws pierce is skin as his fists tightened. Goku blinked in short lived sympathy, he hadn't seen Piccolo look like this since the arrival of the Androids, and it made his stomach sink.
Deep sibilant tones spoke then, as Daimao peered at his nemesis, all menace.
"I'd say that i'm pleased to see you Goku, but we'd both know that i'm lying" He spat the word Goku.
"Same to you"
Goku tried to keep the Namek's attention, not wanting him to start taunting his friends. The feeling he had when he was a boy, scared and angry, was back in his system. Like old times.
He narrowed his eyes as the man smoked his cigarette, this Piccolo was so much the same but so different. He had a feeling his power had increased considerably, and he was calm. So much calmer than the King Piccolo he had killed. Still posturing but calm, and calculated. The deep voice raked over him.
"I see you've made yourself a little family" Dark eyes dragged over Chi-chi, Gohan and Goten, "how sweet".
He then allowed his gaze to linger over Piccolo, making the younger Namek's insides turn. His hand flinched under the scrutiny and he swore internally. He was already exhausted from sparring, aching from being repeatedly hit, and bitter from being beaten. Now he could add exposed to the list of feelings he didn't want today. It was only a moment but his heartbeat quickened and he was sure that he sighed in relief when Daimao finally looked elsewhere. Piccolo felt anger rise like bile in the back of his throat. Asshole.
The dark Namekian chuckled then, and Piccolo bared his teeth. The Supreme Kai intervened.
"It will be arriving in 4 days, give or take"
Daimao blinked and looked down and scoffed in disrespect.
"What is?"
The little Kai scowled.
"The Hatu" the name still sounded foreign to Dende as he looked on in silence, and worry.
"Why would I care when it's arriving?"
Vegeta then stepped in, unable to contain himself any longer.
"Stop wasting time Namek! And tell us your plan!" He walked in front of Goku, tired of the third class Saiyan's inaction. He blanched when he was totally ignored and the Supreme Kai continued.
"You're going to fight. Stop pretending that you don't know what i'm talking about Piccolo"
Gohan looked at Piccolo then, and noticed that his mentor hadn't reacted. At least externally.
The taller Namek walked towards the Supreme Kai then, dangerous tones hissing as he addressed the small deity.
"You know as well as I do that I have absolutely no intention of fighting that thing, or helping these...useless humans"
"Then the agreement's off"
"Oh? And what are you going to do? Rip my soul from my body and send me back?"
"Exactly"
"Go ahead" Daimao stretched out the last word in mockery. The Supreme Kai looked on, barely contained dismay.
Krillin watched, waiting for nearly 30 seconds and couldn't handle the silence any longer.
"Nothing's happening!"
The Namek then turned towards Goku, smiling in victory and the Saiyan noticed the veins in his arm looked dark, like his very blood was evil. Like he was corrupt. He looked at Piccolo, his arms green and pink, full of life. He briefly marvelled at his once sworn enemy, the difference in the two was staggering. They were interrupted as several energy signals caught the attention of most the Z fighters.
Eighteen immediately went and grabbed Marron, who was sitting oblivious and unnervingly close to the edge of the Lookout. Her sharp blue eyes stared upwards, determined, as the figures approached. She walked back, and heard the Z senshi talking in hushed whispers before four people touched down. Piccolo narrowed his eyes and noticed the matching outfits, he rolled his eyes in waning patience. Great, another Ginyu force.
One of them stepped forward, the leader, Piccolo supposed. His unruly black hair reminded him of a twelve year old Gohan but he was at least as tall as Goku, if not taller. He raised an eye ridge as they moved towards them. This must be Azaka.
Folds of blue layers shifted, straps holding weapons creaking as he came to a stop. Two men stood to his right, one blonde and one dark, and a woman to his left, tall with pale blue hair. They seemed disinterested, or stupid, Piccolo figured perhaps a combination of both. He walked forward and stood next to Goku and the Supreme Kai, leaving Gohan behind. Something in his mind told him to stay back with his student but he ignored it. He wasn't about to be intimidated, not by his Sire and certainly not by this motley crew. His onyx eyes flickered to Goku, and the Saiyan offered him a small smile in return.
A clear, educated voice spoke then, singling out the purple Kai.
"Where is it then? I've got somewhere to be"
The Supreme Kai tried to swallow his disdain, he was growing tired of these antics. He knew that they would be difficult, but he felt that this was too much.
"Four days" He thought about leaving them to it then when Azaka spoke then to Daimao, sparking his interest.
"Well, well, well. Look who crawled out from the depths of hell. Didn't think i'd see you here"
Daimao exhaled smoke and answered slowly and with little interest.
"I figured you were still alive, since I didn't see you down there"
Azaka smiled "You're looking pretty good for a dead man"
"So are you" Daimao's words were laced with threat and the other man laughed under his breath before speaking to the Kai, without looking at him.
"Four days. If i'd have known I would have waited"
The older Namekian then turned, losing interest, he walked straight towards Chi-chi, who's big brown eyes widened in fear and defiance.
"I'll see you in hell then, eventually. Excuse me darling"
Chichi was sure she could feel the wisps of evil as they brushed her, she winced but stood her ground. Daimao briefly contemplated snapping her neck, a tantalising vision of her chestnut eyes welling up with fear as he killed her. He pushed the thought down.
Azaka then seemed to lose his composure as he raised his voice, accent showing.
"Where are you going?!"
Daimao ignored him, sauntering away. Azaka's fingers wound around his gun as he spoke, all feigned kindness gone.
"I said, where are you going?"
Piccolo uncrossed his arms, feeling the tension build even more, bracing himself for a fight. Azaka tried again, this time pulling the gun from its holster.
"I've got a free run if we kill this thing, do you think i'm going to give that up because you can't be fucked to fight?"
The older Namek chuckled, but stopped for a moment when the click of a gun hammer tapped his eardrums. He turned in curiosity.
The tanned arm was tense with muscle as he held the gun firmly to Piccolo's head, cold metal digging into jade flesh. A dark look was now pooling in the alien's dark blue eyes. Piccolo tried ignored the sensation as he quickly tried to ascertain if a gunshot could kill him. A human gun wouldn't, but Azaka wasn't human. He leaned away from the pressure but stood defiant, jaw set. How did he know that I am his son?
The whole Z senshi held its breath and Bulma whipped one hand to her painted lips, the other going to her side, where she had stowed a gun of her own. She knew it wouldn't kill him, or really any of them, but she was not a quitter.
Gohan spoke then, reigning in panic.
"You don't really think a bullet can kill him do you Azaka?"
Azaka grinned. "Call me Zak" Gohan frowned and Zak chuckled, not taking his bold eyes off the older Namek "and i'm willing to be it will. I don't joke with my money, child".
Piccolo swallowed, not relishing the thought of a bullet in his head. He wanted to die in battle, not like this. Not standing still, being baited by a man arguing with his Sire. He shifted, muscles flexing and ready to attack. He would not go down quietly.
Gohan looked at Piccolo, eyes stern but showing the fear there. He didn't want to lose his friend.
Daimao took another drag of his cigarette and threw it onto the tiles, looking altogether completely disinterested. With a brow ridge risen in badly disguised amusement, his silence spoke volumes of all the fucks he gave.
"Go ahead, save me the trouble"
Goku twitched, not sure if the bullet would be fatal. He flexed his fingers, trying to judge the distance. Can I get there?
"You'd really stand by whilst I kill your son?"
Daimao smirked. "They didn't hire us for our kind, loving nature...did they?"
Zak laughed then, genuinely, but with dead eyes. "You're right, who am I kidding?"
Gohan's heart climbed up his throat.
The laughter stopped. Zak pulled the trigger.
Let me know what you think!