Chapter 2 Baby! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, it's a little bit more intense.

Here we get Gohan and Piccolo interaction. We learn more about Piccolo, Gohan, and a bit about the Z-Fighters.

Enjoy!

Piccolo had been meditating by the waterfall.

He had just finished training earlier and needed to center himself from his intense workout. Since the defeat of Cell, Piccolo had been training nonstop. Strengthening his body as well as his mind for the next threat to earth. He sighed as once again his thoughts went to the chaos left in the wake of Goku's death.

Goku's death changed everything.

The other Z-Fighters had become lost, incapable of moving on or imagining a world without Goku. Even Vegeta, who seemed to have lost his competitive edge and drive to fight, was listless and depressed, though he tried his best to hide it. Bulma hid herself in her lab, the bluenette never leaving, caught in her quest to stop any future Android attacks from happening.

Krillin had taken Android 18 and gone back to Kame house, he had become bitter, his typical humor now sarcastic and cruel. Tien and Chiaotzu both left without a word. They had fallen off the map, no one knew where they were. Yamcha had become an alcoholic, drowning his grief with booze and women to numb the pain.

It seemed to Piccolo that the world had become a much darker place without Son Goku.

A year had passed since Cell's defeat and Goku's death. In that time, Piccolo had started training again. He had decided that he needed to step up his game and be ready for whatever threat that came their way. He knew that the rest of the gang had taken Goku's death hard, but the hardest hit had been Gohan and his mother. He worried for Gohan. His young protege could hide how he felt from others but never from him.

Piccolo, like the others, had been saddened by Goku's death. But unlike the rest, he had accepted it, for it had been the Saiyan warrior's choice.

His only concern with Goku's decision was Gohan, though he accepted Goku's choice it did not mean he agreed with it. He felt Goku had been too impulsive and had not thought about the consequences of his actions.

Goku may have thought he was doing the right thing by protecting the earth from future enemies but he had also hurt and broken his family and friends. They were the ones left picking up the pieces of their shattered hearts. His careless decision had hurt them all and Piccolo could see that things would never be the same again.

Piccolo sighed tiredly as he stood up from his meditating position. He stretched his long limbs, the deep green of his skin shining in the sunlight. The soft bubbling of the brook and splashing of the waterfall filled him with peace.

Piccolo did not favor many things, as a warrior, he focused on fighting and getting stronger.

But the waterfall had to be his favorite place. The Waterfall held significance in his life, it was the one place where he could be at peace but it was also the one place he had always been safe. During his lonely and turbulent childhood, before he had aged himself, he had been small and weak. To live in a world where you were the only one like you, where your green-skin made you enemy number one! The world still hated and feared his sire, King Piccolo Daimao. He had learned early on that the world had no mercy for the weak and had done everything he could to age himself as quickly as he could.

The waterfall had been his refuge, his place of safety, so he always made it a point to come pay homage to the place that had sheltered him before he had become the feared and powerful Piccolo Daimao j.r. Z-fighter, proud warrior and protector of earth.

Piccolo quickly took to the air, leaving his oasis behind as his mind sensed Gohan's turbulent emotions. He cursed Goku once again as he headed to fix the wreck that Gohan had become. He flew towards Kami's lookout. The day had slowly turned to night as the stars illuminated the night sky, the tiny lights leading the way to Gohan.

The Lookout was in the distance, standing high above the clouds the perfect place for a god to rest or a saiyan to mend a broken heart. He slowly touched down, feet gently resting on the ground as he made his way to the area Gohan occupied.

He stopped as he stared at Gohan, his body illuminated by the stars, his face in shadow. "Its been a while Mr. Piccolo." Gohan suddenly spoke breaking the silence that surrounded them. HeHe did not turn, nor look at Piccolo but continued to gaze at the stars.

Piccolo stayed silent, knowing that it was sometimes better to listen than to speak. He sat down beside Gohan, his movements smooth and graceful. Neither spoke as they watched the stars, the quiet and peace enveloping them in their own private world. Mentor and student sat side by side, united together as warrior's and friends.

Piccolo, not one for idle chitchat nor small talk, faced Gohan, his demeanor serious. "you have been avoiding me Gohan" Piccolo spoke simply, his gaze direct as he stared him down.

Gohan started, caught off guard by Piccolo's words. He had forgotten how direct and forthright his mentor could be.

Gohan sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted. Everything was just to much to handle right now.

"I wasn't avoiding you Mr. Piccolo, I've just been having a lot on my plate lately. I needed some space to be alone." Gohan said with his signature Son grin firmly in place.

Piccolo rolled his eyes and snorted in amusement at the very obvious lie he'd just been told. "Listen kid, you may have the whole world fooled into believing your fine, but I'm not buying." Piccolo crossed his arms as he leaned his back against the pillar.

He looked up at the sky as he spoke, "I know I'm the last person you want to see right now but I'm not going anywhere, I won't leave you Gohan. I know your pain and I know you blame yourself for your father's death."

Gohan could barely breathe as Piccolo's words stabbed through him with the force of a knife.

He knew Piccolo was perceptive and very intelligent, able to discern things and figure things out with a deftness and expertise that Gohan had always admired. Now Piccolo was using his awesome skills to figure him out and it was making Gohan panic!

He didn't want Piccolo to know his hidden shame. He never wanted Piccolo, the person he admired most in the world, to realize he was still just that weak, worthless little boy who used to cry all the time. Gohan tried to pretend Piccolo's words did not affect him, his Son grin still in place, as he chuckled nervously.

"Aww Mr. Piccolo, the things you come up with! I really am fine, so there is no need to worry. Yeah I miss my dad but I'm ok. Just needed some alone time." Gohan spoke sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. Hoping that Piccolo would buy it and finally let him off the hook.

Piccolo shook his head, his eyes sad as he stared at Gohan. "You can lie to the world, you can even lie to me, but you can never lie to yourself." Piccolo stated quietly, wisdom in every word he spoke.

He gazed at the young saiyan warrior, feeling his pain as if it were his own, hating the fact that Gohan had been forced to grow up too fast. Piccolo had never wanted this for him, he had always wanted the boy to be happy now seeing Gohan like this made him wish he could take his pain and sorrow and bare it himself. Piccolo did not understand human emotions or behavior all that much, he barely understood what Depression even was! But for Gohan, Piccolo was willing to learn and do everything in his power to help him!

Gohan had been trying to hold himself together. But just like that, Piccolo was able to break down his walls and reveal the broken little boy he had been trying so hard to hide. No matter how old he got or how strong he became, only Piccolo had ever been able to affect him like this, to see right through him. Not even his mother had as much power over him!

Tears filled his eyes, as he started to fall apart in front of the one being he trusted and respected above all others. Tortured Sobs racked Gohan's body as he wept, the sound penetrating the silence as it echoed throughout the empty halls of the Lookout. Strong arms drew him close, holding him in an embrace that was nearly his undoing. For the first time in a long time, Gohan didn't feel so alone.

Piccolo held Gohan tight, understanding that the kid needed this, that he needed someone to hold on to and remind him he wasn't alone. Piccolo could feel Gohan's pain, their connection and bond forged through years of battle, friendship, and trust. He would not leave Gohan, this he would vow, for however long Gohan needed him he would always be there.

Gohan had given him a chance, had seen beyond his green skin, fangs and talons and saw an actual person. Gohan had never treated him like a monster, even when he acted like it back in the early days of their acquaintance, he had always shone him kindness. As a namekian vows were sacred, to give of oneself was the ultimate expression of trust and regard. Piccolo would not shy away from this for Gohan had earned his loyalty, no one deserved it more. "I'm here Gohan. Your not alone anymore" Piccolo whispered, holding Gohan tight.

Gohan was filled with warmth. The safety of Piccolo's arms had him content and as close to happy as he'd ever been since his father died. Gohan never wanted to leave the shelter of his arms. He buried his face deeper into Piccolo's neck, the softness of his green skin and his sweet scent of rain and wild flowers almost made Gohan forget his pain and guilt. A hug from Piccolo always did this to him, though they were very rare, since Piccolo didn't believe in all that mushy stuff. Gohan would treasure this moment because being held by Piccolo was the greatest thing in the world.

Gohan pulled away slowly, as he stared into Piccolo's wise, amethyst and Ruby colored eyes. "Thank you Piccolo, I needed that hug. Your right I am lying to myself. I just wanted to pretend everything was all right but I guess I failed." Gohan sighed, barely able to look Piccolo in the eye.

Piccolo touched Gohan's chin, turning his face to look at him. "Gohan hiding your feelings does not make you strong nor weak. It instead hurts you and hurts those around you. You are not to blame for Goku's death. Goku chose his path, he chose to sacrifice himself. You are not responsible for the actions of an adult. You were, and still are just a kid you should have never been put in that position."

Gohan shook his head, in denial of Piccolo's words as he stood up and began to pace anxiously. His hurried footsteps the only sound between them.

"You don't understand Piccolo, it's all my fault! If I had only finished Cell when I had the chance, dad would still be here! Now, my mother is a widow and my brother will grow up without our dad!" Gohan screamed, overcome with guilt and pain. He knew Piccolo was trying to help him but how could he, when Gohan could barely help himself.

"Look at our friends, Piccolo! They are all lost without dad, Yamcha is an alcoholic! And all I can think is how I caused it all" Gohan whispered brokenly, tears falling down his face as he turned his back on Piccolo.

Piccolo stood elegantly as he watched Gohan break down. He could tell the kid had been rattled by his words. As Gohan turned away from him, Piccolo stood refusing to to budge until Gohan heard him out.

"Gohan it's not your fault! Stop blaming yourself" Piccolo yelled out harshly, he forced Gohan's face to his, staring him down, determined to detroy this notion of blame that was hurting Gohan.

"I know you blame yourself for everyone's problems, but I will not sit idly by and watch you self-destruct! I will stay right here with you and if I have to throw you off the lookout, like I did when I threw you into the mountain when you were a kid, to knock some sense into you then I will!" Piccolo threatened, his claws nearly riping the fabric of Gohan's gi as he gripped his arms tight.

Piccolo stepped away, crossing his arms as he glared at the hard-headed Saiyan. He was fully prepared to make good on his threat, he knew that when dealing with one of the Son's a good knock on the head did wonders to get them in line. Heck, the harpy did it all the time! Kami knows that was the only way to get Goku to pay attention.

Gohan shuddered, he remembered that incident and definitely didn't want a repeat. He chuckled in surprise and affection, only Piccolo can threatened to throw someone off a building and call it helping. A small smile slowly spread on Gohan's face. "You really would throw me off, wouldn't you?" Gohan teased, suddenly happy that his mentor, no his best friend was with him.

Piccolo smirked, As he studied Gohan "Yep. You like Korin right? Well I'll just throw you over to see him." Piccolo spoke sarcastically humor clear in his voice.

Gohan laughed, he was mesmerized for a moment by the tall, green-skinned Namekian. It always surprised him how Piccolo could make him feel so many things. A moment ago he had been filled with despair and agony. But with a few words from Piccolo, he was laughing and smiling again! It confused him.

Gohan shook his head, trying to ignore the strange warm feelings that seemed to creep up any time he was around Piccolo.

Gohan sighed in defeat, he walked to the edge of the Lookout, staring dejectedly up at the night sky then turned towards Piccolo "It's hard not to blame myself Piccolo, so much of what happened only happened because of me. It's hard but I know your right. I'll try to do better." Gohan promised his expression earnest.

They stood faceing the other, caught in eacheothers gaze. Sweat dripped down Gohan's face, While Piccolo stood stoic his face impassive. The stars shined their light as the night seemed to grow darker, casting shadows everywhere.

Piccolo sat down, his large build barely making a sound. He motioned to Gohan to join him. Once they were both sitting Piccolo bopped Gohan on the head. "Ow that hurt, Mr. Piccolo!" Gohan whined.

Piccolo simply chuckled. "You were being foolish, so I knocked some sense into you. Warrior's don't try, they do. And your a powerful warrior. You don't have to face this on your own. Just reach out your hand for help and someone will always be there to take it." His smirk swiftly became a frown as Piccolo face turned serious, "I really don't care for the mushy stuff, but this needs to be said. I am always here for you Gohan, I don't blame you for anything, I simply want you to be happy. You are a strong, kind hearted young man and I am proud to have been your teacher."

Piccolo turned away embarrassed to have shown his kinder side, but for Gohan he would do anything.

Gohan was touched.

Knowing that Mr. Piccolo valued him so much made him realize that maybe he wasn't such a screw up after all.

He smiled as he took Piccolo's hand, noticing the faint trace of purple on the Namekian's cheek. "Thank you Piccolo. Having you here with me has brought me so much happiness! I care about you, a lot! And I am glad that you are more than just my mentor, your my best friend. I don't think I will ever quite get over my father's death or stop blaming myself for my failure. But I will reach out my hand and as long as your there to grab it I will be ok. I will give it my best untill this pain I feel is outweighed by joy and happiness." Gohan softly spoke as he cried silent tears.

With smiles on their faces, though Piccolo tried to hid his, they watched the stars. Enjoying the peace and solitude, both ignored the fact that Gohan was still holding Piccolo's hand.

For the rest of the night, they talked and laughed together. Both getting to know the other as more than student and teacher, but as friends.

It felt good talking to Piccolo, Gohan had forgotten how funny and sarcastic Piccolo could be.

He had laughed and smiled more tonight than he had done in a year! As he listened to Piccolo talk, he noticed his soft green skin and enticing rain/wild flower scent Gohan couldn't help but think that being here with Piccolo was the happiest moment of his life.

Today had seemed like it would be a another day of suffering for Gohan but because of a 7ft tall, green-skinned namekian, today had turned into one of the best days of his life. He knew their was much more he needed to resolve, his life was still a total mess but with Piccolo by his side it didn't seem so impossible. He knew he could overcome his doubts and insecurities because Piccolo believed in him! And he would make him proud!

Piccolo watched his student, now his friend, as he slept. They had stayed up all night talking. Piccolo wasn't much for communication, but like always, Gohan was the exception.

He had actually enjoyed himself, he hated mushy stuff but talking to Gohan and discussing everything had been alright. He had learned a lot about his former pupil and was honored to call him friend. He knew this would not be easy, Gohan had issues that they barely scratched the surface of.

But Piccolo was in for the long haul, he would stand by his side till he was no longer needed. Gohan would be ok, he would become someone great, marry a women like his mother and live a good life. While Piccolo would quietly leave Gohan's life until he was needed again. Piccolo did not feel sad that his time with Gohan was limited, his only wish was to be of use to Gohan and make him happy.

That is why he had to help Gohan heal so he could become the man, the warrior, the hero, he knew he could be!

Because Gohan's happiness was the most important of all.

Author's note:

Gohan and Piccolo meet in this chapter.

Gohan is 12 years old and still dealing with the fall out of Goku's death. He is depressed and blames himself for the break down of the Z-Fighters.

The Z-FIGHTERS have fallen apart without Goku, they are so used to the Dragonballs magically fixing everything that they don't know how to cope with Goku's permanent death.

Piccolo seems to be the only one dealing with Goku's death in a healthy way. He alone is training and trying to help Gohan.

In this chapter Gohan is getting strange warm feelings around Piccolo. He is also starting to notice that Piccolo makes him happy. Gohan is still clueless on what these things mean. But he will realize as time goes on.

Piccolo is just happy to have Gohan as a friend and comrade. He wants to help him and stay by his side. He takes his vow seriously.