Tanta: As promised, this chapter is up a lot quicker than the last one. It's not very long though, so apologies in advance.
Thanks again to all those who have been reviewing. If it wasn't for you guys, this story probably never would have gotten this far. Although at times you seem to be slave-drivers rather than fans. ;) Just kidding, you guys are great.
Demon King Piccolo – I'm sorry that Gohan seems to be a little too weak for your taste. Right now though, I think he's more worried about Piccolo's well-being than he is about appearing tough. Promise he'll toughen up in future though. ;)
Deani – Thank you so much for all your help. You really are an angel.
Another Horizon – Interlude One
Something was wrong. Piccolo could feel it, right down in the now empty space in his heart where Gohan used to be. He couldn't sense Gohan's presence on Earth anymore, and that, more than anything he had ever felt before, chilled him right to the bone.
Even in the darkest and most lonely moments in HFIL, there was always the hope that someday he would get out; someday he would see Gohan again, but that hope was beginning to fade.
Gohan had taught him so many things. Not the least of which was how to love another being. He had known he loved the demi-Saiyan for a long time, but how he loved Gohan, whether as a father, friend or something more, remained unknown to him, at least until Videl had come into the picture. Then Gohan had taught him how to feel another emotion; jealousy.
Now even that much was gone, and for the first time in his life he felt completely and utterly alone, despite the cornucopia of the worst of the universe's slime that seemed to crowd around him and make hopeless attempts to challenge his strength nearly every moment of the day.
He tried once more to sense his friend, reaching out into the furthest reaches of space and the furthest depths of the after world; still nothing. Not even a glimmer of the spirit that he knew instinctively as Gohan's.
He felt rage burning up inside of him, threatening to burst out and turn him into the vengeful, violent creature he had been before he had known Gohan and his father, Goku.
Unable to contain himself any longer he screamed, punching the ground, and unwillingly attracting the attention of everyone around him.
The back of his eyes began to sting, and for the first time in his life he began to wish that Nameks could cry, if only so whatever cruel fates had orchestrated this disaster knew the pain they were putting him through.
He glanced up, noticing the few guards in the area staring at him with undisguised fear on their face. He had taken to saving them on several occasions.
Perhaps, Piccolo thought. It is time for one of them to pay me back.
"You," he said, getting back to his feet and stalking over to the nearest guard. "Any idea how the hell I can get out of this place?"
Tanta: Like I said; really short. The next chapter will be up fairly soon though. I'm on a roll at the moment.