A/N: Hi guys, here with another update and thanks so much for the reviews! :) I probably won't get the next update out before christmas so will just say now Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! :)

To 'An overzealous dbz fan' who left a guest review, thanks so much your message, it was genuinely sweet and I'm glad you found this story helpful through tough times, just thought I'd say a special little thanks! Also as far as writing outside of FFN I'm a part-time freelance creative (graphic design, illustration and writing) :)

Apples

Chapter 34: Can You Hear Us?

Despite the earlier shock from the robotic spider the rest of the night went well, people had fun, drinks were drunk and food was eaten, music played and events of the night unforgotten. After Piccolo and Gohan returned from their chat and many kisses things continued, from introducing his friends to Chichi more properly, Goten and Trunks tuckered themselves out and fell asleep faced down in food, Roshi making a percy move on Erasa for which he regretted by the sharp heel of her shoe (good girl) and slowly the night came to an end.

Apparently Chichi was rather doting on videl, they'd chatted at the party and mothering instincts are hard to beat, especially the more Chichi worried about the teen's homelife with a fraud of a father and being without a mother. Knowing his mother's fondness for her Gohan did wonder if he should invite Videl over more, it might be good for her to have a mother figure around.

Upon returning to the Son house rather late, Piccolo told Chichi and Goten about his meditation, revealing that it was simply a personal thing he had to do and they pressed for only a few further details, Chichi happy to simply resume lessons afterwards and goten made Piccolo promise to train him afterwards as well. A pinky promise to be exact. The Namekian spent the night and his boyfriend kept to his word, kissing him repeatedly and with vigour, the couple were afraid they might be very much addicted to the other with behaviour like that, Gohan eager to make the most of his beloved's presence while he could.

In the teen's room Piccolo sat like he had previously at the head of the bed poised to meditate, Gohan laying his head on his lap and holding a green hand in his, kissing the emerald skin and clinging to it like his lifeline.

In a sleepy voice that was still too riled to slumber the teen spoke "I hope you find what you need, Piccolo" his tone soft and eyes glancing upwards at his beloved's elegant features, "so…" he interrupted himself with a deep yawn which made the Namekian smile "where are you thinking of doing this meditation."

"I was thinking of doing it at the waterfall, it's more quiet than the lookout" he replied, his free hand venturing gently into dark locks and playing soft as a whisper.

A slow nod and a tired mumble of understanding "the more comfortable you are the better" the tone telling the Namek just how close the teen was to dreaming, it had been a long day and most eventful, "will you be safe, that spider thing has at least some interest in you?" came the concern question, not doubt a thought that was keeping him from rest.

Piccolo thought nothing of it personally, it was just a fact, and a valid worry so he helped with "I'll be deep in meditation but my basic instincts will work as usual, if I sense or hear something dangerous I should react accordingly."

Another slow and heavy nod from the demi-saiyajin and his eyelids seemed to droop a lot more acceptingly and while he still had the man's consciousness Piccolo spoke low and quiet in the almost still household "thank you for being so understanding."

Gohan just smiled sleepily and kissed the hand he held closely before one last sentence, ever the romantic, "we're a couple, thats what we're meant to do…and I love you" as though that was all the wisdom needed in the world those words made the Namekian smile yet again and offer some sweetness into slumber: "I love you too."

"You're not making this easy" Piccolo spoke sitting crosslegged by the waterfall, a pout on his lips as Gohan kneeled rather close to him with puppy-like eyes, wearing the scarf his beloved had knitted him to keep from the chilled early winter day, Piccolo trying to begin his meditation hindered by an intensely curious and anxious teen, heart supportive yet well aware of loneliness to follow; practically missing him already.

"Sorry love" Gohan said sheepishly and hand behind his head much like his father, pulling his black coat around him in more of a fidget than a chill, giving a nod to continue Piccolo rolled his eyes at the teens antics before closing his eyes yet again.

He was sat on now of the many ridges beside the waterfall, water cascading downwards past him, what grass grew over the rocks was crinkled and cold, the noise calming to sensitive ears and taking in a calming breath Piccolo cleared his mind of all distrac-

"Won't you get cold?" came the sudden question and Piccolo tensed visibly at the interruption, the teen's question out of need more than thought and Piccolo simply answered a firm "no" and Gohan recalled Piccolo's ability to change his temperature.

"Oh yeah, right…" and then there was just enough silence for Piccolo to start again when "what about nourishment?" and Piccolo unable to concentrate opened his eyes and looked directly at his boyfriend who didn't seem to be taking the hint. Holding up his gourd half full of water as it was he replied "I'm by a waterfall. I can drink whilst meditating." His answers short and slightly impatient when it became simply ridiculous.

"What if a dinosaur comes along and..?"

"Gohan!" came the not loud but assertive call to stop the nonsense and said interruption was immediately apologetic, the sheepish look repeated twice in as many minutes.

"Sorry" Gohan said "I don't mean to be so clingy" he admitted and a hand felt down his red and black scarf in a fidget and Piccolo gave some sympathy with a soft gaze and tone "its okay, just be quiet and I can start."

Gohan nodded and as Piccolo was about to close his eyes he chanced a "one more thing?" much to Piccolo's initial annoyance "wh-" interrupted when Gohan left his seat and levitated in front of him, claiming unsuspecting lips in a passionate kiss. Holding his beloved's face tenderly and practically feeling how the Namekian was blushing at just how sudden the attack of desire came and indulging for many moments in their exchange before parting.

Both lock eyes afterwards in a subtle understanding, a kiss farewell, and the teen smiled kindly before sitting back beside him where he was, legs dangling over the edge of the ridge and placing a final brief kiss to Piccolo's temple. Then and only then was he finally waiting patiently and quietly, having said all he could and Piccolo could only smile before closing his eyes yet again and they would remain so for some while…

Gohan returned home, landing with little thought near his home and heavy footsteps crunching the frosted grade beneath his sad footsteps, he had remained some time after Piccolo had entered his meditation, he didn't know what he was waiting for, just some confirmation that he would be alright, some sign to make him feel less needy. He missed him terribly and he had only just seen him, spoken to him a while ago, even kissed him. He knew he was in love but this was ridiculous.

He reached the door when he heard a familiar hum of a car speeding its way to the Son House, of course with just reckless driving it had to be Videl, considering the season the top was down on her car and she had to open the door upon parking rather than jumping out. She stepped out of the vehicle and cuddled her coat around herself and grabbed a pamphlet of papers before closing the door with a thump, her voice clear through the crisp air "hey, just thought I'd drop by with interview details" and Gohan blinked, usually the mere thought of it would have him groan but he welcomed the distraction. He'd almost completely forgotten but as she approached and thrust a sleeve of papers into his hands the whole messy thing came back to him.

The news and tabloids were still going on about that incident with Angela and apparently the redhead had claimed they were very 'close' and insinuating with her tone to reporters which wasn't helping matters. At school she'd avoided him since the yelling incident but she would still leave him notes in his locker, make googlyeyes across the room, once mercy was that she seemed to have given up on Sharpener as an 'in' and she wasn't joining them as added company.

"Thanks, Videl" and he watched her shiver in the cold, clearly used to heated buildings and cars she wasn't wearing much for the weather but thicker shoes and a coat. "You want to come in, get you out of the freeze?" he smiled and she considered it a moment, that charming smile that made her want to get much closer to him, and or that reason, much further away, Before she could decline, and then berate herself for cowardice later, the door opened and the demi-saiyajin was quick to move out of the way as his mother stepped out.

"Oh, hello Videl" chimed Chichi with a warm smile before quickly moving to the side of the house and picking up some firewood, despite the houses renovations their main means for warmth was a traditional old log fireplace which they didn't quite want to part with. With arms full of lumber and the weight not phasing her at all, she welcomed the girl further with "why don't you stay for lunch?"

Videl shivered and through chattering teeth managed "I wouldn't want to impose" but she knew immediately she was no imposition at all as Chichi just stepped back into the house and said "there's plenty of food, come on it and out of the cold" in a motherly tone that the girl rarely heard aimed at herself and finally accepted. Exchanging a friendly glance with Gohan she followed inside and Gohan behind them finally stopping the chill from crawling further into the home.

Despite her unease with her unrequited feelings she was relieved the moment she was inside the warm house and was surprised how quickly she shed her coat and was sat on a comfy couch by a crinkling fire and mid-chat with members of the Son family. After long enough she realised the house felt slightly emptier and asked "where's Piccolo?" She had been expecting a simple 'training' or at the 'lookout' they'd referred to before or something to that nature, she hadn't expected it to show such a weight on Gohan's psyche.

"He's not going to be around for a while…" Gohan's tone was reserved on the subject, nothing so dramatic but still he seemed down, so at least she knew they hadn't had some fallout or anything so terrible "he's doing a deep meditation, he could be out for days, weeks…who knows" and gave a soulless slight shrug as things were out of his hands and Videl could only nod and ask what it was for, the more Gohan talked about it the more tired he seemed. It was rather sweet actually, how instantly his heart ached without his beloved by his side despite being perfectly fine. She decided not to keep on the topic for too long as he was clearly down over it, at least not today and Gohan mentioned this was only the beginning of the meditation itself so there was yet time to get over it or get closer to him awaking.

Chichi was timing their meal and stepped back into the kitchen just in time to see the door open and a messy young Goten enter, not as muddy as he would be out of the frost but how he always managed to come home filthy was a talent, with a sigh she ruffled his dirty hair and called "Gohan, could you get Goten ready for lunch…you'll need the shower" her tone somewhat comedic and Gohan could only smile.

Both teens stepped into the kitchen and one look at the happy little mess clarified everything, "okay, mom" and took the boy upstairs. Videl just waved at the boy on his way in greeting and was surprised to hear the question "do you cook?" Turning towards Chichi her expression was fair and just curious, Videl sheepishly gave a "I never tried, we have a chef so never really had to."

Chichi's dark brows raised at that, never cooked? Well…it didn't stop Piccolo, and cooking could be fun so: "Really? well all women have it in them..."

A little while later the boys descended the stairs, Goten's hair still wet and a small towel around his shoulders, Gohan having changed his shirt from the ordeal, both freezing mid-step as they heard a crash and their mother's voice, without malice luckily, explaining "Videl you're just as bad as Gohan" and the brothers exchanged a look realising what must have happened.

Goten looked up at the teen, his big dark eyes always adorable as he deduced ina whisper "something tells me mom was looking for the girlie type to teach things to" and Gohan let out a laugh and replied "Yeah, Videl's not the way to go."

Gohan made a step onward only to hear Goten behind him question aloud "does that mean Piccolo is girlie?" and he barely contained the snort at such an unexpected logic and answered the necessary "no…and never say that in front of him."

Eventually the pair braved entering the kitchen yet again to see Chichi emptying the dustpan full of broken dishes into he trash with a hum of "Well…lunch is ready, though we're down a few plates" her tone light at least though Videl still looked apologetic for her clumsiness.

It was quickly fixed however as Goten's cuteness prevailed, walking over to the dark haired girl he looked up at her and smiled "don't worry, we're bad in the kitchen too…that just makes you one of us."

Chichi couldn't believe she was thinking this but...she wanted Piccolo back.

It had only been three days and she was at her wits end, she'd actually gotten used to the lessons as part of her routine, an simple things irked her like having to pull out the step ladder for higher items again instead of just asking, and not just because he was tall but his telekinesis was one skill she found herself jealous of. But it wasn't just an issue of habit, there was also the matter of Gohan's friend, Videl.

Chichi had been quick to be welcoming and inviting to the young woman, they'd even been able to chat a little about her relationship with her father since the revelation some time ago. For Chichi though she would mix socialising with daily tasks and Videl…well…oh dear. She was like another one of the Son boys in regards to household matters, perhaps due to her privileged upbringing or maybe she was just similar to the Sons and focused on fighting.

She'd tried, she had tried and failed, and in a short amount of time it became far too apparent it was a lost cause, she broke plates, burned rice, misused appliances, was knitting dumb and so on. She was sweet though, very nice and clearly a great friend to Gohan. Although…the most baffling thought that came to mind was a little unsettling, how times and opinions had changed, but now Chichi was thinking she had lucked out…she couldn't imagine Gohan and Videl surviving as a couple without having to order in every meal which regarding his appetite would destroy even Satan's bank account. And yes, the girl's crush was plain to see, and Chichi only hoped the teen could find happiness in their clearly amazing friendship and nothing ruined that.

Maybe she wasn't a daughter Chichi could teach things to, but she had Piccolo for that in an unexpected twist of life and he did unbelievably well, but she didn't mind not passing on practical knowledge to Videl. She was quite happy to be a mom though, one of the few things the young lady seemed without.

Sighing she continued cleaning in a task that only days before took so much less time and effort and wondered how the three were getting along...

Videl watched on as the pair of brothers sparred before her, ever since the revelation of Gohan's true power and the further many stories she had asked for the young woman was overcome with curiosity. Gohan was one thing, but as she realised just how strong both boys were she felt smaller and smaller against them, the tiny Goten could fly and fight, unrefined of course, but far beyond herself. The sheer speed the pair were moving around the air and firing blows at each other, obviously the older sibling holding back tremendously but only due to his own power status and not the weakness of the other.

Most would be contented by sitting on the sidelines, watching the glorious display and awestruck from thought…but not Videl. leaning against her car and with a much more sensible coat wrapped around her body, at the suggestion of a very motherly Chichi, her brows furrowed in displeasure and discontentment before pushing herself away from the icy metal body of her vehicle and stood strong gazing at the pair, gaining attention with her voice in a sudden and firm request.

"Gohan…" and the pair stalled midair, Goten still throwing punches and kicks but as if they were nothing Gohan defended himself with little mind to it making her gulp at the display, before continuing "…could you train me?"

"Ow" Gohan said as in the slight surprise he had allowed Goten to deliver a stinging strike to his shin, he should have expected it really with her love of fighting and the things the opportunity right in front of her. "Take a break, Goten, you did good" and the little boy beamed a happy smile before both descended towards the frosted ground and their friend, their elevated ki keeping them warm.

"You let your guard down, big brother" Goten teased in a cheeky tone, Gohan just smiling down at him before hearing "Piccolo said you did that a lot and you need to improve your focus" the little boy shared like he was reciting any fact and Gohan, while enjoying how much Goten listened to the Namekian felt a little sheepish at the comment, it wasn't untrue.

Before he could take charge of the conversation again, if he ever did, Goten was quickly in his usual happy bounce and made the bold suggestion of "maybe Piccolo could teach you when he's teaching me!"and his smile widened at the idea of a training partner as cool as Videl was. Both teens blinked as the words settled only for Videl to blankly say "what?" for greater explanation.

Gohan thought a moment on Goten's idea first, Piccolo was a great teacher…but a tough one. Videl held great talent but it was still unrefined, then again she was certainly more skilled than Gohan was when he first received Piccolo's guidance, but still, the girl might feel dwarfed by it all…

Goten meanwhile was explaining how Piccolo had promised to train him after his meditation with a sweet excitement and Videl asking "so…is Piccolo really that good a teacher?" She knew Piccolo had taught Gohan before and he was a great warrior, not to mention the Namekian's own prowess and she did respect and like the man; it just sat a little strange for her to take his guidance while she was crushing hard on the Namekian's partner…but then…she also did just ask for training from her actual unrequited crush.

"He's the best, he's tough though and he doesn't go easy on anyone" and quickly the boy was indulging a range of compliments which made Gohan's heart warm despite the chill of winter.

Luckily Videl seemed to think similarly to Gohan and her own lack of certain skills when musing "but…you can already fly…"

Goten seemed about ready to protest that being an issue so Gohan interjected, not because Piccolo wouldn't teach her from such an early stage, but the girl had been through a rough time lately with her father's revelation and other matters, she needed a positive pick-up rather than a gruelling training experience, at least at first.

"She's got a point" Gohan's voice kept kind, "some initial ki control practice would defiantly be worth it and you can hit the ground running when Piccolo's back." Goten apparently agreed with a slight bounce under his heels and a clap of cheerful hands "okay, so if Gohan teaches you how to fly, Piccolo could train you afterwards?" he clarified and his brother agreed, it did seem the best course of action.

After a moment of mulling it over the dark haired girl went from expressing deep thought to excitement "sounds good!" she chirped and with that the group had a plan. A flash of doubt travelled over her features, for many reasons, but most prevalent was a simple concern "you sure Piccolo wouldn't mind? It's not like he's here to give his opinion at the moment…"

"I'm sure big brother can sweet talk him" Goten said cheekily and an unexpected burst of laughter escaped the teens at the very idea, but of course Piccolo wouldn't mind, and Gohan could definitely use the distraction from missing his beloved's presence. So the new task for the trio was decided: Videl's training was just beginning.

"Don't worry, you'll get the hand of it" Gohan comforted, his voice soft but wary in the passenger side of Videl's car with her carefree driving. After some beginner ki control lessons and dropping Goten off at home Gohan wanted to visit his beloved and Videl asked to tag along, at least the car was warm on their journey and they could talk. "I know it seems daunting, but really you did fantastic for your first lesson."

Videl made a particularly hard swerve past some trees as they entered further into the wilderness, despite Gohan's power level he couldn't help but tense each time she brushed closer with danger. With a sigh Videl admitted "doesn't feel like it, I couldn't tell the difference between ki signatures and when I charged that energy it barely looked like anything…and I was really concentrating!"

A pout pulled over her feminine lips and Gohan felt for her, he had tried his best to be positive and she really had been excellent for her first lesson, she was just very ambitios and wanted to see herself flourish a little faster than realistic, "Videl, seriously, you did great. You've never trained your ki before or sensed it out, to even be able to tell that a significant ki level was near by and where it was is good development."

"How long did it take you?" she asked, her voice even but clearly very curious.

"I was really young, also remember that I'm only half human, I had a strong power but it did take me a while to be able to use it at will; part of it is the confidence to use it, then theres talent which believe me you do have and after that it's practice. I bet when you were little and learning how to spar it was an uphill climb..?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" her fiery personality coming to the surface for a moment and Gohan smiled sheepishly hoping he hadn't said the wrong thing "I just mean there's always room for improvement, myself included, Piccolo trains every day when he can and other z senshi do to. Specific Ki control is a whole new area for you and you cant expect to be an expert overnight."

"Damn aliens and their advantages" she said in some jest and the pair exchanged smiles. "Have you trained Goten much, he seems to know a fair bit already?"

"Some. Not going to lie, Saiyajins do have some natural instincts which help in combat and both me and my mom started Goten's training…"

Nodding Videl found herself smiling a little dreamily "I thought that was her, I watched back old martial arts coverage, your mom and dad competed against each other once, huh?"

"Yeah" he said fondly, he did still miss his father, and what it was like for Chichi to have him around, he could be a right headache for her but he made things worth it all the same which was sweet, plus Goten would love to meet him. "They'd met when they were kids and my dad promised her one day he would marry her, he was so little he didn't really know what he was saying…" and so the story was told in a childlike innocence of its origins and both enjoyed the bazaar but cute tale on their journey.

Eventually the pair reached their destination and Gohan directed her to a safe place to park her car amongst nearby trees and stone. Gohan let out a breath and felt his heart twinge, he needed to see Piccolo, he didn't know why as Piccolo didn't see him back, there was no interaction or real comfort from this action, but like an itch he couldn't remedy or a dream that wouldn't release him…he missed him dearly and all he could do was wait.

He had expected to yearn for his beloved's return, but it wasn't as though the man had left their realm, or in an emergency as though he couldn't technically be woken and brought back to him, but the sheer power of a heart to tell him his world was a little less complete was truly unbeatable; no wonder through the ages people have dedicated their lives to art, song and prose to express love's wicked ways.

The car engines thrum came to a silence and both exited the vehicle into the biting winter air, both clad in coats and gloved and weather proof boots which crunched in snow underfoot, Gohan sporting the red and black scarf the Namekian had knitted him worn with pride and never ending gratitude. "He's up this way" Gohan said, his breath misting as he spoke and the pair made their way.

Both shivered in the winter air as they heard the flow of the waterfall until coming to face it, it was a stunning view in winter, the still flowing water into cracked ice over the lake, snowy grounds and icicles, some as big as persons, hanging from tree roots and cliff edges. The majestic sight only combated to a lover's heart as eyes laid upon the Namekian by the water's side, seated one one of many ridges just as the teen had left him last, unmoved by the force of nature beside him.

"Isn't he freezing?" Videl said a the sight, her voice a jutter in the cold,cutting in the still winter air and to Gohan's dreamy observations. The pair just continued walking and eventually higher onto fellow ridges as Gohan recited simply "no, he can control his body temperature" to a nod.

Gohan used his ki to evaporate snow beneath them and both took a seat only a few feet from the meditating Namekian, Gohan hadn't come for any great purpose, only to see him again, to know he was still there and that he was any closer to having those dark eyes look at him again, the twinge in his chest told him not to dwell and so he spoke "if you shape up he'll be your teacher" in a light tone he barely convinced himself with.

"You don't know that for sure" Videl said, her eyes switching from the teen to Piccolo regularly, taking in the power and focus of the meditation, she even attempted to sense his energy but…there was none. "Especially if I can even sense his ki and he's right here" she said with some disappointment in herself to which Gohan immediately tried himself with not great alarm. Piccolo ki signature could be identified but she wasn't there yet not was she familiar with different individuals, and it took Gohan some searching but it was there, small and hidden, were an enemy to seek him out they'd likely think him nothing more than wild cat.

"Piccolo's an expert in ki control and he often hides it, purposefully low, when you can identify ki signatures you'll be able to tell its him…recognising power can only get you so far when it can be masked." Blinking she nodded along, realising just how complex the whole specialty was but it intrigued her to no end, "besides Piccolo likes you, he already thinks you have talent…also I can put in some nice words for you" he smiled, as if he had to sweet talk for it which wasn't the case and she laughed a little.

"He does have a soft spot for you" she mused aloud, "I could see it the first time i met him, he'd do anything for you…" she said in an appreciation for their relationship, it was just so sweet and absolute she sometimes forgot herself.

"…I know," Gohan unexpected sighed in reply.

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No, I'm the same for him...but I also know to look out for myself, to stand for what i'm worth...he doesn't" his voice thoughtful, not pressure to his words just a truth he was sharing with a friend. Videl just listened and realised the meaning in his words, from their stories it sure sounded as much, all the times Piccolo would put others first at his own expense, a brave warrior for sure but that wasn't an easy thing to accept or experience in a relationship.

"You said he was meditating to know himself better..?" she only somewhat changed the subject.

Gohan smiled at that, it made him happy Piccolo was taking steps for himself and their relationship, the only issue was his own, it made no difference to Piccolo that Gohan was seated so close by to him "Yeah, I'm glad he's doing it…I just miss him" and at that she raised a brow, glancing at the very near Namekianand Gohan clarified "I know he's right there, but he's not there if you know what I mean."

"I guess" she smiled, what a lovesick fool. She wasn't the biggest fan of mushy stuff, she wasn't into romantic movies or the like but she could help the thoughts on their relationship, how intense it was, and overtime she did think to hard she felt a little guilty at her own desires. For Gohan to be cuddling up to her to keep her warm, how he should be wearing a scarf she gifted to him…or if she were busy or away that he should miss her just as much.

Her pretty eyes rested on Piccolo's still form a long moment, from what she's heard he would be a great teacher, and she'd certainly be glad for the distraction from her own unhelpful feelings. Abruptly she stood from her spot and carefully stepped over the rocks to Piccolo's side, other than the intense cold from being so close the the waterfall she seemed determined and with curiosity said the words clear as day: "hey Piccolo, can you hear us?"

Gohan couldn't stop the charmed laugh, no doubt he'd already tried something similar, one couldn't help but try their luck or test the waters, not that she wanted to wake him up of course…and it was then she understood, despite being there…he definitely wasn't his dutiful and ready self. He wasn't fully there and there was absolutely no response.

Endless darkness stretched on, surroundings seemingly empty of everything, no movement, no energy, silence deafening and a strange sensation of nothingness making the mind hyper sensitive, waiting on a blades edge for something, anything to happen. Inky paths were illuminated only by instinct as soundless steps made their way through the blackness of this world, the being hesitant but continuing onward none the less, a summoning of quiet bravery much needed in this endeavour and he wasn't turning back now.

Piccolo. Aware in his mind where he was, that he was safe and inside his own mind, a place he usually mastered with great control in this way a stranger to him, letting the place lead him for once as he searched and experienced depths left unvisited or even purposefully avoided. Things would happen in their own time and so he let himself be guided, even if it was only by feeling.

He had to remember why he was doing this, Piccolo was a lot of things, a full and well rounded being was not one of them, and it was something that not only for his relationship, but maybe for himself too, he wanted to be. With so many years of burying and pushing things aside for survival, pride and even fear he knew this wouldn't be easy and he couldn't shake the dread in his veins, but he walked on regardless.

Finally a flutter on the corner of his eye had his attention, it was delicate as a whisper and before he could focus to find out what it was there was another elsewhere, and then another, and another. Pink and white petals fell as though spring had come to the shadowy plain, and slowly shapes realised as trees and the cherry blossoms created a calming scene of beauty. The darkness not quite of earth but gave a feeling of night time, no stars to guide or tangible ground to make him feel at all at ease, but at least there was something now. The petals danced downwards in a scatter though no breeze cradled senses.

He walked for some time in the otherworldly forest, the occasional petal chancing very close to himself and as he reached for one it disappeared in his grasp, no affect but superficial at this stage. But he knew better than to expect it to stay that way. The mind controlled everything. Thought both conscious and unconscious, survival and panic, pain and pleasure…the more he gave himself over this this meditation the more affect it could have on him, tell him to feel pain though in the real world nothing has touched him, speak to memories at though here and now or even about to happen. This was a dangerous place and he was at its mercy.

Eyes widened as he caught a glimpse of something new amogst the trees, like a small creature evading notice as it hid and ran, Piccolo was quick in pursuit, unnerved at the remaining silence despite quickened breath and quicker footsteps nothing reached his ears, this thing evasive and manoeuvring around the area with greater knowledge than he until after some time of chase he knew he had it.

Hiding behind a single tree in a clearer part of the forest, the creature had no way to escape without being seen and Piccolo came to a stop, patiently waiting for whatever it was to show itself. He had expected it to be some revelation but not as great as it was, he had prepared himself to face many challenges and parts of himself but the truth of this experience hit him like an icy stab as the small being stepped out from its hiding spot.

Tiny feet held up the rest of the three year old, clearly scared and trembling at the intimidating company but a confident facade was worn as convincingly as possible, as if the being wasn't all alone with no one else for protection, as if he weren't afraid and as if he didn't care about the chaser's motivations, all knowing it couldn't possibly be kindness, he knew no such thing.

It was himself. A child fending for himself in a world that didn't care for him or want him alive, and as Piccolo laid his own eyes on the boy still branded with his demon of a father's name and he realised just how small he had been all that time ago, he was so small, and it was such a very big and hostile place. A tug on his heart and a restlessness in his hand made him want to help but he knew there was no difference to be made, this boy was passed, grown up and hardened.

Slowly the boy's eyes took in the older Namekian too, and though those tiny shoulders never lost their tension and those eyes their sharp gaze, no doubt that child's heart racing in some fear, he seemed to address what was going on and who the man was before him. It was heartbreaking, the sheer fragility and vulnerability in the young voice that mused aloud, breaking the silence of this empty world "I know you…"

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter, please review the feedback is really appreciated! x