Take and Give


It was as if time had stopped in that moment. Even the overcast sky, which had been threatening thunder for hours now, didn't dare to shudder. And the people present, they showed no less respect.

Juno stayed slumped over his dead lover. Mars stared on in horror, and even the onlookers from the Capsule Corp building made not a whisper, from their damaged tower.

Only 18 made a sound, as she gasped and choked... when her killer plunged his arm through his own sister's chest.

Such a disgusting scene of maliciousness... it really called for such a pause.

...

But, to put up with this for a whole moment though... It was all the young Saiyan could take.

"KAIO KEN!"

A screech of desperation rang out, breaking the silence.

Mars burst forward, as the bright red aura engulfed him. Only half as bright as his rage, but it would have to suffice. It was a combination of things fueling him; all the drama of the last few days, all the senseless death and meaningless violence... the peace that had alluded his grasp, Jewely's death heaped onto that... and now, even 18... Things were awfully serious now. And Mars felt sure, more than he had ever been, he would not stand to live to watch even one more person die. Unless it was 17.

Or, himself.

He fired upward like a shot, only to come down like a rock, straight on 17's head.

The hit, predictably, did absolutely nothing. But Mars was beyond caring.

He brought his feet up and down, again and again, stomping the menace's skull with all his might... all for naught. After a few moments, Mars reeled up and jumped away, but fell onto his back as he landed. Nursing his bludgeoned feet. But even as he gritted his teeth against the pain of splintered bones, severed tendons and heavily bruised flesh, he couldn't help but ask himself… What the hell did he expect?

It was really taking it's toll on him, the recognition of his own physical shortcomings... it was just like he was a kid again... he was like a fly on this battlefield, he really couldn't do anything but watch horrible crimes happen. Watch everything be taken away from him... like some worthless, pathetic bystander... Like nothing had changed in all this time, except the stakes!

It was truly a living hell.

He stared on... watching helplessly, as 18 choked on her last breaths, feeling himself falling into true desperation... a dream of turning Super Saiyan in his head, taunting him like a child's fantasy...

"17!" 18 gasped, "You... bastard...!"

She reached up, and clawed at his face, uselessly. Her strength seemed to fail her.

Mars was reminded... whatever hell he was making himself feel... she had the real deal to contend with.

Her wound was a mortal blow, a hand stabbed into the dead center of her chest. One would imagine her heart itself was penetrated... He couldn't help but hope, could it be her cybernetic enhancements had somehow made such an injury less lethal? Was this really a death sentence, for one like her?

… It was a nice thought, but it was plain to see her life was literally leaving her.

If only the standings weren't so strained... if only there was someone to keep 17 busy... how easily Dende could turn these tides...

Mars knew he could have him here in an instant... but he would most likely only be added to the body pile with this monster around... this killer. There was really only one chance...

He glanced over to Juno, still slumped over Jewely. The look on his face was positively deranged... he realized, this man couldn't be relied upon... But, he didn't necessarily have to do anything, to be useful. It made Mars sick to think it, but they really were out of options... if this 17 turned his attentions on Juno now, Mars might just be able to get 18 away to Dende's before she expired... all it really depended on, was what the killer did next.

But, even as he thought it, the killer made his move. A move strange enough to leave him reeling.

17 took 18's hand in his, gently, even as it's fingers continued slashing at his eyes. And then he slowly lowered her to the ground, with a ridiculous amount of care for the who one did such a thing to her in the first place.

And then, then... he spoke, and that's what really got to Mars.

"I-... I'm sorry," he whimpered, in a pathetic voice, lowering his face away from her in shame.

He couldn't take it.

"You're sorry?" Mars growled from the sidelines, crawling to his knees, "You piece a filth... You killed her! Your own sister!"

Upon that utterance, 17 then brought his face up, and met his gaze for a whole second.

In that one pitiful second... he saw horror, and even if he hated him with his whole heart, Mars believed his next words.

"... What is going on...?"

How irritating. How criminal. This thoughtless killer was also without presence of mind.

Mars was left with deep malaise. 18 though, was not as understanding. She wrestled her hand from his grip suddenly then, and spat blood in his face.

"... I hate you," she growled in the most hate filled voice Mars had ever heard.

He caught another good look at 17's face at that... and as he figured, he had felt those words. Or at least, pretended to. 18 drew his attention more though, as she then leaned back, closing her eyes and gritting her teeth, she suddenly yelled out.

"Why like this?"

She glared skyward, as if the question was aimed at the heavens themselves.

17 made not a sound for this, he merely continued to stoop like he was, not daring to tense a muscle. Mars wondered what exactly was up with him... how long before he went berserk again? Or, was this little act of remorse just more of the psycho's game?

Mars frowned bitterly.

And who... who exactly was going to stop him when he got serious again?

He glanced over to Juno. Was he really all they had left? The hero of this conflict would be the man that escalated it into this horror show so happily? How convenient.

And 18...

Mars attention was drawn back as 18 suddenly reeled up from off the ground.

In some sort of desperate, forced final effort, she convulsed herself, until she was standing over her brother... even as his hand was still in her chest...

And then, with a mighty roar, she preceded to beat his face in.

"You worthless freak," she seethed, "Why couldn't you just stay dead!"

She berated him, as she battered him... but, it was plain to Mars it was a wasted effort. She wasn't going to stop him with such action, nor even slow him. If she was really serious about hurting him, she could give him a few more of those discs at least... that might slow him down.

But then he knew, if she was to get serious, 17 could just remove his hand from her chest, and she would most certainly bleed out in mere moments.

"Why did you let it come to this!" she screamed, as she continued to lay into him.

But, maybe harming him wasn't the point... Mars wondered.

17 seemed like he was different now... maybe she hoped merely to impress something upon him, before it ended... but whatever she hoped to teach him wouldn't hold through to when he lost it again, would it? But Mars felt his ego was inferior to a man who could question another's dieing moments. So all he could bring himself to do, was just watch this. Watch this last bout of frustration, as depressing as that was...

Except, they were wasting so much time.

17's reaffirmed sanity's only purpose seemed to be to assure he merely would run out the clock for 18. To hold her attention, until she finally bled out. It would have been better if he was still crazy, at least then he might leave a small opening to save her... or..

And then, that was it. 18 suddenly ran out of strength. One last hay maker to 17's face, and she stumbled. He caught her, as she slumped, and he carefully brought her back down to the ground.

Mars frowned, time was at an end. 17 hadn't left her, and her strength was fading. All Mars had now, was his most hated recourse of all. But 18 was dead if he didn't...

If, if this 17 was truly back to normal, even somewhat... then, then he was going to beg this son of a bitch to leave her in his care, so that she might be saved... how could he deny that, if their was even a shred of humanity left in him? It was his only chance, he knew.

But before he could hovel up on his broken feet, and swallow his pride, another took his opening. The worst candidate imaginable.

"17... you're amazing!"

Juno, looking creepier than he ever had in his life, at least to Mars' knowledge, suddenly approached the broken duo. His face was livid... his eyes wide, his pupils tiny. A full smile on his face. Dead girlfriend in his arms too, there was no mistaking the ominousness of his actions. To Mars, there was no question the situation was about to be made worse, even helpless as he was to stop it.

17 ignored his words, and even as he strode right up in front of him, he still ignored him. But Juno wasn't phased. He continued, completely oblivious to everything around him.

"I thought, this whole time, you were just a coward. An opportunist, a joke." Juno smiled warmly, even as he was ignored, "But now I see the real you. You're the one I've been waiting for!"

As he continued, he outstretched his dead lover, in emphasis.

"You're the real deal." he smiled, "The perfect monster."

And at that, he unceremoniously dropped Jewely's body in front of them.

There was a silence at that. He actually managed to make an impression on 17 and even 18 with the callousness of the act, even with what they were going through.

Juno smiled even brighter, as they finally met his gaze.

"You really did it," he sighed then, as he paused, "You took away... my weakness."

Mars felt bile rise up in his throat, as his blood boiled at the most... horrible statement he had ever heard in his life. Suddenly, his ruined feet failed to pain him, as Mars rose and strode forward, with more precision then he ever remembered possessing. Before he even knew it, he had hauled off and socked Juno in the face with all his might.

… To no effect. Mars continued after the hit, wrist snapped like a twig from the impact, and stumbled into the mud a few feet off from the others. Wishing... just wishing Juno had the decency to crush his skull and finish him off, just to end his shame.

But, as he still had strength of will, if nothing else, he couldn't live with himself if he didn't toss his self loathing aside, in favor of the deceased's honor. He cried out, in righteous indignation, as much as it hurt his pride... for her sake...

"Don't you dare say such horrible shit, you worthless bastard," Mars growled, "She was the only person that redeemed you and your existence even slightly, and you got her killed!"

He paused then, to strike the earth with enough force to shake the ground around them.

"... To speak low of her now, you're less than garbage!"

Another silence followed. Juno, seeming to consider his sentiments, ended up merely shaking his head dismissively.

"It doesn't matter anymore," he said, "Can't you see? She's gone. "

He turned away from the seething Mars then, and back to 17.

"You freed me sir." Juno grinned a blood thirsty grin, "So allow me to free you!"

As he said it... he dove his hand into Jewely's corpse.

"Bastard!" Mars yelled at the top of his lungs. His voice was so forced, he felt it tear at the back of his throat.

But Juno was blind to him. His hand fished around inside her corpse creepily, as he stared dead eyed into 17 face. But then, he smirked and ripped something out, much to everyone's disdain.

He held it up, what he had ripped out of her, quite oblivious to everyone else in his action. An innocuous looking thing it was, though it was dripping with blood. It took Mars a second to guess what it was, indeed it took a second for him to stop seeing red to even wonder... But when he did, he felt his shoulders slump... he almost anticipated it, when Juno slammed it against his own chest.

Something like a bite-less explosion engulfed them all. A mass of white light poured forth, and engulfed the area. It practically had mass, Mars could even feel it engulf his body.

It was warm, not hot... but he could feel a tingly sensation all over his body.

What the hell was it...

Mars blinked, feeling momentarily blinded. His eyes didn't seem to want to work, even after whatever it was had passed.

When he finally was able to focus again, he saw Juno... holding 17 by the neck, right over 18's body.

He jumped to his feet again, even despite his injuries... even despite not knowing who his opponent was... he could sense impending doom...

And, an opportunity, when one presented itself.

He was all instinct at this point, and his instincts screamed 'Don't let anyone else die!'. He rushed forward, he knew, while these crazies had it out... he could save 18, he knew he could! If they just gave him even half a second... he could-

"Stay back, fucking kid!" 17 suddenly sneered, taking his eyes from Juno to him for half a second, to smack him away like a bag in the wind, "That's not gonna work!"

It caused Mars to smirk, as he was sent bouncing away... 17 had shown his true colors.

He smacked against the earth soundly, and bounced, rolling and skidding through the dirt. When he finally came to a rest, he stayed there. But, it wasn't pain, nor shock that kept him down… His window had been closed. He stared at them, from his thrown back position, with no doubt in his head that both himself and 18 would be slaughtered if either of these men were given half a chance...

"Heh heh heh," Juno laughed, low and smugly, his grip still on and tightening around 17's neck, "Good job!"

17 eyed him cooly.

"But, perhaps, you should be focusing your energy on me right now?" Juno smirked, and his eyes narrowed even more, "After all, you can feel it, can't you?"

Nothing.

"Even with that new body, you can still sense artificial energy, can't you?" Juno smiled, "Well then, you old piece of shit has-been, why don't you breath in the full technological prowess of my generation?"

With that, Juno's eyes seemed to glow. Momentarily, lightning began to strike off his body, cracking the earth around him. Juno's body, too, seemed to glow with a white light, as the entire area seemed to be on the verge of earthquake and thunderstorm at the same time...

And all through it, 17 maintained eye contact with him, and a firm grip on 18's failing body, just as Juno kept a firm grip on his neck.

Mars, though, felt himself blown back even further... his body wasn't in the best shape, but that wasn't it...

He wondered, how much stronger Juno had just become, taking Jewely's core into himself like that.

When he landed, Mars again didn't rise, instead he stayed ducked down, some distance away now... Honor and bravado were just holding him back at this point... he needed to abandon them... but he promised himself, it was just temporary...

The next time he moved... nobody would be expecting him. That had to be the way...

Because above all else, in this situation, 18 couldn't be allowed to die. He wouldn't even be able to die in peace if he allowed that to happen. He was going to teleport over there, and teleport her away, away to Dende's... as soon as they gave him an opening...

But his plans were put to rest with one utterance. Even as Juno held him by the neck, 17 was still able to talk.

"Your people can save her, can't they?"

Juno's light show came to an abrupt end immediately at that, and he even released 17. His face was curled up, as if he just smelt something rotting, his nose crinkled up in disgust. But only momentarily, his features softened almost immediately.

"What a shame," he said, sounding slightly bitter.

"She's your mother, you asshole!" 17 snarled, "Help her!"

His words were fierce... but his body language wasn't...

Mars felt his guts turn cold... as it dawned on him how bad the situation really was...

Why would 17 ask Juno for help? Assuming he actually did care about 18, why ask Juno specifically to help? 17 may have been everyone's enemy by now, but going to Dende had to be less shameful for him. Plus, and more importantly, there was an actual chance Dende would help...

Was the damage she had incurred that severe? Was her body... something that Dende couldn't heal...?

What else could it be? Why ask, unless Juno, or more accurately the scientists that worked for him, were the only ones who could save 18?

… There was no other reason 17 would ask him for help... not to Mars' knowledge...

"What the hell is the matter with you, come on, she's dieing-" 17 continued, desperately trying to convince him.

"Are you going to start begging me next?" he frowned, standing over them, "Let me save you some trouble. I'll tell you right now, there's no one alive I can be bothered to help."

Suddenly, Mars wondered if he would strike, attack a man cradling a wounded person. The expression on his face was so raged... Nothing seemed to be beneath him. But, then again, was 17 merely using her as a human shield himself? He couldn't trust either of them... they were both the enemy, it was the only way he could see it.

Juno lurched towards them, and 17, in response, drew up 18 and raised his hand in defense, his other still covering her wound...

For a moment, it seemed the sickening scenario was going to play out. They would fight with 18 in the middle...

But instead, in an act that could almost be mistaken for sympathy, Juno reached down, and picked up Jewely's body. Even as roughly as he had treated it earlier, now, he carefully rose it up, into his arms. As if to be in complete contradiction with himself, he now seemed to want to respect her corpse.

When he finally stood back up, so slowly, so... passive, and careful in his action, he abruptly and unceremoniously turned and began to walk away...

As if it was over...

Before he could put his outrage into words, Mars was again beaten to the punch...

"Hey, where the hell are you going!" 17 yelled, stammering, as he seemed to fight with himself, whether he should stand and go after him, or continue to stay with 18, "If you're not going to save her, I'm at least going to kill you!"

Juno stopped at that... Mars rose himself...

He cocked his head to the side, and in a low voice, he answered him.

"Kill me? You're the one who killed her. Why don't you kill yourself?"

17's eyes widened in shock.

"I-... I," he frowned, "I don't even remember it! ... I would never..."

Juno started walking again, brushing him off. But then suddenly, he paused somewhat spontaneously. As if a thought had suddenly hit him, and at that he did a full turn, and stared him down.

"You really don't remember?"

17, very stiltedly, shook his head. As Mars listened in, he stared at 17's horrified expression, and felt almost convinced. At the very least, 17 was a pretty good actor.

"Huh, I suppose it wasn't the you you are now that did it..." Juno's eyes sharpened, "But, the real you."

17 frowned, and looked down to 18 in his lap. He seemed to become enraged.

"I don't have time for this shit!" he roared, "Save her!"

Juno smiled sadly.

"Save her." he shot back, as he presented Jewely's dead body.

He laughed when 17 found himself at a loss for words. Laughed maniacally.

"You are almost there," Juno sighed then, and his face became placid again, "So close."

He turned to walk away again, and yet again, he suddenly paused and turned around.

"Yo Mars, you love the old hero stories too right? Then you'll appreciate this!"

He smiled brightly, but his eyes betrayed his true emotions. Doll like, and empty as glass.

"In one week, I'm going to kill the rest of you."

The words didn't strike a chord with anyone.

"Prepare as best you can. I will to!" Juno smiled, "We'll make a day of it. The last day ever!"

And with that, he spun on his heel, laughing maniacally. Though it sounded completely hollow to Mars. Like a parrot, or a hyena laugh. There was no emotion behind it.

He had nothing left...

"Get back here!" 17 roared after him.

He kept walking.

"I said get back here!" 17 seethed.

He hauled 18 up, as if to rush him with her in tow. But, she stopped him.

18, on the verge of death, grabbed 17 by the ear, and tugged roughly.

"Forget it, it's too late," she said, her normally tough voice sounding wilted, and far away.

It was enough to make 17 grit his teeth, it was enough to draw up Mars from his hiding place.

"No it's not, stop being dramatic!" he seethed.

"You have to listen to me," she started, weakly, "If any part of you still considers us family, you owe me... at least, a last request."

"Shut up! It's going to be fine!" he roared.

"17, I'm going to lose consciousness soon, you need to listen-"

"You can't be serious, when did you get this weak! That midget Krillin teach you to give up!? " 17 suddenly screamed, as tears spilled from his eyes, it was as if he thought he could order her to live, "Just hang on one god damn second and I'll save you!"

She smiled, somewhat disingenuously.

"Just shut the fuck up and listen," she sighed, "I'm running out of time..."

"No you're not," Mars growled, stumbling up.

For perhaps the first time that day, he was acknowledged.

"Even if Dende can't heal you, even if Juno refuses to, I can still find someone who will!"

He roared, slamming a fist over his chest, "So no goodbyes yet!"

But, even he doubted his words at that point.

Things had gotten very dark.


Dende sat on the edge of the lookout, his face twisted in confusion and horror.

For the last hour, he had stared in the direction of Capsule Corp, wondering just what the hell was going on.

Strong, foreign... yet, insanely familiar power signatures kept popping up from the vicinity of Capsule Corp and West City.

It felt like he was losing his mind. No matter how hard he tried to focus, the things he felt were maddening in their absurdity.

Teinshinhan was battling Frieza from within Vegeta, and... Mars was there... also... and... and...

Dende rubbed roughly at his eyes... he hadn't slept since the first attack... perhaps he was imagining this insanity because of that?

Wait, that wasn't accurate... Not counting the time Mars had knocked him unconscious, during which he had just been plagued by nightmares, he actually hadn't rested since Goku died.

... He had argued so energetically with Piccolo that Goku's death had been an accident, that he hadn't been murdered... but now he was realizing, he never believed that himself. He had merely wanted desperately to believe it...

Dende wasn't a young Namekian anymore. He wasn't feeble, but, he was wasn't the same person he had been. He was not the same one from the old days, when his life and the life of his people had been put on the line on a regular basis. He was too old for this stuff now, no matter how much he wanted to deny it... he had gotten soft.

It was true that his childhood had nearly been entirely spent contending with titanic threats of nightmarish design... but, he had lived a long lifetime of peace since then. He had, himself, grown into a peace loving man, accustomed to the slowness of watchful duty, and habitual meditation. His life had steadily turned into one of structure and diligent drudgery.

And so, he was wholly lost in this horror. He had no bearings. His nerves were completely shot. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw nightmarish visions, and every time he opened them, he saw worse. His stamina was running low, and things only kept getting worse… He couldn't calm himself, no matter how hard he tried. The fear, just wouldn't leave him...

At least, not since Piccolo had died...

He turned to look at his faithful companion, Mr. Popo. The genie stood by, dutifully. Every once in a while, he tried to give him a comforting word. "Don't worry, Dende.", or something similar.

But it wasn't the same. It wasn't what he needed right now...

Piccolo would have yelled at him, insulted him. Dragged him up by his bootstraps. He was born for this stuff, after all, he would have known just what to do, even when he didn't. Dende needed him so badly right now, if only to put things in perspective...

He wished, deliriously, that he had spent his younger years molding himself more to be a warrior. He may have enjoyed life a little less, but, at least, he would be able to do something in this situation.

Dende laughed, in exasperation, turning back towards the craziness happening at Capsule Corp. The event he wasn't even sure was taking place right now. Insane images played on his mind. Old Z fighters and villains rising up from their ancient tombs for tournament battle on the bodies of the former residents of West City...

It was a riot.

"Dende, help us!" "Dende, guide us!" "Dende, do something but just sit there like a log!"

Dende frowned, it would be so, so much easier for him right now, if those particular voices were only in his head too.

He turned again in Mr. Popo's direction, but this time, he stared past the genie, at the large crowd of people that had amassed on his lookout. Sadly, they were no delusion.

They had sucked away any life he had had stored away. He had tried to be comforting when they first started arriving. He had tried to guide them, to explain things, to bring them peace of mind, provide leadership even. He had failed completely, because that's not what they wanted. They wanted him to fix it. Fix it now. How? Who cares, just do it now, they cried.

"Are you a coward!" they roared, "He's killing us, you must stop Juno!"

He had been shocked, when he first heard it. He was still not sure, even now.

Juno and Jewely had killed 17? Then they had started a world wide manhunt for Saiyan descendants?

… It was a little hard to believe, to say the least. What had 18 been going on about then, when she was here, if that was true? She had told him she was going to stop 17. Why, if he was dead? And why, too, hadn't Mars said anything, if things had changed so drastically?

But still. Be the threat 17 or not, he was not capable of fighting it 'fist to fist', at least of that, he was sure. Which seemed to be the only thing they wanted from him... These hundred or so Saiyan descendants and loved ones that had gathered on his lookout.

They were a rowdy, boisterous lot, Dende was finding. Rich, pampered, and spoiled, a good number of them anyway. He was starting to feel, he could relate to the ones who had decided to wipe them off the face of the earth...

Every single one of them, be they man, woman, or child, seemed adorned in valuables and wealth. Almost every single one of them had a power level well above an average human level. And yet their hands were soft, and their faces smug and wanting. Absolutely none of them had faced real trial or tribulation in their entire existence, Dende was pretty much willing to venture at that point.

They whined for retribution and justice, but everyone one of them just stood there. The more vocal ones harassed Dende to go after them himself, and challenged his manhood when he didn't. A concept Dende didn't even understand, coming from an asexual race.

But, how should he comfort them? Even Piccolo would label him an unforgivable fool if he got himself killed for no reason. He even said as much, when he found out Dende had headed to the battlefield without him when 17 had first appeared. Throwing away the Dragon Balls, and his healing abilities? They were too valuable... much more valuable than his pride, he had told him.

They challenged him though, calling him a coward. Afraid to die...

Dende sighed. Maybe it was true... he was certainly afraid, but he wondered if it was truly death that scared him.

But either way, they still whined on. Some of them even harassed Buu's frozen body, ordering him to 'get to it', and 'wake up'. A few of them had even picked out members amongst themselves to go and fight. A few whose power levels merely scratched at a thousand. They, in turn, had made impassioned speeches about how they needed to stay here and protect everyone, since Dende was too old, and Buu too lazy. Some of them had even conjured Hercule's legendary phantom stomach ache, as their excuse.

If it wasn't so painfully grating, Dende might have even found them entertaining. Funny, even.

Dende stared on, towards Capsule Corp. He couldn't trust his senses. If Jewely and Juno were the villains, than what was this creature he sensed there? If Mars was there, how was he fighting it, when it dwarfed him in power a hundred fold? Was 18 even there? Were Jewely and Juno even there? Who was fighting who?

Should he stay here and watch over Buu and these fools, or should he go?

… Was he imagining all this, by any stretch of mercy?

While he pondered that, one ruthless Saiyan had finally completely lost his composure and actually approached him. Not the loudest mouth on the lookout, but one that commanded the loudest to yell on his behalf, it seemed. As everyone seemed to go silent as he stepped forward. He approached Dende with four of the stronger, younger saiyans in tow. They seemed to act as his lackeys without hesitance, or even instruction.

Dende smirked, this guy must be a big fish, he thought. Intently listening to his approach while purposefully staring off into the horizon. Refusing to give the man visual recognition, even as he came to stand right next to him.

After clearing his throat a couple times, in a rather unsubtle attempt at calling Dende's attention, he finally spoke.

"Pray tell, dear guardian," he said, in an expectant tone, "Just how much longer are you going to sit around?"

Dende regarded him slowly, as he finally acknowledged him. The man carried himself like a king, tapping his cane on the ground as he impatiently waited for answer. His hair was silver, but the cane was not for support. He was able, and his presence was somewhat oppressive. Which was a bit impressive, to Dende.

This man was someone he barely recognized; as he was a complete civilian. This was Trunks II. A direct heir of the richest branch of the entire Saiyan family. But unlike the man he was named for, he had no real power level, no training whatsoever. And he was a descendant of Bura, not Trunks, for that matter. Dende was rather sure this was his first visit to the Lookout as well. He was also sure he was someone completely removed from this side of the world, by the amount of respect he showed for it.

Though, he knew, within the family, this man was something of a 'quiet' figure head. Because he controlled most of the family's wealth, and nothing else really. But to be fair, in this age, that's what mattered most. So, he was justified somewhat for thinking he had anything meaningful to say. He had merely failed to recognize the shift. Though that's putting it lightly.

It seemed he was fully convinced he was running the show here. He had even claimed an entire building of the Lookout as his own since he had arrived, without Dende's nor Mr. Popo's say so.

Not that Dende really cared. These Saiyans were the very least of his problems... which is why he smiled at him, and tried to be courteous. In fact, Dende welcomed the distraction.

"Something wrong, sir?" he tried.

"I'll say so," the old man fumed, "The world is falling apart, no? Tell me, why you sit here, doing nothing. Is 'Guardian of Earth' a title with no meaning behind it at all?"

His words were thoughtless, but they still stung. The irony of that title was not lost on Dende. It didn't fit him in the slightest, even Boxer's sons had lived up to it more than he had, he felt in that moment.

"You know what? You are absolutely right." Dende said rising.

As he did, he noticed he towered over the older man. That was right, he was suddenly reminded. He had been feeling so small, he had forgotten he was actually tall for a being on Earth... Trunks II's lackey's even widened their eyes at him, intimidated.

Not old Trunksy though, he merely smirked, self assured he had made some headway in his goal of getting control of things.

"Dende...?" Mr. Popo asked, looking somewhat concerned.

"What do you think I should do sir?" Dende continued, ignoring him, "If I may ask your advice?"

The old man's smirk deepened.

"Well, I hear the next strongest one alive for our side, that is a Saiyan anyway," he said, "Is my beloved nephew March-"

At that, one the his lackeys started whispering in his ear.

"I mean, Mars." he clarified, and continued, "I'd like you to fetch him here, so I can speak with him."

Dende stared at him. That was quite a request. The audacity was palpable. But Dende brushed it off, like water off a duck's back.

"He's in battle right now, sir," Dende answered, trying not to let himself sound too condescending, "Would you like me to go take his place?"

Mr. Popo stared at him, very concerned. No doubt, he wondered what exactly he was up to. The old man on the other hand seemed barely aware of him anymore, so assured he was talking to a puppet.

"... Yes, that would be fine. I really need to confer with this young man, if he's to lead the fight. It's risky to have you fill in for him, but without proper direction, victory is impossible. But, are you really up to the task, 'guardian'?"

The condescension in his voice was thick, but Dende smiled. He was done.

"Very well then," Dende answered, holding out his staff for the man.

The old man looked at it, puzzled. Mr. Popo stared at him... also puzzled.

Seeing his hesitation, Dende shoved the stick into his hands.

"Hey, hey, what gives?" he growled angrily, off guard.

Dende ignored him, and removed his robe and flopped it over the man, which nearly knocked him over, as he was already juggling two staffs already.

One of the lackeys got angry and grabbed for Dende at that, for which, the guardian swatted him across the Lookout like a tennis ball. He settled, unconscious but alive, on the opposite side.

It was an over reaction, but it got their attention. The other three lackey's backed away, and fear finally splashed across even the old man's face.

"Whoa, whoa, what's your problem?" he exclaimed.

"Nothing," Dende smiled, showing his hands, "Just passing on the accoutrements of the trade to the new 'Guardian of Earth'."

He indicated the robe and staff, that he had given him.

"Dende, what's gotten into you!" Mr. Popo finally exclaimed.

"Nothing, you heard the man," Dende grinned, "I'm to go fight the bad guys! Assist Trunks II here as well as you served me, Mr. Popo. And maybe, we'll meet again one day!"

"You can't go to the battle, you can't risk your life when it means endangering the dragon balls!" he yelled.

Dende flashed him a crazy grin in answer and turned towards the edge of the Lookout.

He hesitated though... He had started this as just making a point... but now that he started, he could feel his legs starting to move without him...

… What was the point? If they wanted him dead, whoever these villains were, staying here wouldn't keep him alive that long anyway. And, if his purpose was to keep the dragon balls working, what good was that when the enemy was in possession of them?

He hadn't forgotten, Juno had had all the dragon balls gathered at Capsule Corp before all this happened. If he had really turned, then the dragon balls were in enemy hands, and who knew what he had in mind for them? Wouldn't that mean, if he was to die, he would actually be helping the cause, not hindering it?

It seemed so simple now... he should go and fight... it was the right answer!

"Take care of yourselves," Dende smiled back to them.

Popo was shrouded in horror, and Trunks II in confusion, as Dende stepped off the edge.

As he turned into the horizon, he was positive he was making the right choice, and certain nothing could sway him from his decision.

"What kind of fool are you?"

Dende hesitated once more... not because of the insult, but that voice...

"The kind of idiot that ignores his responsibilities just to satisfy his stupid pride,"

Dende gasped... that voice...

"Is unforgivable!"

... wasn't familiar in the slightest. But, in all his life, Dende had never heard such force and authority funneled through such a...

"Not too mention, completely pathetic!"

… squeaky, high pitched voice.

It, it was a little kid's voice, he suddenly realized. Out of pure curiosity, he had to turn back. He wasn't alone either, the entire Lookout had already beat him to it. Everyone stared at the little tyke with the voice big enough to shake the entire structure.

Dende felt his heart skip a beat, as his eyes finally met with his antagonist's, and he instantly understood why every single person in attendance stared in complete silence.

Just beyond the roughly patched hole in the center of the Lookout, at the entrance of the Throne room, right around where 17 was finally captured...

"Quit giving me such a weird look, dumbass," he growled out vehemently, "You know who I am."

And, indeed, he did. As he stared at the small green figure, with a huge white cape blowing in the wind behind him, he knew exactly who he was staring at. And it brought tears to his eyes.

"Pi... Piccolo!"