Chapter Nine: Nightmares.
Author's note: Gomen for taking such a long time to update... Been busy with school and work... Not to mention a killer cold.. Thanks for being so patient and supportive. Will update faster from now on.. I didn't mean to be this long in doing so.. Gomen Nasal.
Piccolo watched as the soldiers led him into his quarters, their faces still and expressionless. It was quite eerie, observing blank faces and eyes where lively intelligence should be blossoming. It was like looking into a dead lake, so acidic that it could no longer support teeming life. For the only the second time in his short life, the green warrior shuddered. But then, he would rather be with them than with his captor. Piccolo stumbled slightly as a wave of revulsion crashed through his lithe frame. He quelled the worst of it before the other warriors could notice. For appearances was everything to these people. If you looked strong, then people automatically assumed that you were. He kept his expressionless mask on.
As he entered the silent quarters, the door hissed shut instantly, separating him from his guards. The casement was open, a gaping maw with in the cavernous belly of the room. Shadows fluttered through the room like rabid bats, flitting to and fro. Piccolo moved mechanically to the window, the watery afternoon sunshine filtered sickly down from rain leaden clouds. His sharp garnet orbs could pinpoint the various figures down below and distinguish between species.
There... Saiya jin...
He flicked his eyes to the north .... Ryi jin... a strange bluish creature.
The garnet pools swerved once again to the south... Movement caught his attention and he fixated on that particular spot. Broly was training his troops. Piccolo snorted. Training... Bah... More like terror tactics to keep them in line and obedient. Piccolo believed in respect. You show your students respect and they returned the sentiment. Piccolo knew it worked. After all he had trained Gohan...
Gohan...
The mask slipped somewhat and a hint of sadness entered the lean face, the eyes echoing with melancholy glints, like rain on a still lake. A shaky sigh escaped his mouth. Of course that wasn't Gohan.
For Kami's sake... He was still only a boy... a preteen or young teen at best. Plus he had his own life.
Why would he worry about an old teacher? One he had outgrown a long time...
Piccolo sighed once more, ail his energy seeming to escape along with the breath. Suddenly tired, he pushed himself away from the square window and padded towards the bed. Crawling on top and not even bothering with cover, he gently laid down on the silken bedspread. Curling on his right side, he cushioned his head on the nearest pillow and closed his eyes. Sleep crept up and blindsided him.
Gohan sighed and tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for his name to be called. The young attendant in front, a saiya jin by the name of Ryushin was interviewing each would be soldier and typing down their particular talents down into the memory banks of his laptop. Cradling his fake ID in his left hand he clenched and unclenched the right one in irritation. He wondered if would be legal to go ahead and just obliterate the ones ahead of him. He snorted to himself and laughed softly.
Probably not...
Besides, he might hit the attendant too. Then where would he be? He would have to wait for a new one.
So, Gohan reigned in his anticipation and concentrated on being serene and calm when his time came to register.
Finally after what seemed like ages, he was motioned to the front. The young man in front of him stared hard at him, then waved a small machine in front of him and typed a few keys on the keyboard in front of him.
Gohan heard him mumble slightly.
"Species: Saiya jin... Good, we have too few of our own race."
Gohan shook his head. Evidently their scanners could not differentiate between a full blood and a half breed. He smiled maliciously. It would work to his advantage... The young warrior waved his tail lazily behind him, the picture of calm and serenity.
Ryushin finally finished his mumbling and turned to the demi saiya jin.
"Sorry... I had to type in some information. Please state your name and age."
Gohan drew in a breath and began to rattle off his physical statistics.
?Nishya. Eighteen years of age. I am about five feet, ten inches and I weigh about one forty."
Ryushin nodded and added the extra information into his computer.
The two exchanged questions and information for a good half hour. Finally Ryushin sighed and glanced once more back up at the standing fighter.
" I only have one more question for you, Nishya san." Ryushin replyed.
` Thank Kami,' Gohan mused, his head hurting from all the queries, not to mention his legs cramping from standing in one spot for so long. He could handle rigorous physical strain, but such lack of action wears heavily upon good muscle.
"What position are you wanting to enter, Nishya san?"
Gohan quirked his head to the side, his short dyed locks slicing through the afternoon breeze. He appeared to be lost in thought. He already had his so called "position" in mind, but didn't want the others to know that.
"Medical. I want medical. I already had some training on my home planet."
Ryushin glanced up, one eyebrow raised. Medical was not a profession that most saiya jin entered willingly. The triage staff was short handed and any help was welcome.
"What training have you had?"
Gohan thought back to all his CPR classes, first aid and rescue breathing. Decency that had been ingrained into his demeanor by his mother and a since of dignity and honesty that had rubbed off onto him from his mentor wouldn't allow him to lie about his knowledge, or lack there of on a certain subject.
He grinned sheepishly.
"Just the basics. I didn't have time or the funds to go through to the higher level courses..."
Ryushin's lips smiled, but his dark eyes didn't. ? Well, don't worry about that. You will get plenty of hands on experience here... Especially with the way that His Excellency runs things. You will be a professional before the month is out... Believe me."
Gohan smiled back, his warm eyes suddenly going frigid. " I certainly hope so.' He replied, layering his reply with a double meaning. Ryushin nodded and then printed out a couple sheets of paper. He handed them to Gohan and then waved him on, going on to the next poor victim that was to be instated into Broly's ranks.
The young warrior smiled as he hefted his possessions and peered down at the tiny writing. It was divided into four sections. One gave information on duties, the other on housing, the third on training and finally the fourth on discipline. Gohan snorted at the unconditional obedience' part stated in the end of the contract.
'Yeah ...right... Like I am going to follow that egomaniac into battle ...That is the whole reason I am in Medical... that and to find Piccolo san.'
Gohan felt his jaw tighten at the thought of his former friend. Anger burned like a black bonfire in the pit of his soul. He was careful to quell it before it could consume him just yet. He didn't let it die, just banked. Out of the way until he truly needed it. He followed the instructions given to him on the paper and wound his way around various beings and buildings within the courtyard and finally arrived at the bunkhouses. Again, it was all saiya jin. Keying in the entrance code with deft fingers, he quickly entered. To his surprise it was totally empty.
'Must have either been the first or the last...'
He peered on top of bunks to see if anybody had been there before him.
'Nope... Well... I got top bunk anyway' he mused, smiling as the thought passed through the layers of his mind.
With a swift leap, he landed on the top bunk in the far right corner of the low, long building. He set his bag on top of the blankets and proceeded to empty it. Clothing storage units were built right into the side of the building. Gohan opened one to find his medical uniform waiting for him. He finally realized why he was alone.
He was one of the only few saiya jins in medical.
He laughed, the sound echoing off bare walls. Smirking, he dressed himself and threw his old gear into the laundry chute, then proceeded to find the mess hall to gather up some essential food groups.
And promptly digest them.
Meanwhile. . .
Broly stalked to the edge of the balcony, overlooking the ranks of soon to be warriors. He eyed the line of saiya jin with great delight. He was happy to see so many joining his army. If the enlistment numbers kept up then the new empire would soon rival the glory of the old. Broly had every intention of reviving the glory of the saiya jin species, by any means necessary.
Coffee hued eyes flicked back and forth, observing the lines. He noticed that two of the ones in the line of saiya jin seemed remotely familiar, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
They looked... familiar...
Broly shook his head and snorted, wondering why in the seven heavens should he be worried.
There was no reason to be paranoid. After all, after leaving Earth he had conquered four more planets. He was the strongest fighter in the known universe.
The full blooded saiya jin flicked his eyes heavenward and observed the racing silver clouds. The wind, ever savage, tore at his bare chest and arms. He took no notice; such physical things did not bother him. He looked down once more and let his thoughts drift off to other matters. He had canceled any meetings tonight for a more ...ah... pressing matter.
Indeed...
The stars over head peered timidly from amid angry clouds. Broly inclined his head, ebony locks writing madly in the fierce gale force wind. The planet and he were so much alike. Both could be gentle to those who showed respect for their strength and both could be wrathful exacting delicious vengeance for those who didn't obey to their wishes.
Speaking of obeying wishes...
Broly suddenly smiled, his teeth glinting eerily in the slowly approaching dusk.
" I think it is time to resume some unfinished business," he thought out loud.
As night crept over the waving saffron trees, Broly slowly ambled back into his chamber, his mind on future matters. The crimson sky slowly darkened to the color of old blood and finally to a dark violet black.
The days passed quickly, running together like beads of dew on a spider's web. Gohan became competent in triage and was beginning to move onto more complicated procedures. He was slated to begin training in onthe spot surgery soon. He had already mastered first aid, CPR, (it was different for each species), poison treatment and minor surgery.
The smell of antiseptic was strong in his part of the ward. Dr. Mishu had already released his patient with a couple of stitches earlier in the day, yet the smell of peroxide permeated all the sections. Gohan wrinkled his nose as he finished wrapping the sterile gauze and sealing it into ready to go airtight packets. Dressed totally in black, it wasn't hard to notice him and the form fitting material displayed his lithe body to his best advantage. Toned legs, a slim waist and lean chest completed the physique of the young man. A furry sienna belt was tightly cinched around his waist. Deft hands fitted the packets into little first aid kits. Then kits were then packed into a special division of the hospital supply room. Slim hips rocked from side to side as the spandex clad fighter and medical officer packed the plexi plastic crate full of kits to be sent off to the supply room. The air temperature was frigid, trying to fight the tide of in hospital infections that had been rising lately. Gohan rubbed his arms and shivered slightly. Spandex was warm, but even it didn't do much good in this temp. He retreated out of the supply room doors and sighed as he revealed in the warmer temperatures. He stalked back to his station and sat down. He waited on the head medic to come back from his dinner break so that he could acquire new orders. As his body relaxed, the young fighter let his thoughts drift. Vegeta was doing quite well in intelligence, quickly becoming Broly's right hand advisor. Goku was proving his merit in security. Gone was the happy go lucky demeanor he always wore. In its place was a stern personality. Security was up to one hundred and ten percent. The guards were more disciplined and hardy. Gohan smiled to himself, enjoying a private joke of sorts. Piccolo san had once said that his father couldn't get serious for anything. Including battles. He wished his mentor could see Goku now. His training methods were beginning to echo the emerald warrior's in harshness. Gohan shook his head, trying to stop the flow of memories before they could catch him off guard. It won't do to be seen showing any emotion here. His reverie was interrupted by the sound of the automatic door as it chimed softly.
Gohan stood up at attention and watched as the door slid back to reveal Dr. Mishu. The Neko jin's face was drawn, his eyes tired. Suspicious poolets of crimson and emerald dotted his once immaculate black form fitting attire. He sighed and made his way to his station, situated right beside the concerned saiya jin.
Gohan peered at him curiously, worry shone in his warm eyes.
"Is everything all right, Sir?" he asked cautiously.
The neko jin glanced at him and relaxed. His friendly sunset hued eyes gazed sadly at the young man.
"Yes, Nishya. I am quite well. I am afraid we lost a number of recruits today," Dr Mishu shook his head in disgust, but contiued onward, his voice harsh. "Thanks to our fearless leaders brutal training methods."
Gohan blinked. Dr Mishu hardly ever spoke of his work. Something must have happened before or during his dinner break. Interested, he pulled his chair up close to the furry form and sat down.
"What happened sir?" he gently pried, his voice soft.
"Broly's officers were teaching the newest ones how to reflect attacks in hand to hand combat. No offense to you, young Nishya, but the saiya jin officers forgot themselves and went into bloodlust, brutally and efficently killing almost all of untrained fighters. I don't often talk of this, Nishya, due to the policy of treason. This is a savage place. Civilization and culture have no business here. All you see before you is a farce. There is no such thing as truth here or honor. Remember that, young student, and you shall survive."
The feline doctor trailed off and turned his attention inward. Gohan took this as a sign to return to his station. He wondered when he would be off duty. Though the ward leader was back, he wasn't officially off yet... Only Dr. Mishu could authorize that and it looked like he wasn't going to be doing that anytime soon.
He sighed and returned his chair back to its usual spot. He sat down back at his station and pulled out his manual, re reading a section on the care of cultured biopsies obtained from the throats of Cyai-jin.
It was going to be along night.
An emerald form sat in mid air, legs crossed and attention turned inward. A short onyx cape wafted gently behind him as he hung motionless in the air. Black legging clung to toned legs and a similarly hued tunic was draped across the lean chest. The teardrop shaped nose was pointed downwards and thin lips drawn into a tight line.
Jade lids hid garnet pools.
Suddenly they snapped open.
The jade skinned fighter sighed and slowly lowered himself to the floor. Uncrossing his legs, he braced himself and lightly jumped onto his feet with cat like grace. He pulled his arms over his head and arched his back, stretching. He sighed as several vertebrae popped back into place with a soft crunching sound.
He strolled over to the open window and peered up into the night sky. The clouds were thicker than usual, hinting at some fierce storm on the horizon, no doubt. Leaning, against the sill, he stuck his head out into the night air.
How he longed to be out in the forest again, away from stone and mortar. Away from metal and coldness. He had contemplated jumping out the window several times, but the guards below were assigned to keep an eye on him and watched that portal constantly, with watches changing every six hours. Motion sensors and heat detectors and miscellaneous other devices also monitored that window and the surrounding area. He knew it wouldn't work.
He had already tried.
And...
He missed home...
Not NeoNamekusei, but Chikiyu...
That was where he had grown up... Fought for... and died....
And ... that was where Gohan was.
He had admitted to himself along time ago, that he considered home where ever Gohan lived. As long as he was near him, he was happy.
Piccolo shook his head and straightened up. He turned his back away from the window, trying to gain a since of privacy though he had none. Silently as was his habit, he padded towards the bed, still rumpled from last night's nightmare. They were gaining in frequency and in number. Piccolo shivered as the remnants of one flitted through his thoughts. Dying would be bliss compared to the hell he was living in. His nightmares shared a similar tone. Flashes of crimson, screams, and a stabbing pain were all the common themes that seemed to flow through his subconscious.
The shivering abated some, but didn't entirely recede.
Piccolo removed his boots and cape. Pulling back the comforter, he slid between the silken sheets. He curled into a fetal position, something he hadn't done since he was a hatchling. He prayed to whatever gods or goddess were listening for respite from the horrors of his nightmares, both real and imagined. He expected none ...for the hearts of gods and goddesses are fickle.
Sleep finally overcame him and he drifted off into oblivion, hoping for a dreamless night.
Broly strode purposefully down the winding corridors of the fortress. The lower levels were all but deserted, as the recruits were asleep in their bunks. The few guards that did line the hallway bowed and moved aside for him to pass. Broly nodded back and continued on his way. He had been busy these past few nights, preparing for an invasion on a solar system in the eastern quadrant of the North Galaxy. It was tedious work, planning the squadrons and divisions of men, then discussing tactics with Intelligence. Finally though, after six hard nights planning, Broly was ready for a little rest and relaxation.
Well... maybe not rest...
The warrior smiled as he entered the lift and rose two levels to the middle portion of the fortress. He glided out of the doors and made his way down yet another set of twisted corridors, winding left, right, then left again. Finally he arrived at his destination. He checked his chronometer on his portable Com unit. It was about four hours past moonrise.
He had plenty of time.
He waved off the guards and pressed the access code, waiting as the doors hissed open. He silently stalked inside and turned around to close them.
The room was dim; the only light being the fickle light of the moon as it tried to shine through layer upon layer of steely clouds. Broly could just barely make out the form lying motionless on the bed. As the doors hissed shut, the warrior edged closer to the bed, trying not to disturb the sleeping form just yet.
Broly slid around to the other side of the bed and peered down at the jade face impassively. The namekuseijin's face was devoid of its usual scowl or smirk. He seemed almost... childlike. Almost too young for his body. Smooth skinned and without one wrinkle, Piccolo seemed younger than his apparent years.
Broly shook his head, breaking his trance and returning to the present. One hand reached up of its own accord and gently stroked one smooth cheek, following the line of the prominent bone with soft touches. He gently led his fingers down to the partially open lips, tracing the cupid's bow curve and the full softness. His hand then slid down to the graceful throat, feeling the pulse beat its rhythmic tattoo against the jade skin.
Suddenly the emerald lids snapped back, revealing keen garnet pools.
The two warriors stared at each other for a frozen moment in time.
Then just as suddenly the moment was broken and Piccolo suddenly straightened up and tried to throw himself backwards, trying to keep out of Broly's grasp. He succeeded and landed on the other side of the bed, on his knees. With feline grace, he twisted to his feet and started for the window.
Broly reacted instantly.
Growling he cleared the bed in one leap and was hot on the retreating form's heels.
Piccolo felt the cool air sear his lungs. He knew this was going to happen again, it was only a matter of time. Broly would never forget him that in it had been too much to hope for. The stone was frigid against his bare feet. He concentrated on the window before him.
Deep down inside, he knew it was futile... He knew they would catch him...
But anything was better than this...
He reached the window and crouched, preparing to spring. Only to be knocked into the wall as a weight ran leapt onto him. His world spun as a force threw him back towards the middle of the room. He landed on his stomach. Barely there a second, he was once again on his feet and glaring at his captor. Broly straightened up to his full height and glare daggers back at the lean emerald form.
Broly felt his lips curl up in a snarl...
'Rough are you? Well... we shall see about that. .' He mused darkly.
He took a single step forward, making as if to simply walk over to him and suddenly phased out from sight. Piccolo snorted, trying to sense his ki.
'What the hell? I though only Son could do Shouken Idou' Piccolo's mind raced, trying to pinpoint the other warriors location. He couldn't sense any ki whatsoever, save his own.
Piccolo whipped around, trying to find the other fighter. He couldn't stay out of sight that long. He kept his guard up, not wanting to be surprised. Closing his eyes, he used his other senses.
Scent...
That was it! Piccolo gently huffed in the breeze and tasted it.
He reared back with an elbow smash and nearly caught the surprised saiya jin in the ribs. Broly had moved back just in time to avoid broken ribs.
With inhuman speed, he grabbed the retreating arm and spun the warrior around. He brought his knee up and heard the crunch of bone meeting bone. Warm air flooded over his leg, as the breath was knocked out of the lean warrior's lungs. Bone grated against bone as he struggled to breathe. Broly smirked and tossed him onto the bed.
Piccolo snarled weakly and struggled to get off.
Using his weight as an advantage, Broly pinned his lower body down.
He would take by force what was his if it wasn't given willingly.
Despite the searing pain in his chest, Piccolo was determined not to let the same thing happen again. He bucked and twisted, doing everything in his power to knock the warrior off of him. With a violent twist of his arms he manage to get one of his hands free.
Growling he tried once more to throw off Broly. The other warrior merely smirked wider and leaned down to gloat. This was what Piccolo was waiting for. Curling his hand into a hooked talon, he waited for his chance.
Broly leaned down and opened his mouth to speak.
Now...
His shoulder muscles flexing and the tendons on his hands standing out in bold relief, Piccolo slashed his claws violently across the smirking face above him.
Broly felt no pain, merely a force knocking his head aside and then the warm trickle of something down the side of his face and the bridge of his nose. Intuitive reflex made him grab the offending claw. He looked down and saw crimson blood decorating the onyx nails. Disbelief and rage battled for supremacy in his eyes and soul.
Rage won...
Broly's face twisted into an inhuman mask of ferocity. Bringing one hand up he curled into a fist and swung down.
Again..
And again...
And again...
He lost count of the blows. Time seem to stand still as all the fury he had kept deep inside of his soul bubbled out, like lancing a boil.
Finally he quit, out of breath. Body shaking, head reeling. He got up off the still form and sat on the edge of the bed. He sat there for a few moments, trying to collect his thoughts.
He had never lost himself like that before ... What had just happened?
His hands began to shake as he realized the ramifications of what might happen should he loose himself like this in battle. He stood up and crossed the room to the control panel. He keyed in a series of numbers. The lights were blinding as they flashed on, illuminating the travesty within.
Broly peered down at himself, peppered with dots of violet here and there. His gaze followed the lines of the floor all the way to the bed. He slowly approached the still form. As he approached it, he noticed a plate sized pool of violet, congealed on the floor. He roamed his sight upward.
With a shudder, he realized he couldn't recognize the face anymore. Covered in much of his own blood, the emerald form lay on his side, lop sided. More purple and black than green, deep bruises tattooed his body. Broly couldn't tell how many bones had been broken, but he had a good guess. The chest rose and fell exceedingly slowly... barely moving. Uneven and gore splashed, you could just barely make out the line of the ribcage. One leg was twisted the wrong way, and an arm dangled lifelessly over the side of the bed. The color wasn't even jade anymore. A lime sort of hue now infused the usual dark tone.
Broly ran a shaking hand through his hair and quickly called the medics via the portable Com unit he carried with him. He trotted to the door and quickly punched in the exit code and sped out the door, leaving no sign that he had ever existed.
Gohan had been reading at his desk when the code came. Dr. Mishu had grabbed his bag of supplies and had grabbed the young man to go with him. Gohan needed no encouragement as he grabbed his own kit and raced out the door with him.
They raced down the winding hallways, lit with harsh fluorescent light.
Gohan panted a question as he and Mishu sped towards the first lift they came to.
"W what happened?" he hugged as he caught his breath while the lift surged upwards towards the middle layer of the fortress.
"Don't know.. .I all I got was a message saying to come to Room C147 immediately."
"What do you think it is?"
The doctor snorted. "Probably some idiotic drunk passed out from alcohol poisoning."
Gohan nodded.
Finally after a small eternity, the lift beeped as it stopped at C level. The metal door s parted and both men rushed out, intent on their quarry. The doctor scanned the doors as they sped by.
"C 137...C 139...C 141...C 143...C 145....Ah here we are... C 147. Got the kit ready, son?"
"Hai..."
"Good." The doctors tone was gruff as he punched in the access code and the door swept open.
They both entered. Gohan peered ahead and suddenly froze, all the air gone from his lungs. The doctor skid to a stop beside him, his own face frozen in a mask of horror.
"Good gods amighty... What the hell happened?"
The doctor shook himself and raced to the supine form's side. He began his triage and then snapped back over his shoulder after noticing that his student was still standing in shock.
"Get over here, boy! You want him to die on us!?"
Gohan shook himself and ran over to the doctor's side, handing him everything he asked for.
The neko jin quickly cut the bandage into strips to bind the still weeping wounds.
"See if you can get him to alertness, son. If he has a concussion and I am willing to bet my tail he does, he doesn't need to be out of it."
Gohan nodded and grabbed a red bottle out of the kit. Screwing the lid off, he waved the bottle back and forth underneath the bloody nose.
He was rewarded with a weak sputter and the barest sliver of an open eye.
Gohan whispered down towards the downed warrior.
"Piccolo san?"
Piccolo merely gazed at the bleary form above him, trying to figure out who this was. The voice sounded familiar.
But it couldn't be...
He moved his lips slightly, trying to sound out the name on the tip of his tongue but failing.
He slumped back down, too weak to do anything. As darkness once more invaded his senses he heard a voice follow him down into oblivion.
ìItís ok now, Piccolo-san. I am here. . .I wonít let anybody hurt you anymore.
And for some reason, he believed him.
Author's note: * anything underneath major re-constructive surgery . . .meaning replacing missing body parts is considered to be minor surgery to Saiya-jins.
Author's note: Gomen for taking such a long time to update... Been busy with school and work... Not to mention a killer cold.. Thanks for being so patient and supportive. Will update faster from now on.. I didn't mean to be this long in doing so.. Gomen Nasal.
Piccolo watched as the soldiers led him into his quarters, their faces still and expressionless. It was quite eerie, observing blank faces and eyes where lively intelligence should be blossoming. It was like looking into a dead lake, so acidic that it could no longer support teeming life. For the only the second time in his short life, the green warrior shuddered. But then, he would rather be with them than with his captor. Piccolo stumbled slightly as a wave of revulsion crashed through his lithe frame. He quelled the worst of it before the other warriors could notice. For appearances was everything to these people. If you looked strong, then people automatically assumed that you were. He kept his expressionless mask on.
As he entered the silent quarters, the door hissed shut instantly, separating him from his guards. The casement was open, a gaping maw with in the cavernous belly of the room. Shadows fluttered through the room like rabid bats, flitting to and fro. Piccolo moved mechanically to the window, the watery afternoon sunshine filtered sickly down from rain leaden clouds. His sharp garnet orbs could pinpoint the various figures down below and distinguish between species.
There... Saiya jin...
He flicked his eyes to the north .... Ryi jin... a strange bluish creature.
The garnet pools swerved once again to the south... Movement caught his attention and he fixated on that particular spot. Broly was training his troops. Piccolo snorted. Training... Bah... More like terror tactics to keep them in line and obedient. Piccolo believed in respect. You show your students respect and they returned the sentiment. Piccolo knew it worked. After all he had trained Gohan...
Gohan...
The mask slipped somewhat and a hint of sadness entered the lean face, the eyes echoing with melancholy glints, like rain on a still lake. A shaky sigh escaped his mouth. Of course that wasn't Gohan.
For Kami's sake... He was still only a boy... a preteen or young teen at best. Plus he had his own life.
Why would he worry about an old teacher? One he had outgrown a long time...
Piccolo sighed once more, ail his energy seeming to escape along with the breath. Suddenly tired, he pushed himself away from the square window and padded towards the bed. Crawling on top and not even bothering with cover, he gently laid down on the silken bedspread. Curling on his right side, he cushioned his head on the nearest pillow and closed his eyes. Sleep crept up and blindsided him.
Gohan sighed and tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for his name to be called. The young attendant in front, a saiya jin by the name of Ryushin was interviewing each would be soldier and typing down their particular talents down into the memory banks of his laptop. Cradling his fake ID in his left hand he clenched and unclenched the right one in irritation. He wondered if would be legal to go ahead and just obliterate the ones ahead of him. He snorted to himself and laughed softly.
Probably not...
Besides, he might hit the attendant too. Then where would he be? He would have to wait for a new one.
So, Gohan reigned in his anticipation and concentrated on being serene and calm when his time came to register.
Finally after what seemed like ages, he was motioned to the front. The young man in front of him stared hard at him, then waved a small machine in front of him and typed a few keys on the keyboard in front of him.
Gohan heard him mumble slightly.
"Species: Saiya jin... Good, we have too few of our own race."
Gohan shook his head. Evidently their scanners could not differentiate between a full blood and a half breed. He smiled maliciously. It would work to his advantage... The young warrior waved his tail lazily behind him, the picture of calm and serenity.
Ryushin finally finished his mumbling and turned to the demi saiya jin.
"Sorry... I had to type in some information. Please state your name and age."
Gohan drew in a breath and began to rattle off his physical statistics.
?Nishya. Eighteen years of age. I am about five feet, ten inches and I weigh about one forty."
Ryushin nodded and added the extra information into his computer.
The two exchanged questions and information for a good half hour. Finally Ryushin sighed and glanced once more back up at the standing fighter.
" I only have one more question for you, Nishya san." Ryushin replyed.
` Thank Kami,' Gohan mused, his head hurting from all the queries, not to mention his legs cramping from standing in one spot for so long. He could handle rigorous physical strain, but such lack of action wears heavily upon good muscle.
"What position are you wanting to enter, Nishya san?"
Gohan quirked his head to the side, his short dyed locks slicing through the afternoon breeze. He appeared to be lost in thought. He already had his so called "position" in mind, but didn't want the others to know that.
"Medical. I want medical. I already had some training on my home planet."
Ryushin glanced up, one eyebrow raised. Medical was not a profession that most saiya jin entered willingly. The triage staff was short handed and any help was welcome.
"What training have you had?"
Gohan thought back to all his CPR classes, first aid and rescue breathing. Decency that had been ingrained into his demeanor by his mother and a since of dignity and honesty that had rubbed off onto him from his mentor wouldn't allow him to lie about his knowledge, or lack there of on a certain subject.
He grinned sheepishly.
"Just the basics. I didn't have time or the funds to go through to the higher level courses..."
Ryushin's lips smiled, but his dark eyes didn't. ? Well, don't worry about that. You will get plenty of hands on experience here... Especially with the way that His Excellency runs things. You will be a professional before the month is out... Believe me."
Gohan smiled back, his warm eyes suddenly going frigid. " I certainly hope so.' He replied, layering his reply with a double meaning. Ryushin nodded and then printed out a couple sheets of paper. He handed them to Gohan and then waved him on, going on to the next poor victim that was to be instated into Broly's ranks.
The young warrior smiled as he hefted his possessions and peered down at the tiny writing. It was divided into four sections. One gave information on duties, the other on housing, the third on training and finally the fourth on discipline. Gohan snorted at the unconditional obedience' part stated in the end of the contract.
'Yeah ...right... Like I am going to follow that egomaniac into battle ...That is the whole reason I am in Medical... that and to find Piccolo san.'
Gohan felt his jaw tighten at the thought of his former friend. Anger burned like a black bonfire in the pit of his soul. He was careful to quell it before it could consume him just yet. He didn't let it die, just banked. Out of the way until he truly needed it. He followed the instructions given to him on the paper and wound his way around various beings and buildings within the courtyard and finally arrived at the bunkhouses. Again, it was all saiya jin. Keying in the entrance code with deft fingers, he quickly entered. To his surprise it was totally empty.
'Must have either been the first or the last...'
He peered on top of bunks to see if anybody had been there before him.
'Nope... Well... I got top bunk anyway' he mused, smiling as the thought passed through the layers of his mind.
With a swift leap, he landed on the top bunk in the far right corner of the low, long building. He set his bag on top of the blankets and proceeded to empty it. Clothing storage units were built right into the side of the building. Gohan opened one to find his medical uniform waiting for him. He finally realized why he was alone.
He was one of the only few saiya jins in medical.
He laughed, the sound echoing off bare walls. Smirking, he dressed himself and threw his old gear into the laundry chute, then proceeded to find the mess hall to gather up some essential food groups.
And promptly digest them.
Meanwhile. . .
Broly stalked to the edge of the balcony, overlooking the ranks of soon to be warriors. He eyed the line of saiya jin with great delight. He was happy to see so many joining his army. If the enlistment numbers kept up then the new empire would soon rival the glory of the old. Broly had every intention of reviving the glory of the saiya jin species, by any means necessary.
Coffee hued eyes flicked back and forth, observing the lines. He noticed that two of the ones in the line of saiya jin seemed remotely familiar, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
They looked... familiar...
Broly shook his head and snorted, wondering why in the seven heavens should he be worried.
There was no reason to be paranoid. After all, after leaving Earth he had conquered four more planets. He was the strongest fighter in the known universe.
The full blooded saiya jin flicked his eyes heavenward and observed the racing silver clouds. The wind, ever savage, tore at his bare chest and arms. He took no notice; such physical things did not bother him. He looked down once more and let his thoughts drift off to other matters. He had canceled any meetings tonight for a more ...ah... pressing matter.
Indeed...
The stars over head peered timidly from amid angry clouds. Broly inclined his head, ebony locks writing madly in the fierce gale force wind. The planet and he were so much alike. Both could be gentle to those who showed respect for their strength and both could be wrathful exacting delicious vengeance for those who didn't obey to their wishes.
Speaking of obeying wishes...
Broly suddenly smiled, his teeth glinting eerily in the slowly approaching dusk.
" I think it is time to resume some unfinished business," he thought out loud.
As night crept over the waving saffron trees, Broly slowly ambled back into his chamber, his mind on future matters. The crimson sky slowly darkened to the color of old blood and finally to a dark violet black.
The days passed quickly, running together like beads of dew on a spider's web. Gohan became competent in triage and was beginning to move onto more complicated procedures. He was slated to begin training in onthe spot surgery soon. He had already mastered first aid, CPR, (it was different for each species), poison treatment and minor surgery.
The smell of antiseptic was strong in his part of the ward. Dr. Mishu had already released his patient with a couple of stitches earlier in the day, yet the smell of peroxide permeated all the sections. Gohan wrinkled his nose as he finished wrapping the sterile gauze and sealing it into ready to go airtight packets. Dressed totally in black, it wasn't hard to notice him and the form fitting material displayed his lithe body to his best advantage. Toned legs, a slim waist and lean chest completed the physique of the young man. A furry sienna belt was tightly cinched around his waist. Deft hands fitted the packets into little first aid kits. Then kits were then packed into a special division of the hospital supply room. Slim hips rocked from side to side as the spandex clad fighter and medical officer packed the plexi plastic crate full of kits to be sent off to the supply room. The air temperature was frigid, trying to fight the tide of in hospital infections that had been rising lately. Gohan rubbed his arms and shivered slightly. Spandex was warm, but even it didn't do much good in this temp. He retreated out of the supply room doors and sighed as he revealed in the warmer temperatures. He stalked back to his station and sat down. He waited on the head medic to come back from his dinner break so that he could acquire new orders. As his body relaxed, the young fighter let his thoughts drift. Vegeta was doing quite well in intelligence, quickly becoming Broly's right hand advisor. Goku was proving his merit in security. Gone was the happy go lucky demeanor he always wore. In its place was a stern personality. Security was up to one hundred and ten percent. The guards were more disciplined and hardy. Gohan smiled to himself, enjoying a private joke of sorts. Piccolo san had once said that his father couldn't get serious for anything. Including battles. He wished his mentor could see Goku now. His training methods were beginning to echo the emerald warrior's in harshness. Gohan shook his head, trying to stop the flow of memories before they could catch him off guard. It won't do to be seen showing any emotion here. His reverie was interrupted by the sound of the automatic door as it chimed softly.
Gohan stood up at attention and watched as the door slid back to reveal Dr. Mishu. The Neko jin's face was drawn, his eyes tired. Suspicious poolets of crimson and emerald dotted his once immaculate black form fitting attire. He sighed and made his way to his station, situated right beside the concerned saiya jin.
Gohan peered at him curiously, worry shone in his warm eyes.
"Is everything all right, Sir?" he asked cautiously.
The neko jin glanced at him and relaxed. His friendly sunset hued eyes gazed sadly at the young man.
"Yes, Nishya. I am quite well. I am afraid we lost a number of recruits today," Dr Mishu shook his head in disgust, but contiued onward, his voice harsh. "Thanks to our fearless leaders brutal training methods."
Gohan blinked. Dr Mishu hardly ever spoke of his work. Something must have happened before or during his dinner break. Interested, he pulled his chair up close to the furry form and sat down.
"What happened sir?" he gently pried, his voice soft.
"Broly's officers were teaching the newest ones how to reflect attacks in hand to hand combat. No offense to you, young Nishya, but the saiya jin officers forgot themselves and went into bloodlust, brutally and efficently killing almost all of untrained fighters. I don't often talk of this, Nishya, due to the policy of treason. This is a savage place. Civilization and culture have no business here. All you see before you is a farce. There is no such thing as truth here or honor. Remember that, young student, and you shall survive."
The feline doctor trailed off and turned his attention inward. Gohan took this as a sign to return to his station. He wondered when he would be off duty. Though the ward leader was back, he wasn't officially off yet... Only Dr. Mishu could authorize that and it looked like he wasn't going to be doing that anytime soon.
He sighed and returned his chair back to its usual spot. He sat down back at his station and pulled out his manual, re reading a section on the care of cultured biopsies obtained from the throats of Cyai-jin.
It was going to be along night.
An emerald form sat in mid air, legs crossed and attention turned inward. A short onyx cape wafted gently behind him as he hung motionless in the air. Black legging clung to toned legs and a similarly hued tunic was draped across the lean chest. The teardrop shaped nose was pointed downwards and thin lips drawn into a tight line.
Jade lids hid garnet pools.
Suddenly they snapped open.
The jade skinned fighter sighed and slowly lowered himself to the floor. Uncrossing his legs, he braced himself and lightly jumped onto his feet with cat like grace. He pulled his arms over his head and arched his back, stretching. He sighed as several vertebrae popped back into place with a soft crunching sound.
He strolled over to the open window and peered up into the night sky. The clouds were thicker than usual, hinting at some fierce storm on the horizon, no doubt. Leaning, against the sill, he stuck his head out into the night air.
How he longed to be out in the forest again, away from stone and mortar. Away from metal and coldness. He had contemplated jumping out the window several times, but the guards below were assigned to keep an eye on him and watched that portal constantly, with watches changing every six hours. Motion sensors and heat detectors and miscellaneous other devices also monitored that window and the surrounding area. He knew it wouldn't work.
He had already tried.
And...
He missed home...
Not NeoNamekusei, but Chikiyu...
That was where he had grown up... Fought for... and died....
And ... that was where Gohan was.
He had admitted to himself along time ago, that he considered home where ever Gohan lived. As long as he was near him, he was happy.
Piccolo shook his head and straightened up. He turned his back away from the window, trying to gain a since of privacy though he had none. Silently as was his habit, he padded towards the bed, still rumpled from last night's nightmare. They were gaining in frequency and in number. Piccolo shivered as the remnants of one flitted through his thoughts. Dying would be bliss compared to the hell he was living in. His nightmares shared a similar tone. Flashes of crimson, screams, and a stabbing pain were all the common themes that seemed to flow through his subconscious.
The shivering abated some, but didn't entirely recede.
Piccolo removed his boots and cape. Pulling back the comforter, he slid between the silken sheets. He curled into a fetal position, something he hadn't done since he was a hatchling. He prayed to whatever gods or goddess were listening for respite from the horrors of his nightmares, both real and imagined. He expected none ...for the hearts of gods and goddesses are fickle.
Sleep finally overcame him and he drifted off into oblivion, hoping for a dreamless night.
Broly strode purposefully down the winding corridors of the fortress. The lower levels were all but deserted, as the recruits were asleep in their bunks. The few guards that did line the hallway bowed and moved aside for him to pass. Broly nodded back and continued on his way. He had been busy these past few nights, preparing for an invasion on a solar system in the eastern quadrant of the North Galaxy. It was tedious work, planning the squadrons and divisions of men, then discussing tactics with Intelligence. Finally though, after six hard nights planning, Broly was ready for a little rest and relaxation.
Well... maybe not rest...
The warrior smiled as he entered the lift and rose two levels to the middle portion of the fortress. He glided out of the doors and made his way down yet another set of twisted corridors, winding left, right, then left again. Finally he arrived at his destination. He checked his chronometer on his portable Com unit. It was about four hours past moonrise.
He had plenty of time.
He waved off the guards and pressed the access code, waiting as the doors hissed open. He silently stalked inside and turned around to close them.
The room was dim; the only light being the fickle light of the moon as it tried to shine through layer upon layer of steely clouds. Broly could just barely make out the form lying motionless on the bed. As the doors hissed shut, the warrior edged closer to the bed, trying not to disturb the sleeping form just yet.
Broly slid around to the other side of the bed and peered down at the jade face impassively. The namekuseijin's face was devoid of its usual scowl or smirk. He seemed almost... childlike. Almost too young for his body. Smooth skinned and without one wrinkle, Piccolo seemed younger than his apparent years.
Broly shook his head, breaking his trance and returning to the present. One hand reached up of its own accord and gently stroked one smooth cheek, following the line of the prominent bone with soft touches. He gently led his fingers down to the partially open lips, tracing the cupid's bow curve and the full softness. His hand then slid down to the graceful throat, feeling the pulse beat its rhythmic tattoo against the jade skin.
Suddenly the emerald lids snapped back, revealing keen garnet pools.
The two warriors stared at each other for a frozen moment in time.
Then just as suddenly the moment was broken and Piccolo suddenly straightened up and tried to throw himself backwards, trying to keep out of Broly's grasp. He succeeded and landed on the other side of the bed, on his knees. With feline grace, he twisted to his feet and started for the window.
Broly reacted instantly.
Growling he cleared the bed in one leap and was hot on the retreating form's heels.
Piccolo felt the cool air sear his lungs. He knew this was going to happen again, it was only a matter of time. Broly would never forget him that in it had been too much to hope for. The stone was frigid against his bare feet. He concentrated on the window before him.
Deep down inside, he knew it was futile... He knew they would catch him...
But anything was better than this...
He reached the window and crouched, preparing to spring. Only to be knocked into the wall as a weight ran leapt onto him. His world spun as a force threw him back towards the middle of the room. He landed on his stomach. Barely there a second, he was once again on his feet and glaring at his captor. Broly straightened up to his full height and glare daggers back at the lean emerald form.
Broly felt his lips curl up in a snarl...
'Rough are you? Well... we shall see about that. .' He mused darkly.
He took a single step forward, making as if to simply walk over to him and suddenly phased out from sight. Piccolo snorted, trying to sense his ki.
'What the hell? I though only Son could do Shouken Idou' Piccolo's mind raced, trying to pinpoint the other warriors location. He couldn't sense any ki whatsoever, save his own.
Piccolo whipped around, trying to find the other fighter. He couldn't stay out of sight that long. He kept his guard up, not wanting to be surprised. Closing his eyes, he used his other senses.
Scent...
That was it! Piccolo gently huffed in the breeze and tasted it.
He reared back with an elbow smash and nearly caught the surprised saiya jin in the ribs. Broly had moved back just in time to avoid broken ribs.
With inhuman speed, he grabbed the retreating arm and spun the warrior around. He brought his knee up and heard the crunch of bone meeting bone. Warm air flooded over his leg, as the breath was knocked out of the lean warrior's lungs. Bone grated against bone as he struggled to breathe. Broly smirked and tossed him onto the bed.
Piccolo snarled weakly and struggled to get off.
Using his weight as an advantage, Broly pinned his lower body down.
He would take by force what was his if it wasn't given willingly.
Despite the searing pain in his chest, Piccolo was determined not to let the same thing happen again. He bucked and twisted, doing everything in his power to knock the warrior off of him. With a violent twist of his arms he manage to get one of his hands free.
Growling he tried once more to throw off Broly. The other warrior merely smirked wider and leaned down to gloat. This was what Piccolo was waiting for. Curling his hand into a hooked talon, he waited for his chance.
Broly leaned down and opened his mouth to speak.
Now...
His shoulder muscles flexing and the tendons on his hands standing out in bold relief, Piccolo slashed his claws violently across the smirking face above him.
Broly felt no pain, merely a force knocking his head aside and then the warm trickle of something down the side of his face and the bridge of his nose. Intuitive reflex made him grab the offending claw. He looked down and saw crimson blood decorating the onyx nails. Disbelief and rage battled for supremacy in his eyes and soul.
Rage won...
Broly's face twisted into an inhuman mask of ferocity. Bringing one hand up he curled into a fist and swung down.
Again..
And again...
And again...
He lost count of the blows. Time seem to stand still as all the fury he had kept deep inside of his soul bubbled out, like lancing a boil.
Finally he quit, out of breath. Body shaking, head reeling. He got up off the still form and sat on the edge of the bed. He sat there for a few moments, trying to collect his thoughts.
He had never lost himself like that before ... What had just happened?
His hands began to shake as he realized the ramifications of what might happen should he loose himself like this in battle. He stood up and crossed the room to the control panel. He keyed in a series of numbers. The lights were blinding as they flashed on, illuminating the travesty within.
Broly peered down at himself, peppered with dots of violet here and there. His gaze followed the lines of the floor all the way to the bed. He slowly approached the still form. As he approached it, he noticed a plate sized pool of violet, congealed on the floor. He roamed his sight upward.
With a shudder, he realized he couldn't recognize the face anymore. Covered in much of his own blood, the emerald form lay on his side, lop sided. More purple and black than green, deep bruises tattooed his body. Broly couldn't tell how many bones had been broken, but he had a good guess. The chest rose and fell exceedingly slowly... barely moving. Uneven and gore splashed, you could just barely make out the line of the ribcage. One leg was twisted the wrong way, and an arm dangled lifelessly over the side of the bed. The color wasn't even jade anymore. A lime sort of hue now infused the usual dark tone.
Broly ran a shaking hand through his hair and quickly called the medics via the portable Com unit he carried with him. He trotted to the door and quickly punched in the exit code and sped out the door, leaving no sign that he had ever existed.
Gohan had been reading at his desk when the code came. Dr. Mishu had grabbed his bag of supplies and had grabbed the young man to go with him. Gohan needed no encouragement as he grabbed his own kit and raced out the door with him.
They raced down the winding hallways, lit with harsh fluorescent light.
Gohan panted a question as he and Mishu sped towards the first lift they came to.
"W what happened?" he hugged as he caught his breath while the lift surged upwards towards the middle layer of the fortress.
"Don't know.. .I all I got was a message saying to come to Room C147 immediately."
"What do you think it is?"
The doctor snorted. "Probably some idiotic drunk passed out from alcohol poisoning."
Gohan nodded.
Finally after a small eternity, the lift beeped as it stopped at C level. The metal door s parted and both men rushed out, intent on their quarry. The doctor scanned the doors as they sped by.
"C 137...C 139...C 141...C 143...C 145....Ah here we are... C 147. Got the kit ready, son?"
"Hai..."
"Good." The doctors tone was gruff as he punched in the access code and the door swept open.
They both entered. Gohan peered ahead and suddenly froze, all the air gone from his lungs. The doctor skid to a stop beside him, his own face frozen in a mask of horror.
"Good gods amighty... What the hell happened?"
The doctor shook himself and raced to the supine form's side. He began his triage and then snapped back over his shoulder after noticing that his student was still standing in shock.
"Get over here, boy! You want him to die on us!?"
Gohan shook himself and ran over to the doctor's side, handing him everything he asked for.
The neko jin quickly cut the bandage into strips to bind the still weeping wounds.
"See if you can get him to alertness, son. If he has a concussion and I am willing to bet my tail he does, he doesn't need to be out of it."
Gohan nodded and grabbed a red bottle out of the kit. Screwing the lid off, he waved the bottle back and forth underneath the bloody nose.
He was rewarded with a weak sputter and the barest sliver of an open eye.
Gohan whispered down towards the downed warrior.
"Piccolo san?"
Piccolo merely gazed at the bleary form above him, trying to figure out who this was. The voice sounded familiar.
But it couldn't be...
He moved his lips slightly, trying to sound out the name on the tip of his tongue but failing.
He slumped back down, too weak to do anything. As darkness once more invaded his senses he heard a voice follow him down into oblivion.
ìItís ok now, Piccolo-san. I am here. . .I wonít let anybody hurt you anymore.
And for some reason, he believed him.
Author's note: * anything underneath major re-constructive surgery . . .meaning replacing missing body parts is considered to be minor surgery to Saiya-jins.