Disclaimer: I own nothing except the idea and the bad guys. I can't tell you their names yet, because I haven't invented them. Everything else was created by Mr. Akira Toriyama. If you sue, all I have is my drawing portfolio. It's not worth the trouble, promise.
This fic doesn't follow the series, but, then again, neither do the movies. Goku is the only Super Sayian, and Kami hasn't fused with Piccolo. If you find any other discrepancies, please realize that THIS IS JUST A STORY. Enjoy!
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Shadows Past
Chpt. 1
He drifted easily above the water, back to the roaring waterfall, legs crossed, arms folded over his chest. He was oblivious to the mists that saturated his gi and cape, adding pounds to its already considerable weight. Water trickled from his eye ridges and dripped from his nose unnoticed. he was lost deep within himself, unaware and unconcerned about the distractions the outside world tried to foist upon him. He focused instead on the plane of existence on which he now found himself, frowning slightly.
This plane was supposed to be comforting; a place where he came to collect his thoughts and strengthen his mind. It was supposed to be a place where his senses were stretched to their max, where he could somewhat calm his inner turmoil. Fortunately, he had learned at an early that what was suppose to be and what actually was were not necessarily the same thing.
Today this plane was overrun by a dark sense of foreboding. There was nothing that he could see, but he could sense IT. Had, in fact, been able to sense IT for a while, and IT was dark and IT was evil. IT wasn't on earth yet, but he could sense IT lurking just beyond the edge of his galaxy and IT was coming. Fast. And IT promised death and destruction upon IT's arrival.
His frown deepened as he focused all of his concentration on IT. And, to his satisfaction, IT loomed closer, darkening the entire plane. He was suddenly extremely uncomfortable and in the outside world his skin crawled. And the IT turned and the full force of IT's darkness hit him. It radiated evil, and the strength of that evil struck him like a physical attack.
He jerked as his consciousness was slammed back into his body with enough force to knock him from his mid-air perch. Dazed, he tumbled towards the churning waters below. He fought the waves of vertigo that threatened to pull him into unconsciousness, knowing that giving in would mean death once he hit the roaring pool. Disoriented, he knew neither up nor down, left nor right, and no course of action came to his muddled mind. He forced his eyes open and his senses cleared slightly, allowing him to catch himself moments before he hit.
He closed his eyes and lay there a moment, in the air, trying to reorient himself. He could feel the water lapping against his skin through his gi, could feel the current tugging on his cape and, absent-mindedly, he released it to sink beneath the water's surface. Free, and still he remained, tossing his head back slightly so that his turban joined his cape in its watery grave. And still he remained, trying to make sense of what his meditations had shown him. Trying and failing as all thought of the darkness threatened to tumble his senses once again.
"Hey, Piccolo!"
Squeezing his eyes more tightly shut, the Namek let himself go.
The cold water was a shock, bringing his muddled senses back under his control. His eyes snapped open, and gathering his energy, he brought himself back above the water's surface. A little more effort on his part and he was standing inches above the water.
"Piccolo?"
He closed his eyes. He knew that voice. The owner of that voice never came looking for him unless-Piccolo pushed the thought away and forced the muscles in his shoulders to relax as he turned to face the far river bank. His uninvited guest grinned at him, black hair blowing in the breeze.
"I thought I'd never find you," Goku continued, oblivious to the scowl he was receiving. "You weren't at Kami's and he said--Hey, Piccolo, do you know that you're dripping?"
Piccolo clenched his teeth and released a wave of power that instantly dried both gi and skin and produced a new turban and cape. Only then did he ask, "What do you want, Goku?"
"I want you to watch my house for me."
"WHAT?!?"
Goku's smile waned slightly. "Yeah. Vegita and I are going into space to blow up some meteors that are heading towards earth and I want you to look after Gohan and Chi-chi for me until I get back."
Piccolo floated a little closer to the bank. "What's wrong with Gohan?" Concern slightly colored his usual gruff voice.
"Huh? Oh, nothing. He's fine."
"Then why can't he do it?"
Goku frowned. "Something bad's coming."
Piccolo felt a chill prick his spine despite the warm day as memories of the darkness threatened to swamp him again. He ignored it as he landed, pure stubornness refusing to allow him to show any signs of discomfort in front of his one-time enemy. "So you felt it, too," he said.
Goku nodded. "So did Kami and King Ki. If it wasn't for these meteors I wouldn't leave, but they'll destroy the earth before this thing gets here. I need someone I can trust at home."
Piccolo turned his back on Goku, not wanting the Sayian to see the surprise on his face. He had been so absorbed in probing for IT that he had failed to notice the meteors. You're slipping, Piccolo, he told himself even as he growled over his shoulder, "Get Krillin."
"He isn't strong enough. You've sensed it so you know he isn't," Goku pointed out. "Come on, Piccolo. For Gohan?"
Damn, Piccolo thought, he had to use the kid. Piccolo turned back to his adversary-turned-ally. He growled slightly under his breath. "Does Chi-chi know I'm coming?"
******
"ARE YOU CRAZY!?!?!"
Piccolo winced. Judging by the volume and the shrillness of her voice, Chi-chi had obviously not been aware of her husband's plans and was just as obviously not planning on going along with them.
She stood in the doorway of the back door, arms crossed, large wooden spoon clenched in one hand. She glared first at her husband, who stood slightly off to one side, and the at Piccolo, who stood with his back against a tree, arms crossed as well. Two can play this game, he thought, and glared back.
Her head snapped back slightly and her nose wrinkled in disdain as she turned here attentions back to Goku. "Need I remind you that he is the very same monster who killed you and kidnapped Gohan? He kept my baby a whole year and look at all of the disgusting things he taught him. He corrupted my child! I won't have it, Goku! I will not have that...that..thing..in my house!"
Goku stood with a hand behind his head, looking slightly confused. "But, Chi-chi-"
"NO!" Chi-chi screeched. "No 'but Chi-chi' s. Not this time. He's evil and he's a bad influence and I don't want him here!"
Piccolo felt himself begin to bristle at all of her insults and forced himself to relax. He had not come here to blast Goku's wife into the next dimension, no matter how much she might deserve it.
"But, Mom," an innocent voice said from inside the house, "he's not evil and besides-"
"What!?!" Chi-chi turned and Piccolo could see his young pupil standing in the kitchen, school books spread out on the table behind him. the Namek was willing to bet that all of them were well above the level other children the boy's age were studying.
"Gohan, this is none of your concern. You should be studying, not listening to us!"
Gohan shrank back a little, but didn't go back to his studies. "but, Mom, He's here, and if Dad thinks it's important for Mr. Piccolo to stay, maybe we should listen."
"Yeah, Chi-chi," Goku put in. "It will make me feel better about leaving you behind if I know that there's someone here who can defend against attack."
"And with him here, I'll have more time to study!" Gohan added before his mother could say anything.
"Study?" Chi-chi's mouth was pressed into a thin line. "You mean goof off. If I let him stay you'll spend all of your time training. Don't think that I don't know that."
"No I won't, Mom, I'll study, I promise."
Chi-chi's face softened slightly. "Well, he's not staying in the house. I won't stand for it. And I'm not cooking for him, either. He can get his own food."
"Mr. Piccolo only drinks water and he always sleeps outside. He likes it, don't you, Mr. Piccolo?"
Don't bring me into this, Piccolo silently ordered. All eyes turned to the Namek. He nodded once.
Seeing that he had finally won an argument, Goku gave Chi-chi a peck on the cheek the ushered the males around to the front before his wife could change her mind.
"WOMAN! Where is that baka Kakarot?"
"Sounds like Vegita's here," Gohan muttered as he snuck around his mother to follow his dad around to the front of the house. Piccolo bit back his retort as he, too, followed.
"I AM NOT WAITING FOR HIM!!!" Vegita yelled.
"Oh yes you are!" Bulma hollered back.
Piccolo wondered, not for the first time, about the sanity of his decision as the argument he was heading towards got louder.
"KAKAROT! GET OUT HERE! THE PRINCE OF ALL SAYIANS WAITS FOR NO MAN!" the Prince of all Sayians howled.
Piccolo rounded the corner in time to see Vegita stomp away from the house muttering about stupid bakas and their stupid missions. He didn't know what Goku, who was looking after Vegita, confusion obvious, had said, nor did he care, as long as it shut the diminutive Sayian up for a few moments.
"Wow, Bulma, how'd you convince Vegita to go?" Gohan whispered.
Bulma smiled and Piccolo suddenly realized that Vegita was not the only predator in the relationship.
"It was easy once I pointed out that Goku was going," Bulma answered. "He'll do anything if he thinks it will help him surpass Goku's power level, even if it benefits someone else."
"Come on, Kakarot," Vegita ordered over his shoulder. "You're wasting my time."
"Okay, Vegita. Hold on a minute, will you?" Goku dashed back into the house.
Vegita muttered some more and once again turned his back to the house.
Piccolo glanced down at Gohan, who had come to stand beside him, and crossed his arms.
"Okay! Bye, Chi-chi!" Goku yelled as he ran back outside. He stopped long enough to put a hand on Gohan's shoulder. "Take care of your mother, son."
"I will, Dad," Gohan said solemnly, then they both exchanged smiles.
Goku's smile faded as his eyes locked with Piccolo's. The two warriors regarded each other for a long moment, then Goku nodded once. Piccolo returned the gesture.
"Right," Goku said then grinned as he lept into the air.
Vegita crouched, ready to follow, when Bulma tapped him on the shoulder.
He jumped, turned, then snarled, "What is it now, woman?"
Bulma smiled sweetly as she held up two capsules. "Don't you think you're going to need these?"
Vegita narrowed his eyes at them. "What are those?"
"These are your space suits, genius. Or were you planning on flying into outer space without them?"
"I am the Prince of all Say-"
"Which, I suppose, means that you can breathe in a vacuum?" Bulma asked pointedly as Goku drifted lower to see.
Goku and Gohan burst into laughter as Vegita snatched one of the capsules from her and lept into the air. Bulma tossed Goku his and the gentle Sayian plucked it from the air.
"Thanks, Bulma," Goku yelled. "Bye, Gohan!"
"Bye, Dad!" Gohan yelled back, waving.
"Bye, Veggie-head!" Bulma called, not about to let the Prince go that easily.
Vegita stopped abruptly, tensing as his shoulders pulled up towards his ears and his head ducked. He glared over his shoulder at her, then rolled his eyes and gave a vague wave. He then turned and shot off, Goku close behind.
"Wow, Bulma," Gohan said. "How'd you get him to wave?"
Bulma looked down and gave the boy a pat on the head. "I'll tell you when you're older," she promised, then went inside to visit with Chi-chi.
Gohan turned to his mentor. "Mr. Piccolo, why are you here?"
Piccolo frowned down at him.
"Uh, not that I don't want you here, But Dad's left us alone before and-" the young warrior cut himself off. "Something's coming isn't it? Something bad."
Boy's sharp. The Namek had always known that. he nodded once. He didn't see any reason to keep Gohan in the dark. "Something's coming alright, and I'm here in case it arrives before your dad gets back."
Gohan swallowed hard. "When will it get here?"
"GOHAN!!! GET AWAY FROM THAT GREEN FREAK AND GET IN THIS HOUSE THIS MINUTE!!!"
Both mentor and pupil winced.
Gohan hung his head. "Yes, ma'am," he said, then looked at Piccolo. "I'll Be back later."
Piccolo nodded, then watched as the kid walked reluctantly back into the house. He looked around, not really sure what he was supposed to do, then the front door slammed open and out she came.
Chi-chi marched up to the Namek and looked him right in the eyes. "Now, lets get a few things clear, mister," she said, boldly poking him in the chest. "I agreed to let you stay but I will chase you out of here if you don't leave Gohan alone. I don't like you. And Gohan doesn't need bad influences like you in his life. Stay away from us. Is that clear?"
Piccolo glared down at her, resisting the urge to push the overbearing woman away. Instead, he snorted and turned his back on her.
"Whatever," he ground out as he headed into the forest. "I'll be around."
He listened to the indignant rants fade as he ventured deeper into the woods. He realized, with a start, that he had no idea as to how long Goku was going to be gone and he cursed himself as seven different kinds of fool as he settled down to meditate. In the distance, Chi-chi's voice rose, more shrill for a moment, then died back down.
"That's it," Piccolo growled, getting ready to leave. He didn't have to put up with this, he was the Demon Kong for Kami's sake. And then he felt IT. IT was closer that IT had been, near Pluto, and IT was defiantly coming. Piccolo frowned, searching the skies despite the fact that he knew he would not be able to see it. IT was coming, and he hoped he would be ready by the time IT arrived.
So, there it is, Chpt 1. More chappies? Let me know.
This fic doesn't follow the series, but, then again, neither do the movies. Goku is the only Super Sayian, and Kami hasn't fused with Piccolo. If you find any other discrepancies, please realize that THIS IS JUST A STORY. Enjoy!
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Shadows Past
Chpt. 1
He drifted easily above the water, back to the roaring waterfall, legs crossed, arms folded over his chest. He was oblivious to the mists that saturated his gi and cape, adding pounds to its already considerable weight. Water trickled from his eye ridges and dripped from his nose unnoticed. he was lost deep within himself, unaware and unconcerned about the distractions the outside world tried to foist upon him. He focused instead on the plane of existence on which he now found himself, frowning slightly.
This plane was supposed to be comforting; a place where he came to collect his thoughts and strengthen his mind. It was supposed to be a place where his senses were stretched to their max, where he could somewhat calm his inner turmoil. Fortunately, he had learned at an early that what was suppose to be and what actually was were not necessarily the same thing.
Today this plane was overrun by a dark sense of foreboding. There was nothing that he could see, but he could sense IT. Had, in fact, been able to sense IT for a while, and IT was dark and IT was evil. IT wasn't on earth yet, but he could sense IT lurking just beyond the edge of his galaxy and IT was coming. Fast. And IT promised death and destruction upon IT's arrival.
His frown deepened as he focused all of his concentration on IT. And, to his satisfaction, IT loomed closer, darkening the entire plane. He was suddenly extremely uncomfortable and in the outside world his skin crawled. And the IT turned and the full force of IT's darkness hit him. It radiated evil, and the strength of that evil struck him like a physical attack.
He jerked as his consciousness was slammed back into his body with enough force to knock him from his mid-air perch. Dazed, he tumbled towards the churning waters below. He fought the waves of vertigo that threatened to pull him into unconsciousness, knowing that giving in would mean death once he hit the roaring pool. Disoriented, he knew neither up nor down, left nor right, and no course of action came to his muddled mind. He forced his eyes open and his senses cleared slightly, allowing him to catch himself moments before he hit.
He closed his eyes and lay there a moment, in the air, trying to reorient himself. He could feel the water lapping against his skin through his gi, could feel the current tugging on his cape and, absent-mindedly, he released it to sink beneath the water's surface. Free, and still he remained, tossing his head back slightly so that his turban joined his cape in its watery grave. And still he remained, trying to make sense of what his meditations had shown him. Trying and failing as all thought of the darkness threatened to tumble his senses once again.
"Hey, Piccolo!"
Squeezing his eyes more tightly shut, the Namek let himself go.
The cold water was a shock, bringing his muddled senses back under his control. His eyes snapped open, and gathering his energy, he brought himself back above the water's surface. A little more effort on his part and he was standing inches above the water.
"Piccolo?"
He closed his eyes. He knew that voice. The owner of that voice never came looking for him unless-Piccolo pushed the thought away and forced the muscles in his shoulders to relax as he turned to face the far river bank. His uninvited guest grinned at him, black hair blowing in the breeze.
"I thought I'd never find you," Goku continued, oblivious to the scowl he was receiving. "You weren't at Kami's and he said--Hey, Piccolo, do you know that you're dripping?"
Piccolo clenched his teeth and released a wave of power that instantly dried both gi and skin and produced a new turban and cape. Only then did he ask, "What do you want, Goku?"
"I want you to watch my house for me."
"WHAT?!?"
Goku's smile waned slightly. "Yeah. Vegita and I are going into space to blow up some meteors that are heading towards earth and I want you to look after Gohan and Chi-chi for me until I get back."
Piccolo floated a little closer to the bank. "What's wrong with Gohan?" Concern slightly colored his usual gruff voice.
"Huh? Oh, nothing. He's fine."
"Then why can't he do it?"
Goku frowned. "Something bad's coming."
Piccolo felt a chill prick his spine despite the warm day as memories of the darkness threatened to swamp him again. He ignored it as he landed, pure stubornness refusing to allow him to show any signs of discomfort in front of his one-time enemy. "So you felt it, too," he said.
Goku nodded. "So did Kami and King Ki. If it wasn't for these meteors I wouldn't leave, but they'll destroy the earth before this thing gets here. I need someone I can trust at home."
Piccolo turned his back on Goku, not wanting the Sayian to see the surprise on his face. He had been so absorbed in probing for IT that he had failed to notice the meteors. You're slipping, Piccolo, he told himself even as he growled over his shoulder, "Get Krillin."
"He isn't strong enough. You've sensed it so you know he isn't," Goku pointed out. "Come on, Piccolo. For Gohan?"
Damn, Piccolo thought, he had to use the kid. Piccolo turned back to his adversary-turned-ally. He growled slightly under his breath. "Does Chi-chi know I'm coming?"
******
"ARE YOU CRAZY!?!?!"
Piccolo winced. Judging by the volume and the shrillness of her voice, Chi-chi had obviously not been aware of her husband's plans and was just as obviously not planning on going along with them.
She stood in the doorway of the back door, arms crossed, large wooden spoon clenched in one hand. She glared first at her husband, who stood slightly off to one side, and the at Piccolo, who stood with his back against a tree, arms crossed as well. Two can play this game, he thought, and glared back.
Her head snapped back slightly and her nose wrinkled in disdain as she turned here attentions back to Goku. "Need I remind you that he is the very same monster who killed you and kidnapped Gohan? He kept my baby a whole year and look at all of the disgusting things he taught him. He corrupted my child! I won't have it, Goku! I will not have that...that..thing..in my house!"
Goku stood with a hand behind his head, looking slightly confused. "But, Chi-chi-"
"NO!" Chi-chi screeched. "No 'but Chi-chi' s. Not this time. He's evil and he's a bad influence and I don't want him here!"
Piccolo felt himself begin to bristle at all of her insults and forced himself to relax. He had not come here to blast Goku's wife into the next dimension, no matter how much she might deserve it.
"But, Mom," an innocent voice said from inside the house, "he's not evil and besides-"
"What!?!" Chi-chi turned and Piccolo could see his young pupil standing in the kitchen, school books spread out on the table behind him. the Namek was willing to bet that all of them were well above the level other children the boy's age were studying.
"Gohan, this is none of your concern. You should be studying, not listening to us!"
Gohan shrank back a little, but didn't go back to his studies. "but, Mom, He's here, and if Dad thinks it's important for Mr. Piccolo to stay, maybe we should listen."
"Yeah, Chi-chi," Goku put in. "It will make me feel better about leaving you behind if I know that there's someone here who can defend against attack."
"And with him here, I'll have more time to study!" Gohan added before his mother could say anything.
"Study?" Chi-chi's mouth was pressed into a thin line. "You mean goof off. If I let him stay you'll spend all of your time training. Don't think that I don't know that."
"No I won't, Mom, I'll study, I promise."
Chi-chi's face softened slightly. "Well, he's not staying in the house. I won't stand for it. And I'm not cooking for him, either. He can get his own food."
"Mr. Piccolo only drinks water and he always sleeps outside. He likes it, don't you, Mr. Piccolo?"
Don't bring me into this, Piccolo silently ordered. All eyes turned to the Namek. He nodded once.
Seeing that he had finally won an argument, Goku gave Chi-chi a peck on the cheek the ushered the males around to the front before his wife could change her mind.
"WOMAN! Where is that baka Kakarot?"
"Sounds like Vegita's here," Gohan muttered as he snuck around his mother to follow his dad around to the front of the house. Piccolo bit back his retort as he, too, followed.
"I AM NOT WAITING FOR HIM!!!" Vegita yelled.
"Oh yes you are!" Bulma hollered back.
Piccolo wondered, not for the first time, about the sanity of his decision as the argument he was heading towards got louder.
"KAKAROT! GET OUT HERE! THE PRINCE OF ALL SAYIANS WAITS FOR NO MAN!" the Prince of all Sayians howled.
Piccolo rounded the corner in time to see Vegita stomp away from the house muttering about stupid bakas and their stupid missions. He didn't know what Goku, who was looking after Vegita, confusion obvious, had said, nor did he care, as long as it shut the diminutive Sayian up for a few moments.
"Wow, Bulma, how'd you convince Vegita to go?" Gohan whispered.
Bulma smiled and Piccolo suddenly realized that Vegita was not the only predator in the relationship.
"It was easy once I pointed out that Goku was going," Bulma answered. "He'll do anything if he thinks it will help him surpass Goku's power level, even if it benefits someone else."
"Come on, Kakarot," Vegita ordered over his shoulder. "You're wasting my time."
"Okay, Vegita. Hold on a minute, will you?" Goku dashed back into the house.
Vegita muttered some more and once again turned his back to the house.
Piccolo glanced down at Gohan, who had come to stand beside him, and crossed his arms.
"Okay! Bye, Chi-chi!" Goku yelled as he ran back outside. He stopped long enough to put a hand on Gohan's shoulder. "Take care of your mother, son."
"I will, Dad," Gohan said solemnly, then they both exchanged smiles.
Goku's smile faded as his eyes locked with Piccolo's. The two warriors regarded each other for a long moment, then Goku nodded once. Piccolo returned the gesture.
"Right," Goku said then grinned as he lept into the air.
Vegita crouched, ready to follow, when Bulma tapped him on the shoulder.
He jumped, turned, then snarled, "What is it now, woman?"
Bulma smiled sweetly as she held up two capsules. "Don't you think you're going to need these?"
Vegita narrowed his eyes at them. "What are those?"
"These are your space suits, genius. Or were you planning on flying into outer space without them?"
"I am the Prince of all Say-"
"Which, I suppose, means that you can breathe in a vacuum?" Bulma asked pointedly as Goku drifted lower to see.
Goku and Gohan burst into laughter as Vegita snatched one of the capsules from her and lept into the air. Bulma tossed Goku his and the gentle Sayian plucked it from the air.
"Thanks, Bulma," Goku yelled. "Bye, Gohan!"
"Bye, Dad!" Gohan yelled back, waving.
"Bye, Veggie-head!" Bulma called, not about to let the Prince go that easily.
Vegita stopped abruptly, tensing as his shoulders pulled up towards his ears and his head ducked. He glared over his shoulder at her, then rolled his eyes and gave a vague wave. He then turned and shot off, Goku close behind.
"Wow, Bulma," Gohan said. "How'd you get him to wave?"
Bulma looked down and gave the boy a pat on the head. "I'll tell you when you're older," she promised, then went inside to visit with Chi-chi.
Gohan turned to his mentor. "Mr. Piccolo, why are you here?"
Piccolo frowned down at him.
"Uh, not that I don't want you here, But Dad's left us alone before and-" the young warrior cut himself off. "Something's coming isn't it? Something bad."
Boy's sharp. The Namek had always known that. he nodded once. He didn't see any reason to keep Gohan in the dark. "Something's coming alright, and I'm here in case it arrives before your dad gets back."
Gohan swallowed hard. "When will it get here?"
"GOHAN!!! GET AWAY FROM THAT GREEN FREAK AND GET IN THIS HOUSE THIS MINUTE!!!"
Both mentor and pupil winced.
Gohan hung his head. "Yes, ma'am," he said, then looked at Piccolo. "I'll Be back later."
Piccolo nodded, then watched as the kid walked reluctantly back into the house. He looked around, not really sure what he was supposed to do, then the front door slammed open and out she came.
Chi-chi marched up to the Namek and looked him right in the eyes. "Now, lets get a few things clear, mister," she said, boldly poking him in the chest. "I agreed to let you stay but I will chase you out of here if you don't leave Gohan alone. I don't like you. And Gohan doesn't need bad influences like you in his life. Stay away from us. Is that clear?"
Piccolo glared down at her, resisting the urge to push the overbearing woman away. Instead, he snorted and turned his back on her.
"Whatever," he ground out as he headed into the forest. "I'll be around."
He listened to the indignant rants fade as he ventured deeper into the woods. He realized, with a start, that he had no idea as to how long Goku was going to be gone and he cursed himself as seven different kinds of fool as he settled down to meditate. In the distance, Chi-chi's voice rose, more shrill for a moment, then died back down.
"That's it," Piccolo growled, getting ready to leave. He didn't have to put up with this, he was the Demon Kong for Kami's sake. And then he felt IT. IT was closer that IT had been, near Pluto, and IT was defiantly coming. Piccolo frowned, searching the skies despite the fact that he knew he would not be able to see it. IT was coming, and he hoped he would be ready by the time IT arrived.
So, there it is, Chpt 1. More chappies? Let me know.