DragonBallZ: When Dreams Become Reality

Chapter 10 written by Noble....

2 years, that's how much time had passed since the funeral of the late Victor Torez. When you don't really think about time it often goes on into days and those many days will change to months and eventually a full year passes. 365 days a year, 720 new days to think about everything that bothers you, to learn something new with each passing second and as the day draws into night and then after sleeping you start the day anew and refreshed to learn something else that perks your interest. To some 2 years isn't a very long amount of time that passes, it comes and goes in the blink of an eye like a faded memory. But to others 720 days can last a lifetime, especially for those that brood on matters of the heart, or for the thinkers who question arising problems that come with what each new day brings.

For Piccolo however, he was mixed with feeling that the years were going too fast and too slow at the same time. A complex worry for an intellectual individual who thinks too much about nearly everything that seems so new to him and somewhat alien too. The now 15 year old warrior was slowly maturing into a man, becoming wiser and stronger with each passing year, his knowledge of the world and his body growing at the same time, and yet he was still oblivious to the small things that happened around him. You'd think 2 years would have changed Piccolo somewhat for the better. That perhaps he was mingling with the student body and getting to know them better, making a few new friends like every other average teenager would. Unfortunetly in the young hybreed of saiyan and namekian the task of making new friends was a lot harder than the average kid. But he was changing for the better as he learned and adapted to this somewhat alien environment. Students still feared him to this day and refused to get to know him any better, this was mostly out of fear but also because of the resentment they had towards the young warrior.

A few days after the funeral of Victor Torez, a select few of the student body rallied a rebellion and protest towards the deputy headmaster fuming and swearing spitefully that Piccolo should be removed from the school premissis permanetly and immediately. Stating that he was not only a danger to the students but to the school as well. They had signatures and comments from at least 260 students ranging from the ages of 13 to 17 that signed the petition in fear of their lives from just one person. They claimed that he was health hazard and too dangerous to be accepted within these halls of education, that he was bound to attract trouble or that it possibly finds him....putting it bluntly; not only did they fear him, they didn't like him either because they blamed him soley for the death of Victor Torez.

After much heated arguing the deputy head considered the option of removing Piccolo, formerly Noble from the school grounds and an assembly was called were all 300 students came forth and took their seats. There were no resightments from the bible but a clear quick order from the new headmaster that all of the 260 students and the above were eager to hear the result of his decision. And once addressing Piccolo to stand he sighs and looks at him determined, his words being heard very clearly...

"Mr Piccolo, it has come to my attention that alot of the students here are concerned with your being accepted as one of our own in the school grounds. The pupils here, came to me with a petition and a request to have you expelled permanently from the premissis with concerns to their safety. They claim you to be violent and dangerous and fear you may use your special talents on them. Myself and the other teachers however do not see you as any sort of threat, we see and treat you like every other student in this hall, with care and respect. I am willing to go through with all the documentation of why I should remove you from the school grounds but I doubt that would be entirely just nor fair".

"But since I have heard what the students here have against you, I have yet to hear what the other students think about you. If anyone here can give me a suitable reason why I should not expel the accused in question please speak now as I will take it into consideration".

A few mumbles and whispering transpires around the assembly hall, students silently bickering to one another, questioning if they should stand in Piccolo's defense. But a few angry glares from the students that want him removed quickly changes their minds and they remain silent. Knowing that if they did object, the students would personally make their lives even harder in school. Sometimes a great mass of people often sway the verdict of a decision more than one single person could ever do and it was always decided by the people on what was fair and what was not. Even though what they doing to Piccolo was indeed wrong, they inturn believed it to be right. They were looking out for their safety and thinking soley about themselves without any consideration to how the lone warrior may feel about their betrayal. But like Piccolo always said, 'People were free to speak their mind regardless of what he might have to say, people were their own person and said what came to them freely, even if it was a problem that disturbed them or something they wanted to get off their chest. Freedom of speech has always been around and has never been taken lightly but seriously'.

It looks like no one would stand in his diffence, and that the people who wanted him removed from site would get their wish. That was until a lone student stood in his defense, glaring defiently about the hall and at the other students. If anyone ever spoke their mind freely without worry or consideration of their actions, it was her and from what she just heard, the young women had plently to say.

"Ah Miss Hiroshi? You have something to say in defense of Piccolo?" the teacher asks.

"Actually sir, I do...and at the same time I apologise if my words offend some of the students here, but I can't just stand by and let one man be expelled just because he's different!"

"Please....go on".

"Sir. When I first met Piccolo he was going by the name of Noble as we all know. I didn't think too much of him other than being the new kid that entered our school, that he couldn't be different from anyone else that I've met when I started attending here. Of course I was wrong to be judgemental on my first impression as I thought wrongly of him, as you students are now. To be honest....we never got on well at first, we always argued and got angry with each other and I would get so frustrated because of his cold demenor that I couldn't understand him and how I felt he was hiding something. I'll admit he annoyed me but also interested me at the sametime".

"But a few days ago when the terroists came, they held us all hostage and killed Mr Torez right before our very eyes, and I know all of you were just as scared as I was about dying so don't go bragging about how unafraid you were because that's just a load of crap!"

"Miss Hiroshi!" the teacher exclaimed, shocked.

"Please sir, let me finish. We all know each and everyone of us would have died that day and I won't deny that because as the killer pointed his gun at me...I prayed, can you believe that? I actually prayed for someone to save me, save us all from death. And when the shot was fired, I closed my eyes as tightly as possible knowing I would be dead in a few short seconds but the bullet never came and I wasn't harmed in the least. Who saved me? Piccolo did....Who fought and saved each and everyone of you sitting here today? Piccolo did! He stood up against all 7 of those killers and what thanks does he get?! You all want him removed from our school just because he's 'different', just because he's not 'human'. So what if he's different? So what if he's not human?! The students that signed that form are nothing short of pathetic in my eyes! Your all pathetic, so quick to judge someone because of who or what he is, of his background or what he's like. These are all forms of bullying and bullies always want a scapegoat to harrass, to annoy and to make their life miserable".

"I'll give you the answer to why I think Piccolo should be allowed to stay and learn with us; because he IS one of us. You all want him removed so badly because you fear him, knowing that as unreal and powerful that he is...you fear he'll use that power and turn against you. Piccolo isn't a killer, if he was then he wouldn't have saved my life that day and all of yours included. He would have let those terroists pick us off one by one until we were all dead before he joined them, but he didn't! He got up an faced them because he has more balls than any of you in here have combined. So even if you got your wish and Piccolo was expelled, who would be next? Who would be the next scapegoat that you would bully and judge just because he's different? You would pounce on anyone just to satisfy your boredom here and take pleasure in making anyone suffer for your amusement. Your all taking on the role that Simon had as the school bully and that sickens me".

"Miss Hiroshi, as much as the answers you give are good points, why is it you want him to stay?" enquired the deputy head.

"I want Piccolo to stay because he is my friend and because I don't fear him. Although I don't really know him personality wise, I know what he is and I know that he's not human even if he looks it, but I owe him with my life more than I can say and I trust him completely. He may be different from anyone else living on this planet or in school for that matter but I have no right to judge or question his existance, it's not my place to say. All I can do however is offer him friendship and get to know him better like any other student here, give him a fair chance, like the chance I gave to people that I had to the opportunity to know better and consider my friends. I've known my friend Alisa since junior school and in time we grew up together as best friends because we gave each other that opportunity to know one another and inturn we accepted the faults and good points about one another. The point I'm trying to make is that were all different and we all have flaws, nobody is perfect and neither is Piccolo. We just have to accept him for the way he is and not judge him differently like school bullies would....give him a chance".

That was Nioki Hiroshi's answer and thats how it was. The deputy head rescinded the petition and apologised to Piccolo infront of the students. However angrily they were with Nioki, she did have a point. They were too hastey to judge and not give him a fair chance because they feared him and despite how many people may want to go against that point there was nothing they could do about it. Accept him they will but that doesn't mean they have to like it. Shortly after assembly the students stood from their seats and returned to lessons, leaving only Piccolo to stare at Nioki's slowly but retreating form.

She wanted to give him a chance? After all that she had seen him do and that she didn't fear him like the others? What game was she playing? Was what she said true? Did she really have any other personal motive for her actions? Friendship? She wanted to be his friend despite what he was? Strange....he thought.

It wasn't as strange as what happened in the 2 years that followed. Whenever Piccolo would attend classes she would greet him warmly with a smile and ask how he was doing, actually concerned for his welfare in and out of school. Then when it came to break and lunchtime where Piccolo would usually retreat to the school gym to continue his training undisturbed, Nioki followed and sat on the benches in the gym he trained in, watching him intently. It was disturbing to say the least. Her gaze never wavered from his as he moved quicker throwing punches and kicks at some invisible enemy, but never fully being focused with his training as he could see out of the corner of his eye that she would still watch him. Like he was the something of a great interest to watch. He should be used to the stares from students by now you would think, but Nioki's staring at him was even more disturbing than anyone else that previously stared at him before. It was like a mind game that bothers you mentally and how Piccolo was faring was not good, in this little game of hers, she was winning.

But then as January strolled by and moved on through the months to December, Nioki was being even stranger. Valentine's day which Piccolo had no idea of what the season was, bothered him. The Teacher. Mr Shaw would walk into class with a big red box in both hands and place it on his desk and open it. Revealing a huge amount of envelopes with cards into them, seemingly written by their secret admirers. Most boys in the class would recieve 3 or 4, the popular ones always got the most, the less fortunate got none. And as for Piccolo, an envelope covered in red and glitter was passed to him with a wink and a knowing smirk from the teacher, baffling him completely.

"Just what is this?!" questioned the youth.

"Don't you know boy? It's Febuary the 14th, Valentine's day. It's when students and people alike recieve gifts and cards from secret or not so secret admirers to show that they are cared for and sort after. You might even call it love" answered the teacher chuckling.

"Go ahead....open it" nudged Nioki who sat beside him.

Reluctantly, Piccolo did open the envelope and peered inside to see a card covered with a big shaped heart and a few small words of affection, inside it red,

Dear Piccolo,

I just wanted you to know that Valentines day wouldn't be the same without sharing the fact I care for you and I hope we can get to know one another better. Life isn't all about training you know, it's about having fun and sharing your fears, worries and doubts with people you can trust and care about, like they care for you. I hope that you know I'll always be here for you when you need a shoulder to cry on, never hide your emotions from those who like and trust you for who you are, not what you are...because I like you just the way you are, because your not perfect to everyone around here but you are to me...be my valentine...

Love Nioki Hiroshi xxx

To say that Piccolo was stunned is an understatement, shocked and dumbfounded would possibly suit his reaction to Nioki's card of affection. Did Mr Shaw actually know that Nioki sent him the card? Is that why he winked? Yes he was a friend to Nioki because she wanted his friendship and wanted to know him better. But being someone's valentine? Does this mean he has to show some sort of affection to the one who wanted him? That....could possibly be tough in Piccolo's position. He never cared for anyone but himself and relied only on himself because before he grew up by himself and when he enrolled in school he was stared, gawked at and when everybody eventually knew who or what he was...he was shunned away like an outcast. And yet here was the one person, his only friend thus far sending him a card of affection, because it was Valentine's day. Turning to her, Piccolo looks at Nioki intently his face still registered in shock. The words that his stomach and mind bubble with try to force their way upwards and out of his mouth but for the first time embarrassingly, bows his head blushing beet red, still unsure of what to say. Of all the days that he didn't even understand and he didn't even get her anything. Only now does it register what Valentines day means and silently to himself he vows he will do something to return his affection.

Throughout the entire day, Nioki sat and walked with him asking questions occassionally but never talking on like most blondes would. She understood his personality and respected his need for silence and distance from others, even though he had let her get this close without him glaring or growling at her like he would do to most others. And when the day ended Nioki would say her goodbyes only to be shocked to find Piccolo had decided to walk her home and shakingly place his hand on hers gripping it slightly, but not too hard. This time it was Nioki's turn to bow her head and blush a slight hew of red as they walked hand in hand down the streets to her home. Smiling to herself, she knew Piccolo was showing his own way of affection the only way he knew, by operating on instinct. Not bad for a first timer who knew very little about Valentine's day, but sadly it was only for the one day. When tommorrow comes, things would be back to normal. Piccolo and Nioki would return to being friends and they would resume attending the classes they shared and got to know each other better. Piccolo for the time being only wanted her friendship, as he was still uncertain about the whole concept of it all. But Nioki...she was slowly but surely falling for the hybreed Namekian/Saiyan.

Piccolo was the man that she always dreamed about that she searched for endlessly. The guy that was one in a million that only existed in fairy tales. But Piccolo was the fairy tale brought to life, the kind of guy that she always envisioned; Mysterious, strong and willing to give his life for her. Piccolo was indeed mysterious and his origins and powers proved that. Not only that but even when she thought she cracked knowing his personality and his quirks, she would find another barrier that blocked her path, he was slowly opening up to her but reluctantly. He was stronger than anyone she had ever seen, but he never bragged or boasted about it. And finally he was willing to give his life for hers, the day that she could have died from a single bullet, Piccolo had saved her, putting his life on the line...thinking about others more over than his own life. He was a dream come true.

When they finally reached her home she stood on the steps to her door, matching his height and looking him sqaure in the eyes and smiled, "Happy Valentines Day" she whispers planting a small kiss on his lips before running indoors.

The day for Piccolo was a strange but memorable one as the small kiss from Nioki was forever imprinted in his mind for days to come. But then another memorable event came up concerning Nioki. It was coming close to the end of year, near Christmas when students would hand their parting gifts to friends and lovers alike before enjoying the few brief days off to spend with their family and loved ones. Ever since Valentines day Piccolo had made sure that he would spend some free time off from training when returning to the wilderness, his home and he would brush up on the cultures and festivites of the human race that he now belonged too. By the time Christmas came along, Piccolo was fully aware of all seasons concerning Birthdays, Valentines day and Christmas. Each day a special one which included gifts and showing affection to others. And although he had no gifts to give Nioki, he had a better gift to teach her better than any handwrapped present, as did she...

"Piccolo....Noble...listen I err...well I know you don't spend Christmas with family an all since you don't have any so how about spending it with me and my family. I mean your welcome to stay with us few days and I would like nothing more than your company on Christmas day and a few days after that".

"I accept".

"Wha?! You what?" questions the young woman.

"I said, 'I accept' but on one condition. That you recieve my Christmas gift with the time I spend with you and your family" he answers smirking slightly.

"What sort of gift do you have in mind?" she asks questioninly.

"Simple....I'm going to teach you how to fly".

Author's note: Sappy becoming love fic isn't it? Nah...I like it. Yep it's true, Nioki is falling for Piccolo but he doesn't know how she really feels because he only considers Valentines day as the only day to show affection and doesn't quite get the hint of her sending the V-day card. But trust me dear readers, Nioki will definetly try to make more of a subtle hint on the chapters to come count on it, but as for being hentai that might be in later chapters to come, so the rating of the fic might have to change. Perhaps in chapter 14 or 15...who knows...Anyway thanks for the reviews thus far, they are greatly appreciated as I feel better knowing my work is liked by those that enjoy it. I'll be sure to start chapter 11 when I get home tommorrow, possibly finish that chapter too so until then read and review my fic peeps or send all questions and comments to: Noblekaleomnislash1@hotmail.com

Signed Noble....