The Mystery Within
Part II - Torn

written by namek kaia

Disclaimer: I own nothing except original characters and attacks. And don't use them without my permission. You won't like the consequences.

**Author's Note** Okay, just a little note before I start. I'd like to thank all the people who continue to support me throughout my writing. I know it's been a while since I've posted new chapters and it will probably continue like this until school ends. And I'd just like to thank each and every one of you for hanging in there for me. I love you all, I truly do. I don't think you quite understand the extent of inspiration that you all bring me. It's beyond explanation. And just to let you know, the chapters will also be uploaded at a slower pace because, although I know where I want this story to go, filling in the blank spots has presented itself as a rather bothersome problem. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy it. Now... on with the story. ~_^

Chapter Thirteen - Life Goes On

Gohan streamed through the air, searching eagerly for Piccolo's ki. He was infuriated with him, which was a first. But he couldn't understand why Piccolo would do such a thing, especially when Niko needed him the most. Gohan knew that Piccolo had no way of knowing the full extent of Niko's condition, but refused to except that as some kind of excuse. He had no right to do that to her, to hurt her like he did. It was simply inexcusable.

A new and unfamiliar wave of anger past through his body, causing a fresh burst of speed to be expelled. He flew with amazing velocity, scouting the ground carefully and expanding his mind to feel any detectable kis nearby. After a few more short miles, he finally noticed Piccolo's ki. He wasn't meditating as usual. This time he was training, most likely blowing off some steam. This seared at Gohan's nerves. Piccolo had no real reason to be angry with Niko. Sure he had been lied to, but Gohan considered Niko's reason as a pretty damn good one.

Landing not far away from Piccolo, Gohan wasted no time in his confrontation. "Piccolo!!!" he shouted and strode disdainfully forward, startling the Namek and causing him to turn rapidly to see the owner of this incursion. Piccolo was relieved at first to see that is what Gohan in place of Niko (who he thought would surely come after him with her pathetic cries of forgiveness), but his relief was soon swept away by the look of anger that he saw plaguing the young man's face. But before he could ask about the expression, he heard the harsh words that were flowing unbelievably from Gohan's mouth.

"How could you?" he breathed with disgust. His muscles were tense and his chest rose and fell heavily from the aggravation that surged through his body.

"How could I do what?" he replied, denying that he knew anything of what Gohan spoke about.

"You know what I'm talking about. How could you do that to Niko?" he asked pointing a finger to the side as if an invisible Niko stood beside him.

"How could I to that to Niko!! Don't you mean how could she do that to me? She's been lying to us the whole time Gohan. Don't you realize that? She's here to destroy us all. And that's exactly what she'll do if we don't stop her!!!"

"NO!! You're wrong about her. She wouldn't do that," he argued.

"So... she's got you tangled in her little web as well, huh? It's disgusting the way she tries to act like someone she's not. And the way she lures others to her, making them believe all her lies. You know as well as I do that the truth has never come out of those sick lips of hers!" he remarked with disgust, emphasizing the word 'sick'.

"No. Piccolo, you don't know what you're saying. Niko's not here to destroy us. She... she needs our help. She needs..." he paused, struggling to say his words. "She needs... you," he explained, calming his anger a bit.

"Bullshit!!! She's never once needed anyone, especially not me! I've never seen any of her opponents get the better of her. She's stronger than anyone I've ever seen... even you Gohan. Haven't you ever noticed that she has no problem keeping up with us in our training? We've been letting her in. Letting her see all our techniques and maneuvers. Now she knows everything!! If we don't fight her together then there's no hope for any of us!!" he screamed at Gohan.

Gohan stood still for several seconds with a twisted expression of mixed emotions, his gaze fixed upon his mentor. He didn't know exactly how to feel. Finally, his words came, although he didn't know from where or even that he spoke them. "Piccolo, listen to yourself. Have you gone insane? Are you completely delusional?!? Niko would never do something like that. Why do you say such things about her? Has your hate for her grown so much that now your mind is crawling with these bizarre ideas? Answer me Piccolo!!" he shouted, his anger boiling once more. His sense came rushing back to him. He regained his purpose for being out here in the first place. Piccolo was either going to give him a damn good explanation or he was going to feel sorry for what he had done. He didn't exactly like or enjoy the idea of being this angry toward Piccolo, but what he had done was just inexcusable, especially with Niko in her condition. His anger surged weirdly through him. He hadn't felt like this before. This was a different kind of rage, not one that was sprung by pain, but one that was only fueled by pure anger.

However, Piccolo was filled with more bitterness than anger, which gave him somewhat of an advantage. He was determined to make Gohan see the truth, whether it would be done with ease... or by force. A sadistic smirk played across his angry lips, revealing the tips of his sharp fangs. His head flew back slightly as a maniacal roar of laughter escaped from his twisted mouth. After a few moments, along with Gohan's continuous stares of changing emotions, Piccolo's evil mirth came to a slow end.

"It's amazing how youth carries such idiocy, isn't it Gohan? I can't even fathom how it's possible for you to constantly have your nose in those books and not see the obviousness of Niko's intentions!! But it's somewhat understandable. You haven't seen what I have. I've seen what planet she's come from. I've seen the fight with Cell from a whole different viewpoint. She was there Gohan... watching all of us about to meet our deaths. She was even going to help Cell win!! Do you see it now, Gohan? She's not on our side... she's never been! She's going to destroy us all. I've seen it Gohan. All the carnage... the destruction... the bodies. Nothing is left, except for Niko and her so called 'enemies'. Now you stand there and tell me that she's not dangerous and that she's not here to destroy us all!!!"

Gohan's stare finalized in one of amazement. 'Could it be true?' he began to think. 'Could Piccolo be right? No, it's not possible. Niko isn't going to hurt any of us. She wouldn't do that... would she? But what if Piccolo is right? What if in the end she destroys us all? It would be all my fault.' It was then that Gohan fell to his knees, his head in his hands with fingers tangled in his hair. He was so confused, not knowing which loved one to believe. Tears stung at his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. His emotions swirled around him. At last, he let out a cry of anguish and pounded his fists into the ground, creating two miniature craters. His breathing became heavy once more and his anger soared.

Piccolo only stared down at him. "I'll allow you to think on it. You will make the right decision. But whether it's now or at a moment too late is your choice. Think about it, Gohan. Don't give this planet to her. Don't give Earth the same fate as Namek once had. Make the right choice... and make it soon," he ordered and flew off with no hesitation, leaving Gohan with the worst decision of his life.

*****

Another summer had slowly come and gone, and it was winter once again. On the eve before a new year was to come, all the fighters of Earth, although some unwilling, gathered at Capsule Corporation. Bulma was well known for her elaborate parties, and this occasion proved to be no different. The conference room of the large building had been prepared for the event. The huge table and numerous chairs that usually centered the room had been removed and decorations now accented the room's entirety. Side tables had been set up for snacks, and disco balls along with flashing strobe lights had been strategically placed to add to the atmosphere of the party. There were also a few dinner tables here and there, decorated as well, so the guests could sit should they decide to do so.

Bulma served as hostess as the firsts guests began to arrive, greeting them with her best smile and her newly purchased gown. She wore a black, sleeveless evening dress trimmed in a white of the same shiny material from which it was made. There was a slight v cut in the middle of her top, which would not go unnoticed, especially by her male guests. The length of her dress flowed from her waist delicately, the slits on either side revealing parts of her firm legs. She also wore arm-length gloves, silver heels, and a small string of diamonds around her neck. Her long aqua locks were pulled back into a French twist, a few ringlets hanging down in her face.

The party was not too formal, but Bulma loved to dress up for such occasions. Most of the men wore a dress shirt and khaki pants… all the men really, save one. Piccolo wore his normal attire, not even considering changing his wardrobe for such an event, one he didn't even want to attend.

How Gohan had managed to convince Piccolo to leave his cave, where he had stayed ever since their argument so long ago, no one knew. Not even Piccolo himself. But the kid could talk him into just about anything if he tried at it long and hard enough. Although Gohan had to promise that Niko would stay at least hearing distance away, he had finally convinced his mentor to come. Piccolo entered, ignoring his greeting from Bulma, and strode across the room where Vegeta was also trying to keep his distance from the activities of the party. No words were spoken. Piccolo merely leaned his tall frame against the wall, crossing his arms and closing his eyes, while Vegeta remained seated at the round, decorated table in front of him. 

Bulma noticed that when Krillin arrived, Eighteen was not with him. "Krillin, why isn't Eighteen here with you? I hope everything's okay."

"Yeah. Everything's fine. Little Maron just had a touch of a cold. So she decided to stay home for tonight. But she thought I should still come and have a good time. She think I get in the way with the baby anyway," he replied.

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that. I hope she gets well soon."

"Thanks Bulma," he said with a nod and a smile, then went to mingle with his friends.

As Chi-Chi arrived with both her sons at her side, Bulma couldn't help but to compliment the dress her friend wore. The dress was a lovely pastel blue. It consisted of a vest-like bodice and a flowing, shiny length much like Bulma's. Her dark hair had been pulled back in its usual bun, only now accented with carefully placed beads that shimmered like jewels under the light. She also wore a pearl necklace and sandals of a matching blue color. She accepted and returned the compliment with a smile. As soon as all greetings were said, Goten broke away from his mother and headed straight for the table where Trunks sat, already snacking on his second plate of goodies.

"Hey Bulma, is… Niko coming?" Gohan asked, knowing that Bulma had kept Niko at Capsule Corp. nearly all day, for reasons he didn't know.

"Don't worry, Gohan. She'll be here sooner or later," she replied with a wink.

"Okay. Thanks Bulma," he said and led his mother to a nearby table and sat beside her.

After Bulma had welcomed all her guests, she exited the room through a side door. She soon returned, but remained near the door, a proud smile gracing her face. Clapping her hands together loudly a few times, she spoke so everyone could hear. "May I have everyone's attention please? It is my personal honor to present my new project. I have taken many hours of hard work and dedication, and I must say, it has turned out beautifully. May I present to all…  my great friend Niko.

She pushed the door open, allowing a shy Niko to step into the room. For a moment no one said anything, making Niko even more nervous. She was dressed in an evening gown of a beautiful deep blue that would sometimes shimmer a shade of purple in the light. It sparkled with her every move from the many beads of glitter, which created an elegant design over the entire front of her dress. It was held in place by tiny spaghetti straps that flowed over her shoulders and created a crisscross pattern to secure the open back. The low cut bodice hung tightly to her torso and dripped delicately into a silver mesh-like material that exposed the toned muscles of her midsection. The mesh then turned back to the silky material to create the length of the dress that that hugged her hips and fell outward to tease the floor lightly as each step was made. Her unseen heels were clear and glass-like, rhythmically tapping against the tile of the room. Sapphire jewels hung along her wrist and neck and dangled from her ears. Her radiant brown locks where held up by pins of flowers as ringlets fell back down brushing her jaw line and shoulders. Her makeup had been carefully done, adding even more to her already incredible beauty.

Gohan sat with his mouth slightly ajar. He was completely in awe. He didn't even believe it at first. Since Niko had moved in with the Son's she had been dressed in what she called comfortable clothes, mostly a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She didn't exactly look horrible, but she constantly looked fatigued because of her condition, which had seemed to be improving lately. Compared to what he was used to seeing, tonight Niko was simply ravishing… ravishing by anyone's standards really.

He slowly rose from his chair, the first movement that had been made since she had entered, and carefully walked over to her as if she would disappear if he made a wrong movement. Taking her hand in his, he brought her a few steps closer to him, continuously moving his eyes over her frame in amazement.

"Do you like it?" she asked, an insecure look on her face.

"It's… it's…" he stuttered, trying to find words that would suffice the beauty he beheld.

"I know. It's not really me is it?" she commented, looking down at her unusual apparel.

"No. It's not that at all," he began, finding words at last. "It's just that you're so… so beautiful." He then smiled that same smile of reassurance that always gave her unspeakable comfort.

"Thank you Gohan," she whispered and lightly kissed him on the cheek. Then slow, soft music poured into the room from and unseen sound system.

"May I… have this dance?" he asked, bowing gracefully (which was not usually done successfully in his case), making a joke of those old-timely romance movies.

"You may," she replied, smiling for the first time that night and returning the bow.

They danced in a slight waltz with the slow melody filling their ears. And to everyone's surprise, they were dancing quite well. As they moved in circles, they only saw each other. Nothing else seemed to be present in the room beside the music. There were no threats, no conflicts, no troubles, not even thoughts… only them. As the song was coming to an end, Gohan led her into many spins and twists, and the finally dipping her gently in his arms.

She held her head up and looked at him with a grin. "You've improved."

"So have you," he remarked with a smile and brought her back to her usual level of height.

The music ended an applause could be heard from most in the room. Both blushed, not realizing that all eyes had been on them the entire time. A faster beat then rushed into the room, and everyone slowly joined them on the dance floor. Everyone except Vegeta and Piccolo, that is. Even Mr. and Mrs. Briefs joined the festivities.

A while afterward Bulma, Chi-Chi, and Niko all sat around a table giggling and chattering about numerous topics. Niko's expression changed drastically as she noticed Piccolo leaning against the wall of his darkened corner from her side view. It had been the first time she had seen him since that day on the Lookout. He hadn't changed a bit. Although he was more bitter and shut off from everything around him, he was basically the same Piccolo she had lived with for so long. With a heavy sigh, she excused herself from the table and walked in his direction.

"Hello Piccolo," she greeted, only making his muscles tense and his snarl deepen.

"Go away. Don't think just because time has passed that you're any less sickening to me," he breathed.

"I… I just wanted to say…"

"Not more of your apologies. Please. You can spare me."

"No, I wasn't about to apologize. I have nothing to be sorry for," she corrected.

"The hell you don't. If you ask me, you're the sorriest person on this planet. So will you just leave now?"

Niko opened her mouth to speak, but she couldn't say the words that whirled about in her mind. She wouldn't take his pity, not that she would receive it if she had actually spoken. Without a word, she turned and walked across the room.

"Well… that went well," Vegeta spoke up from where he was still sitting at his table, having seen the entire thing. Piccolo only grunted and returned to his former state, trying to erase the annoying event.

As she sat down at a different table, she leaned back in the chair and stared at the glittering centerpiece in front of her. Soon, Gohan joined her. He had also seen the interaction between her and Piccolo. "Now didn't I tell you to keep your distance from him?"

"I know. I just thought…" she paused. "This can't go on forever, you know. We need him. We need all the help we can get. You know that," she protested desperately.

"Niko, why don't you just tell him?"

"I will not take his pity, not that he would give any. But I will not have him coming back into my life just because of that."

"It's a pretty big that, Niko. As a matter of fact, it's a really huge that."

"I know, but still…" she began. Just then, her speech was interrupted by a shrill wail coming from another room. A pang of fear shot through her body, causing her to immediately bolt from the room and down the hall. When she reached the door, a startled scream escaped her mouth and she stepped back. As she did so, her heel caught on the end of her dress, making her stumble backward and hit her head on the opposite wall.

It was then that Gohan and the others caught up with her. He rushed to her side and helped her up. "Niko, what happened? What's wrong?" he asked frantically.

Hardly acknowledging his question, she looked past him. "Neo…" she whispered, and walked into the room. She emerged with a crying infant in her arms, trying to calm him by gently rocking him in her arms. "There was a raven on the open window sill. It's a sign Gohan. They're watching us," she explained causing Gohan's eyes to grow wide. She then turned to the others that stared at them with confused expressions, wanting an explanation as well.

"It is very important that I speak with you all. Let's all go back to the conference room. I'll explain everything there," she announced and walked ahead of everyone to the conference room, carrying the newborn with her. Vegeta stayed behind as he saw Piccolo turn to leave in the opposite direction.

"I suppose you should be proud, Namek," he said suddenly, his words making Piccolo come to a halt.

"Proud? Why?" he asked confused.

"The child she holds is her own," he explained.

"And why the hell would that make me proud? I care nothing about anything that involves her."

"Well… I only assumed you would be proud of Gohan. He is the father, of course."

hr noshade

Okay peoples! That's all for chapter thirteen. Did you like it? Well review and tell me what you think. And just a note to all those people that take the time to actually read this thing and don't review (yes I know you're there, I CAN see you!!) will you please leave a review? You may not know it, but reviews are what keep us authors at ff.net going. (Well, me at least) Reviews give us inspiration and encourage us to keep writing. Reviews also tell us what the readers think of our fics, lets us know what we need work on and all that. (And I'm not begging, I'm merely explaining what you may not already know.)  One of the reasons I post my writings is so that I can improve on them! So criticism is GREATLY accepted, as long as it's constructive. Don't tell me you hate it and it stinks and don't tell me why. Well… you get the idea. So if you haven't reviewed before, have a heart and review now!! ^_^  Thank you all for your time. I'll stop rambling now and get to the important stuff.

In reply to Kasei's review of the beginning of the chapter, you pick which side you want to be on. There is no right side. I'm not trying to persuade you. As the readers, you get to choose. It's yours to interpret!! Enjoy!! Later y'all! -NaK