Piccolo stood on the edge of the Lookout, staring at the turning world
below. His thoughts dark and heavy, it had been a year since Kihann had
died, a year he'd had
The twins were inside studying or were supposed to be at any rate. In that year they had gotten to know each other, Piccolo learning from the children almost as much as they learned from him. He'd given each of them a name, one he thought fitting for not only their personalities, but as well as how they had come to be.
The boy he called Tir; the name he'd found in a book during his stay in the library all that time ago. The name had come from a book about runes, the definition of Tir in its name form meant victorious warrior. And Tir lived up to that name in force. Alone he could nearly take on the younger fighters such as Goten and Trunks; and had beaten Gohans daughter quite easily in an impromptu tournament just a short few weeks ago. He was competitive and not very quick to anger, but when mad he was nearly unstoppable.
The girl he'd named Sigel; the name came from the same book and held nearly the same meaning as her brothers' name. Sigel however was more strategic than her brother when it came to fighting; she thought out her attack before she executed it; as to where Tir made up a strategy as he went, learning as he fought; figuring out what worked and what didn't.
Together Sigel and Tir were unstoppable as a team. Piccolo had tested them both after Kihann's death. At the age of five both were highly intelligent, completely capable of holding their own in battle and more than willing to take on the world. But even at the age of five they were still typical children.
"Give that back Tir or I'll tear your arms off!" Sigel's voice echoed in the hallway of the Palace, her threat making Piccolo smirk.
"It wasn't yours to begin with Sigel! You stole it from my room!" Tir's growl echoed back.
"I found the book first and I was looking at the pictures before you came along and ripped it out from under me stupid head!"
"You're a Whiny, bratty, pain in the butt girl!"
"Pig faced monkey brain!"
"Stop acting like a human!"
"Stop acting like a Saiyajin!"
Piccolo rolled his eyes turning to break up the scuffle; both the kids throwing punches and kicks. Grabbing Tir by one arm and Sigel by the other he let them dangle for a moment, waiting for them to calm down. When both had stopped squirming Piccolo looked between the two. "Finished?"
Both of them broke into a cacophony of complaints, whining and general bawling, accusing each other of some thing they did, (or didn't do that they were supposed to) and again Piccolo waited until they had calmed down, both sniffling and wiping teary eyes with their free arms.
Dende watched from the balcony chuckling faintly and shaking his head. He'd watched Piccolo change in the year that had followed. When Goku and Gohan had brought Piccolo up to the look out after their escape, Piccolo had been despondent, nearly catatonic with grief over losing Kihann. They had tried to gather the dragon balls to summon up Shenlon for a wish, but they'd been used by someone else, and had been rendered useless for a year. It had taken Dende, the twins and Gohans help to bring Piccolo around, telling him it was only a year to wait.
And the year was up. He watched as Piccolo calmed the kids, told them that they needed to be on their best behavior. They were generally good kids, they just had their moments like all children did when they needed reminded to behave. Dende recalled many instances as a kid that he and Cargo had gotten into trouble. Dende focused his attention from the three to the energy signatures he sensed approaching. Just in time. He thought with amusement.
Goku and Gohan both appeared over the lip of the Lookout carrying a duffle bag each. Gohan crouched to accept the kids' hugs and Goku patted Piccolo on the back commenting on how well he looked.
Piccolo smiled faintly to Goku and shrugged slightly; "I don't need to train anymore, these two keep me on my toes enough."
Goku laughed and nodded agreeably. "Yeah I know that feeling! Pan keeps me busy with all sorts of stuff."
Tir and Sigel meanwhile were clamoring for treats they knew that Goku and Gohan gave them, and immediately head dove into the second duffle bag that Gohan had carried up with him. Content with their prizes for the moment, both kids sat off by themselves quiet for the time being.
"Hey Piccolo, you sure you want to do this? A year is a long time for someone to be gone, and well." Goku trailed off uncertainly as he handed over the duffle bag he'd brought up.
Piccolo took the bag and turned away, heading to the center of the Lookout. "I have to do it Goku. It's too important to me, and to the kids to not do it."
Goku's expression was sympathetic; he'd known what it was like to watch loved ones die. But still. "Being dead a year can change a person Piccolo. She may not feel the same way."
Piccolo's eyes narrowed and he snapped back irritably; "Did Chichi's feelings change for you when you died?"
"Well, no. but it did affect our relationship quite a bit." Goku glanced to Gohan who kind of shrugged as if to say 'what did you expect?' and looked to the twins for a distraction from the conversation.
"I have to do this Goku. There's no other option; Tir, Sigel its time." Piccolo called over to the kids, as he crouched, placing the dragon balls in the proper order.
Both kids dropped what they were doing, immediately coming to Piccolo's summons. Both of them looking very serious, Tir's hand grasping Sigel's. "We're ready father." Their voices combining into one, making Goku and Gohan shiver slightly.
Piccolo nodded and stepped back, the children's voices as one summoned up Shenlon, the sky darkening, and storm clouds gathered as the Dragons energies threw the atmospheric conditions into chaos temporarily.
Shenlon gazed impassively at those gathered, giving his usual demand of as to why he was summoned. The children's voices combining eerily shouted; "We wish for the body of Kihann to be restored here on the Lookout!"
The dragon was silent for a long moment, and then nodded once. "It is granted. What is your second wish?"
"We wish for life to be restored to Kihann, for her to be returned to us alive and healthy, restored as she was before death."
The dragon nodded once more, his eyes glowing with power. "It is done. I return to my slumber."
Goku, Gohan, Piccolo and Dende all watched as the dragon disappeared, then watched as the balls shot off the Lookout in seven different directions, to be found once more in a years time, the sky clearing once more.
The children stood there blinking, not quite understanding what had just happened. They both latched onto each of Piccolo's leg, quietly waiting to see what would happen next.
The silence stretched into eternity. There was no Kihann to be seen, and Piccolo wondered if maybe the Dragon had made some sort of mistake, his stomach doing flip flops as nervousness and anger started to set in. The children looked around, blinking; waiting for something to happen, Piccolo rested a hand on each of the children's shoulders, comforting them. Goku and Gohan stood there uncomfortable, but not willing to leave until they saw the whole thing out.
~Ei ylantai neit, Piccolo.~ a soft, familiar, and amused sounding voice spoke up from behind them.
Everyone spun to face the owner of the voice. The children shrieked with joy as Piccolo let go of them and moved to wrap his arms around Kihann. "We weren't sure if he'd really had granted the wish."
All four of them held onto each other in silence for a long time, the family of namek's huddled around one another, Kihann touching each of them murmuring her love and how much she'd missed them.
Gohan, Goku and Dende watched from a respectful distance as the family spoke to each other quietly; catching Kihann up on what she'd missed, and as Kihann explained her experience in the after life.
"They won't be happy up here for long." Dende commented quietly. "There's only so much someone can do before they grow bored and restless; and they can't go below, not now, not after all they've been through."
Gohan cleared his throat and shrugged. "Bulma and I fixed that problem; they shouldn't be bothered again by anyone."
Dende raised a brow ridge and looked to his long time friend. "Is that so?"
Gohan nodded and reached into his back pockets withdrawing four blue books. "Piccolo, could you and your family come here for a second? I kind of have a second surprise."
Goku grinned as the four approached excited to see how they would react to the news. Dende looked on in live curiosity.
"What is it Gohan?" Piccolo glanced to the books warily, Tir and Sigel both snuggled up in Kihanns arms, Piccolo's own arm around Kihanns waist.
Gohan laughed faintly as he caught Piccolos look. "Don't worry Piccolo, they won't explode. Bulma and I we got together, and we talked to some people we knew. People with power and influence; when the university had found out that the military had murdered Murashi and his entire family, they weren't happy, and when the science community had found out that the military were using people for genetic experiments they were further unhappy. Unhappy people have a tendency to go to the media, and that's something the military and the President didn't want. Those that had been responsible for Kihann's and yours ordeal were dealt with, those that had survived anyways. So, to placate not only the science community, but the University, and to keep our group of friends from wreaking havoc; Bulma pointed out that the military and the President owed us for saving their planet a dozen times."
Gohan handed the four booklets over to Piccolo and Kihann. "Inside are your citizenships. Meaning you all have the rights and responsibilities of anyone living on this planet. The President said that he owed you that much; that he recalled you fighting along side us numerous times. Each of you is considered citizens of the planet earth."
Kihann looked at Gohan and blinked a few times. "You mean that no one can touch us?"
Gohan shook his head. "No, they can't illegally detain you for any reason. They can't use you for any reason what so ever. You are protected by the constitution, as humanoids living on this planet."
Piccolo didn't know what to say. All his life he'd considered himself a native of this planet, most of his life he'd fought to protect his planet as fiercely as he'd protected his home world once, and only now after all these years the people of this planet had accepted not only him, but his family as well. He cleared his throat, everyone looking to him as he began to speak. "We'd thought about going back to New Namek after Kihann had come back; knowing that we'd still be wanted and hunted. But this changes everything. Thank you."
Gohan and Goku grinned and shrugged. "It was the least we could do Piccolo." Goku piped up. "We owed you at least this much if not more, you never had to help me out or come around to our side."
Piccolo flushed, and snorted, not liking how this moment was turning mushy. "Yeah well, maybe someday I'll get my chance."
Gohan and Goku chuckled. "We gotta get going guys, I assume you'll come down sometime and visit us?"
Kihann nodded. "Of course, Piccolo still owes me a trip to the beach!"
The two saiyajins laughed, Piccolo shaking his head; it would be typical of her to recall his promise to show her earth. Well he thought, at least now I can.
The family of namek's waved and bid Gohan and Goku a good trip home as they watched them fly off. Dende had long ago vanished into the depths of the lookout; leaving the family alone.
Kihann shivered in the cool breeze, glad to be alive and with her family; never having thought that this would be how her life would turn out. She reflected on how her life had been and how much they had all gone through; but in the end it had been worth it.
"Think we should go home?" Piccolo's voice murmured softly in her ear, his arms slipping around her sides.
"Go home? I thought this was home." Kihann rested the back of her head against his chest, leaning against him; Tir and Sigel both standing in front of Kihann, hugging each of Kihann's leg, both silent and content to just be with both of their parents.
"Yes, go home. Tir, Sigel and I have had a place ready for your return for some time now."
Kihann closed her eyes and smiled, nodding. "Yes, let's go home."
Both adults gathered a child each, sending their goodbye's to Dende, who wished them the best of luck and safe journey; and a happy life; Piccolo and Kihann nodded and stepped off the Lookout, and towards their new home.
Epilogue-
*Four Months Later*
Piccolo sat on the clump of grass, under the large oak tree and caught his breath letting aching muscles relax, and enjoying the stiff breeze that held a hint of thunderstorms to come. Rain suited him fine, he enjoyed the smell of rain, liked how it washed away the dirt and grime the summer winds brought with them during the hottest month of the year.
Tir and Sigel had gone inside some time ago at their mothers bidding; both complaining vocally about having to come inside to get ready for bath and bed, but both parents knew that neither child minded it too much.
Piccolo enjoyed the sparring sessions with both children, they gave him a work out, and in turn he gave them valuable fighting tips. The kids had heard that a new tournament would be starting up in a years time, and both badly wanted to compete.
Piccolo laced his fingers behind his head, resting against the tree staring up at the dusky sky. He felt more than heard Kihann's approach; silently she sat down next to him, resting her head against his arm. "What are you thinking about?"
"I was just thinking about how much has changed since I sat in this spot a little more than a year and a half ago."
"Such as what?" Kihann's sapphire eyes gazed up at the one she loved.
"Just thinking about at almost the same time last year I was sitting here alone, not having a clue you existed; not having any idea just how dead I'd been inside for so long. How much I had denied myself, and in turn denying others as well. I never wanted anyone close to me, I didn't want anyone to get close for the simple fact that with the life I'd had, had created for myself there was too much to lose if I had opened myself up to others. Before I had met you, I had nothing, had wanted nothing. I was content to stay in my universe that I had made on my own. And then the dream you'd sent me changed everything; it woke me up."
Kihann sighed softly; it was rare that Piccolo ever spoke of his feelings, or of himself. It was a rare thing indeed, and any time he did share anything about himself she listened with rapt attention. "Do you regret it?"
"If I had to go back to the months in the lab, had to live through it all again; had to repeat that part of my life for the rest of eternity, I would." Piccolo spoke softly, not looking at Kihann, not needing to.
"Why?"
The response was a few moments in coming; they both watched the sun set behind storm clouds before Piccolo spoke. "Because I would know that the end result would be the same; knowing that I'd finally have something in the end that I never realized I was missing. You made me feel real Kihann, you brought something inside me to life that I never realized existed; you saved me from the nothing I had become. You and the kids both gave me something I unconsciously longed for."
Kihann smiled, her eyes closed. "I'm glad then, glad that I made the right decision. I love you Piccolo, and I know you love me too even though you hate saying it. I know you're a very private and secretive person and that's okay with me. As long as I can feel you, feel you next to me and know what you're emotions are; I'm happy. You saved me; your feelings saved me from that darkness that had become my life as well."
Without a word Piccolo scooped Kihann up in his arms and headed off into the starry sky. Kihann blinked curiously at Piccolo. "Where are we going?"
"Someplace special, private, a place for us to be alone; I want to thank you in a very special way." Piccolo kept his eyes ahead of him, not giving any indication of what he'd had in mind.
"Thank me; for what?" Kihann smiled shyly, a flush coloring her cheeks.
"For bringing me to life."
~Fin~
The twins were inside studying or were supposed to be at any rate. In that year they had gotten to know each other, Piccolo learning from the children almost as much as they learned from him. He'd given each of them a name, one he thought fitting for not only their personalities, but as well as how they had come to be.
The boy he called Tir; the name he'd found in a book during his stay in the library all that time ago. The name had come from a book about runes, the definition of Tir in its name form meant victorious warrior. And Tir lived up to that name in force. Alone he could nearly take on the younger fighters such as Goten and Trunks; and had beaten Gohans daughter quite easily in an impromptu tournament just a short few weeks ago. He was competitive and not very quick to anger, but when mad he was nearly unstoppable.
The girl he'd named Sigel; the name came from the same book and held nearly the same meaning as her brothers' name. Sigel however was more strategic than her brother when it came to fighting; she thought out her attack before she executed it; as to where Tir made up a strategy as he went, learning as he fought; figuring out what worked and what didn't.
Together Sigel and Tir were unstoppable as a team. Piccolo had tested them both after Kihann's death. At the age of five both were highly intelligent, completely capable of holding their own in battle and more than willing to take on the world. But even at the age of five they were still typical children.
"Give that back Tir or I'll tear your arms off!" Sigel's voice echoed in the hallway of the Palace, her threat making Piccolo smirk.
"It wasn't yours to begin with Sigel! You stole it from my room!" Tir's growl echoed back.
"I found the book first and I was looking at the pictures before you came along and ripped it out from under me stupid head!"
"You're a Whiny, bratty, pain in the butt girl!"
"Pig faced monkey brain!"
"Stop acting like a human!"
"Stop acting like a Saiyajin!"
Piccolo rolled his eyes turning to break up the scuffle; both the kids throwing punches and kicks. Grabbing Tir by one arm and Sigel by the other he let them dangle for a moment, waiting for them to calm down. When both had stopped squirming Piccolo looked between the two. "Finished?"
Both of them broke into a cacophony of complaints, whining and general bawling, accusing each other of some thing they did, (or didn't do that they were supposed to) and again Piccolo waited until they had calmed down, both sniffling and wiping teary eyes with their free arms.
Dende watched from the balcony chuckling faintly and shaking his head. He'd watched Piccolo change in the year that had followed. When Goku and Gohan had brought Piccolo up to the look out after their escape, Piccolo had been despondent, nearly catatonic with grief over losing Kihann. They had tried to gather the dragon balls to summon up Shenlon for a wish, but they'd been used by someone else, and had been rendered useless for a year. It had taken Dende, the twins and Gohans help to bring Piccolo around, telling him it was only a year to wait.
And the year was up. He watched as Piccolo calmed the kids, told them that they needed to be on their best behavior. They were generally good kids, they just had their moments like all children did when they needed reminded to behave. Dende recalled many instances as a kid that he and Cargo had gotten into trouble. Dende focused his attention from the three to the energy signatures he sensed approaching. Just in time. He thought with amusement.
Goku and Gohan both appeared over the lip of the Lookout carrying a duffle bag each. Gohan crouched to accept the kids' hugs and Goku patted Piccolo on the back commenting on how well he looked.
Piccolo smiled faintly to Goku and shrugged slightly; "I don't need to train anymore, these two keep me on my toes enough."
Goku laughed and nodded agreeably. "Yeah I know that feeling! Pan keeps me busy with all sorts of stuff."
Tir and Sigel meanwhile were clamoring for treats they knew that Goku and Gohan gave them, and immediately head dove into the second duffle bag that Gohan had carried up with him. Content with their prizes for the moment, both kids sat off by themselves quiet for the time being.
"Hey Piccolo, you sure you want to do this? A year is a long time for someone to be gone, and well." Goku trailed off uncertainly as he handed over the duffle bag he'd brought up.
Piccolo took the bag and turned away, heading to the center of the Lookout. "I have to do it Goku. It's too important to me, and to the kids to not do it."
Goku's expression was sympathetic; he'd known what it was like to watch loved ones die. But still. "Being dead a year can change a person Piccolo. She may not feel the same way."
Piccolo's eyes narrowed and he snapped back irritably; "Did Chichi's feelings change for you when you died?"
"Well, no. but it did affect our relationship quite a bit." Goku glanced to Gohan who kind of shrugged as if to say 'what did you expect?' and looked to the twins for a distraction from the conversation.
"I have to do this Goku. There's no other option; Tir, Sigel its time." Piccolo called over to the kids, as he crouched, placing the dragon balls in the proper order.
Both kids dropped what they were doing, immediately coming to Piccolo's summons. Both of them looking very serious, Tir's hand grasping Sigel's. "We're ready father." Their voices combining into one, making Goku and Gohan shiver slightly.
Piccolo nodded and stepped back, the children's voices as one summoned up Shenlon, the sky darkening, and storm clouds gathered as the Dragons energies threw the atmospheric conditions into chaos temporarily.
Shenlon gazed impassively at those gathered, giving his usual demand of as to why he was summoned. The children's voices combining eerily shouted; "We wish for the body of Kihann to be restored here on the Lookout!"
The dragon was silent for a long moment, and then nodded once. "It is granted. What is your second wish?"
"We wish for life to be restored to Kihann, for her to be returned to us alive and healthy, restored as she was before death."
The dragon nodded once more, his eyes glowing with power. "It is done. I return to my slumber."
Goku, Gohan, Piccolo and Dende all watched as the dragon disappeared, then watched as the balls shot off the Lookout in seven different directions, to be found once more in a years time, the sky clearing once more.
The children stood there blinking, not quite understanding what had just happened. They both latched onto each of Piccolo's leg, quietly waiting to see what would happen next.
The silence stretched into eternity. There was no Kihann to be seen, and Piccolo wondered if maybe the Dragon had made some sort of mistake, his stomach doing flip flops as nervousness and anger started to set in. The children looked around, blinking; waiting for something to happen, Piccolo rested a hand on each of the children's shoulders, comforting them. Goku and Gohan stood there uncomfortable, but not willing to leave until they saw the whole thing out.
~Ei ylantai neit, Piccolo.~ a soft, familiar, and amused sounding voice spoke up from behind them.
Everyone spun to face the owner of the voice. The children shrieked with joy as Piccolo let go of them and moved to wrap his arms around Kihann. "We weren't sure if he'd really had granted the wish."
All four of them held onto each other in silence for a long time, the family of namek's huddled around one another, Kihann touching each of them murmuring her love and how much she'd missed them.
Gohan, Goku and Dende watched from a respectful distance as the family spoke to each other quietly; catching Kihann up on what she'd missed, and as Kihann explained her experience in the after life.
"They won't be happy up here for long." Dende commented quietly. "There's only so much someone can do before they grow bored and restless; and they can't go below, not now, not after all they've been through."
Gohan cleared his throat and shrugged. "Bulma and I fixed that problem; they shouldn't be bothered again by anyone."
Dende raised a brow ridge and looked to his long time friend. "Is that so?"
Gohan nodded and reached into his back pockets withdrawing four blue books. "Piccolo, could you and your family come here for a second? I kind of have a second surprise."
Goku grinned as the four approached excited to see how they would react to the news. Dende looked on in live curiosity.
"What is it Gohan?" Piccolo glanced to the books warily, Tir and Sigel both snuggled up in Kihanns arms, Piccolo's own arm around Kihanns waist.
Gohan laughed faintly as he caught Piccolos look. "Don't worry Piccolo, they won't explode. Bulma and I we got together, and we talked to some people we knew. People with power and influence; when the university had found out that the military had murdered Murashi and his entire family, they weren't happy, and when the science community had found out that the military were using people for genetic experiments they were further unhappy. Unhappy people have a tendency to go to the media, and that's something the military and the President didn't want. Those that had been responsible for Kihann's and yours ordeal were dealt with, those that had survived anyways. So, to placate not only the science community, but the University, and to keep our group of friends from wreaking havoc; Bulma pointed out that the military and the President owed us for saving their planet a dozen times."
Gohan handed the four booklets over to Piccolo and Kihann. "Inside are your citizenships. Meaning you all have the rights and responsibilities of anyone living on this planet. The President said that he owed you that much; that he recalled you fighting along side us numerous times. Each of you is considered citizens of the planet earth."
Kihann looked at Gohan and blinked a few times. "You mean that no one can touch us?"
Gohan shook his head. "No, they can't illegally detain you for any reason. They can't use you for any reason what so ever. You are protected by the constitution, as humanoids living on this planet."
Piccolo didn't know what to say. All his life he'd considered himself a native of this planet, most of his life he'd fought to protect his planet as fiercely as he'd protected his home world once, and only now after all these years the people of this planet had accepted not only him, but his family as well. He cleared his throat, everyone looking to him as he began to speak. "We'd thought about going back to New Namek after Kihann had come back; knowing that we'd still be wanted and hunted. But this changes everything. Thank you."
Gohan and Goku grinned and shrugged. "It was the least we could do Piccolo." Goku piped up. "We owed you at least this much if not more, you never had to help me out or come around to our side."
Piccolo flushed, and snorted, not liking how this moment was turning mushy. "Yeah well, maybe someday I'll get my chance."
Gohan and Goku chuckled. "We gotta get going guys, I assume you'll come down sometime and visit us?"
Kihann nodded. "Of course, Piccolo still owes me a trip to the beach!"
The two saiyajins laughed, Piccolo shaking his head; it would be typical of her to recall his promise to show her earth. Well he thought, at least now I can.
The family of namek's waved and bid Gohan and Goku a good trip home as they watched them fly off. Dende had long ago vanished into the depths of the lookout; leaving the family alone.
Kihann shivered in the cool breeze, glad to be alive and with her family; never having thought that this would be how her life would turn out. She reflected on how her life had been and how much they had all gone through; but in the end it had been worth it.
"Think we should go home?" Piccolo's voice murmured softly in her ear, his arms slipping around her sides.
"Go home? I thought this was home." Kihann rested the back of her head against his chest, leaning against him; Tir and Sigel both standing in front of Kihann, hugging each of Kihann's leg, both silent and content to just be with both of their parents.
"Yes, go home. Tir, Sigel and I have had a place ready for your return for some time now."
Kihann closed her eyes and smiled, nodding. "Yes, let's go home."
Both adults gathered a child each, sending their goodbye's to Dende, who wished them the best of luck and safe journey; and a happy life; Piccolo and Kihann nodded and stepped off the Lookout, and towards their new home.
Epilogue-
*Four Months Later*
Piccolo sat on the clump of grass, under the large oak tree and caught his breath letting aching muscles relax, and enjoying the stiff breeze that held a hint of thunderstorms to come. Rain suited him fine, he enjoyed the smell of rain, liked how it washed away the dirt and grime the summer winds brought with them during the hottest month of the year.
Tir and Sigel had gone inside some time ago at their mothers bidding; both complaining vocally about having to come inside to get ready for bath and bed, but both parents knew that neither child minded it too much.
Piccolo enjoyed the sparring sessions with both children, they gave him a work out, and in turn he gave them valuable fighting tips. The kids had heard that a new tournament would be starting up in a years time, and both badly wanted to compete.
Piccolo laced his fingers behind his head, resting against the tree staring up at the dusky sky. He felt more than heard Kihann's approach; silently she sat down next to him, resting her head against his arm. "What are you thinking about?"
"I was just thinking about how much has changed since I sat in this spot a little more than a year and a half ago."
"Such as what?" Kihann's sapphire eyes gazed up at the one she loved.
"Just thinking about at almost the same time last year I was sitting here alone, not having a clue you existed; not having any idea just how dead I'd been inside for so long. How much I had denied myself, and in turn denying others as well. I never wanted anyone close to me, I didn't want anyone to get close for the simple fact that with the life I'd had, had created for myself there was too much to lose if I had opened myself up to others. Before I had met you, I had nothing, had wanted nothing. I was content to stay in my universe that I had made on my own. And then the dream you'd sent me changed everything; it woke me up."
Kihann sighed softly; it was rare that Piccolo ever spoke of his feelings, or of himself. It was a rare thing indeed, and any time he did share anything about himself she listened with rapt attention. "Do you regret it?"
"If I had to go back to the months in the lab, had to live through it all again; had to repeat that part of my life for the rest of eternity, I would." Piccolo spoke softly, not looking at Kihann, not needing to.
"Why?"
The response was a few moments in coming; they both watched the sun set behind storm clouds before Piccolo spoke. "Because I would know that the end result would be the same; knowing that I'd finally have something in the end that I never realized I was missing. You made me feel real Kihann, you brought something inside me to life that I never realized existed; you saved me from the nothing I had become. You and the kids both gave me something I unconsciously longed for."
Kihann smiled, her eyes closed. "I'm glad then, glad that I made the right decision. I love you Piccolo, and I know you love me too even though you hate saying it. I know you're a very private and secretive person and that's okay with me. As long as I can feel you, feel you next to me and know what you're emotions are; I'm happy. You saved me; your feelings saved me from that darkness that had become my life as well."
Without a word Piccolo scooped Kihann up in his arms and headed off into the starry sky. Kihann blinked curiously at Piccolo. "Where are we going?"
"Someplace special, private, a place for us to be alone; I want to thank you in a very special way." Piccolo kept his eyes ahead of him, not giving any indication of what he'd had in mind.
"Thank me; for what?" Kihann smiled shyly, a flush coloring her cheeks.
"For bringing me to life."
~Fin~