Special Note to Rachel Daughter of Piccolo: I've been trying to put this in the crossover category since I 1st posted it online, but every time I try the darn thing isn't there. *Frustrated look* I try every time I put up a new Chap (which is just about everyday). But no worries! ^_^ (*Shakes head* I never used to use these Icons before I posted fanfic. What's wrong with me...)

Chapter 5-Meetings and Deals

She opened her eyes. Where am I? To Trista's surprise she was in a room. The midday sun shone through the window at her right. Her internal clock told her it was 2 days and 15 hours since she blacked out in the forest. I wonder who found me? She pushed to a sitting position with her good arm. The room was bland but quaint. There was a small night table with a candle to her right, neatly tucked in the corner next to the bed. The window was to the left of it. On the left wall was a chiffrobe* and a desk with a missing chair. Another look around the room revealed it had been moved closer to her bed. Someone's been with me all this time. Everything in the room was made of wood and had a very old fashioned feel to it. Trista felt utterly comfortable there. She walked to the chiffrobe and found a robe. Putting it on, she ventured into the hallway. It was lined with doors with numbers on them. She looked at her own door. "Room 3." She read aloud. She felt a bit dizzy, but she successfully descended the stairs. To her further surprise, at the foot of the stairs was a bar that seemed to serve food too.** There were a few people at the stools sharing a midday drink and a cubby man eating lunch. Piccolo was there as well, unknown to her. He had known of her presence for quiet a while due to his ki sensing abilities. Yet he remained hidden in his dark corner of the room, waiting patiently to see what she would do. Groob walked in with supplies and was the 1st to greet her.

"Oh! Young Lady!" He said, dropping the supplies on the nearest table.

"Feeling better I see."

"Yes," She responded with a small nod of her head.

"Much better now thank you."

Piccolo was surprised. Since he'd found her, she'd only spoken in that strange foreign language. But she was sick then. He thought. Perhaps I just imagined it and they were really just meaningless syllables. He quickly dispelled the last thought. It had all been to clear, to precise to be just nonsense spewed in an unconscious state. It was definitely a language, but now that she was awake she spoke perfect Japanese. There was no hint of the unusual accent he had heard in her sleep. Strange. I'll have to watch this one closely… The men at the stools also watched with interest. Everyone in the small, rural town had heard of Piccolo and the mysterious woman. They figured if he saved her, she must have strange, evil powers as well.

"Well, you still shouldn't be up. Now git back t' bed an' I'll have some'n' brought up for you." He started to shoo Trista back up the stairs.

"Wait," Trista said.

"You saved me didn't you?"

"Yes but-"

"I... would like to thank you..."

She said, bowing low in traditional Plutonian style. She was so grateful, that only the ancient ways of her people could express it. Groob on the other hand, felt awkward. He was just as wary of her as everyone else. "I didn't do it alone." He uttered quickly, passing the buck.

"I-I just provided the room. It was...P-Piccolo who saved you."

Silently, Piccolo appeared beside him, staring down at her. She could feel his eyes boring into her back, but Trista continued to bow.

"I was lost." She started in a low, but regal voice.

"I was hurt and alone. I would have surely died were it not for your valor. I am thankful. I am thankful for my life."

Everyone in there was taken aback by her actions. Especially Groob, who was red with embarrassment. Piccolo however, was impressed. It takes a big person to humble themself in such a way. An action such as this is rare and usually means you are dealing with an honorable person.

"Your thanks are accepted." Piccolo stated flatly.

Trista froze.

That voice! It's the same from my dream! He...He was the one!

"Now get up. You look pathetic."

Trista rose slowly, taking in the man who had saved her. He was by far the tallest person in the room, 7ft. at least. He was a strange looking creature. Green, with pink muscle structure. She looked straight into his coal eyes, they were a pure reflection of his heart (weather he meant them to be or not). Cold, with a demand for excellence. Ambitious, and a deadly thirst to prove himself. She could feel the iciness of his soul radiating like an unseen aura. The two stood, appraising each other, unaware of the world around them. When each was satisfied with their evaluation, Trista turned to Groob.

"I must repay you." She said.

"But since I do not have any currency, I pray my humble services will suffice." She made another little bow. Groob could have screamed. Her? Stay? He wasn't sure how much more he could take. He just wanted these weirdoes out of his bar and out of his life.

"No, no, that's alright." He said hurriedly, trying to sound pleasant.

"Now that yu're bett'r I'm sure yu'll want to git on yur way."

He was right. Trista needed to find her keys and her transformation pen, but she always believed in repaying good with good and the only good thing that she could offer, was herself.

"I insist I stay to help until my debt is paid."

Groob looked into those garnet eyes, and knew she wouldn't back down.

"Alright," he said with an exasperated sigh.

"You can help. Be the barmaid and help Bon tonight."

He picked up the supplies from the table and began to walk towards the back. *Sigh* Why do these things always happen to me?

As Groob left, Trista turned her attention to Piccolo.

"And is there anything I can do for you?"

"Yeah," he said in his gruff manner.

"Stay out of my way."

He turned on his heel, causing his cape to swirl (in that really cool way it always does) and gaited out. Trista watched him go with curious eyes.

* A chiffrobe is an old fashioned closet that's not connected to the wall

** Like the Prancing Pony in LotR.

PW- * Types final words at 5:46 am* There, finished. Now, if I had the same zeal for my school work

/Falls asleep at her computer consul/

Another person who has been standing in the room the whole time gives a little sigh.

Stone Warrior- Poor thing. You must forgive the author, 2 all nighters in a row has finally gotten to her. She really is pulling to get this done before her vacation ends. School's such a hell... This story means a lot to her since its been burning in her mind for the past year. She'd never tell you, but she does care for you guys.

I then lift Path Walker in my arms, and as the larks announce dawn's arrival carry her to her room.