Hello! After I spent some time with God, I came to realize my problem and am now continuing on my path. Thank you for your patience as I worked this thing out. Sorry it took longer than I'd like but my computer's messing up again. *Really frustrated look* Don't ever let your downloading, annoying older brother use your computer. I think he's the one who gave my computer AIDS.

*The Z fighters aren't called so because during the time lapse it isn't either DB or DBZ

** Also, there will be a change for this chapter.

* Italics*-a thought made by Piccolo's good nature (what little he has at this point)

/Italics/-an thought made Piccolo's evil nature

Chapter 9- Decision

Piccolo watched as the men walked along. He had been watching them for 5 hours and that was already to long for him. He had felt their ki, and though it was different it wasn't nearly as strong as the woman's. They were so weak; Yamcha would have been able to kill them easily. Their power wasn't even worth his time.

I have better things to do than be Kami's scout. He decided to speed the process by reading their thoughts. This showed that they wanted to wish for un-depleting power. That's all? Not for increase of power or eternal youth? Eh, as long as its not world domination. Piccolo left, quickly telling Kami they were harmless. It was a mistake he would live to regret.

*****

Trista was in the woods. It was one of her days off, so naturally she went back to the were she landed to find her keys and transformation pen. Piccolo had previously noticed this too (A/N: Can you say stalker?), and a plan had started to form in his mind. The area was secluded; there wasn't anyone within a 50-mile radius of the place. If she were to scream, or to fight him, no one would come to her aid. He decided to perform the deed her next day off. She was certain to come, alone, and he had all the information he needed.

But as time progressed, Piccolo noticed other things about her. How kind hearted she was, her many talents, how she always looked a little sad. She rarely spoke, and when she did her voice was incredibly soft, not loud and obnoxious. Despite her intelligence she wasn't a know-it-all (like other women he knew). She was quite and respectful at all times, and tended to keep to herself. She wasn't like other women, and slowly he was beginning to gain a certain deference for her.

But the day came, and as Trista once again looked for her keys, Piccolo was nearby, waiting silently for the attack.

*But...I don't want to.* He suddenly had another thought. This one was cruel and cold, with the voice of his sire, the Daimoh.

/Of course you do! She has so much power. Think of what you could do with it. Rule the world or possibly the universe! This one woman means nothing compared to the glory and respect you'll receive. No more being called 'freak' or 'monster'. And the universe will feel your wrath for what it did to you./

Piccolo felt his heart fill with searing rage as he listened to the thought. His memories, as well as Daimoh's were forever burned in his mind. He remembered the pain they caused him all to well, and he wanted them to pay. Oh how he wanted them to pay...

*But the woman, Trista has never been that way with me. She has been pushy once in a while but she does not fear me like the other humans do.*

He thought back to when he first met her. She had looked straight into his eyes, and not many dared to do so. Her eyes held no fear or surprise, they were steady, resolute. He was sure her facial expression was a mirror image of his at the time.

/So the woman has a name now?You're going soft.She's still a human. Humans are nothing but narrow-minded idiots. Just kill her and be done with it./

Piccolo came closer, so close that she was within an arms reach. Still, his stealth made him insensible. He hesitated, not fully sure of his actions.

/You are Piccolo, the Demon King, and nothing should get your way. Do it. Do it! /

Piccolo reached for her, then retracted his hand.

*That's right, I am the Demon King. And such notions will not control me. I will rule the Earth, but not with the help of others or their power. I will do it with my own two hands.*

Piccolo turned and left Trista in the forest, ignorant of the danger she had been in for the past 3 weeks.

*You have gained my respect as a person Trista. I won't do such a thing to a person such as you.*

*I know the evil thought is more like someone else talking to him, but I've seen this method before. Usually on T.V. but my point remains.

A/N: *whew!* Piccolo even had me scared for a minute!