Stone Warrior- Hello. The Author has asked me to return to do the... what is this called? I forgot.

PW: I dunno. The 'Pre chap pep talk?'

/I stare at her. Truly baffled by her 'insight'/

PW: *sarcastically* Ha. Ha. I'm just a bit fried from Exam Week

Stone Warrior- Oh yes. Exam Week.

/ Reminisces on the week of her rocking back and forth in a fetal position chanting the words: 'I have to pass.'/

Stone Warrior-Also, in the last chapter, the author used a selection from a song called 'Summer Breeze'. It's written by Chicago so I'm told.

PW: Chicago's a great band. One of my all time favs. Hey, what's 1 of yours SW?

Stone Warrior- My favorite bands are quite ill relevant to this story.

PW: *Rolls eyes* Hey guys, I'm sorry it took so long to get this out. Thank God I got computer time today. But with things the way they are, and writer's block on the horizon. *Writer's block waves to me. I shudder* Thing's have taken a turn for the worst.

Stone Warrior- Seems life is imitating art.

PW: *covers SW's mouth: SHHH!

Chapter 17- Forgotten But Not Gone

"What is it Kami?" Mr. Popo asked. Kami had been standing over the edge of the Lookout, clutching his heart.

"Its Piccolo. A great change has occurred in him. He feels..." Kami let a strange smile creep across his face.

"My son feels complete. Whole somehow. As if his soul has... Merged with another. .. And that's a bond that will never be broken." With a sigh he looked to another part of the Earth. *Sigh* "I'd hate to disturb him, but he's the only one who can take care of this now. And it's partly his fault anyway." He looked back to Piccolo and the strange woman he was with. "My poor son. Soon, your whole world will come crashing down on you."

*****

Trista did not wish to return to the bar. So, the two laid down in the grass and gazed at the stars. At 1st, they tried to identify every constellation, but they slowly came to realized that there was no point and simply stared into the vastness of the heavens.

Now, Trista laid happily in Piccolo's arms. She snuggled closer to him and put her head on his chest. Piccolo shifted in his sleep and put his arm around her protectively. Neither had ever been so happy.

She listened to his heartbeat. It was such a comfort. It was all real. He was real. I never want to go back. She thought. Back to the way I was. I just want to stay with him forever.

Piccolo lay in a deep, satisfying sleep. A strange smile lay on his face as his subconscious filled with thoughts of her.

PICCOLO!

He was bolted to conscientiousness by his counterpart, Kami.

What is it Kami? He was annoyed by Kami's intrusion, but was too happy to really care.

It's the 3 I told you to watch. You were wrong. They are a danger to the entire universe.

I know that now. But if they're still looking for the Dragon Balls, then the Earth's Special Forces will stop them. Piccolo thought, shifting a little in annoyance.

I once thought the same. But they already defeated Goku.

Piccolo eyes shot open in shock. WHAT?! BU- BUT HOW?

Goku had the 4 Star Dragon Ball so i assumed it would stop there. But they cast a spell over his family. They don't even remember ever owning the Dragon Ball. Those 3 just took the ball right off of Gohan's hat and left like they owned the place.

Who?

You're a fool my son. You looked only at their physical, not magical power. This could have been stopped earlier, but you didn't wish to do what I ask. Now, the whole world's in danger, and its your fault.

But how is a wish for undepleting power so dangerous?

With that, their magical power would be unrivaled by many. What did you think they were going to do with all that power when they got it? Their clever, and that's their true power comes from. You would have realized that if you had simply been patience and did as I ask. Now, the world, and everything you hold dear will be destroyed.

Piccolo didn't know what to do. Kami was right.

I'll take care of it.

Piccolo looked at Trista. I'm not going to loose you.

He got up slowly, so as to not disturb Trista. But before he left the placed a light kiss on her cheek.

"See ya." He whispered.

Trista's eyes shot open immediately. She felt the urgency in his heart and knew he had some important task to perform. She wanted to get up and ask why he was leaving, but they both knew if she did that; he wouldn't want to leave. And might stay. She couldn't allow that. So she laid still until she was sure he was gone. Then, she got up and followed him.

*****

Piccolo ran to the unusual ki signal. Conveniently it wasn't far. But his thoughts were elsewhere at the moment. I can't believe myself. I acted like a silly human, just because she kissed me... Even though that was amazing... and wonderful... and- What am I thinking? I have to focus on my task. For her sake.

Then Piccolo spotted them. The three were looking for a proper spot to perform their ceremony when Piccolo dropped in.

"You 3 have caused me enough trouble. Now I'll kill you."

The 3 only gave an unworried smile. As Piccolo charged them, Cush stepped forward and attempted to stop him. Of course, Cush wasn't prepared for the 2 ki blast Piccolo fired 10 inches from his face. Cush barely dodged them. But he grabbed Piccolo by his foot and swung him around. Piccolo crashed into a nearby tree. Then Piccolo charged him again, the fires of Hell in his eyes. This time, Cush met him head on and grabbed him by the hands. It was now a battle of brute strength. Piccolo was slowly gaining ground as he pushed Cush back.

"Hurry up you guys!" Cush yelled to his companions. "I'm not sure how long I can hold him."

Cush's companions had been preparing for a spell this whole time.

"Just a few more seconds." Satyr told him, as he poured the herbs into his hand.

Cush didn't think he could last that long. This green thing was already crushing his hands into bloody masses. In desperation, Cush head butted him. "OW! Your head must be made of rocks!"

A sadistic smiled crossed Piccolo's face as he shot him with his laser beam eyes*

"AHHH!" Cush let go on his hold as his eyes burned.

Piccolo then started toward the others. But now it was too late. Hoium and Satyr stared chanting, and within seconds. Piccolo was asleep. Satyr ran to Cush, who was writhing on the ground. He stepped back in horror when he got the big man to face him.

"GREAT TARJ!" He screamed as he gazed upon this mighty behemoth.

There were smoking holes where his pupils used to be.

"HE' BLIND! HOIUM COME QUCIK HE'S BLIND! CUSH IS BLIND!"

Hoium came and quickly examined his friend.

"Please tell me he'll be ok." Satyr pleaded tears in his eyes. "PLEASE MASTER! PLEASE!"

Hioum tried all he knew, but nothing would heal their friend.

"It seems that his wound was given to him by a demon. You know we can't undo what a demon has done. They have greater authority then us."

They both looked at the green being lying before them.

"He looks nothing like the demons of our demention."

"I know, but if we can't heal Cush, that is our only explanation."

Satyr looked at Piccolo with newfound hatred.

"Let's kill him." He said, his eyes full of a cruelty Hoium never saw there before. Hoium couldn't help but be proud. That was the one element his student had been missing.

Satyr prepared for a destruction spell.

'NOOOOO!"

To their own surprise, Trista stepped out of the brush and ran to Piccolo's side.

"Don't kill him! I beg of you!"

Hoium smiled more. This was all to perfect.

"How much do you care for this creature?" He asked.

"I'd give my very life for him." Trista stated looking serious.

"Prefect. You come with us and we will spare his life."

"You must promise to leave him alone."

"Only if he comes after us will we harm him. But how do we know you won't trick us?"

"My word is my bond. Let him live, and I will do all you ask without question."

"Done."

Hoium lifted the spell off Piccolo. A look confusion covered his face when his eyes landed on Trista.

"I never got to repay you." She said solemnly. "For saving my life. Now my debt is repaid. Don't follow me ok?"

Then She turned her back to him and followed toe trio, who helped the blinded comrade.

"Kolana? Kolana no!"

He tried to follow but a barrier stopped him.

"Kolana! KOLANA! "

*He really does have laser eyes for those who didn't know.

PW: Sorry for the wait. But my life is a little hectic right now. My life really did imitate this story. Everything perfect, then BAM!

Stone Warrior- Path Walker you have to get up.

PW: *ignoring him and furiously typing* Just let me write the next chap before this writer's block sets in. *Writer's block makes itself comfy on he couch. I look very nervous*

Stone Warrior- But you haven't eaten anything all day.

PW: Yes I have! *Stomach growls.* Ok So I forgot, just 1 more cha

/We battle for the computer counsel. The battle is pretty even until I tickle her. Then I fling her over my shoulder and write this down for fear she will kill me if I don't. Her screams can be heard as I carry her to the kitchen./

Path Walker's Screams- Let me go Stone Warrior! You'll regret this! I'll make you sure of it! Put me down Stone Warrior! Stone Warrior!