This story was written in 2001 and 2002. I've edited it just a bit, but it shows that I needed a lot of practice as a writer! Still, it has always been one of my most popular stories. Thanks to those who have emailed me, asking for it to be reposted.

Also, it has about 5-6 different sagas…so it's LONG!

The Scabs

Chapter 2

Piccolo knew he was dying. His ribs were broken, probably other bones that he did not even know about. His lungs could barely take in enough air to keep him awake. Also, he was loosing blood from a wound in his side as well as the numerous facial wounds. Piccolo had fought with everything he had. So close to killing Goku, but in the end it did not happen. Piccolo felt almost sick as the pain ravaged his body. Flat on his back, he did not think he could move. One eye was swollen almost shut, and he could feel blood running down his face. Ashamed of his failure, he was ready to die. He welcomed it. Relief from this horrible existence.

DAMN he thought to himself. I can't believe...he has..beaten me.

Goku stood a few feet away from his opponent. His own clothing was torn to shreds, as was the entire arena floor. Most of the spectators for this tournament had left. Running to escape injury. However, Goku's friends remained. Tien, Krillin and Yamcha were close by. Ready to offer assistance if needed. But, Goku rarely needed help.

"WHOOHOO!" Screamed Krillin. "You did it!" Each of the other fighters were ecstatic at Goku's victory. However, Goku kept his eyes on Piccolo. Watching him as he writhed in pain. Purple blood spilling out in the dirt. Goku was a fighter, but he did not want to think of himself as a killer.

"Krillin..." Goku shouted. "Give me a sensu bean.."

"Sure thing!" Krillin said as he opened up a small brown pouch. Taking out a single bean, he threw it to Goku.

"Thanks!" Goku said. For a moment, Goku rolled the bean around in his fingers, thinking. Slowly, he started walking over to the motionless body on the ground.

"Better not get too close to him!" Tien yelled. "He may not be as bad off as he looks!"

But, Goku paid no attention. His eyes and his mind were focused on Piccolo. Standing just a foot from Piccolo, Goku stopped, looking down at the large green man.

Piccolo struggled to open his eyes. "You will...pay..for this...I will kill you.." Piccolo said his tone full of hatred. In his mind, he knew he was lying. There would not be another battle. His life was almost over as he struggled to breathe.

"You can't fight me...if you die." Goku told him. "I do not want your blood on my hands. I have no desire to kill you." Squatting down beside Piccolo's face, Goku showed him the small bean. "If you take this, you will not die. It will heal you."

"What are you doing?" shouted Krillin. "You give him that and he'll end up killing us ALL!"

But Goku kept his gaze on Piccolo.

"Like..I'd take...shit from you..." Piccolo said, spitting up blood. "Go to hell." His voice was weak and raspy.

"Fine. Die if you want. But I am giving you a chance to LIVE. To start your life over." Goku continued to hold the bean in front of Piccolo's mouth. "You are dying. So, it doesn't matter anymore about our fight. If you want to pay me back for whipping your ass, then take this so you will live..."

Piccolo was angry. Angry that Goku seemed to be taking pity on him. That is the last thing that Piccolo wanted...to be pitied. However, he realized even through his pain that in order to fulfill his father's legacy, he needed to live.

"This doesn't change anything." Piccolo told him. "I WILL kill you." Piccolo parted his lips slowly allowing Goku to put the bean in his mouth. He chewed. Within moments, he felt his body healing. Piccolo was amazed. Something so small could cause this much of a difference.

Goku stepped back. Although healed, he knew Piccolo was still weakened, mentally. But that may not stop the Namek from trying to kill Goku right then and there.

Krillin, Tien and Yamcha were also on guard.

Slowly, Piccolo rose up on his elbows. Taking a moment to get his bearings. Finally, standing. He looked down at Goku. The man he had been born to kill..to destroy. Had just saved his life. But that meant nothing to Piccolo right now. Goku was a fool. And a fool always loses in the end.

"I will kill you." Piccolo said, almost in a whisper. "I will destroy everything you hold dear...your planet...your friends...everything." Piccolo spit a mouth full of blood in front of Goku's feet. Without any further words, he left. Flying as fast as he could.

Goku looked down at the purple blood on the ground.

"Are you CRAZY?" Yamcha said. "Did you hear what he said? He's going to kill your friends..HELLO! That means US!"

"Yeah, Goku. That was not one of your more smart moves. You may have spared his life, but it did not change him."Krillin said.

Goku did not speak. He just turned and headed home. The wind blowing his hair as he flew. Goku was not sure if he had done the right thing or not. He could not just let Piccolo die. Not when he had a chance to save him. Yes, Damioh was evil. Goku had killed him because he had no choice. But that did not mean that his son had to be also. Yet, that was the way it was looking. Without a doubt, Goku knew that if the roles were reversed, he would be dead. Piccolo would take pity on no one.

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Piccolo landed in a wooded area. A large piece of land that even the demons feared. Barren, except for a few trees and shrubs. No source of food, and little water. Few animals could survive in this wasteland. However, Piccolo did. This was home to him. Where he had been hatched as a child. The place where he grew up. Alone. That's how he preferred it. He landed softly, his body still aching. Walking to the small stream, he drank freely.

"Damn you Goku." Piccolo said out loud. "I will damn you to hell myself...just wait." A smile crossed his face. He had plans for Goku. Oh, yes. He had plans

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Author's noteOk, we all LOVE a bad boy..so how was it? I know it was probably not accurate as far as what really happened on the show at the tournament. But, I've never seen that part, so I pretty much winged it. And as always..PLEASE REVIEW.