Author's Note: OK!!!! Now, some action/adventure! I was going to post this separately, but decided not to since it might be too hard to search for it for anyone reading in the future….beside, I've never written a story as short as "HOPE" before! So, this is Part II, "Justice". The girls are older, around Gohan's size, and he's about 10 or so. Like he was when he fought Cell in the TV series. Anyway, not as much humor in this part, but lots of action. And guess what! A couple of new characters, as well as familiar faces! I hope you like this…….it's a twisty plot that I've NEVER seen done, so I'm excited about you guys reading!!! On to the fic!!! ENJOY!! PLEASE REVIEW!!!

Three Rivers of Justice

Chapter One

Piccolo watched with great pride as his girls sparred in the air. Rideria and Rikola had been in hand-to-hand combat for over three hours, while Rhyne found Gohan a more suitable opponent. The Saiyan boy had been instructed not to hold back, but to give his all. Gohan did not like that prospect, and deep down inside he was holding back. Whether Rhyne pummeled him or not, it would be better than him doing serious damage to her.

Right now, the one doing the most damage was Rideria. Although Earth's Dragon removed the horrible voices from her mind, Piccolo knew she still had the same tortured soul as her father. Not to mention his temper.

Rikola was a gifted and talented fighter, but Rideria seemed to be fueled by anger. Piccolo warned her on more than one occasion that she needed to control her volatile outbursts of violence. Seemingly, his efforts fell upon deaf ears.

Thirty-six months had passed since their birth. Now, they were the same size as ten-year-old Gohan, and would remain this size for the a few years. Then, their next growth spurt would bring them into young adult hood. Piccolo could not believe how everyone had grown. It seemed that time was moving faster than he remembered. Perhaps, being a father had somehow changed his perception of time.

Hiding their existence had not been successful. Before their twelve-month cycle, their power had increased to such a degree that Krillin, Tien and Yamcha had actually come looking for an explanation. All of Earth's fighters were shocked, but the newness had long since worn off. Now, they knew to stay away from Piccolo's corner of the world, unless they wanted trouble. None of his girls were very sociable, except to Gohan who was like a brother to them.

Goku had still not returned from space, and he was now presumed dead. Kami had tried to get a definite answer from his many sources, but thus far had not found any hope for the Saiyan's return to Earth and to his family.

ChiChi and Gohan seemed to be carrying on as best they could. It was hard for them, but ChiChi had agreed to let Gohan help in training the girls, which was a release for the boy's pain and frustration. ChiChi herself had taken a liking to Rhyne, her being the most docile of the three, and the least like Piccolo. But even Rhyne could not be tamed completely. No, she was Piccolo's child and therefore destined to a life filled with her own rules.

The sun was just going over the mountains. "It's time for you to go home." Piccolo said to Gohan.

Everyone stopped in mid punch, as if the realization of darkness had just become evident.

"Wow!" Gohan said. "Feels like we just started!"

"Tomorrow, be here early." Piccolo said. "As soon as your studies are finished. I plan on improving on Rikola's ice maneuver and Rideria's fire throw. I don't want any more accidents like we had this morning." The Namek frowned as he remembered the enormous mess the girls made.

Rideria's firepower had surfaced not long after Damioh's voice had been forever silenced in her mind. It was the ability to create a fire, seemingly by thought. When angered, all she had to do was think of a place….a tree…a bush….a person…and a fire would engulf her target. It was indeed a great gift, but the poor animals she had killed this morning would certainly have different ideas. Until she could control it, Piccolo had forbidden it to be used. But, when Rideria became angry, sometimes she would lose control, as this morning proved.

Then, there was Rikola's ice maneuver. By concentrating her power, she could throw forward a blast, which resulted in her desired goal being frozen solid. Her subjects were not usually killed, unless their frozen forms were shattered. Still, she needed work on her aim as well as controlling her impulsiveness.

Rhyne's power was far more subtle. There was no fire and no ice. Her gentleness seemed to be a curse. The only additional power she possessed, other than the typical blasting and Namekian abilities, was wind. When she concentrated enough, she could redirect the wind, increasing its speed and intensity. That was all. Piccolo worked diligently with her, hoping that there was some underlying power that she was suppressing. But, so far, he had found none. He was discouraged, but decided that due to her loving nature, she was not capable of the same destruction as he and his other daughters.

Therefore, Rhyne remained his more fragile child. That is why she spent most of her time with Gohan. The two seemed to be kindred spirits. Perhaps, in some unimaginable way, the girl had been fashioned from the love that Piccolo felt for the Saiyan boy. Whatever the reason, he knew his daughter would forever have a friend, protector, and mentor in Gohan.

"I have math tomorrow." Gohan said. "So, it will be past noon."

Piccolo grumbled. "It is nonsense." He said, speaking of the studies that ChiChi put the boy through. "But, so be it. Just get here as soon as you can."

Gohan nodded, saying goodbye to the girls. He flew off quickly, knowing that his mother preferred him to be home before dark.

"You need a bath." He said to the girls. "Let's go."

One by one, Piccolo stood back as the girls were cleansed. Afterward, they headed to the cave while he took care of his own hygiene matters.

Early the next morning, Piccolo began alone. He rose early, leaving the girls still asleep. Even before the sun could be seen, he was deep in meditation. It was the only time he got to himself and he cherished it wholeheartedly.

Needless to say, when his silence was interrupted by a loud shout, he was not pleased.

"PICCOLO!" The bellow came loudly, making his ears twitch at the noise. He opened one eye and looked ahead, seeing Krillin. The small monk seemed to be agitated and in a hurry.

"What the hell do you want?" Piccolo growled through clinched fangs.

"ChiChi called Master Roshi's this morning, and man she was furious." Krillin said, yawning. "She said that Gohan had better be home before sunrise, or she'd come find you and deal with you herself. Plus, she said a whole lot of other stuff, but I'd just as soon forget that part." He smiled goofily.

"What do you mean? Gohan isn't here." Piccolo's other eye opened. "He went home last night, as he always does."

Krillin was surprised. "Then, where is he? Cause he sure isn't at home and ChiChi is in a rage!"

Piccolo straightened his body out from his lotus position. "Gohan is not the type to blow off his mother." He said firmly, knowing the respect and love he felt for the woman. "But if he is not at home, then something has happened."

Suddenly, Krillin felt uncomfortable. "I haven't sensed any new threat on the planet. And Gohan is more powerful than any animal or being already here!"

"Go begin a search in the valley…gather the others if you don't have any success." Piccolo said. "I'll go wake up the girls and bring them along with us. Something is not right, and I'll be damned if I sit here doing nothing." Angry, Piccolo flew off toward the cave, leaving Krillin to deal with his own search.

Piccolo was very apprehensive.

Where was Gohan?

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