a/n: Just a quick one. This chapter is all Helm's Deep battle and is a songfic. Meh, I love the song and for some reason it seemed to fit the mood at the background. Sarah McLachlan – I Love You

---

{ I have a smile

Stretched from ear to ear

To see you walking down the road }

Legolas frowned up at the sky a moment before the clouds ripped open and fat beads of rain began to fall mercilessly upon them. Within seconds he was soaked through his first layer and blinked a trickle of water from his eyes. Gimli stood beside him, a grim expression on his face as he clutched the handle of his axe and stared out across the ocean of orc that seemed to trail on for miles before disappearing in the mists of the rainstorm. He looked at those in his peripheral vision, picking out the unique raven locks of the saiyajins somewhere to his left. A dull void of emotion pulsed in his chest when he recognized a haze of jade just beyond them. A desire to turn and embrace the Namek shook his resolve so strongly he forced his limbs to still as they nearly began to move him without consent. Instead he ignored it and focused on the rain as it beaded on the stones before him and watched them roll down the cracks.

The elfin archers stood poised and ready, Haldir amongst them standing with shoulders squared and expression tight. Beside him stood the heir of Isuldir, Aragorn's calculating gaze sweeping across first the orc hordes and then scanning their own numbers. He suppressed a grunt of compliance, already knowing that they were far outnumbered and may actually die here surrounded by elves and other men of middle earth. The notion didn't rile him like he thought it would, and he thinned his lips as he willed the reflection away. Instead he thought quickly of Arwen, her beautiful face looming before him and he felt the need to reach out and trail his fingers across her aristocratic features, so soft and welcoming. But he blinked and the vision was gone. Unconsciously he brought a hand to his throat and wrapped his fingers around the pendant at the hollow of his throat, whispering a prayer to his love that was sucked away with the wind and thrown to the Valar.

Piccolo stood rigid, his warrior spirit pulsing strong and steady in him, willing his resolve and strength to prepare themselves for what was coming. He tried vainly to ignore the outside influences that would impede his thoughts, but the shivering forms of several dozen boys behind him and a single rain-soaked elf to his right would not leave him at peace. His heart tugged, sorrowed and helpless with the feelings trapped in it. Wanting to devour the Mirkwood prince where he stood, but his stubborn pride was so thick it could rival Vegeta's and it was not letting go of the jealousy and hurt he felt earlier.

Beside the Namek, Vegeta gazed out calmly over the orc and he sneered at the wafting stench that came from them. Even the rain did little to rinse away the stink. For a fleeting moment he felt the icy ki of Freeza and considered a recollection of his time under the tyrants reign, as though he was once again a purger of planets and now he stood facing the inhabitants before he would blow them into bits of ash. Solid warmth moved beside him and the feel of Goku's presence made the memories fade. He was actually on the side of good for once and fighting for someone other than himself or his own property. It was oddly invigorating and with a sudden clarity wondered if this was why Goku protected Earth and its inhabitants from all invaders, even if he did not get his just recognition. He looked up at the saiyajin third class then and saw that the other was watching him as well. He smirked up at him and grasped the front of Goku's tunic in one fist, hauling him down to his level and kissed him with all the pent up apprehension and energy in his being. To his great pleasure, the other pure blood responded with as much fervor and after they pulled apart went back to staring at their enemy as though nothing happened—ignoring the gaping looks and startled chokes of those around them.

Archers stood ready, bows tensed and drawn in skilled hands. Time seemed to stand still and to many the only thing that kept them in reality was the steady beating of the rainfall and the smell of smoke that blew on them from time to time as the winds shifted. With a snap, an arrow loosed and the noise was like a crack of lightening in the silence, an angry call ordered them to hold but the orc were furious as one of their members fell with a solid thump onto the wet earth. The wind stilled and for a moment the earth herself held her breath in anticipation.

{We meet at the lights

I stare for a while

The world around disappears}

And so it began. The roar of the beasts below them was deafening and so continuous it was near maddening. The elves frowned as their sensitive ears began to ache and at the order to fire gladly loosed their shots to silence the noise. Stamping feet and louder, more guttural, yells echoed from the fortress walls. Arrows were notched again and set free as the melee began.

Legolas was set in motion, moving with such skill and precession he had felled seven beasts before Gimli had time to lean over the edge and yell down at the orc to hurry and 'meet his axe'. There was a rough laugh from some of the men in earshot and the dwarf curled his lip in a snarl as he spat further insults down the fortress walls.

The saiyajins could feel their skin itching with anticipation, but the way things were working they wouldn't have to bloody their knuckles. A cry from Aragorn in elfish rang past their ears and they stared around, wondering what the problem was. Vegeta saw it first, the orc with the torch in his hands running through the splitting sea of orc bodies. He narrowed his eyes wondering what good a flame would be to stone. Soon his wonder turned to mute fear as he saw Legolas shoot the beast once, twice before it stumbled but kept trucking like mad. Vegeta never had the need for gunpowder in any form at any point in his long and tedious life, but he knew that soon something set fire below was going to rock the fortress and tumble its guards down.

He gripped Goku's forearm in a tight fist and felt the younger freeze up under his hold. "Hang on Kakkarot." And the sky blazed with fire and raining stone.

"The wall has been breached! Draw your weapons!" Cries of anger and shock carried down through the ranks. Goku stared at the crater where a solid wall once stood and nodded his head to Vegeta before leaping from his position on the wall and joined the coming orc head on. Some men cried out, the fool from another world would be crushed and dismembered and stared after him through the swirling dust and smoke.

As though the Valar wanted the creatures of Middle Earth to see what strength of force they had on their side, a wind blew and the smoke and dust was swept away so they could watch the angry saiyajin as he let loose.

There was a snarl, deep and rolling that sent shivers up the backs of the men of Middle Earth and to their shock the orc that were pouring through the hole paused a moment in alarm before they continued undaunted. Goku gripped the closest with both hands, hauling the creature into his body before heaving it backward with all of his strength. Bowled over, the orc howled as its ribs caved under the pressure and it was blown backward knocking over several dozen running Urak-hai with its body and flailing limbs.

The single act took seconds and before another could blink blue-black blood began to smear across the face and tunic of the sole warrior as he wrenched an orc arm free from its socket. There was a cry of triumph and new courage as the mass of men moved as one, swords shining and hair matted to their heads as they joined, flaying beasts around them and keeping one eye on the saiyajin lest they get in his way.

{Just you and me

On this island of hope

A breath between us could be miles}

Piccolo grinned at Vegeta as the saiyajin growled low in his chest as he watched his lover tear into an Urak-hai and haul half of the poor creature's intestines out as he withdrew his fist. It took Vegeta a matter of seconds before he was soon down on the muddy ground cleaving through the intruders with Goku by his side.

"Bar the door!"

Piccolo looked down the lip of the building and saw a train of Urak-hai rushing along with a large ramming log between them. The first blow caused a great groan and squeals of wood and hinge. He could feel the pulse of his energy below the surface heaving against the barrier that bound him and he growled low and annoyed when he could do nothing. If only he could loose even a fraction he could blast the group to hell with one ball of ki.

He vaguely heard Legolas call over to Gimli with the number of his kills before he turned to let loose another arrow. Piccolo bit his lip and scanned the area around him, he couldn't lose focus on the battle around them because of the elf, no matter how badly he wanted to simply stare after him.

The cry of a familiar group of children below him had his heart hammering in his chest. Taking a deep breath, Piccolo turned and gazed around until his eyes settled on the boys below him milling around in the mud. They were still all together, swords drawn and eyes the size of saucers. The men at the hole in the wall were doing well to keep down the number that trailed in, but there were so many more Urak-hai and orc than their were people in Helm's Deep that the small trickle soon turned into a great river of them that ran straight through many of the men and trampled them under their great feet. All emotion drained from him as he watched the orc devastate everything they touched. It took him only split second to realize that a great pack of them were headed directly at the children below him. With a scowl and determination etched across his stern features, he leapt from the edge of the building and landed several feet from the boys. The Urak-hai were grinning madly at the stricken children, eyeing them as though they were appetizers.

"Over here!" Piccolo's gravely voice boomed out. He snarled and curled his lip up over his fangs. The leaders of the pack turned to him and he took a stance, beckoning them over with a curl of his fingers. They snapped their jaws at him and turned a little so that they changed course and instead of heading for the boys, they were all watching him with intense hatred. As they neared he felt a swelling in his chest, so very similar to that killing blow from Nappa ages ago as he dove in front of Gohan, and he welcomed it with open arms and clenched fists.

{Let me surround you

My sea to your shore

Let me be the calm you seek}

Gimli called out his number to Legolas, but the elf hadn't heard him. A deep explosive voice had caught his attention first and his heart had stopped beating. Turning, he looked down at the scene he had dreaded when he first dreamt it days ago. Gimli gave the elf a funny look but continued his assault, beating away at ladders and grappling hook rope.

Legolas felt the world slow to a stop, the first beast was within Piccolo's striking distance and it seemed a snap shot of action. The Namek's fist cocked back and muscles along his arm and shoulder bunched up tight in wait. The orc before him paused in mid-flight, sneering and snarling with weapons above their heads in the ready. Then time snapped back like elastic and everything rushed together.

Piccolo's fist busted through the nearest head, spraying bone and gore. A dull blade swung and he ducked, the edge missing by nearly a foot. The orc were pushing, slowly the small space between them was filled and there was no room for calculation as bodies curled under forces of punches and kicks. Legolas even fought a grin as he saw the alien head-butt an orc in the nose and heard the creature scream.

The horror started then, as he turned to shoot an orc behind him as its slimy fingers brushed his hair, Legolas heard a howl that made his blood run cold. He spun again, Piccolo had ripped some creatures arm off and was beating at the others with it, a deep gash across one of his shoulders ran with violet blood. They had surrounded him on all sides and as he tried to leap back from the swing of another blade the solid bodies of twenty orc cushioned him and bounced him back, the edge cutting deep into Piccolo's side.

With a cry of rage, Legolas raised a hand to his quiver and dread as his fingers found nothing but air. A sick déjà vu gripped him as he tried not to panic and instead looked around him before gripping an arrow from a fallen orc nearby and pulled the weapon from the body. He notched it and loosed, satisfied as it rammed cleanly through an orc throat that had just raised for an attack.

"Help him!" Legolas pointed, searching again for any arrows and finding none began to take his frustration out on the orc that came pouring over the wall from ladders and hooks. There was nothing he could do now unless he wanted to give up his position and die beside the Namek. His heart was torn between doing just that but his mind won over and he turned his back to the scene below him with a sob and began to hew through every enemy that dared near him.

{Oh and every time

I'm close to you

There's too much I can't say

And you just walk away}

Goku and Vegeta were caught up in the swell of motion and flurry that is battle. It was never ending, and Goku could feel a crinkle of fatigue along his spine and growled that he was so weak when he was usually unstoppable. He roared, gripping a nearby throat and squeezed his hand until his fingers nearly touched only separated by a thin layer of skin before dropping it and grabbing another.

There was a cry behind him that was mostly swallowed by the noise and Goku dared glance and saw Piccolo being charged by a large pack of beasts. With a grunt he turned back as a fist connected to his ribs. He was distracted no longer and barreled back in, forgetting time and place and only the rush of adrenaline. Another howl of pain was sucked into the void of noise and Goku didn't bother to look, he could still feel Piccolo's ki strong and pulsing as he fought and ignored it again.

A moment later he stumbled as he felt a flicker in his mind and he turned, gaping as he saw a pile of orc squirming and flailing where his friend once stood. "PICCOLO!" Goku held his palm out, prepared to let loose a blast of energy and yowled in frustration as his ki bubbled in his skin but did nothing. The ki fluctuated, dropping dangerously and Goku felt his vision blur as a solid fist connected his temple. Whirling around he grabbed the surprised beast by his throat and lifted him feet from the ground and threw him half a dozen yards back into the flow of orc that never ended. Burgundy bled into his vision as a chorus of jeers welled behind him and Piccolo's ki dropped so low he couldn't feel it anymore.

Goku spun on heel, prepared to fly into oozaru if he could only manage to when the sight of puddles of watery violet blood running down the small dip that poured between the orcs' feet made his head swim. Goku felt his knees threaten to buckle but Vegeta was beside him, shaking him hard.

"Snap out of it Kakkarot! Forget it, there's still a battle to win." Vegeta's voice was growling and rough. Goku was prepared to smack him and instead jerked from the prince's grasp and barreled headlong into the surviving orc and beat them all into the muddy earth until they were nothing but lumps of bruised and bloody tissue. He heaved a layer of orc from atop the Namek and frowned sadly. Piccolo lay in a pool of his own blood, broken and gasping painfully for air. One swollen eye cracked open and peered up at Goku. Kneeling, Goku carefully picked up the fallen warrior, Piccolo gasping in pain as Goku dragged his body to a secluded spot.

"Go Goku..." Piccolo was rasping, fighting to keep conscious. Goku hardened his face.

"You'll make it through this."

There was a snort and grimace from Piccolo. "Pl-please," his gravely voice condescending. A wheezing breath rolled in and out and for a moment Goku held his breath as Piccolo's chest didn't move. Then he let it out in relief as another shuddering breath was sucked in. "Go. They still need you." Piccolo frowned and raised his arm to point back at the war beyond them like he was scolding a child. Goku hesitated and Piccolo snarled. "Go."

Goku nodded and dipped his head before taking off. He paused just before he joined with the others. "Don't you die here, Piccolo. Gohan will be mad at me." Goku frowned at him but his eyes were soft and pleading. Piccolo waved his hand at him wearily and felt a cold void swallow his mind.

When Goku was back at Vegeta's side, the ouji looked up at him and then back to where he could barely see the Namek tucked in a small nook. He couldn't feel the Namek's ki.

{And I forgot

To tell you

I love you}

--Somewhere on the Rohorrim...

Elladan and Elrohir sat closely together, sandwiching Mirai between them so that they all fit underneath the taut skin over their heads. Elladan smiled brightly at his brother and the clearly uncomfortable Trunks. Elrohir managed to smile back, but not quite as lively, and Trunks tried not to roll his eyes and somehow make himself smaller.

There was a bout of boisterous laughter outside their make-shift tent and before long the dirtied –if not relatively genial—face of Éomer looked in at them, his thick blonde hair plastered to his head and rainwater dripping steadily from his curls. "And here I thought the men were jesting."

He looked them each over thoroughly and Mirai could feel his temper flaring as the man simply stared at them for nearly fifteen minutes. Éomer nodded imperceptibly and backed out a bit. "Follow me."

After throwing a cautious look between them, they moved from their makeshift shelter and followed the leader to a large tent halfway down the camp. Éomer sat heavily in a chair at the far side, waiting patiently as the trio shook water from themselves and took in their surroundings.

"I apologize for my men. Had I known we had suitable company I would have made proper accommodation." Éomer motioned to several chairs with a wave of his hand. "Sit, please. We don't have much for feasting, but we have food if you are hungry."

The twins nodded, the airs of nobility coming back to them. Trunks, however, was looking longingly at a loaf of bread that was still steaming and hot. He couldn't help it, he was a saiyajin male through and through. He sat, staring at it until Éomer grinned and set it directly in front of him. Blushing lightly, Mirai thanked him and tore a chunk before offering it to the others, who all refused.

After a rather long silence, Éomer scratched at his stubbly chin and asked, "Why are you not with your fellow elves?"

Taken aback and slightly confused, Elladan furrowed his brows. "The elves of Lorien have come and gone?"

Éomer nodded. The twins looked at each other and from the intense looks on their faces began to calculate how they may have missed them. The silence dropped again and Trunks finished the loaf and sat calmly looking between them.

In the distance, a startlingly familiar ki jumped and struggled. Mirai stood quickly, toppling his chair and faced the back of the tent with such an intense gaze he could have bore a hole through the material.

Éomer, startled badly enough to stand and draw his sword, was watching the saiyajin with distant eyes. Before he could move beside the man the twins were suddenly there gripping at his wet jacket and talking quickly in elfish.

Mirai pulled his sleeve from their hands and turned, stalking to the tent entrance before he was suddenly tackled to the sticky ground. Growling he turned his head and glared up at the face of Elladan who was holding down his shoulders. "Get off of me! I have to go!"

Not willing to release him yet, Elladan shook his head. "What has happened?" When Trunks only growled in the mud, Elladan flexed his weight and frowned. "Trunks?"

There was a hiss and suddenly the elves were toppled to the ground as Mirai stood under their weight. "It's happening! It's happening and I'm late!"

This time, the saiyajin prince made it as far as three steps into the rain before he was knocked back to the earth again. Trunks yelled in frustration and anger. This time as he stood with mud dripping from his face he turned to find Éomer sneering at him. "I find you need to calm yourself before you get hurt."

Mirai laughed hollowly and pushed his muck streaked hair from his face. "I don't have time for this." Ki in the distance danced and flickering; he rounded again, staring into the distance with his mouth hanging open. Before he could leap and fly off, a solid fist connected to his jaw.

Trunks' head snapped to the side and he looked over at his attacker in surprise to find Éomer holding his hand and hissing pain through his teeth. Elladan and Elrohir had somehow finally gotten their bearings and now stood between them with sour looks. Realizing that he wasn't going to get far without at least explaining himself he grabbed the closest twin and pulled him to his chest.

Elrohir's eyes widened as he was hauled forward and was shocked to silence at the panicked and lost look in Mirai's gaze. "Please..." Trunks cupped either side of the elf's face and rested his forehead against that of Elrohir. "They're dying."

By now the majority of the camp was standing in the rain watching the exchange with varying degrees of wariness. Elrohir blinked and nodded as best he could still trapped between Mirai's hands. The small affirmation made Mirai sigh and grin as he pulled the elf even closer—if it were possible—and hugged him tightly.

Elladan frowned lightly in jealousy at the display but quickly turned to Éomer and told the man that they were leaving. "I don't understand. What is going on? Who is dying?" Éomer called, frowning deeply.

"Your uncle and the men of Rohan." A stranger's voice called out through the rain. Éomer spun on his heel, eyes flashing until his vision settled on the white robes of Gandalf.

"Gandalf?" The man gazed at the glowing robes but chose to overlook them. "What are you saying?"

The wizard strode forward on Shadowfax, his face set. "Sarumon is attacking Helm's Deep as we speak. Forget your animosity, you are needed."

A shocked murmur rippled across the men and Gandalf held up a gnarled hand. "There is a need for a number of trusted and noble men to ride on to Erkenbrand. Send word to the leaders there, we will need to gather all the allies we may for what lay beyond tonight."

There was a pause before the whole camp began scrambling to gather what they needed and mounting their horses. The uproar spread like wildfire and within a quarter hour everyone was seated on their steeds and Éomer was spurring them to motion bound for Helm's Deep as fast as they could go.

Mirai, meanwhile, was trying to school down his anxiety as he traveled with them, praying to this world's Gods that no one would be dead on his arrival.

{And the night's

Too long

And cold here

Without you }

They were falling back; retreating into the depths of the fortress, the barricaded door busted into slivers and a good many fine men dead or dying on the watery fields of battle. Aragorn was calling to the remaining elves and Rohan men to fall back to the castle, slewing any beast that came within his reach.

Legolas and Gimli were some of the remaining leading the others to the safety of the keep. Aragorn watched them coolly for a moment before scanning and calling again to a group of men fighting off several Urak-hai. From the corner of his eye, Aragorn saw Legolas drop to his knees in the runny mud and spared a glance to make sure he wasn't injured before skirting off to aid the men at the front.

Gimli stood behind the elf, watching his back silently for him as Legolas fought control of his emotion at the sight of the broken body at their feet. It was a sad sight to see—the bloodied body of a strong warrior and a distraught elf—and Gimli was glad for the distraction of watching Aragorn fight off an orc.

Legolas whimpered and cleared his throat. Tentatively reaching out, Legolas' hand hovered over the still body, Piccolo lain out on the earth like a disjointed doll. Clamping his eyes shut, Legolas curled his long fingers into a fist and bit his lip before relaxing and gazing down at him again. Carefully, as though afraid he would hurt the Namek, Legolas cupped one jade cheek in his palm and ran his thumb across the high cheekbone. Even in death you are more enthralling than all the elves of Lorien.

The fall of feet behind him, and Legolas felt Gimli grip his shoulder. "Let's go, laddy, they're coming." Legolas heard but didn't move, lightly petting the face of the fallen warrior.

Aragorn ran behind them and scowled as Gimli shrugged at Legolas' prone form. The ranger gripped the fair elf by the elbow and hauled him from the earth dragging him several feet toward the keep before releasing him as Legolas turned and moved on his own.

Aragorn glanced over to his friend and his heart went out to him, the fair face stricken and so filled with sorrow he was sure he would weep if he looked at it a second longer. Instead, he turned away and led them to the king's inner chambers to plan their last stand.

{I grieve in my condition

For I cannot find the strength to say I need you so}

Goku and Vegeta stood with Théoden as the doors of the chamber swung open and closed with an echoing thump. Aragorn and Gimli strode forward with purpose, grim looks on their faces and wry thoughts winding through their heads. Behind them, Legolas followed. Goku frowned as he watched the normally noble and joyful elf look around him as though he was not sure where he was or how he had gotten there.

Beside him, Vegeta grunted and Goku noticed that his gaze too lingered on the forlorn Mirkwood Prince. Their thoughts returned to the fight at hand only seconds later as Aragorn began to speak with conviction to the King, Théoden already looking defeated.

"Ride with me now, one last battle. Let your men see their flag high in battle, and die with me in honor." Aragorn's eyes blazed and the more he spoke the more Théoden's resolve melted. Vegeta smirked at the familiar glint in the old man's eye as he gripped his sword and ordered for his horse.

As they prepared, Goku rested his hand on Vegeta's shoulder, neither knowing what the outcome may be and both silently thinking about the Namek down in the courtyard. The deep echo of the King's horn blared across the fields and resonated deep in the keep. Goku watched each man around him and felt energized as they gathered their spirits. His eyes fell to Legolas, and the elf was smirking though his eyes were far away. Goku frowned, the twisted turn of emotion was making him uneasy and he vowed to watch after Legolas when he could.

There was a stamping of hooves and a hoarse cry and they dove, driving themselves back into the throes. Blue-black blood painted the stone walls as they went past, swords glinting in the torchlight before they fell; arrows streaking by in a blur followed by a deep gurgling as they pierced thick hides and throats; and saiyajin fists and feet busting through bone with dry snaps. The end of all things nipping at their heels.

{oh and every time

I'm close to you

There's too much I can't say

And you just walk away}

The closer the riders of Rohan drew, the stronger Mirai's ki pushed at his skin. The saiyajin half-breed growled low in his chest as he kept it in check, the horse below him growing antsy and fearful at the rolling of power on its back.

As they peaked the rise, the sun split through the clouds behind them and Trunks felt as though his mind detached from his body and floated along one of the sun's beams. Below them now, he could see great throngs of filthy beasts pressing themselves against a stone barrier and nearly cleaving each other as they tried to get at their enemy. "...Kami..." Trunks breathed. Elladan turned to him, his face grim and nodded at his exclamation even if the elf wasn't sure who he was speaking to.

The closest orc turned as the sun hit their backs and their twisted faces gaped and hissed at the light and then marred to horror at the sight of hundreds of Rohan men on horseback barreling down on them. A legion turned and faced their new threat, bracing themselves and snarling in hate at the new wave of warriors.

Trunks twitched and he peered into the distance, the great doors of Helm's Deep were splintered and sagging on their hinges but thundering through them were several horses and warriors howling in rage as they hacked away. And behind them running and heaving heavy bodies twenty and thirty feet into the distance were two very familiar looking forms. A giggle slipped from his lips and Trunks felt his energy surge. He turned frantically and caught Elladan's eye but before he could even point his destination the elf smiled widely at him and nodded.

There was a collective gasp and rearing of several horses around the young saiyajin as he jumped to super and literally flew off toward his father. Elladan caught Elrohir's eye and licked his lips unconsciously, his twin laughed but silently agreed.

Aragorn looked up as he heard a new roar in the distance and to his sheer delight and amazement he saw hundreds of men pouring over the crest of the far hill, the sun bright at their backs. Among the front he saw Gandalf and he smiled widely as he hacked into the hide of a nearby orc. Their support had arrived and by the Valar he felt as though they could win this.

There was a shocked gasp from behind him, and Aragorn looked over to Gimli afraid that the dwarf was now falling lifeless to the ground. Instead the squat man was gazing up into the air with his mouth hanging open. By the time Aragorn turned his head to see, a blur of lilac passed by him and to his amazement the creature landed between the two saiyajins who were currently pummeling away at the pressing orc.

"Goku!" The bundle of color called and the saiyajin turned with a wide grin only to cough harshly as the creature sprayed something into his face. There was a moment of panic that flushed through Aragorn, thinking that Sarumon had somehow possessed some creature and was now poisoning two of their greatest allies.

Before he could turn his horse on the narrow bridge to help them, the lilac haired head turned and grasped Vegeta by the shoulder only to pull away like he was burned when the shorter saiyajin spun with a fist high. The ouji's eyes widened then narrowed as that something was sprayed into his face. Vegeta gasped for air, trying not to cough and succeeded well enough, only sputtering slightly before his scowl turned into a full blown sadistic smile.

There was a deep yelling, the bass startling half of the nearest creatures, the call joined by another and Aragorn narrowed his eyes as he realized that the two saiyajin were the ones howling. The earth shuddered under his feet and stones began to rise in the air. He leapt from his horse, sword poised ready to strike down at the man still between them. As he swung, a blur of gold swarmed in his face and his blow was stuck high in the air as one large fist clutched at his blade.

Goku was smiling brightly at him, his black eyes a strange shade of turquoise. "It's alright." He nodded over his shoulder and Aragorn saw Vegeta standing with arms crossed over his chest, his hair in an upsweep of gold and eyes the same unnerving shade of blue-green. The lilac man next to him was gazing down at him with awe and slight fear cautiously reaching out a hand but not quite touching Vegeta.

"Dad, where's Piccolo?" Aragorn's mind reeled. This is Vegeta's son? The saiyajin prince pointed into the keep and mumbled something about an inner wall and a small nook. The demi-saiyajin took off through the wooden door, not bothering to explain himself to the many men he blurred past.

Aragorn relaxed his shoulders as Goku let go of the sword and he looked between them, not understanding what was going on. Goku smiled at him, though those eyes still seemed hard as stone. "Let me show you something..."

As the saiyajin passed him, Aragorn felt something brush his skin though the man was still a foot away. It was thick and heavy, nearly suffocating as it clung to him like a mist. He shivered despite the heat it gave off and unconsciously took several steps back when he felt like his skin would burn. Goku raised one hand and scanned the sea of creatures before him calmly. A small bulb of light built in his palm no larger than a plum and it spread suddenly, the core too bright to look into but the outer spreading harsh, glaring light on everything around them. Then it was loosed, and Aragorn watched in sickening fascination as it shot through nearly forty orc, the beasts standing still, stunned and for a moment all noise faded away. Hot air brushed past his face and Aragorn held his breath, afraid the heat could sear his lungs and suddenly all noise fell back with a crash and the orc pierced with light screamed so shrilly many around them fell to their knees clutching their ears.

Goku sidestepped a little closer to Aragorn as Vegeta moved to his other side and for a moment blind panic spread through him and he felt the need to run far into the distance, cradle himself in a ball in a deep cave where the cold could suck this heat that wasn't quite heat away from him. Vegeta turned an eye to him and smirked oddly at him, as though he understood the fear of this power so high it could be tangible. Goku's eyes settled on him, a small trick of sympathy played along his features. Both saiyajins this time raised their palms to the orc around them and Aragorn watched transfixed as those that were in their path heaved at those around them to move from the aim. Goku moved one arm to touch Vegeta's shoulder, the skin of his arm barely brushing across Aragorn's face and the man sucked in a harsh breath, wanting to move away but afraid to. Vegeta looked up at his lover for a moment before focusing back on the orc. "Try not to destroy too much of the land Vegeta." There was a small snarl and a curt nod and the light of them burned brighter as they let loose blasts left and right.

All too soon and not soon enough the orc around them were dead, all lay smoking in heaps or in craters. Aragorn still stood between the two saiyajin and when the golden light of them faded away and they stood looking around themselves as though nothing of importance had occurred, the ranger felt a smothering need to feel that unbearable heat and flux of energy again.

His mind cleared as they stepped off and walked toward the keep where Vegeta's son still had yet to emerge, and Aragorn swayed lightly on his feet. A strong arm settled around his shoulders and he blinked over at the scruffy face of Éomer as the horse master looked him over. "Are you well, Aragorn? You look as though you are ill." Honey eyes squinted at him and for a moment the face remained expressionless until Aragorn breathed heavily and shook his head to clear the fuzz from his mind.

"Yes...yes I am fine." The Ranger stepped away and paused to settle himself and looked with refreshed eyes around himself. The riders of Rohan stood milling about the bodies, some stabbing at them for extra measure, others gaping at the burned and charred wounds. Gandalf stood several feet to his left, pipe clenched tightly in his teeth and an odd smile playing on his lips.

Legolas was soon at his side, frowning but otherwise unscathed, a few bruises and small scratches across his arms and neck. Aragorn tried to smile up at him and instead shook his head in wonderment before motioning them to follow and entered the keep.

{and I forgot

To tell you

I love you}

As the group moved back through the gates, Trunks was kneeling next to Piccolo's body fighting off a stave of tears and washes of rage that ate at him. I should have been here, I could have stopped this. Taking a deep breath, Trunks refused to berate what he was already too late to stop. Instead, he bent over the prone form and rested a hand on the slashed chest of the Namek and concentrated as hard as he could. There! Eyes opening wide, Trunks felt again and somewhere deep and glowing like a dying ember was a small pulse of ki. Realization struck him, and Mirai groped around in his pocket before coming out with the small vial and pump. Fingers numb, he rested his hand flat on Piccolo's chest again and was startled from his concentration as Goku rested a hand on his shoulder.

"It's alright Trunks. He did what he could and saved a bunch of boys." Goku smiled softly down at him, eyes soft and leaking emotion.

"But Goku, he isn't dead." Mirai grabbed the older saiyajin's hand and hauled him down to the earth next to him, grimacing as Goku's knee landed hard on Piccolo's wrist. He pressed Goku's palm to Piccolo's chest and stared hard at Goku's face, waiting for him to feel. There was a moment and Goku's face dropped, and he opened his mouth to speak when his eyes flew wide.

"Let me do this Goku...I think he has a chance." Mirai's azure eyes were wide and pleading and Goku nodded, stepping back quickly.

Not willing to waste any more time, Mirai built a small layer of ki in his hand and set it over Piccolo's heart. He closed his mind to everything around him and pushed the ki of his body around until it filtered and slowly moved down his arm in faint bluish light.

There was a strangled cry from behind them but Mirai barely heard it, focusing as hard as he could on pushing his energy into his fallen friend, willing that ember to spark and absorb what he was offering. An arrow flew past his head, but he never felt it, even as the edge nicked his cheek and a well of crimson began to bead.

Behind him, Goku had one arm wrapped around Legolas' chest, pinning the elf's arms to his sides. At their feet lay the elf's bow, another arrow half notched rested inside it. Legolas' eyes were wild with anger, watching as this stranger was pushing that glowing energy into Piccolo. Holding in a sob of frustration he struggled harder, loosing one arm in the process and reached out—for Piccolo or the man kneeling beside him the others could only guess—thrashing as hard as he could.

Below his hand, Trunks was startled as his ki was slowly being pushed back, that damned barrier holding back the life energy he was willingly donating. With wild eyes he looked up and for the first time noticed the scathing look of fury aimed at him from a beautiful blonde elf. He ignored the spitting comments at him in elfish and reached toward his father with his free hand, the vial still cupped within it.

"Dad, break this open!" Vegeta uncrossed his arms slowly, looking at him as though he'd lost his mind. "Please!" His voice came out strong and pleading, bordering on a wail. His father's eyes narrowed but he took the contraption from his sons hand and snapped the weak glass neck in half, several drops of green liquid condensing at the bottom.

Mirai clutched at the vial as his father passed it back to him, cradling it for the life saving liquid it was. He never noticed as the elf stopped his struggle and instead watched him with softening eyes, never feeling the penetrating gaze of the others as they stared after him. Trunks set the vial edge on Piccolo's parted lips and tilted it until the precious drops slipped from the glass and dripped onto the Namek's tongue.

{and the night's

Too long

And cold here}

Precious moment slipped by and the energy in his palm was still held in check. Despair gripped him and he turned his teary eyes to look up at Goku and Vegeta, not caring that he looked weak in his father's eyes. They both looked back down at him, Goku frowning deeply, his arms loosened so much that the elf fell from his clutch and stumbled for a moment before regaining his balance. He took several quick steps to Trunks' side and stared down at Piccolo's face, not bothering to try and remove the Mirai from his spot.

Then, as he began to withdraw, a trickle—so small it felt like nothing—was leaving from his fingertips. Eyes widened and Mirai swung his head around to gaze down at the Namek, pleading in his head that it wasn't a trick of his mind. Stronger now, a solid push and it absorbed as soon as it contacted the Namek's skin. He gasped, laughing hard and set his free hand on the other side of Piccolo's expanse of chest, feeling not only his pushing of ki but Piccolo's body sucking it up like a dry sponge.

A shuddering gasp through dry and cracked lips and Mirai stopped the connection, intent on staring into Piccolo's face as the Namek struggled to breathe again. The elf fell solidly beside him and cupped Piccolo's face in long fingered hands. Mirai spared an odd glance to him before looking back at his friends drawn face. Another heavy breath and Mirai laughed again, burying his face in the scraps of Piccolo's tunic.

A rasping rumble and Mirai raised his head, looking into Piccolo's confused and cloudy eyes. "Mirai...?" The voice rough and strained. The saiyajing nodded, carefully leaning over.

"Piccolo, are you alright?"

There was a grunt and rumble of a laugh that turned into a hard cough. Sweat beaded on the Namek's skin and he grinned. "I'll live."

To the astonishment of the men and elves that gathered in a small group to watch, the wounds of Piccolo's body slowly began to heal right before their eyes. Piccolo raised a hand to his spinning head and sat up slowly. Before he even had time to balance his newfound equilibrium, a hard and warm body slammed him back to the ground. His ebony eyes widened and then if they could have, widened even more as Legolas clutched at him and pressed a bruising, flustered kiss to his lips.

Everyone else gasped and soon looked away in embarrassment. Vegeta smirked and looked up at Goku, the taller saiyajin staring wide-eyed at the scene before Vegeta grasped his tattered tunic collar and hauled him down into a bruising kiss of his own.

{without you...}