Chapter 36

Away from the huge group of humans, Saiyans and Namekians celebrating, Piccolo looked up the sky melancholically

Goku did it again, he saved everyone, including the arguably sociopathic Prince and him, his former adversary, why is he is so selfless, so courageous

So honorable

Piccolo felt a frown crept up his face, how did he come to hate that man, the abhorrent feeling felt ancient, the Saiyan genuinely treated him like an ally

He remembered that night at the hospital as he listened with King kai

" Was, yes he was Evil, but I think he deserves a second chance, don't you think? "

The ex demon felt like he was forgiven for all his sins at that moment and was handed out a shot at redemption

As if by second nature, Gohan left the crowd that was acquainting themselves with one another and seeked out his mentor, feeling the man's woes, he stumbled upon his friend hiding behind bushes, meditating by a stream

He sat near him, patting his knee lovingly

"What's wrong Mr. Piccolo? "

There he was, the boy, looking at him with love that can drown a village, the brat that made Piccolo feel all sort of things, the one that started it all

"it's Nothing" he ruffled the boy's hair, before the half Saiyan stood with his short height, climbed him and warmly hugged his friend

"Um"

"Hn? "

Gohan looked away sheepishly with his cheeks flushed, then buried his face on Piccolo's chest, just holding onto him, the mentor returned the hug

The two embraced for what seemed like a peaceful eternity, the light blue sky was tranquil, clouds leisurely move at their own phase, grass swayed carefree, the atmosphere was serene as every being alive silently agreed, that at this moment, everything is right with the world

" I love you Piccolo, please stay by my side" The young one said with a muffled voice, but the Namekian was able to discern it

He felt small, atom sized, just how big exactly is the kid's affections towards him?, he had no idea but it joyfully crushed him with it's larger than life massiveness

He didn't know what to do with himself now, every decision he made up to this point was coming to bite his tooshie

He obediently followed his Sire's revenge mission to dispatch of Goku and rule the world

Only for Goku to win and live and give him all the trust to guard this forsaken place in his absence, like really? Him of all people

Then he took the boy to train, in the sole idea the boy had the power to defeat the Saiyans and in turn save his ass

Only to get beat up by guilt, when he realized that he did have a heart and started caring and developed attachment towards the kid, making him, Piccolo, want to throw away his own life just to keep the boy from harm's way

And the most ironic of all, he planned and thought he could leave the boy, to spare him from the miseries his life had catered to him

Only for the boy to boldly display and intent in staying by his side, even if it means following him all the way to hell

Piccolo leaned back to invite the boy to look up at him, which the kid did with hopeful and begging eyes

" it seems, I'm going to be stuck with you for a very long time, so fine"

" No, not for a long time "

" hn?"

"Forever!"

Piccolo chuckled, ruffling his friend's hair again

"Whatever you say, Gohan "