Meet me on the battlefield

Even on the darkest night

I will be your sword and shield

Your camouflage

And you will be mine...

SVRCINA-Meet Me on The Battlefield

At some point late in the night, Piccolo felt Gohan shift, and then his small hand tugged at the leg of his gi. He looked down to see the boy's face staring up at him, tears in his eyes. He sighed and answered the boy's silent plea, shifting his head off his lap and laying beside him.

Instantly, Gohan was cuddled against him, his hand gripping the material on Piccolo's chest, his face buried against his side. Piccolo's heart lurched as he felt tears beginning to soak his gi and Gohan's body heave and shake in silent, violent sobs.

He turned to gather the boy against his chest. He rested his chin on the top of his head, Gohan's wild hair tickling his nose with each breath he took. The action only made the boy cry even harder as he curled into a tiny ball. Piccolo felt a tiny jolt of ki flick against him and he hugged him tightly, trying to ground him.

"Easy, Gohan," Piccolo said softly. "You're okay, kid. I'm here."

"I'm so scared," Gohan whimpered.

"You're going to be okay. It's all going to be okay," he soothed, his hand coming up to run through the boy's hair. "You've got to calm down, or else your ki is going to wake up Vegeta."

Slowly, Gohan's ki dimmed and then faded to resting state.

"I don't wanna lose you," he whispered.

"You won't. I'll be right beside you," Piccolo tried to reassure.

But deep down, he knew he was lying. And Gohan obviously did as well, as his entire body tensed and he pushed himself upward, wrapping his arms tightly around the Namekian's neck in a desperate hug.

"Gohan...you're choking me..." he grunted.

"Sorry," he murmured, his whole body sagging. The tears still came, and Piccolo couldn't think of a time the boy had cried harder; not even when Krillin had died. He was genuinely terrified in a way he never had been before. Gohan had always been scared before every fight, but for some reason, this one was way worse.

"Talk to me, kid. What has you panicking so badly? Why is this fight any worse than Broly or Cell?" he asked softly.

Gohan let out a long exhale. "I...Those...Those were different."

"How so?" he pressed gently.

"I don't... I knew..." the boy stuttered, trying to find the correct wording. "Somehow...somehow I knew there was more in me. Like there was this tiny little flicker in me that could be brought out if I needed it to... Like I knew I could transform again. And I don't feel that this time. I can't get any stronger, no matter what this time. There's no flicker there. Old Kai said he let it all out, and I don't think it's going to be enough..."

Piccolo pulled away slightly and put a finger under Gohan's chin so that he could look him in the face.

"Gohan, I'm not going to let you die," he said softly. "Not again," he added as an afterthought.

"I'm not afraid to die, Mr. Piccolo," Gohan corrected. "When I die-" Piccolo inhaled sharply at the when, causing the boy to hesitate slightly- "When I die," he pressed on, "I need to be taking him down with me. I'm afraid...I'm terrified that I will die and he will live...and then kill you all," he finished with a whisper, his voice becoming thick with unshed tears.

"I'm not going to let you die, kid," Piccolo repeated sternly. "You sacrificed yourself for me once, and I will do the same for you."

Gohan pulled away quickly, sitting up fully and pushing Piccolo down, his small hand resting heavily on his sternum, pinning him there. His eyes turned blue in determination, his face hard. "You will not do that! No! I won't let you!" he growled.

Piccolo met his gaze levelly. "That isn't something you get to decide."

"No! I said NO!" Gohan exclaimed shrilly. "You can't!"

"Gohan, calm down."

"Don't tell me to calm down!" he cried indignantly, scrambling off the bed. "You can't do this to me, you...you... asshole!"

And with that, he crossed his arms over his chest and turned his back. Piccolo's brow ridges shot up as he sat up. It was silent for a few long moments as he debated what to do, what to say. Finally, he stood and made his way to the boy. When he rested his hand on his shoulder, Gohan tensed and jerked away.

"Don't touch me!" he snapped, back still turned.

Undeterred, Piccolo put his hand on him again and before he could move away, kneeled down and wrapped his arms around his small body, drawing Gohan's back against his chest and resting his forehead against the back of his head. Again the boy tried to shrug him off and he tightened his grasp. And then, with a great shuddering sigh, he withered against him, tears taking over.

"I love you, Gohan," Piccolo admitted at last. "I'm doing this because I love you. That is why you don't get a say in what I will do for you. I will not lose you again. I can't."

Gohan let out a huge rasping sob, turning around in his arms and wrapping his own tightly around his neck, returning the Namekian's embrace fervently. Piccolo stood then, one arm around Gohan's back, his other hand behind his head, fingers running through his hair.

"You can't, you can't, you can't!" Gohan whimpered into his neck. "Please, you can't! I can't lose you! PLEASE! I love you! I love you, I love you, I love you!"

"Gohan..."

"You promised you'd never leave me! You promised!" he cried brokenly.

"Easy Gohan, easy," Piccolo whispered as he walked them back to the bed and sat against the headboard, the boy still clinging to him tightly.

"Please don't! Please don't! You promised me! You promised me! You can't!" Gohan continued to ramble. "I love you!"

At a loss, Piccolo began to rock them gently and hummed lowly. Slowly, muscle by muscle, Gohan's body began to relax against him and his murmurs quieted and then ceased as he finally fell into sleep once more. Once everything had settled, Jade hopped into Gohan's lap, and it was there the trio remained for the rest of the night.

The door opened an hour before first light and Piccolo turned his head to see Vegeta's frame in the doorway.

The Saiyan looked upon them, face devoid of emotion as he took in Gohan's small body curled in Piccolo's lap, hand still desperately clutching the material at Piccolo's chest.

"It's time," he said tonelessly. Piccolo nodded and then he turned to walk down the hall and down the steps.

Piccolo sighed deeply, the dramatic rise and fall of his chest causing Gohan to stir. He looked down at the boy and smoothed his wild hair back from his forehead. Gohan's nose crinkled as it was oft to do upon waking and Piccolo smiled at the innocence of it.

This is probably the last time I'll ever see that.

Gohan gave a small sigh and his eyes fluttered open. He looked blearily into Piccolo's face, blinking a few times to banish the sleep from his mind. For one brief moment, he smiled before reality hit like a ton of bricks and his eyes began to well with tears. A few spilled over and Piccolo wiped them away with his thumb.

"Time to get up, kid," he said softly. Gohan nodded and crawled out of his lap, rousing Jade and prompting her to follow. Piccolo stood from the bed and took a deep breath, reining in the sudden emotion fluttering in his chest. Finally, he headed out of the room to the kitchen. Gohan was seated at the table beside Trunks, barely picking at his food. Vegeta and Bulma sat across from them, eating bowls of cereal half-heartedly. Trunks seemed to be the only one with any appetite, though even he was eating far less than usual.

Piccolo went to stand behind Gohan, resting his hand on his shoulder. Gohan instinctively leaned into the touch and then smiled sadly when Piccolo's hand went to his hair, tousling it gently.

Bulma watched the two discretely and her heart suddenly clenched as she looked upon Piccolo. He was staring intently at Gohan, his hand still in his hair, as if this was the last time he was ever going to have the chance. Impending tears began to well behind her eyes and she tore her gaze away, forcing herself to look back at her breakfast.

Vegeta abruptly stood up, prompting her to look up at him in surprise. She followed his gaze and started. He was watching the pair as well, his expression stony. His movement startled Piccolo and Gohan from their reverie and they looked at him.

"We need to get ready. Now," he snipped, practically running out of the kitchen. Trunks pushed his chair back hastily, jogging to follow his father.

Gohan looked stricken for a moment before shaking his head and snapping out of it. "Okay," he whispered, standing as well and leaving the kitchen, Jade at his heels. Piccolo turned to follow.

"Piccolo?" Bulma called softly, earning his attention.

Piccolo halted and took a deep breath before turning to look at her.

She stood and opened her mouth to say something, closing it again, clearly struggling with how to properly share her thoughts. He waited patiently, saying nothing.

"Piccolo..." her voice cracked and she cleared her throat, pressing on. "You...you don't think you're coming back, do you?"

Piccolo's ears pinned back slightly. "What makes you say that?" he asked cautiously.

"You are never that physically affectionate. At least, not around us. And you were staring at him like... like there was no one else in the room. Like you're never going to see him again. Never touch him again. So answer me honestly: you don't think you're coming back, do you?" she asked again.

Piccolo sighed. "I'm not going to let him die. If it comes to that, I will give my life for his."

Bulma's eyes welled with tears. "And you think that's going to happen?" she choked out.

He hesitated. "Yes," he admitted at last. "I...I believe in him. He's going to win. He doesn't think he is, he's knows he's going to die, but I just feel it... I know he can do this. He doesn't know how to lose. He doesn't know how to quit. And if it comes to it...if I need to... go...to push it, to make it happen, then...then I will."

Bulma's eyes widened. "You think dying is going to make Gohan win?" she gasped. "Piccolo...you can't do that to him..." -the tears spilled forth-"You'll destroy him!"

"It's not up for negotiation," he said firmly. "My life for his."

"Does he know?"

Piccolo deflated. "Sort of," he answered softly.

"And what did he say?"

"I put him to sleep. It wasn't something to debate. It isn't something to debate."

Bulma wrapped her arms around herself and her shoulders began to shake with silent sobs. "Piccolo...oh my God..." She straightened suddenly and stalked over to him, finger poking sharply into his chest. "Gohan almost killed himself over losing Krillin. Just how do you think he's going to react to losing you?" she hissed. Piccolo's whole body stiffened and he inhaled sharply. "I'm not going to be able to stop him. Vegeta isn't going to be able if...if he makes it out of this alive..." she choked, her voice losing its venom instantly. "He doesn't think he's going to make it out of this either... He won't say it, but he knows..."

Piccolo hesitated before putting his hand on her shoulder. Bulma looked up at him in shock. "Gohan isn't going to let him die. It will be a chain: Gohan would die for Vegeta, and I will die for Gohan. He's coming home," he said sternly. He removed his hand and turned away. "He's going to wonder where I am," he said, excusing himself to go upstairs.

Behind him, he could hear Bulma begin to cry again.

Gohan was sitting on the bed, absently stroking Jade's head. He looked up when Piccolo entered. "What were you doing?" he asked.

"Talking to Bulma."

Gohan's eyes narrowed. "About what?" he asked suspiciously.

"Come here, kid," Piccolo beckoned, ignoring the question. Gohan went to him instantly, and he placed his hand upon his head. A new gi complete with his own miniature cape appeared on him, and Gohan smiled sadly.

"Thank you," Gohan whispered. "Oh! The ring! Do you still have the ring?" he exclaimed.

Piccolo nodded and pulled it from his pocket. "You never did tell me what this was for," he said, handing it to Gohan.

Gohan secured it around his neck, tucking it into his gi. "It's West's," he answered. "Her wedding ring from Amat."

"Why do you have that? Where did you get it?" he asked, confused.

"Long story. I just... I need it."

Piccolo nodded, letting the subject drop. "Finish getting ready. I'm going to go talk to Vegeta." Gohan nodded and walked past him, going into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. Piccolo walked down the hall in search of the Saiyan, surprised when he heard his voice coming from Trunks' room. He stood silently in the hall, listening intently.

"I had your mother make this for you; I want you to wear it."

Trunks gasped. "Really? Really? I love it! Thanks Dad!"

"I need you to take of your mother for me," Vegeta said neutrally as the sound of shuffling and fabric started.

He heard Trunks inhale and stop moving. "But...Dad... you're coming home, aren't you? Aren't you?" he pressed when his father remained silent.

Vegeta sighed heavily. "I need you to be strong," he said at last. "Protect yourself. Protect your mother. All the training? Use it; you're old enough. You're strong enough."

"What's going to happen, Dad?" Trunks asked, panic lacing his voice. "Dad?"

"I don't know, Trunks," he admitted softly.

"But you're coming home, right?" Trunks asked again desperately.

"I will try, son. I will try. You've...you've made me proud, Trunks."

Trunks gave a loud sob and Piccolo heard his small body make impact with his father's. Not wanting to catch the Saiyan off-guard, Piccolo stomped his feet loudly, as if walking down the hall. He stepped into the room as Vegeta was extracting himself from Trunks' arms. He noted a blue jumpsuit and miniature armor upon the bed.

"Is the boy ready?" Vegeta asked.

"Nearly."

Vegeta nodded and walked out of the room without a word.

"Hey Piccolo? Can you tell Gohan I want to show him something?" Trunks asked quietly.

"Of course," he replied, turning to walk back to their room.

He entered as Gohan picked Jade up and cuddled her close to his chest, kissing her on the head. "I love you, Jade," he said with a thick voice.

"Trunks wants to see you," Piccolo said softly. Gohan nodded and set Jade upon the bed, petting her head for what he was convinced would be the last time. He looked up at Piccolo. "Go on. I'll be there in a moment."

"Okay. Bye kitty-kitty," Gohan whispered before walking out the door to Trunks' room. Piccolo watched him go before turning his attention to the cat on the bed. He gently picked her up and held her out in front of him.

"Now you listen here, cat," he started, "If I don't come back, you take care of that boy. Don't...don't let him try to...follow... me." He glanced over his shoulder, and upon finding no one near, he cradled her against his chest as he had seen Gohan do so many times before. Jade instantly began purring, and he scratched under her chin with one long fingernail. "I hope you can understand me," he muttered. He set her down then, and looked down at her one last time. "Good girl. Goodbye," he said softly, and then turned and walked out the door.

Gohan was out of Trunks' room as Piccolo entered the hall, the smaller boy, now in his armor, practically clinging to his side. They looked at one another wordlessly and made their way down the stairs together where Bulma and Vegeta waited.

At the sight of her son wearing his armor, looking so very much like his father, the sobs began anew.

To outsiders, the scene just looked like two children playing dress-up, trying to emulate their fathers. But that was a cruel fantasy. No, they weren't playing; Trunks had been passed the torch from his father, and Gohan was going to fight beside his.

"We need to leave," Vegeta said at last.

Trunks threw himself at his father, arms wrapping firmly around his waist, their armor colliding with a dull thud.

"Please don't go!" he wailed. Vegeta pried his son off, grunting. "Gohan's strong! He can beat all the bad guys! You said me being able to sense him so far away means he's really strong! Please stay here!"

Gohan inhaled sharply at that and Piccolo rested his hand heavily on his shoulder pads.

"It's okay," he said lowly.

"He's going to come home, Trunks," Gohan said softly. "He's going to come help me because he's strong. And because he's strong, he's coming back. I promise." Vegeta's eyes cut to him sharply. "You're coming home," he addressed the Saiyan firmly.

Trunks nodded and went to Gohan, hugging him. Gohan returned the embrace before pulling away. He then went to Bulma, hugging her as well.

"Bye Bulma. Love you," he said quietly.

Bulma's arms wrapped around him, hugging tight. "You're coming home. You're all going to come home," she said thickly.

"Sure," Gohan said, not meeting her eyes and pulling away. "I'll be outside," he announced as he walked out the door so that he wouldn't have to see the painful goodbyes.

"We need to go," Vegeta said again, starting to become irritated.

With a sob, Bulma flung herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. For a moment, Vegeta put his arms around her waist and pulled her closer before finally drawing away.

"I love you," she sobbed.

"I know. You...you too," he said at last. With a final glance over his shoulder, he walked out the door.

Piccolo made to follow him when Bulma suddenly moved, hugging him hard around the middle. He stiffened instantly.

"Please, don't do it. Please come home with them. Gohan is not the only one who loves you," she pleaded.

He forced himself to relax, and then, surprising even himself, he wrapped his arm awkwardly around her shoulders. She gasped and tightened her embrace. Piccolo let his arm drop and she took the hint, stepping away from him.

"Please," she entreated one last time.

Piccolo found he couldn't bring himself to answer, instead turning and walking out the door without a word. He heard Bulma begin to cry anew as he closed the door behind him.