Chapter 3

Maniacal Meeting

"Speech" 'Telepathy' Thought "Dream"

"She was in a huge meadow that looked to be completely ravaged during an intense battle. She tried to make out more details of her surroundings, but the images would flash rapidly in her mind's eye, causing her to just get more lost.

For what seemed like minutes, she just stood there not knowing what to make of it...until she heard what sounded like two individuals fighting. She looked up and saw two figures in rapid combat, which was so intense that she couldn't make out when one move ended and the other began.

Out of nowhere, one of the figures slammed into the ground, creating a crater that shook the ground for seconds. Just as Sofia was going over to see who it was, everything changed, like if her mind switched to a different channel. Now she was facing a brilliant white light that hurt her eyes when she tried to look into it. In the light, she saw the silhouette of what looked like a warrior in some sort of armor. The warrior stood at least over a foot taller than her.

She started walking toward the figure, but before she could get to it the warrior turned around and faced her, and the brilliant white light turned blood red. She still couldn't make out the person's features, only noticing that they had about the same length hair.

"Nisou Kyouran!" she heard an omnipresent voice say in an ominous tone. The warrior in front of her turned around as the light spread out to reveal the now dark meadow. The same voice she heard before was now speaking at a feverish and angered pace, but it was in another language and it was too mixed-up for her to understand.

She realized that the warrior was facing the owner of the voice; the figure was taller than the warrior and judging by the voice, was a very pissed-off man. For a full minute the figure shouted at the warrior and made gestures that gave her the impression that what he was doing was intended to convince the stoic warrior.

Suddenly, her 3rd person perspective switched in a flash to the warrior's perspective. Now she was looking through the warrior's eyes and she could feel, smell and see what the warrior did, but she was still only a spectator since she couldn't will any type of action.

The warrior stood quiet and waited for the other figure, whom she still couldn't make out even at such close distance, to finish his rage-filled monologue, after which the warrior finally spoke. In a calm but commanding voice, Sofia found out that this warrior was in fact a woman. Unfortunately, she didn't understand what the woman was saying, but from her tone it sounded like she had rejected whatever offer the shadowed figure had made her. The figure growled a reply, and in an instant he attacked the warrior woman with a frenzied combo, which the woman furtively blocked. This only enraged the figure, so he tried to claw at her face, but she dodge just in time.

All of a sudden, the figure pulled back with something in his hand. The woman put her left hand on her throat, realizing that he had grabbed something when she had dodged his attack. The figure sneered at her and threw what he had grabbed by her feet. The woman looked down, letting Sofia see the necklace she had found.

The woman narrowed her eyes and snarled at the figure, who now began to speak. Sofia somehow knew that the figure was smirking from the faked severity and sadness his voice was conveying, and she could only make out the two last words, which he said with malice.

"...tsuin kyohaku."

Then in an instant, the figure fazed out and appeared in front of the woman. Before she could even move, the figure pulled back and rammed his clawed hand through the armor and out the other side, leaving his arm embedded up to the elbow in the woman's chest.

Sofia felt the intense pain flash across her mind, but she couldn't scream. She could taste the metallic blood that filled the woman's mouth, but all she could do was stare into the figure's cold, obsidian eyes, and feel his sickening lips as he kissed the woman and licked the blood from her lips. She also saw her vision, or the woman's vision, glaze over and black out

The next thing she knew, she was watching as the figure pulled his arm free from the woman's chest, and let her lifeless body fall to the ground. Sofia stared at the woman's body, which was now lying in an increasing pool of dark red blood. She now could see the woman's countenance completely, and she gasped.

"She's me..." was her shocked remark as she looked at her twin. She noticed that the woman had her same features, with exception to her height and her eyes. The woman's eyes were half open, and Sofia saw that her eyes and pupils were blood red. The woman's attire also caught Sofia's attention. The warrior woman wore a dark gray feudal-style armor breastplate that started at her clavicle and ended at her midriff; it didn't have shoulder plates. Under the armor she wore a white, long sleeved and baggy gi ensemble with black sash and black, worn leather boots; it was now all stained by her own crimson blood. As she looked at the woman's figure, she caught sight of the necklace now by the woman's left side in the pool of blood. She thought about picking it up, but movement out of the corner of her eye stopped her.

The shadowed figure had turned his back on the lifeless woman who he had called Nisou Kyouran, and bowed his head in what looked like agitated disappointment. Sofia put her sights on him, wanting to know just who the hell he was. She walked toward him with every intention of ripping his windpipe out, but the figure disappeared just as she was about to grab his shoulder."


Sofia's eyes flew open and the first thing she saw was Gohan's curious looking face not even 2 inches away from her own.

"ACK!" they both said from the sudden surprise.

Gohan stood up from his kneeling position while Sofia sat up on the couch.

"What the hell were you doing?!" Sofia snapped to a nervous Gohan.

"I was going to wake you up to let you know that breakfast was ready, and I saw that you were tossing and turning, and that you had a worried expression on your face...so...I..." he was cut off by Sofia, who was now standing and stretching out.

"So you thought I was having a bad dream and you were going to nudge me and see if my expression changed."

"Yeah! So, what were you dreaming about?" the half-Saiyan asked in a sincerely curious tone.

"Just some weird stuff," she answered, not wanting to get into detail since she didn't understand her dream's point.

"Well come on! Mom made pancakes and bacon. If you want to eat you better beat me to the kitchen," remarked Gohan with a playful grin.

"Is that a challenge, Saiyan?!" she mockingly replied.

"You bet!"

"Fine, but I don't see—Gohan! What's that at the window!" shouted Sofia. Gohan looked at the window to his right, giving her the head start she needed.

"What? Where—HEY! You cheated!" he cried out with fake urgency.

"Haha! Says who, kid. I just evened my odds against a half-Saiyan," replied Sofia as she sat at the table and put a simple helping of food on her plate.

Gohan walked in and sat across from Sofia, giving her a sly, all-knowing grin, which made her realize he was up to something. "What's with the face?" she asked, keeping her sight on Gohan as she poured syrup on her two pancakes.

"OH NOTHING. I just think this will be an interesting day, that's all!" he said with an over-the-top tone of innocence.

"Humph! What ever you say, kid."


At least a mile away, flying in the direction of Mt. Paozu, a certain stoic Namek pondered who the female he had seen Gohan spending time with the day before could be. He had been in the Arctic circle training and meditating in isolation, when early in the day he decided to go check up on his old pupil and friend. He sensed that he was at the pond nearby his house, so he went to surprise Gohan after such a long absence.

He hadn't expected to come across Gohan with a mysterious girl, whom he had never seen or heard Gohan speak of. 'Wonder who she could be,' remarked Nail, Piccolo's fused counterpart.

'The kid probably got himself a girlfriend,' he snorted, 'wonder if Chi-Chi approves,' was Piccolo's fun remark.

'I doubt that. The girl seems to be much older than Gohan,' Nail observantly retorted, not realizing that the other Namek's remark had been a wisecrack.

'Gee, I didn't notice. Thanks for pointing that out,' Piccolo sarcastically remarked.

Nail countered, 'Well how about you stop being a smart-mouthed knucklehead and sense her ki level already.'

Piccolo replied in a low menacing growl, 'Don't tell me what to do. I'm the one in charge here, got that?!'

'Yes, I'm quite aware of that, Piccolo. You don't need to get so worked up,' said Nail in an apathetic tone, then muttered in a low voice, ' Not like you can do anything more than threaten me.'

'What was THAT?!' replied Piccolo.

'Nothing! Nothing at all,' was the other Namek's answer.

'I thought so,' replied Piccolo, and went on trying to sense the young woman's ki level, but came across none. He shrugged it off and decided to visit Gohan the next day. I'll just come back tomorrow; it's getting late anyway. With that thought, he took off and headed for his own private waterfall for some meditation.

Now catching sight of the Son farm and home, he figured that whoever the girl was, she didn't seem to pose any threat, especially with her non-existent ki level. Little did he know that the certain female would be the one to unlock a long forgotten secret to his past, as well as her own.

She had just finished breakfast when Chi-Chi walked in, dressed and ready for a long day of chores.

"Gohan, you should get dressed and study if you want to hang out with Sofia the rest of the day. Just read chapter 19 of your Biology book, ok?" said Chi-Chi in a pleasant tone, not as commanding as yesterday.

"Ok mom," replied Gohan as he put his dirty glass and dish into the sink.

"Well, I guess I'll go and get dressed," said Sofia as she grabbed her backpack and sneakers to go change in the bathroom. She walked down the hall and passed Gohan as he walked into his room and shut the door. She walked into the bathroom and shut the door, and proceeded to look into her backpack for a change of clothes.

She pulled out her dark blue jeans and gray t-shirt with the words "Trouble Maker" on the back. She placed them on the vanity counter and proceeded to brush her teeth, wash her face, and use the bathroom. Then she took off the nightgown, put a bra and some deodorant on, and got dressed in her form-fitting attire. After tying her sneakers, she went to the mirror and combed her hair; pulled out her makeup bag and put on her red lipstick, which complimented her bronzed complexion. Not bad at all, was her mental remark.

She then went on to putting away all her stuff and closing her backpack, folding the nightgown and placing it on the counter. Then she picked up the backpack and opened the bathroom door. As she walked out the bathroom and passed Gohan's room, she heard him talking to someone. Curious, she stood by the door and tried to listen in. The muffled conversation she heard was between Gohan and...the object of her animalistic lust.

"...she's really cool Piccolo, and very smart. She came up with the theory all by herself...and it does make a lot of sense," she heard Gohan remark in a factual tone, then continue, "She said that dad's going to come back real soon."

"I know kid, but don't you think it's a little far fetched? Maybe she's not telling the complete truth about how she knows all this information of what has happened," was Piccolo's stoic reply.

"I considered that, but if you think about it, a lot of what has happened to us is pretty far fetched too. And what other explanation could there be to what she knows? I don't think she's up to anything," was Gohan's lucid response.

"Humph... fine, I'll give her the benefit of doubt."

As the Namek of her dreams said that, Sofia couldn't help but swoon. Unfortunately, her swooning caused her to inadvertently hit the door with her left shoulder when she did a little victory dance and tripped on her backpack, which she had put by her feet. DAMN YOU'RE SUCH A BAKA! she shouted in her mind for her own stupidity. It's a good thing I only act like a retard when I'm alone.

"Who is it?" came the question from inside the room.

Might as well answer. "It's me," she said in her own stoic tone.

"OH, Sofia. Come in!" was Gohan's pleasant invitation. She opened the door and saw that Gohan was sitting on his bed, which was to her right, against the wall. To her far left was Piccolo who was leaning against the wall next to where Gohan's desk was.

As she looked at the handsome Namek, scenes from her past dream flashed in her mind. Does he have something to do with my dream? She thought to herself, but immediately brushed it off for later scrutinizing. Gohan at this time leapt off of his bed and walked over to Sofia.

"Sofia, I'd like you to meet Piccolo. Piccolo, this is Sofia," Gohan introduced the once strangers, who gave each other an acknowledging nod.

After an awkward pause, Piccolo walked passed Gohan and stopped in front of Sofia, and went into his intimidation tactic. With complete straight-faced authority, he said, "So, this is the universal-know-it-all you've been telling me about," he snorted, "She doesn't look like much to me," and continued with a scoffed, challenging tone, "She probably fell through a mirror after putting that tacky necklace on." He finished off by crossing his arms and staring down at the 5''2 girl in front of him.

Sofia maintained a semblance of complete composure against Piccolo's obvious tactic, but in her mind she was raving like a mad schoolgirl. OH MY GOD! Sexy-ass Piccolo is giving me the intimidating once over. He is sooooooooo HOT! Whatever You Do DON'T glomp him. Must, resist...resist GRABBING HIS ASS! She mentally hyperventilated. OOH MAN! How I'd like to nibble on does ears...! She managed to tame her warped hormones long enough to answer the hidden challenge in Piccolo's remarks.

"I'd probably say the same thing, IF I had your fledgling mental dexterity. Your intimidation tactic is boring as it is played out. How about you try another way of proving how socially devoid you can be? I'm sure it would be fun to watch," said Sofia with a smug tone and a straight edge look that didn't falter as she crossed her arms and waited for the inevitable.

Countdown to freak out in 3,2,1... The look of utter surprise that had been on Piccolo's face after her verbal attack melted away, and was replaced by a look of pure rancor.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!" roared through the house as the Namek glowered down at an apathetic Sofia.

"You'd think with those ears he would hear me the first time. I guess their only purpose is to frame that "enigmatic" face of yours," was her witty quip back. I can't believe it! I'm verbally sparring with Piccolo. Wonder how long it will take him to heft me up by the shirt and threaten me. Hope I can run away fast enough if he explodes! was her energetic thought.

"Oh WOW..." was Gohan's overwhelmed remark as he waited for what his old sensei would do in reply.

Piccolo looked as if he was at a completely loss; like he had met the Antichrist and he didn't know what to make of it. He simply stared at Sofia, while he tried to figure out what she could possess that would give her the courage to be so pugnacious towards him. She's either not intimidated by me whatsoever or she's hiding it VERY well. Either way, she has a death wish! was his agitated thought.

'Or maybe she just responds in the same manner that a person addresses her. After all, you did incite this verbal quarrel,' said Nail in a factual tone.

'I did NOT ask for your opinion Nail, so do me a favor... SHUT UP!' shouted Piccolo to the other Namek.

'Fine! But I suggest that you don't get carried away with this girl since you don't know what she is capable of. At least keep that in mind,' was Nail's last remark, to which Piccolo mentally grunted as an answer.

After realizing that Piccolo was just staring at her and that his ears were twitching in a cute way, Sofia decided to get another smart-mouth remark out. She looked at Gohan and gave him a goofy look, drawling, "I think I broke him."

The next thing she knew, Piccolo had grabbed her by the shirt and hoisted her up to eye level. She was now looking into two pools of onyx that burned as they stared into her own. HOLY CRAP! I really pissed him off! was her mental remark as she looked at the Namek's infuriated face with a hint of discomfort on her features.

Piccolo's face was only an inch away from her own. He bared his fangs and in a dangerously low growl said, "The next time you EVER speak to me that way I won't hesitate to cut your tongue out! Do you understand me?!"

He was looking directly into Sofia's eyes, expecting for her to quiver in fear from his threat; he still had her by the shirt as he waited for her reaction. Instead of the fear he expected, Piccolo got a death glare back. What in the...? he thought, baffled.

Sofia's expression changed from one of discomfort to an emotionless mask as she grabbed a handful of Piccolo's cape collar and pulled herself closer. She was now nose to nose with the wide-eyed Namek, who still had her by her own shirt. In a low purring voice she remarked, "You're one cute Namek when you're angry."

"Whaaaa...?" was his dumbstruck response as a huge sweat drop appeared on the side of his turban-clad head. Sofia wriggled out of his grasp and let go of his collar, while Gohan face-faulted to the floor and began to laugh in complete hysterics.

"Hahahahahahahaha—Oh man! That was awesome, Sofia. I thought he was going to kill you!" cackled the half-Saiyan as he began to hold his sides from the laughter.

"I couldn't help it! I thought it would be a good way to break the tension," she remarked to Gohan and gave a truculent smirk to the boy.

Piccolo finally snapped out of his trance and narrowed his eyes at Sofia as he shouted, "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! No one has EVER spoken to me that way! What makes you think I won't beat you into oblivion for your disrespect?!"

Sofia defiantly looked Piccolo in the face and in a calm tone said, "First of all, I'm a woman who doesn't take shit from anybody, even if they CAN beat me into "oblivion." Second, GET OFF YOUR IVORY TOWER! You might be the intimidating Demon King who scares the crap out of the weaklings here but you DON'T scare me. And to answer your last question, YOU incited the disrespect as soon as I walked in, so it is only fair that I address you in the same manner until I receive the due respect I deserve."

Piccolo opened his mouth to respond, but stopped when Nail chimed in, 'She's right you know. I told you to not get carried away, but of course you never listen.'

'SHUT UP, NAIL!' yelled Piccolo to his fused counterpart, and then directed his full attention to the formidable antagonist in front of him. "Respect is something that is earned, not handed out like a cheap commodity," was his grumbled reply as he crossed his arms irritably.

Sofia cocked an eyebrow at his statement, and smugly replied, "I agree. That is why I don't plan on showing you any respect in the near future. Especially since you're being such a hypocrite." Lets see what he says to THAT! she mentally remarked.

Piccolo narrowed his eyes at hearing this. He set his intense gaze on her and in a growl said, "I'm NOT being a hypocrite! You should shut your mouth before you say something you regret, or I might have to shut it for you!"

"Your powers of perception must be really fucked up if you can't comprehend that the immature remarks you've said caused this whole argument to begin with! The fact that you believe that you're the ONLY person who can be a smart-ass and that no one else can cross you is undeniable proof that you're being a hypocrite," Sofia fiercely stated, crossed her own arms irritably and added, "And as far as my mouth is concerned, I'd like to see you TRY to shut it for me, NAMEK!"

They both glared daggers at each other, but before anything else could be said, Gohan interjected between the two and nervously said, "Hey guys, I think you two proved that you don't take anything from anybody. How about a truce?" He finished off by making the peace sign.

Before either could answer, Chi-Chi walked into the room holding a laundry basket. "What's all the shouting about?!" she asked, but when she saw Piccolo she found her own answer. "What in Kami are you doing in here?! If you think you're taking Gohan out and getting him into trouble you have another—" her angry raving was cut off by Piccolo.

"Stop your shouting! I didn't come here to spar, I came to visit Gohan, and THIS," Piccolo pointed to Sofia, "girl started an argument," he stated matter-of-factly.

"I have a name, JERK OFF!" shouted Sofia directly into Piccolo's face.

"WOULD YOU TWO STOP!" shouted Gohan over the tirade, causing everyone to look at him. He then said in a sighing tone, "Mom, I'm going to walk Piccolo and Sofia outside, and I'll be back in a couple of minutes, Ok?" Chi-Chi nodded and turned to take the laundry basket to her bedroom.

"Um...Gohan, why are we going outside?" asked Sofia as she picked up her backpack and the three began walking towards the front door.

The half-Saiyan gave her a reassuring look as he said, "You two are going to hang out until I finish studying. It's very obvious that you should work out your differences if you're going to be friends."

Sofia raised an eyebrow at the kid's plan. Yeah right! He thinks Piccolo is going to even speak to me after that! He's one optimistic kid. She heard Piccolo grunt behind her and assumed he thought the same thing. We do have a lot in common. And even after all that, he's still one SEXY-ASS NAMEK, she thought and couldn't help but smirk.

They got to the front door and Gohan opened it and stepped outside, the others following his lead. When they got at least 20 feet away from the house, Piccolo's patience gave out. "Gohan! What the hell is this all about?" he asked with his perpetual scowl.

Gohan stopped and faced his best friend. With a coy smile, he said, "Oh, I just thought it would be better for you guys to continue "discussing" out here, since mom wouldn't be to happy to hear you guys cuss at each other in the house."

Sofia raised an eyebrow and said, "Humph...with that wise-ass smile on your face I suspect you're up to something, kid." Piccolo grunted in agreement.

"No—Really! Anyway, I got to get back inside," he said in a not-so-convincing tone as he began to walk back to the front door.

If he does what I think he's going to do... ran through Sofia's mind as she watched Gohan get to the door.

Gohan opened his front door, and before he went in, he turned around and said, "Hey Piccolo! Sofia does a great impression of you. You should ask her to show you."

"GOHAN!"

"Hahahaha—Sorry! I just couldn't resist!" he replied as he ran into the house and slammed the door.

I'm going to beat his ASS! was her agitated thought.

"Ahem," she looked back to see Piccolo with a raised brow ridge staring down at her. "What is he talking about?" his deep voice had a slightly curious tone to it.

Sofia's cheeks got a faint tint of blush, as she replied, "Nothing." Piccolo's gaze intensified on her, but he soon lost interest and went over to sit under the nearest tree lotus style and bowed his head. Guess we're not going to get into deep conversation, she internally sighed. He's so hot, she thought pensively.

She couldn't help letting her eyes wander over his chiseled features, starting with his face and those delectable-looking lips of his. Then it was his sexy ears. Next she looked over his incredible arms, which were folded, and stopped at his hands; she always thought he had the gentlest yet powerful hands she had ever seen. What I wouldn't give to be caressed by those hands, she mused to herself. Even his fingernails are sexy! We even have the same manicure, she thought goofily.

She began to picture him without the cape and turban, and thought it would be great to see him take them off and show off those pecs of his in real life, when she was jolted out of her mental gazing by a rumbling voice.

"Why don't you take a picture? It'll last longer." She snapped out of her thoughts and was met with Piccolo's trademark frown and intense gaze.

"Don't flatter yourself, Namek," was her petty remark as she walked by him and sat on the opposite side of the tree. Smooth, Sofia, VERY smooth! she mentally shouted to herself. She heard Piccolo grunt and the rustling of his cape, which made her assume that he had adjusted his posture. I wonder what he's thinking about?

'...maybe if you weren't so challenging she wouldn't have responded in such a harsh tone,' remarked Nail in a simple tone.

'Nail, maybe you don't understand... I DON'T CARE what she does or how she does it, just as long as she watches her tongue when speaking to me,' snarled Piccolo.

'Fine. But don't you think you should contact Kami and let him know about this girl Sofia? I mean, the facts of her being here should be cleared up,' said Nail.

'Listen, that old goat is the ALL-knowing guardian of the Earth. If he doesn't know about her by now, I don't see—' Piccolo was cut off by his original half himself.

'I do know of this strange girl's appearance, Piccolo. That is why I must ask you to bring her to me so that I can converse with her and find out more about her person,' said Kami, and added in a serious tone, 'Pretty good for an old goat, wouldn't you say?'

Piccolo grunted in agitation, and in an annoyed tone, groused, 'I'm not your delivery boy, old man! Just why should I waste my time doing YOU a favor?!'

The elder Namek went silent for a couple of seconds, then remarked in a coy tone, 'Well...I guess you could ask her yourself. After all, you managed to win her over with your charm. She could even hang around you the rest of the day.'

Nail snickered at Kami's well-chosen remark, which only aggravated Piccolo as he answered, 'ALRIGHT! Both of you can shut up...I'll take the pain in the ass to the Lookout.' He scowled and got up from his sitting position. This is going to be sooo much fun! He mentally remarked as he prepared to get into the verbal tug of war with the strange girl sitting on the opposite side of the tree.


Ok, the last thing I was expecting when I had sat down and started twirling my hair was that Piccolo would even look at me, let alone speak to me after our earlier verbal scuffle. Maybe I should apologize. After all, it's not like I'm mad at him or anything...he's just too hot for me to say anything rational to, I thought, and decided it would be suicide to show him that I had any feelings for him whatsoever. I closed my eyes and began to think of how I was going to get back at Gohan for his stunt, when something poked me hard on the head.

I looked over my right shoulder to see a very menacing-looking Piccolo glowering down at me as he pulled his left arm back and crossed it with his other over his wide chest.

"You could've just growled to make your presence known," I said a little annoyed as I rubbed the spot where he jabbed his clawed finger on the top of my head.

He narrowed his eyes at me and asked in his stoic tone, "Would you prefer for me to kick you upside the head next time?" I nodded no, "Then watch it! Now get up, I'm taking you somewhere."

I gave him a once over and said with a raised eyebrow, "Why should I trust that you won't take me somewhere and beat the snot out of me?"

At that, he gave me a small smirk and said, "As appealing as that sounds...I'm just going to take you to meet the omnipotent pain in my ass." As he said the last words, he narrowed his eyes and scowled.

He's taking me to meet Kami! Maybe he'll know what the hell is going on, I thought as I stood up and leaned back on the tree. I couldn't help but stare up into Piccolo's face, since the top of my head came up to his upper abdominal muscle, and say in my own stoic tone, "So we're going to Kami's palace in the sky. Fine, but I'm just going to tell Gohan what we're doing so he'll—"

I was cut off by Piccolo when he chimed in, "I already told the kid," he paused, then added, "No need to worry," he snorted, "I won't drop you." He said with a hint of amusement in his tone.

"Drop me? What are—yikes!" I shouted when Piccolo grabbed me by the waist and pinned me against his left hip. Out of instinct I wrapped my arms around his neck and glared at him as I incredulously asked, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

"What does it look like I'm doing?! The only way up to the old fart's palace is by flying. Just relax and keep your mouth shut!" he grumbled in reply.

HE DOESN'T KNOW I CAN FLY! Maybe I should tell him...YEAH RIGHT! Sexy Piccolo is going to carry me all the way to Kami's Lookout. I'm going to enjoy this, I thought and swooned inwardly. I faked a worried expression and said, "Well...Ok."

"Feh...just hold on," he said casually, and in an instant we were in the air flying at break neck speed. The wind made my hair sway all over the place, including in my mouth; I placed my face in the crook of Piccolo's neck and in a muffled voice, barked, "Do you have to go so fast? I think I'm going to swallow my tongue!"

Piccolo grunted and in a smart-ass tone, quipped, "For you, that would be a BIG improvement. I want to get there and leave before I even see that old fossil."

I looked at him as he stared straight ahead into the afternoon horizon and asked in a sincerely curious tone, "Why do you hate Kami so much? I mean, after all the good you two have done, you'd think you would have made your peace."

Piccolo glanced at me sideways and looked straight again as he said, "Not that it's any of your business, but he and I don't get along, and the only reason we even speak to each other is when there's something big at stake. Nothing more."

"Considering you two are one half of the same being, it's a little ironic that you would have such rancor for each other," I stated casually. They obviously spoke today, so I must be something of great interest, ran through my mind after his comment sunk in.

"Feh, what would you know about such matters!" he hissed more than said. I decided to shut my mouth for a little while and just take everything in. Sigh...I'm in Piccolo's arms and we're flying to one of the coolest places I've ever seen. First thing I'm going to do is find out what the hell is going on, and see how Piccolo fits in with the necklace and that fucked up dream! I paused. Christ, what is the matter with me?! I snapped myself out of my mental monologue and realized my face was only inches away from Piccolo's neck. I inhaled silently through my nose and took in his scent, which was a mix of desert, rain and his musky sweat. Let's just say his scent really appealed to my sense of smell. Jeez, control yourself, woman! I shouted at myself before I did anything else that would get me caught...like kissing a trail up to his ear and nibbling of his earlobe or something!

Before I knew it, Korin's Tower came into view. I was completely mesmerized by the sheer magnitude of the place, and couldn't believe I was actually flying towards it. "Damn..." I said in a zoned out tone, which got a goofy look from Piccolo. I tried to keep a straight, stoic face, but that look he gave me was just too cute. I grinned at him and snickered, "You're right. If I had a camera I could've taken a picture of that goofy look you're giving me."

Unfortunately, he didn't seem to agree with me, cuz out of nowhere he started ascending to the top of the Lookout at incredible speed, causing me to basically choke on my own saliva. We shot through a puffy cloud and landed on the tiled Lookout. I was having a coughing fit from his little stunt and next thing I knew my ass hit hard floor.

"JESUS! What the hell did you THAT for?!" I shouted after getting my coughing under control at the Namek looming over me.

He gave me a glare, and in a scoffed tone, snarled, "I could've backhanded you in the mouth for what you said, but instead I decided it would be more amusing to drop you on your ass and watch you choke on your own tongue." He looked away and crossed his arms. I picked myself up and stood next to him, dusted myself off and tamed my wind-blown hair.

"Considering you said you wouldn't drop me..." I muttered as I stuck my hair up in a bun. He grunted and turned around to walk over to the Lookout edge. "What are you doing?" I asked, to which he turned around and glared at me.

"I said I would drop you here and leave. Which part didn't you understand?!"

I narrowed my eyes and was getting ready to tell him off, but I was stopped when a benevolent-sounding voice chimed in, "Piccolo. I think it would be best if you stayed." I turned around to see Kami walking over with Mr. Popo close behind.

"Oh great. YOU had to open your mouth and stall me from leaving!" Piccolo grumbled and glared at me.

I rolled my eyes at him and in a snapped acerbically, "How about you stop acting like a BITCH for 5 minutes and just hang around? Whatever Kami and I find out from each other could be of importance to you."

Piccolo walked back over and stood in front of me; lowered himself to eye level with me and poked me in the chest as he said in a snarl, "Your smart mouth is going to get you blasted if you keep speaking to me that way!"

I narrowed my eyes and growl low, "I think you should get out of my face before I give you a real reason to go through with your idle threats!" I couldn't believe that I was actually getting really pissed off. All at once, my head started throbbing and I felt this incredible heat rising throughout my body.

"Oh really. I fail to see how you'll be able to do anything, you puny little bitch!" Piccolo gave me a fangy smirk as he said this right in my face. This pushed me over the proverbial edge. I felt the heat rising through my body start to tingle down my arms. It was that tingling feeling you get when your arm falls asleep, only instead of going up my arm, the prickling sensations were going down my arms and getting more intense as they got to my palms.

What the hell is going on... I thought as the throbbing in my head was hitting its peak and all at once stopped. I felt my blood pulsate, like whatever energy I had in my body was starting to swirl in my bloodstream. I had my hands balled up into fists, and my nails were digging into my palms. The pendant of the necklace was pressed against my chest. I felt this sharp, tingling feeling spike through my chest and leave me with this burning sensation. Then it just clicked in my head.

I looked right into Piccolo's eyes and said in a low, menacing voice, "Get ready for me to ram those words down your fucking throat, Namek!"He was about to reply, but he finally realized that he felt intense heat against his chest. He looked down and saw my hands pressed flat over his chest glowing crimson red. I'll never forget the look he gave me...it was something like eyes going to dinner plates with pinpoint pupils while his mouth hung open...I can laugh at it now, but in that moment I was hell bent on getting him back.

I began to form a flaming-hot ki ball in the palms of my hands, which were still pressed against his chest. Piccolo gave me an aghast look, and said, "How can you use ki?! I can't sense any ki from you!"

I gave him a devilish smirk and purred, "That's one of the things I need to ask Kami about. Thanks for reminding me."

His expression changed from utter shock to one of overt anger. He narrowed his eyes at me, and in a challenging tone, taunted, "You don't have the guts to go through with this."

I pressed the ki ball into his ribs and said in the same challenging tone, "Try me!" He growled, not wanting to show that what I was doing actually hurt, but by the smell of burning cloth and flesh, I knew what effect my action was having.

Before I could discharge the sphere, Kami came between us, so I immediately let the ki die and shrink back into my palms. "Please! Both of you should make your peace, and cease your quarreling," he said and looked at both of us, then focused on me and in a pleasant tone, mused, "I am glad that you decided to visit and converse with me, child."

I stepped away from Piccolo, who had a singed whole in the middle of his gi shirt (the skin that had gotten burned was already healing), not forgetting to give him a dirty look before I did, and faced Kami as I said as respectfully as I could, "It is an honor to meet the guardian of Earth, even under these circumstances." I extended my hand and he extended his for a respectful handshake.

"We have much to speak of, Sofia. Let us go somewhere private so we can clear any doubts or curiosities that you have," said Kami as he placed his right hand on my back. I heard a faint grunt behind me and I turned my head to see Piccolo gawking at the both of us.

"If you're going to stay, at least go get yourself a glass of water...you look a little dehydrated from the verbal beat down I gave you," I remarked smugly, and added, "shouldn't you get that fixed?" I pointed to his shirt.

Piccolo clenched is jaw and gave me a murderous look, but before he could say anything, Mr. Popo got up the nerve to address him. "Would you like a cold glass of water? I could bring it to you while you find a comfortable place to rest." Piccolo's expression settled into a stoic, emotionless mask as he nodded yes to the genie's offer. He snapped his fingers and in a flash the whole in his shirt was gone.

I looked back at Kami and he gave me a very coy smirk as he said, "You have a VERY fiery spirit," he then added casually as we started to walk across the immense courtyard leading to the palace entrance, "I can see why he likes you."

HOW WHO LIKES ME? was my astonished mental question. I looked over at Kami, and as if to answer my question he said, "No one has ever stood up to Piccolo in the manner that you've been doing. You seem not to be intimidated by him whatsoever...and that intrigues him. Not as much as you're intrigued by him, but I think that could change."

I felt like I was blushing from my forehead down. "Guess that's why you're the Kami of Earth...nothing gets by you," I remarked with a little amusement in my tone.

"You could say that," he smirked and continued, "But some things do elude me. Yourself and your origin being some of those things." As he said this, we finally were in front of the palace doors, which opened by themselves.

"I know what you mean...I hope you could help me figure some things out, and in return I'll confess some of the aspects of my being here, and how I know everything I do," I stated as placidly as I could.

The elder Namek nodded in agreement and made a gesture of invitation as he said, "All in good time I hope. Please come in, we can go to the tea room so you can tell me your story, and I will try my best to fill in the blanks."

I nodded, and stepped into the palace. I followed Kami down an immense hall and past many huge doors and pillars, until he stopped in front of two mahogany doors. He opened the doors to reveal a lavish tearoom, including a circular antique wooden table with a matching pair of chairs and beautiful pillows that matched the styles of the curtains in the room. The walls were draped with curtains colored in pleasant earthy tones and the marble floor was covered by a plush carpet. There was a tastefully decorated chandelier in the middle of the ceiling, which provided the light needed to iluminate the room. As we stepped in I could only think of one thing. I'm having a teatime with Kami-sama... this should be interesting.


THANKS FOR READING!

Now, I plan on responding to the reviews I've gotten and will try to stick with it for every chapter... but since I've only received ONE FRIGGIN REVIEW, I will see how it goes.

The review I received was from the one and only Cyndi, mistress of all the Believers. I want to thank her for her words and advice. The fact that she was the first person to review my first ever fic really means a lot to me.

OK, that's enough of the sentimental mush for today. Please Review, and let me know whether I suck or not! XD

LATER. ROUGEFURY