Disclaimer: Language and mental perversion.


Chapter 4

The Obsession Continues

"Speech" 'Telepathy' Thought "Dream"

Interesting indeed. I told Kami the whole story, from the hole my dog dug up, to the weird dream I had the night before. I even confessed to how I knew about what had and would happen in his dimension. I explained to him that his entire realm and timeline, from start to finish, was a hugely popular anime series that has been seen all over my world, and that he and the rest of the Z Warriors are household names.

I know, you probably think it was cruel of me to tell him, but I figured that as Kami of Earth he should know the whole truth, and anyway, he took it pretty well.

After my explanation, I folded my arms over my chest, crossed my legs, and leaned back into the chair. "So, um... are you ok with everything I've just told you?" I asked in a business-like tone.

"Well...it is a lot to take in, but I am quite alright," he said and gave me a reassuring smile.

I gave a long sigh. "That's good. So, do you have any idea of how the box, the necklace, and that messed-up dream could have something to do with Piccolo?"

He leaned forward and poured himself a cup of tea; Mr. Popo had brought the tea shortly after I began my explanation. After pondering his answer, he finally responded.

In a flat tone, he mused, "I am not quite sure what significance Piccolo might have in this," he paused, took a sip from his cup, and continued, "but from what you've told me about the box that contained the necklace, and the abilities you acquired after putting the object on leads me to speculate that not only are the box and necklace indigenous from my realm, but also that however they got to your realm, you were intended to find them."

"But why me?" was my tense question.

"Why not you?" he said and continued, "The box found you, just as the necklace found you. I am pretty sure that you were...perhaps destined to wear the necklace. I even wager that you would not be able to take it off."

I looked at him skeptically while I reached the back of my neck to try and take the necklace off, but as he said, I wasn't able to.

"What the hell..." I said shocked, then continued a little agitated, "you're saying I was destined to get this necklace...how am I supposed to find out about its origins? Just continuing to have those psychotic dreams?!"

The elder Namek thought about what I had said. His expression changed from a thoughtful one to one that seemed to profess self-satisfaction when he came up with a resolution. "If the necklace is indigenous from my realm as I suspect, then there must be records or legends about it, or maybe a past owner," he paused and gave me a small smirk, "and as Kami of Earth, I have access to all such records and legends that have been stored in the Lookout's library."

"The Lookout has its own library? Jeez, what doesn't this place have," I said in an over-the-top tone.

At this Kami chuckled; then stood up from his chair. I also stood up as he said, "We shall go to the library and research the origins of your necklace. Perhaps what we find about it could help some of our collective doubts."

I nodded and followed Kami as he led us out of the tearoom and down the immense hall. We walked towards the northeast of the palace and came across a flight of stairs. We took those stairs and came in front of two enormous doors. Both doors opened inwardly (I think because of Kami's presence), and we stepped inside.

HOLY CRAP! The room we had just stepped into was about the equivalent of 3 football fields; the ceiling was at least 100 feet up and at the 4 top corners of the ceiling were these archway style windows that reminded me of Catholic church-style windows; they were the only source of light for the incredible library. On each side of the room, against the walls, were these tall bookcases that went as high as the ceiling and shot across the entire room until the far end, which was parallel from where we had come in. At least 20 feet from the doors we had come through was what looked like a marble mantel/podium.

I just stared at the bookcases, which were filled from bottom to top with everything from books and encyclopedias, to scrolls and stone tablets, all perfectly organized.

"Kami. How the hell are we supposed to find what we're looking for in all of this?!" I asked wide-eyed.

The all-knowing elder Namek simply smirked and walked past me. He stopped in front of the podium and faced me; in a casual tone, but with a genuine smile, he replied, "It is very simple. You stand on this podium - as so, and you request a specific item, legend, or genre and the knowledge that pertains to your request shall appear on the top of the mantel."

"That is very cool," I said and smirked back at him.

Kami gestured for me to come over and stand by him. I walked over and stood on his left. Now all we have to do is ask for the right thing, I thought to myself. I felt a hand on my right shoulder and looked back; Kami stepped off the podium and said, "When you make your request, try using your mind's eye to show specifically what you're looking for."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "You're letting me do it? I thought only you had this privilege."

"As Kami I have given you that privilege," he paused and continued reassuringly, "Do not worry. You're completely capable of doing this. Just focus on what you are requesting and you will receive the knowledge."

"If you say so," I muttered and stepped onto the podium.

I closed my eyes and using my mind's eye, pictured my necklace, the box it came in, and the hole in my backyard with the roses in it. Then I thought of the woman in my dream. I focused on trying to remember the woman's name, thinking it could help specify my request.

"Nisou Kyouran," I said in a whisper.

After a couple of minutes I opened my eyes, and on the mantel was a single scroll. The scroll was at least a foot long and it was wrapped tightly with a red silk ribbon.

"Whoa!"

I picked up the scroll and looked towards Kami who was standing behind me.

"Pretty good for my first try...that's all I've needed lately," I said and gave him a smirk.

He returned my rare friendly gesture and gave me a small smile, and then his expression became more serious as he asked, "Who is Nisou Kyouran?"

"She is the woman I saw in my dream. Why do you ask?"

"It is just...I'm not certain but, the name sounds familiar," he said perplexed.

"Humph. Well," I started to unravel the ribbon from the scroll, "lets just see what knowledge I will receive," I remarked flatly.

I got the ribbon off and placed it on the mantel. Then I unrolled the scroll, it was pretty long when fully unraveled and it looked to be hundreds of years old. I began to look over the writing and realized it was in Namekian. I know it's Namekian cuz I remember that episode when Bulma finds the spaceship that she modifies to go to Namek; the symbols are the same, I mentally remarked.

"Kami, could you read this for me?" I asked and handed him the scroll.

"Of course." He looked over the writing and his expression changed to one of confusion.

"What's wrong?"

"This is in my handwriting..." he paused and continued, "I do not remember ever writing this."

Weeeiiird, I thought to myself, This is getting really irritating. "Well not to be impatient but...what does it frigging say?!"

Kami was reading the scroll and he had it lifted so it covered his face, so I didn't see if he got annoyed with me or not. After an awkward pause, he began to translate out loud what the scroll said.

"It is dated over 286 years ago. A full-blooded demon had died the day this was written; she had been adopted by a priestess village 4 years prior to her death. The high priestess of the village had found her on the outskirts of a forbidden forest, bundled up in a blood-stained blanket; an onyx necklace with a bloodstone pendant was the only possession she was found with, and the first clue that allowed the priestess to know she was a demon. The priestess adopted the child as her own and raised her to be a priestess warrior, whom would dedicate her life and existence to slaying the evil beings that a century before had begun to terrorize the provinces and villages of the country. The child grew 5 times faster than a human child and by her 4th birthday, she was a mature 20 year-old female demon with long dark hair, crimson eyes, and an unbelievable hidden fury; this last fact contributed to her name, Nisou Kyouran—Priestess Fury. In her short life she had purged most of the evil that had begun to consume Japan. It was believed that she was the last of her demon race, a race of very powerful demons who could regenerate to the point of being invincible and who were virtually immortal. It was also legend that her fury had been subdued by the goodness that she was taught, and that her subdued fury was housed in the bloodstone of her necklace, which she was never seen without until the day of her death..." Kami paused and shut his eyes as if a wave of pain had flooded his mind.

"Kami, what is it?" I asked and put my right hand on his left shoulder.

"I am not sure, child...it is as if a painful memory is trying to resurface, but my mind is unable to bring it forth." He opened his eyes and returned my comforting gesture with a sincere smile.

I sat down on the podium step and crossed my legs, placing my elbows on my knees and holding my face in my hands. A lot of info to process, but it is making sense, I thought.

"Hummm...is that the whole story?" I asked and looked up at the elder Namek.

"There is a little more," he paused and continued in a steady and leveled tone, as before, where he left off. "...Kyouran had been destined to find her "tsuin kyohaku", or twin star; this being would have been created into existence the exact instance as she. Her twin star would have been the person that she was destined to spend eternity with...instead," he paused, lowered the scroll, and continued, "her twin star was the only being capable of killing her. And so he did."

I looked at Kami in awe, realizing that in my dream I witnessed this woman being killed. Twin star...that means her gemini equal. Her soulmate killed her! I thought, amazed at the magnitude of fucking weird I was stuck in.

"Does it say who her twin star was?!" I asked trying to hide my amazement, with no such luck. Kami looked at me and simply shook his head.

"All of it still doesn't explain how the hell I came to have this necklace," I muttered, extremely perplexed.

"There is still a small fragment I haven't read," he said calmly.

I thought I was going to have a stroke. The suspense is driving me up the FUCKING WALL! I shouted in my mind. "Well out with it already! I feel like I'm going to have an aneurysm from all the suspense," I remarked and crossed my arms.

Kami gave me a funny look, and became the 3rd person to make me almost dive to the floor when he remarked, "Your demeanor and attitude is so much like Piccolo's it is frightening, child."

I got a huge sweat drop on my head, and yelled, "WHAT THE HELL! WOULD YOU JUST READ WHAT'S LEFT ON THAT STUPID SCROLL BEFORE I HANG MYSELF FROM THE ANXIETY?! Jeez!"

Kami only stared at me after my outburst, like if he had seen people act like that everyday. He wasn't fazed at all. "No need to lose your head, child. I was only making an observation," he said in a calm tone and unrolled the scroll to the end so he could find where he left off.

I felt my right eye twitch from the stress this benevolent being had put me through. Now I understand how Piccolo can lose it when he's around Kami, I thought, irritated. I got up and controlled my mental hemorrhaging long enough to walk to his side and say, "You are one UNIQUE God, you know that!"

Kami looked at me and snorted. "You are very unique yourself, Sofia," he said, then looked at the end fragment and continued, "The last part pertains to a legend about Kyouran's necklace. It says that the necklace was taken after her death by her twin star and buried in a mystical ceremony. The purpose for such ceremony was to ensure that once Kyouran's soul reincarnated itself into a new being, she would be destined to come across the necklace and realize her true potential. She would also reunite with her twin star and spend eternity with him as she was originally intended."

"So...if that legend is true, that would make me—'' I cut myself off. My mind's thoughts were jumbled up, and I couldn't fathom if what was going on could be explained by this old-ass scroll.

Kami put his hand on my shoulder and finished my sentence. "—the reincarnation of Nisou Kyouran."

"I can't believe this...I'm the reincarnation of a 300 year-old demon/priestess warrior who was murdered by her soulmate. Fucked up," I stated in a monotone.

"That is the basic notion," remarked Kami as he put the scroll back on the mantel.

"That explains everything. The flying, making ki balls and sensing ki, the reason it all felt so familiar and natural to do was because...it was," I said and looked at the pendant, which was over my shirt and shinning in the light coming through the windows.

Kami took the pendant into his hand and let it rest on his palm, as his other hand came up to tilt my face upwards so I could look into his eyes as he said, "I believe that you are here to unlock more about yourself. The factors that allowed you to cross into this realm are somewhat shrouded, but I speculate that over time, you will be able to bring such factors into understanding."

I nodded and said, "I still don't see what the hell Piccolo has to do with this. Hopefully I'll figure it out before it drives me crazy." Kami looked away from me and nodded, then he let go of my pendant and face. He stepped away as if deep in thought and a little worried.

I was about to ask him what was wrong, but he beat me to the punch when he turned around and said, "I hope you plan on staying in this realm. I do not mean to worry you, but I find it would be for the best if you stayed here and trained your body and mind, so that you may realize your true potential."

I gave him an inquisitive look and asked, "What does realizing my true potential mean anyway?"

"It refers to unlocking your inner abilities and transforming into the actual being you are meant to be. I think that besides what you're capable of doing now, you have other powers that remain untapped," he paused, then asked, "What did you feel when you created that energy ball meant for Piccolo's hide?"

I smirked at the memory of Piccolo's face when I made the energy ball (again, it was something like cartoonish shock), and began to remember. "It was different from the first time I made a ki ball with Gohan. I felt this intense anger towards Piccolo, and all at once I felt a change throughout my body. It was like heat coursing through my veins that ended up in the palms of my hands. Then, when it reached an unbearable point, I opened my hands and formed the ki, like if I knew how to do it all along," I stated and cocked an eyebrow after seeing Kami's expression once again changed.

I swear I could forget that he was Piccolo's other half considering the extreme difference between the both of them. Besides being the complete opposite of Piccolo, Kami has a little trouble (in my opinion) with hiding what he is thinking, especially when it came to my whole mess.

The elder Namek looked at me with a grave expression and said, "That means that your untapped potential will be triggered mainly by your emotional changes, whether it be anger, pain, or any other intense emotion. You must take great care with such emotions, because they could overload and spring forward your full potential all at once...I am not sure what type of consequences such occurrence could have on you."

I looked at him and replied in a calm tone, "But over time, I will acquire changes physically," he nodded yes, so I continued, "How am I supposed to stay here? Where would I train?"

Kami pondered my question and closed his eyes, as if in deep concentration. "I think that most of your physical changes will occur as you pass through our dimensional line," he paused and opened his dark pools, "the only way for you to stay here and be able to work on unlocking your potential, and still travel through our dimensional line is to use The Room of Spirit and Time."

My jaw dropped at the mention of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. How does he expect me to survive in there? I thought. As if to answer my question, the elder Namek continued.

"Since Piccolo obviously has some sort of link to what is going on, unconsciously or not, I believe you both should enter the chamber for one full day. This will allow you the needed time and ability to train," he said in a casual tone.

"Kami, don't you think that is, oh I don't know...FREAKING INSANE?! It is obvious that Piccolo would rather be caught dead wearing a pink dress than being locked into a chamber to an endless void with me," I stated with an exaggerated tone, then continued, "and anyway, how will I be able to cross our dimensional line, since the chamber doesn't have that line?"

Kami smirked at my choice words, then stated in a factual tone, "Your being originally of a different realm from this one, the chamber will register this anomaly and balance it out by creating our dimensional line." He paused and rubbed his chin as he thought out loud with a coy smile, "I do not believe Piccolo will turn down an offer for training with you in the chamber...IF you make it clear that you know in advance about a quickly approaching battle."

I gave him a wide smile and said, "You never cease to amaze me," I paused and thought for a moment. "Fine, I'll go for that plan, but I will have to stop for some supplies from my realm, is that ok?"

"Yes, that is fine. It will allow for Mr. Popo and myself to prepare the chamber for you and your…roommate," he said in an amused tone.

"Oh, this is going to be sooo much fun," I said in a mock enthusiastic tone and paused. "I guess he will probably accompany me around today, right?"

Kami nodded and said, "It would be best for you two to stick together. Perhaps you might learn more from each other."

When he said this, I rolled my eyes and sighed.

"All I have to do now is talk to the mentally-frugal Namek and see if he'll go for it," I muttered to myself and followed Kami out through the enormous doors we had come in from.

We walked back down the way we had come from, and ended up in the immense hall heading back to the palace entrance. Stuck an entire year in the chamber with a bitchy Piccolo...not bad, especially if I get to molest him visually, I mentally giggled. God, what will this be for me? I was pulled out of my pondering when I caught sight of the edge of Piccolo's left shoulderpad and some of his cape from behind one of the marble pillars that were just by the palace entrance.

Speak of the delicious Namek, hope I can pull this off, was my enthusiastic -yes, enthusiastic- thought as we neared the pillar shielding the delectable Piccolo.

I walked ahead of Kami and began to tip toe as I got nearer to Piccolo, who was in the lotus position with his arms crossed and his eyes closed. I leaned forward so I would be only an inch away from his left ear. I looked back at Kami, who seemed to know what I intended to do...and was all for it; at least that's what his expression told me. I held my breath and checked to see if Piccolo had sensed my presence, He can't sense you, baka. Just go for it, I told myself and raised my left hand to his ear.

I took my middle finger and thumb, and flicked his ear as hard as I could. His deep, guttural shout echoed throughout the palace. The angry Namek jumped to his feet and slammed me against the pillar (it didn't hurt...too much); he seemed to just realize that I was the malicious flicker, since he narrowed his eyes and bared his fangs.

"WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO THAT FOR YOU SPYCHO BITCH!"

"I just thought it would be amusing to see you get some of your own shit, Namek. Now if you unhand me," I squirmed in his grasp, "maybe I could give you a worthwhile proposition," I stated as casually as possible, considering the circumstance.

"Ahem." We both looked to the side at an amused Kami, who gestured for Piccolo to let go of me. He let go and stepped 2 feet away from me. I slightly rubbed my upper right arm, since he practically dug his nails into the skin there.

Kami walked towards us and stopped so he was sort of between us, to avoid a repeat of what had just occurred. Piccolo glared daggers at me as he crossed his arms over his wide, sexy chest. "What sort of proposition does this deviant bitch have for me, old man?!" was his snide question.

I simply leaned back on the pillar and let Kami layout the initial plan. "Sofia has told me of an approaching battle, and she wishes to use The Room of Spirit and Time so that she may train her newly developing powers so that she may assist in the battle," said Kami in a simple tone.

Piccolo cocked an eye ridge and in a slightly annoyed tone, drawled, "And what's that have to do with me?"

I crossed my arms over my chest and took over. "I need someone to train with in the chamber, and since you're the only guy around with nothing to do I figured you would accept the chance for a free year's training in a single day."

Piccolo narrowed his eyes at my comment and grumbled, "What makes you think I have nothing better to do than to be stuck with you for an entire year? I have more important things—"

I cut him off. "The battle will occur in a matter of days. I don't feel like wasting my time with you," I stated indifferently, then continued in a harsh tone, "You either agree to the offer or you can go fuck yourself." At this last line I casually walked out through the palace doors, leaving Piccolo with a look of pure sadistic anger as he stood there and clenched his jaw.

After that, he'll agree to murder just to spite me, I thought as I got halfway down the courtyard towards the edge. I ran into the Lookout's genie as I rounded a flower patch.

"Oh hello, we didn't get to be introduced. I'm Mr. Popo," said the pleasantly smiling genie.

As I was about to introduce myself, I was cut off by a warning shout from behind me. I turned around to see Piccolo— and Kami a few paces behind— stalking over to me with a look that said he planned on strangling me.

"Oh my..." commented the genie now next to me, and continued, "You do have a knack for infuriating Piccolo, don't you?"

"I make it my sole duty to piss that green bitch off," I remarked in a smug tone. "Anyway, I'm Sofia."

The genie nodded in acknowledgement and began to step away from me as Piccolo came closer.

Kami had caught up to him and I could hear him say in a low tone, "Please do not lose your temper, Piccolo. She is a fiery young woman who does not mean any real harm."

Piccolo stopped in front of me and simply glowered at me, as if his mind was trying to come up with the perfect way for inflicting the right amount of torture on me that would satisfy him fully. Kami grabbed his arm as if to pull him away from me, but Piccolo shrugged his hand away.

Without taking his piercing eyes off of me, he growled, "Stay out of this, old man! No one speaks to me that way, and this sharp tongued bitch is going to learn that the hard way!" Piccolo was going to reach for my neck, but I pressed my opened left palm against his abdomen and formed a hot ki ball, which made him desist in his action and growl at me.

"I don't think that would be the best idea, Namek. After all, if we're going to be roommates, we should at least act civil towards each other. Don't you think?" I said in a condescending tone, to which Piccolo snarled. "Now. I'm going to Capsule Corp. for some business and then it's off to go through a mirror and enter my dimension for some supplies. If you want to tag along it is fine with me," I said in my normal, cool tone with my palm still against his stomach.

"I haven't agreed to shit! And I'm not your escort; I don't intend to haul your ass around to your planned destinations," he remarked in an acid tone.

"Piccolo! I suggest you agree to the plan. It will be beneficial for the both of you to train together because of the circumstances. You should go with her for her errands so that Popo and I could prepare everything for your return," Kami stated emphatically.

Piccolo turned his head to eye the elder Namek suspiciously. He then asked in a judging tone, "Why are you so for this stupid arrangement?! You're not telling me the whole story old man, and I don't intend to agree to anything until I know what's really going on."

Kami narrowed his eyes, and to ALL of our surprise, shouted, "DAMN IT PICCOLO! Can't you get it through that thick skull of yours that there is something at stake here and that this isn't the time for your characteristic, challenging, moronic demeanor?! Just do what she suggests and keep your infernal mouth shut!"

"Whoa...GO KAMI!" I cheered on the elder Namek, who just blushed from his public outburst.

Piccolo's wide-eyed expression faded away, and he switched to that stone cold countenance as he grumbled, "Fine. I'll go along with this shit, but I want the whole story, old man."

"Fine." Kami went on to tell him the cliffnotes of what was going on, leaving out the anime thing, some of what was on the scroll, and my assumption over Piccolo's mystery connection to everything. So, he basically told him that my necklace would unlock my untapped powers during training and that I would physically change.

During Kami's monologue, Mr. Popo and I walked over to the nearest edge of the Lookout, where he told me he would get everything ready before we returned and that he would have something for me to eat before we entered the chamber.

"Thanks Mr. Popo, that would be great." I paused and continued, "I just hope that we won't kill each other in there."

"Oh, I think that once you two warm up to each other you'll get along just fine," he said and smiled.

"Hopefully."

As I said this, Kami and Piccolo finished their chat and walked over to where I had gone to sit during their conversation near the Lookout edge. Piccolo gave me a wary look as he asked, "What's going to happen in this "approaching" battle?"

I stood up and in a calm tone said, "I can't tell you that. It could have dire consequences to your timeline."

He grunted in annoyance and stated, "Some help you'll be. What CAN you spare from this privileged knowledge of yours?"

"Just one thing...Frieza's going to come for a "productive" visit." When I said this, a look of surprise flashed in Piccolo's expression, but quickly changed to one of hate.

"I thought Goku killed that fucking lizard!" was his growled comment.

"He had the chance to finish him off but he didn't. Namek was about to blow so he had to haul ass out of there, leaving the very feminine Ice-jin to be found by his fruitier father," I explained in a cool tone.

Piccolo growled in rage and looked at Kami. "I guess I have no choice but to go along with this," he paused, and then looked at me. "I don't intend to take anymore of your shit. If you even look at me funny, I'll make sure that you don't survive long enough for anything…" he crossed his arms and gave me a dirty look, adding with a biting tone, "puny little bitch."

I am QUITE fucking fed up with him calling me a BITCH, I mentally remarked.

"I'd rather be a fucking bitch than a dick-less green slug!" I stated in an acid tone and narrowed my eyes.

Piccolo was about to go at me when Kami came between us. "No more of this nonsense! You will NOT carry on with this foolishness, do the both of you understand me?!" he said and gave both me and Piccolo a stern look. We both irritably nodded our heads. "GOOD." He said this and then directed to Piccolo, "Just go to where she says, let her acquire what she needs, then come back. Is that understood?"

Piccolo gave him a challenging look, and then said as he looked over at me, in a condescending tone, "I guess this is another babysitting job. At least Gohan was independent and not such a hassle," he paused then continued, "I'm going to have to take care of you like the insipid little girl you are."

When he said that, my blood began to boil, and I immediately wanted to get him back. Then I got a perfect idea.

I back stepped as close to the Lookout edge I could possibly get without falling off. Kami was lecturing Piccolo about being more courteous towards me and Piccolo was rolling his eyes, so neither of them noticed what I was doing. I adjusted my backpack so it would stay tight on my shoulders, and then in a smug voice shouted,"Hey Piccolo!"

Kami looked at me inquisitively while Piccolo scowled and looked at me as he shouted, "WHAT?!"

I gave him a wide smirk and said, "CATCH." I leaned backwards and pushed off the Lookout edge.

As I started to fall I heard Piccolo shout in utter surprise, "FUCKING SHIT!", and then all I heard after that was the cool air swooshing by me as I plummeted at top speed to the earth thousands of miles below.

Ok, you might think I'm a fucking loon, but I actually thought out this little stunt. Since Piccolo was ignorant to the fact that I could fly, I figured that jumping off the Lookout would make him piss on himself, and would be the ultimate revenge for his infernal bitching. My plan was to see if he would actually jump down after me and try and save me before I was supposed to hit the ground. Also, I've ALWAYS wanted to dive off the Lookout edge and free fall in the open air, then pull up and continue flying, just like I've seen the guys do on the show.

I was falling fast and the adrenaline was the only thing that kept me from freaking out; it felt like I was on a roller coaster diving straight down, so my stomach got that queasy feeling that made me want to scream, but I managed to contain the urge. I looked over my shoulder and saw that Piccolo was at least 10 feet behind me, and that the look on his face was very unreadable. I looked ahead of me and saw Korin's Tower getting closer in view. I'm at least half way down. Just a little more... I thought with determination as my mind was on a complete adrenaline high.

I decided to stick my arms to my sides so that I would shoot down faster, which made Piccolo freak. "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!" was his muffled shout to me.

I ignored him and concentrated on boiling up my ki. I felt the unusual wave flowing through my body and that dormant heat rise and swirl into my bloodstream. I passed the tower, and saw that the ground was about 2,000 feet away and that I was passing some puffy clouds. I looked back and Piccolo was getting pretty close, to the point that his hand was an inch away from being able to grab my foot. OK...THIS IS IT! I felt my ki boil over and right when I felt Piccolo's hand graze me shoe, I pulled up and started flying straight into the West.

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO! AAAAALRIIIIIGHT!" I shouted excitedly into the rushing air.

I flew at least 30 meters before I stopped myself and floated in mid air. I looked back to see where Piccolo was, and also to see how pissed off he looked, but there was no sign of him. He couldn't have continued down to the ground... I thought and tried looking through the clouds that were blocking my view, Where is h—

All of a sudden, I was grabbed by the back of my hair and spun around in the air so I would face the opposite side. Now completely turned, Piccolo had me by the shoulders and was giving me an intense death glare. He was so pissed that I could easily see his jaw muscle clench and unclench; he huffed warm air in my face as he growled menacingly deep in his chest.

I decided to be a smart-ass (what a surprise) and say probably the last thing I should have ever said to him in such a situation. "Are you going to threaten me anytime soon, or are you just going to stare at me with that constipated look on your face."

He was even more enraged at me with that remark, but because of two reasons: One, I knew him like I knew myself, and two, there was nothing he could really do that he hadn't tried already. Needless to say, I loved the annoyed expression that was shinning through those alluring eyes of his.

He let go of my shoulders and crossed his arms; stared me down for a couple of seconds, then in a stoic tone, asked, "How long have you been able to fly?"

"Since yesterday."

"And I ended up carrying your ass all the way from Gohan's," he paused then asked irritably, "Why the hell didn't you say anything?!"

I smirked and said in a cool tone, "Because you didn't ask. I decided to use that ignorance and have a little fun; no need to get all pissed about it."

He grunted and narrowed his eyes. Jesus he's hot when he's angry!

I simply couldn't take it anymore; either I was going to glomp/molest this delicious Namek, or I was going to laugh it off to relieve my tension. Unfortunately, my psychotic hormones chose the latter...

I floated closer to him and giggled under my breath. He looked at me suspiciously as I hardened my expression and got even closer. When I got close enough that I could smell that rugged scent of his, I looked into his eyes and...pinched his nose.

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT FOR?!" he said in disbelief.

OH GOD...I need to get away from him long enough to regain my composure, I thought frantically.

"Just reliving some tension," I mumbled and pathetically changed the subject, "Which way is it to Capsule Corp?"

Piccolo looked at me really weird, but regained his composure quickly. "It's straight that way."

"Fine...lets go. I don't want to get too distracted from what I have to do," I stated in a business-tone, trying to forget how much of an ass I made out of myself.

I started flying in the direction Piccolo had pointed to, with him not so far behind. Just relax, Sofia. Focus on what you're going to do when you get to Bulma's. OK. First, I need some capsules so I can pack ALL my crap and not have to lug it around. Next, I'm going to ask her for a 500 zeni loan so I can buy the mirror and store it for safe-keeping. Then, I have to ask her what's been going on and see how long Vegeta's been gone; Goku could arrive any day. Hmmm, I got to figure out what the missing facts are for this whole shit. Why was Kami so tense before we left? Could he know more than— my thought was cut off by Piccolo shouting right in my ear.

"COULD YOU GO ANY SLOWER, OR ARE YOU DOING IT TO PURPOSELY IRRITATE ME?!"

I was completely caught off guard. I didn't even notice he had flown up besides me. That happens a lot when I'm pondering deeply about something that perplexes the shit out of me. Someone always comes up and freaks me out and I stumble in thought.

"JESUS! Your not the only one with sensitive hearing, alright asshole!" I shouted in defense, and then continued, "Not like you could go any faster anyway."

Piccolo glared at me, "Is that a challenge?"

I glared back, and in a challenging tone, snapped, "You bet your sweet ass it was."

Instead of narrowing his eyes like I thought he would do, Piccolo gave me a devilish smirk that showed a menacing fang. Then in a scoffed tone, condescended, "You probably couldn't even fly straight doing the kind of speed it'll take to keep up with me, kid."

My heart skipped a beat when the last word sunk in..."Kid"? That's a term of affection from him! He only calls Gohan kid, and I've never heard him call anyone else that, excluding the fics I've read of course, I thought in disbelief and almost bumped into Piccolo when I was distracted. My mind just wouldn't let go of his comment; it kept running over and over in my head. Why did he refer to me like that?! Does he like me? Or does he know that I'm psychotically enamored with him?! Maybe he said that to psych me out and see if I do like him...or he just said it without any secret meaning behind it. JESUS!

My mind was on rapid-fire mode and I couldn't stop trying to rationalize if when he called me kid he meant it as a gag or what. I do that a lot, I guess it's the Capricorn in me, or just my peeve with being called stupid nicknames that have double meanings. Either way, I got distracted again, and got poked by Piccolo hard on my right shoulder.

I looked to the side and had just realized he was still looking at me.

He cocked an eyebrow and then said in a smug tone, "You shouldn't think so hard, you might hurt yourself from the mental exertion. It's obvious you realize that you'd be eating my dust if we went through with our little race."

I couldn't help but sneer at his eloquent yet sharp-tongued, smart-ass remark. It was something of beauty that under other circumstances I would have praised, but at the moment that bitch was my rival in every way. I got pretty ticked off and I felt the heat rising again.

I balled up my hands into fists and agitatedly stated, "Oh really. Considering that you don't do much thinking and you're still able to give yourself brain damage I'd think you would be the last person to lecture me on anything besides being bitchy and hypocritical."

Piccolo stopped in the air, and snarled as he gave me a death glare. I stopped too and gave him my own devilish grin. I knew for a fact that he gets livid when someone insults his intelligence, so I took a chance and turned away from him and said, "Guess I hit a nerve."

I heard him menacingly growl and the swoosh of his cape as he lunged at my back. Before he could even touch me, I let the energy swirl through my bloodstream again and in a flash shot forward and started flying at high speed. I was flying so fast the wind was hurting my eyes. When I looked back, I had a crimson/red energy contrail behind me. AWESOME! I thought excitedly and looked forward.

About 50 miles away there was a city with enormous buildings and a mad dash of pedestrians all over the place. Guess that's West City, I thought, then realized, Wonder where that orgasmic Namek is?!

I reached out with my mind to sense his ki level, and immediately got a tremendous buzzing on the back of my skull that was rapidly increasing. I looked back and sure enough, Piccolo was cutting through the air at such a speed I wondered if he would create a sonic boom.

"HOLY CRAP!" I shouted to myself in disbelief and decided to start hauling ass before he caught up with me.

I picked up speed and starting flying over buildings and insanely packed streets that were in obvious rush hour traffic. I looked ahead and spotted the dome-shaped anime pinnacle known as Capsule Corp., which was a little ways away. The buzzing in my head went from the back of my skull to the right side of my head as Piccolo finally caught up with me and appeared 5 feet away at my right. I looked out the corner of my eye and checked out the trademark expression he was sporting. His browridges where knitted into an obvious scowl and his lips were in a tight line since his jaw muscle was clenched tightly. His body was tense with anger and determination, which of course were results from my smart-ass mouth and insolent attitude towards him.

Even seething in rage, he's still the Sexiest Namek I will ever lay eyes on, I mentally remarked. Maybe I should tone myself down...wouldn't want to lose my stalking privileges if he gets fed up and leaves, I paused, then realized, What the hell am I thinking? If I tone myself down I'll probably pounce on him and start nibbling on his neck! UGH, this is a predicament; how am I going to keep my mental perversion and my psycho hormones in check for an entire year...locked away with him?!

For a split second I was going to start obsessing, but I snapped myself out of it when I realized that Capsule Corp. was coming in fast and that I had to start slowing down for landing, but there was a problem...I NEVER REALLY LEARNED HOW TO LAND!

AH SHIT! I shouted in my mind. I looked to my right at Piccolo and saw that he was a little ahead of me, and that he was getting ready to land but he wasn't slowing down. I looked straight ahead and started to descend, without slowing down.

I came up with probably the most half-assed idea I could have had at such a time: I flipped in the air so I would be in a straight position and tried to push my ki downwards through my feet so I could slow down. I concentrated but all I manage to do was get myself ready to slam into the cement sidewalk that was right in front of the building.

I had braced my legs with all the energy I could so I wouldn't break every bone in my body, which actually worked; I landed on the sidewalk in a crouching position. The only thing severely damaged was the part of the sidewalk my feet slammed into, creating a pretty wicked looking crack. I stood up and opened my eyes (I had shut them before impact) and looked down at my sneakers, which were covered in a mix of dry, powdery, dark gray cement and some dirt from underneath the sidewalk.

I sighed a little in relief and annoyance. "There go my brand new Converse."

"You're lucky it wasn't your neck." I looked over to my side to see Piccolo looking at me with his intense gaze and standing in his don't-fuck-with-me stance with his usual scowl.

I walked over as cool as possible, considering what had just happened. I got up to the walkway of the building where he was standing. I was about to say something that would probably warrant a good beat down from him, but he had the first word.

"Of course, I warned you that you would be eating my dust, but you decided to make an ass of yourself anyway and almost drilled yourself into the ground," he said in a snide tone, got closer to me in a menacing way and then continued, "I really wouldn't like to see what could happen if your luck ran out on you one of these days, especially if it's the day your ass can't cash what your mouth puts out."

I gave him a mocking look and said in an indifferent tone, "You go ahead with your veiled threats. You don't intimidate me at all, and you probably never will; quit wasting your warrior's dignity on trying to scare me and start walking to the door."

He glowered at me for an instant, then sneered. I crossed my arms and waited for him to lead the way to Bulma's door, but instead ended up in a stand off. I guess he didn't trust me with walking behind him (wonder why?).

After at least a minute of staring at each other, silently daring the other to go first, Piccolo snapped. "Why don't YOU go first?! Are you planning to do something once my back is turned?!"

I gave him an offended look and in a well-designed tone, sighed, "Do you think that low of me, that I would attack you once your back is turned?! I might have a sense of honor different from yours, but I assure you I don't practice such low and cowardly displays. I'm not petty and I would not do anything to such a formidable opponent, especially after losing to you in the race."

Piccolo eyed me warily, keeping his stoic expression. He huffed through his nose, and replied, "You just seem like one of those vindictive bitches that can't take offense in stride—no offense!"

I raised an eyebrow and smirked. "No offense taken," I replied and bowed my head in an "after you" kind of gesture. He gave me the once over, grunted, and started walking towards the door about 20 feet away. I followed close behind.

I'm not vindictive! I'm a bitch, I'll give him that, but vindictive?! I looked down and saw that his cape sort of grazed the floor as it swayed from side to side. I looked at me sneakers, which were still filthy and powder-cement covered, and got a wicked idea. I'll show him vindictive...

When we got to the door, Piccolo still had his back to me, so I lifted my foot and stepped on his cape, leaving this brownish/gray footprint right above what could be considered the hem of the cape; he didn't even notice what I did...but every other person who took a look at his cape would see it and my lopsided smirk. I guess it's a way of marking my territory... GOD I NEED TO GET AWAY FROM HIM! I pathetically remarked in my mind.

Piccolo looked back at me and I made like I was looking in another direction.

"Well, are you going to knock or do I have to do that too!' he remarked in that gruff tone of his.

I rolled my eyes and side stepped by him to get to the doorbell. I pushed it and leaned against the wall with my arms crossed, waiting for an answer. Almost instantly the door flew open revealing a VERY perky blonde wearing tight blue shorts and a matching blue and white top. Of course, Mrs. Briefs had that half moon, goofy look on her face when she saw Piccolo and me.

"Hello, how may I help you—Oh Piccolo! It's so nice that you came to visit!" she chimed in that high pitch, joyful tone of hers, which made Piccolo cringe behind me.

I jumped in to answer for Piccolo, knowing full well that he wouldn't. "Hello, I'm Sofia and I was wondering if I could speak to Bulma," I said in my courteous tone.

Mrs. Briefs just seemed to realize my presence and gave me a wide smile. "It's very nice to meet you, Sofia! You two come in. Bulma's in her lab fiddling around with one of her inventions. I'm sure she'd be glad to see you two," she replied.

I looked at Piccolo and gave him an amused expression, to which he simply grunted and walked pass me and entered the building. Mrs. Briefs made way for him and as he passed she looked at the footprint on his cape and began to giggle. I snickered and looked at her with an expression that said "don't ask"; she got the idea - which kind of surprised me.

Piccolo looked at us with a judging expression, and I think I heard him mutter, "Crazy females." I looked at Mrs. Briefs, who was giving me a weird look, even for her.

"Are you two going out? You both look like the cutest couple," she said and then continued in a giggling tone, "I always thought Piccolo needed a girlfriend, and you look like the perfect girl for him!"

I must have had at least 10 sweat drops on my head after hearing her say that. I heard a gruff growl from my left and looked to see Piccolo with his eyes narrowed towards Mrs. Briefs. She simply giggled and looked at the both of us.

I snapped out of my stupor and decided to QUICKLY change the subject before the woman said anything else that would guarantee her immediate demise.

"Um, could you get Bulma so I could speak to her very quickly? If it isn't any trouble," I said.

She gave me a cheerful smile. "Of course, it's no trouble at all! How silly of me, come into the living room and make yourselves comfortable," she replied as she showed us to the living room, which was on my right. All three of us went through the doorway and Mrs. Briefs gestured for Piccolo and I to have a seat. She was about to step out, but she whirled around and went into full hostess mode. "Can I get anything for you two? Something to drink maybe?"

"Water is fine." Piccolo and I said this in exact unison and even in the same tone. I felt my cheeks warm in a faint blush and I noticed Piccolo had a goofy look on his face.

"AAWWWWW, That is sooo cute! You two are so meant for each other!" she squealed in delight as she skipped through the kitchen doorway, which was next to the entertainment center.

Piccolo growled enraged and in embarrassment. I couldn't even think of something to say to relieve the tension (I'm pretty good with that). JEEZ, that woman really needs to skip a day of her medication. I hope Bulma hurries the hell up...

As if I made a silent introduction, Bulma came into the living room through the doorway leading to the hallway. She had her hair up in a messy bun and she was wearing what looked like a form-fitting mechanic's overalls stained with grease with a plain t-shirt under them.

"Oh, hey Piccolo! What's up?" she asked and then focused on me. "Who's your friend?"

Before either of us could answer, Mrs. Briefs came in with a two tall glasses of ice-cold water. "Oh that's Sofia, Piccolo's giiirlfriieend," remarked the psychotically cheerful woman and started to giggle.

Piccolo jumped up and practically hissed as he said, "She-is-NOT-my-girlfriend!"

Bulma jumped in the way of the looming Namek and her mother. "Mom, how about you go upstairs and check on dad while I talk to both of them, ok?" she said urgently with a pushy tone.

Mrs. Briefs handed Bulma the glasses of water. "OK! If you need me just call me," she replied and practically skipped out of the room and up the stairs.

I felt instant relief when the woman left and the twitching in my left eye stopped.

Bulma gave an amused look and directed her full attention to both of us.

"Sorry about her. She gets that way whenever company comes over," she said.

"I'm pretty sure she does that on a normal basis," I remarked and continued, "By the way, I'm Sofia, and I really need to talk to you."

Bulma nodded her head at my statement, then said in a thoughtful tone, " Nice to meet you," she paused and continued, "Well not to be rude, but is it really important? It's just I'm working on a breakthrough in some research."

Piccolo grumbled in impatience. I rolled my eyes at him and looked back at Bulma.

"Well, I'm from a different dimension parallel to this one and I crossed over by some unknown reason and I'm on a mission to find out what's going on; I know about everything relating to you and this universe..." I said in a business/cool tone and paused, seeing Bulma's jaw drop, "should I continue?"

"YES...I don't have anything else to do..." she said in an astonished tone.

"Good. Could we go to somewhere private? This isn't something I should be discussing out in the open," I said in a cool tone.

Piccolo grunted and he walked up to both Bulma and I. "Why the hell do you always usher people away when I'm around?! If you're going to tell her your far fetched chronicles just tell her here," he commented in a commanding tone.

"Arrrrgh! Piccolo, why don't you sit your ass down and meditate, or drink some water or something! You already know enough of my "chronicles." Bulma needs to be in the loop," I said irritated and paused, then muttered, "something that is too sophisticated for you."

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME!" he shouted right in my face.

"YOU HEARD ME YOU BITCHY PAIN IN THE ASS!" I shouted right back. While Piccolo was fuming, I directed myself to Bulma, "Let's go to the kitchen, so I can give you all the info, and so THIS," I pointed to Piccolo, "Bitch can have some time alone, which is something he'll need since we're going to be stuck together for a while."

Bulma's eyes were wide from watching how I carried myself and how I didn't even flinch in fear around Piccolo. She simply nodded and gestured for me to follow her into the kitchen.

Before I walked into the kitchen, I took the glasses from Bulma—she had been holding them and hadn't offered them, gave one to Piccolo and gulped the other's contents. I looked at Piccolo as he glared daggers at me.

"Before you threaten me or do anything, at least drink your water. If you want we can postpone our verbal spar for later," I stated indifferently.

Piccolo narrowed his eyes and did something that actually surprised me. He took the glass and gulped down the water in one shot and roughly handed the glass back to me. He then went to the doorway that lead to the kitchen, walked to the backdoor and went out in a huff, slamming the door hard enough for the frame to shake.

"Wow...how did you manage to not get intimidated by him?" asked Bulma wide eyed.

I sighed loudly and raised my hands so I could flop them on my sides. "Oh never mind," was my reply. I proceeded to take my backpack off and place it by the doorway to the kitchen. I turned around and gave Bulma a reassuring smile as I said, "Come on, sit your ass down so I can go into my monologue...I think you'll appreciate the magnitude more than some people."

She gave me a smile back and said as she walked over to sit by the kitchen table, "Well, give me the full story."


THANKS FOR READING

OK. Time to thank the awesome bitches who actually took time out of their lives to read my story and leave a review.

Lost-Sunshine: You're not the only one who gets strange looks.

The Ace of Authors: Thanx, and contrary to your beliefs, Piccolo is my Bitch, so if you want a turn, get in line with the rest of them. XD

Merina: Piccolo deserves to get some ass and I plan on giving him some later on.

Wild Stormie: For those who've read this psycho's reviews, do not be alarmed! She is one of my good friends from school and she wanted to spice up and entice the reviews for this fic (THANX TO HER ).

Cyndi: THANK YOU FOR THE ADVICE AND FOR YOUR FORTIFYING COMMENTS. THEY HELP ME A LOT.