Chapter 2 - Alone

If there is a moment in every individual's life that he feels incredibly lonely, that was the moment for Dende. Dende gazed the world below for a few moments and sighed desperately to himself.

"What's wrong ?" asked Popo, worried.

"Same as usual." Dende responded. "I miss Goku and the gang".

"I think 17 years of non-stop working are taking their toll " said Popo decsicively. "Perhaps it is finally time for you to take some rest".

Dende frowned. "We both know im on a constant lookout. Ever since Goku passed away, evil is a constant threat to earth. I didn't even have time to visit King Yemma and help him out".

"That is true. Yet lately most evil sources are nothing I can't handle myself".
Dende's sighed again.

"Perhaps." Popo continued "You could be taking a little time off while im on duty ?".

"We both know it's impossible" said dende.

Popo protested. "Howcome? There is not just me. I think there are enough warriors in Turtle school that would love to have a good match with any evil that will come. You must also agree that they have very pure hearts for earthlings, even almost as Goku's".
"And besides, I still have plenty of time to be here so I think i can take care of some of the stuff around while your'e off".

Dende put up a little relieved smile. Popo knew that smile too well. He is convinced.
"Ok then, I guess you are right. Ill be at the top of the lookout to have some last preperations. I wish to not be disturbed." Pronounced Dende, and walked slowly up.

Dende felt the anxiety crambling upon him. He was very nervous about the up to come meetings with all of his friends. He wandered off to the memories of how all of them passed away one by one. The first ones to go were off course the Z fighters and Korin. The gang, as pure as their hearts was, and as strong as their body could get, were still earthlings who not live too long and Korin was just getting old.
Vegeta and Goku went short after. at the age of 119 the two saiyans decided to have some "old times sparring", but the second they turned super saiyans, their weak and old body just couldn't take it and they collapsed into theirselves. Dende remembered well how the spirits of Bulma and Chichi shouted at their husbands, declaring them hopeless, and allowed himself to giggle a little while having his last preperations. He also remembered Gohan's emotianal reunion with Videl, and later on with old Pan. he rolled his eyes up, enjoying these sweet family memories. The only ones out there that still here are Majin buu which he didn't see for 17 years and Popo, who even though was his best friend and servant, Dende just couldn't ignore the fact that he is doomed to serve every guardian for eternity. Dende always wandered if Popo ever wanted to become something else. He was amused with imagening him as a shopkeeper on a little flying carpets booth.
Dende's last thoughts were about the last time he met Goku. he remembered this meeting as it was yesterday. He remembered how he promised to have a visit as soon as things in earth will settle down with the invading saiyans from the new planet Vegita.
17 years and 3 days passed since then.

Dende gave his last instructions to Popo, who promised things will be alright. He pondered alittle about where to go first and decided to visit King Yemma's palace first. he thought he could pay a visit to the old king, and along the way ask for his help tracking his buddies. He took off.

"Oh Dende what a suprise!" shouted the stunned king Yemma. Seeing Dende appearing out of nowhere after 17 years of not showing a sign of life would startle even the king of the other world.

"king Yemma." Dende bowed in respect. "I apologize that I'v barged in without a warning".

"Oh, no worries. Im just happy to see you. I understand the saiyan issues settled down a bit?".

"Indeed great king." Dende replied.

"So, what brings you here?" Yemma asked numbly.

"I just wanted to pay a little visit to the other world. I missed so many people".

"Well perhaps you want a cup of coffee before you start your little trip?" Yemma offered politely.

"Actually I was hoping you could help me find Goku first." Dende said unpaitent.

"That is something I want to know as well. He's been gone for 17 years".

"What?!" Dende's chin dropped down. "Where could he possibly go?!".

"With that I cannot help you" grunted Yemma. "Perhaps you should ask king Kai. He moved with him to train some more with him. and that's the last time I saw him".
Dende was shocked more than anything else. thinking about places he can be found without King Yemma to notice went all in vain. He assumed the first step of the puzzle would be king Kai's place.

"Well, so I am heading to king Kai. It's been an honour to meet you again great king." stated Dende and a second later he vanished.

"They only come when they need you..." Mumbled king Yemma and returned to work.

Hello again. I know there hasn't been any action by now. yet I promise you things will heat up on further episodes. Stay tuned :)