Author's Note:-
So this one was a little harder to write... It's a feels-fest, which in itself is challenging, especially with characters I haven't written in a while. KP and Junior have their moment, I think it was long overdue XD
I'm going to get this fic updated about once a month... I'd like it to be more often, but realistically it will probably be monthly with the other projects I have on. Although saying that, I always feel like writing more when I get feedback so if this chapter does well then the next one might come along quicker lol, but I'm aiming for at least monthly, *possibly* fortnightly if I get extra free time or good reviews. Anyway! So, that's what to expect.
Finally... the very last scene... I've had this as a headcanon for literally months and I've been trying to think of when to work it in... I was considering putting it in a later fic, but in the end I decided to crowbar it into the end of this chapter. I think it's a nice little thought n_n Hopefully it's well-received. Enjoy!
It was the middle of the night, and the residents of the King Piccolo mansion were sleeping. Finally! Piccolo Junior was sitting on the bed in Viola's nursery, with his arms folded and a repulsed expression upon his face. These walls weren't soundproof. Why was his father's bedroom opposite Viola's nursery? It wasn't appropriate. It was disgusting! What was wrong with them? They had a child, they shouldn't be so… loose! … Anyway. They were sleeping now, so it seemed. Piccolo Junior hadn't heard a single noise in over an hour. Viola was fast asleep… at last. She was a hard baby to settle. It was like she was teething, but… apparently she'd been born with teeth. Maybe she could just sense the overwhelming amount of dysfunction in this place. Maybe Frieza's presence unsettled her. … Heh.
"Don't worry, I'm going to take care of that." Junior quietly spoke to her. He looked down at the sleeping Viola, and smiled slightly. Hm. It was… unreal. He never would have imagined… well, any of this, actually. At no point in his life had Piccolo Junior ever thought he would see his father, and certainly not his brothers – and definitely not in a situation like this. This whole thing was… nuts. Since when did the Demon King Piccolo get married? Or have a child – a female child, and… live right here, on Earth? … It was crazy. "Crazy." Junior thought to himself, closing his eyes. This whole thing… kind of felt like it was never meant to happen. It was too bizarre, and too unexpected to ever occur. So why had it? How had Junior found himself here…? He was so uncomfortable, and yet… here he was. Babysitting a demonic icejin kid, who was a blood relative to him, with Frieza of all people just a few rooms away. Frieza… Piccolo Junior's blood started to boil as he thought about it. That bastard was here, on Earth. Alive and well, after he'd killed Gohan, and Videl, and Pan… Bastard! Junior opened his eyes, his fists clenching. Okay… This was it. Now was the time. Everybody was sleeping. Before Viola awoke again, it was time to end this. Junior got up from the bed and looked down at Viola once more, placing a soothing palm on her head. She was fast asleep; she didn't look likely to wake anytime soon… Oh, wait. The pacifier. Piccolo Junior moved his eyes to the floor, spotting one of the few things that could keep Viola quiet. She liked to throw it out in her sleep… it was kind of annoying. He picked it up and placed it within her reach, just in case she awoke, and he silently left the room.
Click. In his own bedroom, King Piccolo heard the sound of Viola's nursery door. He hadn't slept yet. Frikiza was sleeping, but King Piccolo had stayed awake… because of this. Piccolo Junior was leaving the nursery. Dammit! He knew Junior was up to something! That brat had been far too willing to let Frieza stay; he had barely said a word when the murderer of his 'other family' had started living here… King Piccolo knew it would have been for a reason; there was no way Junior would be so calm about Frieza's presence unless he was planning on doing something about it. So what was this, a sneak attack? Was he going to kill Frieza in his sleep? Humph. That seemed a little sneaky for Junior; didn't he take pride in being a good soul? Whatever… King Piccolo didn't particularly care if Frieza died, but he cared a great deal about his own quality of life – which would become significantly worse if Frikiza stopped being so accommodating… and if Junior killed Frieza, that was guaranteed to happen. So. It was in King Piccolo's best interest to let Frieza live… and then convince him to do something bad so that Frikiza would let King Piccolo kill him. King Piccolo couldn't wait for that actually, it would be fun – and Junior wasn't going to ruin it! Cautiously, so as to not to disturb Frikiza, King Piccolo climbed out of bed and made his way towards the bedroom door, in pursuit of Junior.
XXXXX
Piccolo Junior stealthily approached Frieza's room; he'd made sure he learned which one was Frieza's. Not that he'd needed to. He could sense that slimy lizard's ki. He wasn't hiding it, huh? Well… what was the point, with that power level? Junior smirked to himself as he thought about it; he could only imagine what Frieza was going through. He, the 'Great Lord Frieza' was reduced to a mere child's level. He must feel so humiliated to be even weaker than Piccolo Junior right now. Actually, maybe what Junior was about to do was kind – it would put him out of his misery… and send him back where he belonged. Junior placed his hand on the door handle, and was about to turn it when – swoosh!
"Wh –" Piccolo Junior was cut off by a calloused hand around his mouth as his attacker dragged him backwards. He recognised him immediately; that was his father's ki! Dammit! What was he doing here? He'd travelled here in seconds, before Junior could even react to the sound of his movements. How had he known to come here? And at this exact time? Wait… had he been…?
Junior broke out of King Piccolo's grasp, and turned to glare at him. "Were you listening out for me?" He demanded.
"Of course." King Piccolo snorted. "I knew you'd do something stupid."
"Stupid? I'm protecting this family!" Piccolo Junior argued. "Frieza is a dangerous maniac and I'm the only one that seems to appreciate that! I'm ending him before he does something we all regret – ugh!" He was suddenly cut off by his father's hand around his throat, and King Piccolo dragged Junior towards him.
"Don't give me that crap." King Piccolo spat. "Don't pretend that 'we' are your concern, you're only worried about what he'll do to Goku's family. He won't do anything, you don't think I can handle him?" He looked at Junior, and gave a sinister smirk. "If anyone in this house is going to harm that little baby of yours, it'll be me."
"Don't you dare!" Junior hissed, breaking away from King Piccolo once more. He glared at King Piccolo fiercely, his face turning serious. "I'm not joking. If anything happens to Pan, or any of them, I will hunt you down and kill you myself. Am I making myself clear, Father?"
"Perfectly." King Piccolo snarled. "Now. Come away from that door."
"No." Piccolo Junior growled. "He's dangerous, and I won't allow him to prove it."
"Get away!"
King Piccolo charged at Junior and attempted to drag him away from Frieza's room but Junior held up his hands, grabbing King Piccolo's arms before he could touch him.
"Why are you protecting him?" Piccolo Junior demanded. "Are you on his side now?"
"No! I can't stand him." King Piccolo hissed. "Ever since the day I met him I've wanted to smash up his slimy little skull, but your mother likes him and I'm not about to put up with a bunch of crap from her just because you want to prove your loyalty to Goku's clan."
"It's not about that!" Piccolo Junior barked. He looked towards Frieza's door, conscious of the noise they were making. Dammit… If Frieza woke up, this whole plan was gone. Junior had to get King Piccolo out of here. Maybe he could convince him… if King Piccolo really didn't like Frieza, maybe Junior could convince him to kill him. Junior had wanted to do it himself, but… whatever. So long as Frieza was gone, it was worth letting King Piccolo have his moment. "Come on." Junior huffed. "Let's talk elsewhere."
"Fine." King Piccolo grunted. "You have five minutes. Then you can either shut up or I'll send you to Hell myself."
"Actually I usually go upstairs, but whatever." Piccolo Junior retorted, and followed his father down the corridor.
XXXXX
They ended up in the living room. Or… one of them. There seemed to be a lot of unnecessary rooms in this house, as far as Piccolo Junior was concerned. And he thought Gohan and Videl had too much space…
"What do you want to drink?" King Piccolo grunted, not looking at Junior as he rummaged through yet another mini bar. He raided the fridge and took out most of its contents, sinking his teeth into an uncooked steak and tearing at the meat like a wild animal.
"I'm good, thanks…" Junior mumbled, watching in disgust as his father ate like an untamed demon. "How are you that hungry?" He sighed.
"I used a lot of energy." King Piccolo replied bluntly. "Your mother likes to fight back, sometimes it's hard to pin her down."
"Oh – father!" Piccolo Junior barked, his face turning violet in embarrassment. "Do you have to talk about that! You know I don't want to hear it!"
"So why did you ask?" King Piccolo snorted, and took a large swig of a two litre bottle of melon soda.
"I didn't." Piccolo Junior growled. "You didn't have to go into detail – anyway! Whatever. I'm done talking." He headed for the door. "I'm going to get rid of Frieza, and I don't need your permission – and by the way, she's not my –"
He was cut suddenly cut off by King Piccolo extending out his arm to grab Junior's throat again, and he dragged him back.
"You're not ending anything." King Piccolo stated. "Except Goku's family, when you finally get your act together."
"Would you give up on that?" Junior growled. "You're like a broken record."
"So are you. You think that family needs you to protect them? They're all stronger than you!" King Piccolo sneered. "And it'll only be a matter of time before the baby surpasses you as well; if I were you I'd think about where you should be placing your loyalties."
"Oh… yeah." Junior retorted. "Nice, Father. Was that supposed to upset me? Because for starters, I taught Gohan the basics of what he knows, so for your information I'm pretty glad that he's surpassed me, because that was the whole point. Secondly, are you suggesting that I ditch them for a weaker family? By that do you mean yours?" He knew that remark would irritate his father. Of course it would, but Junior didn't care right now. Whether or not his father was happy with him was the least of his concerns – and it was usually the least of his concerns, actually. He watched as King Piccolo's face steadily filled with rage. He was trying to hide it… badly. King Piccolo never had been good at hiding his anger…
"This is your family!" King Piccolo roared, his ki skyrocketing. Yeah, there is was… the anger Junior was expecting. He would pity Frikiza, if she hadn't been fully aware of what she was getting herself into when she'd decided to marry the Demon King Piccolo. "The family that you betrayed!"
"Betrayed!" Junior cried. "You're still saying that?" He let out a short, frustrated sigh. "Father – there was no family to betray! You were all dead, remember? That was the very point of my existence! In fact, it's the only reason I was even born. If you hadn't been killed by Goku, you wouldn't have even created me – I'd be just another one of your brainless minions that you intentionally made weaker and stupider than you so that they did whatever you wanted." He looked away, and folded him arms. "And you've never denied that."
Junior paused for a moment. He had a lot more to say. He felt like he could go on forever, actually. His father infuriated him, in so many ways! Every time King Piccolo was around, Junior could feel himself getting angry. He'd never known anything like it. King Piccolo was so exhaustingly wild and out of control; at the very least he just made mess after mess that Junior had to clean up, and he was forever making snipey remarks about Junior and Goku's family – and most of the time he was blatantly screaming at Junior and calling him a traitor for ever taking 'Goku's side'. Then, on top of all that there was still the fact that he was harbouring Frieza! But what pissed Junior off the most was this whole 'betrayal' thing… King Piccolo wouldn't drop it, and it was getting boring. Yes, fine. Junior had gone against his father's wishes. He couldn't deny that and he had no intention of doing so, just like his father couldn't deny that had he not died he wouldn't have made Junior half as strong or as intelligent as he was – perhaps he wouldn't have even made Junior at all. It was depressing, to think that Junior was only alive because his father… … Seriously, what kind of a family was that? Who the hell is born on the condition that their only parent is dead? Who the hell lives their life with the sole purpose of serving and obeying someone that isn't even around? What kind of life is that…? Not one that Junior wanted. He realised that a long time ago, and he never imagined he would have to justify it, but… … fine. If they were really doing this. Maybe it was time to be honest. "I got sick of living for someone else."
He didn't wait for a response; to be frank he didn't really care what King Piccolo thought about it, he just wanted him to know. Junior raised his eyes, and looked at his father. "I'm sorry." He said. "When I was born, I fully intended to avenge you. I grew up wanting to kill your enemies, but… that's kind of the point, Father. They were your enemies, not mine. I'm not you, and I tried to be, but… … I guess… at some point I realised I wanted a life of my own." He lowered his eyes, and looked away. "They took me in. They… I mean – I know I'm not really part of their family, but… I… I…" He paused. Suddenly, he found himself unable to speak. Dammit… why was this so difficult to say? It was just words. Just words, and King Piccolo wouldn't care either way. So why was it so…? … Tch. This was pathetic. He was being pathetic. Piccolo Junior scolded himself, and he exhaled, and forced himself to finish what he had started. "… I was never part of your family either." He mumbled. "You were… you were all gone, and they weren't… It's not that I didn't choose you, and it's not like I chose them specifically, it's just… I chose not to be alone."
King Piccolo stood there in silence for a while, unsure of what to say. He wasn't sure he understood. So what – what was Junior saying? That he just wanted a family? That he'd only joined Goku's clan because King Piccolo's wasn't available? That was… pathetic! Who does that? Seriously! What kind of demon was this child? He was supposed to have King Piccolo's blood! He wasn't supposed to care about family or love or - - any of that kind of crap! But… … that was it, was it? Well. King Piccolo understood now. He understood perfectly.
"So that's why you never come here?" King Piccolo snorted. "We weren't there for you, so you've decided not to be there for us?"
"What – no!" Piccolo Junior cried, his eyes widening. "That's not what I said at all!"
He couldn't believe this. How the hell did King Piccolo still not get it? This wasn't some kind of game! Junior wasn't taking sides! He wasn't being petty, he wasn't choosing one over the other, he - - he was just trying to – dammit! "It's nothing to do with that!" Junior yelled. "Do I really have to spell it out for you? I'm not mad at you for dying – I mean, don't you understand how ridiculous that would be?" He let out a loud, frustrated sigh, desperately trying to keep his cool. This was ridiculous… How dense could King Piccolo be? Why didn't he get it! "Father." Junior hissed. "You seem to think I have something against you, but I don't. I just – … look. I never met you before. I spent my whole life without you – and I'm not saying it's your fault, okay? I'm just saying it's a fact. Maybe if I'd gotten to know you sooner I would have wanted to kill Goku myself. Maybe if I hadn't met Gohan I'd still be his enemy – I don't know. There are a hundred different what ifs and if any one of them had happened then maybe things would be different, but they aren't. This was what happened: I had nobody, and then when Gohan came along I had somebody and I didn't hate it, and it was literally that simple." He sighed. "And… well, by the time you came back to life I was a different person. I mean – jeez Father, over two decades had passed! Gohan was with Videl, Goten was born… I had a life! And no, it wasn't the life you wanted for me, but it was my own! And I wasn't trying to disrespect you or go against you, I… I just… I just wanted to do my own thing." He lowered his eyes, and looked away. "So that's what I did. It's nothing personal, Father… and it's not because I hate you. … So would you get that stupid thought out of your thick head!"
"How the hell am I supposed to believe it's not personal!" King Piccolo barked. "When you babysit that brat of Goku's every five seconds but you don't come to see your sister once!"
"I told you, I didn't even know about her!" Piccolo Junior screamed.
He took a breath, trying to calm himself. Jeez… This was enraging! There really was something about his father that drove Junior nuts – he was a hundred times angrier when he was aroud King Piccolo! Maybe it was something in their blood; maybe King Piccolo just brought out the worst in his children, maybe that was how he designed them. Junior wouldn't put it past him…
"But you knew Frikiza was pregnant." King Piccolo snarled in retaliation. "How many times did you check on Vidal when she was carrying that little runt?"
"It's Videl." Junior hissed.
"Whatever." King Piccolo spat. "You don't like Frikiza."
"No – I do – actually I have great admiration for Frikiza, I have no idea how she puts up with you." Junior retorted.
"Just answer the question." King Piccolo ordered. "How many times did you take Videl food or run errands for her? You never did that for the mother of my unborn child."
"Wha – you have four sons living with you who were designed to be your errand boys!" Junior protested. "Gohan was out at work all day, Videl was on her own –"
"Don't give me that crap!" King Piccolo roared, his patience rapidly running out. "She's a billionaire, she could pay someone to do whatever errands she wanted, she didn't need you and yet you chose her over your own mother!"
"She's not my –"
"Explain yourself!"
Piccolo Junior hesitated. He stared at his father who glared back, his face filled with rage and his breathing slow and heavy… He was leaning forward slightly with his fists clenched, as if he were about to attack… Hm. The animal. Why was King Piccolo always so fierce? … Whatever. Junior let out a sigh, and closed his eyes.
"You… want to know the truth?" He mumbled.
"Yes." King Piccolo hissed. "I'm dying to hear it, my little hatching."
"Humph." Junior snorted. "Father… when was I ever that to you?"
He paused for a moment, trying to decide whether or not to… … no. That was bullcrap. He'd already decided. He was going to say it. He was just… finding the words. "Listen, I… I know what I am. I'm a disappointed. I always have been." He cleared his throat, avoiding meeting his father's eyes. He couldn't. For some reason, Junior felt sort of… embarrassed. Not that he had anything to be embarrassed about. He was pretty happy with his life, actually – and he didn't need to justify it. But… On the other hand, King Piccolo had a right to know. "When I was… 'loyal' to you, I wasn't strong enough to defeat Goku, even though you gave me everything you had, and… well… now I'm even further behind, and I'm not even doing what you want me to do. So I…" Junior swallowed, his cheeks darkening slightly. This was stupid… He shouldn't be embarrassed. He hadn't done anything wrong. "I guess…" He mumbled. "I guess I… I kind of feel like I don't have much right to come here."
He waited for a response, but King Piccolo remained silent. Maybe he could sense that Junior wasn't done… or maybe he was actually speechless for once. Heh. That would be a first. Junior smirked to himself slightly, briefly distracted by the fact that he'd actually managed to shut his father up. Then… he shifted awkwardly, uncomfortable under his father's stare. Junior wasn't looking at him, but he could feel King Piccolo's eyes on him… He seemed to have this uncanny ability to never blink. "Anyway, uh…" Junior turned his head, and looked at his father. "It's fine. I get it – I was supposed to be the wonder child, and in the end I wasn't, so I understand why you're mad. I just… I had no idea you were coming back, and I couldn't live in your shadow anymore. Maybe if I'd known you were coming, or if I'd grown up knowing you… And don't get me wrong – I'm glad you're here. I'm glad you're happy – and I really don't hate Frikiza, you know. I mean… I…" His cheeks darkened slightly. "I don't see the attraction myself, but I don't get that kind of stuff anyway. If you're happy, then fine. I'm happy for you, and I'm happy that you have this life – I seriously mean that, but I… I just…" He let out a sigh, and met King Piccolo's eyes. "Father. Honestly, I don't see where I fit in. … And it's nobody's fault. I's just… I have my life, and you have yours… and I know I'll never really belong in it." He exhaled, and looked away. "That's why I don't come here. It's not that I don't like you, or that I like them more. It's just… it's the way it is."
He waited for a moment, expecting King Piccolo to answer. When he was greeted by silence, Junior stared at King Piccolo awkwardly, awaiting his response. The guy wasn't moving. He wasn't saying anything, he was just staring back… It was off-putting. "Well – say something!" Piccolo Junior cried, after a long, agonising silence. "You wanted to know so I told you, and if it's not the answer you wanted then deal with it! I don't know what you expected me to say!"
"… I didn't expect you to say you're happy for me." King Piccolo grunted. "Or that… you think you're a disappointment."
"Well – yeah, you kind of make that pretty clear." Junior frowned. "I am a disappointment to you, you seem to enjoy reminding me of that."
"I didn't think you were paying attention…" King Piccolo mumbled.
"Of course I did." Junior growled. "My only parent thinks I'm a waste of time, how am I not supposed to listen to that?"
"I… didn't think my opinion meant that much to you." King Piccolo shrugged. "Or… anything at all."
He went quiet for a moment, thinking of something to say… He'd already decided, he just… had no idea how to phrase it. He'd never spoken to anybody with respect before; he'd never expected he would have to, and especially not… "… Junior…" King Piccolo uttered. "… You are a disappointment." He smirked slightly at the expression on Junior's face. The younger namek scoffed, and looked away. Hm. He was probably annoyed at King Piccolo for not saying something more meaningful. Ha! That was typical King Piccolo, right? Well… whatever. The kid didn't know him, wasn't that the whole point of what he'd just said? "And… you're…" King Piccolo looked away, and folded his arms. "… Not."
Junior flinched slightly, and moved his gaze back to his father. He was stunned. Did he… did King Piccolo just say…? "I gave you everything I had, so that you would be able to avenge me…" King Piccolo snorted. "But I suppose the downside is that you ended up like me." He smirked slightly, and looked at his child. "If I don't want to do something then I don't do it, and if I don't like something then I change it. You got sick of following my orders, so you defied me in the worst way that you possibly could."
"Uh – well – that's not exactly why I –"
"If you're going to defy someone, you should befriend their enemies!" King Piccolo exclaimed. "It's the best way to piss them off!"
"That really wasn't about you." Junior sweat dropped. "I just kind of made friends with Gohan, and it all escalated from there…"
"Whatever." King Piccolo grunted. He looked at Junior, and let out a sigh. "Do you really not come here because you think you don't have the right? To be with your own family?"
"Honestly, I… I'm not entirely sure you consider me family…" Junior mumbled. "I mean… if I were in your position, I'd be pretty pissed…"
"I am." King Piccolo hissed. "… But you're only like this because you have my blood in you, and I deliberately made you this way. That's what's different about you and your brothers – they're a bunch of mindless idiots that are too stupid and too weak-willed to ever go against me. Even if they don't agree with me, they obey me because they don't have the strength or willpower to do otherwise. You do – and I gave it to you so that you would defeat Goku…" He snorted. "You didn't use it how I wanted, but you still got it from me. Everything you do, it's because you have my blood within you. That's why it's so damn infuriating to see you with Goku – you're only friends with him because I made you so much like me!"
"Ha." Junior smiled slightly. "You think so, huh? Maybe you're right… but I'm my own person as well, Father. You have to appreciate that."
"I do." King Piccolo snarled. He looked away, and scoffed. "You shouldn't be afraid of coming here. I'm not afraid of going wherever I want, if you are going to act like me you could at least be fearless. Don't let my opinion of you stop you – you shouldn't care what anybody thinks but yourself."
"… Okay." Junior nodded. "If that's what you're telling me… then fine." He uttered. "I'm… sorry, that I haven't been around. I'll come visit more. I mean… I think I need to get to know Viola anyway."
"How the hell are you supposed to do that?" King Piccolo grunted. "She's a baby, not a person. All she does is eat and cry."
"Sounds like her father." Junior thought to himself. He sniggered a little. "They have their own personalities, you know. She must be old enough to be showing her true self by now –"
"Oh, don't you start with that crap." King Piccolo spat. "You sound like your mother." He downed his bottle of melon soda, and set it down on the table for the cleaner to deal with.
"She's not my –"
"Shut up." King Piccolo growled.
He rubbed his eyes, and yawned. "Whatever… Can we go back to bed now? Are you done with your tantrum?"
"You go on ahead, I still have to take care of Frieza." Junior stated. "Listen… I know you guys will be okay, you can defend yourselves. But Goku's training on another planet, Gohan's at work all day, Videl and Pan are on their own –"
"Shut up." King Piccolo growled. "Nothing will happen to your second family. For starters how the hell is he going to leave this mansion without one of us noticing?"
"What if he does?" Junior argued. "You don't know him like I do, if he gets to them –"
"He won't." King Piccolo stated. "You have my word. He won't get anywhere near your friends, I will personally see to that."
"Why?" Junior frowned. "Why would you protect them?"
"Because," King Piccolo looked at him with a wicked smirk, his demonic eyes manically twinkling. "That little brat is Goku's child. Nobody is going to kill her except me, and it's not going to happen until she's old enough to fight back."
"Wha – so you're basically saying you're going to protect an innocent baby so that you can kill her when she's older?" Junior choked, his eyes widening.
"Yes." King Piccolo nodded. "So for the time being, you win, don't you?"
Piccolo Junior paused. … Hm. Actually, his father had a point. He hadn't even thought that King Piccolo would want to keep Frieza away from Pan and Videl, even if it was just so that he could go for them himself further down the line. … Well, Junior supposed that was enough to satisfy him. For now, at least. If King Piccolo was promising to keep Frieza under control… it wouldn't be for long anyway, Junior was sure of it. It would only be a matter of time before Frieza did something that made King Piccolo so enraged he would want to kill him himself. Waiting for that would certainly be easier than going up against King Piccolo and Frikiza… … Well, fine.
"Okay." Junior finally surrendered. "But uh…" He smirked slightly. "Just so you know, Pan is quarter saiyan, and she has Goku's blood. If you ever try to take her out, she'll kill you."
"You think so?" King Piccolo replied, and smirked. "Well then… maybe I should send Viola to finish what you started. She's half icejin, and half me."
Junior's eyes widened. Oh… crap. Viola was half Frieza and half King Piccolo. Fuck!
"Yeah well – I'll be her mentor." Junior quickly said. "You know, to make up for me missing out on –"
"What, and put her on Goku's side?" King Piccolo growled. "Screw you, you aren't teaching her anything! I'll be her mentor, when she finally gets off her lazy ass and learns how to walk!"
"Lazy…?" Junior repeated, almost in disbelief. What kind of father said that about his own infant daughter? Whatever… Junior was going to train Viola – it was the only way to guarantee she wouldn't be as naïve and Frikiza or as unhinged as King Piccolo. "Whatever, it's getting late." Junior said, and turned towards the door. "Goodnight."
"I'm coming." King Piccolo grunted, and the two of them left the room to return to their chambers in perfect silence.
XXXXX
Junior entered the nursery, to see to his surprise that Viola wasn't in her crib. She also wasn't alone. Piano was standing there, holding the sleeping Viola as she sucked lightly on her pacifier.
"Piano…?" Junior uttered quietly. What was he doing here…?
"I heard her crying." Piano glared at Junior. "You left her."
"Sorry… I had to take care of some stuff…" Junior mumbled, his cheeks darkening in embarrassment. Suddenly he felt like a terrible brother…
"Whatever." Piano sighed. "Do you want me to stay with her?"
"No – it's okay, I'll take her." Junior answered, approaching Piano. "Thanks."
"What were you doing?" Piano demanded, pulling Viola away. "I've just heard King Piccolo."
"Yeah, we uh… we had a talk." Junior uttered. "It's a long story, but… basically I'm going to be here more often. So… that's how it is."
"I see." Piano mumbled. He paused for a moment, his mind obviously wandering. Junior guessed he was trying to figure out what had been said… He didn't really mind if Piano worked it out… so long as Junior didn't have to explain it himself. It was… awkward, and embarrassing. He wasn't good at… whatever that conversation was.
"Anyway. Go back to bed. I'm sorry you had to step in." Junior spoke, changing the subject. He held out his arms, and Piano carefully handed Viola over.
"Careful." Piano whispered. "Don't wake her."
"I got it." Junior whispered back. He watched as Viola started to stir slightly, and he gently rocked her. "Ssh, ssh…" He soothed, in an attempt to keep her asleep. "Hmm hmm…"
Piano yawned sleepily, watching Junior. Actually, he did seem quite comfortable with her… How many times had he babysat Gohan's child, exactly? … Hm. Well, fine. So long as he knew what he was doing. Satisfied, Piano turned and headed for the door… until his attention was caught by Piccolo Junior's humming. "Hmm hm-hm hmm hmm…"
"What the…?" Piano turned to looked at Junior, a stunned expression upon his face. "Did you hear me singing to her?" He asked.
"What?" Junior frowned. "No –" He froze when Viola started to stir, and continued humming to her, rocking her gently. "Hm-hm hmm hmm…" He looked at Piano. "Why?"
"You must have." Piano replied telepathically. "How else would you know that song?"
"This song?" Junior answered. "It's just something I sing to Pan. I made it up."
"No – that's Viola's song." Piano argued. "I made it up."
"Don't be ridiculous – I've been singing this since before I even knew about Viola." Junior argued. "You must have misheard."
"Junior, I've been singing it to her for the last six months, I think I know what it sounds like." Piano hissed. "Listen – hmm hm-hm hmm hmm, hmm hm-hm hmm hmm…"
Junior frowned in confusion. What the hell? That was it. That was the same song – Pan's song! How did Piano know it?
"Were you listening in on me and Pan?" He demanded.
"What – of course not! You don't think I have better things to do than sit outside Gohan's house listening to lullabies?" Piano barked.
"So what, you think it's a coincidence that we both happened to make up the exact same song?" Junior argued.
"… No." Piano answered. "It can't be a coincidence." He paused for a moment, his mind working. "… Maybe it's not a song from Earth."
"What?" Junior looked at him. What was he saying…? … No. He knew. It wasn't hard to figure out, when Piano put it like that. Two brothers, telepathically linked to the same parent, each inheriting his knowledge and… … memories. It was the only thing Piano and Junior had in common. King Piccolo. "You think it's a song he knows?" Junior asked.
"Maybe…" Piano stared at Junior, his eyes widening slightly. Oh… God. "Maybe it's… a Namekian lullaby. You know from – when he was a child…"
The two of them stood there, staring at each other. They didn't know what to say. This was a bizarre situation to be in… but, it sort of made sense. Somehow, in an eerie sort of way. …
"So what do we do?" Junior asked. "You want to ask him about it?"
"Goodness, no." Piano huffed. "He'd go berserk – he hates thinking about his life with Kami, he doesn't consider it to be him. Even if he did remember that lullaby he'd deny it. Let's just… keep it between us."
"Fine by me." Junior shrugged. Admittedly, he was somewhat relieved… He'd done as much awkward talking as he'd needed to for one night; he wasn't about to volunteer to do more. He pulled his gaze from Piano, and returned to the sleeping Viola. "Goodnight, Piano." Junior spoke silently.
"Goodnight." Piano replied, and he quietly left the room while Junior went back to his soft singing.
"Hmm hmm hm-hm…"
Meanwhile, in King Piccolo and Frikiza's bedroom, King Piccolo was still awake and trying to sleep. He closed his eyes, something he rarely did, in an attempt to block out the sickening humming he could hear coming from Viola's nursery. Ugh. He hated that song. He had no idea where the boys had picked it up, but they all sang it to Viola, and every time they did it gave King Piccolo such an odd feeling. Like he was… somewhere else. He didn't understand it. So he didn't like it!
"Hmm hmm hm-hm…" King Piccolo heard what should have been Junior's voice, but it was different. He didn't quite recognise it, but it sounded familiar, as always… Dammit! It was so frustrating! Why did that song even exist! It was the most annoying sound in the universe!
"Junior!" King Piccolo telepathically barked. "Shut up!" He rolled over in his bed, and tried his best to sleep this unnerving feeling away.