6 - Allies and Enemies

Piccolo's POV

I wasn't sure what was going on down below the Lookout, but I knew something strange was going on. For one thing, Vegeta's ki was off the wall; first it'd be high as if he was fighting someone in a fierce battle, then it would be really low. The first time that happened, I had worried that Vegeta had been seriously injured, but then his ki would return to the normal range . . . for a few moments at least. I was really starting to worry about him and about his son's ki as well; his seemed to be strangely low. I was also worried about the strange other kis that seemed to appear from nowhere. One seemed familiar but I couldn't place it.

"Piccolo, what's wrong?"

I looked down to the one who had spoken to me to see Dende watching me apprehensively. I looked back down towards the Earth and sighed.

"I'm going to check things out down there, alright?" I said, "I want you to take over while I'm gone,"

"O-oh, s-sure," Dende nodded.

With that, I took off and decided I'd better drop in at Korin's in case sensu beans were needed. Korin was reluctant to hand them over, but he eventually gave in.

"What exactly do you need them for; are you expecting a fight or something?" he asked.

"I'm not sure, I just have a feeling that I'll need them; something feels strange down on Earth and I'm going to check it out," I replied.

"You too?" Korin asked, "Well, be careful then, and use them wisely; it's not their season, if you know what I mean,"

"Yeah, I will," I promised as he gave me a small satchel of them, "Don't worry; if we really need more, I can split them in half,"

"You know that'll mean they'll only give them half of the effect," Korin warned.

"Yeah, but it's better than being dead," I replied, "Thanks,"

It didn't take me long to find Trunks, who I found was with Goten, and some other person; the one who's ki seemed familiar for some reason. I found them on the outskirts of a forest a few kilometres from Goku's house, and seemed to be asleep; though it was midday. I touched down close by them, seeing that the new ki –a girl- was awake; she was sitting beside the two sleeping boys, looking over towards me. She seemed rather calm with my presence, and didn't look like she was going to attack me, so I approached her.

Suddenly, something swept pass me, but I didn't know what; I didn't see it. Behind me, trees collapsed to the ground; at that point . . . I sensed something odd. I stared at the girl in shock; had she . . . done that?

"I-I'm not here to harm anyone," I insisted, "I'm a friend of Trunks and Goten,"

"I know," the girl said, then smiled, "I know you're Piccolo, I was just seeing if you were alert,"

"If I wasn't, I am now," I assured her, "So . . . who are you and how do you know me?"

"I'm Isuzuly," the girl told me, "I'm a Diclonious, and I've come here to warn Goku of a threat,"

"So, that's what those power-levels were; they're a new threat, huh?" I asked, somewhat doubtfully, "Strange, they don't seem all that strong,"

"Don't underestimate them," Isuzuly warned immediately, "Just because they don't have a strong ki, it doesn't mean they don't hold great power,"

"So, they're shielding their true power?" I guessed, "Or, do you mean that they have something else to destroy things for them, like what . . . what you have?"

"Yes, yes, and yes," Isuzuly nodded, "The 'something else' is something we call vectors; they're basically invisible hands that can slice through anything, they hold great strength, and the range in length; mine, for example, are fourteen meters long,"

"Well, that explains what happened to them," I gestured back at the fallen trees, "And that also explains why those power levels feel kind of weird,"

"Indeed," Isuzuly agreed with a sigh, "We need to stop them as soon as possible, but," she looked towards Trunks, "It seems we're going to have to wait till we're completely ready,"

"Yeah, I can sense it too," I nodded, "Trunks isn't doing too well, whether he knows or not; his energy signatures pretty low,"

Suddenly, Trunks began coughing in his sleep. I went beside him and gently turned him onto his side, rubbing his back. He looked quite pale and I could see perspiration on his forehead; he looked quite stressed, but I didn't have anything on me to help him. I guessed that Isuzuly didn't have anything to help him either. I lightly brushed Trunks' hair from his eyes, feeling the heat from his forehead; great, he had a fever on top on whatever he had.

Vegeta's POV

I was awoken by a strange feeling on my chest. I sat up to find myself on the couch in Kame House again; had Krillin brought me back here? I didn't remember much after he had found me, but I know we came to a mutual agreement before I . . . embarrassingly fell asleep in his arms. I sighed and stretched, feeling the aches and pains from the weight of my bulging belly, and then I sat back, trying to get comfortable, whilst trying to figure out what the feeling in my chest was. It was a feeling I felt before, though, it usually didn't mean anything was wrong with myself . . . . I suddenly felt my heart lurch as my mind began to spin; Trunks. Something was going to happen to him, or has already happened to him.

Without much of a second thought, I jumped up and went to rush out the door, but I was overcome by a strong dizzying sensation. I stumbled then fell onto my hands and knees, clenching my eyes shut.

"V- . . . Vegeta . . . ?" I felt Krillin's hands on my shoulder as he came beside me, "What's wrong, are you okay?"

"I-I'm fine," I gasped, "I just wish the room would stop spinning,"

"You shouldn't stand up so quickly," Krillin advised, "What with the rush- . . . w-wait; do you need a bucket you something?"

"I-It's not that," I whispered, "It's Trunks . . . . Something's wrong,"

Krillin was silent for a moment, but then he patted my back.

"You shouldn't worry so much," he said with a small smile, "Piccolo's with him, can't you sense that?"

"Huh?" I began to calm myself and sent out my senses, and, sure enough, true to Krillin's words, Piccolo was with Trunks, so was Goten . . . and someone else. If their energy-signatures were high I would've suspected that the other one was an enemy, but . . . . They were calm, "Y-you're right,"

"He'll be fine, Vegeta," Krillin assured me, "Now, do you want something to eat or-uh . . . . V-Vegeta?"

I looked up at him when he began to stutter, then it hit me; I suddenly felt drained for some reason, I became aware the strong waves of pain, and my vision was becoming blurry. I followed his gaze to my rounded belly. I froze; just below my belly, blood was visible, dripping down onto the carpet.

"N-no . . . no, please,"

Isuzuly's POV

After I finished talking with piccolo, it seemed like he didn't quiet know of the threat quiet yet, luckily I told him. I was going to ask him something else, that's when something hitched, close to where we were. It was another ki. But this Ki I knew, a Diclonious android. It was weak but coming close, fast.

"Piccolo…" I said, I knew he had an eyebrow lofted.

"Yes?"

"Take Goten and Trunks, away from here. This is going to be bloody." I said, feeling a bit of anger rising in me. The band around my forehead began to make a loud irritating beeping sound.

I heard a rustle, then soft sounds of Goten and Trunks getting up. "Wh….What's going on?" Trunks asked in a tired voice. I glanced at me as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

"Trouble is coming." I looked forward, and then felt the KI coming closer and closer. Piccolo left, with Goten and Trunks in his arms, but I knew they were in the air watching to see who was coming at us. The rustling stopped and the person with the Ki I felt came out.

She was quiet innocent looking, but I knew it was a Diclonious android. She had short-pinkish reddish hair. Something close to an almost bowl hair-cut, she had pinkish eyes, wearing a teal tank top and ripped pants. She was staring at me innocently. She smiled.

"I knew I would find you." She said softly. "There is no use hiding from the others, why don't you come back with us so that you can be of some help involving Dr. Gero's plans,"

I frowned, "All he is doing is killing people through you and your siblings. He should have thought better,"

"But maybe he was kidding about doing bad things . . ."

"You care about nothing else . . . I suggest you go home," I said turning, I heard her made a little sound.

"Wait a minute, if you don't come with me my siblings will-ah . . ."

I had my vectors touching her flesh. This was giving a warning; she stood in her place, frightened. "Keep still; the slightest touch will kill you. Just another artery if you have one, it will disrupt all your body systems and it will kill you," I said, then letting my vectors get out of her. "Go home . . ."

"Wait . . . I . . ."

I turned sharply, then hitting her with my vectors. "I was going to let you go; after all, there are only some of you out there, but you're just such a pain in the ass."

"A pain? I'LL SHOW YOU WHO'S A PAIN!"

I turned sharply to see her attack, I jumped back. She jumped up, I jumped. She was right in front of me; I used one of my vectors to punch her. She coughed, wiping away blood. I landed on my feet, staring at her before powering up; I went to restricted Super Saiyan. She seemed to recoil; though, she was ready to attack, that's when I used my vectors. They grasped her neck and threw her to the side, chocking her. I raised it up and slammed her down.

"So had enough?" I asked, slyly. She stood up and we faced each other, and then I felt something attached to my leg. I looked and saw a 12 meter vector. D8's vectors where only 5 feet one of her vectors had managed to get bigger?

"See? As you said my slightest touch will kill. So are you ready to come back with me now?"

I didn't know what to do now, that's when I felt another Ki.

"Isuzuly, what are you doing?!" I knew that voice; Trunks. What was he doing down here?

"DON'T COME ANY CLOSER!" D8 shouted that's when her vector let go of my leg; this would give me a chance! I glared, throwing one of my vectors at D8 slicing her right leg, then her fingers. She looked absolutely surprised, she fall to the ground. Trunks was gasping shocked, I walked over, hearing her whimpering in pain.

I stood above her and she gasped. She then made a brave face, what a weakling. "It doesn't hurt! It doesn't hurt at all!" she said, and then I ripped off her left arm entirely, forcing a scream from her.

"So does it hurt now?"

She turned and tried to crawl away, but stopped. Turning she had tears in her eyes; I walked forward standing above her.

She begged. "Please don't . . . no more."

I ripped her right arm and left leg off. She slumped onto the ground, staring up at me. "Does it hurt now? Don't worry I'll put an end to your misery and pain," I said raising a hand then . . .

SLICH!

I beheaded her. I powered down, walked towards a shocked Trunks. I stopped beside him and stared. I slowly then said this.

"This is what a Diclonious can do Trunks . . ."

Vegeta's POV

Blood dripped through my hands as I clamped them over the blood stain. I wasn't sure where the blood was coming from, all I knew was that it hurt, and that, although I had never experienced a pregnancy before, something wasn't right. I was panting heavily, and I felt Krillin's hand on my back, hearing his voice trying to sooth me; my hearing became hazy, almost as blurry as my vision, but I could hear some words spoken to me. 18 had arrived back with Marron, and I soon found myself lying on my side. She sent Krillin to take Marron into another room before grabbing a few towels and grabbing the phone to call someone.

I vaguely heard Kakarot's name, and Capsule Corp. I clenched my eyes shut, feeling tears rolling down my cheeks. I hoped more than anything that I wasn't having a miscarriage; yet, it scared me to think of the possibility that I was in labour.

18 was beside me again, holding the towels over the pooling blood on my abdomen, whilst, suddenly firmly, yet gently, lifted my chin up before speaking as clearly as I could make out.

"Listen, Goku's coming very soon. He'll take you to Capsule Corp to see Dr Briefs, just stay awake, okay?"

I nodded, though felt the beginnings of drowsiness. Kakarot better arrive faster if they expected me to stay awake long enough to get to Capsule Corp.

Goku's POV

I was getting rather nervous when Chichi didn't say anything for about a whole two hours; I was expecting punishment or yelling, but . . . nothing, just silence as we made the bed up for Vegeta in Gohan and Goten's room. I was tempted to ask her if she was going to punish me, but the she suddenly spoke up.

"You know, I just realized; you haven't been training much these last few weeks,"

"U-uh . . . . Oh, yeah," I scratched the back of his head.

"Why don't you go out and train, I'll take care of the rest," she offered.

At first, I just stared at her; I couldn't believe what she was saying.

"O-okay, I guess so," I agreed and left her to it.

Although, I was half wondering if she was actually planning on a huge punishment as soon as I got back. I didn't worry about it much; I could take on whatever punishment she gave me . . . as long as it didn't mean cutting the amount of food I ate. I headed out to the open field where I usually trained with Gohan and Goten and began to do some basic kata, just for old time sakes.

About a half hour into the katas, I became aware of two strange kis. I froze in place, trying to figure out whom they were and if they were a threat. I was surprised to find that they were particularly close to where I was, and even more surprised when I sensed that Piccolo, Trunks and Goten where beside the strange kis. I jolted when I felt one of them power up. For some reason . . . the power signature- no, it couldn't be . . . . It felt a little like . . . like Broly's ki!

I stiffened again; how, how was it possible? I calmed myself and sent my senses out again, maybe I had been mistaken; yes, that's surely the explanation. But, it was there, the same, but, it seemed to be mixed with another ki all too familiar; it . . . almost felt like . . . me? My mind began racing; what if someone else was here that was like Cell? If that were the case then . . . . Damn, the creator was a deadly genius; I don't even think I'd be able to defeat the guy.

I chuckled to myself and pulled out of the stance I had been holding. I was stressing myself out like this; the only way to find out what was true and what was not, was if I had a peek of what was happening. Silly me, getting over zealous again, ha! I decided on running just so my leg muscles could be used for once; I had to agree with Chichi when she says that I "fly around too much". I was soon rushing through the forest, dodging through trees and bushes, until I came across an opening at the lake the boys and I used to go swimming at.

SLICH!

I froze on the spot and stared at the scene before me. There were two girls, both had small cat like appendages on their heads, one had short pink-ish red hair, whilst the other had black hair with pink streaks. What shocked me was that something, I wasn't sure what, had sliced the short haired girl's head off. As I surveyed the scene more, I noticed that her limbs had been sliced off as well.

I stared as the girl with the black hair with pink streaks approached Trunks, who looked too pale. I was about to rush in then, but I noticed Piccolo land beside them. What was going on? I stepped out of the forest and approached them. Piccolo was first to notice me, then Goten. Soon, all four pairs of eyes stared back at me.

"You look a little pale, Goku," Piccolo chuckled, though I wasn't sure why; hadn't he just seen what had happened, "Don't worry, everything will be explained,"

"G-Goku?" I looked over towards the girl, noticing that she wore a headpiece that was similar to Broly's, then, also realising that she was the one I had sensed before; the one whose ki was similar to Broly's . . . a-and mine. Immediately, the pieces fell into place, and I knew.

"So . . . y-you're from an alternative future, am I right?" I asked her. She nodded and I noticed that Piccolo looked quite shocked, "A-and . . . y-you're my . . . daughter, aren't you?"

She nodded, though looked a little confused as her head piece began to beep. I readied myself in case she would attack, but the beeping decreased and she spoke.

"H-how did you know?"

"I can feel familiarities in your ki," I smiled, then chuckled, "Though . . . I am kinda surprised that I'd be with Broly, but I guess that's okay,"

She seemed quite surprised with my statement, and I wondered if she thought that I wouldn't have understood, but then she smiled a sad smile, and I could see tears in her eyes. Impulsively, I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into a hug.

"W-wait, doesn't that mean she's my sister?" Goten suddenly asked.

"Hm?" I thought for a moment, "Actually, I think she's your half-sister . . . though, I don't know if that applies here in this time or what," I chuckled then turned back to the girl, "I'm sorry, but . . . what's your name?"

"It's Isuzuly," the smiled back at me, "It's okay, I know some things are confusing; but I'll explain," I nodded, and she continued, "I-in . . . in my time, when I was a little girl, my family was destroyed by a Diclonious named D15, due to Dr Gero's revenge on the Z-fighters for destroying his androids. D15 has come here to this time; you may or may not have noticed his presence, but he's here, and he's after you and the other Z-fighters,"

"Oh . . . wow," I chuckled nervously, suddenly having a sense of déjà vu, "So . . . a Diclonious, huh? What are they?"

"Well, to be basically put, I am part Diclonius," Isuzuly said, "Diclonius have vectors that can be used to slice through anything, and they are invisible to the normal eye,"

I flinched slightly when I saw . . . something reach up to touch my face.

"Do they kinda . . . look like a hand?" I asked, as my eyes made out what it was.

"Y-You can see them?" Piccolo asked, looking quite astounded.

"A little, yeah," I nodded.

"Well, that's interesting," Isuzuly said thoughtfully.

I chuckled then, suddenly, I felt something strange, my eyes going wide.

"G-Goku, what's wrong?" Piccolo asked.

"Th-there's . . . something wrong . . . with Vegeta," I whispered, my fists clenching and unclenching nervously.

"M-my dad?" Trunks looked up at me with sad eyes, "What's wrong with my dad?"

I looked down at him, taking in the fact that he still looked quite pale; I guess he was sick, so I decided not to tell him exactly what I felt . . . . Actually, I told him something I hoped for.

"D-don't worry, Trunks; I'm sure he'll be fine," I smiled down at him, though my body felt itchy, "How about you all come to my house, so you're in from the cold," I suggested, "Besides, your mom's been worried about you Goten, your mom too, Trunks," The two boys looked down embarrassingly at their feet, "So, come on; let's go,"

With that, I lead them over the forest, flying, of course; I was worried about Vegeta; something just didn't feel right. I could sense that his ki was lowering a little every few minutes; I just hoped that it was simply exhaustion . . . but a part of me felt different about the situation. We touched down outside my house, and was, for once, glad to see Chichi was outside.

"Um, you guys catch up; I need to use the phone,"

I quickly rushed inside just as the phone began ringing. I gulped, my chest aching; please, please let Vegeta be okay.

"H-hello . . . ?" I answered.

"Oh, wow, that was quick-oh! Goku you need to get over here right now," 18's voice said urgently over the phone, "You need to take Vegeta to Capsule Corp immediately; I . . . I think he might be having a miscarriage,"

A sharp intake of breath escaped me, as my body began to tremble. A miscarriage . . . ?

"I-I . . . I'll be there as soon as I can, just tell Vegeta to remain calm and to stay awake," I replied back, hearing my voice shake; I knew that miscarriages usually meant a loss of blood . . . I just hope it wasn't too serious.

I hung up the phone and was about to use my Instant Transmission when I spotted Isuzuly watching me.

"I-I'm sorry, I . . . I know we just kinda met, but . . . I really need to go," I told her, feeling suddenly guilty.

"It's fine," Isuzuly replied, "It's just . . . I've never had the chance to see you use your Instant Transmission technique much, I only heard about it from the Trunks in my future,"

"Oh, well, I'll give you a full lesson on how to use it when I get back," I promised her, "But for now, here's a demo,"

I held two fingers to my forehead, concentrated on 18's energy as Vegeta's was becoming too weak to sense and, in an instant, I was in Kame House. Immediately I saw Vegeta on the floor with blood over him. I was stunned for a second, staring; I couldn't help but feel anxiously worried about him. Vegeta looked up at me as I knelt down beside him and 18.

"It's okay, Vegeta," I stroked his hair and pulled him into my arms and standing up.

Again, I concentrated on any available energy in Capsule Corp, relieved to find that Dr Briefs was there; instantaneously, I was in his lab.

"Wah!" Dr Briefs almost jumped out of his skin, "My dear boy, I don't mind your little party tricks, but don't scare me like tha- oh my, what seems to be the problem here?"

"I-I'm not sure, but 18 thinks he might be having a miscarriage," I replied hurriedly.

"W-well, I'll see what I can do, Goku," Dr Briefs indicated to place Vegeta on the bench beside him, "But you need to realise, my dear boy, I am a scientist not an actual doctor,"

"I-I know, but . . . you are the only one I can ask; you know yourself that not many people are going to agree with pregnant men, remember?" I pointed out, remembering that he had been the one to tell Vegeta to leave Capsule Corp in the first place.

"Well, actually, I may have someone who may be able to help; he's got quite an interest for strange things," Dr Briefs said thoughtfully.

"Uh . . . n-not to be a b-bother or . . . a-anything, b-but . . . MY CHILD OR MYSELF COULD BE DYING AT THE MOMENT AND YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT SECRECY?!" Vegeta suddenly cried, gasping.

"V-Vegeta, please, don't stress yourself," I advised him, stroking his hair as tears welled up in his eyes, "We'll help, don't worry,"

"Indeed; we need to do something," Dr Briefs agreed, "But, could you spare a few moments; my friend would be of most help in this situation,"

"Th-there is no time, please you have to help him!" I insisted.

"Alright, I'll see if I can stabilise him, but I'll call my friend in the process," Dr Briefs said, pulling out his cell phone, "Now, please wait outside til I have stabilised him,"

"O-okay," I nodded, then turned to Vegeta, seeing that the blood had begun to pool on the bench, and that he was becoming quite pale, "Just hang in there, Vegeta,"

I went to leave but then Dr Briefs caught my arm.

"Also, I know you don't particularly going to like what I'm about to say, but considering how much blood Vegeta is losing, he may need a blood transfusion," he said, "Seeing as you're the only other full-Saiyan, your blood may be useful,"

I stared at him. A blood transfusion . . . ? That involved needles. I shivered but nodded.

"Of course, I understand; anything to help Vegeta," I agreed.

"Okay, I'll have Bulma take some blood from you," Dr Briefs as he went to Vegeta's side, "Just wait outside,"

I nodded and went out into the vast hallway, deciding on sitting on the floor opposite the door.

Soon, Bulma came along and she began taking some of my blood through a needle. I winced but I made no move to stop her.

"I-I'm sorry, Goku," Bulma whispered, "I know how hard it is to see Vegeta like this . . . well, somewhat like this,"

"I know," I said softly, and looked up at her, "You know . . . none of this would be happening if Vegeta was allowed to stay here; this is his home too,"

Bulma bowed her head as she pulled the needle from my arm and blasted a bandage on it.

"To be honest . . . I wasn't the one who kicked him out," Bulma sighed, "But . . . I have to agree with my father's reasoning; this building gets inspected every few months, if Vegeta was caught . . ." she trailed off and she seemed to find it difficult to continue.

". . . Yeah, well, you'd have to get Vegeta to understand more than me," I told her, "He is the one that got hurt, and he's the one who has been through more suffering than any of us . . . I just hope that he's okay,"

Bulma nodded before standing up and going into the laboratory. I didn't have any idea what was going on in there, and I didn't think I want to; most medical things creeped me out, but I hoped; I prayed that Vegeta would get through this . . . and I hoped that his unborn child was okay, though I knew that the chances were against it.

"Goku . . . !"

I looked up to see Krillin running towards me. I stood up as he reached me.

"H-hey . . ." I greeted him.

"Hey, h-how's Vegeta going; is he okay?" Krillin asked.

"I-I'm not sure, Dr Briefs said he'd be able to stabilise him, and that a friend of his who might be able to help would be coming," I explained.

"I-I'm sorry, Goku, I should've called sooner," Krillin stared down at his feet, "You said to call if anything happened . . . something did happen, but I didn't really expect it to become this,"

"W-what do you mean?" I asked, "What happened?"

"W-well, you know how I said that I hoped that Yamcha and Tien wouldn't come over?" Krillin reminded me.

"They were . . . annoying Vegeta?" I asked.

"N-not quite annoying," Krillin started, "Y-Yamcha . . . w-well, he . . ."

The way he suddenly became nervous made me come to my own conclusion, and understanding.

"So he was . . . 'touching' him?" I queried, suddenly feeling anger welling up inside me.

"Y- . . . yeah," Krillin whispered, "I-I'm sorry, I couldn't stop him, I-,"

"No, don't worry about it, as long as you and Vegeta made up," I sighed, sitting back down on the floor.

"Yeah, well, a mutual agreement anyway," Krillin nodded and sat down beside me.

Hearing footstep approaching, we both looked up to see a man who had long-ish strawberry-blonde hair that was kept back in a hair tie. He wore prescription glasses, a little different from Dr Briefs, and wore a white lab coat, also like Dr Briefs. He approached the lab door just as Bulma stepped out.

"Hey, Noriaki, my dad's in here," she said, "Be gentle with Vegeta though,"

I stood up.

"H-hey, is that the guy that's going to help Vegeta?" I asked, though I was sure he was.

"Hm? Oh, yeah," Bulma nodded, "He's quite an exceptional person when it comes to "weird" things medical, or situations,"

I sighed in relief, but I was still worried. I was sure that Saiyan anatomy was a little different from humans, if not a little more complex; I hoped this Noriaki guy could help Vegeta. Krillin seemed to notice my nervousness.

"Hey, it's going to be alright, Goku," he assured me.

Suddenly, there was a blare of alarms from inside the room. My heart leapt in worry and I went to rush in, but Krillin held me back.

"G-Goku, wait, it'll get more complicated if you're in there too," he warned, "Just trust them," I quivered as I felt tears well up in my eyes, "Goku . . . I know how you're feeling; I'm worried too, but we can't barge in, we have to trust that they can help him,"

I reluctantly nodded and sat back down, resting my head in my hands. I felt Krillin pat my back and looked up at him, seeing that he too had tears in his eyes. Eventually, the alarms quietened and we were left to wonder what was going on. A few moments later, just as I was about to go in to check that everything was going alright, the door opened.