ew gross icky filler
It furthers the plot a tad, am using it for one thing in particular. And while I'd include it for that reason alone, it has the bonus effect of having a couple chapters of buffer to build anticipation to the wish(TM)
A longer chapter, because I was not splitting this again. I finished writing this last night, well past when I should have. And edited this morning. Obviously I did not get a chapter ahead like I wanted to
thewittywhy: le thanks. And luckily it is lower stakes than Namek. Not that that's a high bar to cross.
xXSelenaXx: Such high expectations. How far they must fall.
An interesting guess for the wish, but if it were to go somewhere, why would it matter if Piccolo knew where it was? Plus, it's implied that Piccolo only knows about it after he fuses with Kami, specifically because Kami knew. The Tree of Might is another good guess, however that is the movie I remembered the absolute least before my rewatch, and since my pre-rewatch memory is what I've been basing what SIGohan knows remembers on, so would she. The World's Strongest and honestly most the movies fall under the same category.
I do have a name chosen, admittedly much more plain than your choices. Obviously I wasn't gonna use my actual name because ew internet, so I asked to borrow a name from one of Kitsune Queen's OC's. She's the one who's drawn my cover images, and has another in the works for when we get to the Cell Saga. As well as some excellent fanart on her instagram. She doesn't post her OC stuff so you can't really get her name out of this info
And, of course, thanks ^.^
Everything was fine while Chico, Icarus, and I were underwater, but soon enough Chico needed to breathe and resurfaced, which I followed soon after.
"Hey what's up with you guys? Rom?" I heard Chico ask as I broke the surface.
I brought my hands down from wiping the water from my eyes and looked back at the shore, where the others seemed, off.
They didn't say anything as they stated at us, or rather, me. Their stances were stiff and seemed like they'd attack the second they were in range.
Oh yeah, also their eyes were red and their teeth looked sharper. That also wasn't a great sign.
Ocari hovered away from them, floating over the surface of the water, turning at the sound of Chico's voice.
"Are you normal?" He asked.
"Uh, yeah? What happened?" I asked in turn, grabbing Chico and floating up to meet him, just in case any of the not quite right kiddos decided to dive in.
"I, do not know. There was a strange colored mist and then they started acting weird. Is that normal?"
"No. It's not."
That, seemed like a filler arc. Which one was it?
I'm pretty sure the only filler arc between Frieza and Androids was the Garlic Jr thing, wasn't it? There was a mind control thing in there I think.
"Wait, it just didn't affect you?"
"I, don't think so? It smelled funny I guess."
"Huh…"
Chico looked between Ocari and I, confused.
"Wait, what's happening? Why are they acting like that?"
"I don't, really know. I'll figure it out."
I nodded at Ocari to fly off and landed on a mountainside far enough that I was certain the lot of them had no idea where we were, let alone could follow.
Icarus settled next to us, seemingly on high alert as he scanned below. I took a moment to note that the sky was slightly purple-tinted.
Ocari held out my backpack and T-shirt that he had collected.
I put the shirt back on after claiming my ki up enough to scatter the water off me before rifling through my backpack.
I should still have- here we are.
I brought out my cloak and pulled it over Chico's head. No colds shall be caught today.
Now then, what to do? For me, the next obvious choice was to find Krillin or Piccolo and hope whatever this was skipped over them too. Judging by Ocari, Piccolo at least should be fine.
But what to do about those two? I could hardly send them off on their own. Ocari could probably protect them against any normal person or animal, but I still have no idea how whatever this is works or if it has other ways to spread. Or heck, it's DBZ, it probably gave a power boost.
I doubt it'd be much better to bring them with me, but at least then I can keep an eye on them. I'll just, ask Krillin for his input when I find him. Hopefully not a violent vampire zombie thing.
For now, I guess I'll head to Kame House. Krillin and company are supposed to be there.
I tuned back into the children mid-conversation.
"I'm just saying, if I could fly getting away could have been a lot easier," Chico was saying.
"But if they could also fly wouldn't they have just followed us, making escape much more difficult?"
"Hmmm, well this is a very un-ique circumstance. Being in danger is not nearly as un-ique," she said, stumbling over the word unique.
"You probably wouldn't be able to fly very fast either. Maybe as fast as me if you get really good. Faster people are also usually stronger, like Gohan."
"Is Goh really that strong?"
"Ok," I cut in, derailing the conversation, "new plan, we're gonna head to Kame House, hope Krillin or someone is there and fine, and then figure this out."
"Where's that?"
"On an island in the ocean. I'll lead the way, I should be able to find it from here," and once I get closer I'll be able to pinpoint it by sending out their energies at least.
I helped Chico climb on Icarus's back, as that'd be the most comfortable way for her to fly such a long, relatively speaking, way, and we headed off. Icarus and Ocari following my path.
What could have been a minute or two flight was slowed by having to make sure they could keep up, but eventually we neared Kame House.
I paused mid-flight when I sensed Krillin, not at the island, but below us and I looked down and sure enough, saw Krillin's head resurface from under the water.
As well as…that woman…
Surely if she, by happenstance, were to drown out here it could only be seen as an accident, right?
"Gohan? Hey! I thought you couldn't come?"
Oh good, Krillin's normal.
"Somethings come up."
"Are you normal?" Ocari asked.
"Normal? Uh, yeah? Why?"
"Aw! How cute! Krillin! You didn't tell me you had more cute little friends!" Ignoring.
"Is everyone else at Kame House?"
"Huh? Oh yeah. The two of us just came out here to swim."
"Great. Let's go."
I elected to wait to explain until we found the rest, that way either I wouldn't have to repeat myself, or Krillin would have first-hand proof.
We landed back at the island, Krillin, unfortunately, carrying the annoying lady along.
"Where is everybody?" The annoying lady asked.
"I guess, they're all inside," Krillin responded.
"Chico, stay on Icarus's back, in case something happens."
"Hey uh, Gohan, seriously man, did something happen? You're acting kinda-"
"I'll explain once we find the others."
"Aw! Well aren't you a serious little thing-"
I walked towards Kame House.
"Hel-looo, don't you know it's rude to ignore people when they speak to you?"
I opened the door of the pink house to find Bulma, Yamcha, and Roshi, all standing far too still to be natural.
"Hey guys! Guess who managed to make it after all! Uh, guys?" Krillin called, but to no response.
"They are not normal." Ocari commented.
Suddenly, like a flip had switched, the three had lunged forward. I leaped backwards while Krillin scrambled to get the lady out of the way.
"Icarus, up! Ocari, you too!" I called before turning my attention back to the attacking three.
I ducked around some strikes from Bulma while Krillin had a slightly more difficult time weaving through Yamcha's more developed attacks.
The annoying lady's shrill scream pierced my ears as Roshi stalked toward her. Honestly, probably not too different from his normal self.
Somehow, Krillin found the time to kick Roshi away and into the water.
"Krillin!" I called and nodded upwards, he nodded back and we kept into the sky, which left us only with Yamcha to deal with.
I didn't particularly want to hurt Yamcha, but I also didn't feel as bad about it. He could better take it, with his training and all.
I swiftly kicked him back into the sand.
Unfortunately, Icarus had dived down to save the annoying lady. Which I did not tell him to do.
"So, uh, I assume that this is what you meant by, "something came up"?"
"Yeah."
"Do you, uh, know what's happening?"
"Nope."
"Oh. Great."
I turned my head to the sound of laughing to see four men, almost certainly aliens, fly in.
Well, on the bright side, the other three weren't trying to attack anymore, as they were now kneeling to the newcomers. Other five actually. The pig and the cat were also here. Huh, hadn't noticed.
"Don't suppose you have an explanation to what's going on?" I ventured to ask.
"They inhaled the Black Water Mist kid, they belong to us now," one of them helpfully supplied.
"Great, thanks, how do we get rid of it?"
"You don't! They belong to Garlic Jr now!"
I suppressed a sigh as Krillin shouted some exclamation of shock. I had already pretty much figured that much out but it didn't make it any less annoying.
Still…
"Who?" I decided to add. Just for the fun of it.
"How dare you! Garlic Jr is-"
"Yeah- I really don't care. Can we just, start with the fighting so we can beat you and get this whole deal moving?"
Not waiting for a response, I darted forward, kicking up sand behind me, aiming for the blue-skinned one since he seemed to be in charge of this lot.
Only to be stopped in my tracks by some kind of telekinesis.
Annoying.
On the brighter side, it took three of them to hold me still, and if I struggled enough I could probably-
It didn't get that far since a Ki blast came charging through, forcing them to dodge in order not to get hit. I landed on a knee putting my hand out to stabilize myself.
"Piccolo," was all blue-skinned dude had to say, like it was some kind of dramatic reveal.
"Well, you've got that dramatic timing down packed, now don't you?" I turned up to see him, a picture of dramatization, Standing on the roof with his arms crossed.
"Yeah. You're welcome," I grinned at his sarcasm.
"So, how's your day been?" I asked, my tone intentionally light.
"Well first, I had an annoying talk with Kami. Now this. This is better."
"Well sure, you get to punch things."
"I need to after that."
"What'd he talk about anyway?"
"I don't know. I don't pay attention when he speaks."
I stifled a laugh, as it probably wasn't ideal for the situation.
"Uh hello? Evil minions, that way," Krillin directed us back to the fight. Which, yeah alright, fine.
"You dare ignore us! Garlic Jr will have your heads!"
"Garlic Jr? Really? Isn't he supposed to be in the dead zone?"
"Yes, however, he escaped due to the Makyo Star-"
"Yeah, still don't care," I interrupted, "it doesn't matter how he escaped, all that matters is getting rid of him."
Blue skin dude faltered, before turning to Piccolo instead, "admit it, you've always had a fascination with the dark side, Piccolo. Why don't you join Garlic Jr now while you still can? He's about to take over the planet."
"Please. How can someone stupid enough to get trapped in his own trap take over a planet? Besides, if and/or when I decide to take over this planet Id hardly need help."
"How dare you-"
"Hey now, settle down, Vinegar. He's just trying to get you riled up," the blue-skinned dude interrupted the bulkier purple-skinned guy.
The four of them surrounded Piccolo, but he didn't even glance back.
"You see Piccolo, you have two choices here. Either you drop the goodie two shoes act and join us, or you can oppose us and suffer just as the rest. Your choice. Well?"
I resisted the urge to comment that that was not a choice, but an ultimatum.
Regardless, Piccolo just chuckled to himself, before removing his cloak.
"So that's your choice."
"Gohan, you and Krillin go to the lookout. I have a feeling Kami will know how to deal with this," Piccolo ordered.
I nodded and turned to Krillin who nodded as well.
"Be careful, I assume that's where you'll find Garlic Jr as well. Of course, compared to Namek, I doubt that'd cause much of an issue."
"Haha, you make a good point there," Krillin laughed. And we were off.
Icarus rushed to catch up while Ocari flew beside him.
"Hey uh, Krillin, you know where the lookout is, right?" I asked, because I had, absolutely no idea.
"Yeah, of course. I trained there for a bit with Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu. Before the whole Sayain thing. We'll get there in no time."
Krillin turned, he was still flying forward while looking backwards which, he didn't lose any speed, but it looked a bit awkward.
"As for you three, uh, four, where'd you find a dragon…? Anyway! You four, go find somewhere safe to hide until this all blows over. This is no place for kids, or you Marin."
"Goh's going!" I glanced back to see Chico pointing to emphasize her point.
"Y-yeah but, that's…different."
The annoying lady argued a bit with Krillin over it.
At second glance it did look somewhat awkward as the annoying lady sat behind Chico. Icarus was a small dragon, while it'd be fine for one or two kids to ride him, an adult would certainly have to ride alone for it to be comfortable for any involved.
I sighed, well, it's not like they're gonna be leaving anyway.
Also, it didn't seem like even Chico was immune to annoying lady's irritation.
"Come here Chico," I said as I flew back and up a bit, so that I was level with Icarus and Chico could safely climb over and onto my back instead. Hesitantly, she did so movements shaky because well, we were still flying rather quickly very high in the air.
Eventually, she made it, and thus wrapped her arms very tightly around my neck, "haha, never doing that again!" She said as her grip slowly loosened as she felt more stable.
I flew back up to being on speed with Krillin.
"So that was Piccolo?" She asked, "he seemed nice."
I hummed in agreement.
"Did he?" I glanced to my left to see Ocari had caught up a bit more, frowning.
"What do you mean?" Chico asked.
"Hm, nothing."
Ok then.
"Hey!" Krillin and I stopped mid-flight at the, unfortunately, familiar voice. Icarus Halted to a stop a few feet in front of us.
I…acknowledge that it is better that he wasn't corrupted by the mist whatever.
But turning to see Nappa was not the highlight of this day.
"Ha! I knew I'd get the sensing thing down eventually, kinda," he grinned, "you lot have any ideas why Bulma's parents started acting kinda," he made a crazy motion with his hand, "while the doc was workin on the GR?"
"G-R?" Chico questioned.
"Gravity Room," I clarified.
"Gravity Room?"
"Makes things heavier or lighter in it."
"Oh! Sounds fun!"
"What does," Ocari copied the crazy hand motion, "mean?"
"Don't copy that, it's rude," Ocari clasped his hands together at that.
I flew further ahead while Krillin explained what was up to Nappa.
We stopped at the top of Korin's tower rather than the lookout itself. It seemed, empty.
"What do you think Gohan?" Krillin asked.
"Seems abandoned."
"Yeah but, think it'll be safe for them?"
"Depends on if it's actually abandoned."
"Hey! What's the deal?" I flinched at the annoying lady's voice piercing through the quiet.
Krillin quickly turned to shush her.
"You are…unpleasant," Ocari concluded.
"Scathing." I snickered.
"Hey Ocari, do you hear anything?" I asked.
"Ocari?" Krillin questioned.
"Yeah, Namekians have good hearing, cause of their ears," I pointed at my own ears.
"Oh…I guess, that would make sense."
"Well?"
Ocari turned back to the building, pointing down some stairs, "I hear voices. They sound normal, I think."
"Hey! Maybe they're ok!" Krillin grinned.
We stepped onto the platform. I let Chico down but did walk away just in case I needed to scoop her back up again.
"Hey what's the deal?" The uh, the guy, the sword guy asked as he walked up the stairs behind Korin.
"Hey! Are we glad to see you!" Krillin smiled.
"Well it's nice to see you too, but you woke me up from a nap," Korin complained.
Annoying lady squealed, "what a cute little cat!" She announced as she ran across the room to scratch Korin under the chin.
Annoying lady commits microaggressions.
"That's enough!" Korin snapped, reeling backwards.
"Who is this girl?" Korin demanded.
"Uh, Marin…" Krillin supplied.
"Now listen here, this is a holy place! Not a beach hangout!" Korin chastised, referring to the bathing suit that the annoying lady was still wearing.
"I'd ask what's going on, but it'd be easier if I just read your thoughts."
I reeled back, "uh…just, his thoughts, please," I pointed at Krillin.
"Yeah sure."
A few moments later Korin was also exclaiming in shock.
I sighed as we seemed to go over the situation for the millionth time this hour.
I walked over to Ocari, "hey, same deal. If anything happens get the three of you out of here," I said and he nodded.
"And Marin, right?" Krillin looked over to ask.
"I did not say that."
I sat, taking off my backpack to see what I had. It was mostly just casual stuff. I still had the first aid kit, minus what I had used on Icarus. My water bottle, which I took a sip from. Some sketchbooks and pencils, which were useless. I obviously hadn't brought my sword, because why would I? Unfortunately, I did not have my Gi in there which meant I was fighting in a t-shirt and shorts. Great.
I sighed, standing back up, but leaving my backpack. No need to bring it when it'd just be dead weight.
"Ohho! And what's your name?" Annoying lady asked Nappa, who grinned as he introduced himself.
"H-hey!" Krillin ran to get in between the two.
I sighed as I turned away.
"Alright, Chico. Ocari's in charge here alright? If he says your leaving you go with him, ok?"
"Why? Are you leaving?"
"The lookout is right above here. Hopefully, we'll fix all this mess there."
"Can't you just let the grown-ups deal with it and stay here? That way it's not just the two of us dealing with the blue-haired girl" she whispered the last part, placing her hand to the side of her mouth as if to block anyone else from hearing.
"Sounds easier, but probably not. It'll be fine. Promise. I'm sure you'll survive, no matter how vapid she might be."
"C'mon Gohan! Tell your girlfriend you'll be right back and let's go!" Krillin called, a teasing glint in his eyes.
"No," I said, with no emotion or reaction in my voice.
Krillin stumbled, "w-what?"
"I can tell my friend I can be leaving. But since I don't have a "girlfriend" I cannot tell her anything."
"Dating Goh?" Chico tilted her head as if considering the concept, "hmmm, yeah, no thanks!" She smiled.
"Oh…uh…ok…" Krillin sounded disappointed by the lack of reaction.
"What is a girlfriend?" Ocari asked, and oh gosh golly I was already walking away, what a shame.
And soon enough Krillin, Nappa. And I were making our way up to the Lookout proper.
And what we found was, all but destroyed.
What I'm sure was beautiful decor and craftsmanship reduced to rubble scattered across the platform.
"Man, just look at the place. Mr Popo would have a heart attack if he saw this…" Krillin said.
Laughter filled the air, "so you don't like the new decor?"
A man, I assumed, he was very short, walked out. He had blue skin and pointed ears.
"So you've come for the sacred water then? We'll come and get it."
"Uh no actually. That's the first we've heard of it. But thanks for the tip on what we should be looking for," I shrugged.
The man turned to me, "ah, Son Gohan. It has been some time, you recognize me I assume?"
"No."
The man sputtered.
"Oh wait, what was your name? Was it- was it Pilaf?"
"Wha- no! Of course not!"
"Really? Cause you look and sound exactly like your name should be Pilaf."
"I don't even know who- oh whatever. You! Kill them!" He shouted at someone out of view.
A ki blast broke apart the ground between us and Garlic Jr, or as I will now be referring to him, Pilaf wannabe, and out from the smoke came Piccolo, a corrupted sneer on his face.
Great. Now this.
The other minions appeared behind him with some one-liner.
"Now, before we do get to the killing you part, I do have a question," Pilaf wannabe walked up.
"I want to know where your father is," he said to me specifically.
"I dunno. Somewhere in space," I shrugged.
"Now is not the time for games boy! You will tell me where your father is so I can enact my revenge properly!"
"Guess you'll just have to wait 'til he comes back then. Wanna set the world right and try again later?" I offered.
Pilaf wannabe sneered, "have it your way then. Once Goku realizes you're here it's only a matter of time until he shows up."
I rolled my eyes, and raised a hand towards Pilaf wannabe, forming it into a finger gun.
Ki charged into it- only for Pilaf wannabe to reach into his cloak and pull out an oddly shaped glass bottle with a tiny Kami in it.
"Go ahead and take your best shot, I sure hope your aim is good."
Honestly, I probably could hit him without risking Kami's safety. Even still, my eyes flickered to the corrupted Piccolo, if Kami dies so would Piccolo, and that, is not ideal. Oh yeah, and also the Dragon Balls would be gone.
Best not take the risk. I lowered my hand.
Gotta figure out how to get the bottle away from him then.
The short red minion darted forward, to attack I assume, I dodged backwards. And then again for his follow-up attack. I blocked a few more and uh, huh. You know, compared to Namek, this wasn't really, much.
"Alright, so, the main goal here is to get rid of the short blue guy, right?" Nappa asked.
"Yeah, gotta be careful though, he's got Kami held hostage," Krillin confirmed.
"Right right, if that guy dies so does the Namek- wait they're both Nameks, uh Piccolo. And also the Dragon Balls."
"Any issues with me killing them?" Nappa asked, a smirk frowning on his face.
"Well, uh, they've corrupted the Earth, kidnapped its guardian, and are trying to kill us so…use your own discretion."
Which, translated to, yeah go ahead. Because that's where Nappa's discretion lead.
In the next moment, the red guy did not have a head anymore.
It was too quick for him to have even thought to defend against the Ki blast.
The other three minions and the Pilaf wannabe were left blinking.
"Uh, wow, where'd- where'd you find that guy? I thought Piccolo was as morally defunct as you lot came…?" Pilaf wannabe asked.
"Nah, Piccolo pretty cool nowadays actually, Nappa's…kinda a war criminal? At best. He's around, I guess," Krillin shrugged, admittedly cringing at the now collapsed corpse, which I did not even look in the direction of.
"Huh…should have corrupted that guy…speaking of which…"
In the next moment, Piccolo had shot forward, and I could not dodge that punch.
I sprung around and landed back on my feet to dodge his follow-up.
The other three all focused on fighting Nappa, which said Sayain took about as seriously as he did us when he first arrived to Earth.
I ducked under a strike from Piccolo, but couldn't dodge his knee to my stomach. I got back up to dodge a couple of Ki blasts, that he didn't seem to care for awfully close to his brainwashers.
I weaved through a series of punches, only to be kicked in the side.
I frowned. Yeah, I was losing, but also-
Sure I could barely block some of his punches.
And sure I got hit and they hurt.
But I could still, get back up.
And the fact that I could block or dodge any of his attacks-
I frowned, making eye contact with the "corrupted" Piccolo.
Alright then, this'll just be a particularly painful sparring session then.
It was amazing how much that change in mindset changed how I went about the fight, as I was suddenly able to fight back.
Because if it was just a spar, I didn't actually have to worry about him hurting me, not really at least.
Even when he did land a hit and it hurt, it was always somewhere that wasn't vital, that wouldn't cause any long effect or take me out of the fight.
Instead of dodging, I matched one of his Ki blasts, and used the smoke as cover to duck around and kick at his side- whether it was to put on a show for Garlic Jr or I genuinely caught him by surprise, I received a solid strike to my chest that sent the wind from my lungs, and the rest of me hurling towards the edge.
I landed on the platform, but continued sliding up to and then over the edge of the Lookout.
It didn't really matter, in the grand scheme. Option one: I recover midfall, and fly back up.
Option two: I don't, and actually hit the ground, countless miles below. As if terminal velocity was a viable threat at this point.
Or,
Of course,
Option three: I hang from the side of the platform by my tail.
I glanced back up to see, indeed, a brown fluffy tail had sprouted from my backside and was holding me up from falling. Which ok, despite my earlier rationale, it was still rather daunting to be hanging upside down from this height.
"Whoo! Finally!" I grinned as I sprung back up to the platform.
I took a moment to appreciate the fluffy appendage that I'd likely have to relearn how to control more finely.
A few months my- it's been nearly a year! Obviously, it wasn't time then that triggered it's regrowth. Couldn't really be adrenaline either since then it'd have grown back on Namek. Maybe both?
My head turned just in time to receive a punch.
Oh.
Right.
Fighting now.
Speculation later.
The sparring continued and for a brief moment, Piccolo's eyes darted back to Garlic Jr.
I took the hint and began dodging back in that direction instead.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Krillin try to sneak around to charge the Pilaf wannabe or Kami's glass prison, only to hit a forcefield.
Of course, Piccolo didn't take kindly to distraction even in normal situations and that got me a good strike to the face.
The Pilaf wannabe laughed, "ahha! The hatred Piccolo must have for the child. All that aggression built up against the son of Goku, finally released by the black water mist."
I stumbled in my steps and even Piccolo paused at that. Nappa looked over from his "fight."
"Uh, is that a joke? Even ignoring that the Namek has literally died for the kid, I've also seen him take a bullet for Kakarot. That's the right phrase right?" Nappa turned to Krillin who nodded.
"Wait," Garlic Jr held up a hand, "Namek?"
"Aliens. The planet's called Namek. The people are called either Namekians or Nameks. Piccolo is one," Krillin clarified.
"Kakarot?"
"Goku."
"Oh…just what has happened here in the past two years?"
"Has it only been two years?" Krillin seemed to deflate at that revelation.
Anyway, my fight with Piccolo resumed.
The fight lead into the main building, which was more difficult, since enclosed spaces weren't my favorite.
Then he used the duplication technique. I took a moment to just kinda, glare in exacerbation. I get putting on a good show, but that, that wasn't necessary.
Anyway, I was now fighting three Piccolos. It was much worse than one, thanks for asking.
Ultimately, the fight lead me crashing through the roof and landing conveniently in front of Pilaf wannabe's conceded little throne.
Piccolo reduced back to one and kicked me across the room, right in front of the Pilaf wannabe.
He grabbed me by my collar, only for Garlic Jr to interrupt.
"Wait," he grabbed Piccolo's free hand that was poised for attack, "I think I will Finnish off the twerp myself."
"Oh your pleasure," Piccolo smirked and the tiny tyrant's face twisted in realization half a second too late to do anything before Piccolo has grabbed Garlic's wrist and already collected Kami's prison from his clutches. And hey, Mr Popo too. How nice.
Almost casually Piccolo tossed them on the ground, releasing the two as the glass broke.
"Honestly. This is the second time that's happened to you, old man," Piccolo commented as he tossed the Pilaf wannabe away from him.
"The first time, was because of you," was Kami's response.
At which Piccolo smirked, "heh, yeah. That was the best part of that day."
"You- you tricked me!"
"Hardly," I said, climbing to my feet and dusting off my thoroughly ripped clothes, "I mean really, if Piccolo was trying to kill me I'd be paste on the floor like, as soon as the fight started. Do you even realize what the power gap is now?"
As if to make my point, Nappa walked in, "well that was fun, but your probably gonna need some new henchmen."
Garlic Jr sputtered, "Spice!? Vinegar!" He called.
"Uh, yeah, in case it wasn't clear. I killed them," Nappa clarified.
"It- it doesn't matter! Because soon the Makyo Star will-"
"Not soon enough," Piccolo interrupted, "hey Kami, what do we do about the mist?"
"Well, the easiest solution would be to simply use the sacred water to counter it. If that doesn't work, well, nothing's been done that can't be undone by the Dragon Balls."
"Great. That means you're irrelevant," Piccolo said towards the Pilaf wannabe, who seemed to be growing increasingly aware of how bad the odds were for him.
Piccolo plucked a bottle off a shelf.
"Is this empty?"
"Yes," Kami nodded.
"Great, make use of it," he tossed the bottle over to Kami.
Kami hesitated.
"What?"
"Well, I assumed you would want to-" Kami made a vague, leaving gesture.
"I would want to what?"
"Well, considering, your father-"
"No no, go ahead."
Kami hesitated for a moment more before turning and using the Evil Containment Wave on Garlic Jr.
And, that was that.
Almost seemed anti-climatic.
"Well if that wasn't proof enough you've been slacking on your training-"
"Wha- hey! That's not fair- oh no, I can't keep up with the strongest person on the planet."
"I should not have had to pull nearly as many punches as I did."
"You could have pulled more. And really? The duplication technique? That was just unnecessary."
"Had to make it look convincing," Piccolo shrugged.
"Did he even know you had that? You totally could have gone without it."
"Whatever, Kami, you'll deal with the mist."
"Yes. Anything else?"
"I hate you."
"I do so enjoy our conversations."
Without another word Piccolo turned and left. With a glance back and a wave, I followed.
We had made it almost to the edge of the lookout, before Piccolo stopped, scowling.
He looked down at me, and without a word put a hand a few inches over my head, and my shredded clothes were replaced by a new Gi and cloak. With a nod, he then turned and flew off.
"Hehe," my hands found the collar of the cloak, "now I have two."
I floated down until I reached Korin's place and thus, Chico and Ocari. And Icarus.
"Goh!" Chico rushed over, "save us," she whispered dramatically. I snickered at her misfortune of being stuck with the annoying lady for so long.
"Your outfit is different," Ocari observed.
"Hm? Yeah, Piccolo made it."
"Hm."
Chico suddenly gasped, "your tail! It's back!" At which I grinned.
"It do be. It do be indeed."
"Gohan has a tail?"
"Sh- ah he-" Chico glanced at Korin and, the other guy, who were doing whatever for the annoying lady, "did! But then it was apparently cut off. But now it's back!"
"Oh. Makes sense."
"Hey, why do you look so hurt?"
"Hm? Oh, I'm fine, just a few scrapes," well, ok I'd probably feel sore for a few days, even considering the fact that I seem to heal faster as a Sayain, but it's fine.
"Hmm," Chico suddenly rushed off to my backpack, and brought out the mini first aid kit.
Soon enough I was sat down with Chico applying bandages to any scrape she saw.
Krillin came to meet us soon after. Some obligatory small talk with Korin and we were free to leave.
"Oh! Do I get to ride the dragon again?" My eyebrow twitched.
"Well, unfortunately, we're heading in the opposite direction."
Not completely the truth, but close enough to work.
"Oh…Krilly! I guess you'll just have to carry me!"
"O-oh, haha, well I-"
"On second thought. I should say hi to Bulma."
An annoying flight, more obligatory small talk, Ocari elected to go back to Capsule Corp with Bulma rather than take the longer flight back to the orphanage and then to Capsule Corp, and more flying later- we finally got back to the pond where this all started.
"Chico!" Rom ran up as he saw us, "there you guys are! What happened? We don't, really remember much, but it's almost dark now…"
"I'm sure Chico will tell you soon enough."
Hacchi seemed to do a double-take.
"Well, I guess you weren't joking. Your tail really did grow back."
I grinned at the reminder.
It honestly didn't do much for me since there wasn't a moon anymore, but having a tail in of itself was really really cool.
It was more than time to head back, and so we did. Conveniently just as Pigero was walking up.
"Well that was an interesting day…" he was muttering.
He looked up as we came in, "hey are you guys just getting back what, uh- what took you so long?" He stumbled over his sentence when his eyes landed on me but he recovered well enough.
Some vague "I dunno's" and shrugs were quickly brushed off, however.
"Mmhmm, right. Hey uh, Goh, where'd- where'd you get that outfit?"
"Huh? Oh, Piccolo gave it to me."
"Right and uh, how long, have you had it? Exactly?"
"Uh, I dunno. A while? Well, not this one but similar ones. Why?"
"No- no reason really."
"Ok…" I could have pushed it, but I was tired. And just kinda wanted to get home. So I did. With a few standard goodbyes, I was off.
With a glance at the calendar, I noted that by tomorrow it'd still be 117 days until my wish.
I hoped they'd be shorter days.
Yes I did include this just for a convenient way to get the tail back, thanks for asking