A/N Took a little break since life was kind of life-ing. More on that on the full Author's Note on AO3. Congratulations to me (and you) for making it to the 20th chapter! I didn't think this story would be so long, but it's not done yet, and I'm in the long haul of finishing it. There is a scripture below, indicating more implied religious themes. (It is mostly implied at the bottom, with a long dialog to end the chapter) Also, this chapter is the last chapter of Gohan and Dende's break before they return to University. Dende spends his last weekend talking with his family, and fixing his problem with Piccolo. Happy reading!

"Also pray for me—that when I speak, God will give me words so that I can tell the secret truth about the Good News, without fear."

-Ephesians 6:19

Friday came and started quietly. Gohan was downstairs in the kitchen eating breakfast, Dende was journaling at his desk, and Cargo was quietly sketching in bed. The week seemed to have gone by fast, it would only be the weekend left before Gohan and Dende returned to University on Monday. The break was more than needed, but Dende was starting to miss Chiaotzu, and he was hoping that the break hadn't deterred him too much from continuing his education. Dende had also been thinking of ways to rebuild his relationship with Piccolo. His attempts at small talk weren't helping, and him being preoccupied with Gohan's training didn't make it better either.

"Since Uncle is taking a break from training Gohan to meditate today, do you think I should ask to meditate with him?" Dende asked his brother across the room as he continued his journaling.

Cargo hadn't replied, but it hadn't stopped Dende from venting about his situation. "I mean, I don't know another way to connect to him. He won't talk to me, he barely even looks at me. I'd rather take a risk than to not risk anything."

Still no reply from Cargo. He couldn't be that concentrated in sketching. Dende closed his journal to give his brother his full attention. "Hello? Are you listening to me? I was hoping I could get your advice."

Cargo hadn't looked up from his sketchbook. "What does it matter what I think? You're going to choose what you want to do anyways, and probably be praised for it at the end." He muttered.

Dende seemed confused. "What do you mean?"

Cargo finally looked up at him. "I mean, no matter how bad you screw up, it always works out for you. What a relief that you're everyone's favorite." He spoke with contempt.

Dende didn't know if he was hurt or insulted, more of the latter. Cargo had been acting strange all morning. He was quiet and busy with drawing. Dende couldn't even remember if he said good morning back when waking up. He got up from his desk and went to sit at his brother's desk. He had to see what was wrong with his younger brother. "I hope it's a full moon tonight. It would be the only reason as to why you're acting so crabby."

Cargo looked over at Dende with an annoyed look on his face. "Could you just leave me alone? Don't you have something better to do than bother me?"

Dende laughed. "Nothing is better than bothering you Cargo."

Cargo rolled his eyes, going back to his sketching. "Stop trying to make me laugh. You're not funny. Leave me alone."

Now he was frowning. "Why are you so upset with me? I didn't do anything."

"That's exactly the problem!" He yelled. "You never do anything, but you always get everything! You're the oldest, you're the one with the healing powers, you're the one in University, and just last night you told me that you're the Prophet in the Book of Kami? You're the next Guardian of Earth , are you serious Dende?"

"I didn't ask for any of this!" Dende yelled.

"Of course you didn't! You don't have to ask for anything when you're blessed and highly favored! I can't even win a stupid game of blackjack against you! It's always about you, it's always been about you. Do you have any idea how hard it is to live in your shadow—?"

"You should be grateful you don't have to be the Sun!" Dende screamed. "The expectations people set for me are higher than any expectation I would set for myself. I'm terrified of disappointing anyone, and I hate disappointing myself. The last person I healed tried to kill me. Knowing that Uncle Piccolo won't talk to me is killing me." Tears streamed down his face. "You're the first person I told about being the Prophet in the Book of Kami because I know that telling anyone else will just set me to an even higher standard that I can't meet or am afraid to commit to. You think I want to be the Guardian of Earth? You think I want to heal everyone I touch? I just want to be normal! You're the only one on this planet that makes me feel like a normal teenage boy, and now you hate me for something I can't control! "

Cargo rubbed his tear-filled eyes. "But you can control how you act." He spoke quietly. "You're so poised about everything. You're so quiet, and graceful, and mindful about the things you say and how you carry yourself. You set such a good example for me as an older brother, but I just disappoint everyone by not following it. I wish I had the self-control you had. Maybe then I could be the next Guardian of Earth, or at least beat you in Blackjack."

Dende sniffled. "It's not easy. Just because I don't complain about it doesn't mean it's not hard. I'm quiet because I'm anxious, I'm mindful because I'm afraid of expressing myself. You're not afraid of anything. You're fearless, and expressive, and the most creative person I know. You actually have hobbies Cargo, I have no idea what I like. You speak your mind without caring about the repercussions behind it, I could never do that no matter how much I want to. You may not have self-control, but at least you're self-aware, and that's all I could ever wish for."

Cargo reached over on his desk and grabbed his handkerchief. Instead of it being pristine white like his brother's, it was dyed in an array of colors, from using it to blot his work from working with watercolor paint. He offered it to his brother. "I'm sorry for complaining. I guess it is hard for you no matter how easy you make it look."

Dende took the handkerchief that was offered to him, drying his eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't understand your feelings. I had no idea you felt like you were living in my shadow. For what it's worth, I don't want you to hate me. I couldn't handle you not talking to me, I'd lose my head."

Cargo chuckled. "I don't hate you, stop thinking that. I could never hate you. I may have been mad, but you know I'm bad at holding grudges."

Dende gave a half smile. He wasn't wrong. If they ever argued their fall out never lasted long. The longest was 3 days, but other than that, they always got over arguments quickly. "You're right, silly to think. Thank you." He said and handed Cargo back his handkerchief but Cargo declined.

"Keep it. I figure you could take something that reminds you of me back with you to University."

Dende frowned. "But this is your favorite handkerchief."

"You're my favorite too, keep it." He said and closed his sketchbook. "I'm gonna go eat a snack. You should get ready to meditate with Uncle Piccolo. It's your best chance to get back on his good side."

Dende made his way down into the valley. Just as he found him his first day back, Dende found his Uncle meditating in the same spot, in the same position.

Though hesitant, Dende had to be confident. He planted himself across from Piccolo, and took his own meditation position, relaxing his arms against his folded legs. His Uncle preferred to have his arms crossed along with his legs when meditating. Dende believed it to be an uncomfortable position.

Before he could fully settle into meditation, Dende heard a low voice.

"This wasn't an open invitation."

"It didn't seem like a closed one either."

Piccolo opened his eyes to look at his nephew. "Well I don't need company. Beat it."

Dende kept his eyes closed. "This is possibly the only time I have with you before I return to University, and we go back to never talking on the phone, or checking in with each other. So we can either spend it arguing, or meditating."

"I'd like to spend it meditating, just not with you."

Now Dende was looking at his Uncle. "If you want me gone, then you'll have to drag me back up to the temple yourself. I'm not moving on my own." He said before closing his eyes again. "You can't stay mad at me forever, Uncle Piccolo."

Piccolo hummed in response. Dende may have been stubborn, but he was at least being somewhat respectful. Besides, the brat had him cornered about dragging him back to the temple. He knew his nephew meant his words, and dragging him back up the hill wasn't worth his time. Dende knew that too. Piccolo settled back into his meditation pose, closing his eyes. "You have no idea kid." He muttered.

Dende smirked. The confidence worked. Hopefully this meditation session would be a good step towards rebuilding their relationship.

.

.

.

Meditation time was long overdue. Dende cleared his mind of everything, and was able to focus on the things around him. The sound of the wind, the chill in the air, the smell of earth's atmosphere. It was so tranquil and appreciated. Meditation made him feel light, like he was floating. It also freed him of anxiousness, uncertainty, and insecurity. His breathing was slow, and even. His flesh was full of clarity, and open to acceptance. His spirit felt warm, and inviting, ready to welcome the presence of the higher being.

His blank mind started to imagine and envision a world of blue green grass, pastel green waters, and lime colored skies. The planet with three suns. This vision was far from a nightmare. It was a quiet and serene scene. He could hear the sounds of children playing, and people talking. The sounds of community and camaraderie.

Near the edge of a cliff stood a being with a blue cape billowing in the wind. He didn't know his Uncle owned a blue cape. Dende went to meet him at the cliff's edge. "I didn't expect to see you here Uncle Piccolo." He spoke. It wasn't the first time they shared the same mindscape, but he was surprised they were able to connect. They had seemed so out of sync lately.

"I am not the one you call Piccolo."

Dende looked over at the being he was standing on the cliff with. What he thought to be a cape was a long, dark blue vest, and a white scarf. He looked to be a warrior, but this wouldn't be something his uncle would battle in. For this being to look like his uncle, he was right. It wasn't his uncle. They didn't even sound alike. This being was much softer spoken, more similar to him than his uncle. "Who are you?"

"I am a part of Piccolo, a part of his subconscious."

Dende seemed bewildered. How connected did he have to be to his Uncle to reach his subconscious? He shifted uncomfortably. "I don't feel like I belong here. I feel like I'm invading his private space."

The being chuckled. "It's his own fault for falling into slumber during meditation. He let his guard down."

"He's asleep?" Dende asked. It didn't seem like him to fall asleep during meditation. Perhaps he was mentally tired from training with Gohan more than physically tired.

"If you have any questions, now is the time to ask them."

He was definitely pushy like his Uncle, but he had no time to waste. "Why is he always pushing me away?"

"Piccolo knows what's expected of you, so he has high expectations for you. He knows you are precocious, but believes your immaturity and nativity gets in the way of it. He has no intention of maturing you himself, so it's vexing to him when you behave in such a way."

Dende crossed his arms in defense. "Well what should he expect? I'm not even a full adult yet."

"He was hoping University would mature you, and giving you space to think critically on your own would help rather than hovering over you with weekly phone calls."

That explained why he never called. "But, if he has such high expectations, and knows what's expected of me, shouldn't he be closer to me than pushing me away? He should be able to guide me rather than allowing me to guide myself."

"Piccolo didn't grow up with the same love and care as you. He spent his life isolated and cold hearted. The influences he had on him were poor, and groomed him into believing that the spirit of evil was powerful. You are nothing like he once was Dende. You're full of love, and have the ability to love. It's something Piccolo never quite understood. He never wanted you to look up to him, or use him as your guide. He didn't want you to pick up his old habits."

Dende was stunned by all of this unknown information. He had no idea about his Uncle's upbringing. He could see Piccolo being mean-spirited, but evil-spirited? He never considered an idea. It must have taken a lot of self reflection to get where he was today; to be a well-respected minister in their temple. Dende had a newfound respect for his Uncle. He thought he could understand him on a more personal level now.

"Thank you for your time. I appreciate you helping me understand Uncle Piccolo better." He said and looked over at him. "If you're not Uncle Piccolo, then what do they call you?"

The being turned to him and smiled warmly. Dende could feel his heart warm at the smile. It felt like something he hadn't seen in a long time, and oddly missed. It was like his Uncle was smiling at him, but he knew that this was not Piccolo. He was more than a part of Piccolo, he was someone different from Piccolo.

"You'll find out soon enough." He said and put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm very proud of you Dende. May we see each other again when you find your purpose."

Before he could retort, Dende's physical body jolted, and soon he was back in Yunzabit Heights sitting across from his Uncle, who was now wide awake. "I hope you got enough time to meditate. I'm going back inside, it's getting late."

Dende looked around. The noon sun was replaced by the sunset, making the sky a red clay color. He stood from his meditation spot, Dende had no idea so much time passed. The whole day was spent meditating. "I got more than enough time. I hope you caught up on your rest."

Piccolo narrowed his eyes. "I wasn't asleep." He said, offended that Dende accused him of slumber.

Dende looked back at him and smiled slightly. "My apologies for assuming," He spoke and started his way back to the temple.

By Saturday, Dende was journaling his experience speaking with his Uncle's subconscious. Yesterday's meditation session left him relaxed enough to retire in the early evening; into a deep, peaceful slumber. The moment he woke his hand burned with the desire to journal. He spent his morning recalling the entire event to his journal, filling page after page with his questions and interpretations.

When Dende finished his writing, he flexed his hand and stood, closing his journal in the process. He knew Gohan was continuing his training with Piccolo today, but he had been so engulfed in his writing he hadn't known where his brother went.

Dende climbed the ladder down to the sanctuary. He hoped he was in the kitchen, he couldn't remember the last time he ate.

"You didn't go with your brother to visit Korin and Yajirobe?"

Dende stopped when he heard the voice and looked over at the pews. Now he (vaguely) remembered Cargo saying he was watching soap operas with Yajirobe today. "No, I was busy writing in my journal."

Moori smiled. "You are truly my son. You've caught me at the end of my journaling as well." He said and beckoned his oldest over to him.

Dende went to sit next to his father. "What do you write about, father?"

Moori shrugged. "Nothing different from what the next person would write, though lately I've been focused more on you and Cargo than anything. You're both getting older, and soon you will both independently walk different paths that will better lead you to your purpose. I just want to make sure you're both on solid ground before you get too far."

Dende smiled. "You raised us well, father. I could understand your concern with Cargo but—"

"Cargo isn't the one I'm concerned about." He spoke, shaking his head. "You're the one that's far from me. My concern for you is far beyond what you could imagine. I want you to experience all that you can, but I don't want to lose you over an experience you didn't need."

Dende knew that being sacrificed would mean grief for his family, but he never understood what he would be left in his place. A bereaved parent and a surviving sibling. The idea of leaving his father and brother in such a state was too dispiriting to think about. "I know I experienced something you didn't think I needed, but it doesn't mean I didn't learn from it."

"Do you mind sharing what you've learned?"

Dende thought for a moment. "I learned that if I was successfully sacrificed, I would have been content with how my life went. I lived virtuously. I loved others the way they loved me. I was able to bring at least one person back to salvation and rekindle their spirit. It helped me realize my purpose; that I may not mean to be on earth for long, but being able to help at least one person was enough to last a lifetime."

"There's nothing I'm more thankful for than you finding your purpose while in University. However, I will ask: Did you ever think you were spared from sacrifice because your purpose is bigger than what you believe it to be? You seemed accepting of death, but now that it has passed, are you still content with your purpose?"

Dende thought again. He didn't think about the steps to continuing his life after that moment, he didn't even think he'd make it out alive. Perhaps he was too accepting of his fate. Perhaps death gave him the excuse of no longer planning years of soul searching. Living a good, short life was fine with him. Dende would never forget guiding Videl back to a higher power. And yet, he was willing to die with the fact that he told Angela he'd never forgive her for burning his Book of Kami.

That wasn't worth dying over.

"I want to move on and continue to find my purpose, but the last person I tried to help, I couldn't…" Dende shook his head. "I don't want to lose anyone else. I can't see my purpose going beyond helping one person."

Moori put a hand on his son's shoulder. "Not everyone can be saved, but everyone is worth saving. Your salvation and place in ministry is so important, Dende. Don't take your second chance at life for granted. Continue to spread your message, and understand your purpose is to serve more than one person. You are meant to serve generations of people."

He didn't consider being spared from sacrifice a second chance at life, but now he did. The perspective was revolutionary. It was powerful knowing his father believed that he could lead a ministry for generations. Dende moved closer to his father, smiling. "I'm glad we were able to have this time together, it's always needed."

Moori smiled. "I always have time for you. I know this week has been busy with you making time to spend with everyone. I heard you threatened your Uncle with meditation yesterday."

Dende laughed. "I didn't threaten him. I just told him that if he wanted me gone then he'd have to drag me back to the temple himself."

Moori shook his head. "Stubborn, just like him. Serves him right. He could use a taste of his own medicine from time to time."

Dende shifted in his seat at the comment. "During my meditation with him yesterday, I learned that his upbringing was very different from mine…so I'm not sure if being like him is a good thing or bad thing."

Moori seemed to ponder his son's reply. "Piccolo is a good person. He just had to learn how to be a good person."

Dende nodded in understanding before pausing. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Is Uncle Piccolo another person?"

Moori looked at him strangely. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, is there another being connected to him? Like a brother, or a twin?"

"Don't you think it would be better if you were to ask Piccolo, rather me?"

"Well yes, but—"

"If you're not brave enough to ask Piccolo yourself then I shouldn't be the one revealing personal information."

"But, why is it so personal? Is it a secret?"

"It's not a secret, it's just not my place to tell you."

Dende frowned at the reply. It wasn't what he wanted, but it was what he expected. Going to the source was too much of a headache, but going around the source didn't seem to help either. Dende stood from the pew. "I apologize for asking. Thank you for sparing some of your time."

.

.

.

Cargo finally returned to the temple in the early evening. Despite Dende blowing him off this morning, he was glad to see him again and catch up on the day. They stood around the kitchen counter snacking on their chosen fruits. Cargo hopped on the counter, listening to Dende restate yesterday's events with their Uncle and today's events with their father. "I find it hard to believe that Uncle Piccolo could be a twin or a brother." He said, swirling a slice of cantaloupe in tomato soup. "He doesn't seem like the type to share a bond like that with someone, or anyone for that matter. Take us for example. We're extremely close. Were like each other's missing half. Do you really think Uncle Piccolo had someone like that for him?"

Dende scooped his diced watermelon and cucumber out of the bowl. "I don't really know. Whoever is a part of his subconscious, is a being different from him."

Cargo shrugged. "Maybe he did have a brother that died young, or maybe Uncle Piccolo is a twin. Maybe he died in the womb, or at birth. Maybe Uncle Piccolo ate him in the womb, I don't know. Can't you just ask him yourself?"

Dende leaned against the counter. "Father said the same thing. I couldn't ask him something so personal. Things aren't as bad as they were before meditating with him, but they haven't gotten better either. He doesn't know that I talked to his subconscious, so I'd have to admit to that too." Dende said before sighing. "I'm better off just finding out on my own. I don't want him accusing me of trying to pry into his mind."

Cargo laughed at the thought. "I could see that; scolding you about reading his mind. 'Violating someone's private mindscape is grossly inappropriate.'" Cargo mocked, deepening his voice to sound like Piccolo's.

Dende couldn't help but laugh at his brother's mocking. "'You think my mind is a game?'" Dende added, using the same mocking voice as Cargo.

"'You little brat.'" They added together before erupting in a fit of giggles.

"Something funny?"

The two stopped their giggling to look over, finding Piccolo and Gohan standing in the doorway.

Piccolo glanced between the two of them. "You, off the counter." He ordered.

Sighing, Cargo hopped off the counter top, standing across from Dende to finish his snack.

"Find something better to do than talk about me." Piccolo scolded, stepping aside in the doorway.

"Good night Mr. Piccolo. See you tomorrow for service." Gohan spoke walking past him into the kitchen to eat the dinner that Mr. Popo made for him.

Wordlessly, Piccolo left the kitchen and continued down the hallway.

Cargo rolled his eyes once he left. "My point is proven. You expect me to believe he's close to someone? He didn't even tell us good night." He muttered.

"He told me good night." Gohan said, sitting at the kitchen table where his dinner was waiting. "Before we came in, we were talking. I think he just got distracted from hearing you two talk about him."

Dende looked over at his friend. "Well it seems he's more fond of you than the two of us."

Gohan laughed. "Don't be silly, I'm sure he doesn't think that. Besides, I don't see how you have so much of a problem out of him. He's not that bad." Gohan became fond of Piccolo himself. He was a good teacher who believed in working hard to bring success. The first session was tough, but he was sad that today was his last. It was also easier for Piccolo to open up to him the more they trained. It wasn't much, just enough to tell a short battle story or two.

Cargo hummed. "I guess Gohan got on Uncle Piccolo's good side faster than you."

Dende sighed. His brother was right. "Gohan my Uncle didn't happen to mention someone he's close to or close to him, did he?"

Gohan thought as he continued to eat. "No, I don't think so. But I asked him for advice at the end of our session. He said you don't have to fight a person to see how strong they are. And just because a person doesn't fight doesn't mean that they're weak. Everyone is strong one way or another."

The advice aligned well with the typical advice he'd give someone, but it didn't help him get closer to knowing the mystery being's identity. "While I'm glad training with my Uncle has helped your bond with him…perhaps you could have vouched for me more in between to help my relationship with him."

"Don't worry about it Dende," Cargo comforted. "You can just try again tomorrow at service. You know he's always in a decent mood for Sunday service."

Dende nodded wordlessly. He hoped his brother was right about tomorrow as well.

Sunday came faster than expected. Gohan didn't think that the second week of break would rush by so quickly. Training with Piccolo must have occupied him more than he thought. They'd return to university later on tonight, and return to their life of routine and education. They'd continue classes, and only see one another on Sundays only. They'd be back in their own dorms again, in separate beds, away from each other. He'd dread going back if it weren't for Videl. He missed her, and had been without her long enough.

Gohan buttoned the last button on his collared shirt. As much as he worried about returning to University, he still had Sunday service to be excited about. He talked about attending Dragon's Temple shortly after meeting Dende, and planned on attending one day. The day had finally come, and he didn't want to think about anything else.

Gohan grabbed his Book of Kami from his suitcase and made his way down the ladder to the sanctuary, where the temple members were conversing and waiting. He looked around, finding Yajirobe with his sword on his back, and Korin with a staff in his hand. Mr. Popo had been talking to Moori who traded in his maroon vest for a maroon cape connected to his white collar.

"Good morning Gohan."

Gohan turned, finding Dende and his brother standing off to the side having their own conversation. "Good morning Dende, good morning Cargo. You both look nice for service." He complimented. The two also traded their vests out for satin-lined capes. Instead of having white collars like their father, their collars matched their capes, Cargo's a royal red and Dende's a royal purple.

"Thank you. Is this what you normally wear to service when you are home?"

"Ah, yeah, this is what I normally wear to King's Castle. I gotta say, I feel a little underdressed." He said with a chuckle. Gohan almost didn't hear Cargo's question on account that he couldn't take his eyes off of Dende. His purple cape matched the gi Piccolo gave to him, and he looked very flattering in it. The cape made him look more mature in his altar robe rather than the vest he typically saw him in.

"Well why didn't you just wear the gi Uncle Piccolo gave you? That would have been fine."

"I didn't know it was okay to wear."

"I should probably take some blame for that," Dende said, "I didn't consider you wearing something different. I'm sorry if you feel out of place. For what it's worth you look fine."

Gohan waved him off. "It's okay, really. I'm just jealous of the capes. They're super cool."

Dende laughed. "Mr. Popo has plenty. Would you like one before service starts?"

"Maybe after service. I want to feel like I've earned it after attending. Gohan said before continuing. "Did you get enough sleep last night? You stayed up pretty late."

Dende nodded. "I was journaling. I had a lot on my mind. I kept feeling unsettled."

"Unsettled how?"

He thought about his words. "Like there was something for me to do. A task to complete. I thought writing it down would help, but I feel as though that's not expressive enough."

"Maybe you should talk to someone. Father, Mr. Popo, maybe Korin—"

"I've talked to them all this week, and they've all given me sound enough advice. I just…I don't know, I just want to express what I've learned lately more publically than privately."

"Maybe you should lead today's sermon."

Dende looked over at his friend, an uneasy look on his face. "I don't think I'm ready to lead a sermon. I have prepared enough for a testimony, but not a sermon."

"You always testify during service, that's not the task you need to complete." Cargo stated. "You said you wanted to share what you've learned. Use your testimony as a sermon. Uncle Piccolo wouldn't mind."

Dende shook his head. "I'd rather not go through the trouble. If I wanted to practice ministry today I should have told him the night before."

"Would you stop making excuses? You won't be able to do it once he starts, so ask him now before service." Cargo said and put his hands on his brother's shoulders. "I know what your sermon is going to be about. I know you're scared, but I know you're ready. Aren't you ready to unburden yourself? Tell your family what you know? You can't be afraid to move forward."

"Cargo's right Dende. You don't have to be afraid," Gohan spoke as well. "You have so much to share, and we value your knowledge and wisdom. We're going to be here for you, no matter what."

Dende could feel a wave of courage wash over him. He didn't have to be afraid. He didn't have to hinder himself. Dende had been through enough to know what he wanted for the rest of his life, and he was ready to share with the people most important to him.

Was he still afraid of the commitment?

Was he afraid of his expectations being even higher?

Was he still afraid of change?

Absolutely.

But Dende lived by faith, and not by sight.

Everything would be okay eventually. Different, but better.

…

Everyone was seated when Piccolo entered the sanctuary. He was also dressed for service in his purple gi, turban, and white cape with wide shoulder pads. Gohan sat on the second pew with Cargo and Dende, mesmerized. He liked the capes, but Mr. Piccolo's cape was cooler than everyone else's. "Are you gonna have a cape like Mr. Piccolo's when you join the ministry?" He whispered to Dende.

Dende covered his mouth to keep from scoffing. "Gohan, don't make me laugh. I'd never wear something like that." He whispered back.

Cargo stifled a giggle. "You actually like that Gohan? I thought you were more stylish than that."

"The shoulder pads are cool. I can't believe you don't like them."

Before either sibling could retort, Moori turned around to them, giving them a stern look. The boys turned their attention back to Piccolo.

"Good morning. It is good to see everyone in attendance for service at Dragon's Temple. Today we have a guest visitor. Please introduce yourself."

"He means you Gohan." Cargo informed.

"But I've already met everyone."

"It's just a formality. Stand up." Dende said next, coaxing him to stand.

Gohan stood up from the pew, having the attention turned to him. "Um, good morning. My name is Son Gohan. I attend King's Castle in East City, and was invited by Dende for service today. I'm excited to be here and I look forward to the service."

"Thank you for visiting Dragon's Temple. Prior to service starting, I was approached by one of our members to lead today's sermon. Dende, come forward to begin your sermon."

Dende nodded and stood, walking over to the pulpit podium. Dende's nerves grew as he stood behind the podium. This was more intimidating than he thought. He looked down on the podium, noticing his Uncle's Book of Kami sitting open on the stand. Dende looked up, finding him sitting next to Gohan awaiting his introduction.

He took a deep breath and began.

"Good morning. My name is Dende, and I'd like to share a recent testimony for today's sermon. In my short time of attending university, I have learned more than I ever have. I've made friends. I've made enemies. I've helped others, and I have harmed them. Life is full of balance, and will choose to find its balance before it chooses to live unbalanced…

"I thought if I could live good, I could do no bad. I thought if I had positive experiences, I won't have a negative outcome. The theory changed when I almost lost my life to someone I thought I could trust…I was raised to believe that helping people was good. Being blessed with a gift to heal people encouraged me to help more. I once dismissed the warning a friend gave me. They told me that sometimes I just have to let people bleed. Not everyone appreciates the kind of help I provide. I didn't want to believe that healing people could be bad. That doing something good could hurt me. But alas, I was hurt as a result of doing something good. I was hurt by someone I thought I could trust, by someone I healed. After that night, I thought about what my friend said and how things changed for me after that.

"I struggled with surviving after that point. I couldn't carry on believing that being good would only reward me with more good. Bad was inevitable. Chaos is inevitable. I began to regret helping her in the first place. No matter what I said to her, it did not work. I offered her help, forgiveness, the opportunity to do the right thing, but she refused them all. I wondered what was the use in helping anyone if it could hurt me…That's when I learned not everyone can be saved, but everyone is worth saving. Not only is this a virtuous steeple, but a reminder to us that Kami would not turn you away when you are in need. Throughout the Book of Kami we are shown countless villains given mercy, whether they are redeemable or not. Those that believe in Kami, believe in helping others though good and bad.

"I also want to remind you of the faith that we should have in Kami. There are times where we lose hope, and we feel like we will never be able to return to a happier moment in our lives. My near death experience pulled my spirit from my flesh like a bandaid. In its place I was filled with grief, heartache, and pain. I was left in shock and isolation. I felt so heavy, so tired, so far away. But Kami does not move. If we as beings feel far from Him, we should understand that it is us that have moved, not Him. While my spirit was fading, I knew faith was everlasting. My faith in Kami could bring me back to his side faster than anything. Our main warrior Zero is full of faith. During the ten days of preparation before the battle with the Perfect Being, Zero is calm, and collected. His confident demeanor is caused by his faith in Kami. No matter how far or dispirited I felt, I knew I could rise again with faith.

"Faith is strong, and innate. A little goes a long way…I met a student whilst in University. She grew up with faith, but lost it upon losing her mother. She thought she could never believe in a higher power again because she felt like they had forsaken her. She was lost for a long time, before she met others that challenged her faith. She learned that her friends were full of faith. They lived in truth, they were humble, and graceful. She realized that upon losing faith she lost those things along the way as well. She was once graceful, humble, and full of faith. She wanted to make her way back to that path with the help of another, with my help.

"My help, originally rejected, was later accepted. She took the time to unburden her wicked life, admitting to me that it was no longer the way she wanted to live. She wanted to restore her faith and rekindle her spirit. She wanted to beg for forgiveness and start over…I'm sure many would believe it would be a waste to forgive her. It was her fault for no longer believing she should bear the burden alone. But members, I remind you that this way of thinking does not align with Kami's beliefs.

"Faith is innate. Those that seek faith are strong in it, and those that seek forgiveness in salvation are bold. If she didn't have faith that she could reconnect with a higher being, she would have never sought me out to talk…She was always ready to come home, she just had to see the lights first."

Gohan was hanging on every word Dende spoke. It was interesting to see him express his beliefs from his perspective. His sermon was personal, though he referenced the Book of Kami throughout. He never heard of his experience with Videl. During that time they weren't talking, so he was surprised to hear it. Videl had been so different after that day. She moved with so much more confidence, and grace. She was humble, and at peace. Gohan had no idea it was because of her reconnection with a higher being.

"I don't want to keep you long, so I'll make my final point. Guiding someone back to salvation has helped me realize something beyond my purpose. For years I questioned my purpose in life. What was I to do with the gift I was born with? How can I better serve people? These questions were answered through dreams and experiences. I learned that dreams were visions of the past life. My recurring dreams were so consistent, and vivid, I began to wonder if they truly wonder if they were visions of my past life. It was hard to come to terms with…I didn't want to believe that being a martyr to a genocide was a part of my past…

"I began to dream beyond that. I dreamt of a palace in the sky, which was later confirmed to be the Guardian's Lookout, described in the Book of Kami. I began to question my friends of their own dreams, and found connections of my own. The thought of the Prophet written in the last Book of Kami loomed over me. Our similarities were uncanny, and I could no longer deny the coincidences." He took a shaky breath, this was it.

"I learned that the Book of Kami is more than a creation story. This is the story of the future guardian, and the great warriors of the past. It is the story of the Eternal Dragon, and the star-orbs. It is my story, and the story of my loved ones. I have received countless confirmation. From understanding that I possess the same healing powers as the Prophet, to seeking out the star-orbs scattered across the planet. I seek to take action in uncovering our past lives. I will seek the duties expected of me, and rise to discover my purpose in the world. The purpose is beyond ministering, and beyond leading one person back to salvation. I am meant to lead generations of people. I am the next Guardian of Earth."

Dende wanted to stop right then and there. He didn't even want to look at everyone's reactions to telling them. Still, he looked up, finding all of the temple members smiling. Was he doing a good job? Were they interested in his sermon? Maybe he should conclude his talking points. He quickly flipped through his Uncle's Book of Kami. "Ah, to end today's sermon, I'd like to end with this verse in The Prophet's chapter. It reads:

The Guardian of Earth, though specific to the Prophet, is a role for those in faith. Believing in Kami means believing Kami lives within you.

"Thank you for your time, and thank you for allowing me to share my testimony. May Kami bless you all until the next service."

A/N I used the very adoptable head canon of Nail and Kami are in Piccolo's head/conscious courtesy of DBZA of course. So the being talking to Dende while Piccolo is sleeping is Nail. I also wanted to exemplify Cargo's feelings a little more about Dende being the new Guardian. As a younger sibling myself I had an older sibling who was gifted but troublesome, and often left me on the back burner growing up. It was just a thing of 'you're not giving us issues, why worry about you?' kinda deal. I feel like that's what happens with Cargo, and the only one he expresses it to is his brother. However, they ultimately express that they wish they were more like the other. Which I think is good sibling balance. Every sib wishes they were the same as their sib in some aspect. Anyways, the chapter was running long, so I will include everyone's reaction at the top of next chapter. Thank you all for reading so far, I pray we make it to the end together :) Reviews are always appreciated. Until next chapter!