author notes: Hello this is my first fan fiction that I've ever written, and it is very AU. I know that there will be some grammar errors and I understand that it can get annoying having to read those. However, you will just have to bear with me. I can't do much more and this story is just to relax me and let me enjoy writing. I will proof read it as much as possible but between my job, maintaining my house, and trying to get ready for a new career I am as stretched as I can get. Now that the blunt part is out of the way let me just say that I will update when I can and I hope you enjoy the story as it comes. It does not have any sort of definite plan.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball Z or any of it's products nor anything associated with it.

Chapter 1

The sun was glistening off the mountain lake as the clouds drifted lazily across the sky. The wildlife still went about the daily humdrum. Everything was acting exactly as it should all across the world. Everything except one spiky haired boy.

Twelve year old Son Gohan stood stock still as he looked across the lake. His jaw ached from clenching and holding back the sobs as his eyes stung from the tears begging to break free. In a year his whole world had came crashing down. His entire family was gone.

When his father had sacrificed himself against Cell he had blamed himself, but he understood that he had made a mistake and corrected it. He moved on because he still had his ever loving albeit strict mother. Shortly after the Cell Games he learned of his soon to be sibling. It seemed like everything would level out again. Then Chichi became sick and lived just long enough to give birth to a premature little boy named Goten who didn't make it through the night.

With his mother and brother both gone of natural deaths and no way to contact his father he had no one left. He bit his cheek as he reminded himself that he had his grandpa if he ever wanted to live the life of a prince. He didn't though. He didn't want to live like a prince because that was not how he was raised nor did he deserve it. He didn't know anything about running a kingdom or ruling subjects fairly. He had an absurd amount of technical knowledge that he was forced to learn but never practice. He had a natural ability for fighting but he was never able to properly explore it. He was either forced to train for a fight to the death by the Z fighters or no training at all by his mother.

A strangled gasp broke free as the tears slipped down his cheeks. It had been three months and reality had finally caught up to the strong half breed. He was a twelve year old boy who lived alone because he refused any help. He was a fighter that spent more time with a book than with a gi. His life was one huge contradiction and it was rapidly eating away at his mind now that it was realized. With a shuddering breath he sank to the ground as the tears kept falling and the sobs came ever faster.

Overhead the caped figure of Piccolo could be seen as he maintained his constant vigil over his only student. He hadn't let the kid out of his sight in the last three months. He had been waiting for the kid to come to him or anyone to grieve, but he never did. Now it seemed to finally be happening. As Piccolo floated overhead trying to decide how to comfort his student in the confusing emotional mess he failed to notice the slowing of the young boys cries.

Slowly but steadily the tears ceased and the sobs turned to errant hiccups. Gohan's head sank down to rest against his knees. He let the memories of his family flow through his mind as he closed his eyes. He felt his breathing returning to normal as his pulse returned to normal. With an internal cringe he opened his senses to find the one companion that was always with him.

Without opening his eyes or lifting his head he spoke, "Thank you for watching over me Piccolo. I know it hasn't been the most enjoyable time for you, but it means the world to me. Even though I didn't want any help it was nice to know you were there. I think it's time for me to leave now. I love it out here but right now I just can't stay here. I think I might travel for a bit or maybe go to the city."

Piccolo narrowed his eyes, "What about kid? Am I not welcome on this adventure?"

"You're always welcome to join me, but I know you wouldn't go into any of the towns or cities I come across. Anyways the house is nearly out of food so I'll finish it off tonight and leave in the morning", Gohan replied with a sad smile as he turned on his heel and headed for his home.

Piccolo watched as the young teenager that he trained suddenly turned into a strong young man before his eyes. Piccolo knew the others would disapprove when they found out but he respected Gohan for his choice. To be able to recognize that somewhere is unhealthy for and leave when you don't want to takes a different kind of strength. Piccolo turned and left for the lookout with a smile on his face. He would still keep an eye on Gohan from the lookout, but it is long past time for Gohan to have his own adventures.