Now You know
Disclaimer: I don't own Dragonball Z, I wish I did because then I would be rich and not have to work for a living. But since I don't own it and obviously do not claim to own it…I can't be sued!
This story is an AU that takes place after the battle with Frieza on Namek. Goku has been gone for nearly six months leaving his family to wonder what has become of him.
Chapter 1
It was a warm, sunny Thursday afternoon as Gohan finished the last of his math workbooks. ChiChi had promised him he could go outside and play after he finished this workbook. Gohan tried hard to concentrate but couldn't seem to focus on these last few problems. It had been more than two weeks since he'd been allowed any time to play. He could go outside and work, or even take lunch breaks but ChiChi wouldn't let him out of her sight anymore.
One day, several weeks ago, he said he was going for a walk but when he returned hours later his clothes were torn and he was beaten up, nothing serious of course. He'd snuck off to spar with Piccolo again. That was his routine: studies for a while then ask to go play, but instead of playing he'd go to see his friend whose only idea of "quality time" was beating him senseless. Gohan couldn't hide the results of his endeavors for very long and soon enough ChiChi became aware of what Gohan was up to. Since then she'd kept close guard of Gohan's every waking moment.
SLAM! The workbook was flung onto the table closed, its contents finally of no further value to Gohan. He quickly reached under his bed and found his training gi, after donning his "Piccolo Uniform" he dashed out his room and down the stairs only to run full smack into his mother. Her face was stern and eyes slightly glaring at Gohan. He knew what she was going to say, some insult about his mentor and reprimands for Gohan's training with him.
Why does she hate Piccolo-san so much? He's not evil anymore; I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for him. Gohan's thoughts were interrupted by his mother kissing his forehead lightly.
"Gohan, please, don't go train today." She looked like she was about to burst into tears.
He's going to get himself hurt training with that monster! She thought. The only images that came to her were of Piccolo at the 23rd Teckenchi Budokai when he nearly killed Goku. How easily could that be Gohan…her baby? For some reason ChiChi couldn't fathom, her Gohan trusted that demon earnestly, completely lacking fear or even the slightest concern that his intentions may not be good.
"Mom, you promised. I'm done now and I really, really want to see Piccolo-san." He was begging; those big black eyes looking up at her making her want to give in.
"No, Gohan. I said you could go play, not get beat to death by that…that…" She trailed off, knowing what name she wanted to call Piccolo but certainly would not say in front of Gohan.
"Piccolo-san would never hurt me, not really. We only spar…nothing serious. He's my best friend Mom, why can't you give him a chance." Gohan was the one near tears now. How many times had Piccolo saved him now, not to mention the fact that he died for him once already? Can't mom see he's not bad anymore?
"Gohan, I understand that to you he's the best thing since sliced bread. You love him, I see that." She paused trying to word this so that Gohan wouldn't get too upset with her.
"But honey, he tried to kill your father… and eventually succeeded. He's killed many, many people over the years. He took you to train, without even telling me! For a whole year I was left without a husband or son and no idea how they were, if you were even still alive." She put her hand on his head and kneeled to his level.
"He's very strong, very powerful. I'm afraid for you. He may be amused by you and your affection for him now, but what if he decided not to put up with you anymore. He's unpredictable and dangerous. Ask anyone who's ever known him."
Her attempt to persuade Gohan was in vain; he listened but didn't believe her. Yes, Piccolo had killed. Yes, Piccolo had been evil. But he was different now, still grumpy and mean but not evil and definitely not a demon. Gohan knew this, even Kami had said it. When Piccolo died the evil in him died too.
"He's not evil, not anymore. Please Mom, let me go see him. I miss him." That was it, he knew it. ChiChi would not say "No" again.
Gohan's vulnerable right now, with Goku gone. He sees Piccolo as a father figure. The thought disgusted her, Piccolo…what a role model that was. But was it wrong to deny Gohan his only means for male influence, even if it is Piccolo? Well, Krillin had said to give that alien a chance. Apparently, Krillin believed the same as Gohan, but ChiChi was not so trusting.
If that…beast ever hurts my Gohan, he will regret the cursed day he crawled out of that egg! She thought viciously.
"Fine, be home before dark." She said coolly. She watched Gohan brighten up immediately. He hugged her tightly before darting to the door.
"I love you Mommy, don't worry about me. I'll be in good hands." With that he was out the door and flying through the air.
Ha, in good hands. In blood stained, demon hands is more like it. Oh, Goku, I wish you were here. I don't know if I can raise our boy alone.
Piccolo was in meditation, as he always was at this time of day, by the only spot he called his own. The waterfall, it calmed him and made him feel more relaxed. A part of him, he knew was Nail, remembered such waterfalls on Namekesai. Then he felt it, Gohan's ki, it was getting closer.
So, Gohan has decided to pay me a visit. Been a while since the last one, I wonder how much longer this'll last? He thought.
Piccolo believed wholeheartedly that Gohan's only reason for visiting was from guilt and obligation. Piccolo had died for the kid and it was no secret that the boy had risked life and limb to wish him back. Surely that would make them even, but Gohan obviously thought he still needed to visit his mentor even though he really didn't have to.
It's only because Son's gone. Piccolo thought, almost bitterly.
That had to be the reason the kid still even wanted to see him…didn't it? He didn't have a father at home so he went to Piccolo. But Piccolo wasn't his blasted father! He shouldn't have to be. Piccolo remembered when the Eternal Dragon had said Goku couldn't be wished back to life because he wasn't dead, nor did he want to return to Earth. Gohan had been crushed; it was evident on his face.
Goku that idiot, leaving behind his family like that. Piccolo wouldn't do that to his family, if he had one. If Gohan were my son…well, its better he isn't. Otherwise he'd have serious issues to deal with.
"PICCOLO-SAN!" Gohan shouted as he lunged from midair at his mentor, trying to give him a hug he knew he'd be slammed into the ground for later. Piccolo was not caught off guard; he easily grabbed the boy and held him by his gi. He was in a standing position now, holding Gohan at arms length. Piccolo grunted and stared at the boy; though Piccolo was truly happy to see him, he would never have said it. Gohan just smiled ear to ear and playfully patted Piccolo's arm.
"A little jumpy today sir?" He asked sweetly, then let out an annoying giggle that only a child can make. But he stopped smiling and looked at Piccolo intently. "I'm really sorry it's been so long since my last visit. Mom found out where I was going and's had me studying non-stop ever since."
Piccolo let him go and floated down to the ground, with Gohan following close behind.
"No matter, it's been quiet around here." Piccolo pulled off his turban and shoulder pads. Gohan dropped into a fighting stance, knowing what was coming. As soon as Piccolo had also dropped to his stance Gohan attacked, knowing full well he was at a disadvantage being the weaker of the two.
X-x-X-x-X
The sparring lasted hours, until the sun was beginning to set. It was only then that Gohan noticed how late it was getting and had to stop.
"Time for me to go sir." Gohan said sadly as he stopped in mid-punch. Piccolo grunted and backed down.
"Fine then." He said and stood still, waiting for Gohan to take his leave. But Gohan lunged at Piccolo's gut and locked him into a powerful hug, one he knew Piccolo wasn't enjoying.
"Get off me kid!" Piccolo shouted. Finally Gohan let go and backed away. "What do you think you…" Piccolo stopped when he saw the boy was near tears.
Is he hurt? Was the Namek's first thought. What's the matter with him?
Gohan wouldn't look up at Piccolo, he knew his sensei hated for him to cry but it's just that he didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay with Piccolo-san like when they were training for the Saiyans.
"I…I" Gohan tried to say something, anything to keep Piccolo from being angry with him. "I just wish I could stay here with you, sir."
Darn kid, Piccolo hated it when his student used that attack on him. Stupid emotional rubbish was all it was, but still effective. But before he could stop himself, Piccolo put his hand on Gohan's head and ruffled his hair, the closest the boy was going to get to a hug.
"Yeah, same here kid."
Gohan looked up as Piccolo removed his hand, and then smiled widely at his beloved mentor.
"Bye Piccolo-san. See you soon!" With that said Gohan leapt into the air and took off for home, leaving Piccolo with only his thoughts for company.
Why do I give in to those ridiculous impulses of mine! Now the boy's more attached than he was to begin with. Stupid, stupid! Piccolo mentally cursed himself but at the same time, a small part of him was glad he'd become close to the kid.
It's not like anyone else on the planet cared about him; it was kind of nice to have a friend. But he cringed at the last thought and reprimanded himself once again for going soft. Kami, that fool, he was up there laughing at him, and Piccolo just knew it.
But it was too late to turn back now, at least for Piccolo. His feelings for the boy were certainly a known fact to Krillin and the other fighters. Krillin had even witnesses first hand what Piccolo was willing to do for Gohan. He watched as Piccolo, the demon king, the incorruptible evil, dove in front of Nappa's blast to save Gohan's life, and secretly wondered if he had imagining the whole event.
Piccolo donned his training weights and once again began to meditate by his waterfall. Time to relax…focus Piccolo. His mind settled and he forgot about everything going on around him, but unwanted memories of his death came to him.
Do I regret it?
The question came from nowhere, but made him think. Because of Gohan he had died, quite painfully. It was his own choice, yes, but it meant he could never be wished back to life again. He'd missed out on a year's worth of living (not to mention having to 'train' with that lunatic King Kai) and now all desires to kill Son and rule Earth were gone. His entire reason for being created, for even existing, was to destroy Son Goku and take over the world; to avenge his sire. But not now, now he had no purpose except to help in battle. What a waste.
His resentful thoughts came to a halt when he thought once again: Do I regret it?
But this time the answer was clear: No.
If it hadn't of been him it would've been Gohan…and he simply couldn't have lived with that.
Then he resumed his deep concentration, cleared his mind of all distractions and unimportant memories, and slipped into a peaceful meditation.