Bringer of Death

Android Saga - Part 12: Assassination Protocol

Android Saga - Part 12: Assassination Protocol 

"I know why you've come, Piccolo," said the guardian of Earth. His voice was fragile and elderly. 

"Good. So you know I don't want this any more than you do," came Piccolo's booming reply. He landed gently on the lookout with the slightest of taps. The cool upper-atmosphere air felt incredible, as if the oxygen itself was purer and less polluted than down below; he pulled it into his lungs smoothly. Standing before him was an aged figure, somewhat darker green. He wore a white robe and leaned on a tall wooden rod. 

"You don't think I want this? I do, Piccolo...I do," replied Kami. 

Piccolo cocked his head, surprised. Then he frowned. "Fine, whatever. But let me be clear - I DON'T want this. I need it. There's a difference, old man." 

"That's just it," replied Kami with a kind, sad smile. "You say 'need', but I'm not convinced. From all I've seen, these three androids appear to be peaceful." He continued leaning on his walking stick as if he didn't have a care in the world. 

"It doesn't surprise me that you've failed to take everything into account," spat the younger Namek, angry. His tone showed his detest for Kami as much as his words. "Surely you don't suggest we trust Vegeta! Unlike these machines, he will just continue getting stronger and stronger, and I fear I am reaching my natural limits." Piccolo's disdain for the prince of Saiyans was clearly the only reason he was fighting his dislike for Kami. 

"Listen to yourself, Piccolo. Are you so eager to mistrust others? Despite what you think, I've been watching Vegeta closely. Like you, he has changed-perhaps not so drastically, but I have found reason to have hope for him. Despite appearances, his heart is no longer as dark as it once was." Kami's calm, careful words made Piccolo want to puke. He hated the measured, quiet sincerity that his other half exuded. 

"Really? You want me to just 'have faith' in Vegeta? You really are insane!" grunted the younger Namekian. 

"Did you, yourself, not give the same opportunity to three androids you barely know? You, too were once presented with the opportunity to reject evil; I was there. No one can be forced to adopt goodness - you of all people know this." 

With every word, Piccolo grew angrier. He wanted action, preparation - he had to do something - but Earth's guardian was constantly preaching his relaxed, patient approach. It reeked of apathy. 

"I'm not content to simply sit here and do nothing, old man! If I don't act now, I may not have the same opportunity later on." Piccolo turned his back and started to walk away, but stopped and offered one last plea. "Earlier you said you even wanted to fuse with me. You'd be getting your youth back, gaining a second chance, acquiring unbelievable new heights of power. I can't stand the thought of it. Absorbing your essence would be like drinking a poison. But I'm willing to pay that price to keep Gohan safe, to protect this world." The tall warrior was fuming. "You seem content to retain your title of guardian, depending on true warriors like me to handle the real threats of Earth." 

Piccolo had finally awakened the older Namekian's wrath...but Kami maintained his characteristic calmness. "Your words wound me, Piccolo. It is true that I am old and can no longer do everything I once could. My own abilities would be useless on these battlefields." His voice was sad. 

"But you misunderstand my statement, Piccolo. I find the thought of joining with you equally distasteful. Yet the power we would have together could be a great tool for good. We would have incredible abilities that could be used for Earth." 

"Then what's holding you back?" snapped Piccolo. "Are you afraid you won't be able to control me from inside? Or are you too indecisive and passive to make difficult choices? Once, you were willing to sacrifice yourself to kill me - will you not now sacrifice yourself to save Earth through me?"