Gohan x Piccolo Apples

Chapter 8: Thingamajig

Android 17's screams tore through the air and his ki flared and bellowed about him out with his control or even his knowledge as he was consumed in electric shocks and pain throughout his being. A white energy engulfing him, making the z senshi avert their eyes for fear of being blinded, smoke and rubble billowing about and the ki so strong the roads began to crack and upturn while buildings were to crumble and dissolve as though the fates were erasing them from existence, and the Z senshi too would be consumed but, as they had the greatest reserves of ki, Android 18 and Vegeta moved to stand in front of the group and used their own energies to create a barrier protecting their allies."What do we do?" asked Krillen, wincing from the lights and raising his voice to be heard above the wails, though he spared a glance to Piccolo was he wondered how the Namek would be able to debate such a thing while deaf "Piccolo, can you understand us?" he tried.Piccolo, noticing the man's look towards him and he knew he needed to do something, so he turned to Gohan whom seemed slightly jumpy at the action though he ignored, didn't forget, just didn't mention anything. Gohan blinked as he felt an opening in his mind, one he hadn't felt in a long time though was incredibly familiar; Piccolo was opening a telepathic link, and as though Piccolo's voice was embedded into Gohan's soul he heard that echoing gruffness speaking "just let me hear through you a little while, is that alright?""I forgot you could do that" he replied telepathically with a small laugh as he felt his face heat up a little though he did his best to keep it under control, especially in such a close position to the namek. Becoming quite tense as he did his best to control his thoughts, not that piccolo could gain Gohan's knowledge or necessarily read his thoughts like this, their link created a sort of neutral ground between them and wasn't invasive. Gohan could always tell if Piccolo was doing something that exploratory and it was rare and hadn't been done so in years which was really only to gain knowledge of enemies so he could be better prepared; now though Piccolo was simply sharing his intake of information. "That's okay Piccolo" he confirmed and smiled in his friend's direction."Thank you" Piccolo completed and both exchanged a quick nod, their audience having watched the shared glance and they understood that they must be using their telepathic link though none of them fully understood it nobody was unknowing of it, just how close they were.Vegeta continued to fuel ki into the barrier he was creating to shield his comrades alongside the blonde female, now that the Namek could hear the plan could be discussed, "back to business, I bet that 'thing' is what's making him act this way, whatever it is, we need to get rid of it" he spoke loudly and deliberately, intensifying his ki to steady against the increasing onslaught of energy waves trying to destroy all surroundings from the android."But we can't get anywhere near him" Android 18 added, attempting to get any visual on her brother but failing as she quickly turned away, light invading her eyes."I'll do it" said Piccolo, flatly."Piccolo, don't-" said Gohan quickly, quiet enough for it to most go missed though to someone sharing his sense of hearing Piccolo clearly received the message, the demi-saiyajin having spoken before he could help himself, a spike of worry becoming present between their minds and Piccolo gave Gohan a glance, making the teen feel panicked under his gaze. Gohan damned his mind though it could have been much worse, at least his worry could be put to the fact they are friends. He couldn't believe Piccolo was doing this sort of thing again, always the one to sacrifice himself in these situations. But that didn't help how he felt helpless, hurt even, every time he had to stand by as Piccolo did this, although he couldn't deny his respect and love for the man grew more and more.Luckily though Piccolo seemed to brush it off, more pressing matters to contend with and with a gruffness spoke "if I move quickly I should take less damage and I can regenerate afterwards, if it's anyone else healing may not be an option" he presented with conviction, feeling more comfortable as a weapon than a spectator anyway, besides, of all the z senshi present he was the only one without a family waiting for him. Hell even Android 17 had his sister, while Piccolo simply had a job to do, protect earth and its people, his chest heated in his strength at that point though he still felt something else, the thing he just could not quite place or name. Fighting was all he was good for.Gohan felt his breathing slow, he wanted to speak but it burned in his chest and eyes, if only he were a better actor he might be able convince him it was a bad idea or if he were more cunning he may come up with some other way, but if that was the only plan that even Piccolo could offer Gohan had no chance of bettering him in strategy."Well no time like the present," Vegeta said, clearly wanting things to move along quicker than they were, but when he received a glare from the teen he followed his statement with a "good luck" but whether the words of hope were to Piccolo to succeed or for Gohan's sake for his desired mate to return safely was not clear until steady eyes met with Gohan's own and confirmed the truth. Gohan's eyes softened and returned to Piccolo, his wonderful, beautiful, heroic and fucking suicidal Piccolo, his nerves threatening to take over his body but all he could do was try and take stock of himself and keep hope amongst his worry."You'd better make it back, Piccolo" he sent telepathically to the Namek, something sweet and private just between the two of them, and Piccolo's eyes opened a little more than before, no one else would have noticed other than Gohan, having committed that angelic face to memory a million times over and he received a nod before Piccolo fully faced back towards the distressed Android again and Gohan felt the telepathic link close once more, the Namek concentrating fully of the feat he would soon attempt.Charging his ki, though not into his muscles so much bar his legs, this was about speed not strength, energy flirting over his tattered gi and massaging his skin, he took a racing stance, pushing away any anxiety like any battle savvy warrior and let his determination flow through his body, readying himself and he shared glances with Android 18 and Vegeta before nodding sharply as a sign and both dropped their ki barriers. Piccolo moved so quickly he appeared to have disappeared in an instant, the ki threatening to blow the remaining z senshi away before Vegeta and Android 18 resumed their blockade, everyone desperate to know how Piccolo would fair against the explosions of ki especially one Golden Warrior who felt his heart crying to be with the Namek or to have abandoned all convention and to simply have kept him back, though none could see past the blinding lights to indulge.Piccolo's body blazed in scorching pain as he broke into the area of vicious and chaotic ki streams, burning his skin and beating him furiously, cutting over his body, his ears and antennae, his hands feeling raw: the physical agony only all the more intensified to his mind since he could not hear, perhaps if he were numbed by a sense allowing him distraction if the form of screams he might not be gritting his teeth so hard his fangs cut into his own gums, a copper taste gracing his knowledge. His blood pulsed wrathfully and his body became heavier with every stride, he could feel his ki draining quickly under the constant barrage.To his relief he reached the Android, coming to a stand in front of the poor man whose eyes are closed tightly in pain though his lips continued to release his screams from what Piccolo could see, Piccolo's flesh was then stung by many bolts of electricity, a heat like nothing else meeting his flesh to the point Piccolo saw black dots about his vision though he pressed on with a growl and looked to the man's chest. What he saw was, to his best description, a robot spider, a hemisphere shape with glass-like material on one end, as 4 jointed legs were attached on either side; basically, yes, a spider. The flat underbelly of it was pressed against the Android's chest as the legs only seemed to rest against the pectoral, but by what he understood as the 'head' of it was a great inflamed area of flesh and upon inspection Piccolo could see tiny wires embedded into skin from under the spider having spread under the skin to make thick vein like shapes that added a feeling of nausea to the Namek amongst his torture.But the quicker he destroyed it the better, so he charged a small volume of ki to his hand, the blast needed to be very controlled so he did not attack into Seventeen's torso, his concentration not it's best as liquid pain quickly replaced his blood, but he didn't meditate for nothing, also happy to see that sickening item removed he released the blast, though before anything could be understood energy burst forth as the Spider took on damage, detaching itself, Android 17's ki enveloping them both in a great explosion.A collection of gasps sounded from the eager z senshi as the light show seemed to flicker before combusting with thunderous volume, smoke and dust billowed as though dominating the air, screaming coming to a scratched end under the storm on city grounds, ki eventually receding as waves rode on the winds. All z senshi daring themselves to peer into the chaos as the smoke began to thin and eventually clear and Vegeta and 18 dropped their barriers.Gohan's breathing caught in his throat as his body wracked with worry and fired with a silent anger as the scene revealed itself, Piccolo was standing in a crater made by the exudes of the android's ki, panting harshly, his gi top completely removed and his pants were barely clinging scraps and the fabric scorched black in most places, Piccolo's skin burned, cut, bruised and even dark whip like marks over his arms and torso, which Gohan could only guess was due to electric shocks, sensing his ki was extremely low but also Piccolo's arm had clearly been injured in the explosion, lying limp by his side, in such a way he knew the limb was broken in several places and purple blood flowed generously, staining the emerald skin and dripping to the shattered ground below.Android 17's body began to fall flaccidly, clearly unconscious if not dead, and his sister quick on the draw sped to catch her brother and succeeded as the dark haired man was cuddled into her side, head upon her shoulder and she wrapped her arms around his torso and cradling him to her form.The remaining Z senshi moved closer to the three and the closer Gohan got to his beloved the more pain he felt, Piccolo's heavy breathing and erratic rise and fall of his chest, his eyes only slowly coming to realise the arrival of his allies, his senses clearly numbed. "Yikes" Krillen said, looking to the damage in the area quickly before seeing the ragged mess of his brother-in-law, whose chest could beseen to move so to their relief the man was alive, and finally when he saw Piccolo's arm fully.Gohan moved towards Piccolo, standing to gain the man's attention he gave strong eye contact though the Namek's own tired ones only slowly came to realise the signal, Gohan was unable to start the telepathic communication without Piccolo's support, and so Piccolo, despite his raw body and exhausted mind, opened up the channel, becoming aware of the eerie quiet of a deserted city through Gohan's senses, and the teen feeling it re-establish between them, Piccolo feeling all the closer though not physically."Just heal yourself already Namek" Vegeta grunted, voice naked against the baron surroundings.Piccolo paused before replying, gathering the resolve and breath "I used up m-more ki than I thought I would," he said before having to intake air violently "I don't have the energy right now." Gohan's arms felt restless, his hands and fingers tingling with the need to hold the Namek, support him and keep him from wavering."You gonna be okay?" asked Krillen earnestly and Piccolo responded quickly that time as he gave a strained and fast nod."What are we going to do with him?" inquired Vegeta, facing the unconscious android as he was held up against his sister."Do you think Bulma would mind taking a look at him?" asked 18, lifting her brother fully into her arms for easier balance, his slow exhausted breathing tickling her cheek, which despite its irritating nature, reassured her that he was very much alive and could recover "something was definitely wrong with him.""Good idea," Krillen replied, seeing his wife warm in the situation as her brother was secure with her, though her tight lips did not go amiss, her bubbling anger for whatever the hell had started this in the first place staying quiet for now though it was very much real. "...and where did that thingamajig go?" he asked, remembering the only scrap of knowledge to lead to what could possibly be responsible for all this."Thingamajig?" Gohan repeated, the funny word rolling over his tongue, speaking more to himself than anything else as he glanced around for it.Piccolo could barely see, black spots over his vision, and a wave of feverishness washing over his body, feeling both hot and dry though a fresh sheen of sweat slicked his body, blood pounding through his veins with fury and he just could not summon his breathing well enough, his ki so low it was beginning to send alarm bells to his brain, just before his vision started to crackle and darken."Piccolo?" Gohan snaped his attention to the Namek as the telepathic link collapsed and he saw the warriors beaten body slowly slip from its position, falling to the ground in unconsciousness. In that instant Gohan moved to catch him, the heated body resting against his own and Gohan carefully wrapped his arms around his beloved, his face heating up at the flesh to flesh contact but he was mainly concerned, Vegeta's smirk didn't help matters either, but his worry took precedence, Piccolo needed to heal."Brat just take him to the lookout, get him a senzu bean or something" Vegeta spoke quickly."Me?" Gohan replied stupidly, his mind somehow letting it slip as he felt his heart may explode while his lips may confess if in his company."I said brat didn't I? There's midget, robogirl and Namek, that makes you 'brat' now go, the quicker the bleeding stops the better.""Bleeding?" repeating in a whisper Gohan was reminded, looking down, he saw Piccolo's blood was on his clothes and the scent reached his more primal senses, his desired mate was hurt, injured, bleeding, he felt guilty and he snapped from his previous numbness to more urgent and protective; shifting Piccolo's light weight in his arms, Gohan held him bridal style and close to his torso, before flaring his ki in preparation for flight.Just as he was about to take off however a red light appeared as a netting of lasers scanning and scowering the area, forcing people to close their eyes at the painful sharp lighting, the lines crisscrossing over their bodies, and metal clinks and electric fizzles began to creep into people's hearing, the lights disappearing, slowly the fighters opened their eyes again confused and apprehensive.Vegeta heard a sharp clank and turned Just in time to see the spider-like robot launching itself at him, its fuses spluttering and wires fried and torn while its body was a charred black, dodging the object just in time, his movement alerting the others too, the spider touched back onto the cracked ground. The spider then was seen travelling unhindered despite its missing three of its legs and how it seemed to be falling apart due to taken damage, it then headed straight for the Androids.Krillen, seeing his wife reacting slowly to the unexpected threat jumped in front to guard her and her sibling, afraid of whatever the robot may do to him but as the impressively, and scarily quick little thing met with his body rather than its initial targets, the object simply bounced straight off of him and back to the road. Its final attempt started as it then headed towards the two friends, an unconscious Piccolo unaware of the danger as Gohan's grip tightened in one arm, a mental switch seeming to turn on a protective streak, the urge overcame to the point he barely knew his own actions, and moving Piccolo's form in his grasp he freed one hand and blasts the attacker, smoke erupting from the robot revealing a pile of circuit boards and wires, a mess to behold and the glass shattered and broken, the electric currents fizzing out completely, dying with the endeavour.A stunned silence fell over the allies, kind of freaked by the odd occurrence as they watched the bust object lie eerily still, watching for any hint of movement, though when none came a sigh escaped several, "phew" Krillen voiced."Hey, best take that thing to Bulma too, see if she can get anything" suggested 18 and was met with agreeing nods."Why do you suppose it launched itself at you guys but not me?" asked Krillen softly as he walked to the bundle of metallic mess, being the only one that the thing had not obvious want for he figured it was best he be the one to carry it, genuine curiosity fuelling the inquiry."Height restriction" Vegeta offered flatly though the jest eased the tense air, and a gentle laughter floated about the group."Well we've wasted enough time," 18 spoke softly, though it was no secret she was angry, surprisingly protective of her brother "hopefully we'll figure all of this out soon" and she received nods in return. The group cast one last glance at the ruined city, a mourning echoed through their bones at the sight of unsettled dust and still crumbling buildings, debris like autumn leaves the skyscrapers withering and people's homes unrecognisable, an eerie openness to the view as areas were baron colliding with the structures that once stood tall and cuddling together. The city destroyed and empty.Gohan looked to Piccolo's sleeping form, feeling his breath shallow against his shoulder and neck, a coldness though his own body as his beloved was injured, he thought 'let's get you fixed up quick' and without a goodbye or another word Gohan flew in the direction of the lookout to do just that.A/N: "...Piccolo, his wonderful, beautiful, heroic and fucking suicidal Piccolo" for some reason I really enjoy that line ^^ and i'd just like to say umm in case anyone was thinking Piccolo's balance should be off due to his eardrums, as far as I'm concerned enough has been suggested in DBZ that the Nameks' base their senses like that between their ears and their antennae so as long as piccolo has one he should be fine, especially since in Lord Slug Piccolo wasn't physically affected when he tore his ears off :) besides its Picco-chan and he rules Next Chapter is called "I'm Sorry" hope you enjoy and please review