Evening
Disclaimer- I don't own Dragon Ball Z. I don't own the rights to anything in the whole DBZ universe which I worship so.
I thank you guys again, from the bottom of my heart. I know most of you are writers here as well, and I'm sure you understand that warmth it brings when you read the words, ".Your story is great, please keep writing."

Clears her throat Well enough of that! I'm sure you want to read the chapter now!. Enjoy Evening's final chapter!

-------------------- = Changing view points or location. (Such as switching from Goku's point of view to Piccolo's)

'...' = Thoughts

***= Flash back

Chapter 27: As the Sun Rises

Piccolo looked out of the corner of his eye to see the Son family leave into the kitchen. He listened to their idol talk for a moment, before walking silently around the couch. His eyes shifted to the still form huddled beneath the blankets as he sat on the floor beside her. Piccolo's hand smoothed her silky black hair from her flushed face and watched her breathing softly in sleep.

The feeling inside him that had been growing tense suddenly relaxed and disappeared. It resembled what he had felt when Gohan had nearly died when the saiyan's attacked. But it was, different somehow. He sighed deeply and closed his eyes. Whatever it was, all that mattered now was that Dawn was safe, and alive.

Dawn moved slightly and groaned, jolting him physically. "Dawn?" he whispered. A smiled reached his lips when her tiny sapphire eyes opened.

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She could sense Piccolo close by, but her arms and legs seemed reluctant to respond to her need to get up. Though finally her eyelids gave way to her commands and opened. She immediately saw her Daddy beside her. Joy swelled inside of her, knowing it had not been a dream when she felt him carrying her.

"D..addy." she murmured weakly.

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Piccolo placed his large hand against her cheek, cupping her head in his palm. He nodded, his throat tight suddenly. The hope and love in her orbs struck something inside of him and he began stroking her right ear slowly, because that was what Eve did when Dawn was upset, or couldn't sleep.

"What happened?" he asked softly, not wanting to push her, but he needed to know why she had been stranded out there.

Piccolo's jaw turned rigid when her eyes watered and tears fell with a blink. "Tell me." he urged.

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The memory of Ken'ichi's words was painful to remember, but he was right, he needed to know. And Ken'ichi didn't tell her it was a secret.

"Ken'ichi took me before I was awake." she looked down remembering she was having a really nice dream, about flying. "But I woke up when she set me down, it was still cold since the sun wasn't really awake yet either." She sniffled, trying to hold her tears in, 'Don't cry, he doesn't like that.' she reminded herself before she continued.

"S.. she told me I was a disgrace. That I wasn't worthy of the tiger blood I have." Her voice quivered with unshed tears. "Sh..e said I..I could be he.r dau..ghter i..f I made it h..home ali..ve. Then sh..e left me."

Her tears began to slide down her cheeks, and she couldn't make them stop. Dawn started wiping them away frantically. But soon all she could do was hide her face in her palms.

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Piccolo listened silently, and disbelief lurked in his eyes. But he then remembered what he had done to Gohan those many years ago. It made him feel sick for a moment, knowing that if he had been wrong about Gohan's abilities, he could have died, like Dawn nearly did.

His thoughts were interrupted as he watched her struggled to keep her tears from falling, and in the end sobbing quietly into her paws. Before he could stop himself he enclosed his arms around her, blanket and all, and pulled her into his lap. Nearly the moment he did so, Dawn cuddled into him and let it all go, her tiny cries making her slender frame shake.

Piccolo stroked her back slowly, letting her cry, even though it made him want to do so as well.

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In the kitchen Goku listened to every word spoken in the other room with his saiyan ears. It made his brows crease as he watched Gohan and Chi-Chi still hard at work. But when he heard Dawn crying he had to turn around.

What Goku was seeing, didn't seem to match who he was seeing. All he could do was gawk and blink as he watched Piccolo embracing the child.

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Gohan stole a glimpse out the window before he continued helping his mother with dinner. "It's getting dark dad.. Ya think you should go get Eve?" He turned and noticed his Dad staring into the other room. 'What's he looking at?' He wondered. But before he could go over Goku turned and rubbed the back of his head,

"Uh what was that son?" he asked laughing nervously. Gohan fought the sweat drop the followed.

"Uh.. The sun's almost down, do ya think you should go get Eve?"

------------------- Chi-Chi turned and crossed her arms, "Yeah Goku, why don't you do something useful!?"

She could see the light go on behind Goku's onyx eyes as he jumped up. She nodded triumphantly and turned to finish supper.

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He leapt out of his chair, "Good idea! Why didn't I think of that !?" he laughed loudly a sweat drop forming as he looked back at Piccolo, who was blinking at him, and Dawn had stopped crying and was looking to see what all the noise was.

"I'll be right back with Eve." He stated to his namakian friend as he reached up with two fingers and in an instant he was gone.

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Piccolo smirked at Goku's antics and looked down at Dawn, who was already gazing up at him. He lifted a finger to her eyes and wiped away her cold tears.

"Your mother is coming Noksa ne," he whispered to her while he stood and moved to sit on the couch. Dawn sniffled with old tears and her ears perched high on her head. "Really?" she asked. He nodded curtly with a smile that might have been unreadable to anyone but her, Eve and Gohan. The child sat up in his lap with her broad hands against his chest.

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'I hope he means my human mommy' she thought while smiling. She wasn't sure how her other one would react. 'Kenichi is probably mad at me..' She waved her tail weakly beneath the blanket, and just being in Piccolo's presence seemed to make her feel stronger.

Dawn flexed her fingers against his gi like what cats do to blankets. You know what I mean? and purred cutely.

But her smiled dimmed lightly, "Its tonight, isn't it?" she questioned softly, referring to the wish. Piccolo nodded softly to her and she looked down, "Can I come with you and Mommy?" her ears fell back submissively and her eyes softened.

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He sighed and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "That is not really for me to say. When your mother gets here you may ask her. But I do not see why you wouldn't be able to. This involves you as much as anyone."

Dawn's eyes sparkled brightly and she purred loudly at him. To another, that might have seemed odd, but it was just Dawn to him. The child yawned unexpectedly and her eyes grew heavy. He could see her tiny fangs as she yawned and laughed shortly as she rested against him, her cheek against the upper portion of his chest just above the neck of his gi. Piccolo leaned back against the couch to give her a more reclined surface to sleep on. He drew the blanket up to cover her.

"Get some rest Kioko ((happy child))" he whispered. Piccolo looked back to where Goku had been standing, wondering why he was not back yet.

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Goku appeared in the cave minutes before sunset. He right away saw Eve in tiger form perched at the Cave entrance. He smiled widely.

"Eve!! Hey! Good news we found Dawn and she's ok!" He mentioned happily as he approached her. But he paused when she turned, her teeth bared and a low growl rolling from her ebony throat. He then remembered the nature of Dawn's disappearance and his eyes narrowed and he began backing up. His eyes shot to the sinking sun, 'hurry up.' The last thing he wanted to do was accidentally hurt Eve while defending himself, and by the looks of the large, ominous tiger stalking towards him, it seemed that would be the case.

"Just, take it easy now." He said soothingly, his palms held out defensively in front of him. But the tigress curled back her jowls baring dagger-like teeth that shown vivid white in the failing light. Goku didn't know if she was acting this way out of wild nature, or if his words had upset her. Because she was not happy to say the least.

A thought came to Goku then, "Is it because this is the end of your last day with Eve? " he asked lightly and watched the Tigress pause, as if it seemed more real, now spoken. But the lull in rage passed and the fire in her sapphire depths was rekindled. The massive ebony beast leapt into the air, claws outstretched.

The great saiyan braced himself, ready to catch the relatively slow attacker by the forelegs to keep those talons from sinking into his skin. However, in mid lunge her body contorted abruptly and she fell short writhing on the stone floor. A low moan escaped the tiger's throat and her claws attempted to rip into the granite, only to have them begin crack and break against the hard, rough surface. Goku witnessed something desperate in Tigress' eyes, it was as if she was trying to keep herself from changing, knowing that she might never see the sun's light again.

He walked casually over to where he assumed Eve slept and lifted a blanket, which he took back to the shrinking figure. Goku draped it over her just as the feline features were giving way to human ones. Soon what was once a magnificent beast now appeared as a disoriented woman, Eve.

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Eve opened her eyes, having been pushed out of consciousness several hours ago. She had no clue what had happened, to Piccolo or Dawn.

As her mind began to clear and movement was possible, she glanced up to see Goku. 'Goku is here? Why?' Though Piccolo not being there worried her, Goku's warm smile brought her reassurance, and hope. She stood, pulling the blanket securely around her. She could easily see Goku's blush, even in the poor light.

"Is my daughter all right?" she asked, unable to keep the stress from her voice.

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He averted his eyes slightly as she adjusted her 'cloak' and rubbed the back of his head. Though when she asked about Dawn he eagerly answered, "She's great! Piccolo is with her and he wanted me to escort you to my house. That being where he is in all."

Though he left out the part about Dawn having nearly died he told her most of it. A non-hysterical woman would be easier to handle. 'And chi-Chi said I don't know anything 'bout women!'

He moved to take her hand, but both were holding the blanket. "Um, you got any clothes?" he looked around nervously for something they could use.

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Eve laughed softly, "Yes I do have clothes." She walked over to her bedroll and produced a simple white dress, identical to the one Goku had found her in, and Piccolo had magically conjured a newer one. She paused for a moment and turned her head to look at Goku. He just stood there.

".Mr. Goku. Could you perhaps turn around while I change?"

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He blinked, and then nodded vigorously, "Yeah sure!" With that the saiyan turned and started inspecting that section of the cave. 'Great place he's got here.' He thought with a nod. 'I wonder if she and Dawn will stay with here with him. I hope so, he seems so happy now.'

He heard Eve clear her throat and he cautiously turned, "Can I turn around now?"

"Yes you may." She said gently and he turned. Goku blinked several times. "You haven't changed at all!" Seeing her in that dress, and in the dull light, it was like he had just found her.

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"Yes you may," she said gently. Eve blushed when seeing his bewilderment, and his words that followed. Her eyes fell slightly to the cold fire pit. "Well, that is how things are when one is immortally cursed." She looked up and smiled softly, "But not much longer, right?" she said with something like false hope.

Goku nodded and she walked up to him. "Let us go?"

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Goku smirked and gripped her hand with his left, and placed two of his right hand's fingers to his forehead. He locked onto Piccolo's distinct energy and started to leave but paused in thought, 'that's odd. When I came here she had a ki signal. and now. there's nothing. '

In an instant they appeared in the Son's Kitchen. Goku released Eve and said triumphantly, "I found her!"

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Chi-Chi turned and scolded Goku swiftly, "Shush! Dawn's sleeping!" Her hand slapped his bicep harshly. Her anger subsided suddenly when her attention turned to Eve. The worry and fear present in the girl's eyes was chilling.

Chi-Chi smiled reassuringly, "Don't you worry Eve, I gave her something to eat and drink and she nodded right off." She gestured to the next room gently, "She's in there with Piccolo"

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Gohan smiled and waved to Eve and she nodded weakly to him; she looked very tired. He understood her not visiting with him; she had other things on her mind. His curiosity peeked when she went into the room with Piccolo. He moved to listen.

But before they had spoken any, his mother was before him, arms crossed, skillet in hand, "And what do you think your doing?" Her anger was easily read in her voice and he quickly made his was back to the sink and continued washing dishes.

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Eve entered the dark room; the only light was an oil lamp on the table beside the couch. It flickered faintly and she paused at the end of the sofa. The image strewn before her melted her heart and soul to the core. It almost brought tears to her tired eyes.

Piccolo was partially lying on the couch. What wouldn't fit hung off the end touching the floor. His head was tilted slightly, resting against the sofa's back; eyes closed.

Sprawled lazily over his chest and stomach was Dawn. The child was on her stomach, underneath a blanket and her cheek resting just below his collarbone. Her ebony ears flickered in her sleep. Piccolo's right hand encircled her gently, and one of Dawn's velvet paws was propped on his shoulder.

She didn't to breathe for a few moments, fearing she would wake them. Quietly her bare feet carried her around to where Piccolo's head rested. Eve watched Dawn rise and fall with each large sleeping breath the namake took. She licked her lips, not wishing to disturb them, but she just had to speak with Piccolo.

"Piccolo?" she whispered into his ear, knowing with his acute hearing, he more than heard her.

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Piccolo did not jerk awake; he merely opened one eye and, upon seeing the whisper's owner, opened the other. He blinked several times, not having sleep that soundly in a long time and the darkness making his eye sight more blurred than normal.

Eve stood, leaned over him. She was smiling sweetly. 'Why is she looking at me like that?' he wondered off handedly, and then he felt Dawn stir and was reminded of the little baka's presence. He frowned and shrugged with his eyes, earning him a brighter smile from the woman over him.

She mouthed the words, 'We need to talk' and he nodded curtly. He listened to her move around towards the door that lead outside, and pause waiting for him.

He rolled to the left and eased Dawn down off of him and onto the cushions on which he had just been sleeping. Luckily she gave little protest before falling right back into a deep, peaceful sleep. Piccolo stood up after adjusting the blanket over her and then strode over to Eve quietly.

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Eve watched how gentle he was with her daughter, and complete parallel to his normal behavior. Her eyes followed him as he walked towards her almost soundlessly. She opened the door and existed the house.

The air outside was slightly cooler, and her ears were filled with the nighttime's symphony, one that she was quite accustomed to. Eve heard Piccolo shut the door quietly behind him.

"How is she?" she whispered. Even though Ken'ichi had taken over, it was still she, even if in a twisted way. She had left Dawn helpless.

Piccolo stepped closer, until he was directly behind her. He spoke quietly, and told her everything, including how ill Dawn had been, and how upset she was after hearing what Ken'ichi thought.

Tears welled in her eyes again, but these were not tears of happiness. 'She could have died. My curse nearly killed my baby girl.' Her shoulders began to shake softly and she closed her eyes, feeling her cold tears slide down her cheeks.

Eve then felt Piccolo's hands on her shoulders, and was turned around to face him.

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He looked down at her. Even in the dim light flowing from the opened windows, he could see her tears. The light danced across them like stars in the velvet blue depths of her eyes. The words Piccolo was going to say evaded him them and he sighed heavily.

His hand brushed her cheek and he swept the tears from her eyes. Piccolo wanted to say something, anything to wipe away the pain that drew forth her tears, but he was no good with words, or emotions for that matter.

"She's doing well." He said softly and he smiled faintly. " So well in fact that she wanted me to ask you something." Eve's brow rose questioningly. "Dawn wants to go with us, to make the wish after midnight." He smoothed back her raven locks.

Eve lowered her eyes, one of her hands pressed against his chest," and what did you tell her?" "I told her I'd ask you. This concerns her as much as you or I." Eve nodded slowly, agreeing silently. He looked up at the bright night sky and an idea came to him. Piccolo abruptly scooped her effortlessly into his arms and leapt into the air.
INTERMISSION

Take a breather! I don't wanna be responsible for you getting a headache from staring at the computer too long. I bet you need something to drink? A snack? Huh? Huh? Well I thought I'd remind you to look at the clock, make sure your not completely dead by the endknows it can happen, got a migraine that way once ------- ---------- ------------ --------------- ------------------- Welcome back! Now back to Evening...

She gasped when his massive arms shifted her against him, and brilliant flash of light and wind swirled about them. Eve tightened her weak hold on his neck when she realized they were flying. "Where are we going?" she spoke loudly into his ear to keep the rushing air from snatching away her words.

He made no motion to answer he only sailed upwards faster, his hands holding her firmly against his body. Eve closed her eyes and buried her face in his neck as she felt her ears pop with the change in altitude and her skin grew chilled against the quickening wind.

But just as suddenly as it all happened Piccolo stopped. Eve hesitantly drew back from him and parted her lids. A luminous glow flooded her eyes for a brief moment before she could clearly see what lye before her.

What Eve saw made her heart swell and a smile to grace her lips. 'He remembered'

****

She felt as if she were flying! His hands had her firmly held at the waist several feet below him, her chest barely a foot over the clouds. One that was higher than the rest swept over her and she smiled widely.

Eve held out her arms like a bird and laughed jubilantly.

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He permitted himself to chuckle softly at her was she 'flew' over the clouds. It seemed to warm him inside to see her so happy. This simple thing had made her practically light up. Which made her even more stunning if that were even possible.

Piccolo glanced up to see the lookout drawing close. 'Fun's over.' he frowned lightly and drew her back into his arms, receiving a piccolo-like huff. That made him laugh shortly, "We'll do it again sometime. alright?"

****

They were hovering over a field of clouds, glowing with the like of a quarter moon. It was just like that night several months ago. Eve inhaled the cool, still air.

"Piccolo." she whispered breathlessly and returned her gaze to him. He smirked and all of a suddenly transferred her in his arms to hold her just by the waist and then sped off across the clouds.

Without hesitation she spread her arms and gazed into the breeze. The joy swelled within her until laughter crossed her lips. Singing out into the night that stretched out before them. Eve's eyes glanced up at the curved moon, and the sparkling diamonds in the cold blue of the sky.

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He flew across the valley of clouds, watching her delight, feeling that same happiness as she was feeling. He smiled, truly smiled as he gazed down at her. The ivory mist rushing past her, the lunar hues dancing over her ebony hair and alabaster skin.

Time seemed the fly with them, and after an hour or more pasted he slowed until they stopped and he drew her back against him. She was breathing heavy from laughter and the excitement of it all. Her hair was tussled badly and she made a few laden attempts to smooth it back down.

He sighed heavily in contentment and restrained her hand, preventing her from fixing her unruly mane. He stared into her depths once more, the light glittering against them, the stars reflecting on their glassy surface. For the first time the words he held on his tongue did not abandon him, rather they were drawn out.

"I love you." he whispered, as if fearing the reaction she would have to his words. But to his surprise, only warmth met him.

"I know." She replied. 'She knew, all this time?' he laughed shortly, as he thought about it, he wasn't all to discreet about his emotions towards her, how could he be, she had always been so in tuned to his feelings, even when he himself wasn't.

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She heard the words roll over his tongue, and the truth behind them made her soul seem whole. She knew he loved her, she had known for a long time. But his saying it made it seem real, and tangible.

"I know." She replied. He laughed shortly and she pressed her cheek against his fingers wrapped about her delicate hand. "And I love you, with all my soul." she added softly with her eyes closed.

She gasped when she felt them descending rapidly. Her eyes flew open, and she met his passionate gaze. Something in his gaze made her face grow hot.

Her heart jumped when they touched ground. Eve looked around; they were on a grassy plateau in the middle of, well nowhere. All she could see was untouched wilderness, and roaming shadows cast down from the drifting clouds above.

Piccolo let her stand and she turned to look up at him. "Piccolo?" she whispered. He did not answer, he merely took her lips with his and closed his eyes.

Eve's eyes fell shut suddenly and her arms firmly gripped his strong neck. She could feel his hands sliding over her body and she moaned against his lips.

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He tasted her sweet lips with his tongue and her arms closed around his neck. He suddenly felt incredibly week in the knees and widened his stance slightly.

Piccolo's ears twitched hearing her moan against his mouth and her hands began to wander as well. One of his eyes parted as her fingers slide the loose sleeves of his gi off his shoulders. But as her returning kiss grew more fervent his eye closed.

Just as his mind had fallen back into her kiss Eve's nails ran down his back. This sent chills down his back and made his knees buckle, drawing both of them to the dew covered grass. Their kiss broke and Eve giggled cutely at his reaction. He could feel a blush rising on his features, and huffed.

In retaliation he gripped the back of her head and kissed her deeply. His other hand curled around her waist.

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Eve giggled, 'strong warrior huh?' she thought inwardly, and watched embarrassment cloud his features; her eyes grew large as he abruptly drew her into a kiss. This one was more passionate than before as he explored her mouth softly. She felt her arms grow weak as she rested them on his shoulders.

When she felt his other hand supporting her, she allowed her hands to wander once more; this time her fingertips faintly traced over his slender namakian ears. She paused when he grew still and took a deep breath. She brushed them again, not as lightly this time. It drew a moan from Piccolo's parted lips.

Eve recaptured his lips, showing no mercy. Her fingers ventured further up still, she had an idea. Her frail fingers found his antennae and rubbed them once. He shuddered and moaned again, breaking her kiss. She caught his gaze through laden eyes. She gathered he enjoyed that. Eve shifted to her knees and rose until she was high enough to take one of his antenna into her mouth.

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Piccolo's mind was swimming, and his skin was hot. Every touch seemed to drive his senses crazy, then her hands found his antennae and a moan was ripped from his throat. He looked up at her, and wanted to say something, what he didn't know, but something.

Eve moved and he closed his eyes, vaguely wondering where she was going. Suddenly sparks of white light flash across his vision and his eyes rolled into the back of his head. For several moments he couldn't breathe or think. Only intense pleasure coursed through his body. If that wasn't enough, she started lightly sucking on it. His hands then abruptly gripped her waist. He felt close to something, and he didn't want that, not yet. So he pulled her off of him and forced her onto her back.

She looked surprised, but not afraid. He was thankful she never feared his strength. He leaned over her and began kissing her neck sucking on her velvet skin lightly, careful that his fangs didn't meet her delicate flesh. Eve's hands rested on his shoulders and kneaded them slowly. He moved to her ear and drew it into his mouth and sucked on it gently. Eve shifted restlessly underneath him and he smiled.

His lips migrated south over her chest and he drew one of her nipples between his teeth, running his tongue over it slowly. She moaned, her fingers tightening their hold on his shoulders. At that he moved back to her lips and kissed her softly.

"Do you want me?" he breathed, his mouth hovering over hers as he watched her eyes open.

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His hands moved her forcibly to her back and her heart began to race. This was new to her, and slight fear seeped its way into her mind, but she did not show it. It was not him she feared, but the same fear most women feel at that moment, when they know there is no going back.

Soon piccolo drew her attention back to him as his mouth explored her relaxed body. 'I can not believe this is happening. I have dreamed of this for ages. '

Eve felt him take her lips with his once more, but this kiss felt different, it was chaste and, loving. "Do you want me?" she heard his words whispered against her lips. Her eyes opened to see him smiling down at her, wanting her, but there was something else. He looked scared, like maybe she wouldn't want him. That was farther from the truth. Eve placed a trembling hand on his cheek.

"I want you." She kissed him, "I need you" Eve rubbed her cheek against his and spoke softly, "I love you."

That settled it for him apparently, for Piccolo immediately continued where he had left off. And all coherent thought was lost.

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Back at the Son house, Gohan had been sitting on the couch with Dawn for a few hours, making sure she was all right while Piccolo was gone with Eve. Occasionally he stole a glance out the window in the direction he felt his mentor. He had felt his sensei's power level swell suddenly, and then drop below normal a while ago.

"I hope their ok." He muttered to himself, and Dawn moved slightly. Gohan turned to her completely and smiled comfortingly. "Hi Dawn."

She stretched in a feline-like fashion and yawned, "Hello." she said with sleep-burdened eyes. Dawn looked a lot like he had when the saiyans' first arrived. Though he didn't have large ears or stripes, or paws. As bizarre as she looked, she still seemed cute, and well, close to him. Like she was part of the group.

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She parted her eyes, and looked at the greeting's owner. Her night vision was pretty good, so she easily realized it was a friend. "Hello", she said sleepily. As the drossiness left her eyes she recognized that it was the boy who had found her. She sat up and smiled her tail taping he sofa cushion happily.

"You saved me!" she exclaimed, ". Um, what's your name?" A purr began to resonate from her throat involuntarily. As she thought about it, she had never met someone new.

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He laughed at her sudden jubilance over seeing him, and remembering who he was. "I'm Gohan, its nice to meet you Dawn." She giggled and placed her paws on his shoulders and licked his cheek. "Let's be friends! Daddy tells me you're a nice boy. I like nice people." He blinked several times and fought getting a sweat drop as Piccolo's, daughter?, licked his face.

"So he's mentioned me huh?" Gohan questioned wiping the saliva from his face as she sat back, grinning ear to ear. Dawn nodded vigorously, ears flopping back and forth lazily. "Well I agree, lets be friends." Gohan added She mewed and then hugged him tightly. Her strength made him raise a brow as he hugged back gently. She was strong for a child her age, for a child for that matter. He then smirked, 'probably has to do with the tiger DNA.'

Before he could question her, as he wanted to, he felt Piccolo coming back, no doubt with Eve. His eyes then shifted to the clock, it was a little after midnight. 'Its time.' Gohan stood. "Well let's get ready to go, Piccolo's coming." He smiled and held out his hand to help her up, "and when he gets here we're going to go watch something amazing." Dawn smiled and pulled herself up with his hand. She then followed him to the kitchen. "What's amazing?" Gohan laughed, "A dragon." "What's a dragon?" she mused. He laughed again, and then took her towards the bathroom through the kitchen to get her cleaned up, and started to explain about the Dragonballs.

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Goku smiled as Dawn pranced by holding his son's hand tightly. "Looks like someone's feeling better!" he said with his best smiled, knowing she hadn't really seen him yet. Nervous at her reaction for a moment as she blankly stared at him, he got a sweat drop.

Abruptly the cub-child nodded with a wide grin, "Yep!" Dawn's tail waved back and forth wildly and she turned a little more to face him as his son watched her. "I'm Dawn! What's your name!?" Goku laughed warmly at that, 'she's defiantly not like Piccolo, I can tell right now she's a chatter box.' "Well hi there Dawn. I'm Goku."

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She liked this man, his voice was a lot like her mother's, warm, gentle, and sincere. Not that Piccolo wasn't sincere. She just knew he wasn't warm, and not really to gentle either. She flickered her ears at a draft and giggled, "Daddy's told me about you. Your Gohan's daddy" She left Gohan and walked the few feet standing between her and Goku and looked up at him with large azure eyes. " He said I was ludicrous like you, except he never taught me what that word was."

She trailed off, 'I don't see anything wrong with him. he is kinda like me though.' "Does ludicrous mean I have black hair?. No then mommy would be ludicrous too."

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Gohan tried his absolute best not to laugh, 'he called her ludicrous and didn't explain what he meant! Very slick.' He then patted Dawn on the head between her ears. He blinked at the texture of her hair; it was fur-like and incredibly soft.

"Ludicrous means you're good natured." He smiled and Dawn blinked up at him, thinking. "Really?" she questioned. Gohan nodded and took her hand. "Don't worry Goku will be here when we get done, right dad?" he glanced up at his father, who seemed to be getting a kick out of seeing a little child, being how he was grown now.

Goku nodded emphatically and rubbed Dawn's head. "Yep, I'll be right here." Gohan smiled, pleased, as she seemed to believe them and took Gohan's hand again. He then continued his explanation of the Dragonballs.

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Several moments later Piccolo arrived, holding Eve. He touched ground just outside the Son house and glanced through the window. Dawn was sitting in Gohan's lap and was playing some sort of hand game with Goku. He could hear her laughing loudly through the closed window.

Piccolo set Eve down as his thoughts drifted. He watched how well Goku handled Dawn and wondered, 'Can I do this? Be a.father.' He still had problems calling himself such; it just didn't seem to fit him. But then again, Dawn had turned out all right so far.

Eve's voice brought him back from his trance. "I am afraid Piccolo." she whispered looking up at him.

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She watched him for a minute or so as he seemed to gaze at the window, but without seeing it. 'What is he thinking about?' He gently let her stand, still apparently in a daze.

'I do not want to bother him, but. I have to tell him.' "I am afraid Piccolo." she whispered looking up at him. Eve watched him blink and his eyes focusing once more to look down at her. Piccolo didn't speak he just gave her a questioning look, telling her to continue.

"What if something goes wrong? Or if the dragon cannot lift my curse?"

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He listened to her worries, and he smirked lightly," Don't be. Everything will work out." He said, lightly brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. 'I hope.'

With that he walked to the front door and opened it. Piccolo then turned to watch her follow and go in. He once more grew worried, 'I can't sense her, at all. It's as if she's not even there.' His eyes narrowed and he drew closed the door. Before he could think further on it, he heard a joyful shout.

Piccolo's eyes flew wide to see Dawn all but fly into Eve's arms. The child climbed onto the table and leapt. Eve caught her and laughed, rubbing Dawn's back softly. He smirked and moved to stand over Gohan and Goku who both apparently found it amusing too.

Gohan was the first to look up at him. "Hiya Piccolo! Where did you and Eve go?" He had been afraid of that, and prepared for it, but that still didn't prevent the faint blush from rising in his cheeks. He glanced up to see Eve looking at him with a blush as well.

Piccolo huffed and pointed in the direction they had been at for the majority of their absence. "That way."

He could obviously tell that wasn't the answer they were wanting, but that's all they were going to get. Then Gohan blinked and asked another question, one more devastating than the first, "What were you two doing all that time?"

Images of their interlude flashed in his mind vividly and he gritted his teeth. "What's it matter to you?" he spoke through gritted teeth. He was grateful when Dawn broke the stretching silence.

"So can I go with you mommy?!" she asked giving Eve her best, 'I'm cute and you can't tell me no' face. The fact she had to large cute ears and a tail didn't help either. It apparently worked because Eve smiled and brushed Dawn's bangs back. "Yes, you may."

------------------

Eve was thankful for Dawn's interruption as well. If she hadn't stopped the line of questioning there, her blush would have covered her entire face.

"When shall we depart?" she asked, no one in particular. Goku stood and smiled at her.

------------------

"I'm ready when you are!" he turned to look at Chi-Chi as she reentered the kitchen. "You coming Honey?" He asked and she looked over at Eve, who seemed to give her a look that said she'd like her to.

"I'll come." She said with a nod. "Someone has to keep you men, and namakes in line." Goku blinked shifting his sight to Piccolo who huffed at her, but smirked evilly. He was very glad that those two had settled their differences silently a few months ago. When Eve had Dawn, and she saw how Piccolo really was, she had given up on her personally battle to destroy the namake Gohan cherished.

Goku watched as they all moved to his side of the room. He gripped Chi- Chi's hand gently. Gohan wrapped his arm around his mother's shoulders. The saiyan glanced back as he felt Piccolo's strong hand clamp down on his shoulder. He was holding Eve close to him, and Eve was holding Dawn.

"I thought we were leaving." The child stated, evidently confused to why they were standing there, hugging.

He laughed and lifted his free hand to his forehead. He focused, and felt Kami's ki. In a flash the Son house was empty.
Intermission

Thought I'd give you another break, sorry, I didn't really intend it to be so long, but hey, you guys wanted longer chapters! Well don't panic, its near the end I promise! ----- ------ -------- --------- ------------ Now back to Evening! ----
Kami stood in the largest open section of the Lookout. The one fights occurred on. The Dragonballs glowed, set out before him in the typical fashion, just as he had done countless times before.

The old guardian smiled seconds before the group appeared no more than five feet in front of where he stood.

"Welcome!" He greeted them warmly. It had been a long time since he had last seen Earth's champion, and his family. Things on the Earth had been relatively peaceful for years. It did his aged heart good to see them again.

'My Gohan has grown much over these years.' He smiled nodding to the boy. His eyes moved to Chichi then Piccolo. He had watched Piccolo closely over the past year, and he was proud of how he had handled this whole ordeal.

'You are better for it, son.' He nodded to him, and Piccolo returned the gesture, as if he had heard Kami's words. Then his eyes shifted to Eve, and the child in her arms. His eyes widened. 'She looks to be six years of age, but that cannot be. She was born only months ago!'

Eve bowed her head and curtseyed slightly. Dawn's large curious eyes sparkled and she pointed at Kami, "He looks like daddy!"

---------------------------

Dawn felt uneasy as Eve sat her down, though she understood she was getting to big to be held all the time. None-the-less the longer she stared at the older green man she felt at ease. 'He looks nice to me.'

"Hi I'm Dawn, what's your name!?" she questioned jubilantly. She heard her mother hush her, but she twitched her ears and ignored her, when it came to learning, she would stop at nothing.

---------------------------

The elder namake laughed heartily and approached Dawn. He watched as she looked slightly nervous and one of her ears tilted back against her head.

"Hello Dawn, My name is Kami." Then before she could word her next question, anticipating it, he added, "Your 'Daddy' and I are related." ----------------------------

Piccolo watched the conversation continue from there and he crossed his arms. His anxiety only growing as more time passed. His eyes shifted from Dawn and Kami, to Eve. She looked rather on edge herself. He was about to ask Kami to proceed with the wish, but luckily Gohan stepped in.

"Let's make a wish Eve!" he said smiling. "You've been waiting a whole year for this!" Piccolo grinned down at his former pupil and rubbed the top of his head, ruffling the boy's hair.

Piccolo nodded to Dawn who went silent and gripped her mother's hand. "Eve, since this is your wish, you can summon the dragon."

----------------------------

Eve knew how the process was done, she had asked Piccolo many times how the dragon was summoned, and what to expect, but now she good feel her heart in her chest, beating wildly. '.Please.may my wish be granted.' she whispered inwardly.

"Rise Eternal Dragon!!!" she shouted downwards at the 7 dragonballs, pulsating with golden light.

In that instant the amber marbles illuminated the entire lookout and the heavens roared with thunder. Eve Stepped back and gazed up at the now scorched black sky. Soon lightening danced through the clouds and a brilliant beam of light shot forth for the dragonballs and flew into the atmosphere.

The stream of light spiraled upwards and gradually took on a shape; the shape of a dragon.

Eve felt her body tremble as the blinding light gave way to a river of emerald scales. 'This. is. impossible..' Soon the heavens grew silent and towering above her was Shin Long.

---------------------- Dawn hid behind Kami's body and hugged the old man's leg firmly, her whole frame shaking violently as the sky cried out and lightening raged above. Her velvet ears stayed pressed against the back of her head and her eyes clutched shut. Dawn did not release her death grip until the roaring creased.

Alas, when Dawn peered around the man's white robe fear grasped her body. "Is. Is that a Dr..ag... Drag..on!?" She stammered, her knees feeling weak. She watched Piccolo walk up to Eve and place his hands on her shoulders. At that moment she wished she were there with her mommy.

Just then she heard something from behind and she turned to see Gohan approaching her. "Yes Dawn, that is the dragon I told you about." He said comfortingly as he lifted her into his arms. She was grateful; being held made her feel safe.

'And if he's not worried, then I shouldn't be either!' Dawn deduced. But for once the small cub's ever pondering mind hushed as her Mother cleared her throat after her daddy said something to her mother.

------------------------

Piccolo watched passively as the Dragon formed in the sky. He had seen it more times than he cared to remember. But his gaze shifted to Eve, who looked terrified. Piccolo had considered this, most humans react with fear the first time they meet Shen Ron.

He stepped forward and placed his hands gently on Eve's shoulders. When the roaring stopped he looked up at Shen Long, and he looked amused.

"Eternal Dragon! This woman before you would like your assistance in making a wish!" shouted Kami from behind. Piccolo smirked, glancing back. He was glad he had not spoken to the dragon; he never did seem to have such a pleasant way with words.

The dragon's massive head tilted downward to look at Eve. This simple movement made her step back against Piccolo's body. He didn't step away. "He won't harm you." he whispered.

--------------------

Eve watched in horror as the fierce dragon looked at her with flaming crimson orbs, it's large ivory teeth shimmering. She could all too well picture herself being devoured by those very same jaws.

"He won't hurt you." Piccolo whispered from behind her. She could feel body pressed against her, and his strong hands on her shoulders; her fear fled her then. She could feel her purpose rise within her, and her decades of cursed existence flashed before her eyes. Determination glowed in her eyes and she stepped away from her lover.

"Greetings Shen Long! I hope you are well!" Eve smiled nervously, hoping it was all right to address the dragon directly. Her heart, though now confident, was pounding in her chest, and sweat beaded on her brow.

The Dragon laughed shortly, and his voice rang loud and resonant," Have you wishes for me kind one? " Eve turned to see a sweat drop on Piccolo's head as he was smirking at her nervously. She moved the word 'What?' to him but the namake simply shook his head and motioned for her to continue.

"Please, Eternal Dragon! My first wish is for you to separate the being known as Ken'ichi from me, and give her life!" She watched the dragon remain silent for a moment; 'I do hope he considers that as just one wish.'

The dragon then nodded shortly, "It shall be done!" and his eyes glowed even more brilliantly. Eve for an instant wondered if that was normal, but suddenly her back bowed and her entire body began to glow. Then all went black for her.

----------------------

Piccolo stepped back and shielded his eyes as there came a blinding light after her life aura seemed to set fire. "What the!?" he managed before the light abruptly faded. He felt a ki signature from where Eve was standing, and he hoped that meant that whatever reason it had been masked in human form was resolved.

But when he lowered his arm and looked at her, there was a massive black tiger standing in front of Eve. 'Ken'ichi.'

The Tigress stared up at Eve, and when Eve seemed to wake from her trance, she returned the gaze. Piccolo didn't see the significance at first, but then he narrowed his eyes and nodded. 'Of course, this is the first time they have actually seen one another. They have shared each other's bodies for nearly an eternity, yet have never truly met.'

---------------------

Dawn blinked, "Now that is weird looking." She murmured, still in a daze over all that was happening. The sheer power of the dragon made her fur stand on end and her normally sleek tail to become fluffy in appearance.

Her round azure eyes gleamed with tears, her worries now fading away as she watched her mother kneel before her other mother Ken'ichi. Her mother wrapped her arms around Ken'ichi and the Tigress nuzzled against her.

'I can have them both.' she smiled, tears threatening to fall from her eyes, tears of joy.

-----------------------

Eve embraced her fellow cursed companion and sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the world was lifted from her. She could hear Ken'ichi purring loudly against her.

Reluctantly she stood, releasing the Tigress. Sadly she now felt empty, as if everything she had been was standing before of her. 'The curse is lifted. after all these years. I am free.' she smiled and sighed deeply.

But suddenly a voice came from behind, Kami's. "Eternal Dragon! Can you tell me if there is still a curse placed on Eve?" She turned looking at him questioningly. The expression on the elder namake's face worried her, for he seemed troubled.

Shen Long's dominant voice drew her attention back to the sky, and her heart sank. "There is still a curse on this woman. When the sun rises a new being will be formed to house her human body during the day."

----------------------

Piccolo listened the dragon and watched the heart ache in Eve's eyes. It hurt him to see this. The sadness in those sapphire eyes was to harsh, and to raw. But then a thought came to him. "Eve, you didn't ask him to lift your curse, you simply freed the Tiger."

Thankfully, he watched the sparkle in her night blue eyes was rekindled and he was instantly relieved. Piccolo watched her turn back to Shen Long and heard her make her second wish.

"Shen Long!" she began, "For my second request, I wish for my curse to be lifted!" His onyx eyes gazed upward at the dragon as he spoke back to Eve, "Are you sure that is your wish? There will be dire consequences for such a wish to be granted."

Piccolo blinked and looked back down at Eve, who had grown still. She whispered something then, but the wind grabbed up the sound of her voice and he could not hear what she said. "Eve?" he question too a step towards her.

His love turned, and something about the look she was giving him made his throat tight and his heart sink. 'What is it Eve?'

Piccolo's thoughts were cut short as he heard Dawn scream from behind. He turned to see Dawn fighting for Gohan to set her down.

"No Mommy! Don't leave me!" the child was shouting at the top of her lungs. He turned just in time to see a tears fall from Eve's eyes as she said, "That is my wish."

------------------------

"It shall be done." The dragon echoed solemnly. Eve blinked, feeling her tears fall to the marble tiles beneath her. She knew what was happening, and judging by the look in Piccolo's eyes, he did as well. A moment passed, but it seemed to move in slow motion, and certain sounds grew louder, while other's faded away to nothingness.

Her baby's cries in the distance, and her heart, gradually slowing down seemed to echo in her mind. She blinked, and she was in Piccolo's arms on the ground. Eve didn't remember falling; in fact she couldn't even feel Piccolo at all. She could see him though. He was crying, and shaking her. His lips moved, but she couldn't hear him. All she could hear now was her heart beating. Her eyes shifted towards another bright light. The sun was rising. Eve felt it's warmth for a moment

Everything turned white and she was somewhere else. It was from earlier that night. She was lying in his arms, but he wasn't crying now, and she could hear his voice, the one she loved so much.

"I will never leave you." He said. "I love you." He whispered.

Eve smiled weakly and whispered back, "I love you." As her lips parted, it seemed as though all that was left escaped. She listened to her heart once more as it sounded for the last time..

------------------------

Piccolo heard the dragon say the words, "No! Don't grant that wish!" he yelled up at Shen Long, but it was too late, in the typical display his light returned to the dragonballs, and they shot off to the farthest reaches of Earth.

He didn't wait to watch, for as his eyes fixed back on Eve, he could see the life had left her eyes. They were pale blue as she looked around for a moment. He caught her as her legs buckled beneath her and he lowered himself to the cold tile floor. Piccolo could not control the tears that fell from his eyes freely as he shook her lithe body. She was cold to the touch now and she stared blankly up at him.

"Eve! Can you hear me!? Please! Don't leave me!" He was practically yelling at this point, but she didn't respond. Piccolo stopped shaking her as he felt Goku place a hand on his shoulder.

"She's gone Piccolo."the saiyan said, sorrow thick in his words. Piccolo could hear Dawn screaming, and Gohan struggling to keep her back. He was thankful for that, she didn't need to see this.

Piccolo looked back down at her, he knew she was still alive, he could hear her heart stopping. There was nothing he, or anyone could do. He watched her lips curl upward faintly, and his eyes narrowed.

"I love you." It was nearly inaudible, but he heard her spend her last breath. His grip on her tightened and he closed his eyes and he heard her heart beat for the last time.

The namake could hear Kami explaining to everyone what must have happened. Eve was being kept alive these hundreds of years, and to remove it; that was why she passed on. Her life had ended a while ago. He also mused that when she gave birth to Dawn, it spent the last of her life's energy. Ken'ichi survived only because so was a magically created creature.

Piccolo didn't really care why, Eve was dead; that's all that mattered. He opened his eyes and looked down at her lifeless form, and in a blink of an eye it turned to dust and was blown away, into the morning sky.

Piccolo turned his head and watched Dawn walking towards him; her eyes tear laden, catching the sun's newest light. The child looked at the ground where her mother had just been. Dawn lay down suddenly, rubbing her face against the cold tiles, her now silent tears pooling on the tiles.

-----------------------

Dawn approached her daddy slowly, the sadness in his eyes matched what her heart was feeling. Cold, vast cold that swept over her heart. The light that had kindled her life was gone. Her mommy.

She looked at him for a moment, then gazed down at the tiles she could see nothing left where her mother was. But all the same, she got on all fours and pressed her cheek against where she had last been.

She felt his dad's hand rest on her back. She wanted to cry more, but her head was throbbing from having cried so much already. All she could do was shed tears now. Piccolo scooped her up effortlessly and cradled her close to him, pulling his cape around her. She was still shaking, but not from the cool temperature, but the cold absence inside.

Her eyes shifted downward again, and she saw Ken'ichi, she was staring at the now void space where Eve had fallen. Dawn then met her mother's eyes as they turned up to her. The grief, deep and felt shown in her orbs. Dawn felt bad for her, 'Tigers can't cry.' her ears fell back and she spoke to Ken'ichi in her tongue. '' Come with us mommy.'' Ken'ichi tilted one of her ears to the side and replied ''I grieve alone.''

She sniffled and looked up at Piccolo, who was already watching her. "Can Goku take Ken'ichi to the woods?.she doesn't want to come home with us." She whispered, her throat burning still.

--------------------

Goku nodded without Piccolo asking, "I'll take care of it." He seen all that had just come to pass, and remembered when Krillian had died. But it was still nothing compared to this; he had never watched Chi-Chi die. or his son. He was normally the one that died.

"If there is anything else I can do Piccolo--" But Piccolo cut him short. "No, I think I'll just take Dawn home."

---------------

Piccolo nodded to Kami then walked towards the edge of the lookout. He heard Goku leave instantly with Ken'ichi, and only stopped when he heard Gohan.

"Piccolo!" the boy shouted. He stopped, and turned slightly, Dawn looked too. "Take care.If you two ever need me. you know where I am." He said, smiling sadly.

The namake nodded, and turned, "Bye Gohan." Dawn murmured.

---------------------------------------

Back in the cave, neither Piccolo or Dawn left the cave that day. They both lay in Eve's bed, Dawn cuddled as close as she could to Piccolo, and he held her to him. As the two slipped in and out of conscience, they listened to the life outside the cavern, and the echoing memories of Eve everywhere around them...

The End.

Well, that was the ending. I cannot say much, but do not worry, there is a sequel on the way. I hope you do not hate me now, but this ending was decided a long time ago. This is the ending I wanted. I hope you enjoyed my fan fiction. Evening.