Meditating on the banks of an active volcano, Piccolo sat waiting. The air shimmered—and suddenly, Goku and Krillin materialized on the rocky ledge above the bubbling volcano.
Piccolo: Took you long enough, *The Namekian voiced as he sensed Goku's energy.*
Goku: *Goku grinned down at Piccolo.* You always did know when I was coming. Took me a while to track you down—King Kai finally sensed your energy through the magma interference.
Piccolo: *Piccolo opened one eye slowly, unimpressed.* And how much time do we have left?
Goku: *Goku's smile faded as he glanced at the floating timer.* Two days, but still no sign or energy surge to point us in Vegeta's direction.
Piccolo: *Piccolo slowly rose to his feet, his cape flaring in the volcanic heat.* Then we're running out of time. *He turned to Goku, eyes sharp.* But Vegeta's pride won't let him die silently. If he's alive—he'll make sure we feel it when he returns.
Goku: *Goku scratches the back of his neck.* Unfortunately if we all want to survive their sick and twisted game and assure the safety of all citizens of Earth, all of us have to return, and Vegeta was one of us.
Piccolo: *Piccolo crossed his arms, his voice low and steady.* Then stop waiting for pride. Start searching for ego.
Goku: *Goku blinked rapidly.* Huh?
Piccolo: *He narrowed his eyes toward the sky—towards space itself.* Vegeta isn't hiding. He's been thrown far—too far for normal senses. But if he's alive… and enraged… then somewhere out there, a star is burning hotter than it should.
A beat of silence. Then—
Piccolo: We're not looking on Earth, *Piccolo said bluntly* we're looking beyond it.
Krillin: I hate to break it to you, buddy, but you're not on Earth either. *Krillin voiced.* You mean to tell us, you suspect he's even further away than you are?
Piccolo: *Piccolo didn't flinch. His gaze remained locked on the stars.* Further. Hotter. Angrier. *He turned slightly, eyes narrowing at Krillin.* I was pulled to a volcano—an Earth-bound inferno. Fitting for me, yes? *Then he pointed upward, towards the distant flicker of a crimson sun near Mercury's orbit.* Vegeta? He was thrown into that. Not just space—the heart of a dying star's embrace. *A sly smirk tugged at Piccolo's lips.* And if there's one thing that bastard loves more than pride… it's proving everyone wrong.
Goku: You must have gotten much stronger Piccolo, if you can sense his presence. How about a spar someday buddy? *Goku's statement sounds more like a rhetorical question. But almost instantly the task at hand slipped from his mind as he thought about possibly sparring with a strong opponent.*
Piccolo: *He rolled his eyes, but there was a slight upturn of his lips.* Sure, Goku. If you want your ass kicked, that is fine by me. *Piccolo quickly added.* But for now, we have more important matters to tend to.
Goku: *The Saiyan sobered up instantly.* You're right.
Krillin: *The bald friend fidgeted.* We should focus. *He cleared his throat.* Well if that tiny red dot is indeed Vegeta... *Krillin started off by pointing up at a teeny tiny red dot that the normal person won't even notice, before continuing.* Do we go to him or do we wait for him to find us?
Piccolo: Knowing Vegeta? He'll be coming to us. Just a matter of waiting.
Krillin: *He groaned.* Perfect, just what I need a possible temper tantrum for the egomaniac himself.
Piccolo: *He couldn't help but smirk.* If... he returns.
Goku: *Goku's eyes darkened.* He will return. It's a matter of survival, he has to return. *Goku added.*
Krillin: *Krillin nodded, still looking at the red dot with a grim expression.* Yeah, he has to. For everyone's sake.