Azule-san
Suddenly, a shadowcast over the childs small form and he allowed himself to crack open his eyes. What he saw made him scream, though it was lost as the energy hit Piccolo, who'd planted himself directly in front of Gohan. The child felt his heart shatter with his mentor's shreik of agony and pain. His own master of the martial arts, the closest thing to him at that time, had sacrificed himself for him.
"NOOO!" Gohan cried out in his sleep, waking up in a flash. Sitting up with a quick jolt, he looked around desperately, trying to figure out where he was. He sighed with relief as he found himself in his own room, surrounded by that same desk and closet. The little dem-saiyajin ran a chubby arm over his forehead, feeling the cold sweat. "Wow," he whispered. "It was just a dream."
He knew that Piccolo was alive and had been for about 3 years now. In fact, he was right outside, probably meditating under the tree by the front door. Ever since Goku had asked him to be his sparring partner for the arrival of the androids, he always stayed on the property, well out of Chi Chi's way. Probing the air for energy just to make sure, Gohan sighed again, happy to detect his mentor's prescence where he assumed it was. Then, he curled up under his sheets again, waiting for sleep to come.
Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind. "Piccolo," he thought to himself. "You've always been there for me and helped me through every obstacle. And...I never thanked you once!" Guilt wormed its way into the child's mind until he finally sat up again, tossed off his sheets and tip-toed to his window, being careful to not wake his parents. If his mother caught him up this late, he'd be dead. Slowly, not making any noise in the process, Gohan pushed the screen back and jumped down into the grass, wincing as the damp blades met his bare feet. Then, he made his way around the house until he saw the tree and the familiar form sitting under it.
Piccolo sat motionless about a foot off the ground, but still low enough that the branches didn't cover him. He apparently didn't sense the child's approach, which pleased Gohan. Even though what he came to say was serious, he always loved to surprise the namekian. A wide grin spread out over Gohan's face and he jumped, sailing thru the air, but soon finding himself facedown in the earth. Piccolo had dodged him. Before he could pull his head out of the dirt, a large hand grabbed his leg and yanked him out with a swift jerk. Holding the boy at arms length, Piccolo looked at Gohan straight in the face. "Son Gohan," he hissed, quietly so as not to wake those in the house. "When will you learn?"
Gohan giggled as he detected a note of amusement and mockery in the namekian's low voice. "Sorry, Piccolo-san, I just couldn't resist it!"
Piccolo growled and placed the boy down on his feet. Grabbing the corner of his cape, he wiped off the dirt and wet grass clinging to the demi-saiyajin's face. When he was satisfied, he cuffed him lightly on the forehead. "I still think you need to take a one-way trip to the funny farm, or whatever that place is." He growled, smirking. Then the smile faded. "Why are you out so late anyway? Your mother's gonna kill the both of us."
Gohan looked down, his grin gone as well. "Well, I had a nightmare, Piccolo-san."
The namekian's brow twitched. "The one about a tyrannosaurus eating your mother? Or is it the one where you're forced to turn the whole population of humans into dim sum and eat them?"
The child shook his head. "Nope, it was when you died for me. When you took Nappa's blast."
"That was over 4 years ago, Gohan. I'm back, Nappa's dead."
Gohan nodded, "I know, but I think I know why I had a nightmare about it. I think it still haunts me 'cause I never did thank you."
Piccolo's eyes widened in confusion. "Thank me? Gohan, you don't need to thank me."
Gohan looked up at his mentor with equal confusion. "Why? I mean, you are my best friend."
"Precisely, kid." the namekian replied, reaching out to tousle the kid's hair. "I'm responsible for you. Whether yer grateful or not doesn't matter to me. Yer my student, and yes, my best friend and I gotta protect you one way or another."
"Still," Gohan countered quietly. "You made the ultimate sacrifice...for my sake."
"Think nothing of it, kid."
"Well...in that case, you don't have to thank me if I help you out!"
Piccolo rolled his eyes. "Right, like you'd ever get a thanks out of the Demon King." he muttered sarcastically.
Gohan laughed, but immediately realized he was being too loud. "I just did!" he hissed, gleefully.
The namekian smiled, "Dang. I can't even trick an eight-year-old. You're too smart, Gohan. I think you should spend more time fighting and less time studying. Become a brainless lug with the rest of us."
The demi-saiyajin couldn't control himself this time and began rolling around the wet grass in histerical laughter. Before he could stop himself, the lights in the house clicked on and Chi Chi came storming out to the two. "Gohan!" she yelled, startling him. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING UP BEFORE SUNRISE?!"
"Oops," Gohan murmured as she stood there with her hands on her hips, demanding an explanation.
"I was teaching him...how to meditate." Piccolo suddenly declared. "I told him to come out this early."
Chi Chi's raven black eyes were burning with anger, so much so that she could've gone super saiyajin if she had the blood. Instead, she picked up her son and hissed. "I'll deal with you in the morning, Piccolo!"
As she walked back to the house, Gohan slumped over her shoulder, the boy whispered. "Thanks Piccolo!"