badfic_manor | 16 Star Ball || Dende [in person]

[Dende had grown a bit worried about his friend Tom, as they had decided to make plans to see some movies together. Dende feared that perhaps Tom was worried that Dende already had plans, which ~~since he's a total nerd~~ he doesn't.

He walked through the halls to Tom's room and knocks on the door, causing the door to open a crack]

Tom? Um, are you in?

[The fact that the door wasn't closed leaves him a bit nervous, did someone steal something from his room or something? He pushes open the door and steps in]

I'm coming in...

[When he steps in and sees Tom lying on the bed he panics and rushes to his friends side. His eye's widen when he sees the injuries, broken neck and a hole in the stomach from some sort of laser or ki blast, he automatically knew that signature, but he refused to believe it. Shaking the thought of his mentor and friend out of his head he instinctively holds out his hands over Tom to try and heal him in vain. His powers didn't work on the dead.

He stumbled out of the room and into the halls, his hand over his mouth and his eyes welling up. He honestly felt as though he were going to be ill. He's seen worse injuries before, and he's also seen unfair murder before, but that never made it any easier...]

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[Iroh peeks into the doorway, fearing the worst. He sees Tom's body, then shuts the door. He doesn't know Tom, but that doesn't blunt the impact of seeing the body at all.]

More senseless violence. Terrible.

I'm sorry, Dende.

[He bites his lip and nods. Iroh was a close friend, he could let him know about his fear of who did it]

I... I'm afraid I know who did it... but... it couldn't... I mean, I know he's not all bad, he would do something like this... a-and I know Tom wouldn't have done anything to...

[He covers his face with his hands and shakes his head. And where was he when this was happening? He could have easily stoped it!]

[Poor Dende. Despite his inner strength and fortitude, he was so unsure of himself. If only he could see that.

Iroh puts a comforting arm around Dende.]

Say nothing. Take your time to mourn. If you know who did this, we'll deal with it later.

[A choked sob escapes his throat before he once more tries to hold back. He folds his arms to try and keep his shoulders from trembling so]

I'm sorry Iroh... I'm always such a wreck whenever you see me...

Do not apologize. It shows that you care about people deeply. If we did not love people so, it would not hurt when they left us. It is a mark of who you are.

[Dende just manages a nod before he just can't seem to hold back and the tears come in full force. He leans forward so his head is down, not wanting to have Iroh see him lose his composure so.]

[Iroh hugs Dende close, letting the Namekian rest his head against Iroh's shoulder.]

Cry as much as you need, Dende. I am here.

[Dende leans forward burrying his head in the oh so welcomed shoulder]

Th-thank you Iroh...

[Iroh says nothing, just pats Dende on the back and waits for him to finish crying.]

[After a number of minutes Dende begins to calm down enough for him to separate from the comfort of Iroh's shoulder, albeit somewhat reluctantly. He wipes his eyes, looking a little dazed.]

I know who did it Iroh....

[Iroh feels his hand tighten on Dende's shoulder]

Do you? Then he or she must be brought to justice.

But... He's not an evil person... while he's from a number of years before I met him... he's always been a mentor and a very close friend to me... he wouldn't do something like this! H-he couldn't!

[Dende shakes his head, wanting to dispell everything he knew about the incident]

I know he was troubled when he was younger but... I never thought...

[Ah, yes. A dilema. Of course.]

There is good and evil in all of us. No one is completely evil. Though we may do things we regret, things others perceive as evil, it does may not make one an evil man. But still, his actions should be atoned for.

I know... but I just can't make any sense of it...

[he hangs his head and sighs]

I'm not even sure I want to... I'm so furious with Piccolo, Tom didn't deserve that... no one does... but at the same time I can't halp but worry about his punishment...

[Ah. So that's who it was.]

If you speak to those who would carry out the punishment, if you speak in favor of Piccolo, they might consider your concerns and words and mitigate his punishment. Speak to Piccolo as well.

[Dende nods]

right... I need to talk to Piccolo... m-maybe he didn't mean to? P-perhaps it was just an accident?

[he shook his head, not even believing those reasons for a moment]

The least I could do for Tom is give him a reason why it happened when he wakes up...

Indeed. There's no sense in guessing why he did it. Talk to him. Even if you don't like the answer, it will at least clear things up.

[He nods solemnly]

I will. And I will remain by Tom's side as well, until he wakes up... waking up alone after something like that... it can be mortifying...

I'm sure it is. But look out for yourself as well. The dead can not be disturbed. He will wake when he does.

Thank you Iroh, I will be sure not to neglect my own health while I watch over him.

[Alright teeny lie, but what could a couple all-nighters hurt...]

[Iroh pats him on the shoulder and offers a fatherly smile.]

If you ever need me...

16 Star Ball || Dende [in person]

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