Returning To Namek (IO)

'Apexle is that you?'

The sudden question broke Apexle from his almost trance like state on the outer plait. His blue eyes flickered towards the source of the question and he noticed a very familiar Namekian. In the the momentary pause of recognition Gandigan spoke once more. "Ah yes Gandigan. I remember you." Apexle said with a faint smile. A few dark bags still hung under his eyes event after his long rest after the incidents on Earth.

"If I remember last when we met you weren't quite yourself" Apexle admitted as he glanced over Gandigan once more. "Although you do seem a bit better now" Apexle said calmly to the Namekian.

"A lot has happened indeed." The Tufyan couldn't help but give a glance at the sky before turning back to the Namekian. Thinking of any possible diversion from having to tell what he'd recently been up to. "Although I'd love to hear about how your dispute with that other Namekian ended. Last I knew you two were going to fight until death. Was I wrong to assume that?" Apexle admitted with a softer tone. He didn't want to make it seem as though he thought the Namekian was blood thirsty, however the actions and words he'd heard prior to his departure from Namek would have him assume that much.

"Of course. I can clearly see you're much fitter than the last time we met. So I assume it's safe to say you came out as the victor correct?" Apexle found himself continuing his previous comment. Ever so curious on how the Namekian's story was unfolding.

Apexle couldn't help himself as his eyes widened at Gandigan's first comment. 'A demon infected him? Is that what's happening to me?' Apexle couldn't help but get lost in the thought for a moment. A cold sweat dripped from his brow as he displayed the best fake smile he could. He didn't want to trouble the Namekian with his recent displays on Earth.

"So then. With the parasite destroyed I'm certain you're feeling much better. I can't imagine it felt good having it ripped from your body, but you do seem to have recovered if not you've definitely matured since last we met" Apexle commented as he fought to remain calm and certain of what he said. 'I just hope it's as easy as that for me' Apexle found himself thinking in the back of his mind. He feared that his 'demon' was much different than Gandigan knowing what he did. Apexle was certain their 'demons' were most definitely born from different hells.

"Ahh so you must have gotten a lot of experience out in the universe. I myself had a bit of an adventure. I even returned to Namek for a bit to participate in a contest" Apexle admitted. He wasn't sure if Namek's event was displayed across the galaxy, however he figured he might bring up the contest in passing and hope Gandigan didn't question him about it further.

At the mention of Marimba Apexle's body flinched in pain as if remembering a painful experience. "Ahh I understand. If I remember correctly I've met that Namekian once or twice. Once he claimed to be the Champion of Maaa" Apexle trailed off letting his index finger tap against his chin. "I apologize I've forgotten the clan of Namekians we fought when last we were together" Apexle admitted a bit bewildered by his thoughtlessness, however after the events he faces recently he couldn't be bothered remembering the clan that once wished to see his blood spill upon the soil of Namek.

"Ahhh restoring that old castle? If I remember correctly" Apexle began before tapping his chin again. "We went there for answers to that parasite. I still have that candle you gave to me at one point in that venture" Apexle admitted. "I'm glad you've found more allies. It's good to see you opening up to others. I'm sure the story you're writing is wonderful so far. Do you have some time to tell me about these plans of yours? Or are you short on time today?" Apexle questioned letting a true soft smile curve upon his lips as he spoke.

Apexle couldn't help but give a frown as Gandigan spoke at first. His face remained stagnant as if trying to avoid giving away his secret with every word he spoke. "Ahh so something like an out of body experience then. I guess in a way I might be able to relate" Apexle said softly enough that only trained Namekian ears would be able to pick up. "I can understand how scary an experience like that might be" Apexle mentioned in passing quickly. "I'd love to see this magic healer you've spoken of, but I'm sure if they're a healer they must have a busy schedule so I suppose I'll wait" Apexle said letting a bit of light return to his dimmed blue eyes. As if a ember of hope were burning before him. If he truly was possessed perhaps this 'Nero' may be able to help him.

"The tournament of peace did have some good fighters. It was right after the fight for Namek so it's reasonable that we wouldn't be at our best no need to feel down about it Gandigan" Apexle stated simply as if to try and pick up his friends mood. "As it stands I didn't fare too well I didn't pass the first round myself" Apexle admitted to his Namekian friend.

"Doesn't exist anymore?" Apexle found himself muttering back to Gandigan what he'd said. Black began to take over his vision as he remembered what his other had said. 'I'm the thirty percent of you that craves violence. The thirty percent that wants to conquer. The thirty percent that makes you better than everyone else'. That was what his other once said. Apexle's whole body tensed in response.

'No. Gandigan's not like that. If those Namekians died it had to be because they tried to kill Gandigan. It had to be.' Apexle found himself thinking about his other more and more as he stood in front of Gandigan. A familiar face that brought with him the painful memory of when his body ceased to be his own.

"I-I'm sure that clan is doing better things apart from one another" Apexle mentioned hoping his friend hadn't killed the clan as vengeance for their wrong doings. Apexle thought so much better of Gandigan, otherwise he wouldn't have assisted the Namekian in the past.

It was then that Gandigan discussed his ambition. The legacy he yearned to leave behind. Not one of destruction but of union for all his people. A goal that he had to make Namek a united force against people who might wish to threaten it. A goal that Apexle found to be a wonderful future for all of Namek.

"I understand. Then should I assume your unification would begin where your journey started? In the castle where you learned the truth?" Apexle questioned. He wanted so badly to assist his friend, however a nerve seemed to pluck as he spoke. As if his other side were breathing down his neck. Not soft pants, but the breath of a hunter stalking it's prey. 'I hope he can't see this' Apexle found himself praying in the back of his head. Knowing that his friends ambitions were nothing less than what a hero would aspire to do. Apexle let a moment pass as he awaited his friends next comment.

"Met him already?" Apexle couldn't help but repeat. Sure he might have met the fellow when the shrine was under assault, however he lacked the features of the Namek resident to paint a picture for himself. "I can't say I remember him. The battle was quite intense and there were a lot of faces on that battle field to be fair" Apexle tried to defend his ignorance with something factual, however he couldn't help but feel alarmed that he'd met the person without remembering.

"Ah well. So long as we didn't kill them all then I can't say I feel troubled" Apexle admitted as a pang of guilt shot up his spine. He knew he'd taken lives in that fight, however after his recent encounter he couldn't help but feel he was closer to his other than he once thought.

"I can't say I feel sorry for them. Their clan had no right experimenting on their kind. Although I do hope they've learned from their mistake" Apexle found himself having to add that comment. As if to ease the burden on himself, however he'd never forget the vicious fight through the castle.

Apexle couldn't help but give a smile towards his friend after his next comment. "Well from the way I see it you'll be able to handle most of the challengers. When last I was on Namek very few residents could actually match your current strength. Assuming you aren't at full power that is" Apexle said softy. "Although. I'm sure you know I wouldn't let you fight a hundred people alone, unless they came at you one by one that is" Apexle added trying to word it in a way that wouldn't offend his Namekian friend.

"Ahh I assume the Elders are something like the current rulers of the planet? Or perhaps guides for the kings of Namek?" Apexle guessed. Although he knew a bit about Namek he hadn't heard of the Elders nor the importance of them. "If they want what's best for Namek I'm sure they'd give their blessing or support for your cause. It seems pretty just in my eyes" Apexle added once again trying to encourage his friends path to heroism or rather a more peaceful Namek.

"If the Elders don't approve though. What would you do? Is their support absolutely needed for you to unite the north of Namek or just something that'd allow an easier path to peace?" Apexle found himself curiously asking his companion. Having no knowledge of the political standings of the Namekian race.

Apexle couldn't help but smile at Gandigan's comment. The idea of the afterlife was something Apexle didn't dark question, however he wasn't sure what hell those Namekians would belong to. "With any luck they're being punished for what they did down there" Apexle said in passing his blue eyes blinking a few times as Gandigan continued. "Yes. Training you body is always important, but don't forget too much training will weaken your mind, or worst fatigue you. If you do become ruler you'll need to be strong in all virtues to properly reign over your people" Apexle had to comment about Gandigan's worries.

"As far as I can tell. You seem to have strong supporters. If I remember correctly Marimba was much stronger than myself when last we met, and since Nero was fighting at the shrine at that time I assume he's not weak either" Apexle had to force himself to stop speaking for a moment. Fearing he was muttering things that weren't what he meant. "What I mean is. No matter what you have strong allies who want nothing more than for you to unite your people. Myself included" Apexle added a more youthful tone at the end of his explanation letting the Namekian know that although their time apart had brought about many chances. Apexle wouldn't turn his back on someone he once viewed as a friend and comrade.

"I understand the need to fight alone. It's almost like a kings trail. I believe it is something akin to what the Saiyans on Planet Plant had partaken in throughout their extended stay on Plant." Apexle said with a much more somber tone. "However most of those fights were to the death, and for the future peace of Namek I hope you wont have to kill the people you intend to save" Apexle added with a optimistic tone. "After all you aren't on a path to be a villain as far as I can tell" Apexle mentioned towards the end. A flicker of pain in his eyes as his others villainous actions flashed through his head.

"Hmmm" Apexle couldn't help but hum out for a moment. His right index finger tapping his chin as if deep in thought. "Those Elders who reign over those Mazoku. I believe they themselves have to answer for their sins. After all there's no way they wouldn't have known what that evil clan were doing within their territory as vast as it may be." Apexle admitted in a more logical tones. "I mean no disrespect for your elders though Gandigan, however if they allow such disgusting acts to take place within their area then, I can't say you need their backing after all the peaceful future you seek may be different from the future some of them envision" Apexle explained in a softer tone. Not trying to upset his companion or rub him the wrong way with what he said.

"I can't say to use force, but Gandigan..." Apexle said softly as if he wasn't sure he wanted to say what he had to. "Some times if you want to save the lives of many you need to end the lives of few. It doesn't make you any worst than others. The path of salvation is never one carve without blood. Blood of your allies as well as enemies." Apexle explained. "I'd happily bleed for your cause, but that's only if I have to, and only if there is no other way." Apexle said with determination flickering in his eyes. "But while I'm around. I'll make sure your story ends with you being praised as a hero, and not a conqueror. That is if you'll allow me" Apexle offered. He could tell the Namekian wasn't certain of his path, however the Tufyan wouldn't allow him to back down now. Even if he had to be the villain so Gandigan would be the hero.

"It's probably a good thing you didn't meet them." Apexle couldn't help but let out a laugh. "Can't say I heard of anyone dying in the after life, but if it's you there may be a way" Apexle added calming himself down, however maintaining a smile as the Namekian went one with what he was saying about his tormentors. "I'm sure most value their lives too much to lose their life over the change. Namekians are a more peaceful race than the saiyans after all. They aren't constantly out for blood like the barbaric warrior race" A heavy hate hung in the Tufyan's words. As if he still hadn't forgotten his races years of war against their sworn enemies. Although a cease fire was called he knew not every Tuffle and Saiyan were at peace.

"As you should" Apexle agreed with Gandigan. "The last thing a peaceful Namek needs is more demons running about. The last one attempted to steal your body, and another tried to steal a historic land mark. Both are actions I don't believe you'll look upon lightly when you rule." Apexle suggested more than stated. He knew his Namekian comrade wasn't likely to actually search to hard now that the threat had passed, but Apexle couldn't help but worry that some Namekian would attempt something like this once again.

"Ahhh I hadn't thought you'd gotten so far already" Apexle admitted at his friend's statement about his allies. It had been some time since they'd last met, but it seemed Gandigan had used his time well. "Considering you have so many allies then it must not be much longer until the Elders take notice. I'm sure if they want what's best for Namek they'll allow your plans to pass. After all your ideals seem to be towards peace rather than violence. I'm sure Namekians are more fit for a peaceful life than one filled with blood and war" Apexle said happily towards his companion.

After he'd spoken he'd hear of Gandigan's offer. A soft smile fell on the Tufyan's face. "I'd love to help. I'm certain I'll be able to assist with construction as well as anything else you might need. As for the name. I'd suggest something that would flow well in any language. If what you're looking for is a peaceful city. Then perhaps Paradise or Harmony might be fitting. Although I'd understand if you'd prefer it to be in your native tongue rather than the universal language" Apexle replied with a calm tone. He wasn't certain that the naming would be important for some time, however he did feel as though the city would need a name before it was actually inhabited. "As for the castle ruins. Yes I would love to visit it once more" Apexle admitted giving a stretch and readying himself to follow Gandigan.