The mist around Kami's Lookout was unusually thick, matching the solemn mood of its inhabitants. Dende stood near the edge, looking down at the Earth, while Piccolo leaned against a pillar with his arms crossed. The sound of rushing wind announced the arrival of the trio. Trunks landed smoothly first, followed by Goten and Melody.
Trunks: We're here, Dende, *Trunks said, stepping forward with a serious expression. He glanced back at Goten and Melody.* My dad informed me mostly about what happened. We're ready to make this right.
Goten: *He rubbed the back of his neck, looking genuinely apologetic.* Yeah... sorry about the Dragon Balls, Dende. We didn't mean for Piccolo to have to destroy them.
Melody: *She looked down at her boots, her voice barely a murmur. Blaming herself.* It's my fault. My bloodline... I lost control.
Piccolo: *He spoke up, his deep voice cutting through the guilt.* What's done is done. The Ozark essence is gone, and Earth is safe. But a world without Dragon Balls is a world without a safety net. That is what we should be fixing now.
Dende: *He turned around, holding a small, blank stone chest.* Piccolo is right. I can fashion a new set, but Earth's current spiritual energy is depleted after the Mafuba. To forge them, I need three ancient catalysts hidden across the globe. And since you three caused the shortage—indirectly or not—you are going to retrieve them.
Trunks: *He nodded firmly, placing a hand on his hip.* Consider it done. What are we looking for first?
Dende: *He opened the chest, revealing three small, intricate crystals inside—each pulsing faintly with residual divine energy.* First: The Heart of Kami—buried beneath a sacred grove in West City. It was last used to bless the original Dragon Balls.
Piccolo: *He uncrossed his arms.* Second: A Fragment of Namekian Soulstone. I'll guide you to it—it's in my old temple on Mount Paozu.
Trunks: And third? *Trunks asked.*
Dende: *For a moment he hesitated, then pointed to a third crystal—this one dark and swirling with ancient power.* A Piece of the Black Zircon. It was mined from Earth's core before the time of King Kai. The last known location was… inside Vegeta's old training chamber in Hell.
Trunks: *The lad paled slightly.* Hell?!