Author's Note: Hello everyone! Welcome to the second story of the VS series, I'm really excited to get this started and I'm glad I didn't have to make you guys wait six months to share it. If you are just joining us first off thank you for reading I'm very glad you are here. You look great by the way did you do something with your hair? Because it looks fantastic! This is a sequel to the story Krillin vs the Saiyans. This being the second installment in what I hope to be a long-running series I highly suggest you read the first story to make sense of everything. A fair number of people seemed to enjoy it and I think you will too. Also please do not assume I have a schedule prepared for chapters because I don't, sorry. Now with all the pleasantries out of the way welcome to chapter 1 of Krillin vs the Universe's Worst, please enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball/Dragonball z. All rights go to Akira Toriyama and any affiliates. This applies to my story in its entirety.
It was 5:00 in the morning. The sun had yet to rise but was ready to start as the night in the sky began to dim making way for the light. On a small island that only consisted of two palm trees, a lawn chair, and a small pink house with the words 'Kame House' painted on its side, sat Krillin. Still dressed in his nightwear with neither shoes nor socks on his feet the monk sat at the edge of the beach thinking deeply. His right arm still bandaged hung in a sling motionless. The waves of the sea lapping up the surrounding sand were the only sound for miles, that and the loud snoring of Master Roshi. It had been five days since the battle with the saiyans, two days since Krillin had been discharged from the hospital, and three days after his conversation with Mr. Popo. Despite the hours since Krillin couldn't stop the talk replying in his head over and over.
To replace him, as the guardian of Earth. Mr. Popo had been able to say that with such ease as if he had simply been asking for the time. Krillin hadn't been as smooth with his response.
Wa…what?!
Mr. Popo had laughed fairly loudly the sight of the monk's surprise must have been funny enough.
Worry not Krillin, just because you are worthy does not mean you will be forced to take the position. It simply means that Kami saw potential in you, potential great enough to entrust the future of Earth in your hands.
Krillin remembered that hearing that had done little to calm his nerves.
When Kami first foresaw his own death he began to look for a successor. Mr. Popo continued, Though he was unsure of how much time he had left he confessed to me that you were someone who could replace him. A human with a heart great enough to risk his life for his world while asking for nothing in return.
But I couldn't do that. Krillin had said. I didn't fight for Earth.
Precisely why Kami had stressed you only had the potential to become to the guardian. He believed that one day you would be capable of such a feat.
He thought I could?
He did, and now so do I.
Krillin had paused for a moment before asking. What does it mean to be a guardian? What can I do?
I do not know. Mr. Popo had said firmly.
You don't?
No, I have never been the guardian and I never will. It is not my place.
…if I was the guardian could I restore the dragon balls? Ask Shenron to bring Kami back like that?
No, the dragon balls were created by Kami. No guardian before him was capable of such a feat. Apparently ,it is something only namekians can accomplish.
Oh.
Mr. Popo had smiled, do not worry about this Krillin if Kami can be restored to life then you will have no reason to fear this.
And if he can't?
Then this will be a path you must consider.
The sun rising an hour later hit Krillin's eyes with enough light his mind snapped back to the present. With a heavy sigh, the monk slowly stood up feeling the mixture of water and sand between his toes.
Mr. Popo said he could fulfill Kami's role for the two months it will take to get to Namek and back but after that, if Kami hasn't returned Earth will need a new guardian. Krillin let out another sigh as he hit the sand off of his backside with his left hand. I just never thought it might have to be me.
Stretching as far as his injuries would allow Krillin sent out a straight punch from his left hand. The wound on his shoulder twitched but the monk was able to ignore it for three more punches before the pain overcame him.
I can't even train in this state, how am I going to be ready for the trip to Namek in time?
While the doctor at the West City hospital had cleared him to return home Krillin's arm had yet to fully heal. Flowing ki through the limb had accelerated his healing process but it was still impossible to move on his own.
No point in trying to sleep either, guess I'll just wait out here before making breakfast.
"You're up early."
Turning Krillin was greeted by the sight of Master Roshi standing in the doorway, already wearing his sunglasses and turtle shell despite the early hour.
"Master Roshi, I didn't expect to see you awake until noon."
"Couldn't sleep, much like yourself I guess. You shouldn't push yourself so early in the morning."
"I just wanted to watch the sunrise."
"You never were very good at lying not even as a kid. You were trying to train weren't you?"
"…yeah, having trouble with this arm though can't even throw a proper punch."
"And you never will again if you don't give your body time to heal."
"Master Roshi will all due respect I don't really have that time to spare."
The old hermit looked at his student for a moment before coming to a private decision.
"Maybe I can help, come over here sit by me."
With nothing to lose Krillin joined his master and sat down on the porch of the Kame house. The old man sat down next to the monk and the two spent a second looking at over the sea together.
"Close your eyes." Master Roshi said slowly.
Krillin obeyed subjecting himself to the darkness within his mind.
"Try to imagine yourself standing in your center, not how you are now but how you would like to appear."
"What does that mean?" Krillin said with his eyes still closed.
"Also, no talking."
The monk wanted to roll his eyes but thought better of it since they were currently closed. Following the instructions the best he could Krillin pictured himself planted at the center of his mind. Here he saw himself without injury both arms hanging by his side as they were before the fight with the saiyans.
"Good, now try to move around a bit but remain still. The only thing that should be moving is the you inside of your mind."
Giving up on trying to make sense of the old man's words Krillin focused on picturing himself flexing his muscles and moving around. Eventually, he started to punch at the darkness the image of himself getting clearer and clearer the longer he spent in his own head.
Oh, I get it, guess I don't have to worry about hurting myself in here.
Precisely.
Hearing another voice in his head was surprising enough to jolt Krillin's eyes back open but he remained still and turned to see a perfect representation of his master glowing in the darkness of his mind.
Master Roshi? What?...how are you here?
I entered your mind; just a little something my master taught me when I was younger. It's called image training. By yourself, you'll be able to practice as much as you want without the risk of hurting yourself, and with enough energy, two students of martial arts can link their minds together and train in a space between.
You can do that? Krillin thought still having trouble coming to grips with this.
I can do a lot of things; this is just one more thing I never taught you.
Well, why now?
Because you need it. Now show me what you can do.
What?
I haven't seen you fight since the Tenkaichi Budokai I want to see what you've learned.
Okay, I guess.
Focusing his energy Krillin started to go through his basics, slowly at first trying to get used to the sensation of being watched by another person in his own head. Soon he was flowing through a series of hard kicks and punches achieving feats that would not be possible if his eyes were open. Eventually, Krillin slowed and came to a stop before returning to his center.
How was that?
I don't know, what did you think?
Wha…you were supposed to be watching me!
I was, I saw you punch and kick, not bad but that wasn't what I had in mind.
What do you want?
I want to see you run, just like the old days. Master Roshi thought obviously having fun.
…..really?
Running is a good test of speed and strength, so I'm wondering if you got any better at it.
There's nowhere to run to! There's nothing here! Krillin thought pointing out the nothingness that surrounded both master and student.
Stop stalling and run ya big baby!
Rolling his eyes Krillin crouched down into a running position. Looking forward he watched his master make his way to roughly 100 meters away before raising his hand into the air.
Ready?
Krillin nodded.
Go! Master Roshi thought swinging his arm down. Yet his arm hadn't even returned to his side before Krillin had crossed the invisible finish line.
How was that? Krillin thought with a hint of pride.
I dunno, I don't have my stopwatch. Master Roshi laughed as his student groaned. But I guess that was faster than 10.4 seconds.
You remembered my time?
Of course, I did! I've got a mind for numbers after all.
You do?
Can't go forgetting Bulma's and Launch's three sizes now can I?
Ugh.
Alright, I've got a good handle on your physical strength how about your control over ki? Have you learned anything new?
A few things.
Krillin started by enclosing himself in a sphere of ki.
Oh, a barrier that's clever. Master Roshi thought looking over the ball of energy.
I learned it from Chiaotzu, but I'm not done yet.
Krillin shrank that same sphere until it had outlined his body. It can also act as armor.
Very clever. Master Roshi thought, very impressed. Anything else?
Krillin smiled before he brought his ki up to his head and let it shoot out of both eyes. I can fire off a ki blast from my eyes like Piccolo and even my feet like Goku.
That must have come in handy.
Actually, Vegeta was too strong for any of my ki attacks to work. Well almost.
Raising his left hand above his head Krillin quickly formed a disc of energy and left it spinning in his hand. I cut his side open with this. Krillin then threw the disc and watch it fly out into the distance.
You came up with that on your own?
Pretty much, it can also cut through energy as well if I put enough ki into it.
Impressive.
Yeah, too bad Vegeta saw me use it and copied me.
He did?
That's how he got my arm. Krillin thought thumping his right shoulder. But before he did I used this to cut into his knee when he was a great ape.
Placing two fingertips on his forehead Krillin concentrated until for a moment before his fingers started to crackle with energy. Shoving them forward the focused energy erupted outward into two long strings of ki. One spun around the other acting as a drill with the other streaked through the darkness like a bullet. The force of the blast almost forced Krillin backward and it wasn't long before the spiral faded into the distance following the disc.
I learned that from Piccolo.
He taught you that? Master Roshi thought with no small amount of surprise.
Not exactly.
Ah I see, you learned from watching again. Looks like you've got a good range of techniques.
Yeah, too bad I can't use any of them with this arm. Krillin thought with a heavy tone.
Rest would help with that.
Yeah well, sleep isn't coming to me easily these days.
Master Roshi paused; he watched his student practice a bit more before walking toward the monk with a determined look behind his sunglasses. How about a quick spar?
Huh really?
Really.
No offense Master Roshi but I don't know how effective that would be. I was stronger then you before training with Kami, now I don't know if you could touch me.
Humor an old man won't you. Master Roshi thought before sliding into a stance.
All right you asked for it. Krillin shrugged before taking a stance of his own.
Studying his master the monk watched for any sudden movements or anything out of the ordinary. Unsure where this surge of confidence had come from had put Krillin on edge and he still wasn't sure what to expect.
Well, anything he throws at me I should be able to handle. Krillin thought to himself. I'll wait for him to make the first move.
Eventually, the old man did make a move. Moving his left hand to the side while his right hand with brought up to face level. Then he brought his right hand down to the side while his left hand rose up slowly acting like they were trying to grab something that wasn't there. The monk tracked the hermit's movements very closely as Master Roshi's hands started to weave back and forth, back and forth. As Krillin followed Master Roshi's hand movements he started to feel heavy and sluggish. There was a soft tempo to the hand's motions that started to lull the monk.
Wait…what is he…doing?
Krillin tried to ignore the hands but made the mistake of locking eyes with his master. As soon as he had the old man's eyes went wide and Krillin felt a pulse pass through him like a bolt of lightning. Then the singing started.
Go to sleep little boy go to sleep. Go to sleep little boy go to sleep. You're a good boy little boy now go to sleep.
As soon as the final work had been spoken the monk felt his eyes close and the strange sensation of falling asleep within your mind quickly took hold. Darkness surrounded him and even though he could feel himself falling forward he never felt himself hitting the ground.
Time passed and when he awoke he was no longer in his own head but instead looking at the underside of the red awning of the Kame House. Slowly rising up he realized that he had fallen asleep on the porch and that the soft morning sky had been replaced by the red of early evening.
Forgot he could do that. Krillin thought to himself while he muffled a yawn.
"You're awake."
Krillin didn't have to turn around to know that his master had a wide smile on his face.
"I want a rematch."
"Of course you do. No doubt you would win that one so I'm taking my victory and running away."
"Never going hear the end of this am I?
"Not likely." The old man said with a grin.
"Ugh, What time is it?"
"5:48, you slept for almost 12 hours."
"Really?"
"Do you feel better?"
Krillin took stock of himself and aside from the stiffness of sleeping on a porch and the soft pressure of his shoulder wound he felt good.
"Yeah, I guess I do."
"Glad to hear it." Master Roshi said sitting down next to his student. "You weren't screaming this time."
"You heard that?" Krillin said a little ashamed.
"Hard not to, woke me up this morning."
"Oh…sorry."
"Don't be, I understand. Do you want to talk about it?"
Krillin paused not sure if he did. May as well, don't think anyone else is going to ask. Though can't say I feel like talking about Mr. Popo's offer at the moment.
"It's nightmares mostly."
"About Vegeta?"
"Yeah, sometimes. But a lot of them are about Nappa."
"Nappa?"
"The other saiyan," Krillin said slowly. "We…I didn't just leave him unconscious."
"We saw him while we were looking for Yamcha and Chiaotzu. He had a hole in his head. Did Piccolo do that?"
"No, I did."
"Ah…I see."
Master and student didn't say a lot after that, instead opting to watch the sea flowing on and off the tiny island.
"What did you guys do with the body?" Krillin asked breaking the quiet.
"We buried it miles away from the battlefield. No one else is going to find it unless they're looking for it."
"Oh, okay."
The silence returned stronger, but only for a moment.
"The scariest part is that I don't regret it," Krillin said gripping his left hand tightly. "He would have done the same thing to the entire world, to billions of people and wouldn't have thought twice about it. I stopped that, but he was still alive wasn't he? Shouldn't I feel something? Some kind of sadness? Something?"
"That depends on what you want. Do you want to feel sorry for him?" Master Roshi said softly.
"No, I hated him and I still do, he killed Yamcha and Chiaotzu. Yet even after avenging them, I think he still took a part of me, something I can't get back. At the time I was shaking afterward, but now thinking back on it I…I don't feel anything. I killed someone. Even if he was a monster shouldn't I feel sad over that?"
"Unfortunately that just may be the state of things for you. This battle has changed you there is no doubt about that and you may never be the same again. But you have to learn that not being the same is alright. You are still yourself just a different form of you, and that's okay. Do you know what that makes you?"
"Human," Krillin answered with a soft smile. "Kami said something similar."
"And here I thought I was being original."
Krillin let out a little laugh and his master grinned in return. Before the two could continue their conversation the phone started ringing.
"Blasted thing, we really need an answering machine," Master Roshi said standing up.
"I can get it."
"No need I'm already up."
The old man walked inside with green screen door slamming shut behind him.
Human, I wonder if I can really call myself that now.
"Krillin!"
The monk turned his head to see his master almost jumping through the screen door of the Kame house.
"That was Bulma! You have to go to the West City hospital!"
"What? Why?"
"It's Tien! He's awake!"
"Hi, I'm Krillin, here to see Tien Shinhan."
"Yes, are you friend or family?" The nurse behind the front desk of the West City hospital said with a smile.
"Friend."
"Alright, it's going to be a while before you will be allowed in, please take a seat in the waiting area."
"Thank you."
After Master Roshi had told Krillin the good news the monk had wasted no time in jumping in the shower, changing into a fresh pair of clean clothes and then flying to the hospital, leaving the old hermit to call around and help spread the news. Claiming an empty spot on a long couch in the corner Krillin left himself relax.
Tien's awake. I'm so glad.
Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding Krillin slumped down in the chair as far as his shoulder wound would let him.
No doubt he'll still be in a fragile state but Launch will be overjoyed and the fact that Chiaotzu may be able to come back will also help.
Krillin closed his eyes for a moment, despite the long nap he had taken the amount of energy it had taken to fly here had left him a little tired.
I wonder how he'll take the news about Vegeta.
"Krillin?"
His name shook him out of the light sleep he had fallen into.
"Wha?" Rubbing the tired out of his eyes with his one working hand restored his ability to function and Krillin turned to see the wife of his best friend and the mother of Gohan.
"Chichi? What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to see Goku, may I sit?" The ox princess asked gesturing to the seat next to the monk.
"Y-yeah of course," Krillin said while scooting to the side.
Chichi sat down without a response and for a very long moment, neither of them said a word, the only noise between them was the hustle of the hospital. During the silence, Krillin noticed that the ox princess had a backpack that was almost twice her size.
She carried that big thing by herself? I guess she'd have to be at least that strong to put up with Goku.
Krillin smirked at the thought but it quickly faded as the silence between them continued.
This is awkward, not even sure what I should say. Sorry I traumatized your son in our fight to save the world? Sorry, your husband's an alien? Sorry I let Gohan get taken away by Piccolo who I thought was a demon but is actually another alien? Sorry, I-
"I wanted to thank you." Chichi said bringing Krillin back out of his own head, "For taking care of Gohan."
"Oh, uh you… you're welcome!" Krillin said with a little fumble. "Is…is he alright?"
"No, he is still very upset," Chichi said her voice growing sad. "He's back home with my father, he should be studying but the death of that monster has him completely heartbroken."
"Monster? You mean Piccolo?"
"Who else? He kidnapped Gohan when he was only four, plus you saw what he did at the Tenkaichi Budokai, he almost killed Goku."
"…he also helped to save the world."
"That's doesn't erase his crimes."
"No, but it's a start. I think your son could see that. I like to believe they grew close because of your son's influence, I'd like to believe Piccolo even softened because of him. He did help me in protecting Gohan after all."
Chichi blinked in surprise. "You trusted him? Piccolo?"
"Not at first," Krillin confessed. "But if I didn't during the fight we all would have died."
The ox princess grew quiet as she thought about what Krillin had said.
Maybe I should have just agreed with her.
"Your arm," Chichi said slowly, "Is it okay?"
"My arm? Oh yeah, it's fine no problems here!" Krillin said nearly tripping over his own words.
Chichi paused as she looked over the monk making it clear she didn't believe him, "Have you seen Goku yet?"
"Goku? No, I wasn't sure if I'd be allowed to."
"You will if you're with me. Would you like too?"
"Yeah, but I'm waiting to see Tien."
"You can see him after, come on."
Standing up quickly with her giant backpack in tow Chichi went to the front desk where Krillin could only assume she demanded the monk get clearance to see his friend. Chichi and the nurse had a bit of a back and forth before the ox princess waved Krillin over.
Guess she convinced them. I suppose she is used to always getting her way.
As soon as Krillin had joined Chichi the two traveled deeper into the hospital walking through its halls. As they walked Krillin could see that his best friend's wife was in much better shape compared to when he had last seen her.
I had nothing but bad news for her. In a way, everything was fine until I arrived at her home.
Giving a sideways glance at the ox princess Krillin could see that her beauty had not diminished in the least during the past year. Despite the effort, she had to exert carrying the heavy backpack the monk couldn't help but get wrapped up in her allure.
Looks like Goku still has all the luck.
"We're here."
Krillin nodded and waited for Chichi to open the door before following her inside.
"Goku, you've got a visitor."
Walking into the room Krillin was greeted by Goku in what could only be described as a metal cocoon with wheels on its bottom. The saiyan was encased in a sort of healing pod with only his head sticking out. That same head had been bandaged several times to the point where Goku's trademark hair had been completely covered up. Krillin was horrified at what he saw, the extent of Goku's injuries was greater than he had imagined. For a moment he wasn't sure what to say, but that dilemma was quickly solved when Goku caught sight of his friend.
"Krillin! There you are I was getting worried!" the saiyan said with a wild grin.
The blinked in surprise was a second before falling into a smile himself. "You were worried about me? Goku it looks like you had a building fell on you!"
"Actually it was a giant monkey."
"I know Goku I was there," Krillin said with a laugh. "It's good to see you."
"You too, glad they finally let you in to see me."
"Wouldn't have been able to without Chichi, I was waiting to see Tien when we ran into each other, he just woke up."
"He's up? That's great!" Goku said with a wild grin.
Krillin smiled back as he walked over to a chair near Goku and sat down.
As if on cue Goku turned to look at the ox princess, "Hey Chi did you get me any food?"
"Goku you just had dinner." His wife responded
"Come on Chichi you know this hospital food can't compare to your cooking!"
Chichi rolled her eyes smiled and took off the giant backpack which landed on the ground with a hard thud, opening it up Chichi started taking out a dozen different dishes and placing them on a nearby table.
"I had a feeling you would be hungry."
"You're the best Chi!" Goku said his entire face lighting up.
As Krillin watched the couple together he realized that they were fine. They were completely fine with each other.
She doesn't seem to care he's a saiyan.
The monk could only stare as the husband and wife go about their dinner. With Goku eating a vast majority of it, thanks to being fed by Chichi who was sitting down on a nearby chair while she eating her smaller share out of a bowl she had brought. Krillin recalled the feeling that had encased him when he visited the small house on 439 East District. The small little house had felt warm.
And now I'm looking at the reason why.
"Krillin, would you like some?"
Chichi's question surprised Krillin but he then realized he hadn't eaten anything all day.
"Cumh on Krelli is's delicious!" Goku tried to say with his mouth filled with food.
"…sure." The monk said with a smile.
Chichi pulled out an extra bowl and an extra pair of chopsticks she had brought and filled the bowl up. She started to hand the bowl over but realized that with his shoulder wound Krillin wouldn't be able to eat.
"Looks like I'm feeding two martial artists today." The ox princess laughed.
Picking up a piece of chicken Chichi blew on it carefully to cool it before extending it toward the monk.
"Here you go."
Krillin couldn't fight the blush that crept over his face but accepted the food and bit into it. Almost immediately Krillin eyes went wide from the amazing taste bursting from the cooked bird.
"This…this is delicious!"
"Thank you," Chichi said with a smile before picking up another piece of food for her husband. "With Goku's appetite, I do get a lot of practice."
As the three ate Goku started ranting about how great the food tasted and Chichi started to laugh as her husband struggled to speak and chew at the same time. While Krillin watched the two talk and eat a small pang of jealously echoed throughout the monk.
Stop, there's no reason for that.
Eventually all the food Chichi had brought was eaten and the ox princess was in the process of putting everything away insisting she do it on her own even after Krillin offered to help.
"Thanks, Chi, tasty as always!"
"Yes thank you, Chichi it was really good."
"You're welcome; now Goku didn't you have something you wanted to ask Krillin?"
"Oh, that's right!" Goku said his excitement obvious, "Krillin you have to tell me, how did you beat Vegeta?"
That's what he wanted to know? "What do you mean? You saw it; you were there at the end."
"Not that part, how did you get back up? I heard Vegeta going after you but then all of a sudden you got back on your feet how?"
"…I got lucky. Korin had a spare senzu he gave me before the fight, I gave it to Gohan near the start but he gave it back to me when I sent him home. I put it in my pocket and had wanted to give it to you after I found you, but I lost it. It was just by chance I found it again toward the end."
"Huh, okay I thought it was some sort of new technique you learned. What happened next after you got up? I didn't see the whole fight."
"…Goku, to be honest, I don't really want to talk about it."
"Really? Why not?"
Krillin looked at his friend eagerly anticipating an answer and he couldn't help but feel conflicted.
I still have nightmares about everything and he can just talk about like it was a movie.
"Goku, if Krillin doesn't want to talk about it you can't force him," Chichi said while she continued to clean up.
"Alright, I just wanted to know if you used anything like the Kaio-Ken or something."
"Kaio-what?"
"The Kaio-Ken, it's another technique I learned from King Kai. It's like a massive upsurge of energy. Everything is heightened: power, speed, even hearing and vision improve dramatically. You sort of become a super-self. But it can only be sustained for a short time, so you have to get the job done quickly."
"Woah, I sensed your energy fluctuating a lot during the fight. Was it because of that?"
"Yeah, but there are some drawbacks to using it. If I don't restrain my ki just right while I'm controlling it, I could kill myself. I almost did!" Goku said with a laugh.
"….I see."
"But I'll have to use it again once I'm back on my feet. We'll need to get stronger as fast as we can now that the dragonballs are gone."
"Oh that's right you haven't heard," Krillin said feeling bad his best friend had been left out. "Goku there may be a way to bring Kami back."
"What?"
So Krillin went into detail about everything that had happened. Piccolo and Kami's origins, the spaceship Mr. Popo flew, Bulma's plan to leave for Namek in a couple of days, and the possible existence of another set of dragonballs.
"That's great news!" Goku exclaimed. "So Earth actually might get it's guardian back!"
"Yeah, as long as we can pull this off," Krillin said a little conflicted.
I shouldn't mention the talk with Mr. Popo yet, right? As long as Kami comes back then I don't need to worry. "I wish you could go Goku, but you're in worse condition than me and if Vegeta comes back we'll need you here."
"Well I'm still waiting for a senzu but who is going?"
"Hopefully King Kai is correct when he says the Namekians are peaceful but I'm going just to be sure and Bulma's coming in case something happens with the ship, but…" Krillin looked at Chichi who was still in the middle of cleaning up. "…we still need strong fighters on this trip ….so we were also thinking about asking Gohan to come."
As soon as Krillin had finished speaking he could hear the ox princess freeze. She wasted no time walking up to the monk with fire in her steps, fury in her eyes, and a dirty bowl still in her hands Chichi said, "No."
"Chichi-" Goku started.
"Don't Goku." Chichi snapped
"I know it's not fair Chichi but-" Krillin began.
"He's just a child! He shouldn't have to do this!"
As she screamed Chichi threw down the bowl in her hands which cracked on the ground the impact scattering the pieces across the room. The outburst was followed by a dead silence that was only broken by a mother's plea. "I just got him back. Don't take him away again."
Krillin looked at the husband and wife unsure of what to say.
"Chi-"
Chichi moved away from her husband before turning toward the exit, "….I'll go see if I can find something to clean up the bowl."
Without another word, the ox princess left the hospital room leaving the dazed human and saiyan alone.
Was that, my fault? Maybe I should have just talked about it with Goku first …I shouldn't have said anything.
"I'll talk to her," Goku said catching the monk's attention. "It'll be okay Krillin."
"Yeah, sure."
"…I haven't really thanked you yet." Goku said his tone growing serious.
"Thanked me?"
"For saving my family."
"Huh? But you did after you gave me a senzu."
"I thanked you for saving Gohan, I didn't thank you for saving my family."
"Oh well I mean that's-"
"Krillin, thank you."
"…you're welcome."
The two friends shared a moment before it was interrupted by the hospital door swinging open, instead of Chichi stood a nurse entering with a soft smile.
"Mr. Krillin, Mr. Tien is ready to see you now."
A wild smile appeared on the monk's face. "I'll be right there."
The nurse nodded before closing leaving and closing the door behind her.
"Make sure you tell Tien I said hi," said Goku "I'd tell him myself but I don't think I'm going anywhere."
"I will," Krillin said with a smile before leaving the room.
Following the nurse closely it wasn't long before the two of them arrived at Tien's room.
"Mr. Tien is right in here." said the nurse.
"Thank you."
The nurse nodded before making her way back to her desk, leaving Krillin alone in front of the door.
Okay, here goes.
Opening the door with his left hand the monk was greeted with the soft beep of a heart monitor and the sight of Tien laying in bed covered in injuries. Walking up to the side of the bed Krillin got a good look at his friend. Though his injuries weren't as severe as Goku's a good portion of his body had been wrapped in bandages. While his face still held some bruises from being tossed around during the fight Krillin could see that the majority of doctor and nurse's care had been focused around Tien's lost limb, his right hand. The stub had been bandaged very thoroughly to prevent any excesses bleeding. Looking over the wound Krillin couldn't stop a rush of memories from the fight blare in his head.
"What do you think you're doing?" Tien spat.
"I'm stopping you from killing yourself."
"At least I would take the saiyan with me."
"That's not the plan."
"Screw your plan! Yamcha and Chiaotzu are dead!"
"Killing yourself isn't going to bring them back."
"No, but at least Chiaotzu wouldn't be alone."
Dragging himself out of it Krillin tried to relax by breathing deeply only to discover that his left hand was shaking out of fear.
"Looks like we've got a lot of healing ahead of us, old friend." The monk said with a laugh.
"Krillin?"
His name was spoken so softly the monk almost missed it but it was just loud enough for Krillin to turn and see Tien with both eyes open.
"Tien!...how are you feeling?"
"…I'm not dead."
"I think that's an understatement."
"…your arm."
"It's not as bad as yours."
"…the fight did we?"
"We won."
"How? The last thing I remember Vegeta got back up, he was going to kill everyone who else-"
"We're okay; Piccolo was the last one we lost."
"Then, how-"
I got lucky, I used the senzu Gohan gave me."
"That's right…he did mention that after I woke up. Good. The doctors told me it's been days since I got here."
"It's been five days since the fight. We weren't sure you were going to wake up at all."
"Glad I did, though I wish I had seen you take care of the bastard for what they did to Chiaotzu," Tien said relaxing a little.
Krillin flinched, "Well Tien, you see-"
"Tien!"
The two men looked at the entrance of the room to see Launch with blue hair completely out of breath and panting heavily.
"You're awake!"
"Launch."
The blue-haired girl dashed to Tien's bed almost knocking over Krillin in the process.
"…you're awake."
"Yeah…I am." Tien said with a soft smile.
"I knew you would, I'm…I'm so glad." Launch said before a few stray tears started to form before she quickly wiped them away. "When I heard you were up I ran straight here."
"Thanks for coming. It's good to see you Launch."
The blue-haired girl smiled but the gesture faded quickly. "I'm sorry about Chiaotzu."
Tien flinched but nodded slowly. "I wish he could have been here too."
"Maybe he can be," Krillin said slowly.
"What? What are you talking about?"
"You haven't told him?" Launch asked.
"I was just about to."
So Krillin once again explained the plan to go to Namek and ask for their dragonballs trying his hardest to emphasize that there was only a chance this would work.
"So Chiaotzu can be brought back?"
"Yeah, along with Yamcha, Yajirobi, and East City. Plus if we revive Piccolo as well then Kami will come back which will-"
"Restore the dragonballs here on Earth!" Tien finished. "Do you think it'll work?"
"Not sure, but we have to try."
"You'll hear no argument from me," Tien said struggling to get up. "When do we leave?"
"What? You're staying here you still need to heal."
"I've done enough resting; I'm not going to just leave Chiaotzu when he needs me."
"Krillin's right Tien," Launch said pushing him back down into his bed. "You still need to heal."
"But-"
"Goku is staying here too, Korin said he'll have some senzu beans ready in a month but neither of you are ready for space travel."
Tien said nothing but seemed to obey, if only a little.
"Besides," Launch continued, "We'll need you here if Vegeta comes back."
Launch's voice hung in the air for what seemed like forever and as soon as the sweet sound had faded, the air in the room changed.
"Comes…back?" Tien said his voice shaking, "…what do you mean?"
The three-eyed martial artist looked at Krillin.
"Krillin…what does she mean?... I thought you killed him."
"Tien-"
"What does she mean Krillin!" Tien shouted the soft beeps on his heart monitor starting to increase their pace. "I thought you said we had won!"
Launch had recoiled back with Krillin unable to find the words Tien needed to hear.
"Answer me!"
Krillin flinched.
"…I let him go."
In an instant Tien had gotten out of his bed grabbed the monk's shirt with his remaining hand and shoved him against the hospital wall. Despite his injuries, Tien's anger had given him enough strength to hold Krillin up high enough that the monk's feet couldn't even touch the ground.
"Tien!" Launch shouted unable to do anymore.
"You…you let him go?" Tien said his grip tighten applying more pressure.
"I…" Krillin wheezed.
"You saw what he did to our friends, to East City, he was going to kill everyone, and you…you just let him go?"
Krillin coughed unable to answer.
"What was all that training for? Why did we fight so hard? Why did we have to die if you were just going to let him go?! WHAT WAS THE POINT?!" Tien screamed while softening his grip just enough to hear what the monk had to say.
"…Goku…Goku asked me too."
"What?...why? Why would Goku do that? I don't unde-" Tien's eyes went wide as his sentence died in his mouth, the realization hitting him hard.
"A saiyan…he's a saiyan like Vegeta…he wanted to fight him again, didn't he? Didn't he?!"
Krillin said nothing, but Tien had his answer. Almost laughing Tien let go of his friend letting the monk fall back to his feet.
"No Tien there was another reaso-"
The punch came out hard stopping Krillin's words dead and knocking the monk completely onto the hospital floor.
"Tien!" Launch shouted. "What are you-"
"I believed in you."
His friend's words had Krillin shaking as he slowly got up trying to find his balance.
"We all did, I didn't want to at first; I thought Kami was making a mistake. You weren't Goku, you were the furthest thing from him. How could we win with you in charge?"
Krillin said nothing unable to even look Tien in the eye.
"But you showed us we were wrong, the plans you put together, the way you pushed yourself harder than any of the rest of us, your damn promises! We believed that! We believed in you!"
Krillin said nothing in response, how could he.
"So despite all that, all that planning and preparation, all that time working together, all that trust we put into you when the time came. You couldn't even believe in yourself."
Krillin said nothing, but the tears he was holding back had started to flow.
"No, you listened to Goku, Goku who just wanted another fight, who always wants another fight!" Tien spat looming over the small monk, "So why Krillin? If you were just going to throw it all away why did you stop me from attacking Nappa? Why did you stop me when I could have been with Chiaotzu? WHY?!"
"Because I asked him to!"
The two martial artists froze and both of them looked over to Launch whose face was red and covered in tears.
"I asked him to keep you safe. He…he promised he would."
"You?" Tien asked studying the blue-haired girl.
Launch flinched and looked away, "I, I didn't want to lose you."
Tien's surprise was obvious as he stared at Launch for a long moment, but no sooner had his shock faded was it replaced with renewed anger.
"No one asked you to do that."
"But I-"
"You can't lose what you never had."
Launch recoiled as if bitten but said nothing in response.
"Leave." The three-eyed warrior spat. "Both of you."
"Tien-" Krillin started.
"Leave!"
Krillin watched as Launch obeyed holding herself like she had been cut. The monk looked at his friend one last time only to see him turn away. Hobbling toward the exit the monk stopped before he left.
"…I'm… sorry, Tien."
"I'm going to Namek." Tien said slowly, "Not just to save everyone and restore the dragonballs, but to make sure it actually gets done."
Krillin eyes went wide at Tien's words and he was going to fight it but the argument died before it could be formed and the monk found himself leaving his friend alone in the hospital room. Now outside and looking around Krillin caught the sight of Launch quickly walking down the hall trying to run away from what just happened. Krillin made no attempt to stop her and soon lost sight of the blue-haired girl as she rounded a corner. Almost numb from the experience the monk started to walk in the opposite direction looking for another exit.
He's right. Krillin thought to himself as walked along the West City streets trying to put as much distance between him and the hospital as he could.
I put this entire planet in jeopardy. Why did I listen to him? I knew what I had to do why did I stop?
Stopping at a corner with no else around Krillin waited for the light to change with no idea where he was even going.
I didn't save the Earth; I delayed its destruction, just because Goku asked me too.
Seeing the light change he started walking across the street only to suddenly be cut off by a large black car stopping in front of him.
"Hey!" shouted the monk.
A man wearing dark glasses and a very expensive suit stepped out of the driver's seat and quickly locked eyes and walked towards the monk.
"Are you Krillin?"
"What? Who are you?"
"Doesn't matter, is your name Krillin?"
"…it is."
"Good, get in the car." The man said opening up the back car door.
"What? Why?"
"I'll explain on the way."
"You'll explain now or I'm not going anywhere."
The man's face squeezed in frustration, "Fine, as I'm sure you know five days ago East City was wiped out along with every man, woman, and child who lived there. Reports are all over the place on how this happened from bombs to gas leaks, have you seen the news?"
"…no, not lately."
"Well among all those guesses and theories one reporter and his crew swear that aliens were the cause. Aliens who had the ability to fly wielded incredible strength, and could vaporize mountains with balls of light, and to back that claim up they have video proof."
Krillin's eyes went wide as he began to understand the situation.
"In that video, there is footage of you at ground zero fighting these aliens. I'm here to take you to someone who would very much like to know more about this."
"S…someone? Who?"
"The King."