Author's Note: Hello everyone! Hope this day is treating you well and you are all staying warm during these past few weeks (if it is cold where you are). First a fair warning, this chapter is a little shorter than usual but in my opinion, it's fairly important. There's also a reference to a dbz filler episode as well as a particular dragonball fight, just wanted to give you all a heads up so no one is confused. That's all from me, thanks for reading and please enjoy!

Krillin woke surrounded in white. White that stretched out in front of him endless in scope with nothing near or far from him, just white. A chill caked his body covering the monk in a cold he could not shake.

No. Not here, anywhere but here!

Tearing himself away from the void and shutting his eyes the next thing he noticed was the silence that consumed him which he could not escape.

Not again not again!

The chill he felt thrashed at him like a starving animal as he began to shiver clutching his sides. His teeth began to chatter and his breath started to come out in quick bursts all in a pointless attempt to stay warm.

Please, I can't do this again!

Without warning the freezing air that consumed Krillin turned into a sweltering heat. The monk's heart and mind boiled as his shivers changed into heaving gasps of air.

"Please stop!" Krillin cried out into the never-ending white hoping someone, anyone would rescue him.

"Three hours."

The voice that hung in the air was instantly recognizable to Krillin. It forced him to open his eyes to see Nappa standing as tall as he did when he was alive, yet there was a gaping hole in his head that gave Krillin a clear view into his skull.

"Three hours," Nappa repeated as he started to walk toward Krillin his hole spitting out droplets of blood that ran down his face and neck.

"Stop!" Krillin pleaded already backing away from the saiyan.

Nappa did not stop, instead, his pace increased the hole in his head seeming to widen with every step he took.

"STOP!" Krillin screamed.

"Three hours!" Nappa repeated again his blood dripping down onto the white and coating it in red.

"GET AWAY FROM ME!"

Krillin raised his hands and brought his power forward ready to blast Nappa away. Only for the hulking saiyan to close the gap in an instant and wrap his giant hands around the monk's throat.

"THREE HOURS!"

Krillin's eyes bulged and he could feel his air stop. He clawed at Nappa's hands but the saiyan's grip held firm as he squeezed tighter. Krillin's neck started to creak and groan before a loud crunch rang out across the white.

(cut)

Krillin snapped up out of bed gasping for air his hands at his throat praying it was still in one piece. It took several minutes for the monk to calm down and get his bearings before both his breathing, heart rate, and a dense throbbing in his right arm finally slowed down. Looking around the namekian ship Krillin was relieved to see that his nightmare hadn't woken anyone. Bulma, Gohan, and Tien were still sleeping soundly and seemed to have slept through Krillin's panic attack without any trouble.

Good…good.

Krillin shook his head trying to dislodge the nightmare from his mind.

That dream again, that's what? The third time this week?

It had actually been the fourth time over the course of the week, which had been the longest seven days of Krillin's life. The ship was big thanks to Bulma's hard work but not big enough that Krillin couldn't make eye contact with Tien or Gohan every now and then. Gohan still wasn't talking to the monk instead preferring to read his books and talk with Bulma about the ship. Tien, on the other hand, had even less to say. Since the fight, the three-eyed warrior hadn't spoken a word to Krillin instead spending most of his time image training. Krillin had also used most of the past week image training and thinking of new ways to approach a 1 on 1 fight with Vegeta. Though he had also added Tien to his training routine he quickly discovered with his new boost in power the monk was incapable of besting his friend just like the saiyan prince.

I'm getting nowhere just fighting and losing over and over in my own head. Plus I can't even focus that much thanks to that dream.

Krillin eye's wandered over to the clock that the crew had been using as a schedule. A soft glow of blue with the numbers 3:37 informed him that it was still very early in the morning back on Earth.

Not even 4:30, this dream is really getting to me. Don't think I'm getting any more sleep either.

Running a hand down his face trying to wake up the monk considered coffee but realized that would probably make too much noise.

Don't feel like training yet, was I smart enough to pack a magazine or something?

Silently Krillin got up from his bed careful not to hit his right arm against anything and crept to where his bag rested in the back. Dropping to a knee Krillin carefully started to search his bag feeling around for something he could use to kill the time.

Clothes, clothes, clothes, ah here we go!

The monk pulled out a magazine that had caught his attention due to the front cover which featured Yamcha posing with a baseball bat. Tucking it under his arm Krillin snuck into the bathroom before closing the door, turning on the light, and sitting down on the toilet for some light reading. Opening the magazine up to the feature article Krillin scanned the pages until he found Yamcha's name.

The End of the Wolf?

In a move that has baffled sports fans and experts across the country Yamcha the Taitan's hard-hitting slugger has left the sport for reasons unknown. The man known as The Wolf took the baseball world by storm only three years ago, rising through the ranks at a blistering pace before being drafted by the West City Taitans at the age of 28. Wearing number 00 Yamcha dominated the field as a shortstop but his true talent shined in the batter box where he seemed to hit homers almost on command. No matter what type of pitcher the Wolf went up against it was almost a guarantee that the ball would be sailing out of the stadium every time. However, that bright future seemed to end during a game against the Rockets when a fight broke out between the two teams. The Wolf was seen in the middle of the brawl before disappearing amidst the chaos and has not been seen since. The Head Coach of the Taitans Freddy Hein had this to say,

"The Wolf isn't done he can't be done! He's got a contract that he is in blatant violation in and as soon as he shows his face again we're going to work him like a dog!"

How the Wolf's disappearance will affect the rest of the Taitan's season remains to be seen.

Krillin put down the article with a soft smile remembering how bored Yamcha had looked during the baseball game only to break out in a huge grin once the fighting had started.

He's a fighter at heart, baseball was probably too slow for him. Then again at least it was a career he could follow. He wouldn't have pursued it if he didn't have any interest right?

With a sign, Krillin leaned back onto the toilet and looked up at the low ceiling.

What about me? Is there a career out there for me? I can't just keep doing the same jobs I did as a kid forever. If we're lucky enough to bring everyone back and take care of Vegeta what's next? If Kami doesn't make it should I become the next guardian of Earth? Does that pay? What do I even want to do with my life?

A knock on the bathroom door interrupted Krillin and had him nearly jumping out of his skin.

"Bulma? Is that you?"

Huh? Is that Gohan?

The soft question came out from the other side of the bathroom. Getting up off the toilet Krillin opened the door to reveal a small Gohan in his pajamas rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

"Sorry, no Bulma, just me. She's still sleeping" Krillin whispered.

Gohan looked at Krillin and it was easy to see his disappointment but surprisingly he didn't leave.

"Is there anything I can do?" Krillin quietly asked.

Gohan shifted unsure if he should explain.

"It's okay Gohan, you can tell me."

"I…" Gohan started, "I miss…I miss my mom."

Krillin blinked once a little surprised the little half-saiyan actually shared his feelings with him.

He's probably missed her since we left, what can I do though?...oh!

"How about a story?" Krillin said with a smile, "Would that help?"

Gohan thought about it for a moment before gifting the monk with a small nod.

"Okay, come in here though we don't want to wake up Bulma and Tien."

Gohan nodded again and walked into the bathroom where he took a seat on the toilet with the lid down.

"So, a story huh? Haven't had one of those in a while have we, but which one to tell?" Krillin said playing up the decision, "How about the one when your dad battled against the Red Ribbon Army? Or maybe when Goku swam across the whole ocean just so he could qualify for the world tournament?"

"Do you know any stories about my mom?"

The question had Krillin fumbling for a moment.

"Your mom?...I'm-I'm sure I do."

Do I?

Furrowing his brow and thinking intensely for a moment helped Krillin remember when he first met Chichi at the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament. She and Goku fought an intense battle which ended with Goku's victory and a fiancée.

Is that a good enough story though? His mom and dad sort of fought and there is a lot of talking in it. Plus how do I explain that Goku didn't even know what marriage meant? I don't want to be too loud that I wake Tien or Bulma either. How can I do this?

Looking back at Gohan Krillin could see the wait for a story was already disappointing the young half-saiyan.

Wait…what if I didn't have to tell him. What if I could show him instead?

"Gohan," Krillin started, "Instead of just telling you a story how about we try something I think you would like a lot more."

"More?"

"Yep, the first step is that you have to close your eyes."

"Like this?" Gohan asked following the instruction.

"Good, now try to imagine yourself standing in your center, not how you are now but how you would like to appear."

"What does that mean?"

"It means to picture yourself inside of your own head, give it a shot."

Gohan tried and Krillin could sense a soft change in the boy's energy flow just as his and Tien's had.

"Good job, next try to move around a bit but remain still. The only thing that should be moving is the you inside of your mind."

It took a second but Gohan's ki rippled again and Krillin knew it had worked. Sitting down on the bathroom floor Krillin joined the young saiyan in the space between their minds. Once there he quickly found Gohan reacting to the space as he and Tien had.

Where are we? Gohan asked when he saw Krillin walking toward him.

We're in a space between our minds and it's something two students of martial arts can do when they link their minds together and train in a space between. It's called image training.

Is this what you and Mr. Tien have been doing all day? Gohan asked.

Yeah, but we're not here to train right now.

Then what are we doing?

Krillin smiled, Telling a story.

Concentrating on the space around him Krillin began to morph the darkness into something real. Slowly the blue of Earth's sky, the shape of the familiar tournament ring, and the roar of the crowd came to life and surrounded the monk and young half-saiyan. In seconds Krillin had used his memory of the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament and made it real. Looking around the monk could see that everything was exactly as he had remembered it. The cheer of the fans, the feel of the ring, and the smell of sweat brought him right back to this moment which was actually years ago.

Phew, glad that worked. The monk thought to himself.

While it was novel for Krillin it was mind-blowing for Gohan who looked around widely trying to get a sense of what just happened.

Where are we now? Gohan asked nearly tripping over himself trying to get a look at everything.

We're at the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament six years ago. I used my memories of the tournament back then so they would appear here for you.

Why are we here?

Well, you wanted a story about your mom right? Who do you think that is over there?

Gohan looked and saw a younger Goku and a younger Chichi fighting in the center of the ring.

That's my mom and dad?

Yep, that's what they looked like 6 years ago. At the time Goku didn't recognize your mom at all but they met when they were kids, even before your dad knew me.

Wow. Mom looks mad.

Chichi was steaming mad. Going after Goku with a combination of fast knife strikes and kicks Chichi was sending out an offensive blitz of attacks. This left Goku on the defensive as he weaved through every small opening given to him.

"Have I ever met you before?" Goku asked with a great leap backward away from the furious woman.

"You really know how to lay on the charm, don't you? Of course, we've met before!" Chichi shouted running after the spiky-haired saiyan.

Gohan could only watch with wide eyes as he looked in awe of the martial arts spectacle.

I didn't know my mom could fight like that. The small half-saiyan said as he watched.

Really? Krillin asked a little surprised.

Gohan shook his head still unable to look away from the fight.

"If you don't mind could you tell me what I forgot, so I can remember?" Goku asked still trying to keep his distance from the very angry Chichi.

"Have you forgotten the promise you made as well?" The daughter of the Ox King snarled.

Promise? Gohan asked.

You'll see.

Goku leaped up into the air most likely to avoid the continued wrath of Chichi only to be instantly followed by the warrior woman. Chichi unleashed a barrage of strikes at Goku who seemed to almost struggle a bit to avoid the assault. Eventually, the two landed back onto the ground and there was a pause in the fighting.

"I know you're angry but tell me what I promised you, please?" Goku pleaded.

"You're serious? You really can't remember?! Fine! I'll tell you the promise you broke!" Chichi screamed her face scrunched in fury, "You said that I would be your bride! You promised to marry me!"

Krillin almost snorted at Chichi's screams and Goku's reaction. Even now the confusion on Goku's face was still priceless.

My dad forgot he proposed to my mom?

So it seems.

Gohan paused for a moment before letting out a little giggle that evolved into a hard laugh.

When dad forgets to get firewood or bring in the laundry mom says that'll one day he'll forget everything except his stomach.

Imagining Goku doing laundry actually forced the snort out of Krillin followed by a hearty laugh of his own. The half-saiyan and monk laughed with each other for a moment before Gohan let out a long yawn.

Looks like its bedtime. Krillin said with a smile.

I'm okay. I want to see more.

We've got a long trip Gohan let's put a pin in this for now. We can pick it up again later.

…okay.

Krillin opened his eyes and watched Gohan do the same.

"Alright Gohan you should go back to bed, for now, it'll be a couple of hours before Bulma and Tien are up anyway."

"What about you?"

"I…once I get up I have a hard time getting back to sleep."

"Just like Mr. Piccolo. I never saw him sleep either."

Krillin blinked in surprise at how easily Gohan mentioned Kami's other half, "Yeah…I guess we are kind of similar."

"I…I miss him too."

"I know Gohan, but that's why we're going to Namek to get him back." Krillin said kneeling down so he was eye-level with the half-saiyan, "I know you may still be angry at me for making promises I couldn't keep just like your mom was mad at your dad. But Goku eventually kept his promise and did marry your mom, so I'm going to try to do the same. I said everyone was going home and I meant it. I'll do my best on Namek and I know you will too. Okay?"

"…okay."

"Okay, now I believe it's still bedtime right?

Gohan nodded and got off the toilet lid before walking toward the bathroom door.

"Thanks for the story…Mr. Krillin."

Before the monk could respond Gohan had closed the door behind him with a soft click.

That actually went rather well. Krillin thought while letting out a sigh of relief. Not sure if he's completely forgiven me but at least that's a start.

Reaching for the door Krillin paused when he realized that the magazine he had brought with him was still on the sink.

Better put this away before I forget.

Grabbing the magazine and stretching out with a silent yawn of his own Krillin almost jumped when he heard something hit the bathroom floor with a soft clack. Looking down Krillin saw a small capsule that had fallen out of the magazine.

A capsule? Weird I don't remember packing that.

The monk bent down and picked up the capsule before looking over it with a wary eye.

Doesn't have a number or a name on it, can't be anything too important though.

Pressing down on the button and tossing it to the ground the capsule exploded in a small cloud of smoke. It only took a second for the smoke to clear before revealing a scroll.

What's this?

Grabbing the scroll off the floor Krillin undid the knot that kept it rolled up before opening up the parchment. As he did a second capsule fell out of the scroll.

How many of these are there?

Picking up the new capsule and placing it on the nearby sink Krillin returned his focus to the scroll. Glancing over a series of scratching hand-writing Krillin recognized the writer as the old man he lives with, Master Roshi.

Krillin,

I've debated writing this ever since you returned from your fight. I wish I had more time to gather my thoughts but I'll have to settle for this. It is unclear if this trip you're on is going to be dangerous but I'm going to assume it is and I feel it would be best if you are prepared for it. To that end, I've enclosed a technique of mine for you to learn, my last technique. It is the most powerful attack I posses which means it is also the most lethal. Both for the opponent, and the user. This technique should only be used when there are no other options for victory. If you learn and use this skill I only ask that you be careful with it as it is extremely powerful. It is the Turtle Style's Last Resort also known as the Thunder Shock Surprise and you saw me use it on Goku at the 21st World Martial Tournament.

What? I don't understand. Goku never fought Master Roshi in the Tournament. Wait there's more…

P.S. I am Jackie Chun.

WHAT?

P.P.S. I have left you an even greater treasure in the second capsule only to be used in extreme situations. It's going to be a long trip and you will need it more than I. Good luck my student and be safe.

After spending a full two minutes trying to wrap his head around Jackie Chun's true identity Krillin continued to read. He could see that his master had indeed left him a series of instructions on performing the Last Resort. The user of the technique shoots a lightning blast towards the target using both hands and traps the opponent within an electric field. While it seemed basic the real challenged seemed to be using this technique to turn all the energy in the user's body into volts of electricity.

Master Roshi must have put this in my bag before I left. There's a lot here and it looks complicated too. Hard to believe ki can be used in this way as well but I have seen this technique in action so I know it's possible. Hopefully, this will keep me busy for the rest of the trip to Namek. I'll test it out during my image training and it might be enough to help me get an edge over Vegeta. But the real question is…

Krillin looked at the second capsule he had left on the sink.

What's in there?

Holding it in his hands Krillin looked over the capsule with an intense gaze.

If the first capsule held Master Roshi's greatest technique what kind of treasure would be even greater? I'd call this conflict between me and Tien an extreme situation but maybe I should wait. No doubt Tien is still suffering from the effects of staying in the time chamber too long and unlike me; he didn't have Kami to help him out after. Whatever is in this capsule isn't going to fix that overnight plus I may need it for whatever we find on Namek.

Nodding to himself and stuffing the capsule into his pocket Krillin let out another yawn before reopening the scroll his master gave him and began to silently read in the spaceship's bathroom.

Hmm, disappointing, to say the least, The image of Vegeta said coyly. I had hoped you would have at least lasted a minute.

Krillin coughed in response and clutched his stomach as he backed away from the saiyan prince's hard kick.

Then again it was hard to expect anything substantial from a human.

Krillin coughed again and before spitting a wad of blood out of his mouth.

Well, this training session seems to be going just as well as the rest.

It was yet another day spent image training and Krillin found himself facing down an imaginary Vegeta once again.

Are you done, little man? Is that all you have? The fake saiyan sneered.

The monk ignored Vegeta's insult and crouched down to start gathering his energy.

Oh? Do you still intend to fight human?

Again Krillin shook off the taunt and fired off two heavy ki blasts directly at the saiyan prince. As soon as he had the monk circle around and moved quickly at Vegeta's unguarded back. Vegeta smirked before knocked the energy beams away with one hand which gave him enough time to turn and grasp Krillin by the throat and lift him off of his feet.

Your persistence would be inspiring if it wasn't so pathetic.

Krillin gagged a response but allowed a sly smile to cross his face. This gave Vegeta just enough warning to turn his head and see another Krillin directly behind him. The one currently being chocked was a double Krillin had sent out as a distraction in order to use the extra seconds to charge up his attack.

With both palms pressed together, Krillin concentrated on bringing all of his energy into his two hands while simultaneously converting it into pure electricity. It hadn't been easy for Krillin to learn how to change his ki into a different form of energy but as the days on the namekian ship became weeks the conversion time slowly grew faster and faster. As the monk felt his ki shift and change both his hands became a conduit for thousands of volts of electricity. Small sparks of lighting snapped, cracked, and danced across the air surrounding the monk's fingers.

The saiyan prince crushed the throat of Krillin's double and let the body drop onto the ground before charging at the original ready for another kill. With the death of his double Krillin felt his strength diminish but the several moments the distraction gained him was just enough to prepare.

Throwing both palms forward at Vegeta the concentrated lighting finally had a direction to go and an enemy to consume. The blast screamed out at the saiyan prince streaking across the ground before enveloping Vegeta in a bright light that shattered the surrounding darkness. The recoil from the blast almost dislocated both of Krillin's arms but the practice he had put into this technique had fully prepared him.

What?!

That was the last word the saiyan prince got out before he was swallowed up by the lighting attack and lifted up off the ground. Thousands of volts of electricity stabbed him at every angle while stilling his movement and increasing the voltage every second.

You worm! Vegeta screamed as the electricity crackled around him.

Krillin didn't answer as every part of him was concentrating solely on maintaining the electric cage that engulfed his opponent. The strain on both his energy and body was almost crippling forcing the monk to push himself further then he thought he could go just to hold the saiyan prince still.

This can't hold me human! Nothing can!

With a strong flex of his power, Vegeta shattered the electricity that had caged him and threw the monk off balance. Taking a step back to find his center Krillin gasped for air with both hands sizzling from his lighting attack.

Damn, I'm using even more electricity than Master Roshi did against Goku but that still isn't enough to stop him. Krillin thought to himself, he either dodges the attack entirely or gets caught and busts right out of it. As strong as this technique is it doesn't seem that effective against stronger opponents.

As Krillin tried to regain his breath from the after effects some electricity lingered in his hands, shooting up and down from the tips of his fingers to his shoulder blades. While the monk had trained and practiced a lot with the technique it still ached to have thousands of volts skating through his limbs. Yet with his adrenaline pumping and his focus squarely on Vegeta Krillin was didn't notice that he was still generating a large amount of electricity throughout his body.

You little nothing! Vegeta shouted, directing his fury toward Krillin. I'll turn you inside out human!

Krillin watched Vegeta rush at him his smirk from early devolved into a rage-filled scowl.

I guess even this image training session is another failure.

Krillin steeled himself and gripped his blistering hands into fists.

That doesn't mean I'm going down without a fight!

The prince of all saiyans reared back a punch with the full intention of running down the monk and making good on his threat. Krillin readied himself to meet the attack head on and prepared his own fist still unaware that his hands still shook with electricity.

Die! The prince howled as he let his fist fly at Krillin.

The monk read the path of the saiyan's strike and met the punch with one of his own. He could feel his knuckles crunch into Vegeta's but the saiyan overpowered him almost instantly. Krillin felt his arm splinter and his hand shattered from the exchange. The limb fell down already dead while the monk was knocked off his feet just from the force of the punch. Finding his feet wasn't easy but Krillin landed on them as soon as he could before gripping his broken arm in an attempt to stop the pain.

What? What is this?!

Krillin broke focus with his arm to look at the confused Vegeta who seemed to be having problems with his own limb. The monk watched as electricity slithered up and down the saiyan prince's arm rendering it limp and useless. During the contest of strength, the lighting that had gripped Krillin's hands had been passed through onto Vegeta making his right arm completely numb and unable to move. Even though this wasn't the first time Krillin had used the Last Resort on Vegeta he had never seen it have this effect. Looking at his left hand and seeing the lighting still running through it Krillin quickly put two and two together.

The…the electricity, it's completely disabled his arm! I've been training so much with this technique that I've gotten used to the feeling but I remember reacting the same way Vegeta is when I tried this attack out for the first time. It must be because the voltage is focused just on one limb instead of encasing the entire body. Wait, don't think about it. Move!

His own pain long forgotten Krillin poured his last remaining strength and energy into his left hand creating a smaller destructo disc the size of a small buzzsaw. With no time to waste the monk charged forward the mini disc in his hand growing with speed and power. Distracted by his useless arm Vegeta didn't notice Krillin until he was nearly upon him. Striking out with his remaining hand left Vegeta defenseless which is exactly what Krillin needed. Having grown a little accustomed to the saiyan prince's speed the monk read the path of Vegeta's attack and dodged. With no protection left Krillin had a clear shot at Vegeta's neck and with a clean swipe of his arm, he took both the saiyan's head and the victory.

…did…did that work?

Turning around Krillin saw Vegeta's head and his body were fully separated, the fight was over. While this gruesome sight would nauseate any normal person after weeks of attempts, Krillin relished in it.

I…I won. I won! I really wo-

"Krillin!"

Opening his eyes at his screamed name the image training Krillin had been enduring ended. Blinking once to get a sense of his surroundings he looked up from his sitting position to see Bulma towering over him with a scowl.

"Bulma? What's going on?"

"Glad to see you finally join us, I was worried you'd be so deep in your own head you'd miss it."

"Miss what?"

"Our arrival."

The blue-haired scientist walked away toward the ship's window leaving the monk scrambling to his feet. Running to the window to join Bulma, Gohan and Tien Krillin gapped in amazement at the planet before him. As far as Krillin could tell the planet was roughly the same size as Earth but instead of a wash of blue, white, and green colors that coated his home, this planet shared light green with small stripes of white that shined brightly in the dark of space.

"That's Namek?" Gohan asked his face pressing up against the window.

"Yep, and it's about time too," Bulma answered almost looking proud.

It had been 34 days since the Earthlings had started their journey to Namek and 27 days since Krillin had discovered Master Roshi's scroll. In that time Krillin had image trained for the majority of the trip practicing fighting techniques against an imaginary Vegeta. However, despite the hours spent training today marked the first time Krillin had won a fight against the saiyan prince.

"Good, now we can start finding the dragonballs," Tien said his gaze fixed on Namek.

Krillin watched the three-eyed warrior carefully.

Tien's been image training a lot as well. I wonder how many times he beat Vegeta?

Shaking his head to get rid of the question Krillin once again looked out at the green planet.

It doesn't matter. I don't know what's waiting for us on Namek and if this will go smoothly or not, but I've trained for this. Even though I've only beaten Vegeta once in my own head a win is a win and I did it by myself. I'm stronger than I was before…I can do this.

The monk raised his right hand to eye-level and crushed it into a fist before streaming a light volt of electricity through his entire fully-healed arm.

Whatever's waiting for us down there, I'm ready for it.