Author's Notes: Hello all! I tried to get this chapter out a little earlier this time around. Also, I wanted to thank all the guest readers of this story. Though I can't reply to you personally without an account thank you for taking the time to leave a review, that's very kind of you and really I appreciate it. I have no plans on quitting and I look forward to your feedback into the future.
To one guest reader in particular: Muchas gracias por tus amables palabras. Espero que sigas leyendo.
That's it from me, thank you all for reading have a wonderful day and please, enjoy.
It's been almost two days now.
Bulma continued to look at the watch that she had set to Earth's time the frown marking her face showing her concern.
Two days, and no word from Krillin at all.
Looking up at the green sky of Namek the blue-haired genius let out a long sigh feeling the full weight of her uncertainty. The small canyon she found herself in had been the group's hiding spot since Krillin had chased Dodoria off. Since then there had been no sign of the monk or the pink monster. Gohan had gone out searching several times but with the risk of running into more of Frieza's soldiers, he kept close to the canyon. Despite his best efforts, the small half-saiyan had been unable to locate the lost little monk.
"And you haven't gotten any better either."
Speaking out loud to Tien the one other human joining her in the small canyon Bulma couldn't help but stare at the three-eyed warrior her uncertainty only getting worse. Since being brought back from his fight against Vegeta Tien has remained still, refusing to open his eyes. He lay on a small mattress Bulma had pulled out of a capsule while he slept but the only sign of life was the consistent screams and shouts that would rip out of him without warning. This wasn't due to pain, as far as Bulma could tell Tien had recovered fairly well. It seemed whatever was causing his suffering was coming from his own dreams. Thankfully at the present Tien seemed well enough and was resting but his sleep didn't appear to have an end.
"Get up big guy; you still owe me an apology."
Standing up off of the small rock she had been sitting on Bulma looked around the canyon. It was hidden away that even with scouters on Frieza's men would have a hard enough time locating the exact position of the group. However, there was also not enough room to set up a capsule house and there was little to do. There was a small clearing not far from the canyon but it was too exposed to hide. However, it did have enough room for Gohan to safely train. Every moment the half-saiyan wasn't searching for Krillin he spent it in the clearing practicing against invisible opponents. Throwing a heavy punch with a loud snap Gohan dodged an imaginary strike coming to his left and responded with a controlled but violent kick. Flipping backward the child quickly generated two small discs of ki in the palms of his hands.
"Destructo disc!"
Throwing one and then the other Gohan sliced through whatever enemies he faced with ease.
"Gohan!"
The half-saiyan flinched at his name and looked at the genius with some shame.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to use your energy? The scouters can pick up on that."
"I'm sorry Mrs. Bulma."
"And would you please stop with the Mrs too? I'm not married you can just call me Bulma."
"Sorry, M….Bulma."
"Honestly, you have to be more careful Gohan we're in no position for a fight."
"I know. I'm sorry."
Bulma sighed as she pulled out the dragon radar from her pocket. Turning on the device and tracking a big cluster of 5 dragonballs flickering on the radar Bulma narrowed her eyes.
"Hmm, doesn't seem like there's been any movement. Weird."
"Isn't that a good thing?" Gohan asked, "Frieza only has five of the dragonballs doesn't he need seven?"
"He does, so why hasn't he already collected the two? When we got here they were moving from village to village without stopping so why the pause?"
"Maybe they got lost?"
"Gohan that's not…what a minute."
Checking the radar again Bulma narrowed her eyes before something clicked in her mind.
"Gohan I think you're right!"
"Really?"
"I think so when we saw them fly past us on the first day they were wearing scouters right?"
"Right."
"They must have been tracking the dragonballs location based on the power levels of the namekians. Maybe something happened to their scouters and they can't find the last two without them."
"I saw some of the namekians destroy them at that village where Dodoria was."
"That must be it! They don't have any spares! We may be able to move around Namek with more freedom than we thought. Without their scouters they won't be able to find us so easily."
"R…right," Gohan said getting a little lost with the details. "That's good?"
"That's very good Gohan," Bulma said with a smile. "This means we'll have to move again, we need to get closer to those two dragonballs."
"Does that mean I'll have to carry you and Mr. Tien again?"
"We don't have a choice Gohan. With Tien still unconscious you're the only one who can fly."
"Yeah, but you two are heavy."
"Hey! It's rude to call a lady heavy!" Bulma snapped.
Gohan flinched but recovered quickly.
"Alright, we should start packing up." Bulma continued as if nothing had happened. Turning to head back into the canyon the blue-haired genius was stopped by a question.
"What about Mr. Krillin?"
Bulma had been dreading this mostly since she really didn't have an answer but couldn't help but fear the worst. With no alternative, she made her way back toward the half-saiyan and knelt down to meet Gohan at eye level.
"Gohan I-"
Before Bulma could say another word Gohan's eyes widened and he ran into the canyon.
"Gohan?"
Getting back onto her feet Bulma dashed after the young boy making her way around the sleeping Tien.
"Geez, Gohan you didn't have to jump me like that."
A voice that Bulma instantly recognized rang out from the other end of the canyon and as she exited out into another clearing she could see where Gohan had gone.
"To be honest I wasn't expecting a welcome like that," Krillin said with a warm smile as he patted the half-saiyan's head. "Glad to have it though."
Gohan had glued himself to Krillin with a big hug and was burying his face into the monk's side. Krillin let loose another grin before noticing Bulma.
"Hey."
Marching up to the monk Bulma threw a punch at Krillin's shoulder. "You took too long."
"Sorry," Krillin said rubbing his shoulder with his left hand to dull the pain.
"Whoa, what happened to your arm?" Bulma asked noticing the faded electrical burns zigzagging across his limb.
"Oh…I'll tell you later."
"Does it involve Dodoria?"
"…yeah."
"Is he-"
"Don't worry. I beat him."
"Is there a chance he could come back?"Gohan asked removing himself from Krillin's leg.
"…no Gohan, he won't be back."
"Oh…okay."
A moment of silence passed through the group.
"Where's Tien?" Krillin asked after the moment.
"In the back. He…still hasn't woken up."
"Okay, we'll have to fix that."
"How?"
"The Grand Elder of Namek. He helped me find you guys he should be able to help Tien as well."
"…maybe you should start from the beginning."
"I will, but we should move."
Krillin tried to take a step forward but stopped as he felt a small tug on the back of his pant leg. Turning he saw the small half-saiyan struggling to keep his composure.
"Mr. Krillin…I'm, sorry about-"
Kneeling down Krillin met the young boy at eye-level and placed a hand on Gohan's shoulder.
"You kept them safe just like I asked. Thank you."
Gohan met the monk's gaze and small tears started to well up in the young boy's eyes before he wiped them away with the back of his hand.
"You got stronger Mr. Krillin."
"Just a little." The monk said with a smile.
"That's…quite a story," Bulma said with no small amount of awe as the group flew toward the Grand Elder's house. She was being carried by Gohan while Krillin held Tien on his back.
"I'm glad the namekians here are friendly though sounds like it could have gone a lot worse without them."
"That's putting it mildly. I probably wouldn't be here without Tsuno and his village."
"That's because you keep trying to do everything by yourself."
"Didn't I already say sorry?"
"I guess you did…This Grand Elder, do you really think he can help Tien?"
"He's basically the Kami of this world if anyone can help Tien recover it'll be him. Plus he helped boost my power so he maybe he'll be able to do the same with Gohan and Tien."
"You think that'll be enough?"
"I hope so; if Frieza had a dragon radar like us they would have assaulted the Grand Elder's house by now they were probably relying on the scouters. Without any left, they've got the whole planet to cover but no idea where to start. We have the advantage. As long as we can keep them from collecting all seven we'll be able to wait for Goku to arrive. Once he's here we'll have the best chance we'll get to go for the other five dragonballs."
"Alright, sounds like a plan," Bulma said with a nod.
"…there's also one more thing I need to tell you all. But it'll have to wait until Tien is awake.
"What? Why?" Bulma asked.
"We're here," Krillin answered ignoring the question.
Touching down on the great pillar of stone the group started walking toward the entrance of the Grand Elder's house. Gohan let go of Bulma while Krillin continued to carry Tien. The doorway to the home lifted upward as Nail stepped out.
"You're back."
"Hi Nail," Krillin said as he shifted Tien into a better position on his back.
"These are your friends?"
"Yeah, this is Bulma, Gohan, and Tien," Krillin said pointing out each person as he listed them. "Guys this is Nail, the Grand Elder's protector."
Gohan bowed while Bulma just nodded keeping her distance.
"Well met," Nail responded. "The Grand Elder will see you now, this way please."
The namekian reentered the home with the group following closely behind.
"Mr. Krillin, he looks a lot like Mr. Piccolo," Gohan said whispering as if it were a secret.
"Yeah, though in Tsuno's village there were younger and older namekians too."
"Really? Were there kids like me?"
"A few."
Gohan smiled leaving Krillin a little confused by the question before realizing.
He doesn't have any friends his age.
The thought was a hard one to swallow as the group made their way up onto the second level of the namekian house with Bulma again being carried by the small half-saiyan.
Never mind friends his age, does Gohan even really have friends? Do I count? Do Piccolo or Bulma?
Krillin couldn't help but take a quick glance at his best friend's son who was looking around the Grand Elder's home soaking in the new surrounding with a sense of excitement.
He needs to go home.
"You've returned Krillin of Earth."
The Grand Elder's voice tore the monk away from his own head.
"I have Grand Elder. I've brought my friends as well; this is Bulma, Gohan, and Tien."
Bulma and Gohan looked at the Grand Elder in awe as the subtle pull of his power encased them both. Snapping awake Gohan was the first to bow politely and greet the leader of Namek.
"H-Hello."
The Grand Elder nodded in response to the bow. "I am relieved you made the journey here safely. It is still dangerous on Namek with Frieza and his men hunting for the dragonballs."
"Agreed, though it seems they have less idea of where to go then we first thought," said Krillin. "Their scouters are broken and without them, they'll have a tough time finding your home."
"Perhaps, but they will not stop searching and Namek is not infinite. They will find us soon."
"We'll keep the dragonballs safe," Krillin said without hesitation.
The Grand Elder smiled. "Thank you; now having seen your past I am quite familiar with Bulma, Gohan, and Tien. You are all welcome here."
"O-oh, thank you very much," Bulma said with a bow of her own.
"I believe you have come seeking help?" The Grand Elder continued.
"Yes Grand Elder," Krillin said as he slowly laid Tien onto the ground in front of the aged namekian. "He exhausted himself fighting and he hasn't woken up since then. I was hoping you could heal him as Tsuno did for me."
"Hmmm. He used the Evil Containment Wave against the saiyan known as Vegeta correct? A dangerous technique if your memories are correct he was near death as well."
"I think he may have overtaxed himself in the time chamber as well," Krillin continued. "Kami helped me through that but Tien hasn't had anyone."
"Not only the body but the mind as well. Only natural that his sleep is this deep due to the extent of the damage he has endured."
"Can you help him?"
"I can."
The Grand Elder reached toward Tien his outstretched hand clothed with a visible aura of energy. Concentrating on the human that lay before him the aura surrounding the Grand Elder's palm slipped off of the aged namekian and fed itself onto Tien. Krillin, Bulma, and Gohan watched as the three-eyed human was surrounded by all sides by the blinding light. The seconds ticked by the light faded growing to a faint glow before disappearing entirely.
"It is done." The Grand Elder said his breathing slightly strained.
Krillin took a step toward Tien to help in whatever way he could. Only to flinch when his friend bolted upright without warning, gasping for air as if he were starving for it.
"Where?" Tien said his eyes darting around trying to get a sense of his surroundings.
"Tien, Tien it's okay."
The three-eyed human turned to see Krillin which helped him relax but not by much.
"Krillin? What's going on?"
Tien faulted for a moment his exhaustion catching up to him. Krillin was by his side in an instant.
"Bulma do you have any water? He's probably dehydrated."
"Yeah, give me a sec," Bulma said taking off the backpack she had carried with her and digging through its contents.
"Vegeta…what happened?"
"I'll explain soon, how are you feeling?"
Tien blinked and reached for his head with his remaining hand.
"Better. I feel a …a lot better."
"That's quite a story," Tien said as he took another sip of water.
"It probably wouldn't be as bad if you hadn't tried to kill yourself. You're lucky Krillin was there to save you." Bulma said with no small amount of disdain, "You've also been a real ass for the past month as well."
"I'm...I apologize." Tien said looking at Gohan, Krillin, and Bulma. "My actions lately have been…less than ideal."
"It's okay Mr. Tien!" The half-saiyan said with a smile. "We're just glad you're alright!"
Tien returned the smile with one of his own before turning to the monk.
"Thank you, Krillin. I'm-"
"You'll be on laundry duty for the trip home. You do that and we're good, deal?"
"Deal," Tien replied quickly. "I also have you to thank Grand Elder," Tien said as he bowed deeply before the leader of Namek. "You do not even know me and yet you saved my life. I am in your debt."
"I am well aware of who you are Tien Shinhan." The Grand Elder said his voice enveloping the entire room. "You have a good heart and are a firm believer of honor in combat. It was your grief and loss that fueled your desire for power. I hope you now understand why that is a dangerous path to take."
"I-I do," Tien said surprised at how much the Grand Elder knew about him.
"Do you? I suspect you intend to ask for my assistance again. No doubt you've seen what help I was able to provide Krillin. Unlocking his potential has dramatically increased his power do you wish the same for yourself?"
"…yes."
"Unfortunately, that is not possible." The Grand Elder said his voice holding no joy. "You already possess all the power I would have drawn out. By drinking the Ultra Divine Water you hold mastery of your potential though it seems the process was much more violent."
"…I see. So I have already reached my limit?"
"Your limit is what you decide it is." Krillin said smoothly interrupting, "That's what the Grand Elder said to me when I asked the same question."
"Precisely, there is no reason to believe you have stopped improving. Though I cannot help you, you can always help yourself."
"What do you mean?" Tien asked.
"Your arm," The Grand Elder said pointing to Tien's stump where his right arm used to be. "Why have you not replaced it?"
"Replace? I-I can't…I lost it in the fight against the saiyans."
"I am aware. Peering through the memories of Krillin I was witness to the loss of your hand to the saiyan Nappa." The Grand Elder said his presence commanding Tien's full attention. "I was also witness to your battle against Son Goku at the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament. In the midst of that fight, you used a technique named the Four Witches."
Tien's recoiled as if he had been shot and couldn't hide the surprise on his face.
"What's the Four Witches technique?" Gohan asked Bulma who was standing next to him.
"Hmmm.….OH! That's right!" Bulma said her face lighting up as her memory started to work. "Your dad and Tien fought in a World Martial Arts Tournament a couple of years ago. The Four Witches is-"
"It's a technique I used to grow two arms on my back," Tien said cutting off the blue-haired genius. "With four arms you can attack and defend at the same time but it uses up a lot of energy to maintain. The technique only has me growing arms from my back I'm not sure if I can just grow a limb anywhere I choose."
"Perhaps in the past, that was your limit," said The Grand Elder. "You have grown much stronger since then."
"Could that work Tien?" Krillin asked a little surprised his friend hadn't thought of this solution earlier. "Have you already tried?"
"…no…I-"
"You had forgotten. Am I correct?" The Grand Elder said with ease.
Tien flinched, his shame apparent to everyone in the room.
"So great was your rage and desire for vengeance you had forgotten what you are capable of."
"I…I don't know if it will work," Tien said slowly.
"Will that stop you from trying?"
Tien paused for a moment without replying before steeling himself and gripping his right shoulder with his left hand. Summoning his ki and jamming it into what remained of his right arm Tien struggled in his attempt to regrow what he had lost. The three-eyed human's strain was easy to see and he pumped more and more energy into his stump. His breathing came out labored, his feet shifted for better balance, his grip on his shoulder tightened, as he continued to struggle. His stump twitched and shook before an arm complete with a new hand shot out covered in blood, but otherwise unharmed.
"…my arm," Tien said completely mesmerized by the return of his right hand. Holding his wrist as if it were going to disappear again he couldn't help a wide smile overtake his face
"Here," Bulma said handing her friend a towel from the bag.
Slowly cleaning off the damp blood Tien flexed his hand once and then twice. "Thank you, Grand Elder."
"I did nothing Tien Shinhan. You owe it to your own strength."
"Then thank you for reminding me of the strength I have."
The Grand Elder nodded before casting his gaze to Krillin.
"I feel that Tien's wellbeing is not the only reason you have returned."
"Yes Grand Elder," said Krillin. "We were hoping you could also help Gohan the same way you helped me."
"Just the child?" The Grand Elder said with some surprise, "Isn't there another whose potential still sleeps?"
"Another?"
"Your friend, the one known as Bulma.'
"Me?" Bulma asked while pointing to herself, "I have potential?"
"I believe it to be so." The Grand Elder replied.
"Wait, Bulma? No, she's not a fighter Grand Elder." Krillin said a little frantic.
"Do you believe that should stop her from trying?"
"That's not- no but it's too dangerous," Krillin continued trying to shape his reasoning. "Bulma, you don't have t-"
"I'll do it."
"What?"
"I didn't travel half-way across the universe just to sit on my butt and do nothing Krillin. If I can help, I'm going to."
"But it's da-"
"Dangerous, I know. But I can say the same thing to you and that wouldn't stop you would it?"
Krillin had no response.
"I want to save our friends too Krillin that's why I'm here." Bulma said, "Though even if you do object, it's not really your decision to make."
Krillin could say nothing as the blue-haired genius walked up to the Grand Elder. "So what do I have to do?"
"Simply stand next to me and allow me access to your energy."
"Okay." Bulma said following the instructions, "Will I be able to fly and shoot energy blasts out of my hands?"
"If that is where your potential lies it shall be so." The Grand Elder said as he placed his hand on top of Bulma's head.
Concentrating the Grand Elder's energy fluctuated and mixed with Bulma's own ki signature. The process only took a moment as Bulma was surrounded by bright light expanding her energy to its fullest.
"It is done," The Grand Elder said as he removed his hand as the light faded.
Trying to sense his friend's ki Krillin noticed that the increase in strength did not seem as drastic as he thought it would be.
I can't sense more power radiating from her. Did it work?
"Bulma? How do you feel?" Krillin asked a little worried.
"…Huh. I feel fine, I guess?" Bulma said looking over herself and seeing nothing out of place.
"Can you fly now?" Gohan asked, "If you can, do I still have to carry you?"
"Hey! That's…wait a second…oh!"
Bulma's eyes lit up and she held her head as if in shock. "But what about?...Oh, wait…wait…that makes sense!" A wide smile appeared on the young woman's face. "It all makes sense now!"
"Mr. Krillin, what's happening to Mrs. Bulma?" Gohan asked the monk standing next to him.
"…I have no idea."
"Maybe her potential was the only thing keeping her from going crazy," Tien said with a small smirk.
"Shut up Tien I'm not crazy. If anything I'm smarter than I've ever been!"
"Ah I see," The Grand Elder said with a nod. "Your strength lies in your intelligence. Unlocking your potential seems to have expanded your intellect instead of your ability to fight."
"My mind is moving at a million miles an hour. I'm solving problems faster than I can come up with them. It's too bad I can't build anything here I'm sure I could come up with som- oh sorry. Thank you, Grand Elder," Bulma said with a bow.
"You are welcome Bulma Briefs. Now then, before I help young Gohan perhaps you would like to share something with your friends, Krillin of Earth?"
The monk blinked in surprise a little shocked the Grand Elder could see he hadn't told his friends about his position as guardian.
Then again I think he knows me better than I do at this point.
"What is he talking about Krillin?" Tien asked turning toward the monk.
Krillin let out a soft sigh.
"Before we left for Namek Mr. Popo told me that Earth needs a guardian and with Kami gone there's no one left to fill that role. He said he'll be able to take Kami's place for a while but not forever. So, if we fail here. If we can't bring back Kami then I'll have to become the Guardian of Earth."
A strong hush fell over the group as Krillin's words were absorbed by his friends.
"Guardian of the Earth? What does that mean?" Bulma asked the first one to break the silence.
"Honestly, I have no idea. Mr. Popo couldn't tell me much and at the time I didn't really want to know…but," Krillin said trying his best to steel himself. "Whatever happens here Earth will still need a guardian and it will have one…it just may have to be me."
"Is that what you want?"
"No, but it's something I have to accept." Krillin fired back quickly.
"You should have told us about this earlier." Bulma continued.
"I've been trying to avoid thinking about it too much."
"Did that help?"
"…Not really."
"Look, clearly keeping secrets isn't going to help anyone." Bulma said looking at both the monk and the three-eyed human, "Trust us Krillin. We're here for you."
"It's not like I didn't trust you guys," Krillin snapped a little more harshly then he intended. "I just, if I accepted that I may become the guardian that's also accepting that we might fail. I wasn't ready to admit that, I can't…I can't handle another failure."
Krillin paused trying to find the words. "We lost Yamcha, Yajirobi, Chiaotzu, Piccolo, Kami, and all of East City to the saiyans. I failed to keep our friends safe. I failed as a leader. I couldn't understand why Kami would trust me with the safety of the Earth. So I ignored the offer and did my best to focus on succeeding here. It wasn't until I talked to the Grand Elder that he helped me realize that I can't let the past stop me from trying."
Turning both hands into fists the monk steeled himself before declaring,
"The most important thing is what I do right now. So I'll fight. I'll get stronger. I'll even become Guardian if I have to. Because if I want to protect the people I care about I'll do everything I can to keep them safe."
Standing firm the monk looked out at all of his friends trying to gauge their reactions. Bulma had a concerned look on her face while Tien was looking away as if he were ashamed. It was Gohan who walked up to the monk with a question.
"Mr. Krillin," Gohan said quietly. "If you become the guardian, are you going to become old?"
Bulma spit out a hard laugh while Tien hid a grin.
"What? Gohan what are you talking about?" Krillin asked a little bewildered.
"Well Kami was the guardian and he's old but he and Mr. Piccolo were the same person. But Mr. Piccolo isn't old looking so being the guardian must make you old right?"
"Gohan that isn-" Krillin stopped as he looked at the Grand Elder who some would describe as the very definition of old. "….um."
"Don't worry Krillin," Bulma said trying not to laugh again. "When you're the Guardian of Earth at least the job comes with a cane you can lean on."
"It's a staff and I think you know that," Krillin replied dryly.
Tien let out a small snort that had everyone in the room turn.
"…sorry."
As the laughter around him continued the monk couldn't help but smile himself. His little speech had gone as well as he could hope and it felt good sharing his burden.
"You have good friends, Krillin of Earth." The Grand Elder said commanding the room in an instant.
"Yes, they are."
"Now that you are all reunited I must ask a favor of you."
Reaching above his chair where the one-star dragonball laid the Grand Elder removed the orb and handed it to Bulma who held it with both hands.
"Please take this dragonball and the one you received from Tsuno and hide them away from Frieza. This place will soon be discovered and when it is the dragonballs must not be here."
"Are you certain Grand Elder?" Nail asked stepping forward.
"I am Nail."
Silently nodding Nail handed over the four-star dragonball to Tien.
"Thank you, Grand Elder," Krillin said. "We will keep them safe."
"Please do. Now then, Son Gohan."
"Y-yes?" Gohan said a little afraid.
"I believe I am able to help you right now." The Grand Elder reached out with his hand. "Do you wish to see what power you have sleeping within?"
"Yes!" Gohan said nodding firmly.
Walking up to the Grand Elder's side the giant palm rested on the half-saiyan's head.
"Relax young one. This will only take a moment."
Gohan nodded once more and closed his eyes. With the Grand Elder's aid, Gohan's ki started to amplify and grow. The bright glow Krillin had seen surrounding himself and Bulma encased Gohan as the young boy's energy climbed higher and higher. As the seconds ticked by and the glow only grew larger Krillin had a thought cross his mind.
…why is this going on for so long?
The bright light grew in strength nearly pouring out of Gohan blinding everyone who was looking directly at the half-saiyan. Shielding his eyes Krillin got a look of the Grand Elder's face. The aged namekian seemed overwhelmed as the light coming from Gohan surged with even more power completely blocking the monk's sight.
Something's wrong!
"Gohan!" Krillin shouted trying to make his way toward the young boy.
"Move!"
Krillin heard Nail shout as he dashed past him toward the Grand Elder. Trying his best to see through the light Krillin saw the faint outline of Nail ripping the Grand Elder's hand off of Gohan's head. In an instant, the bright light vanished and the group regained their vision.
"What was that?" Tien asked shaking his head trying to focus.
"Gohan!"
Rushing forward toward the young boy Krillin quickly looked him over trying to see if anything was wrong. Seeing nothing the monk grabbed Gohan by the shoulders.
"Gohan, are you okay?"
Slowly Gohan opened his eyes. "Mr. Krillin? What's wrong?"
"Are you okay Gohan?"
"I'm fine…whoa!" The half-saiyan said looking at his hands "Mr. Krillin I feel really, really strong!"
Getting a sense of Gohan's strength revealed that the young boy was correct. His strength had increased a substantial amount.
He's stronger than Vegeta when he first arrived on Earth. That's good, but what was that ligh-
"Grand Elder!"
Nail's shout stopped Krillin's thoughts cold and he looked up to see the Grand Elder more drained than he had ever seen him before. Breathing very slowly and gasping for air the aged namekian looked completely devoid of the great presence Krillin had gotten so used to.
"Is he al-"
"Leave!"
"But we can he-"
"I said leave human!"
The order from Namek's greatest warrior had an immediate effect as the group of Earthlings slowly made their way out of the house and back outside.
"Krillin, what's going on?" Bulma asked still holding the one-star dragonball.
"I don't know. That didn't happen with me or you maybe something went wrong? Are you sure you're alright Gohan?" asked Krillin.
"Yeah, I feel great!"
"That's a relief, so what's the next move Krillin?" said Tien still holding the four-star dragonball.
"Well, …we should listen to the Grand Elder and hide these two dragonballs. Once that's done we should find a place to hunker down and wait for Goku. Until th-"
"The spaceship!"
Krillin stopped talking as Bulma's scream echoed throughout Namek.
"What? What about the spaceship?" The monk asked his head still ringing.
"I need to get back to the spaceship! I might be able to fix it!"
"Really?"
"Wait….wait….no…sorry no I can't. I thought I could for a moment. It's weird figuring all this stuff out at once, I can barely keep up."
"So you can't fix the ship?"
"No sorry, but I still need to get back there," Bulma said handing Krillin her dragonball.
"Why?" Krillin asked grabbing the orb with both hands.
"There are still some good parts there maybe I could build something useful to help you guys fight."
"Really? Like what?" asked Tien.
"I don't know I'm sure I'll figure it out when I get there."
"Alright then, Tien and I will hide the dragonballs and then join you and Gohan at the ship. Gohan you might be safe from the scouters but stay away from any unfamiliar ki signatures got it?"
"Got it, Mr. Krillin!"
"And don't drop Bulma either, even if she is heavy."
Gohan grinned and Bulma scowled.
"I'll remember that." The blue-haired genius said with narrowed eyes.
"Well don't call me old," The monk said with a quick smile. "We'll see you soon."
Still glaring at her friend Bulma allowed herself to be picked up by Gohan before flying away toward the broken spaceship.
"So we're going to hide the dragonballs now?" Tien asked watching the pair fly off.
"First we're going back inside to see if the Grand Elder is okay."
"Didn't Nail just kick us out?"
"He did, but I want to know why."
"I thought I told you to leave."Nail said with a sharp bite.
Krillin and Tien had returned inside to see that Namek's greatest warrior was still standing by the Grand Elder's side. The aged namekian's breathing came out strained and slowly. Beads of sweat lined his forehead as he sank deeper into his chair.
"We will once we understand what happened with Gohan."
"You dare make demands of me human?"
"Nail…please." The Grand Elder wheezed out. "They are only…concerned about their…friend as you are me. I shall…explain."
Krillin and Tien waited as the Grand Elder caught his breath.
"Fear not…Krillin of Earth…the child is not harmed. It is I…who was weakened."
"What happened Grand Elder?"
"The young one's potential…is vast. Far more than I believed…if Nail…had not intervened I would have perished in my efforts to unlock it."
"Gohan? He has that much power?" Tien asked in disbelief.
"…Piccolo once told me that Gohan is far stronger than any of us. Apparently, he was the one who defeated Raditz when he came to Earth." Krillin answered.
"What? He was only four at the time. That can't be true."
"It is. When we were fighting Vegeta on Earth after you had passed out I could sense his energy rising far beyond what he was capable of at the time. I'm not sure but I think his power is connected to his anger, the more rage he experiences the stronger he becomes."
"How strong?"
"I…fear far stronger than we can imagine," The Grand Elder said before falling into a hard coughing fit.
"Grand Elder!" Nail said his concern easy to see.
"Hear me…Krillin of Earth. Your efforts to shield the boy are …correct. No child… should experience the battles you have had to endure. However, I believe…I may have made that impossible…to prevent."
"What do you mean?"
"Son Gohan's hidden power…while much still slumbers…I have awoken a small part the rest may surface soon…it…it will be too much for him to handle…beware…beware his saiyan…heritage."
"What do you mean Grand Elder? What's going to happen to Gohan?"
"Return…return here when…you have collected all seven dragonballs…there…there is one more gift Namek can offer."
A gift?
"For…forgive me. I must…rest."
Without the strength to continue the Grand Elder collapsed into himself and faded away into a deep sleep.
"Gra-"
"Trouble him no further human," Nail said stepping in front of the monk. "You have done enough."
"We…we're sorry, but what was the gift the Grand Elder the talked about?"
"…I do not know. More importantly, you have your orders. Follow them."
"What do you think the Grand Elder meant?" Tien asked as he flew away from the small namekian home dragonball still in hand. "Beware Gohan's saiyan heritage?"
"I'm not sure," Krillin answered back, "Both Goku and Vegeta are full-blooded saiyans and they crave a good fight above anything else. Gohan is only half-saiyan and he doesn't have that same desire most likely due to the fact he's half human, so the Grand Elder was warning us about Gohan's saiyan half, but why?"
"His saiyan half," Tien said slowly. "Could he have been telling us that Gohan's saiyan blood could overpower his human side?"
"Maybe. That would make sense."
"Wouldn't that make him more like Goku? I always thought it was strange he didn't take after his dad."
"...I'm not sure it would be the same. Goku enjoys fighting its sort of like a game for him and the stronger the opponent the better. He's the happiest when he's fighting someone who can really challenge him. Both Piccolo and Vegeta threatened the world but Goku sees them only as good fights. Gohan's different."
"How so?
"Before the battle with the saiyans Gohan told me he didn't want to fight at all. But when Vegeta hurt Piccolo he said he would kill him. The scary thing is, I think he meant it. Have you ever heard Goku say that?"
"…no."
"We're fighting for our lives out here. This isn't the place for someone as young as Gohan. He should be making friends and learning new things. He should have the chance to be a normal kid. Goku chose his path but Gohan hasn't had the same choice. If this hidden power is as strong as Piccolo and the Grand Elder are saying then that could be more dangerous then we think. If his power overwhelms him he may make a mistake he can't take back."
"So what are you going to do?"
"He's just a kid, not a weapon no matter how powerful he is. We've taught him how to defend himself which he needs, but. If his saiyan heritage compels him to fight, to kill, then I'll do everything I can to stop him."
"How?"
"…I don't know. But I have to try, someone has to."
Tien's paused in his questioning and for a moment the two Earthlings flew in silence.
"How do you do it?"
"What?" Krillin asked a little confused by the question.
"How do you keep going? After everything, how do you find the strength? Do you not think about giving up at all?...Aren't you scared?"
"…Chiaotzu asked me the same question."
"He-he did?"
"The day before the saiyans arrived. He was having a hard time so I told him that of course, I was scared. That if it was just me if I was the only one I really cared about, I'd leave. I'd get on a spaceship or something and just go without looking back. But, I have a lot of people I need to be here for. People I care about. I can't let them down. And you know what, that's the same reason he stayed. That's why he did what he did, he did it for us."
Tien said nothing.
"Everyone's going home." Krillin continued, "I meant it back then and I mean it now."
"Krillin," Tien said slowly as he looked at his friend. "…You're a good leader. So if it comes to it, if Kami doesn't return. I think you would make a good Guardian as well."
The monk recoiled for a moment not expecting the sincere compliment. "Thank you, Tien. I…I'm glad you're here."
"So am I," Tien said with a smile. "…I'm going to have to apologize to Launch when I get back."
"Yes, you are."
"Do you think I should wait for when she has blue hair?"
"If you don't want a bullet in your head yeah maybe you should. Though if you tell her she's pretty then you might have a better time."
"Wha-what are you talking about?" Tien shouted a hint of a blush on his cheeks.
"You said she was pretty when she laughs."
"I!...I only said that because I thought I was going to die!"
"Does that make it less true?"
Tien grumbled as the blush deepened. "What about you? You still want a girlfriend?"
"Yeah, but namekians aren't my type."
"…"
"You asked!"
Tien was about to reply when his senses blared a warning of danger.
"Krillin! Get down!"
Without question the monk dove for the ground and hide behind a large rock with the three-eyed warrior following close behind. Getting a sense of his surroundings Krillin locked on to a large energy source just a few miles ahead of them.
"It doesn't feel namekian. It could be one of Frieza's men." Tien said softly.
"I think you're right."
Looking past the rock Krillin saw a lone figure flying in the distance at great speed. Trying to make out the shape he could see that the stranger held a humanoid figure wearing armor much like Dodoria's and Cui's though this one had added a cape to his attire. Guessing he was spying on an alien Krillin confirmed his suspicions as he observed the light blue skin tone. What the monk ended up focusing on was the green colored hair the alien had fashioned into a ponytail.
"It has green hair," Krillin whispered. "Gohan mentioned another alien that had green hair that was working with Dodoria. Zar, I think."
"Zar?"
"Something like that I can't remember."
"Can we avoid him?"
"Maybe, but he's flying in the direction of the Grand Elder's home. If he doesn't change course it'll find the Elder sooner or later." Krillin said as he took another look at the alien. "He's alone as well; I think we should take him out." The monk placed the dragonball he was holding on the ground. "We can throw the dragonballs in that river over there that way he won't be able to find them. He's strong, a little stronger than Dodoria but with the two of us I think we've got a good chance."
"Krillin, wait," Tien said holding the monk on the shoulder stopping him from moving. "…I don't know if I'm ready."
"What? What are you talking about?"
"…before the Grand Elder woke me up, I was having nightmares."
"Nightmares?"
"…about Cui."
"Oh."
Tien's face twisted in discomfort.
"I just kept hearing his voice over and over and over. It kept getting louder, even now I-"
Krillin placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I understand. When…when I told you about Dodoria I didn't go in specifics because Gohan was there."
Thrusting his left arm forward the monk shared his scars to the three-eyed human.
"I got these during the fight. Tsuno healed me but I have a feeling these aren't going away. Just like Dodoria's last words before I killed him."
Tien recoiled for a moment but let the monk continue.
"You know about Nappa. Sui and Banan were two of Frieza's men that attacked us after you went after Vegeta. Even Piccolo and Kami from the spirit bomb, I've killed six people Tien. If this alien is an enemy, if he stands in our way and tries to stop us from bringing back our friends. Then the absolute best scenario I have is that I walk away having killed seven."
Krillin talked slowly through clenched teeth.
"It isn't fair and it isn't right but this is just another war we have to live through so that no one else has too."
Turning toward the nearby river Krillin tossed the dragonball into the water and watched it sink like a stone.
"I'd do this on my own if I could, but I can't. Will you help me?"
Tien paused and looked at his regrown right arm before squeezing his fist tight.
"….no matter what happens, Tien." Krillin said softly, "You will always be human."
"Maybe…maybe not, but one thing is for certain. I will always be your friend."
The monk offered a sad smile as Tien threw his own dragonball into the river smashed his right hand into his left palm.
"Lead on."
