Hyperbolic Time Chamber
The Guardian of Earth stopped at the top of the stairs. A single unremarkable door greeted him. There were still rooms of the Lookout that he had not been to. This door had never even been shown to him. What could possibly be hidden behind it? His hand reached out and grasped the handle...
Tien pushed the button on top of the Dragon Radar. Nothing happened. He pushed it several more times, and still nothing. "What now?"
Orion shook his head. "Does anyone know how to fix it?" His answer was silence. "What about Likab? He created the Dragonballs, so he should be able to sense them... Right?"
"It's worth a try."
Likab was speechless. Upon opening the door, he had found a room that could not possibly exist. It stretched well beyond the dimensions of the given space, maybe even the planet itself. A small living area surrounded him, but that was not the impressive part. What really shocked him was the rest of the space. White nothingness stretched as far as the eye could see. Not to mention the odd way it seemed to exist on the other side of the door.
'Likab?' Mr Popo called telepathically.
'What is it Mr Popo?'
'You have visitors. Where are you?'
'I'm... Not really sure. I'm in a room that can't possibly exist.'
'Oh no. You shouldn't have gone in there.'
'Why not?'
'I'll explain later. But for now, there is a need for your presence outside.'
'Understood. I'm on my way.'
Mr Popo paced uncomfortably as he waited for Likab. The Z Fighters couldn't help but be nervous. Mr Popo had never been anything but calm. Now he was visibly bothered by something, and any questions were just waved away. Several minutes went by before the Guardian arrived.
"Oh, hello." He said as he noticed his guests. "How may I help you?"
Tien answered. "We need the Dragonballs, but our radar is broken. Can you help us find them?"
"What do you need them for this time?"
"Surely you know of the androids that attacked that city."
"Ah yes, I recall Mr Popo notifying me of them. But he also notified me that Vegeta was more than capable of handling them."
"He was right... But there are more. And these new ones killed Vegeta without so much as breaking a sweat. We need to wish them to another planet so they won't hurt anyone else."
"I see. How unfortunate it is then, that the Dragonballs are out of comission for the moment."
"What?!"
"I told you they didn't work right." Demas muttered.
"Unfortunately, he's right. For months now, the Dragonballs have been changing. Currently, they are full of black smoke, and I don't know why. I have tried to speak with the former Guardian, but Piccolo will not see me."
"Then you have a situation on your hands." Raditz told him. "As Guardian of the planet, you are responsible for its protection. Normally we have taken up that duty, for whatever reasons, but now we are unable to stop this new threat. Now it is your turn to do something about it."
Likab shook his head. "I'm not sure I can stop them either. I must ask that you fight alongside me, even if it costs us all our lives."
"I may have an idea..." Mr Popo spoke up. Everyone turned to him. "Actually, you gave it to me sir."
"What are you talking about?"
"That room you found. It may be of some help to us."
"But you sounded worried that I entered. If it's that dangerous, how could it help?"
"It's not dangerous. I was worried because it could be needed for a situation like this, and there is a limit on the number of times a person can enter it."
"Interesting. Mr Popo, I think you should explain."
"Of course. One of the past Guardians discovered a doorway to another dimension. He created a door to fit in the doorway and a living area on the other side of the door. That other dimension is the room you discovered. Kami stumbled upon it in much the same manner as you did. It was explained to him by his predecessor, and to me by him. It is called the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. It is a magical place that allows you to train for years in the span of days."
"Incredible..." Raditz whispered.
"Indeed. The chamber can change to fit your needs. It can read your mind to produce food when you are hungry, or provide training grounds for you. And it is never ending. If you were to lose sight of the living area, you may never find your way back."
"You said something about limits?" Likab questioned.
"Yes. A person can only enter twice in their lifetime. By entering it before, you can now only use it once more."
"I still don't understand." Raditz interrupted. "Just because we can train in different ways, doesn't mean we'll get years of training."
"I apologize, I wasn't clear. Time passes more quickly in there. A day here is the same as a year there. You could train for seven years in there and only be gone a week from here."
Goku spoke for the first time since regaining consiousness. "I say we give it a try. But how will we keep them from killing everyone on Earth while we're gone?"
"I will slow them down." Likab said as he palmed his katana handle. "I'll give you two days, that's all I can promise."
Orion raised his hand. "I'll help."
"You should train with your friends."
"I'm sure you know what's in me. If it comes down to it, I may be able to stop them."
"If Orion stays, I stay." Demas added.
Likab shook his head. "You will be in grave danger if you aren't prepared. Go in the chamber. If I die before your two days are over, then Mr Popo will inform you."
"Agreed." Demas answered. "We'll be more helpful if we train."
Orion turned and stared in his friend's eyes. "Fine." He turned back to Likab. "Try not to die."
