Author's Note: So, this is an important chapter. We're getting ready for the last big encounter of this story, but this is also a continuation of the conversations in chapters 8 and 9. I won't spoil anymore than that but please feel free to share your opinion. This is a bit of a turning point and I'd like to hear what everyone thinks. As always thank you all for reading have a wonderful day and as always. Please, enjoy.
That's weird. There's a lot of strong ki signatures nearby. What's going on?
The question stayed with Goku as he sat strapped into his seat watching the green sky of the planet blur past the windows.
The saiyan raised on Earth had spent the past 6 days living in the spaceship built for him by Dr. Briefs. Bulma's father, a brilliant scientist, and the founder of the capsule corporation. He'd known Goku since he was a boy and was delighted with the challenge of building his first spaceship. The doctor made the spaceship with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a training room that included an intense gravity simulation machine that went up to 100 times the weight of Earth's gravity. This machine had helped Goku's training immensely giving the saiyan the option to train under pressure far exceeding anything he had experienced before.
Touchdown onto planet Namek in t-minus 1 minute
The ship's robotic voice told Goku what he already knew. His eyes were closed as he reached out with his senses trying to understand what was happening.
Those ki signatures all seem to be gathering right where I'll be landing. They're all incredibly strong! If I'm not careful I'll be killed before I can find the others.
Despite the danger, Goku couldn't help but smile his eagerness for battle getting the better of him.
I wonder if it's that Frieza guy King Kai mentioned or maybe someone even stronger!
A wave of excitement washed over the saiyan as his ship rattled and shook as it touched down onto the blue grass of Namek.
All passengers prepare to disembark. Thank you for flying with capsule corp.
Opening his eyes as his grin grew into a wild smile Goku quickly took off his seat belt and flipped over the chair giggling like a child as he ran to the entrance.
Oops, almost forgot the senzu beans. Goku thought to himself as he snatched a small bag off the ground. The bag originally held five beans but throughout his training, Goku had used three.
Hopefully, this will still be enough. The saiyan thought as he tied the bag around his belt. Alright, no going back now!
Nearly jumping with joy Goku watched as the door of his ship fell forward revealing planet Namek in all its glory. Adopting a fighting stance, the saiyan from Earth prepared himself for battle, a battle that wouldn't come just yet.
"Dad!"
Recognizing his son Goku stopped his surprise from showing as Gohan ran up the ramp and hugged his father.
"Gohan?"
Looking around Goku realized that the strong ki signatures he had sensed were mostly made up of people he knew. And almost all of them were holding giant dragonballs. Piccolo nodded firmly, Yamcha smiled and gave a potent thumbs up, Yajirobi was scratching his chin, Chiaotzu was kneeled over what appeared to be a still unconscious Tien, there were two namekians he didn't recognize and Vegeta stood with his back facing the ship still muttering something under his breath.
"Vegeta? What is going on?" Goku asked completely confused.
"Hey, Goku."
Turning his head Goku locked eyes with Krillin. Dressed in the tattered remains of a battle armor he received from Frieza and clothed with wounds that had been healed by Chiaotzu the saiyan almost didn't recognize his friend.
"Krillin?"
The monk nodded as Goku's eyes spied the line of scars that ran up the human's left arm.
"You missed a lot." Krillin with a small smile.
"Whoa, you weren't kidding," Goku said as Krillin had finished telling his story. "Hard to believe that all happened in just six days."
"Felt longer than six days," The monk said slowly.
In truth, there were a few key moments that Krillin had left out in his retelling of the events on Namek. Namely his conversations with the Grand Elder and the possibility of becoming the Guardian of Earth.
No point in talking about it. Now that Kami is back.
"Though I can tell it was worth it!" Goku said with a smile. "All of you guys are so much stronger now!"
Worth it? Krillin silently questioned as he watched his friend laugh.
"Have to admit I'm kind of disappointed that the Ginyu Force guys aren't here. I bet it would have been fun to test out my training! I wish you hadn't killed them I bet they would have made great sparring partners!" The saiyan continued with a mock punch.
Krillin didn't say anything as he started at Goku his thoughts a swirl of confusion and anger.
Fun? How can he just say that? After everything, we've told him. Does he not understand what we've been through? Does he no-
Krillin paused. Amid his many thoughts, a small realization quieted them, and a bitter feeling spread through the monk.
That's right. He doesn't understand, he's an alien after all.
"Hey, Krillin!"
His name brought the small human out of his head and back to the present. "Y-yeah Goku?"
"I was saying that I brought some senzu beans," The saiyan said as he untied the small bag around his belt to show his friend. "I still have two left we could give Tien one."
"We should save them," Chiaotzu said still kneeling over Tien as he healed the three-eyed warrior. "I'll be done in a moment and we'll probably need them against Frieza."
"Really? Alright, I guess that makes sense."
"Humph," Vegeta scoffed. "You must have hit your head again during your travel Kakarot. The three-eyed one had his back cracked open. A bean isn't going to fix that."
"Oh, these aren't just any old beans Vegeta!" Goku said digging one out of the bag and showing it off proudly. "These are senzu beans! Eat just one and it'll heal all of your wounds and give you enough energy to last you all day!"
"What?" The saiyan prince said slowly before stomping over to Goku and ripping the bean out of his hand. Looking over the small legume the prince of all saiyans gnashed his teeth as his rage radiated off him.
"This is how you did it isn't it?" Vegeta snarled looking at Krillin.
"What are you talking about?"
"On Earth!" The prince shouted. "This is what gave you the strength to get back up! This is how you defeated me!"
"…that's right." The monk said still confused at the problem.
The saiyan prince looked at the small bean his hand shaking with anger. "First on Earth now on Namek. Winning battles through tricks and traps. Do you not have any pride?!"
A short silence draped over the group, Goku stepped forward to answer but was quickly cut off by Krillin.
"Pride would have kept you trapped in the rice cooker."
Vegeta flinched and geared up for a quick retort but paused when he saw Krillin raise a hand toward him.
"What is this?"
"It's an offer," The monk said extending his hand. "You can't afford to fight Frieza by yourself and we can't beat him without you. I need to know you'll work with us."
"Do you really think I'll accept that? After you cheated me out of my wish?"
"Ordinarily no, but you don't have a choice."
Vegeta scowled. "You don't have to worry about me stabbing you in the back for now human. Unlike you, I have the pride of a warrior."
The prince turned showing the monk his back.
"But know this, we will battle again and even with your tricks, you will end up in the dirt where you belong. That is my promise."
With nothing else to say Vegeta walked off preferring the company of nothing over all others.
Well, that's one thing done. Krillin said before looking over to Chiaotzu. "How's Tien?"
"I'm just about finished," The smallest warrior said as he continued healing.
"Good, we still need to get in touch with Bulma to tell her that we'll be moving to the Grand Elder's place."
"The leader of Namek right?" Goku asked. "Why do you want to go there?"
"We only used two wishes to bring everyone back and Porunga can grant three. If we can bring him back then we could use that in the fight against Frieza."
"You want to use a wish to fight someone? Isn't that a little…cheap?"
"No," Krillin said firmly before sighing. "But maybe I haven't been clear enough."
The monk turned to address the entire group.
"Right now, Frieza is stronger than all of us and he can become even stronger."
"Stronger?" Yamcha asked slowly. "Are you sure Krillin?"
"I've seen it," The monk said locking eyes with the former bandit. "He can transform and boost his power to insane levels and according to Guldo he can transform two more times."
"He's already transformed?"
"Yes," Tsuno said with a small voice. "When he had captured me. That beast changed into a creature holding more power than I've ever seen before. He…he killed my fellow villagers as if it were nothing. He's a true monster."
"Your village?!" Nail said unable to hold back his shock. "Everyone? They're all…"
Tsuno nodded grimly his voice failing him. Gohan let his fists tighten.
"He also knows where Earth is," Krillin said breaking the quiet. "We have to end this while he's still only in his second form. Porunga's third wish will help with that and only the Grand Elder can make that happen. If we want to survive, we must use every advantage we can. Okay, Goku?"
The monk was stern in his words and completely focused on his friend.
"Oh, okay," Goku said a little surprised at the call out and a tense stillness emerged between the two friends.
Tien stirred, the darkness clouding his vision started to clear as he slowly sat up. The last thing he could recall was fighting against Recoome. The brute got the better of him and smashed him against the hard ground, breaking his back. Realizing his spine had been repaired the three-eyed warrior shook his head as he tried to get his bearings.
"Glad to have you back."
With his focus regained Tien turned to see Krillin by his side.
"Krillin? You're alright? Does that mean-"
Looking around Tien slowly began to realize that he was surrounded by friends he had lost. Finding Yamcha, Yajirobi, and even Piccolo in the crowd made his breath stop. Hope slowly creeping in the three-eyed warrior turned and finally found his reason for fighting.
"Hi Tien," Chiaotzu smiled.
With no strength for words Tien reached out and pulled in his friend in for a hug.
"Whoa Tie-"
Chiaotzu's surprise faded as he realized that his friend was shaking. The relief overwhelmed Tien as he started to silently weep with joy as he tightened his hold.
I'm happy for you Tien. Krillin thought to himself smiling as he watched Chiaotzu quietly return the hug.
"As touching as this is. We must move," Nail said walking up to Krillin.
"You're right," Krillin nodded. "Alright everyone le-"
The monk's words died in his throat as every sense he held blared a warning.
Emanating from the area where the Ginyu Force fell a stifling choking sensation gripped the planet as Namek began to shake.
"What is that?"
Krillin turned already recognizing the source but not yet prepared to share. A dome of energy erupted out in the distance casting horror among the group. The light of the burst nearly blinded Krillin who was forced to turn and face the rest of the group.
"We have to leave now!"
With a firm nod from every member, the group gathered the dragonballs and leaped into the air.
He must have seen Porunga and followed us there. If we hadn't moved to meet Goku he would have found us. Judging by that output of energy he's not happy. We need to end this before he destroys the entire planet! The monk thought to himself as he and the others flew through Namek's green sky.
"Was that him?"
Krillin was so deep in his head he hadn't noticed Piccolo flying beside him until the namekian's voice brought him back.
"…yeah," Krillin said slowly. "That's what we're up against. That's Frieza."
Kami's other half took a look behind him as the explosion started to fade.
"You are right to be cautious."
"I'm not cautious," The monk answered. "I'm terrified."
Piccolo blinked once before smirking. "I had forgotten."
"Forgotten?"
"How well you hide your fear."
A moment passed and it was Krillin's turn to smirk as the group continued their journey toward the Grand Elder's home.
"Hey Yamcha," Goku asked flying closer to his old friend. "What's going on with Krillin?"
"What do you mean?" Yamcha answered.
"I don't know, I think he's angry with me."
"I wouldn't say that he's got a lot on his mind."
"I guess so, this Frieza guy is really strong. Still feels a little wrong just to gang up on him though. Wish I could fight him one on one."
Yamcha paused and looked at Goku in bewilderment before softening his look with a sigh.
"Now that I think about it, you've always done things on your own. It makes sense that working with us would feel a little strange." The former bandit said before turning serious. "This isn't a fight we can let you do on your own Goku. You could sense how strong Frieza is just like the rest of us. If we want to get through this, we'll have to do it together. That means you'll have to listen to what Krillin says. You're probably the strongest one out of all of us," Yamcha said taking a second to make sure that Vegeta couldn't hear him. "But Krillin is our leader. He's the one who is going to tell us how to fight."
"How to fight? Why?"
"If we don't listen, we'll just end up getting in each other's way, and we can't afford that. We have to be smart about this. We're stronger together."
Goku went quiet as he started to think about what his friend had said but was interrupted as the group reached their destination. Still standing tall despite the destruction the planet had endured the Grand Elder's home remained on the same pillar of rock Krillin had visited days ago. The group landed on the rock and quickly made their way through the small home floating up to the second floor before finding the Grand Elder slumped over in his chair. Krillin hadn't seen the Grand Elder since he struggled to recover from unlocking Gohan's potential. At the time the namekian looked as if he aged a hundred years in seconds. Seeing him now made it apparent his health hadn't improved.
"Grand Elder!" Both Nail and Tsuno shouted rushing to the giant namekian's side.
Hearing his name, the aged alien coughed loudly as he roused himself back to the world of the living. Gasping for air the Grand Elder found his champion and his successor by his side.
"Nail, Tsuno, you are safe, that…that is good."
Struggling to catch his breath the Grand Elder straightened and saw that his home held more guests then he assumed.
"You are…," The Grand Elder said as he scanned the group.
"Grand Elder," said Krillin as he stepped forward. "These are my friends. We brought them back using Porunga's power."
Vegeta scoffed but no one looked in his direction.
"Your friends," the older namekian repeated still trying to focus. "That's right, your friends. Wait…does that mean…"
Slowly the Grand Elder looked at the group once more this time before locking eyes with Piccolo.
"It's you."
"Yes?" Piccolo answered confused. "Do I know you?"
"No, but I know you. Child of Katas. Please, step closer."
Giving a quick look at the Grand Elder and with a light grunt, Piccolo walked forward.
"You are the spitting image of him. Of Katas."
"You knew him?"
"I did, he was my friend. Losing him is a wound that never healed." The Grand Elder smiled softly. "To think I would live this long to see another namekian, one who is not my child. It is only now at the end of my life do I feel as if I have at last survived the Great Storm." Shifting in his seat the Grand Elder's strength seemed to replenish itself. It was as if just the sight of Piccolo had rejuvenated the aged alien. Silently the old namekian turned toward Krillin. "Your efforts have made this possible Krillin of Earth. Thank you."
"It wasn't just me," The monk replied looking around. "I had a lot of help."
"Of course, forgive me," The Grand Elder said looking over the group. "Thank you and welcome to those that wish Namek well. Though I know you are not here for pleasantries."
"Yes, Porunga faded before he could grant us the third wish. Nail told us you would know why."
"I do, it is because my power has weakened. I no longer have the energy to bring Porunga to life."
"Does that mean we can't use the third wish?" Tien asked.
"No, it simply means the time has come for my successor to take his place," The Grand Elder said slowly. "Tsuno."
"Are you certain Grand Elder?" asked Tsuno. "I am…not sure I am ready. Perhaps there is another way."
"There is not, come. Let us begin."
With a heavy heart, the namekian made his way to the Grand Elder's side and took a knee. Reaching out with a giant hand the oldest namekian held his child's head in place as he gathered his strength. Both namekians closed their eyes and a firm silence covered the home.
"Piccolo, do you know what they are doing?" asked Krillin.
"Not particularly but they may be speaking telepathically to each other."
"They can do that?"
"I assume, seeing as how I can."
"I didn't know that."
"You never needed to."
Before Krillin could respond the Grand Elder and Tsuno opened their eyes breaking the trance between them.
"Now, you are ready my child."
"Thank you, Grand Elder," Tsuno said with a bow. "I hope your faith in me is rewarded."
"I know it will be."
"We can use Porunga's last wish now?" Chiaotzu asked floating closer to the front of the group.
"Yes," said Tsuno. "I can also unlock the potential of all those who have yet to do so."
"You can do that?" Yamcha asked excitedly.
"He can," The Grand Elder said slowly. "Tsuno will be able to help most of you achieve a new level of strength, save the saiyans."
"What?" Vegeta snapped.
"Son Goku," The Grand Elder said ignoring the outburst. "I have watched Krillin of Earth's memories and know that like Tien Shinhan, you drank the Ultra Divine Water and have unleashed your potential early. Neither I nor Tsuno can help you further your strength."
"Oh, that's alright," Goku said with a smile. "I'd rather work for it!"
"As for the prince," The Grand Elder continued. "You have yet to earn this."
"You believe me to be lacking? I' am the strongest one here!"
"I am not referring to your strength young saiyan. Rather your character."
Focusing his otherworldly presence upon the prince of all saiyans the Grand Elder spoke with the weight of centuries past.
"Both Namek and I felt your intentions to harm the instant you arrived. We hold no doubt that had you not been stopped a massacre would have followed in your wake. Even now, if we were not under siege from Frieza and his army you would be our greatest threat."
Despite the clear difference in power the prince reluctantly backed down as the Grand Elder's will held him in place. "What can you offer me? Or is talking the only thing you are good for?"
"No one is beyond redemption prince. You are simply not there yet. As for what I can share, I can give you an answer you already know, yet long to hear," The Grand Elder said slowly. "Frieza fears the super saiyan."
"…you're well informed for a slug," Vegeta said crossing his arms while his eyes narrowed.
"You dare insult the g-" Nail started but was quickly waved down by the oldest namekian.
"A super saiyan?" Krillin asked. "What is that?"
"There is a legend," Vegeta began refusing to allow anyone else to tell the story. "1,000 years ago there was a saiyan warrior of immeasurable strength to the point that while his name is unknown the legends of his strength have been passed down through generations. The saiyans believed that if a warrior pushed past their limits, they would become a super saiyan. A being with a strength that had no equal."
"Wow," Goku gaped. "Wait, does that mean that any saiyan can become a super saiyan?"
"Hardly," Vegeta snarled. "As prince of all saiyans, the legend is my birthright! You may be strong Kakarot but you will always be second to me!"
"Is Frieza really scared of a story like that?" asked Yajirobi. "Sounds far-fetched to me."
"Watch your tongue fat man," Vegeta said slowing to a growl. "That story was enough for Frieza to gather my people on our homeworld and destroy them as if it were nothing."
"Just as you threatened to do to Earth," Tien said stepping forward.
The prince snorted.
"Wait," Krillin said cutting in. "Let me make sure I understand this. Frieza destroyed the saiyans because of this story?"
"He'd never admit it but yes. The bastard hated that the saiyans believed in a strength that surpassed his own. We were never completely loyal to him and our ability to grow stronger after every battle must have frightened him enough that he killed us before we could rise against him."
"…if that's true then we can use that." The monk said with a small smirk.
"We can?" Chiaotzu said.
"Yes, he isn't aware of either Goku or Gohan. As far as he knows Vegeta is the last surviving saiyan."
"What are you getting at human?" asked Nail.
"It's another thing he doesn't know. Another thing that will convince him that we're a threat."
"What good will lying do?" asked Tien.
"Yeah, I agree," said Yamcha asked a little confused. "What's the point in getting him that angry?"
"To force him to make a mistake," The monk said firmly. "If he is so frightened of the possibility that someone could be stronger then him, we have to convince him that fear is a reality. If we do that, he'll give us the opening we need to finish this."
"Don't be so sure," said Piccolo. "If he does have two more forms he can transform into. Then he'll become even stronger than he is now. If we corner him like that there's no doubt he'll transform."
"That's the plan," Krillin said with a smirk. "His transformations, they aren't instant." Holding up one finger the leader of Earth's mightiest warriors addressed the room. "When he transformed in front of me it took about 1 minute. 1 full minute."
Silence covered the room.
"Back then there wasn't anything I could do by myself but together we'll use that time, to kill him."
"Yet another plan of yours that is destined to fail human," Vegeta said with confidence. "You want to encourage Frieza to use his full power against us?"
"If there's one thing I've learned after years of fighting people stronger than me. It's that pride comes before the fall."
"That may be true," said Tien. "But this is less of a plan and more of a gamble."
"You're right," Krillin said firmly. "It's the last gamble we've got."
"…then," A small voice floated through the home and captured the attention of the group as they turned to see Gohan stepping forward. "Then all we can do is fight and see what happens."
"That's the spirit Gohan!" Goku said smiling as he patted his son on the head.
Krillin said nothing as his stomach clenched in fear.
Again, I'm dragging him into a war he shouldn't be in. And again, I have no choice, please…don't let this be a mistake.
"If that is all, we must be swift now," The Grand Elder said. "Tsuno, please take the others down to the first floor as you help them unlock their true power. As we discussed, I must speak to Krillin of Earth alone."
What? Why?
"Of course, Grand Elder," Tsuno said while eyeing the monk for a moment. "Everyone please, follow me. Leave the dragonballs here."
"Hold on," Tien said refusing to move. "Why do you want to speak with Krillin? We should all be on the same page here."
"No," The Grand Elder said sternly. "This cannot be shared."
"But-"
"Tien it's alright," The monk said. "I won't be far."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, go on without me. Get in contact with Bulma and tell her the plan. We could use her help."
The three-eyed warrior nodded and left with the group following Tsuno as they descended to the first floor. Only Goku stole a look behind him carefully watching his friend before leaping down to join the others.
"There," The Grand Elder said as he waved his arm and a thin sheet of ki covered the hole leading below. "Now, we cannot be disturbed."
"What's this about Grand Elder? Why can't my friends be here?"
"Because they aren't you."
"What?"
"Tell me, Krillin of Earth," The Grand Elder said his presence enveloping the room. "How do you feel about the dragon balls?"
"The dragon balls?"
"Yes, you have seen firsthand the chaos they bring. The desire for their power has encouraged many villains back on your homeworld and now has brought destruction to my planet. I am curious if you view them differently now. Do you believe them to be a force for good?"
"…I," Krillin said hesitating. "No."
"A firm answer from one who is usually uncertain. So, you believe they are tools for evil then."
"No, they aren't that either. I…I don't think the dragonballs are good or evil. They just are."
"Please, explain."
"I mean, you've seen my memories. I died. I was killed so one of King Piccolo's creation could steal a dragonball and the only reason I'm standing here now is because they brought me back. If Frieza was able to summon Porunga and make his wish even if it was the end of everything. Porunga would have to do it wouldn't he? The dragonballs have no say on what wish they grant."
"You are correct," The Grand Elder nodded. "It is not the dragon that commands the power it is whoever makes the wish. I am glad you understand that."
What's he getting at?
"Next," The Grand Elder continued. "How are the dragonballs created?"
"Huh?"
"The dragonballs, how are they created?"
"Namekians from the dragon clan right?"
"Yes, but how do members of the dragon clan make the dragon balls?"
"I…I don't know."
"Of course, you don't," The Grand Elder laughed. "You have never been told."
I think he's making fun of me.
"It is simple Krillin of Earth, they use their connection with the planet. As I have said being able to listen to a planet will give you access to its sound. Its strength."
"So, the power to make dragonballs comes from the planet?"
"Yes, however so far the only world that has done this. Is Namek."
"Wait…what? But that's not possible. There are dragonballs on Earth, Kami made them."
"He did, using Namek's power."
"What?"
"Remember what I have already shared. Kami is not from Earth therefore he cannot communicate with the planet. He has no way of listening and has no access to its sound. Subconsciously he continues to use Namek's strength and that is how he crafted the dragonballs you and your friends have been using. To be able to accomplish such a feat despite the distance and years between him and his homeworld is nothing short of miraculous."
"Wait…is that why Porunga can grant three wishes instead of just one? Because of the distance and time?"
"That is part of it. A dragon's capabilities cannot surpass its creators' power. I imagine that Kami's memory of his home world's sound has been dulled. Therefore, his connection is weaker than mine or Tsuno's. His strength of will is extraordinary to be able to summon Shenron despite these limitations."
"That's…that's amazing."
"It is. Please, you must understand why I am sharing this with you Krillin of Earth. You have done much to in your attempts to save your home as well as mine," The Grand Elder said calmly. "It is only right we repay that kindness before the end."
"What? I, I don't understand."
"…just as my life fades so does this planet's."
"Wait…you mean Namek is-"
"Namek is old and has survived through her people," The Grand Elder said softly interrupting. "With Frieza's slaughter, we are too few to truly matter. Our home is dying."
Silence was the only thing the small monk could offer.
"We never truly recovered from the Great Storm," The Grand Elder continued. "Our wounds never properly healed and with Frieza's onslaught, the life of Namek is growing dim. That is another reason why Porunga vanished before it could grant you the third wish. Neither I nor Namek have the strength to carry on."
"I…I don't know what to say. I am so sorry."
"This is simply nature taking its course."
"Can Tsuno do something?"
"He can. Tsuno will use what remains of Namek's power and summon Porunga once more. However, the strength required to do so may sap the rest of the planet's energy. The effort may destroy this world entirely."
"Could the wish be to restore Namek? Bring back its people? Maybe we don't need the wish to beat Frieza. If we save it for when the fighting is over could that work?"
"Porunga can only restore the life of one individual at a time. It is better if the wish could be used to end Frieza's reign." The Grand Elder said his words heavy. "Fear not Krillin of Earth. All things, fade with time."
"What…what will happen? If…"
"Life will stop on Namek. Nothing will grow, nothing will be born, nothing will be created. Nothing can start on a planet that has ended."
"What about the dragonballs?"
"They will turn to stone and be nothing more."
"Wha…what about the ones on Earth?"
"I do not know. Perhaps they will be unaffected but that is unlikely. Kami has been using Namek as a source of strength. Without it, he may be just as powerless as we will be."
"Then what do we do?!" The monk shouted his emotions getting the better of him. "Without the dragonballs, we won't be able to fix anything or bring back anyone!"
"It is not a guarantee that the wish will spell our doom only a possibility. However, if that comes to pass there may be a path still open to us."
"What path?"
"Yours," The Grand Elder said with a smile. "Or did you believe that with Kami's return you would no longer be considered the Guardian of your planet?"
"That did cross my mind," said Krillin quietly.
"The fight has yet to be finished and so we must be prepared for all possibilities. You know this better than most."
The monk nodded and the namekian went on.
"The last time we spoke I told you Namek had a final gift to share. This is it; it is an opportunity. A chance to make a true change in fate. If your home wishes to heal itself, to rebuild. It must use its own power to create that reality."
"But, how can we? Without Shenron or Porunga that's not possible."
"That is why you are here Krillin of Earth."
The monk felt something shift in the air. While unable to locate any danger, his senses sent him a soft warning. Something was coming.
"Some time ago, you were told by Mr. Popo that you would be unable to craft dragonballs as Kami has," The Grand Elder said slowly. "He stated that it is a talent that only namekians possess. In a way, he is correct."
The dragonballs that had been left by the others started to glow catching Krillin's attention. Not with bright light but with encroaching darkness that seemed to swallow up the room.
"Only a member of the dragon clan can wield a planet's power to craft the seven spheres."
Krillin shouted a question but was surprised that no sound emerged.
"While our warriors are born," The Grand Elder continued. "You will learn that those of us who join the dragon clan, they are chosen."
The dark radiating from the orbs grew rapidly in strength eating Krillin who was forced to close his eyes. A feeling of weightless grabbed the monk and he felt himself falling downward deeper into the unknown. The last remnants of the world around him were the Grand Elder's soft words.
"I pray they chose you as well."
