Author's Note: Hello everyone. I'd like to take a second to recognize that this chapter has come out during a very frightening time. I won't pretend to know the circumstances of all of you, but I do hope everyone is safe and healthy. While there is nothing I can do in the grand scheme of things I'd like to at least give everyone who reads this series something to look forward to. To that end, I will post the next chapter in two weeks instead of monthly. I plan to continue to do this for as long as I am able to. We're in this together and we will get through this together. Sorry to get heavy but from the bottom of my heart stay safe, be healthy, and please. Enjoy.
He had closed his eyes as the darkness from the dragonballs encroached on him. However, even with eyes open, he realized that very little had changed. In every direction he looked he was met with nothing. No signs of life, no voices to hear, nothing. Nothing but the dark. He had felt this before, the strange sensation of floating in complete darkness. Back on Earth, back when he fought Vegeta for the first time. Beaten within an inch of his life Krillin had only escaped that darkness with the help of Goku and a well-timed senzu bean. Now, he was alone. That thought held Krillin on a razor's edge as he scanned the area for danger. It didn't take the monk long to notice that sight wasn't the only thing he was lacking. There was no ground to walk on as the monk realized he was suspended in the dark by an invisible thread as if he were treading water. He was able to breathe without issue, but the helplessness and sense of isolation had him panting in panic.
Calm down. The monk told himself as he struggled to get his breathing under control. Whatever is happening it's because the Grand Elder thinks I can handle it. For now, I need some light.
Wasting no more time Krillin moved both hands toward the edge of his face while shouting out.
"Solar flare!"
A burst of light battled against the inky gloom forcing it to recede and showed Krillin that his previous assumption was wrong. He was not alone. Something far bigger than him twitched in the bask of light and as the flare faded Krillin could hear movement coming from deep in the dark. Fear pumping through his mind Krillin threw up a barrier with all his energy behind it and prepared for battle.
I see you
The voice echoed through Krillin's s skull as two deep red eyes opened and focused directly onto the small human. Losing the grasp he had on his breathing the monk started to tremble but held onto his barrier as well as his willingness to fight.
How are you here?
While the voice slid in and out of the monk's mind with the same ease as before this time it brought some recognition with it. Krillin had heard this voice before.
"Porunga?"
The question caused the dark to slip away somewhat as the outline Krillin had seen came into focus. The two deep red eyes continued to stare at the monk, but he could now clearly see the dragon in its full form. Just as large as he had been on Namek the mighty dragon produced power simply by breathing. Its numerous green scales glowing brightly in the pitch black as Porunga spoke.
You have named me, yet my question remains unanswered. How are you here?
"Th-," Krillin said still trying to grab hold of his nerves. "The Grand Elder sent me."
For what purpose?
"I, I'm not sure."
The dragon grunted and Porunga jabbed a finger bigger than Krillin's body at the small human. One long black nail connected with the monk's forehead as the dragon's red eyes flared. Krillin felt a pulse of energy run through his mind. The sensation was the same as when the Grand Elder's viewed his memories. The process was over quickly and Porunga removed his nail before Krillin could object. For a moment the dragon was silent though his heavy gaze remained fixed on the small human. When he spoke again the cavern of darkness shook with Porunga's voice.
I see.
"You see?" Krillin said confused. "What do you see?"
I see you. I see what you are and I've seen what you've been. The namekian who forged me wants to welcome you as a member of the clan and see what you become.
Slowly Krillin started to piece together the Grand Elder's words and its meaning. "You're talking about the dragon clan? Does that mean…I'll be able to create dragonballs like Kami and the Grand Elder?"
It would.
If Krillin had been standing the response would have caused him to collapse. As the monk struggled with the possibility his mind began to unpack the news.
Dragonballs? I would be able to make dragonballs? If that's the case, then I'd be able to fix everything!
The trembling from before continued but for a new reason. For the first time since landing on Namek though truly slim in its nature, the monk could feel a shred of hope bubble up from nothing.
Everyone can come home!
"I…I have questions."
Porunga remained silent so Krillin continued.
"The only dragonballs are made with Namek's energy, right? Will Earth's dragonballs be different?"
I imagine they would be, though I have no way of knowing.
"Really?"
I cannot know what has yet to be made.
"Yeah…that makes sense. Earlier you said that the Grand Elder 'forged you'. Am I going to have to do that as well?"
The dragonballs cannot grant a wish without a dragon.
A dragon. Krillin thought to himself looking at his hands in awe. I'm going to make a dragon?
As soon as the thought crossed his mind the monk realized that the glow of Porunga's red eyes intensified as the dark domain once again shook with his voice.
No. You will not.
"N…no?" Krillin asked snapping out of his head. "What do you mean?"
I do not accept you, human.
"What? You don't accept me? Why not?!" Krillin shouted desperately.
Death follows you. Your actions have cost the lives of many.
Krillin flinched but pushed on. "You're talking about the people I've killed? Fine…you're right," The monk said his shame seeping through. "I've done those things to protect those close to me! I'll carry that burden with me if the people as long I care about are safe!"
And what of those that you do not know?
"W…what?"
The namekians of Tsuno's village. You did not know them and so they died.
"I couldn't save them because I wasn't there!" Krillin shouted. I'm doing everything I can-
It is not enough. Porunga said in a low growl. Your view is too small to be a Guardian. Your hearing is too deaf to the sound of your home. Only the strongest of wills can hope to command the power of the dragonballs. Only the strongest can hope to become the leader of their world. Only the strongest are welcomed into the dragon clan. You are not. You are, too human.
"No! Both Kami and the Grand Elder told me-"
They are not dragons mortal! Porunga snapped. While both may place their hopes on you I, Porunga, find you wanting.
Just as quickly as it had come the weight of the dragon's words fell on him from up high and dashed the hope the monk had just gained.
"So…that's it?" The monk said his voice wavering. "That was my opportunity and I lost it? Just like that?"
This path is not for you. You are too weak. Turn back.
With that, Porunga's eyes dimmed and the large creature dipped its head and slithered back to the same resting position Krillin had found him in, leaving the human alone once more. The dragon shifted slightly and closed its eyes ready to slumber until called upon. Only for that sleep to be interrupted as a ki blast collided with the side of his head awaking the mighty beast in an instant.
You dare?
Raising to its full height Porunga faced Krillin who was holding a smoking hand steady despite the quivers raking his body.
What…what did I just do? Did I just attack Porunga? Why? What am I thinking?!
You dare assault a dragon in its domain?!
I should have just asked again.
As I believed, you are not worthy!
Maybe I could have just convinced him that he was wrong.
You will never be worthy!
I'm risking everything just because I'm mad? How could I?
You are nothing!
The dragon's threat had an immediate effect on the small human, as it was the only word that stopped Krillin's mind from racing. It was the cold understanding that he was being looked down on that quieted his mind. Still shaking but no longer from helplessness, the monk whispered.
"You're wrong."
What did you say?
"I said you're wrong!" With a scream, Krillin's aura exploded out in a flash of white. Though dimmed in the dark the monk's power radiated from him as he seethed. "You may have seen my memories, but you don't know a thing about me! I can do more!"
I am the dragon of Namek! Porunga bellowed his red eyes burning into the monk. Despite this, you aim to fight me?!
"If it can save the people I care about I'll fight anyone!" Krillin said his anger getting the better of him.
You cannot change your nature! You cannot handle the strength of a dragon!
"I can! I'm stronger now!"
Bold words. The dragon said as it reached for the human with its massive hands. Let me see you try.
Reaching to his side with both arms outstretched Krillin formed two discs of ki spinning at a higher speed he had ever attempted before. Whipping his arms forward with a loud crack the two ki attacks sliced through the dark and cut deep into Porunga's palms. The dragon seemed to not notice and as the giant hands descended toward him the monk launched himself upward while crying out.
"KA!"
Cupping his hands by his side and gathering his energy into one-point Krillin looked down at Porunga from up high. The dragon had his crimson eyes set on the human and opened his mouth wide. In an instant as if the energy was already gathered a burst of ki shot out of Porunga's throat forcing Krillin to dodge and dive while shouting.
"ME!"
The dragon closed his mouth with a hard snap before tightening one hand into a fist. As the monk charged his vision was suddenly taken up by a gigantic punch larger than himself.
Using his momentum to flip above the strike the human ran along the limb the blue shine of his ki beaming as he yelled.
"HA!"
Seeing the human dash along his arm Porunga reached with its other hand. Without the proper time to dodge the monk split his power by creating a copy and sprang off its back launching him above the beam. Ignoring the sudden spike of pain biting down on him as his copy was crushed by the dragon's grip Krillin pushed on his aura burning brighter howling.
"ME!"
Closing the gap toward Porunga the monk felt his power push to its peak and thrust both hands forward. Only for the dragon to lock eyes with the human and lunge mouth agape. With no time for fear, Krillin fired with every ounce of strength he had as he fell into the dragon's mouth.
"HA!"
Blue exploded out and into Porunga's throat, but it wasn't enough to stop the mighty beat from snapping its jaw shut. Its fangs closing tight and sealing away the tiny human as the light faded and silence settled on the dark domain once more.
"What's wrong Goku?" Chiaotzu asked noticing the saiyan was still focused on the second floor of the Grand Elder's home.
"I'm not sure. I thought I felt a large energy spike for a second there."
"Really? I didn't notice anything. Tien, did you?"
"Not that I'm aware of. Did you recognize it Goku?"
"No, it's gone now but it felt pretty powerful."
"If it's not Frieza then we should be fine," said Tien. "Though I can understand your worry Goku. It's odd that the Grand Elder would shut us out of the room now of all times. We should be preparing for Frieza together."
"WOAH!"
The conversation ended as a surge of power blanketed the first floor making the three friends turn to see Yajirobi cloaked in a strong aura. His ki emanating a great strength. "This is wild!"
"You had quite a lot of potential power sleeping within," Tsuno said removing his hand from the samurai. "I hope you use it well."
"Hard to believe you were struggling on just flying back at King Kai's," Yamcha said with a fierce grin. "Nice going Yajirobi."
"Why applaud the fat man for doing nothing?" Vegeta seethed. "This is a farce; strength should be earned through combat not awarded for holding still."
"Just because your actions have denied you this doesn't make it worthless to others," Piccolo shot back. "Or would you rather Frieza have the upper hand?"
"Ridiculous," Vegeta mumbled under his breath as he had no answer to give.
"I am ready for the next," Tsuno said to the group.
"That's me," Chiaotzu said making his way toward Tsuno. "Don't worry Goku. I bet that was Krillin, but he can take care of himself. He's our leader for a reason."
"Krillin?" The saiyan said with surprise before looking back at the upper level of the home.
That powerful ki was Krillin?
"Krillin?"
Hearing his name, the monk twitched and opened his eyes not even realizing they were closed. Looking around Krillin was astonished to see that he had returned to the Grand Elder's chambers with the old namekian looking over him with obvious concern.
"What…what happened?" Krillin said slowly getting to his feet.
"I should be asking you that," said The Grand Elder. "I sent you to Porunga's side to speak with him about joining the dragon clan, but you were tossed out without any warning. Did you speak to him?"
In that instant despite still trying to regain his focus a wave of shame washed over the small human as he remembered what he had done.
"…I…yes I spoke to Porunga."
The Grand Elder nodded and sat forward.
"…He told me that he wasn't going to accept me that I wasn't worthy."
"He did?" The Grand Elder said. "How odd, I was certain he would be more willing to extend his hand to you. Did he give you a reason?"
"He said I was weak," Krillin scoffed. "That I wasn't strong enough."
"I apologize Krillin, I imagine you left after that correct?"
The monk paused unsure if he should admit what happened next.
No, I should tell the truth.
"…after Porunga refused me. I attacked him."
As soon as the monk had finished speaking, he felt the presence of the Grand Elder press down on him. It was enough to make his knees shake as Krillin locked eyes with the aged namekian who was radiating confused anger.
"You would strike our dragon? After my invitation to join us?"
"I'," Krillin said softly. "I know what I did was wrong but after coming so far only to be refused. I snapped."
"Does that make it right? At this point to harm, Porunga is to harm all of Namek had you destroyed him we would be lost!"
"That wasn't my intention!" Krillin said his fists tightening. "He goaded me!"
"Then perhaps he was right to refuse you!" The Grand Elder said his shadow looming. "If all it takes for you to lash out is a few choice words then you are not worthy to become Guardian or access to its power!"
Before Krillin could respond the Grand Elder reached out with his hand. In the next instant, the shaking in the monk's knees had grown to encase the entirety of his body. This was not out of fear but due to his strength fading. Falling over himself Krillin realized that he felt weaker, far weaker.
"What…did you do?"
"As it was I who unlocked your potential I am also the one who can seal it. No longer will your power grow as it was. You are only human once more."
"No!" Krillin shouted struggling to get back to his feet. "You can't do that!"
"But I have," The Grand Elder said closing his hand. "This way you cannot do more harm to my home or yours."
"I wouldn't!" the monk cried his emotions spinning out of control.
"Yet you already have," The Grand Elder said leaning back in his chair.
"But without that…I…I can't do anything, I'm…only..."
A moment passed with Krillin at a complete loss. Still trembling from his sudden lack of power and lost respect the monk hung his head empty of will. Until his mind reached back into his memories and pulled out some words he had nearly forgotten.
"Being human does not mean you are weak. I have unleashed your potential, but this is not your limit."
The Grand Elder's voice echoing in his mind Krillin's breathing started to speed up. His recollection continued as a new voice sounded off, his own.
"I…I want to change; I have to change. So that I can protect the people I care about."
That's right. I guess I almost forgot.
"My limit is what I decide it is." The word fell heavy from the monk's lips as he stood back up from the ground. Back on his feet, Krillin took another look at the Grand Elder.
"Now powerless you resort to glares?" The aged namekian scoffed. "Despite the danger, we are in, Namek would be better off without your aid. You and your companions are no longer welcome here. Leave Krillin, never return."
Why…why does his voice sound so different? The monk thought to himself before he was struck by a sudden realization.
"…that's not what you call me."
"What?"
"You don't call me Krillin. Ever since I said I'd become Guardian you only refer to me as Krillin of Earth."
The Grand Elder did not react.
"…something tells me you aren't who I think you are."
Letting his muted power flare out with the intention of tearing the chamber down Krillin wasn't surprised to see the room melt away. His surroundings fading away as if they were made of smoke both the familiar chamber and the Grand Elder himself vanished leaving the human back in the dark void of the dragon's domain.
So, it was a trick. The monk thought feeling his potential strength restored and looking around to confirm his suspicions. But that doesn't change the fact that I lost control. Attacking isn't the answer, so let's try something different.
You've broken through the illusion. Porunga's voice echoed as red eyes burned through the dark. But it matters not. Your journey ends here!
The dragon descended ready to continue the fight. His hands dived downward ready to grab Krillin if attempted to attack again and his mouth was open wide ready to fire another blast of energy if the monk attempted to flee. Yet Krillin did neither opting instead to bow heavily in submission and say.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have attacked you."
Porunga's charge stopped dead before studying the human who kept his bow.
"And I'm also sorry for my actions that have led to the suffering of your people."
You're submitting without a fight? Yet another example of human weakness.
"Being human doesn't make me weak. Being unable to admit when I've made a mistake would," Krillin continued his head still hanging low.
You believe an apology will suffice for attacking me in my own home?
"No. But it's a start. It's also not just an apology, I wanted to thank you."
…what for? The dragon asked a little confused.
"Taking away some of my strength, telling me I wasn't worthy, it reminded me that I was fighting for my promises before I had the option to become the Guardian."
Porunga said nothing as the human raised his head.
"I'm stronger than I was before," The monk said slowly looking at his hands. "Despite that, you may be right. The power to create dragonballs could be too much for me. I've seen and experienced the wishes a dragon can grant and it's overwhelming. Put that in the hands of a human, even mine, and there's bound to be some trouble."
The monk's hands smashed into fists and his stare darkened. "Even so, if that power can help me keep my promises, then I have to try…. I'll try to become something more."
Become? Porunga said with a snort. What can you become?
"What I have to be."
The monk threw up a dense barrier acting as armor letting it shimmer for a second. Then his hand twitched and a coat of electricity ran up out of his arm and quickly covered the rest of his body. His potential power rising as his aura blared out creating a sudden gust. With the illusion and the seal on his strength gone the energy output was far beyond what the monk had been capable of only days ago. A strong volt crackled along from the monk's head to his toes as he said.
"The strongest."
It was 10:30 back on Earth. During this time the hit tv-show Wide-Thigh Aerobics would be showing on television sets across the world. Yet its most loyal viewer was not watching opting to spend the morning watching the news. This was a practice Master Roshi had fallen into for the past month and six days. Unable to calm his nerves to the point where he could watch his favorite show the old hermit had instead spent most of his time watching the news, mulling about on his small island, failing to relax, and thinking about his students. Though at this moment completely on instinct Master Roshi turned and looked to a certain spot in his ceiling. Rising to his feet no longer able to even focus on the news of the day the elder man walked out of his small home onto the beach now staring out into the sky. Though he had no way of knowing Master Roshi was looking in the direction of Namek as a sudden shiver ran through him.
"Master? Are you alright?"
The old man turned to see Turtle crawling his way through the sand.
"I'm fine old friend."
Turtle could see that Master Roshi was far from fine and joined his friend at staring at the sky.
"I'm sure they're okay," Turtle said in support. "Dr. Briefs called us when Goku's ship landed so we know he made there."
"It's not just Goku I'm worried about."
"I'm sure your precious collection is fine as well."
"It's not that either!" Master Roshi said glaring at the old reptile. "Though maybe I should have been clearer to Krillin in my letter. He did seem confused the last time we spoke."
"So, you're worried about Krillin?"
Master Roshi paused before speaking.
"I'm worried about all of them. But, in terms of Goku and Krillin, I've been their teacher the longest, so I have something like a sixth sense about those two."
"A sixth sense?"
"Don't know how else to explain it but right now my senses are telling me. Something is changing."
"Is that a good thing?"
"…I don't know."
Sitting down in the sand and hanging his head low Master Roshi took off his dark sunglasses and looked back into the sky where Namek lay far beyond.
Please, be safe.
The dragon paused as the glow of Krillin's aura blared and burned. The light emanating from the human was intense enough to push back a bit of the dark. Seeing this Porunga raised a hand but not to strike. Instead, the dragon snapped his fingers with enough force to push the monk back. Unprepared for the sudden show of strength Krillin closed his eyes and braced himself. When he opened them, he stunned to see that the dark void he had been floating had vanished. Porunga remained, watching over the small human yet the monk instantly recognized his surroundings. Getting a clear view of both a green sky and a dark blue ground told him that he was on planet Namek. Yet he was able to make out several small villages in the distance even able to make out a great number of namekians inhabiting them. For whatever reason, this Namek felt much more populated than the planet he had landed on.
"This…this is Namek?" Krillin asked looking up at Porunga.
"In a sense."
Krillin turned behind him to see a very tall namekian. Not as well built as Piccolo or Nail yet larger in size and scale.
"This is Namek, but how we've chosen to remember it."
The mysterious namekian walked past Krillin and looked out at the surrounding villages. Watching the many different villagers play, study, laugh and love the unnamed namekian grew a soft smile.
"This was our home. Before the Great Storm."
"That voice," said Krillin realizing who he was speaking to. "You're the Grand Elder?"
"I am," The Grand Elder turned wearing the same smile. "This is how I've chosen to remember myself. In my prime."
The human said nothing, but his gaze narrowed as he looked over the namekian with clear suspicion.
"Is something the matter? Krillin of Earth?" The Grand Elder asked gently.
"…it's nothing," Krillin replied sending a side glance at Porunga. "Where are we, Grand Elder?"
"In a space Porunga and I have created. His domain where he resides until summoned."
"So why are you here? Why did you wait so long to arrive?"
"I wanted Porunga to speak with you first. Now that he has allowed you to see his domain I understand that he has finished saying what he wishes to."
"…did you see what happened?" Krillin asked a little sheepishly.
"I did," The Grand Elder said simply. "Porunga and I are connected. Since two minds have made this space two minds are aware of what happens here."
"So…this was a test? To see if I could learn how to create dragonballs?"
"In a sense."
Shame and disappointment wrapped itself around the monk's heart as he let himself fall onto his butt. "Dammit. I'm such an idiot."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, I failed right?"
"Why do you say that?"
"I don't think assaulting the dragon is the proper behavior for members of the dragon clan, right?"
"There are certain qualities each candidate should possess yes."
"Well, I'm flattered you thought it might have them, sorry to disappoint."
"There is no need for that Krillin of Earth. If anything, you surprised me once again as you often do. Choosing to fight a dragon is something I never thought I would witness. I imagine that is why Porunga chose to fool you with an illusion. Perhaps he was angry with you." The Grand Elder said looking at the great dragon who only snorted in response. "Though I am glad you saw through it."
"I don't suppose I can take the test again? Try to do better?"
"I'm afraid that would serve no purpose."
"…yeah I figured," Krillin said before growing quiet.
Taking a moment to look again at his surroundings the monk tried to ignore his problems. Instead, he opted to absorb as much of the peaceful atmosphere that was on display to him. The green sky and blue dirt seemed almost painted on as the scenery danced in a new way that the monk had never seen before. Despite having spent days on the same planet this was a new sight for the human. This was Namek at peace.
"I bet it's easy to get lose track of time in here."
"I was here for years as the storm tore Namek apart. I needed to keep a clear memory of what the planet looked like so we could rebuild. Though the Namek of today brings me the same peace thanks to the hard work of my children."
"I'm glad I was able to see it. It's beautiful," Krillin said still looking out.
"Thank you. This space was created using a technique not much different from the image training your master taught you and you taught young Gohan."
"So that's how you're able to shape it," The monk said. "It's far bigger and more vivid than anything I've done. Usually, I just train in the dark or used it to tell Gohan some stories while we were traveling."
"Keep practicing, you'll improve."
"You think so?"
"I know so."
A brief pause flowed between the human and namekian as the two enjoyed the view of a Namek that once was.
"…I...I'm sorry," Krillin said breaking the silence.
"Whatever for?"
"What Porunga's said before is true. I came here for the sake of my friends and it's the only reason I'm still fighting. If Frieza didn't know about Earth…I think, there's a small part of me that would want to leave."
"Well that's not surprising," The Grand Elder said smoothly. "It's not easy to look beyond your own trails."
"But I should have. If I was serious about becoming a Guardian, I should have remembered that there are more problems than just my own. The namekians at Tsuno's village were killed because I couldn't convince Frieza I was on his side. It's hard to admit that but I have too. We're in a lot of danger right now and while I've been fighting for the people I care about you, Nail and Tsuno are fighting for your entire planet. Even after you've done so much for me and my friends, I never really acknowledged how my actions could be affecting you. My view is small."
"You seem determined to apologize for your every action," The Grand Elder said.
"Not everything," Krillin said firmly raising back onto his feet. "I'm making sure my friends survive this. To that end, I'll do whatever I have to, but I want you to know that in this next fight I want to include this."
The monk gestured to the image of a perfect picture of peace before him.
"You've taught me so much Grand Elder so I would like to return the favor. Even if I don't have Porunga's blessing and even if this planet is on the verge of destruction. I want to help save your home. I'll fight for Namek but I also want to give it a future," The human said locking eyes with the aged namekian. "I'll find a way. I promise."
The Grand Elder paused for a moment before throwing his head back and letting lose a deep laugh. The joyful laugh reverberated across the soft splashes of the water and bounded off the giant mountains.
"Amazing. Simply amazing," the namekian said still laughing. "Frieza is a warlord that has been on a ruthless rampage across space for decades. And yet, despite the odds. I find myself believing in your victory."
As the laughter died down the Grand Elder sent the monk a soft smile. "I' am glad I met you Krillin of Earth."
"Oh," The monk said surprised at the compliment. "Thank you. I'm glad I met you too."
"I also believe in your commitment to becoming the strongest."
"You heard that too?"
"Did you think I hadn't?"
Krillin laughed. "Kami said the same thing to me once."
"We namekians are an observant people," The Grand Elder said.
"That's true, though it doesn't matter now that the test is over. Only the strongest can join the dragon clan, right? Porunga doesn't think that's me."
"Does that matter?"
"What?"
"Are you going to stop fighting for that due to the words of a dragon?"
"…I."
"Krillin of Earth, what does the 'strongest' mean to you?"
The monk paused unsure how to answer.
"It is alright if you are uncertain," The Grand Elder said slowly. "For now, it may just be a word you used to try and convince Porunga but do not forget it. When you are ready, make that word a sound."
"What? What do you mean by that?"
"When we first met you were tentative about becoming the Guardian of Earth," The Grand Elder continued ignoring the question. "At the end of our first discussion, I believe you accepted it as a possibility. Yet as you admitted it yourself with Kami's return you went back to believing there was no need for you to take that title. Looking through your past made it clear to Porunga the thing that limits you the most is still your self-doubt. Your lack of 'strength'. There will be days you may return to that line of thinking." The Grand Elder said before smiling once more. "However, I think you have reached a turning point. Your experiences on Namek dire as they may have been, have shaped important qualities that have shined through."
"Qualities?"
"You see, Porunga refuses everyone. He searches for the candidate's greatest failings and exploits it. It is only their actions after that, that show if they should be welcomed or not. Those that leave simply at the command of the dragon must hone themselves before attempting again. Those that stay, those that truly believe in themselves, may have the qualities needed. Qualities you have. There is no need for you to attempt this process again, for you have excelled."
The Grand Elder's words sounded so sure, so absolute, that Krillin felt he must have misheard.
"The Accountability to admit your own weakness. The Empathy needed to understand the plight of others. The Modesty to not abuse your strength, and the Resolve to continue even when things seem hopeless." With every word the Grand Elder, his presence grew with the weight of the centuries lived pressing down on Krillin. The pressure stemming from the namekian was far greater then Porunga's illusion. "These are the traits of someone worthy to hear their world. These are the marks of those that can mold the seven spheres of power. These are the characteristics of one who can breathe life into a dragon."
Looming over the human the Grand Elder of Namek looked down his shadow coating the monk. "These are attributes you possess. This is who you are."
The tall namekian said as he kneeled close to eye level.
"So, we accept you into our clan with open arms."
With a warm gaze, the Grand Elder of Namek placed a hand on the small human's head as his smile returned.
"Welcome. Guardian."
