" But Zero I'm too tired today.." Calina whined as she slowly fell down onto the ship's hard floor. She began to whimper and eventually completely laid down.
Zero glared down at her from his towering height and sighed, he didn't have any patience for her today.
" We have to get you in better shape Ms. Calina.. You need to get stronger, I won't always be here to protect you." Zero spoke and Calina's whines turned into snorts and laughter.
" Yeah right, like you would die so easily.. No, I think you'll live a while. Long enough to make me miserable by having these training sessions."
Calina's tone was sharp and full of angst, she loved pushing Zero's buttons.
The large, balding Saiyan brought up a hand and began to rub his temples, he took a few deep breaths before pausing to look at her.
" Stop that, what are you doing."
Calina was moving her arms and legs around, appearing as if she was making a snow angel. She began to laugh and Zero stomped on her exposed tail.
Calina nearly cried and began to roll over onto her stomach and back again. The sound that she was emitting sounded like a wounded animal.
" You're such a jerk, why do you always need to take things so far." Calina shot at him, finally stopping while laying on her stomach. She pushed herself to her feet and her stomach began to growl.
Zero sighed and slouched his shoulders, he began to look extremely empathetic.
" How about we skip the rest of training and grab some food then.." Zero spoke while bringing up his arms in question.
Calina leapt up completely and darted towards the door. Zero sighed as she ran from him, the look of distain that was on his face was replaced by a look of relief. He didn't enjoy Calina being angry with him, even if it was over something so small.
" How about we take a nap after at your place and you can tell me some of those old stories about King Vegeta and our people." Calina spoke as though it was already certain and not a question.
Zero smiled and nodded.
Calina didn't gently awake from her long sleep, she nearly jumped off the bed she was sleeping on. Panting and groaning as she grabbed at her shoulder. She feverishly looked around, her vision slowly coming back to her.
Calina listened and heard a familiar noise, a low growling sound. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. After a few more seconds of listening she realized who was in the room with her, it was Gohan.
Calina tried to make little to no noise, and she realized she was almost naked. White, clean bandages were wrapped around her shoulder and bust. Calina's legs and arms were covered in deep maroon/black bruises. She noticed that she had a small pile of folded laundry next to her bed to where Gohan was sleeping.
Calina winced as she pulled her legs further over the bed and tried to make her way to the cloths.
She was beginning to remember what had happened, she touched her shoulder with a careful hand and delicately outlined where Cell had blown her body away. She remembered being in so much pain that her body went numb. Calina shifted her hand from her shoulder to her head. Her hair was so incredibly short now, like when she was younger, when Zero used to be alive..
She briefly remembered her dream, but was more focused on getting some cloths on. She pulled the thin blanket from her body and scooted off the bed. Calina stopped moving and kept her eyes on Gohan. Her mouth opened and she used every ounce of energy she had to try not to scream.
Gohan, the young half Saiyan was snoring blissfully, head cocked to the side as he sat uncomfortably. His shoulder length, raven black hair was now shorter, but was no longer a dark black, it was a golden blonde.
He had did it, he had transformed while in the hyperbolic time chamber. Calina pushed herself off the bed fully and her knees nearly buckled under her weight. She needed to go slow until her body fully recovered.
Calina reached past Gohan and grabbed a clean, folded white shirt. She pulled it over her shoulders and bust. No sooner did she pull it down her waist did Gohan wake up.
He leaped to his feet and wrapped his arms around her, Calina's knees buckled and the two nearly tumbled to the ground. Gohan pulled her up to her feet and rested his face into the nape of her neck.
" You've been asleep for so long.." Gohan spoke, sounding muffled as he spoke into her skin.
Calina's eyes widened, how long had she been out. Gohan still hung to her tightly and Calina realized he was the same height as her, maybe a little taller.
" You're officially older than me now.." Calina spoke while clearing her throat.
Gohan didn't move or laugh, Calina sighed.
" I'm fine, you know.. Maybe a little sleepy.."
Gohan pulled away, Calina watched as he brought up his emerald green eyes to her bright blue ones.
" I haven't seen you in so long.." Gohan spoke with a look of heartbreak. Calina saw something in his face that she didn't like, it seemed alien to her. He looked, less human and more Saiyan. As though he had been through some war, or faced something that rattled him.
Calina listened as voices echoed off the ivory marble that Dende's building was built out of. Soon both Piccolo and Krillin came through the curtain that covered her door way. Gohan looked over to them and his face lit up.
The two men looked at Calina and Gohan, Piccolo began to smile.
" I'm glad you're alive kid, but you need to put on some pants." Piccolo spoke and it took Calina a moment to realize she only had a pair of underwear on and the shirt. Immediately, as she looked down she realized that yes, she infact did not have any pants on. Her body began to blush a terribly red color as she pointed at the door. Closing her eyes and huffing, she gritted her teeth.
" OUT.. EVERYONE OUT….." Calina spoke at the three boys who immediately vacated her recovery room. Calina's tail angrily whipped behind her as she sighed and looked at the small, folded pile of laundry. She pulled out a long pair of pink sweat pants, which had a Capsule Corp label on them, she began to smile and relax. Bulma was always a lifesaver.
" We're having a big dinner tonight at Capsule Corp. I would like it if everyone would be there.."
Calina listened as Trunks spoke to Krillin over some sort of electronic, hologram phone. Krillin agreed that everyone would be there, Vegeta and Trunks had finished their second round of training in the Hyperbolic time chamber and Bulma wanted to celebrate before the battle with cell.
" How long have I been out again.." Calina spoke while sitting down on the marble tile of the lookout, her legs were outstretched and her arms were on her lap.
Dende sat behind her and was changing her bandages, his hands began to glow a soft green as he touched her wound. Calina had to take her shirt off, and currently had a towel wrapped around her midsection and bust. Calina was too out of it to notice the off balance stares from the men around her. The wound wasn't that bad, to her, but the rippling of stitches and damaged purple flesh was catching attention.
Not enjoying the silence, Calina spoke up. " This ones a doosie.. hah.." Calina spoke to herself as dende further inspected, poking and carefully shifting his hands .
Piccolo stood a few feet from her, and he looked off into the distance. Calina noticed how worried he seemed.
" We have three days until the cell games, you were out for a full week.." Piccolo spoke, glancing down to her.
Calina started to smile and began to laugh. However, she stopped laughing as it hurt her shoulder.
" I'm so fortunate to have you guys as friends." Calina's smile faded into a grin as she rested back and on Dende. The small namekian looked startled for a moment, but was soon warmly smiling at her. Piccolo immediately coughed and looked away from Calina and Krillin began to laugh.
Calina had a thousand questions for Gohan, but she'd rather hear the answers in private.
" I want to leave as soon as possible, you guys have a lot to catch me up on.. " Calina really wanted to get to Capsule Corp and to take a shower, to change into some other cloths and eat some real food…
Calina's stomach began to grumble and Krillin busted out laughing.
" I think she's just fine!"
Calina laughed and Dende's hands fell to his side.
" You healed remarkably well, to be honest you barely had a heart beat a week ago and now you're practically fully healed. " Calina looked back at him and nodded. Saiyans did have a knack for healing incredibly fast.
" Can we get going though.." Calina held her hands to her stomach and smiled over at Piccolo. Piccolo smirked and nodded. The boys soon left and as Calina went to leav to change into real cloths, but Dende stopped her.
" I.. I want to purpose something to you, Calina." Dende spoke and his voice grew soft, he shifted his eye contact from Calina to his look out.
" I talked it over with Piccolo, and we decided that, if you're body doesn't reject the technique, we'd like to teach you a new ability." Dende's rich green skin began to pick up pigments of red, causing him to look very strange.
Calina's eyebrows lifted and she began to smile, " That sounds wonderful.."
" Its technical Earth name would most likely be translated to 'Life Transfer Technique', but to be honest its just the ability to heal using your chi." Dende spoke trying to explain using his hands.
" Well, you're busy now, but stop up tomorrow. If you can do the technique you'll be very good at it, but if you can't do the technique there is no use in trying. It's a very specific, technique. You either will be able to master it or won't be able to use it at all."
Calina thanked Dende for everything and quickly changed before taking off towards Capsule Corp. She was feeling overly fortunate of her circumstances right now. She had survived her fight with cell, had gotten to see Gohan's new transformation and was just offered a new chance to learn a new technique.
Calina stealthily slipped into the guest ward of Capsule Corp and to her room. She quickly undressed and showered. She got out of the shower and was surprised to see Bulma in her room.
The beautiful human was laying out some cloths on Calina's bed, she quickly turned when she saw someone enter the room.
" There you are, everyone was wondering where you went to. Listen I.." Bulma paused and looked at Calina for a moment.
The young Saiyan had healed incredibly well, however the towel around her midsection did allow for her shoulders and arms to be bare.
A long, deep maroon gash was etched along past her collarbone and up through her shoulder. The wound was healing wonderfully, but her skin still held the bruising quite well. Calina's ribs had healed well and her jaw was no longer swollen, caring about superficial appearances weren't normally her thing, anyway.
" Oh Calina.." Bulma spoke, her bright face fading as she walked over to Calina and lightly touched her wound.
" I'm fine, really.. " Calina spoke and Bulma stepped forwards and put her arms around her, loosely.
Calina relaxed her head against Bulma's shoulder and sighed. Calina's skin was cooler than Bulma's and she enjoyed the warmth for the moments that Bulma's skin touched hers.
" I know I'm asking for a lot, but could I ask for another favor.."
Calina spoke and Bulma pulled away, silently looking at her.
" My hair.. could you fix it.." Calina spoke, sounding embarrassed. She wouldn't normally care too much about appearances, but she felt the need to do so right now.
Bulma nodded and quickly disappeared from the room. Calina rubbed some ointment on her wound and began to quickly dress herself. Bulma was quick, and Calina had only gotten on a pair of underwear and one of her bras before she busted into the room.
She sat Calina down and, using a small pair of scissors, evened out the back and front of her hair a little. Much like when she and Gohan first met, Calina's hair was short in the back and longer in the front.
Bulma finished and mentioned that she had some more formal cloths for Calina, and that they were the ones she placed on the bed earlier. Soon after she left and Calina went through the garments.
There were two different dresses and a few nice tops and some skirts. Calina neglected to wear any dresses because she didn't want everyone to see the wound on her shoulder. The young Saiyan decided to wear a light, beautiful pink shirt. The shirt was long, but it fitted her frame. The sleeves were long, but she rolled them up. There was a small dip at the bust and it was decorated with a small silver pattern.
Calina picked out a short, white skirt with long white leggings and neglected to wear any shoes, although she would probably be scorned for it later. She rushed from the room and made her way downstairs, as she entered the living room, it became very quiet.
Calina noticed that everyone was here, and that even Vegeta from the far side of the room was dressed up more than usual, wearing a blue button up shirt and some khaki's.
Calina smiled brightly and without another word, made her way to the kitchen, she had a huge appetite that needed to be met.
" Hey love, help yourself to what ever you want. I want all of you to get your strength up before your big fight! " Bulma's mother was always very positive and welcoming, it was something that Calina especially enjoyed right now. No one telling her to stop whining, to grow up and that she had only received a flesh wound.
She smiled to herself, she'd become soft. She enjoyed Earth so much, and how empathetic everyone was towards each other. It was something that she saw as worth protecting. But in the back of her mind she was questioning herself and her place here amongst its people.
Calina made a large plate and sat down, by herself at the long, beautifully finished wooden table that was just outside the kitchen. She began to eat in silence, listening to the others.
" You seem very confident Goku, what's your big plan for the Cell Games? "
Tien asked from a large sofa, Yamcha was next to him eating, he paused, looking at Goku for an answer.
" Well here's the thing.." Goku spoke, his hair a white, golden color. Chichi had dressed him up in a pair of wonderful black dress pants and orange button up. He tugged at the collar, shifting uncomfortably.
Everyone got quiet, listening to what his big plan was.
" It's a big secret! I can't tell anyone! Hahah! " Goku spoke and nearly everyone in the room fell down from shock.
" You're being a fool Goku, this is a serious situation. Cell could blow up the Earth and Kill everyone you love." Piccolo scorned Goku, and Goku bowed his head.
" Listen, you guys have nothing to worry about. I have it all covered."
Calina paused for a moment as she ate. Closing her eyes for an instant, the feeling of becoming full was one of the greatest things she had ever experienced.
A frigid hand wrapped around Calina's upper arm, causing the hair to rise on her neck and shoulders. She barely had enough time to look up at the person who was invading her personal space, none the less, actually react.
Chichi stood above Calina, arms tightly wrapped around the young Saiyans body. Chichi's arms and hands were unnaturally chilly, but Calina immediately felt the human's warmth as she was pulled into her arms.
Chichi placed her chin onto Calina's head, letting in and out a deep, unnatural breath. She rubbed Calina's back, causing her to relax her posture and lean against Gohan's mother.
" You had everyone worried sick about you.." Calina listened to Chichi's kind, strengthening words. Her voice was so soft and vulnerable, Calina could hardly believe it was her own voice. She used a hand to touch the tips of Calina's shortened locks of hair and loosened her hold.
Calina looked up and at Chichi, appearing mystified. She had known the woman for over four years now, and Chichi had always kept a certain distance between them. Calina assumed it was because she was, more or less, closer to Vegeta's end of the Saiyan spectrum and not Goku's.
She cleared her throat as her face began to darken. " You need to be more careful, worrying my Gohan like that, what you need to do is quit all of this fighting stuff and get an education. Settle down, and become a real woman that can take care of her family. "
Calina listened to Chichi and smiled slightly, only nodding to make her happy. The concept of a Family' was a bit different in her eyes. It wasn't about settling down or having children, at least not yet. It was much more about the love and compassion you get from others, the feeling of weakness when you know they are in danger or the feeling of excitement when you share an accomplishment with them.
Calina sat back down to eat and continued to listen to the others discuss what was going to happen in the following days.
Calina listened for a moment and heard Bulma enter the living room with baby Trunks. Her face filled with what could only be explained as joy, as she stood up from her seat and looked into the living room.
The small child was now able to walk and wobble around the room, and as Bulma sat him down and on the floor, he immediately noticed Calina. Making a small warriors cry, the infant charged at Calina with reckless, uneven steps. He almost fell over just a foot or so from her, Calina reached out and picked up the small infant.
Trunks looked up and at her for a moment, inspecting her face, he reached up to tug at her hair, but could only get a few small pieces.
Calina unexpectedly reached down and blew hard onto the infant's right cheek. Startling him with a tickling sensation and causing him to cry out in euphoric laughter.
Everyone in the room began to laugh and Calina looked up for a moment, surprised. She had forgotten, for a moment, that the room was filled with so many people. She looked up, slightly startled, and began to warmly smile.
" I've never seen you smile so much! " Bulma shot from behind her putting a plastic bottle with milk into her hand. Calina began to blush, her smile fading into an annoyed pout.
Calina turned from the group and placed the bottle into Trunk's mouth, and the infant gladly began to furiously drink the liquid. Calina looked up from the baby and was startled to see Gohan.
The young half Saiyan was in a white collared, button up dress shirt and black dress pants. His hair was still a glorious golden blonde color, and stood up on end.
Calina's face seemed to drop, she appeared to of seen something life changing or unbelievable.
" Stop looking at me like that.." Gohan spoke in a low voice, Calina noticed that he was starting to blush. She started to smile again, this time her eyes softened and she shifted her gaze to the ground. She was so in love with the man he was becoming that sometimes she didn't realize how much he was still growing.
Bulma's mother came and asked to take Trunks, and Calina had to give up the infant. Within a few seconds of the child being taken away, adult Trunks came over. Gohan continued into the room, where Krillin made fun of his shirt and was then scorned by Chichi.
" You're looking.. much better. " Trunks spoke, Calina noticed how long Trunks's hair had gotten, it was nearly down past his shoulders.
" I feel better. Gohan told me that you and Piccolo brought me to the lookout, I wouldn't be here if you hadn't help me. Thank you. "
Calina spoke, her eyes softening as she looked up and at him. Trunks shifted his gaze away from Calina's. He began to blush, and Calina lightly laughed.
" You've grown so much since you've arrived. " Calina spoke shifting her position, making sure her eyes matched up with his. Trunks realized he was looking directly at Calina again and quickly cleared his throat. Trunks shook his head. " I've only gotten a little better, and that's from training with my father. "
" How is Prince Vegeta doing? " Calina spoke, looking across the room to where the prince was, leaning against a wall in the far corner of the room.
"Antsy to fight.." Trunks spoke, seeming to shoot his father a glare from their position in the room.
" Photo time! " Bulma spoke, walking into the room with a camera and some sort of stand. She set up the camera and gathered everyone up in the room, rushing from the camera, Calina watched the human woman bolt to the group of Z warriors and pause between Adult Trunks and her own mother, who was holding her son.
Calina shifted nervously, rubbing the tips of her fingers together as she sighed. She slightly flinched when she felt Gohan touch her shoulder and stand next to her.
" Make sure you smile, okay? " Calina's face slowly lit up as the half Saiyan spoke to her. Turning she faced the Camera with everyone else, Bulma directed everyone to smile as she counted down.
" Three.. two.. one.. SMILE! "
A bright flash went off and within just a few seconds their evening of rejoicing and catching up was caught in a single photograph. After the photo everyone went back to talking and eating, rejoicing in how much stronger they had became, hoping that they had the strength to take on their new enemy.
Calina ate and had to continuously sit while listening and talking to everyone. She was extremely sore, but hid it well.. Infact, she felt stronger than before, regardless of the fact that she had nearly died, she had pushed herself further than she had remembered, and was proud of herself.
Vegeta spoke about going into the time chamber again and Calina listened as Piccolo also spoke about going in. Calina took it upon herself to ask a favor.
" Would you mind if I joined you, I would be healed much faster and be able to get in more training before the big battle? " Calina spoke, pushing herself up and off of a comfortable chair and groaning to a stand.
Piccolo was quiet for a moment, Calina immediately regretted asking. She knew he enjoyed his alone time and was beginning to get embarrassed.
" Nevermind, its fine-"
Piccolo cut her off and waved his arm at her to shush. " As long as you promise not to whine or cry, I could allow it. " Calina listened and smiled brightly.
" Great! I promise I won't slow you down or anything! " Calina was excited, Piccolo had accepted her offer and if she played her cards right, might even train her one on one.
Calina sat down for the rest of the evening, and with midnight approaching she was wanting to get some sleep. The party had calmed down, the Son family had gone home but Gohan had asked to stay a little longer. Chichi allowed it, only because Gohan's birthday was almost here.
" Do you think you'll be done in time? " Calina listened as Gohan spoke to her quietly, as though they were hiding something.
The once busy room was now, almost dead quiet. Yamcha and Krillin had drank a little too much and decided to stay in the guest wing of the building. Vegeta was outside training in the Gravity Pod and Bulma was asleep with her son upstairs. Trunks was also asleep on a couch in the other room, tired and resting for more training.
The two of them were sitting in the dimly lit living room within the living area within Capsule Corp. Calina had taken off her skirt a while ago after spilling some of her meal on it, and was currently in her white leggings and long pink skirt with her knees at her chest and arms wrapped around them, she was a little cold.
" You bet.. I just hope Piccolo can stand a whole year with me alone. " Calina smiled and laughed, resting her chin on her knees. Gohan was on the couch opposing her own, looking a little upset.
" What time does your mom want you home? " Calina spoke, the silence of the room was beginning to bother her.
" As soon as I could, but to be honest I don't really want to go home.. Mom and dad have been kind of.. active lately.." Gohan's voice trailed off and Calina was happy the room was as poorly lit as it was, as she began to smile wildly.
She quickly got up from the couch she was on and stood up, her body tired, but she was wide awake. She wrapped her arm around Gohan's and tugged at him. She pulled him to the corner of the room.
Calina could feel the heat coming off of his body and the crimson color of his face made her begin to blush herself. She cracked open the large window that had once shed light on the living room. Stepping up and into the window sealing she pulled Gohan with her. He didn't protest, but simply appeared startled. She was still amazed with his stunning golden hair.
Calina led Gohan up and onto the roof of the complex, the two of them sat there for a moment, staring up at the sightly hazy, starry night sky. The lights of the city crushing the true beauty of the sky.
" This place is well worth protecting… I've never been on a planet like it, you know.. and.. I.." Calina spoke, sounding a little bewildered and awkward.
" Its just, if I can't ascend to the level that you and the others are at, and if some how I.. I get in the way and I die, I want you to understand how much you mean to me. " Calina spoke, she nervously shifted her feet and hands against the slightly tilted, rough textured roof. Gohan listened, and gawked at her, not knowing what to say.
" Why are you even.." Gohan spoke, looking away from her, his body continuing to blush further. She was sure he'd have some sort of stroke if he continued.
" You and your father and now Trunks, are all very special, you're very rare Gohan. Especially for our species, its hard for me to put it without sounding like I'm alienating you.. You're so unique and well, I'm not certain that I can ever be like you.. I know I've changed. But there will always be a part of me that hates this, and I didn't realize it until recently, and I've been avoiding it.. Because I'm comfortable, I'm happy.." Calina sighed after she spoke, knowing how uncomfortable she was making Gohan, she knew he must be beginning to hate her. She needed to say it, she needed to do it now. She'd be training with Piccolo soon and right after that was the fight with cell.. She didn't know how much time she had.
" Its just that.. I .. Don't want you to get too overly attached to me and realize that I'm something foreign, something you could never truly accept. I'm not saying I don't want to stay here Gohan, that's not it at all.. But if some time in the future I need to leave, I need to go and find something, I need you to know that's a possibility. " Calina didn't realize how emotional she was sounding and quickly got quiet. She abruptly turned from Gohan and realized she was close to tears, she was beginning to get upset with herself for being so soft when she knew she needed to get stronger.
" I don't know if I can ever be like you and your friends, I don't think I can truly be accepting of this life- " Calina spoke, almost choking up. She turned to face Gohan directly and was stunned when she realized Gohan wasn't away, but right infront of her. Calina was still and matched her bright blue eyes with his emerald green ones.
Gohan pushed forwards and kissed her. Suddenly Calina's body began to relax as she felt his lips press against her own. She closed her eyes and slowly wrapped her arms around Gohan's shoulders, pulling him against her. After a few moments Calina felt Gohan push her away from him, his face and body still red.
" I won't let anything happen to you, I love you.." Calina's eyes cracked open slightly as she brought up her hands and wiped her face. Maybe she could learn to live here, in this wonderful place, maybe she could be content- .. no.. blissfully happy staying here with him. Maybe she wouldn't get the urge to leave here, to search for the things that were in the back of her mind. Maybe.
" I love you too.." Calina mustered up, her voice cracking as she began to smile and laugh, wiping the still streaming tears from her face.
Gohan helped her to her feet and silently she followed him as she pulled at her hand and arm. Without a word she followed him into the dark chill of the night.
Calina and Gohan ended up sleeping in the abandoned home, many miles from his own. The house itself was cold and dark, but after starting a fire and lighting a few lanterns, the place was warm and cozy. Calina and Gohan slept silently next to one another. Gohan rested his chin on Calina's head as the two were tangled around one another, soon blissfully snoring and relaxing into one another.
Calina was woken up just before sunrise. Gohan had to sneak back into his house before his parents woke up. Calina understood and woke up to see him off.
" I'll see you tomorrow." Gohan spoke, smiling back at her. He seemed so much older than her now.
" I'll see you in a year.." Calina spoke, her voice dropping off and sounding terrified.
She wasn't sure if Piccolo wanted to train today or tomorrow, but they didn't have a lot of time and she didn't want to mess anything up.
She would have to fly back to the Briefs home and gather some training cloths and meet with Piccolo up at Dende's lookout.
" Your intuition was right, I want to go into the chamber as soon as possible. " Piccolo spoke in a low stern tone as Calina set down a small bag that was resting on her shoulder. For the moment she was wearing some comfortable earthling cloths, her real training cloths were packed safely away.
" It'll be another hour or so, Mr. Popo is stocking the fridge and refilling other necessities that you will be using in your year stay. " Dende spoke, emerging from the large, white temple that was housed on the lookout.
Piccolo grumbled, but quietly sat down and began to meditate, Calina took the extra time to stretch and ready herself.
" Calina, do you remember what we talked about yesterday? About that technique? " Dende spoke and Calina's body immediately straightened, she smiled broadly at him and he nodded at her.
Calina rushed over to his side, and he escorted her out and into the more open space of the lookout.
" The other boys, men rather, haven't been able to perform this. It's very tricky and has the possibility to become fatal if used inappropriately. "
Calina nodded and listened. She took a few deep breaths before bringing up her arms.
" Honestly, one hour isn't close to enough time. However, Piccolo can help you. Although he is a fighter and not a healer, he is familiar with the training aspect of this.. Now.."
Dende extended his hands infront of him and asked Calina to put her hands on his own.
Calina complied and within a few moments she could feel his chi coming into her body through his hands. Dende's hands began to pick up a faint green color as his technique quickened. Within a few moments, the light faded and Calina could no longer sense his chi.
" You need to remember a few things, these are important. Calina, if you are near death you must not use this technique to heal someone else or you could die, and if you don't properly master the flow of chi, you could also die.. If you get good enough, not only can you give chi, you can also forcibly take it. However, I have only heard of two separate occasions where someone was skilled enough to forcibly take chi from another organism. So we'll start with something simple. "
Dende paused and look at Calina directly. " I want you to focus, you need to have 100% control over your chi. I need you to focus your chi into your hands.."
Dende spoke and Calina quietly listened. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, focusing intently on her own power.
Within a few moments Dende noticed that Calina was beginning to form Chi outside her hands.
" Not quite, you see the way that you are using the chi is so that its in a wave or discharge. This is different, it's .. " Dende thought for a moment.
" I want you to think of your hands like a puzzle piece, the receiving end of a piece. Now I want you to imagine that your chi fits into that piece, now that conjoining piece can either trigger two things; an external response or an internal response. The external response is much easier, you can see it in a wave of power, the internal response is much more difficult, but your body does it every time you power up. So without knowing it, you do the secondary response without realizing it. Now, I want you to focus on your hands and instead of powering up your entire body, I want you to isolate that to just your hands. "
Calina tried once and failed, she tried again and again, only to either form a chi blast or power up her entire body. Dende was about to give up when he was kicked awake.
Calina's eyes were closed, she was deep in focus and didn't realize she was performing the technique. However weak and nearly unnoticeable, Dende could feel her Chi entering his own hands.
" Calina, you've done it! " Dende spoke loudly and ruined her concentration. Calina pulled up her hands and sighed, wiping the tremendous amount of sweat from her forehead. Smiling she began to celebrate by doing a strange dance and chanting to herself. However, her small moment of victory was cut short by Piccolo yelling over to them.
" He's done, Calina lets go. " With a brief glance over to Dende, Calina smiled and sighed.
" I'll see you early tomorrow, train hard.. Everyone's lives are counting on it. "
Calina didn't say another word, she quickly turned and ran after Piccolo, picking up her bag she threw it over her shoulder.
" You can't leave once you're in.. you do know that, right? We have to stay the full amount. "
Piccolo spoke sternly to Calina, and she calmly smiled up and at him. " I do."
She was beyond excited for this, she was convinced that there was a chance that she could become a legendary super saiyan. She was the only Saiyan left, that she knew of, that was still at her low, untransformed, level.
Calina walked directly in back of Piccolo, not missing a step as they paused infront of a large, heavy white door. Piccolo paused and looked back at her again before turning and facing forwards. Mr. Popo appeared from the side of them, walking forwards he opened the door and Calina excitedly looked ahead, however all she saw was a vast whiteness. She was beginning to get nervous.
" The chamber is fully stocked with enough food for a year, as well as a spacious living area. The time remaining is shown on a large clock above the living area. Safe travels." Mr. Popo spoke with a small grin as he opened up the door further. Calina swallowed hard and proceeded to walk behind Piccolo into the abyss of white.
There were things she was prepared for and things she was not. The amount time she had to train and mediate almost drove her mad the first few months, and on one occasion she almost got lost amongst the vastness of the chamber. Calina would train with Piccolo for the first half of her day, followed by meditation and her own training. Finally she would eat and rest, she'd keep up this schedule every day for her entire stay.
" You're getting better, this training is really paying off for you. " Piccolo spoke, his body covered in sweat, he looked down at her, smiling. Showing as much compassion as he possibly could.
Calina's body was sprawled out on the hard, porcelain white floor of the chamber. As she attempted to push herself up, her arms and torso shook uncontrollably and she couldn't get up. She fell again and again.
" Here, let me-"
" No.. no don't.. please." Calina's voice was cracking but Piccolo understood her clearly.
" We're done for today." Piccolo's tone was blatant and somewhat cold. He knew how stubborn she was and how easily she could get out of something by simply whining to him. He had learned to be firm with her.
" Please I'm okay, really."
Calina spoke, her words muffled as the side of her face rested against the floor of the chamber. Her face seeming to melt against the cooling feeling of the floor.
Calina's body was bruised and filthy from training for countless hours in the ever changing environment of the chamber. She made another attempt to get up, and this time was more successful.
She groaned as her body begged for her to stop. Her knees shook violently as she managed to get up and straighten her posture. She didn't want to stop, but her body was beginning to betray her. It wanted to quit, but she couldn't give up, she wouldn't.
" In order to become stronger you need to rest." Piccolo's words went over Calina's head, his voice was like muffled background noise.
Calina's hair had grown out in the months she had been in the chamber, and she had tried her best not to think of how everyone was. She missed Gohan so much it kept her awake some nights. She took solace in the fact that he only had to not see her for a day.
" I can't stand this Piccolo.. Why.." Calina spoke and immediately her knees gave out, causing her body to fall back down to the chamber floor. Her arms and legs didn't support her weight at all and her hard crash echoed. She stayed there, trying her best not to cry. Infuriated with herself, upset with how her body was failing her, how she was failing everyone else.
Piccolo didn't say a word, he walked over to her and picked her up. Without a word, Calina's body limply fell against the Namekian's. She wouldn't cry infront of him if she could help it, she was too ashamed and exhausted to waste her energy anyway.
There were things she didn't give herself enough credit for. She'd gotten considerably faster, perhaps even as fast as Goku or Vegeta. Calina's healing abilities had exceeded, however small they were, she was still increasing her ability. Calina had triggered her Oozaru form just once for training purposes, she was surprisingly limber and was pleased with her power. Piccolo had helped with increasing her energy output and input, he showed her how to better control her chi based moves and how to perfect her old ones.
" I'm going to protect everyone.."
Calina spoke quietly as Piccolo carried the young, exhausted Saiyan back to the main area of the chamber. He only smirked slightly, briefly looking amused and a little pleased. Calina lost consciousness but her tail firmly wrapped around Piccolo's arm.
" Sure you will kid.. "
Calina continued to train and had so much time to herself, she was beginning to think too much. She remembered her times with Zero and the stories he used to tell her when she was a small child, she remembered being beaten and used by the Ginyu Geeks. She remembered the feeling she experienced when she first saw and met Gohan. The feeling of happiness, of being content, was slightly maddening to her.
Calina had both of her hands wrapped around one of Piccolo's forearms, her hands glowing a soft green color.
Piccolo seemed in distress, but when Calina wasn't looking he would occasionally smirk.
" You're getting much better.." Piccolo spoke and the soft green chi began to fade until Calina pulled her hands away.
" Its really tiring.. It takes so much concentration Piccolo.. I just don't know how Dende can do this so effortlessly.."
" He was raised to do it, that's why.." Piccolo shook the arm Calina was just touching and flexed each of his fingers.
" .. not bad kid.."
" Whew.. I'm wiped.." Calina spoke with a yawn, healing was exhausting and she wasn't feeling 100%. She still hadn't mastered how much chi she was filtering, and as of late, was getting very tired after every attempt.
" Are you done for today then? "
Calina paused to think for a moment before nodding. Piccolo nodded back and the two went back to the living area. Calina's stomach growled and Piccolo immediately knew what was wrong.
" Two more months left.. are you confident with your gains?"
Calina was quiet for a moment before making a strange grumbling sound. She always expected more from herself.
" I don't understand why I haven't been able to reach that level yet.."
Piccolo understood and remained quiet for the remainder of the evening. Calina ate and then meditated, she took the evening off to relax and bathe. She had the right goals and the most powerful reasons behind her strength training. But still she'd fallen short again and again. She could literally feel the power surging within her and feel her body begin to change.. But every time she reached the peak of evolution, she was too exhausted to go on. She couldn't do it.
Calina kicked up her training regiment, training in the coldest, most unlivable conditions some one could be in. She pushed herself and continued to think about her end goals, to protect everything she had come to know as family, as living.
She would be leaving any day now, she wasn't sure what time late tonight or early tomorrow. Calina's body no longer ached as she pushed it, it worked with her through her pain, pushing her forwards instead of holding her back.
Calina's chi swirled around her legs and torso as she jumped and leapt from place to place, her body had gotten faster and her reflexes were incredibly quick.
" Its time kid.. Hey, Calina! " Calina paused, her body completely still as her rapid breathing was altering her hearing. She calmed herself and quickly wiped the sweat from her eyes and face.
Piccolo's voice echoed throughout the chamber and Calina quickly retreated to the main living area of the chamber. Piccolo had her one bag and was already dressed.
Calina's attention was brought up and to a large countdown hour glass that was within the room, its grains almost completely empty on one side.
" No matter what, you did well."
Calina reached down and pulled up her bag and put it on her shoulder.
" Look at you, handing out compliments.." Calina's voice was low but her tone was sharp and sarcastic. Piccolo didn't say a word back, simply looking ahead he smirked as the door to the chamber opened. Mr. Popo and Dende were within the door's archway, smiling and greeting them as they left the chamber.
" I can already tell how much you've improved, Ms. Calina!" Dende spoke as Calina sat outside the main building on the lookout. Calina was sitting outside on some steps, drying her hair with a towel as Dende spoke to her about what had gone on during the day she was gone. Calina had eaten and then showered after exiting the chamber. Piccolo was already gone to meet up with Goku and Gohan, Calina would join them in an hour or so. Today was Gohan's birthday and she didn't want to miss too much.
" I can't thank you enough, that time to train was irreplaceable and helped me so much." Calina's words were upbeat and uplifted Dende, as the young Namekian began to smile and nodded at her.
Calina's legs were crossed, and she shifted her shoulders as her cold, wet hair touched her bare shoulders and back. The cloths she had at the lookout were all too small on her and she didn't want to wear her ratty training cloths to Gohan's house. The only thing she had left was a yellow dress that Bulma had gotten her. It was fitted at the torso and relaxed out to her knees. It was a beautiful pale yellow color with two straps over each shoulder and flower details around the bust. It was a little revealing for her.
Calina stood up and stretched, as of the moment she was in some attire she wasn't normally comfortable with, a dress. Although it did offer her maximum movement and comfortability, she was still unsure about it. She hadn't realized it while training but she had grown in height and her body had begun to fill out. She fixed this by wearing a small pair of white training shorts under her dress and wearing a well supported bra as well.
Calina stretched and began to walk away from Dende before briefly turning to wave at him and take off into the sky, dropping down past the look out and towards the Son household.
Calina was met with a smiling and waving Gohan, waving from the grassy edge of the property that held Goku and Chichi's home. Her stomach turned as she grew closer and closer to him. She wasn't sure if she was nervous because she had missed him so much or because she felt as though she had let him and everyone else down by not ascending to the super Saiyan level.
Calina landed and only took a few steps before pausing. Gohan was dressed in a white button up shirt and tan slacks, his mother had dressed him up for his own birthday.
Gohan took a few more steps before the two of them paused, smiling at one another for a moment.
Calina briefly looked away from him for a moment before lunging forward at him, embarrassed. Gohan smiled and caught her, embracing her back. Calina pulled away from him as soon as she heard Chichi yell for him from their home.
Calina noticed that she was at least three inches taller than Gohan now, she smiled. " I'm older than you now.."
Gohan went to talk back but Chichi called again. " Lets go.." Gohan reached out and grabbed Calina's hand and she seemed frozen, eyes glued down and at their hands.
" Are you.. okay?" Gohan spoke, and Calina's eyes slowly shifted up to him. She nodded slowly and began to walk with him as he pulled her. Calina felt the hairs on her arms and neck rise up and she could feel her heart begin to race with every step she took, Gohan was talking to her about the past few days and how much fun he'd had with his father. Calina's bright blue eyes were wide a she walked, transfixed with her own thoughts. They finally reached the door to the house and he briefly let go of her hand.
" Mom went a little over board this year."
Calina walked in behind Gohan to see the Son house bright and warm. Chichi had put up decorations and had a buffet of food. Some of which Goku and Ox king were enjoying. Calina walked into the room and noticed Chichi staring at her. She was feeling uncomfortable, maybe she didn't want her to celebrate Gohan's special day with her.
" You look beautiful! " Calina was shocked and was even more surprised when Chichi came over and hugged her. Embracing her for a few moments. Calina had decided it was a good choice not to cut a hole in the back of her dress for her tail, and instead had it tightly wrapped around her left leg, for the moment she looked completely human.
" Come in, come in! I know how hungry you must be, help yourself! " Chichi spoke and Calina was ambushed by Goku.
" How did the training go? " He spoke as though he knew she had, had some kind of break through.
" It was.. alright." Calina began to make herself a plate of various meats and rice, she felt uncomfortable talking about the time she had spent in the chamber.. She was still a little ashamed that she hadn't become a super Saiyan.
" Dad stop." Gohan spoke, pushing his father's shoulder. Calina smiled nervously and used a free hand to swat at the air.
" Oh its fine, it was fine. " She spoke sounding strange, turning she quickly sat at the table and began to eat.
Gohan shot his father a dirty look behind Calina before sitting down at the table with her. Over the next few hours Calina enjoyed this glorious earthling celebration. They sang a song to Gohan and the young Saiyan destroyed the cake by accidently blowing too hard. Something Calina was surprised about because Chichi didn't yell at all. The rest of the evening they played games and eventually everyone winded down. Calina offered to help Chichi clean up and she protested and insisted that she go outside to get some fresh air and to clear her head for tomorrow.
The sun was just beginning to set when she found a comfortable place to sit, Calina let her legs dangle over a steep ledge and took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment she let the warmth from the sun rest against her bare skin.
Gohan landed clumsily next to her, nearly knocking her over. She glared at him for a moment before her face relaxed. Gohan looked away as he handed her a small box, and immediately she began to feel guilty. She had forgotten to get him something for his birthday.
" I'm so sorry, I forgot to-"
" No, its fine, this isn't about that. "
Gohan tried to reassure her and she tried to protest. Eventually she gave in and opened the small box. Calina's mouth gawked slightly as she began to smile; he had gotten her jewelry.
Calina carefully and slowly pulled out a necklace from the box. It had a thin, braided chain and a small, silver star piece on a smaller loop. She was delicate as she inspected it further and turned to face Gohan.
" Well, do you like it? I didn't get you anything last year, and uh, well.." Gohan rubbed the back of his head nervously, Calina could see how red his face was getting. She lunged at him and tackled him to the ground, smiling she held the necklace tight and rested her head on his shoulder.
She had missed this so much, she hadn't realized it until right then. Gohan's breathing increased slightly and Calina rubbed her face into his neck.
Calina and Gohan both abruptly sat up as Chichi called her son back to the house. There little moment had been cut short.
" She wants me and dad to get a full nights sleep.." Calina listened and nodded.
" If you want I can sneak out later to see you? " The tips of Gohan's cheeks were a deep red, nearly purple.
Calina shook her head no, and continued to smile. She leaned forward and slowly placed her lips on his. Taking her time and slowly closing her eyes. Gohan sat quietly, reaching up both hands and pulling her closer to him. Calina inhaled and nearly fell to pieces, she missed being this close to him and taking his scent in. Gohan pulled away as he mother called out again, far out of sight, but close enough to call to him. Gohan pushed away from Calina.
" I'll um, see you tomorrow."
Calina smiled and nodded, briefly kissing him on the neck before getting up and preparing to leave. Gohan's blush deepened and he looked like he was going to explode.
Calina glanced back at him one last time before turning and taking off into the sky. There was no way she was going to let anyone she loved die, she'd worked too hard to fall short.
( hello again everyone, finally updated. It had been forever, right? Writers block is an/can/will always be a bitch, but I am trying to overcome it. As always, thank you for taking the time to read this, and for any concerns, criticisms or what ever your heart may desire, message or review.