Chapter 6: Piccolo's Choice
The human fighters stood in front of the hyperbolic time chamber door in silence as they were overwhelmed by how far the room stretch across the horizon appearing to never end.
"This… "Kami paused "Is the Hyperbolic time chamber, Tien and Krillin you will be the first to enter"
The two warriors in question immediately strode forward from the group and towards the door however the smaller of the two still had a question on his mind.
"Not trying to be rude Kami but what does this room do? I don't want to go in just for a Sayian to grab my foot like last time I went into the room without knowing what was waiting for me" Krillin said cautiously.
Kami gave an approving nob before beginning to speak.
"But of course Krillin it is always wise for a warrior to know what he is getting into an access the situation rather than running blindly in" Kami began "However do not fear though the room is incredible dangerous you will not find any Sayian's awaiting to attack you."
"What do you mean dangerous" Choiatzu asked not masking the fear in his voice.
"As I told you this is an extreme form of training which Goku could not overcome when he was preparing to face Piccolo at the martial arts tournament. You see once you leave the living quarters and step into the training area the gravity immediately intensifies and the air grows thinner and the climate constantly changes. All this puts massive strain on the body of whoever attempts to train though it could be crippling if a warrior can over can overcome all these obstacles they can access incredible power." Kami finished his explanation allowing a pause for his students to speak.
"That sounds amazingly intense but I'm sure we can handle it" Yamcha spoke confidently. "But how comes you just want Tien and Krillin go in there I mean you said we don't have a lot of time left till the Sayian's arrive wouldn't it be better for us all to go in at once"
Kami gave a small smile of understanding before beginning to speak.
"That is a very good point Yamcha however I am afraid the Hyperbolic Time Chamber only has enough food to feed two people for a year not seven"
This comment immediately confused the Z warriors present as they did not catch what the god of earth was getting at.
"But master… I mean Kami why would we need a year supply of food? It's not like me and Krillin are going to spending a year in there is it" Tien questioned in his usual monotones.
"Aww but you see Tien that is exactly what you and Krillin will be doing you see I haven't told you about the Hyperbolic Time Chambers ability to bend time and space as such a year may pass in the chamber only a day will pass out here"
"Amazing" Roshi exclaimed "This room will give us more time to prepare for the Sayian's we can win this"
The old master excitement immediately infected the others of the group who were all eager to enter the room for their own training. With no time to lose Krillin and Tien moved to enter the time chamber however they were cut off by Kami.
"There is one more thing I have to warn you about" Silence fell as all the warriors listened to their master speaking. "You may only spend two days in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber in one life time any more than that and the door connecting its world to ours will vanish trapping all those that remain in it for all eternity. Understand?"
Kami waited for all the Z warriors to nod their head in agreement before continuing.
"I also request that for now you only spend a one day each in the Chamber as I believe it will be more than enough time for you to train and we also know don't know if we need the chamber again later in the future"
With a nod of understanding both Krillin and Tien entered the chamber. As the doors closed the other warriors scattered across the look out each of them finding their own way to prepare for the obstacle that lay ahead of them.
All of whom apart from Master Roshi that stood back in front of Kami awaiting the god of the earth to address him. Noticing this Kami quickly asked aloud.
"What can I do Roshi?" Kami spoke in his normal calm voice.
"I have an idea that I wish to share with you" Master Roshi began
~DBAT~
The night sky was peaceful completely black with the odd scatters of stars here and their no moon was out as Piccolo had destroyed it several months before due to Gohan transforming into the legendary great ape. A lone figure flouted crossed armed above the landscape keeping a watchful eye on the sleeping boy bellow him.
Bruises of black and blue were clearly visible on the young boy's face marks revealing the almost torturous amount of training completed that day. However the famous son smile was still etched across his face revealing Gohan's sprit had not yet been broken.
"How can the kid still be so happy after all I put him through?" The Namekian thought.
The sight of Gohan's battered face still caused incredible amount of guilt to rise in Piccolo's throat no matter how much he tried to resist it but the same thought kept crossing the Namekian's mind. How can I possible hurt such an innocent person.
"NO!" Piccolo roared to the sky his purple aura bursting to life violently around him. "I shall not be controlled by such emotions I am the son of the Great Demon King! I am a Demon I should not care about this boy the son of the man that murdered my father none the less!"
"You are changing Piccolo even if you don't want to admit it and your wrong you are not a Demon" The new voice cut into Piccolo's ears like daggers.
Piccolo turned to face his others half Kami looking at him a bemused smile was etched across his old green wrinkled face.
"Explain yourself old man or ill blast you" Piccolo snapped
The old god allowed himself allowed himself to smile at Piccolos empty threat and waited patiently for his other half to calm down before continuing. Piccolo had made remarkable progress of late down the path of good and Kami did not want to hinder the process by aggravating him any further than he had to. As Piccolo's breathing pattern returned to normal the god started his explanation.
"You and I are both well aware of what happened to a person when they are killed by those of the Demon kind Piccolo. Their soul is blocked from moving over to otherworld and instead they suffer an eternity of darkness and pain. The ultimate torture that foul race conjured up in order to harm their victims long after their death" Kami spat in disgust.
It hadn't gotten past Piccolo the fact the god had said that race and not included Piccolo in it. However the Namekian decided to keep listening on for now rather than interrupt now that would be for later.
Kami took a long drawn out breath before continuing contemplating what he was about to say carefully it was a delicate matter one of which he had not foreseen.
"All those years ago when you cruelly killed your adopted parents who took you in I went to King Yemma in otherworld and requested to know if they had past though. He informed me of what I had feared to be true they did not get though meaning that you were indeed every inch of the demon your father was. However ever since your defeat at the hands of Goku at the world martial arts tournament I have sensed a change in you as though the grips of the demon in your heart was slowly losing its hold on you. I believe Goku saw this potential for you to become good and this is why he spared your life and I now think he was right to do so you see Piccolo. You killed both Goku and Raditz with your attack and both of them were sent to otherworld and if you want more evidence that you are no longer a demon you may only have to look at yourself now. You care about the boy Piccolo as you much as you hate to admit it and no demon is capable of such a feeling to nothing but their own kind" Kami finished with a sigh it was important for the plan that Piccolo realised how much he had change.
The silence was deafening only the light breathing of Gohan could be heard by the two Namekian's super sensitive ears. Piccolo and Kami glared at each other intently until Piccolo finally spoke.
"You might be right old man I have felt my demon side begin to slip away from me over the years. But do not be fooled I am still as cold hearted as I ever was and I can also read you like a book. I know you haven't come here to just have an idle chat about me becoming good as foolish as it sounds so state your business old man" Piccolo growled angrily
Kami's smiled fell immediately he didn't think Piccolo would realises he was after something else.
"Very well Piccolo as you wish" Kami began wearily. "As I am sure you a aware I am training many of the earth's greatest martial artist one of which is Mater Roshi Goku's first true master"
"Get to the point!" Piccolo yelled his aura exploding around him throwing Kami back a few yards.
"He has requested that you allow the boy to train with him for a while he believes he may be able to help the boy access and control his potential"
"What!"
Lightning cracked across the sky as Piccolo rage boiled over.
"I am his master I shall train him my way do you understand" Piccolo roared.
"We are only asking for one day Piccolo surely that wouldn't affect your training him that greatly" Kami reasoned "Besides if you were truly had his best interest at heart you would realised that having another teacher's influence could only benefit the boy I only ask you consider it"
Piccolo stood silent for a long time before he answered.
"I will consider it"
Kami smiled before hopping on to the magic carpet he had borrowed from Mr Popo satisfied with Piccolos response.
As Kami disappeared from sight Piccolo quickly flew down to Gohan looking around cautiously before nothing would be able to see what he was about to do. Carefully Piccolo placed a clawed hand on top of the young boys head.
"No matter what happens Gohan I will always protect you" Piccolo said calmly before taking off into the sky to begin his own training.
~DBZ~
Goku woke up to the sound of his stomach growling and the smell of King Kia's cooking wafting out of the window. In a flash Goku appeared at the dinner table as droll poured from him mouth and unto the table cloth with a splodge. The God placed the mountain of food he had just created onto the table and quickly had to use his Kao ken technique just to have the speed to withdraw his hand away from the Sayian's mouth as Goku dug into the feast.
It took exactly one minute and thirty seconds for Goku to finish his meal. As soon as Goku's chops sticks hit the table he was out of side ready to practice the Kao ken again. King Kia looked at his student with pride.
"That Goku he never gives up no matter how much that technique took out of him he won't let him beat him" King Kia beamed.
"Ahhhooo kaahhoooo" Bubble replied enthusiastically.
Over the next couple of weeks Goku continued his training with the Kao Ken technique after a month he had master it being able to flash into a basic Kao ken for five minutes at a time with minimal discomfort.
"Well done Goku you have taken this technique further than I could have imagined" King Kia spoke out to his student after a day of intense training.
"Thanks King Kia" Goku said with a smile before his face became serious "But it can still be taken further"
With a look of determination spread across his face the Sayian spread out his legs slowly before pulling his elbows to his hips rock began to lift into the air as a white hot aura bust around Goku. The planet shook slightly as the white aura turned to blood red as the young Sayian unleashed his Kao Ken power. But his power continued to steadily creep higher.
"What!" King Kia cried out in shock. "Goku what are you doing? The technique is not designed to go this high"
Goku wasn't listening he dug deep inside himself bringing more power to the surfaces his teeth clenching due to the amount of concentration.
Rocks were rising up more rapidly now rising about a foot of the ground before breaking into disk.
"I can feel it" Goku thought to himself. "This is more power I can access" Goku reached down within himself and grabbed on to the power her had just discovered and dragged it to the surface.
"Kao Ken times two!" Goku roared he didn't know why he said the times two bit but it felt right.
The almighty force that was emitting from Goku was enough to push King Kia back a meter the god in complete shock. The red aura around Goku was now darker and more intense it's spikes reaching out further and wavered in the wind.
"How are you doing this? The technique is not meant to be able to double your power" King Kia yelled over the roar of Goku's aura.
But the Sayian wasn't listening he was smiling to himself in satisfaction.
"I knew I hadn't reached the techniques limits" Goku said with a smile before falling unconscious.
~DBAT~
The lookout was quiet as Kami had sent all of the Earths fighters away to complete their training on their own a month ago. There was nothing more the Earths guardian could teach no more rooms with powerful tricks that could be used for effective training. Nope the Z fighters were now on their own the fate of the world resting on their shoulders.
Kami let out a sigh as he leaned on his staff remembering at how well the Z fighters had faired against the Room of spirit and time. It was as the God had feared none of the fighters had managed to complete a day in the intense room the best pair Krillin and Tien lasting eighteen hours over seven months before the room overcame them. But they were all stronger and this gave the god hope.
"You out here again Kami" A husky voice called from the darkness.
"Yes I am Roshi" Kami replied politely
Stepping out into the light of the Moon Master Roshi flared into view he had of course elected to stay on the lookout until Piccolo choice was made.
"You have done all you can Kami don't worry I have trained most of them boy's they will do us proud" Roshi said wisely.
"I know" Kami said with a smile.
It was then the clocked figured appeared a child clutched in his hands silently watching Kami and Master Roshi from a distance it took several moments for the two to realise they were being watched the two wise men looked up into the sky at the figure.
"Piccolo" Was all Kami said as his double swooped down and landed on the lookout before allowing Gohan to climb down out of his grip.
"I told the boy about your offer" Piccolo spat disgusted clear in his voice. "He wanted to train with the man that taught his father"
Kami allowed a moment of silence before looking up at Piccolo a smile etched across his face.
"Thank you Picc.." Kami began but was quickly cut off.
"I didn't say I agreed" Piccolo roared silencing Kami in an instant "But Gohan kept nagging at me so I have agreed as long as it does not interfere with our training" The Namekian sent a glance at his student who looked back smiling. "As I train by myself at night you can train the boy till sun rise but Gohan" Piccolo was now address the Demi-Sayian " I expect you to train twice as hard tomorrow"
"I will Mr Piccolo" Gohan said smiling brightly.
The Namekian grunted in acknowledgment before taking off into the sky.
"So master's" Gohan said with a polite bow "Where do we begin"
"Though hear" Kami replyied back with a smile " A room has been prepared for you to be trained by Master Roshi here"
~DBZ~
Krillin stood alone on top a rock in a forest his eyes were closed in deep concentration his breathing was slow and steady.
"Just one more time" Krillin said quietly to himself before raising his palm.
The ex-monks eyes flashed open as a white hot aura expanded around him. With excreting concentration Krillin summoned his Ki to the tips of his palm before manipulating the energy to spin slowly in a circular motion. The attack gained speed gradually before it appeared to become a buzz saw.
"Destructo Disk Haaaayaa" Krillin roared throwing the attack forward cutting though several trees before dissipating into thin air.
"That was good" Krillin said aloud to himself before closing his eyes and returning to his previous position. "But not good enough"
~DBAT~
The months had passed on King Kai's planet as Goku pushed the Kao-Ken technique to its limits managing to this point to hold a Kao Ken times three without too much difficulty. Though this was more likely due to the fact that the Sayian was currently occupying a none living body so the effects would only cause Goku to tire out and not be ripped to spreads like a living body would. King Kia had decided that Goku was ready to learn the ultimate technique one that he himself could not master the spirit bomb.
"Right Goku I am satisfied that you now have Mastered the Kao-Ken technique though I do suggest you don't go higher than a two times in your fight against the Sayian's though you are able to use a higher time's with your dead body you will find that your living body will be ripped to spreads by the sheer power you produce" King Kia warned while Goku merely nodded. "The next technique I am about to teach you is one that not even I can do. I can only guide you in the theory of and as such it is down to you to master it. With this attack you will be able to defeat opponents one hundred times stronger than yourself" Goku's eyes immediately widened with excitement clear on his face but he however chose not to speak instead he allowed the god to continue in his speech without interruptions.
"Everything in existence has Ki energy within them even if it does not show it the living animals of the plants the plant life, ocean the sun even inanimate objects all have Ki in their being. The spirit bomb calls forth to these being's calling for them to lend the users their power this energy can then be manifested into a ball of energy in the sky or appear in the users own hands it doesn't matter what does matter is it's used against all foe's with an evil heart. But be warned Goku only with a pure heart and good intentions can command the sprite bomb and its vast power. If there is even a hint of selfishness in your intentions when you are trying to perform the spirit bomb the energy will refuse to come to you. This is why I haven't been able to master it as I only want to be able to use it to show off" King Kia admitted before turning to hear Goku's response.
Goku Looked back at King Kia determination etched across his face he was ready to learn this technique no matter what it was. Not for his own shake no it would be for the planet earth his home and all its inhabitancies but most of all his friends and family he had to protect them. It felt almost natural to Goku as if the technique was designed for him as he lifted his right arm into the air. With great Focus the Sayian called forth the energy from all things on living or not on the tiny plant. It was as if Goku could perform the technique all his life but had just forgotten how he could have done it. Tiny balls of Ki appeared from every creases of the ground from the very air itself. King Kia looked on in amazement as the small Ki balls headed above Goku's head creating a blue orb of pure energy. He had done it the Spirt bomb was complete King Kia gave a wide smile before stepping forward towards Goku.
"Well since you have already mastered the technique on your first go we might as well skip straight into target practice. Gregory, Bubbles get out here now I have a job for you" King Kia yelled.
But it was too late the monkey and cricket where already running away with Goku right behind them.
~DBZ~
In the depths of space Bardocks space pod buzzed with excitement as it rushed towards it destination Earth. Suddenly a robotic voice called from the speakers awaking the pods occupants from hyperbolic sleep.
"Estimated time of arrival till the planet earth is five days seventeen hours sixteen minutes and thirty seconds and still counting. You have a message from the King urgency code black"
Bardock's eyes shot open as he heard this. It was very rare and unusual for the king of the Sayian race to call a group of warriors directly especially a group which was considered to be third class no matter how high their powers peak.
"Attention all Sayian warriors this is your king speaking I am herby ordering you to abort all missions upon my authority be it a Sayian mission or a planet trade one and head to planet Vegeta immediately we are going to initiate plan delta I repeat head to planet Vegeta immediately we are going to initiate plan delta"
The message buzzed off and Bardock heard the click of one of teams communicators buzz to life.
"What are we going to do Bardock the king has placed a direct order we should follow it" It was Toma
Bardock closed his eyes tightly and sighed thinking for a moment in silent contemplation over what his nexts move should be. If the king was calling for plan delta it could only mean one thing. He was planning to go to war with Frieza and his empire and if that was the case it was a mission destined to fail the only chance the Sayian race had now of survival in this battle was to obtain his grandson and pray that the visions of him becoming a super Sayian were true.
Flicking on the microphone Bardock leaned forward to speak to his crew who he knew were all holding their breath in anticipation.
"We are less than six days away from the planet the mission still holds with or without the kings blessing the boy is the only chance we have" With that Bardock turned off all communications on his pod and fell back into his chair and closed his eyes.
The Sayians were on their way and the protectors of earth where nowhere near ready for the battle and destruction that was about to unfold.
Well that's all for this week folks I hoped you enjoyed it :o). Just a few quick notes for this chapter I won't provide power levels as this will give spoilers.
I am glad my changes to the Kao Ken techniques where relatively well received. I would like to again thank Ky111 and Gohan90 for their kind reviews as they are what our helping to motivate me to write.
Anyways as normal please review and any questions or feedback is more than welcome.
Regards,
Dragonballat