Chapter 16: New Beginnings
"So, do you think he's ready?"
"I'm not sure."
"What do you mean you're not sure?"
"Well, which part didn't you understand?"
"I mean, you're his teacher."
"That doesn't mean I have a complete knowledge of how much he has improved."
Dende sighed. He had hoped that Roshi would have had at least a guess at Xavier's capabilities.
From about twenty feet away, Xavier could only guess at what Roshi and Dende were discussing. This is weird. Dende has never stayed around to talk to Roshi before.
Xavier's thoughts were soon interrupted when he heard Roshi call over, "Xavier, come over here."
Xavier walked across the to where Dende and Roshi were standing. When he got there, he asked, "So….What's up?"
"Xavier," Roshi started. "Move that, would you?" he added, pointing in the direction of the large boulder on the edge of the clearing.
"You sure?" asked the doubtful teen. Roshi nodded a reply.
"Alright. If you think I can, I'll give it a try." Xavier conceded. He walked over to the boulder, as he had done twice before, and looked it over. He could easily see that it was still as firmly embedded into the ground as before. Remembering what he was up against, Xavier prepared himself for a struggle. He put his shoulder to the stone and pushed as hard as he could. After a few seconds of straining, something gave way. Only this time, it wasn't Xavier. Using every bit of strength in his body, Xavier could feel the boulder begin to move. Slowly, the boulder broke free of the earth. Inch by agonizing inch, Xavier pushed until finally, after moving the rock almost two feet, Xavier stopped, hands and shoulder still resting on the stone. He took in a few deep breaths, turned to Roshi and Dende and said, "Well, that was easy."
Roshi, amazed at what he had just seen and heard, looked at Dende and said, "Sometimes, that boy just plain surprises me."
Dende nodded in agreement as Xavier walked back towards the two.
"Wow! Who would've thought that just a few months of training would do so much?"
"Indeed," Roshi agreed. "It seems like just yesterday that you started your training, and now, it is finished."
"Yeah…" said Xavier. "Wait! What? Finished? Aren't you going to teach me how to fight?"
"No, Xavier. That is the job for your next teacher. I have taught you everything I can. In these past few months, you have learned how to push yourself beyond what is humanly possible. That is the purpose of my training."
"I see…" replied Xavier. "So, who is my new teacher?"
"You'll be meeting him back at the lookout." Dende explained.
"Oh….so, when are we going?" the teen asked.
"As soon as you say your goodbyes." replied Dende.
"You mean you're not coming along?" Xavier asked the turtle hermit.
"No, I'm heading back to my island soon." came the reply.
"Well, in that case," Xavier started. "Goodbye."
"Goodbye, Xavier." Roshi replied as Dende placed a hand on Xavier's shoulder.
"And you better not slack off!" added the old man, shaking his fist, just before Xavier and Dende disappeared.
**********
Two figures materialized before a background of a clear blue sky.
"Welcome back, Dende." stated a dark-skinned man. "And Xavier, it is great to meet you. My name is Mr. Popo."
Xavier, stepping forward to greet the stranger, replied, "Hi, Mr. Popo. So, are you my new teacher?"
Popo laughed. "No, young sir. I'm not your teacher. I am the caretaker of the lookout."
"Oh, then who is?" Xavier asked.
"I am," responded a strong, slightly menacing voice from behind Xavier.
Xavier turned to face the voice, and was taken aback when the only person he saw was Dende.
"Dende…?" Xavier began before his words were halted by a cold stare.
"My name is not Dende. It's Piccolo."