I wish I owned DBZ, but I don't. I own DVD's and tapes, but it just isn't the same. I also don't own the right to Starcraft or any of the music pieces you see selected, just copies of merchandise, such a shame. The artists that created them are geniuses and we all must bow to them.
Chapter 41: Ways of the Templar
Another day passed quickly for me, mostly because I slept through it all. Gohan and a Protoss attendant had shown me to a room in the cave that featured some sort of IV like device. Supposedly it was just like a Saiyan healing tank, only there was no sitting down in a vat of water to go with it. It did involve a bit of a needle to get it in, something Goku looked sick about. It was funny to think about sometimes. We Saiyans could take punches that would blow mountains apart, yet a little needle works our nerves so much. Once it was in, the fluid slowly ran through me, making me feel warm and comfortable. Then I was out of it for a long time. When I woke up, the effect was the same as a healing tank or a senzu bean. I felt great and totally ready for training. To be honest I hadn't felt that good for a long time, minus the time spent inside my own head of course. After crawling out of the bed and carefully removing the IV, I noticed a blue jumpsuit laid out for me, along with gloves and boots. Finally some clothes.
Granted I had been clothed enough to be considered decent for the time I was with the Zerg, but that tiny pair of shorts was more than full of holes. My stomach growled like no tomorrow when I unplugged myself, and frankly it had been forever since it had to digest anything. I dressed and entered the hallways of the Protoss cave. The walls were basically hollowed out rock, though they had been tiled and painted blue. I realized that I wasn't completely sure where I was supposed to go now, but I found a few signals not far ahead. I reached into my Psi energy so I could sense the Protoss as well, finding a small group of them ahead and to the left a bit. When I reached them, they were all in some sort of mess hall, eating and telling stories for the most part. All of this activity ceased once I entered the room, getting many stares instead. I really couldn't tell if they were stares or glares, but with the events as of late, the latter wouldn't have surprised me at all. I slowly glanced around as easily thirty or more Protoss warriors were giving me the eye, most of them Zealots. No one said or did anything, but it was certainly unnerving to say the least. I slowly let the glaring contest end as I walked across the room, looking for whatever they called food. There was some sort of bar with a Protoss chef glaring at me from the back as I got closer.
"How can I assist you?" he asked in a gruff voice.
"Some food please," I said quickly, trying not to look him in the face. A tray appeared a second later, covered with an assortment of meats that smelled odd but good. I had sampled some of the Protoss culture before, and they mostly ate with a meat filled diet. To Saiyans, meat was like chocolate sometimes, we just couldn't get enough of it. I took the tray and sat at the end of the emptiest table I could find, the one with only two Zealots sitting there. I inhaled the food like a last meal, as I hadn't had real food in I don't know how long. All the while I continued getting dark stares and even heard a few whispers traveling through the air. I went back for more servings and got them without a problem, but it still felt creepy eating with a room full of warriors that are not that fond of you. It felt like all that was holding them back was fear, of me and my power. I frowned slightly, standing for a moment and snapping my fingers to make sure they had my attention.
"For what its worth, I'm sorry," I said quickly, sitting back down and eating. It didn't seem like my apology was accepted, but I had to get it out of me.
-
As I had polished off what had to have been my twentieth helping, Tassadar and Vegeta walked in.
"About time you rejoined the land of the living boy, I thought I was going to have to drag you out myself!" Vegeta smirked slightly.
"How long was I asleep for?" I asked, wiping my mouth a bit.
"About forty-two hours. In your condition though, its not surprising," Tassadar said.
"Forty-two hours?!" I managed to say.
"It's the healing fluid we use, it puts the injured into a very deep sleep when healing their bodies. Seems to have an adverse affect on non-Protoss. Where my people recover and awake very quickly, any other race tends to be under its effects for quite a long time compared to a normal rest cycle," Tassadar explained.
"How nice, a really slow healing tank," I said with a glowering look.
"Whatever the case boy, its time to get back to your training. You've had way too much time off," Vegeta said, arms crossed.
"I just got healed, I don't want to be beaten into jelly again so soon!" I said, backing off with my hands up.
"Not that kind of training brat, Tassadar has something else in mind. It's not your usual routine, then again nothing has been lately. But what he has to teach you is necessary to develop your powers a little faster. I'd much rather you do it the regular way, but he assures me that this will help you master your powers even faster. We shall see about that, go with him," Vegeta ordered before walking off. I got up as Tassadar began to leave the room, noting that the other Protoss had still not taken their eyes off me yet.
"Don't mind them young one, they simply don't trust outsiders very quickly," Tassadar said without turning around.
"Yeah and the fact that I blew up about half of their friends, that doesn't really help in developing any sort of friendship," I shrugged a bit before following him.
I followed somewhat close to the elder Templar as he led me through a long string of twists and turns in the cave. Some of it felt familiar from when my evil self had been here, but I really hadn't paid much attention to direction when I was reviewing his memories. Only one area in general really felt familiar and that was a long and dark hallway. Tassadar finally stopped at a large metal door.
He turned and looked down to me, "Zeratul awaits you inside!"
"I thought you were training me?" I asked.
"Not technically, I am assisting in your learning curve, but there is much I must learn as well. Great Zeratul wishes to see you alone for the time being," Tassadar said, opening the door. Inside lay a dark and pitch black room, not one that looked all that inviting. I stepped inside and scanned around, picking up nothing but air. The door behind me shut as soon as I was in, leaving nothing but darkness. I considered lighting a ki ball so I could see, but I felt that this might be a test of some sort. A slow and calm gust of wind came by the back of my neck, and instantly it felt like there was someone behind me.
"You came for guidance?" a sudden voice asked from right next to my ear, scaring me a bit. It sounded old and wise, but dark and dangerous at the same time.
"Yeah, that's right. Are you Zeratul?" I asked. I had somewhat forgotten what the old Dark Templar looked like from my evil self's memory, but I did recall some of his abilities. Sneaking around unnoticed was certainly one of his best traits.
"I only teach those who would use their power for justice, not to power hungry vermin. If you will not use your abilities for a just cause, then I suggest you leave this chamber now. You would only be a waste of my time!"
"Don't worry, I wouldn't do that," I said calmly.
"How can you be so certain, when the evil within you has consumed you before?" he asked.
"That evil is gone for good. And it wasn't me that was consumed with taint, it was a power hungry fool that would only cause harm to others and eventually his own destruction," I said, surprised that such a statement could come from my mouth. I was seriously impressed with how fast I thought that kind of answer up. It was the truth no doubt, but with words like that I could have been mistaken for a hermit.
"So you say, however those statements can easily be lies. To know they are true is to know yourself, know your opposition, and to have no fear of them!" he said, his voice rising. I sensed some sort of mixed energy signal now, it slowly became unraveled and seemed to be focusing into something.
"I don't fear myself anymore, and I'm not afraid of anyone who is my enemy," I said carefully.
"And yet, I sense much fear in you!" he said. I felt the energy spike and come towards me very quickly. I phased out and moved to the middle of the room, turning around and seeing a dim but solid green wrist sword. I thought it was a Psi blade at first, but it was a bit longer in length, and I sensed both ki and Psi fused within it. I could barely see the old Templar's head behind the blade, but I managed to see a strange circlet like decoration at the top. It was one that I did recall Zeratul to be wearing, so I could safely assume that this was the crafty old master. I allowed some more power to slip into me, not powering up, but keeping ready.
"I sense that your fear drives your aggressive wiles. Your enemies make you suffer and in turn they suffer because of your retaliation. You fear yourself because you have the power to destroy entire planets at any moment, and you are hesitant to act because of that. Your delays costs countless innocent lives that are sacrificed just so you will eventually stand up to it. Then you fear getting yourself destroyed in a battle and become unable to do what is right! Saiyans possess a natural fear that they will lose the next battle that they are in, and thus make themselves stronger through training. Your race's greatest fear is maintaining their pride, and that overlaps with the first fear of a Saiyan, making them fight with little belief that they may be destroyed at any time. Their fear of losing pride and honor drives them to battle. Every being that has gained power also has fear of losing it. Your greatest enemy is your fear, and I sense that it is strong in you!" he said, charging towards me. I hovered off the ground a bit, gathering Psi into my hand. I extended it outwards and created my bright blue Psi sword, just in time to block the sword slash coming in. I felt that he was right about my fear, it was in a way, my greatest flaw. But then again, everyone's potential greatest flaw is fear, every living being possesses it, that makes me no different.
"Don't fault me for trying to do what is right and hesitating with acting. Yes, I was always afraid for others that couldn't defend themselves, and for their lives when I was hesitant to confront the threat to them. Many times that could cost lives because of my delay. Rather or not I avenged them, they still died. I do have power to destroy planets and solar systems at any time, and that does create hesitation because I'm afraid to unleash it to defeat an evil one. You are right about that," I said as he started to attack again. He was definitely a sword master, the only thing that blocked his slashed and quick cuts was my natural speed. We battled across the chamber, an occasional spark went off when our swords collided, lighting up the room a little more.
"You say you know your fear, your darkness. But how can you be sure, evil and fear appears in countless phases and layers of disguise! Light is created, good is always flowing somewhere. Love and happiness constantly reproduce themselves, and yet it this compassion that can sometimes the greatest enemy of the light. Darkness is not to be destroyed, only used. Love creates fear, and fear and anger add to darkness. It is light that makes darkness stronger by default. Every enemy you have fought with fear and anger makes you more susceptible to the grasp of darkness. Fear affects choice, and choice is the medium to all. Every moment, you have a choice that you make, whether you breathe or not. Whether you walk or run. You either eat or starve, every direct choice has a good and evil side to it! The only true solution to a problem is not taking a side and not letting your emotions get involved. How can you make the correct choice with fear of the wrong decision running through you?" Zeratul asked, stopping for me to answer. I know this answer. I feel I've done this before, or something like it, I thought as his words went through my mind.
"Everyone has fear. Fear can be the greatest enemy if you let it, but it can also be an ally if used correctly. My own fear to lose the lives of loved and unprotected people also gives me the power to prevent it from happening. Every choice I conceivably make leads to fear no matter what I decide is best. Fear exists in everything, and as you say, it is impossible to be rid of it. Compassion may lead to fear at times, but it is also the answer to it. As far as being afraid to lose my power to protect people, I do just a bit. But if that comes between me and doing what I believe is right, then I will lose it. I would gladly give it up if it meant saving someone I love. Controlling my compassion and fear keeps evil from controlling me. Compassion, choice and fear coincide, but being able to see past a choice is what determines right from wrong and good from evil. I can see past my fear, and that allows me to defeat powerful enemies," I said carefully, feeling sure I was correct. Zeratul paused for a moment, staring directly into my eyes. I returned the look, until he suddenly clapped his hands twice. Lights above us came alive, giving the room a break from all of the darkness.
Zeratul then stepped back and bowed his head slightly, "Very good Verto, that is correct. Fear is not something that can be done away with, only looked past. And compassion must exist for Good to exist. Every day love and hate clash, it is your choice on who will win. You have shown me you understand yourself and your objective to uphold justice. You are most impressive for a child! Your training will primarily consist of learning how to correctly channel your Psionic power, as it is not an energy that should be used in a way that you may be used to. You're already familiar with the fusion of the two energies with balance, so that will not be our focus for the time being. The techniques you learn from me are not necessarily the most impressive feats compared to what you're used to, however they can be just as effective in keeping peace wherever you are. You are indeed wise beyond your years, and I have confidence that you will be able to take what you learn from me and uphold the side of justice. Let's begin!" He wasn't the only one who was impressed, Guess I can thank you, Cerebrate, I never thought I'd ever be considered wise. There was no answer of course, but I was sure that wherever he was, he was smiling. Now the only question was what Zeratul was going to teach me.
-
"As you know, the power you possess is not to be taken lightly. It can be used for great good or great evil, it is certainly capable of either. What you learn from me is how to use it for the side of good, as nothing I teach you will ever be used for evil or unnecessary aggression!" Zeratul said as he sat across from me in the rounded out room.
"I understand," I said.
"You will eventually, the Psionic power that resides within you represents part of a key to an ancient power that only the Gods were allowed to possess. Your life energy, or ki as you refer to it, is an energy that is easily corruptible and easy to taint with evil. This being said, it is very easy to attain as pure emotions and thoughts do not affect being able to access it, it is open to all who wish to find it. Emotions do affect ki usage in the sides of right and wrong. I've noticed you Saiyans have deep compassion that seems to access more and more energy when led into a fearful battle. Spiritual energy, or Psi, has always been considered a higher and deeper power that is not so easily attained and even easier to corrupt. The Protoss have the ability to channel Psi energy, however many of them lack the mental quality and training to be able to handle it at all times. This is why they generally access it through the assistance of technology. Some of the higher Templars can work with it, but not on the level that you are capable of. Most Protoss understand that this power is meant for the use of good and justice, however they don't always use it so. While there are always some that are evil and corrupt that can access this power, it is because they are pure evil and not partially evil. Aldaris is a good example of this, his pure evil thoughts and emotions no longer harbor anything other than his own selfishness. His desire to be all-powerful transcends any clouded thoughts and becomes pure darkness. Purity of thought is the key to the deepest Psionic power, rather they are good or evil, and the intention must be pure. Almost anything can be accomplished with the combination of pure emotions and power. Quite often the most potent Psionic power that can be used is only a simple pure thought away, do you understand?" Zeratul asked. For most that would take some time to sink in, thankfully the thought processes had increased lately.
"Yeah I do," I said.
"Good, I have an exercise for you to begin with then, I want you to stand here and defend all attacks I make against you, but do not strike back. All of them to the best of your ability!" he ordered as he stood and walked to the far side of the room.
"Okay, I can do that," I said, confused slightly. I powered up slightly, ready to take whatever he wanted to throw at me. He held his hands out and charged what I sensed to be a ki ball. I was a bit surprised to see that he could do that, but he was unlike any Protoss I had met. He fired it right at me and I knocked it into the wall, leaving a decent burn mark. He fired a few more weak blasts before changing tactics and colors. The energy blasts turned green with mixed energy, and had a little more kick behind them now. I gathered my energy to defend myself with, just in case. Five mixed energy blasts came flying in now. I deflected the first two without a problem. The third went low and struck my knee, the other two came in at my waist. Other than a minor sting, they did nothing. It wasn't surprising though, there wasn't much power behind them. He brought out his sword and charged me again. I jumped as he came in fast, dodging quickly as his sword nearly took my head and limbs off at several points. I felt the very edge of it slice by my knee as I avoided the blade, cutting it very slightly. It was deep enough to register pain, I cringed slightly, picking up the pace at which I dodged his slashes.
He flipped backwards after ten more failed attempts and landed on the far side of the room again, stopping completely. He spread his arms out a little wider before bringing them to the front together much like the Final Flash. In his hands formed a tiny white blast, which I detected to be a small charge of Psi. I relaxed slightly as I prepared to knock it aside, it was even lower in power than his ki blasts had been, and they were nothing. He fired it without a sound, and I watched as it slowly floated towards me. It moved more than slow enough to just move aside. I did so, watching it stop and come back to me a little quicker. I swung my hand and wrist into it to knock it away, only to watch it strike right there and fizzle out on the surface of my skin. It felt like a tiny little electrical shock, much like when someone has a strong static charge built up and they touch you or a metal surface. It didn't really hurt, but it was rather odd, I hadn't even expected that kind of reaction. I turned back to him, a bit confused at why he suddenly used such a low power attack.
"Now, try to attack me!" he said, waving his hand like a taunt. I crouched down, ready to jump at him when suddenly my power came out without being summoned. All the power I had called out suddenly appeared all over me and started to burn and shock my body at random. I dropped to one knee and struggled to get it out of whatever had a hold of me. I powered up some by reaction, and the sensation increased, like my own power had turned against me from the inside. I saw streaks of white Psi lightning appear on the surface of my body, shocking me everywhere. I cringed and struggled more, getting a little frustrated and even angry pretty quickly. With those thoughts, the pain increased as my own power rose without my command, and struck against its owner without command. I screamed in pain a bit now, watching for any sign from Zeratul. What the hell, powering up isn't getting rid of this, it's making it worse. If I power down though, it could kill me if it continues like this, man this is hard, I thought. Zeratul seemed to be waiting for something out of me, he stood in the corner, watching. Right, no fear. I guess the only way is to try to power down. I released the hold I had on my energy, letting it sink down into the depths once again. As I powered down, the pain all over me decreased. It finally let up enough for me to stand, though I chose to sit down quickly. The lightning streaking around me also gradually decreased in intensity, settling down into that pins and needles feeling you get when your foot falls asleep, only it remained on the surface of my skin. I looked at my hands before I looked at Zeratul.
"What the heck was that?" I asked.
"An ancient technique that repels evilness and aggression directly back to the owner when they misuse their own power," he explained.
"Must be handy, can it be countered?" I asked right away.
"Depends on the recipient, if they are knowledgeable enough to recognize its effects before they panic and hurt themselves. Also if the evil it is used on is too powerful or too evil, then it can be broken. However the act of breaking the Feedback technique can be a painful one when attempted, as you now know," Zeratul explained.
"So its like a big whiplash effect?" I asked.
"In simpler terms, yes. In the hands of the side of justice, it is a great asset!"
"Yeah I noticed, um, how do you reverse it?" I asked, holding up my hands.
"Reverse it?" he asked.
"I mean get rid of it, stop the attack, take it off the victim?" I asked.
"That my friend, is the second part of your lesson. To know how to use the Feedback technique is to receive it yourself, and master it's power inside of you!" he said with what had to be his version of a smile.
"You're kidding right?" I asked.
"Afraid not, inform me when you've mastered the technique, I have other things that require my attention right now!" he said, opening the door. I got back up, a little angry that he hadn't been more specific. The instant I did, the buzzing around my body became shocking, grounding me again until I calmed down.
"My apologies. I forgot to mention that it will remain inside of you and will restrict your power and movement until you remove it yourself, good luck!" Oh great.