"Mr. Popo, please show our students what it is they will be learning." Kami said, standing across from the two Saiyans.
"Of course, Kami." Mr. Popo nodded and began throwing kicks and punches into the air, moving only as much as was necessary and flowing smoothy from one move to the next. Harry was looking on in amazement, a huge grin splitting his face. Suddenly, his excitement changed to confusion and he started looking around wildly as Mr. Popo vanished.
"Over here." Harry heard directly behind Hermione, who spun and jumped back as if stung.
"How did you-" Harry started to ask but cut off as Mr. Popo disappeared again.
Suddenly the two shocked students noticed the object of their focus reappear and disappear rapidly across the Lookout, never staying visible for more than an instant. Turning to Kami, Hermione voiced the question on both their minds. "How is he doing that? It doesn't look like apparition."
Kami looked at her briefly before following his assistance' movements. "He is simply moving faster than the untrained eye can see. I admit I am surprised. Mr. Popo is usually quite reserved and does not tend to put on such a show."
Hearing Kami's words, Harry and Hermione shared a brief look before turning to follow Popo's movements as well as they could. A moment later, Mr. Popo appeared next to Kami and stared at the bewildered pair with his owlish gaze. "Where should we begin, Kami?" He asked, as though nothing had happened.
The rest of the afternoon and evening Harry and Hermione learned how to throw punches and kicks correctly, as well has how to fall to minimize or negate damage. Then moving to a few basic katas, repeating them to build muscle memory. Both students were eager to learn, though for different reasons.
Harry couldn't keep the grin off his face even as sweat ran off him in rivulets. I can't wait to learn everything Kami and Mr. Popo can teach us. He thought, realizing that even more than being excited to learn to fight and fly was the anticipation of finding a strong opponent to test himself against.
Hermione on the other hand while glad to be learning martial arts to defend herself and Harry as much as for the knowledge itself, was less interested in fighting. I wonder when we will really get to learn about this new world and see what it has to offer?
That night, after Kami had released them to shower and eat, Harry walked back out onto the Lookout, making his way over to sit on the edge and look up at the stars. He sat there for a long time before he was broken from his reverie by the sound of footsteps behind him. Turning, he looked up at Hermione and smiled. "I can't believe this is all real, 'Mione." He said softly, turning back to look out into the night. "I keep trying to convince myself that this isn't a dream, that I won't wake up and find myself back in the tent hunting for Horcruxes or in the Hospital Wing healing from the battle."
Hermione sighed and sat next to Harry, linking her hand in his and leaning her head on his shoulder. "I know what you mean." She said. "I can't help but wonder what we're going to do. We don't know anything about this place yet and we don't know anyone other than Mr. Popo and Master Kami. We have no family or friends here and we have nothing but the clothes on our backs. After we learn everything we can here, after Master Kami is finished with us," Hermione's voice dropped to barely a whisper. "Where will we go? What will we do Harry?" She looked up at him, uncertainty clouding her eyes.
Harry returned her look, thinking about all she said as his thumb rubbed small circles on the back of her hand. As the silence was starting to become uncomfortable, he answered just as quietly. "I honestly don't know." Harry let go of Hermione's hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, laying his head on hers as his tail entwined with hers. "I'm sorry for dragging you into the unknown again, 'Mione, but I am glad you are with me. I don't think I would've had the courage to accept Merlin's offer if you hadn't been there." Harry leaned up to place a kiss on Hermione's head. "We'll be alright, I promise. After everything we've been through, we can handle whatever this strange new life throws at us, so long as we have each other."
The pair sat like that for a long time, staring up at the stars and taking comfort in each other. Finally, Harry pulled away and stood up, offering his hand to Hermione. "Come on, we should probably head to bed. Master Kami said tomorrow training really starts, so we should get some rest while we can."
Hermione nodded, accepting his hand to stand. "You're right." She said, giving Harry a small smile. "Besides, maybe Master Kami or Mr. Popo can help us figure out how or where we can really start our life here."
Over the next two weeks, Harry and Hermione woke up before dawn every morning to exercise before eating breakfast and meeting Mr. Popo outside for their training, occasionally supervised by Kami. The Saiyans had to take frequent breaks the first couple days as they acclimated to exerting themselves at such a high altitude, but never complained or thought of giving up. After spending the day training, they would bathe and eat dinner before going off by themselves, usually to sit at the edge of the Lookout, and take comfort in each other, discussing the possibilities of their life together after leaving the Lookout. During their break for lunch in the middle of their third week of training, Harry turned to their teacher.
"Mr. Popo?" he asked.
"Yes?" Popo replied, staring back unblinking.
"I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but I was wondering when we would be doing something besides shadow boxing? Like sparring or learning to control Ki like Kami said that first day."
"Harry you can't rush him, he's our teacher!" Hermione scolded, causing Harry to look down sheepishly.
"It's alright Hermione." said Kami, stepping up next to Mr. Popo. "Harry is much like Goku. Always eager to push forward."
"I'm sorry-" Harry started only to be interrupted by the Guardian.
"It's quite all right." Kami assured him; hand raised placatingly. "You will be sparring after your lunch today in fact. You have both progressed very quickly for never having any training in the past."
"Thank you." They said in unison, Harry rushing Hermione to lunch, impatient to spar at last.
Eating as quickly as he could, Harry waited impatiently for Hermione who was eating at a more normal pace as she shot Harry amused looks from the corner of her eye making him fidget. Once she was finished and couldn't delay any more, Harry jumped up and pulled her to her feet, all but dragging her back outside.
Seeing this, Kami and Popo chuckled, following the pair. "Get into position and we will begin. The first to incapacitate their opponent is the winner." Kami said, watching as his students dropped into their fighting stances across from each other. "Ready?" Harry and Hermione nodded in reply and Kami couldn't help but smile at the looks of concentration on their faces. "Begin!"
Quick as a flash they ran at each other and met with fists and feet a blur as they attacked and blocked. The two seemed to be evenly matched, though already sporting the beginnings of bruises as they got used to putting enough strength in their blocking, when Hermione threw a high kick. Rather than block, Harry dodged, dropping to the floor and swept his leg out, catching Hermione off guard and knocking her off her feet. She was quick to recover as she tucked, turning fall into a roll, rising even as she struck out. For long minutes they fought both taking as many hits as they dealt. As they stepped back to gather some room, Harry smiled, brushing a hand across his sweaty brow.
"Getting tired, 'Mione?"
Hermione grinned, swiping sweat drenched hair away from her face as she responded, "Not even close."
Harry gave a short nod and advanced, trying once more to break through Hermione's guard. Another short time passed as both students strove to win. Harry extended his arm to strike only for Hermione to duck under it, aiming a strike to his ribs. Harry turned and lowered his arm to block her attack as he stepped back. Hermione followed, determined to put an end to the fight. She feinted left and as Harry moved to dodge, he stepped right into her next strike.
Not able to block, his head snapped back as her fist connected with his chin. As he staggered back from the blow, Hermione dove at him hands outstretched. However, Harry recovered quickly and spun away, driving his elbow into her back as she passed. Landing hard and out of breath, Hermione rolled trying to recover. Harry reached toward her, intent on keeping her from gaining her feet but succeeded only in grabbing her tail. Hermione froze, a shocked look on her face.
"Ah! W-what is going on?!" She exclaimed. "W-why can't I m-move?"
"Ah yes, I should have suspected." Kami said, rubbing his chin in thought. Calling across the Lookout he addressed his students, "The match is over, Harry wins."
Panting, Harry offered his hand to help Hermione to her feet, letting his hand linger briefly before grinning and putting his hands on his head, taking deep breaths.
"Well done, both of you" Kami said smiling and looking between them. "I think that will be all of that for today."
His students nodded, walking over to him as they recovered.
"I believe you have just encountered one of the weaknesses King Kai spoke of. I recall Goku having the same reaction when someone grabbed his tail."
"It paralyzed me." Hermione murmured. "How are we to overcome something that can stop us in our tracks?" This she voiced louder, looking from Kami to Mr. Popo.
The two looked to each other, then Kami turned a thoughtful look to the Saiyans. "I think perhaps, you may be able to build up a resistance with enough training. However, I cannot say for certain. Now, I think it is time you begin learning Ki manipulation."
Harry looked to Hermione with a grin, seeing his excitement reflected in her to finally learn how to use this new power.
"Do you remember how it felt to bring your Ki forth your first day here?" Mr. Popo asked with his owlish gaze.
"I remember." Hermione responded, Harry nodding beside her.
"Good. I want you to concentrate on that feeling and gather your Ki. Once you have a firm hold on it, move it beneath you and use it to lift yourself up. Start small by trying to hold yourself just a few inches off the floor. Once you have a firm grasp on it, you can start to maneuver yourselves across the Lookout." Mr. Popo instructed.
Harry closed his eyes and began to concentrate on feeling his energy. He imagined walking down a tunnel deep within himself, searching for the source of the warmth and vitality he had felt that first day. At last, the tunnel opened into a cavern with a pool in the center emitting a bright light. As he walked up to peer into the pool, Harry felt warmth flash through his entire being.
It feels stronger already, eager to be released. Harry thought as he stared into the light. He reached his hand into the well and pulled a handful of the light out and watched it drip like water from his hand. I guess I should get started. I can't wait to be in the air again. Harry plunged both hands into the well and as the warmth spread out from his center, he pulled himself back into the waking world holding firmly to the feeling of his Ki flowing through him.
Harry began directing his Ki down and out of his feet. Underneath and lift yourself up., he thought. In moments he felt his feet rise off the ground. He looked down surprised to have succeeded so quickly, losing concentration and the hold on his Ki. With a grunt he landed back on the ground with a frown on his face.
Looking to Hermione, eyes closed in concentration, Harry rolled his shoulders and took a deep breath. He quickly gripped his Ki in an iron will and began again, quickly lifting off the ground a second time. Once he was able to hold himself steady, Harry began slowly moving around making sure to pay close attention to how each movement felt both internally and externally. Will a grin, Harry looked across the Lookout before putting shooting off to soar in the open air.
This is even better than using my Firebolt! Harry laughed as he maneuvered, spinning through the air as though he had been flying unaided for his entire life.
"Harry, wait!" Popo shouted after him, moving to follow the Saiyan.
"He'll be alright." Hermione said, as she floated an inch off the floor.
Mr. Popo stopped and turned to look askance at her.
"Harry's always been a natural in the air. Back in our old world, Harry was amazing from the first time he flew on a broom. I never understood it to be honest. I was always afraid of heights and could never fully trust the brooms as you only really have so much control. I couldn't get over the fear that the enchantments would fail while I was in the air and I would fall." Hermione explained, grinning as she watched Harry having the time of his life.
With one last loop Harry turned and sped toward the others, stopping inches from Hermione and lowering himself to the floor with a large grin.
"That was amazing!" Harry exclaimed. "I'll have to keep training though, that took more out of me than I thought it would. Want to join me?" He asked, beaming at Hermione. "I still have enough energy left to fly with you as long as I don't go too crazy." Harry rubbed the back of his head sheepishly as Hermione shook her head.
"You'll have to be patient Harry. You know how I feel about flying." Hermione answered, feet once again on the floor.
"This is completely different than a broom or Thestral. You're the smartest person I know so I expect your Ki control to be way better than mine. You'll have total control, so you don't have to worry." Harry countered, trying to reassure her.
Hermione looked down with a frown, a slight blush rising in her cheeks. She opened her mouth to respond but was stopped by Harry gripping her hand with one of his while the other gently raised her chin until she was looking into his eyes.
"I know this probably won't help as I've always loved being in the air, but this feels so different than anything I've experienced in the past." He said, a sincere look in his eyes. "It felt natural, like my Ki knew what needed done even before I did." Hermione looked doubtful, so Harry continue. "At first, I was completely focused on making sure my Ki was holding me up and everything. But once I really started moving, I started enjoying the experience and didn't think about how much Ki to put into keeping me in the air or shifting it to move around. I just thought about what I wanted to do, and my Ki responded."
As he was speaking, Harry gripped Hermione's hands in both of his and started slowly raising them into the air, keeping her focused on his eyes and voice. He stopped them ten feet from the floor, pulled a hand free, and pointed below them. Hermione glanced down, back up to Harry, and down again quickly, hand tightening around his.
"That was mean, Harry." She said, glaring at him.
"I know, but it was the only way I could think of in the moment." He grinned. "Feel it? Don't think, just feel. I know you can do this, and you might even enjoy it. Think of all the places you can go and things you can find doing this." Harry chuckled, knowing he had piqued her interest.
Hermione looked down again and sighed. "You're right I suppose. But," She looked to Harry with an evil grin, "You're still a prat." Harry, knowing something was coming, tried to back away. Hermione's fist struck him in the stomach causing him to bend reflexively with a gasp. "Now we're even." She said sweetly and kissed the top of his head before shoving him playfully and quickly flew away with a glance over her shoulder. Harry quickly caught his breath and chased after her, laughing as he caught up to her and tapped her shoulder.
"Got you!" He exclaimed, before darting away. Hermione chuckled and chased after him. After several minutes, they flew over to their teachers and landed, both tired but smiling widely. "Thank you for teaching us to fly." Harry said, bowing slightly. "That's probably the most fun I've had in over a year."
"You are most welcome." Kami replied. "The ability to fly will be useful in battle as well as traveling. Now, we have something very serious that we need to discuss."
Both Saiyans immediately stood up straight and nodded, Harry shooting a questioning glance.
Kami continued, looking grave. "Tomorrow night is full moon and we have seen how powerful and destructive the Oozaru is, so you will be going with Mr. Popo to a secluded place for your transformation. If the situation becomes unmanageable, I have instructed him to cut off your tails to force you to revert. Tomorrow you will spend the day meditating. Perhaps by focusing internally, you will be able to retain yourself once the beast emerges."
The students nodded, not wanting to endanger anyone for the sake of their curiosity and determined to do their best to learn to control the Oozaru. After being dismissed for the night, the pair ate quickly before making their way to their spot at the edge of the Lookout to sit in contemplative silence while taking comfort in each other.
