Chapter Four
Their legs were so small; it was a great effort for the little girls to keep their father and the newcomer in sight. But, Rideria was not about to be left out. She didn't really care if her sisters could keep up, she pushed ahead without them.
Rikola was literally dragging the younger and smaller Rhyne behind her, trying desperately to keep up with Rideria.
In the sky, Piccolo and Gohan prepared. "I won't go easy on you." Piccolo said. "You've been lacking in your training, and I'm about to show you how painful that can be."
Without any more warning, they began. Piccolo attacked, his fists drawn up in large green balls. Gohan dodged and moved quickly, this being his only defense at the moment.
Piccolo felt his blood pumping like it had not in months. He almost smiled at the excitement he felt fighting. Using his eye lasers, he sent two shots toward Gohan, but the Saiyan boy jumped out of the way and responded with an incredibly powerful blast. Piccolo's large hand slapped it away as if it were nothing.
Down below, Rideria could not believe her eyes. This was…..this was incredible! Her black eyes were huge as she tried to watch every move her father made. But, they were so fast, she became irritated and stomped her foot on the ground.
Beside her, Rikola and Rhyne were also amazed. Even the smaller girl stood bravely watching her father in the air.
With every blast, the girls jumped, the loud noise hurting their sensitive ears. Rhyne was actually holding her hands over her pointy ears, trying to block out the sound.
But, Rideria did not care. She was so intent on keeping up with her father that she did not even know or care that her sisters were beside her.
This went on for about three hours. Piccolo and Gohan destroyed several large mountains, trees and singed some grassy areas. When they were done, both fighters had tattered and torn clothing.
Rhyne had gotten tired and sat down on the grass, falling asleep. Rikola was sitting, but very much awake.
Rideria had not moved from her original spot. She watched her father as he landed, meeting his eyes.
"Did you like what you saw, girl?" Piccolo asked, several scratches on his face and upper body.
Rideria nodded. "I did." She said. "Teach me."
Piccolo stared at the small child. She was smaller than Gohan had been when his training had begun. "Not now." Piccolo told her. "First, we work on your mind. When you are older, I will begin your training."
"When?" Rideria asked, taking a step closer to her father.
He frowned. "Are you questioning me again?"
"No…sir." She said. It was the first time she had shown any reverence for her father. But, Rideria had now seen this enormous man fight. She could feel his power and his bravery. Never had she imagined such powers were possible, and they belonged to the man who had fathered her. She had developed a respect for this man, and she knew that it would never waiver from this moment on. Still, she was Rideria, and she wanted to train…..now. But, she held her tongue. She'd get her chance…soon. She would make sure.
"Piccolo, I need to get home before mom finds out I'm gone." Gohan said. "Can I come back in a few days?"
Piccolo nodded. "All I ask is that you do not tell anyone about them." He motioned to the girls. "It's better that they remain unknown for now. This is no one's business and I'd hate to kill someone for getting on my nerves about it."
Gohan smiled, but knew that Piccolo might just be serious. "I promise." Gohan said. "But, is it ok if I help you train them? When you are ready?"
Piccolo considered it for a moment. Training Rideria was his responsibility, and probably Rikola as well. But, Rhyne might need a more gentle hand than Piccolo possessed. "Ok. In a few months, I will let you assist me in Rhyne's training."
At the mention of her name, the tiny girl's ears perked up, but she remained quiet.
"They have names?" Gohan said excitedly.
Piccolo grumbled as he recited their names. Gohan seemed impressed that the Namekian children had them. "They are beings, just like me. So, they deserve respect….a name…an identity…."
"And now you have a family!" Gohan shouted. He realized that maybe he had been a little overly excited about the family comment and quickly said goodbye and flew away.
They walked for a few yards, and then Piccolo took to the sky. "I want you to find the base of the cave on your own. Run as fast as you can, otherwise there will be no water for you. You will learn that training begins with endurance. So, prepare yourselves to be pushed beyond any limits that you think you have."
The girls watched helplessly at their father disappeared in the sky.
"What do we do?" Rhyne asked, scared.
"We run." Rideria said calmly. Then, she took off, racing through the woods as fast as she could go.
Rikola grabbed onto to Rhyne's hand and pulled her along.
Kami arrived at Piccolo's cave, finding it empty. Focusing for a moment, Kami felt as Piccolo approached. He stood tall, his walking stick in hand.
Piccolo knew he had a visitor. He too sensed the Guardian, and as bad as he hated conversing with him, it was time that he sought guidance. When Piccolo landed beside the older Namek, his attitude was not what Kami had expected.
"What took you so long to show up, old man?" Piccolo asked. Although his words were familiar, his tone was different.
"So, I am correct. Something has happened?" Kami said. "If I am correct, seven weeks ago a force, somehow connected to you, entered this dimension."
"A force?" Piccolo thought it an odd choice of words. "I guess you could say it was a force…." He smirked to himself.
"Explain it to me." Kami asked. "I feel my assistance is needed."
"It will all be explained shortly." Piccolo told him. He crossed his arms and stood against the large outside wall of the cave. "For now, we wait."
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