AN. Set shortly after the last episode. We're back out of the anime! Woo! Original content again! :D

Thank you, again, to CommanderAIK. Your input is so, so appreciated xoxoxox Small niche, best niche!

Chapter Thirty-Three

They had been walking towards the tower for days. The sacred Karin Forest was beautiful. Soft green grass grew around straight solid pines in thick carpets, even in the shade. Some sort of magical aura pervaded this forest, bestowed a sense of tranquillity. But there was a niggling sense of unease. A note of hostility beneath the peace.

They were going to reach the base of the tower today. Chiaotzu could tell. It was close, finally close enough to distinguish the rough outlines of faces and patterns on the stone.

"You guys have been really quiet," Yamcha said thoughtfully. "You've barely said a word since we crossed into Karin Forest."

Tien paused, lowering his head. Chiaotzu met Krillin's curious gaze, feeling that little yawning anxiety in the pit of his stomach.

"This…is a sacred place," Tien said eventually, his voice flat.

"We're not welcome here," Chiaotzu finished. They exchanged glances, a cold chill tracing up Chiaotzu's spine as he thought of all the cruel acts in their past. Yamcha and Krillin also glanced at each other, but there wasn't that same spark of telepathy. These Turtle students knew each other, but not as intimately as the recently expelled Cranes.

"Never mind," Tien muttered and pushed by another branch. After a short, uncomfortable silence the others followed. They were so close now.

Around another tree and they were in a clearing. The tower stretched into the distance, far taller than Chiaotzu could see. Stone faces and intricate carved patterns covered it, offering hand and foot holds to those brave enough to attempt the climb.

At the base of the tower a tattooed hide was stretched taut between four thin branches. The trees on the far end of the clearing rustled, and then a huge man with an equally huge spear emerged and advanced on them.

"You two," he said, and pointed at Krillin and Yamcha, "you wear the clothes of Son Goku. Who are you?"

"Goku?" Krillin asked. A light came into his eyes, a joyful smile spread across his face. "Goku was here! I knew it! Did he climb the tower?"

"He did. After he fought with the assassin Tao Pai Pai." As the man mentioned the name his eyes narrowed and shifted to look at Tien. Chiaotzu floated behind the triclops but didn't seem worthy of attention. The man's grip shifted on his weapon. "Those two wear the colours of the Crane. What are they doing here?"

"They're friends of Goku's," Krillin said. He didn't even look towards them, just flapped a hand in their general direction. Tien tensed and his eyes narrowed, and Chiaotzu reached out a psychic hand of reassurance. He received no reaction. "Not as good as me though. I'm his best friend."

An awkward silence fell over the clearing. Yamcha looked between the former Cranes and the mysterious guardian of the tower, and let out a low whistle through his teeth. "Anyway, we were wondering if perhaps we could climb the tower? Meet with the famous Karin?"

"You two may. Those two have to leave. Innocent blood stains their hands."

Tien, already tense from the hostility of this place, bared his teeth in a snarl. Chiaotzu clenched his fists and lowered his head, shame rising a flush in his cheeks.

"But…" Krillin blinked innocently between them. "But they're good guys now. They're not nasty Crane guys anymore, they're good."

"Please, sir," Tien said. His stance remained tense and guarded, but his voice was soft and respectful. "Chiaotzu and I…we're not like that anymore. We're atoning for the sins of our past, and seeing Master Karin is an important step."

"Please," Chiaotzu echoed. Tears blurred his vision and he blinked them away.

"C'mon, man, please? They're not going to do anything bad, I swear," Yamcha said. He flashed a winning smile. It was clear he didn't doubt that this man, this guardian, would allow them to climb the tower. To meet the legendary god of martial arts who resided at the top.

There was a further, brief, uncomfortable pause, before the man lowered his spear and straightened to his full height. "Very well. You may attempt to climb the tower. Those who lack strength, determination and good intentions will not make it to the top anyway. Would you like to reconsider?"

Chiaotzu glanced at Tien. The triclops didn't look at him, but his mind softened and finally reached out its own psychic touch. Reassurance. Encouragement. They may not have pure hearts, but they were working on it.

They began to climb. As soon as they got above the tree line the wind was biting. As they climbed higher Chiaotzu's breath was pulled away in streams of fog, billowing like dragon's breath. The heavy green surcoat he had put back on for this climb was pulled hard against his body, His hands on the smooth stone ridges were so frozen the only sensation was a tingling biting pain that shot up his arms and into the aching muscles of his shoulders.

Krillin and Yamcha were invisible to him now. Moving faster that Chiaotzu could manage, they had quickly overtaken the boy. Tien, though, climbed slowly and steadily, taking his time and keeping pace with Chiaotzu.

Go on ahead, Tien, I'll be okay, Chiaotzu sent, not trusting his physical voice. His lungs were burning and he would be ashamed at the tremor he could feel in his throat.

We're almost at the top, Tien replied. He leaned back on the tower, impossibly far, out into the thin air with zero fear of falling. His fingers were almost white, gripping tight to a carved face, and he narrowed his eyes slightly. The others are already there. They're waving to us.

A flush of shame rose in Chiaotzu's cheeks, warming his face, and he sent, Go on and catch up. You don't need to stay behind with me.

No. We're going to climb it together. Tien looked over at Chiaotzu, a small smile slanting his mouth now. We're a team, after all.

A wide, relieved grin. Warmth and relief and hope blossoming in his chest. He jerked his head in a nod, and they set about climbing the tower with renewed determination.

They were going to make it. They were going to best Karin's Tower. They were a team.