Three Weeks Later…

Magic always had costs. A wise man once said that, his bloody awful poetry be damned.

But it wasn't just magic… everything had a cost. Power had a cost. Skill too. The idea of the prodigy that one day discovered they were amazing at something was a lie. Yes, at times there were people that had a hidden talent but the smart ones, the ones that did all they could to go and evolve? They worked so very hard to take that hidden talent and master it. They weren't happy with finding a diamond in the rough; they had it cut and polished until it sparkled and gleamed. The same was true of everything. A singer strengthened their voice. A writer wrote and wrote until they had so honed their skill that the words flowed from their mind to their fingertips to the page. A sports legend practiced so that everything became second nature.

Goku didn't roll out of bed and march instantly into a fight. He trained. A lot. It was something that a lot of people missed when they heard him talk about training. He did it not merely because training was fun for him but because he wanted to push himself to get better.

Use it or lose it.

Fortune Teller Baba had told me I had a natural talent for magic. The Scroll had stated I could become something… powerful.

So, whenever I could, I practiced my magic.

'Sun is shining in the sky… there ain't a cloud in sight!'

I murmured as my alarm began to sound and reached out my hand, focusing on my glasses, feeling the energy well in my hand as I attempted the summoning spell I had been working on for the last week. It was apparently one of the most basic spells that a mage could learn and Baba had told me that before I could learn anything else I HAD to learn that.

Baba, in her own coarse and insulting way, had helped me understand exactly what my magic felt like. Everyone was different when it came to their magic but there was a basic sensation that tended to be the same for all that practiced magic. While it would be a while yet before I was able to determine just what my specialty was I knew that I had magic in me and that drawing it forth was like holding a rumbling hose in my hand. The shake. The tremble. Even as my hand remained steady it was there. I just needed to-

I heard a crack and I just had enough time to yelp before the large beautiful bay window that overlooked the jungle shattered into a million pieces as it hurtled towards me, forcing me to throw the blankets over my head to protect myself as the jagged little shards slammed into me. They rained down upon the covers, cutting into them but thankfully leaving me unharmed.

'It's stopped rainin' everybody's in the play and don't you know? It's a beautiful new day, hey hey!'

There was a pounding of feet and I poked my head out just in time to see Tien burst in, looking about wildly before he narrowed his eyes.

"Again?" he asked, breath coming out in a cloud thanks to how cold I kept my room.

"I am going to figure this fucking out," I muttered as I carefully folded the blankets so that I didn't spill more glass on the floor, reaching over to turn off the alarm. Already several little cleaning robots were emerging from their hiding spots in the walls, sucking up glass and making a path for me while others zoomed out to measure the window frame so I could get ANOTHER one made.

"Why is it so cold in here?" Tien complained, rubbing his arms.

"I sleep better with heavy blankets," I commented, rolling out of bed and removing the heavy pajama shirt I was wearing. I had learned that most of the Z Fighters had no problem with nudity (you go to the bathroom late one night only to find Goku naked eating some ham in the hallway and you get over any feelings of modesty real quick… especially when his reaction is to ask you if you want some) so I didn't think twice as I slipped out of the thick pajama bottoms and set about getting dressed even with Tien just standing there. He too didn't say a word as I set about getting dressed while the robots continued to clean up my mess. "You're up late. Usually you are already mid-way through your run at this point." Of course for all of us 'up late' meant waking up when the sun was just beginning to rise. Bulma was the only one that slept in past 7 and I was usually up by 6. Goku though was always out and about by 4 am, wanting to do several laps around the island before the day really began. Even Gohan was an early riser, eager to get as much training in as he could before Chichi got him back to his studies.

"Chiaotzu and I are doing some night time training," Tien stated simply and I didn't push; while Krillin was the one that really didn't trust me Tien was still a bit standoffish to me. Not rude but not going out of his way to be overly friendly. I pulled on a pair of thin gray slacks that were more like silk lounge pants than my normal jeans but I'd found that the island could get rather hot during the day so it was nice to have something that breathed. A white T-Shirt was next before I held out my hand and focused on my socks… which wiggled and squirmed liked snakes but didn't fly to my palm like I wanted. "At least you didn't destroy anything."

"Getting them to move was a win, honestly," I admitted as I finally gave up and grabbed the socks, sticking them in my pocket to put on later. "Baba claims its good that its either all or nothing with me… means that I have the magic I just need to learn to master the finer points." We stepped out of my bedroom and instantly I felt the heat of the research center even though I knew Bulma ran the air conditioning all the time.

"Don't use that during breakfast, will you?" Tien warned. "I want to eat my food not wear it."

"Considering I know what you'd do to me if I attempted that? Yeah, you have nothing to worry about." I flashed him a smile but Tien just rolled his eyes. "Still planning to use the scroll in two weeks?"

"Yeah," Tien said as we made our way to the dining room. "I think Chiaotzu and I are just about where we need to be to begin considering new techniques and styles." He paused. "I hope Krillin is okay."

I wanted to assure him that Krillin would be… but I also knew that it would come off as patronizing if I did. So instead I settled with, "Me too," as we made our way down the stairs. Already we could smell the food the cooking droids had prepared for us… and hear Chichi scolding the machines.

"No, you aren't adding nearly enough pepper to the eggs!" she complained. "And why are you undercooking the bacon!?"

"That would be my fault!" I called out to her. "I like my bacon soft, not crunchy. Besides, that's my turkey bacon… they haven't done the pork bacon yet."

Chichi frowned at that but relented. "Fine… have your ham pretending to be bacon."

"Technically its turkey pretending to be ham pretending to be bacon," I teased as I moved to begin serving myself. We'd ended up all deciding that the best way to handle the meals was to do it buffet style, as that allowed everyone to eat when they wanted to. There was no risk of food going to waste because Goku always went on his run while the rest of us ate and would take over clearing away the tables while the rest of us set about starting our own days. "What do you have planned?" I asked Chichi as I grabbed some Danishes as well as a some fruit.

"Making sure Goku and Piccolo don't kill each other," Chichi stated with a shake of her head. "I swear those two getting along has lead to more near death incidents than when they were enemies."

"Don't let Piccolo hear you say that," Tien commented. "You know how his pride is."

We all grimaced at that little reminder. While he wasn't actively trying to kill us all Piccolo was being dragged kicking and screaming into being part of the group. Any attempts to get him to join in on activities at night were shunned; and it wasn't even anything that extreme. The gang wasn't one to play board games or watch movies… usually it was just sitting around talking or listening to music while everyone did their own thing. But Piccolo refused to be a part of it, going off on his own. Honestly the only one, much to my hidden amusement, that could get him to break out of his shell was Gohan. The little boy was smart about it… careful too… but he still would go up to "Mr. Piccolo" and ask him for help with something or if he could join him. He was getting really good at meditating and Chichi had commented how much more focused Gohan had become ever since he'd started.

"What are all of you doing up so late?" Bulma asked with a yawn, padding into the dining room. She was wearing an oil-stained tank top and cargo paints, her hair down up in a messy bun and grease smeared on her cheek. She snagged a blueberry muffin, ripping off a hunk of it and popping it into her mouth.

"Its morning," Chichi said, her tone a bit frosty.

"It is?" Bulma said, brow furrowing before she looked towards one of the windows and spotted the rising sun. "Oh! I've been up all night! I should get to bed…" she frowned though and rather than heading towards the stairs that led to the bedrooms and instead made her way back down the hallway she had come from. "Though I should check on the laser printer…"

"I swear," Chichi said, shaking her head, "I don't know what she is doing down there but it would be nice if she were actually working like the rest of us were to get ready for Raditz's return."

"Who said she isn't?" I asked, a bit of bite to my words that had Chichi lean back in surprise as I moved to follow after Bulma. 'More to life than punching things… but guess it was too much to expect any of them to remember that.'

"Where are you going?" Tien called out.

"To help out the slacker!" I snapped in annoyance.

"Kayos?" Chichi said, concerned. She hurried over to me, pressing a hand on my shoulder. "What's wrong? What did I say?"

"You guys honestly don't see it?" I asked, turning back to Tien and Chichi, staring them both down. "You really think she's been slacking off for the last few weeks?"

Chichi just stared at me, brow furrowed. "Its Bulma… that's what she does."

Tien nodded. "She isn't much of a fighter so there isn't much she could do when it comes to actually training… but she could be finding something to do."

"Like clean up after the big strong men?" I snapped in annoyance. "I can't fight… should I be running around passing you towels?"

"You're trying to help though," Chichi pointed out with a soft smile. "You are learning magic-"

"And Bulma is helping as well," I argued. "She is killing herself down there trying to find ways to help us. Because more than anyone on this island Yamcha's death hurt her the most. You two have NO idea what she is doing down there."

"Neither do you," Tien pointed out.

"Right," I admitted. "But I have faith in her. You two should as well."

"…you're right," Chichi finally said. "I'm sorry."

"I'm not the one you need to apologize too." I held up my hand. "And you aren't doing it now. She won't even remember it. Go handle your training, both of you. I'm going to get science girl and force her to sleep."

"I mean it, Kayos… I'm sorry."

I let out a sigh. "I know."

Chichi didn't mention that I never said 'I forgive you'.

~MC~MC~MC~

Colate Jungle

"I mean no offense but… are you sure you wish to continue on, sir?" the guide asked while the porters helped the rest of the tour group get their camp packed away. "People do not go much farther normally… this is as much of a taste of the wild as they like."

Krillin smirked at that, grabbing his pith helmet, giving it a flip so that it spun in the air before he caught it with his free hand and pressed it on top of his head. He had his gi tucked away in his pack, having decided to dress in typical explorer gear: light tan shirt and matching shorts, hiking boots, and long white socks. It honestly made him feel like an adventurer for one of the old pulp movies that Roshi swore up and down were far better than 'those dang new fangled films'.

"I'll be fine!" he assured the guide.

The man in question frowned before leaning in closer, whispering in Krillin's ear. "Sir, I must insist you not do this. I know we claim that there are thrills and dangers when you travel with us but it is all fake. The lions we stumbled upon yesterday were my pets Pawpaw and Mira. Pussycats, both of them. None of us were in danger. Same with those falling trees… they weren't even real. Made of papier-mâché.

"The people we bring out here… they want to be able to say they went on an adventure. We give them that. But it isn't real." He gestured at the other members of the group, who were standing about gawking at the trees and pointing at brightly colored birds but otherwise doing nothing to get the camp closed up. Krillin had to admit that if any of them had been left in a city park they would have had trouble surviving, let alone the jungle. The guide gently reached out and squeezed Krillin's hand. "Please sir… the moment you leave the path you will be heading into the real jungle. We will be unable to protect you."

Krillin though merely nodded, taking out 500 Zeni and passing it over to the man for his trouble. He'd brought much of his life savings with him, just in case he needed to pay for supplies, and it physically hurt to pass along even the 500. "I understand… and thank you for getting this far."

"For another 50000 we'll notify your next of kin!" the man called as Krillin adjusted his pack one last time before heading out. "Dumb bastard," the man muttered under his breath before calling out, "Alright everyone, let's get going! Remember to stay on the trail… we already lost one person because they decided to wander off!" That got the rest of the tourists murmuring and talking and the guide shook his head; at the very least the little bald fool wandering off to his death would allow him to milk some more coin out of the rubes.

For Krillin he waited until he was about 20 minutes away from the camp before he allowed himself to lift off the ground, hovering for a moment before zipping straight up above the trees, causing several of the small chittering monkeys that had been in the branches to scatter, screeching and protesting his intrusion.

"Sorry!" he called out, the monkeys just shaking their little fists at him in response. "Rude…" he muttered to himself as he broke through the canopy, looking about. "Alright, so I'm looking for the Temple of the Repentant Miser…" He began to slowly spin in a circle. "So, there has to be something that will let me know where it is. Maybe some clues carved into a rock or some trees that have different flowers the point to-"

He had spun 180 degrees when he saw the large stone temple bursting out of the jungle.

"…huh." He tilted his head as he considered what he was seeing before giving a shrug and moving to land. "Won't look a gift horse in the mouth!"

Krillin walked through the jungle for about 20 minutes, taking in the sights and making sure there weren't any signs that he should head a particular way… underground passage, hidden tunnel, side entrance, that sort of thing. But there was nothing and soon he could see the temple as he drew near.

But… that wasn't the first thing he spotted.

No, what he came upon first was an old one story hut, barely managing to hold itself together, leaning against a massive banana tree. The windows were open but he couldn't see much of the inside due to how dark it was in there. The porch had once been covered but part of the roof had caved in though the damage had been cleaned up and swept away. That was the odd thing… for how run down everything was there was a sense of cleanliness to it. It wasn't dirty. There weren't debris piles lying about. At once someone had put very little care into it and a ton of care.

'And I think I know who that someone is,' Krillin thought to himself as he spotted a wiry man wearing a simple t-shirt and shorts, a crooked straw hat plunked on his head as he lay in a hammock with a few frays spots. "Hello?" he called out.

"Hello," the man said, his voice a raspy thing, like he hadn't had a chance to use it in a while. The man lifted his hat up and looked at him for a moment. "Names Barley."

"I'm Krillin-"

"Don't care unless you have some common sense in your head."

That made Krillin blink. "Uh… and if I do?"

"Then you'll stop here, chat with me for a bit, and not bother heading up the trail to that giant eyesore in the distance."

Krillin frowned at that. "I'm seeking the Temple of the Repentant Miser."

Barley laughed at that. "Everyone who comes by is. Let me let you in on a secret, sonny: all you'll find if you keep heading along that path is a tourist trap."

"Well, I still need to go," Krillin said forcefully.

"Suit yourself!" Barley said with a laugh. "By the time you leave we'll see which of us is richer!"

Krillin scoffed at that and continued along is way, finding that past the old man's shack there was a path that had been well cared for, making the walk far easier. The trees began to thin out and soon he found himself standing not on the hard packed earth but rather smooth tile, looking at the temple in awe. It was ancient, made from great tan stone blocks that had paint applied to the etchings within them so that there was a wild mass of different swirls and arcs. It was at least 10 stories tall, with several great towers and a massive pyramid-like structure that made up the main building. White fountains that depicted whales and fish leaping from the waves and shooting off streams of water were all over.

"Wow…" Krillin whispered as he walked under an archway, twisting about to try and take everything in. "This is… wow!" He smiled to himself as he continued to walk… only to let out an oompf when he collided with someone. "Ow! That was… oh! Oh man!" He looked down to find a thin tall man wearing seafoam colored robes lying at his feet, several books lying scattered about him. "I am so sorry!" Krillin exclaimed, hurrying to help the man up. At once he remembered what life had been like at Orin Temple… and the bullying and punishments he would have received for being so clumsy. "Let me help you-"

"It is more than fine," the monk said, voice calm and serene as Krillin helped him to his feet. "I understand how these things can happen… this place is a lot to take in, isn't it?"

"I'll say," Krillin said. "Honestly when I was told to find this place I thought it would be some abandoned ruins filled with traps."

That caused the monk to laugh, a soft sound that barely lingered on the air. "Oh, I can see that. But my brothers and I work hard to ensure that it is maintained." He gave a low bow. "I am Brother Itat and I welcome you here traveler."

Krillin quickly mimicked Brother Itat's bow. "Thank you for the welcome. I'm glad to at last be here. You see, there is a terrible threat-"

"And you have come to look at our secret texts."

"Yes… yes I have!" Krillin stated, delighted that things were going so well. "If you could just tell me where I can find them."

"But of course," the monk said with a gentle smile. "A guided tour is only 1688 zeni."

"Oh… Oh!" Krillin quickly dug into his wallet and pulled out the bills, passing them over to Brother Itat who counted them out before tucking them into his pocket. "Show me those text!"

"Of course," the monk said before turning towards the entrance. "But in order to understand how the texts came to be… you need to understand the history of this place. You see, while my brothers and I first began caring for this place 15 years ago the grounds are much older. We believe that they were first built in the year 317. But you can see from the fountains that there has been much development-"

Krillin frowned as the man began to tell him about the architecture of the place. 'I want to see those texts… the sooner I can read them over the sooner I can figure out how to use them in order to help against Raditz. I don't have time for this…' He narrowed his eyes a bit. 'Unless… this is some kind of test.' He quickly realized that must have been the answer. 'It is. This is a test they put everyone who wants to see their hidden knowledge! They want you to know about the history of this place so you'll respect what the texts say! Well… I'm ready! Bring it on!'

~MC~MC~MC~

"Was that all because of what happened with Bulma?" Isco asked, joining me as I moved down the stairs to Bulma's work area. "Because I get the sense you might be frustrated about other things, sir."

"…yeah," I admitted, deciding that I didn't feel like lying to Isco… mostly because the robot would call me out for it. "The Bulma thing really bugs me but I wouldn't have snapped if it weren't for…" I help out my hand and wiggled my fingers.

"Your ability to masturbate here?"

"No!" I snapped.

"Are you sure? Because with so many people around I can see it being awkward for you…"

"Doesn't stop Roshi," I groused. "I swear he's gained 10 pounds of muscle mass in his arms already thanks to that tablet." Isco shuddered at that, which was a full frame shake for him that also might have been something being off balanced in his gyros, it was hard to tell. "Its this magic," I muttered. "I get it, Isco, I really get it. Goku had to train for years in order to get where he is. Same with Tien and Chiaotzu and Roshi. Even Chichi. I wasn't going to discover a quick way to suddenly be able to throw spells around." Under my breath I muttered, "I tried."

The Scroll of Knowledge had been no help. I had asked it several times if there was a way I could speed learning how to use magic, trying to find a way to make up the gap in my knowledge and the others' skills only to be told 'practice' was my best move. The gang was being great about it; when they'd learned that I had the potential for magic they'd grown excited and encouraged me. Chichi stated I could learn all sorts of healing and protection spells, Tien and Roshi had both glanced at Fortune Teller Baba and mentioned how they hoped I was a bit more… reliable, and of course Goku had been all about me knowing different ways to fight that would help him get stronger.

Which only made me feel more like a failure that after three weeks I couldn't do a damn thing.

"I should be making SOME progress," I complained. "Baba told me that it was good that I could actually perform the summoning spell-"

"I believe her exact words were, "Well, you are only mostly useless like everyone else on this island"."

"Right," I said dryly. "But I have no control over it. Its all too powerful. Its like trying to drive a car and the gas pedal and brakes are just all or nothing." HIlooked at my hand, imagining the magic that was swirling in my veins to appear so I could yell at it for being a bastard. But nothing happened and I finally let out a frustrated sigh. "So I'm on edge and took it out on the others."

Isco was silent for a moment. "Perhaps one could be both right and wrong in this situation, sir. You did take out your frustrations on the others… but you also stated things that needed to be said. Bulma is hurting and she is trying to distract herself through her work. The others just haven't noticed it because they have grown far too used to her ways and thus believe that this is just Bulma being Bulma. But she needs help… and needs the others to understand that she is trying to find ways to assist. They take advantage of her far too much, sir."

"Wow Isco. You really care about Bulma, don't you?"

"She is the only one that can repair me sir. My motherboard didn't build no fool… you think I am going to trust any of you meatbags to get me up and running? Or give me all the upgrades I want?"

"And there it is," I commented.

"Death lasers, sir. Death lasers."

"Right Isco."

"And arms that can easily crush skulls."

"Right Isco."

"And-"

"I get it," I grumped only to pause. "I'm still listed as 'pet' correct?"

"You are, sir. If you keep it up I might use your for breeding."

"Wonderful," I jested. "Come on, let's check on Bulma."

~MC~MC~MC~

"…and that ends our tour," Brother Itat stated as they arrived back at the entrance archway. "I hope that this has given you a better understanding of all my brothers and I do to maintain the tranquility and beauty of this place."

Krillin sagged with relief. He'd his best to pay attention but… it seemed like every stone and tile in the entire complex had a long backstory that he just HAD to be told about! They'd spent ten minutes looking at a single step because of all the 'interesting' history that it had. 'But it will all be worth it when I get to those texts,' he thought to himself. 'According to the Scroll of Knowledge reading those texts will give me the knowledge I need to be a better fighter. I'm not for sure what I'm going to learn… maybe some kind of new attack or a special ability. Something that will help me become stronger and be able to take out that monster Raditz.' He clenched his hands into fists. 'I just know it… this is going to be it…'

"I thank you for visiting us," Brother Itat said, giving Krillin a bow.

Only to begin walking away.

"UH… Brother Itat?" Krillin called out.

"Yes?" the monk said, turning back around. "Did you wish to take the tour again?"

"No! No!" Krillin exclaimed, waving his hands about wildly. "All toured out!"

"Then what might I do for you?"

"Well… its about the sacred texts you keep here."

"Yes, the sacred text. They are very important. Sought after by many who come here. It is our duty to care for them. It is a very interesting process… we have special brushes for cleaning the spine and Brother Ayday makes an oil that preserves the pages-"

"Actually," Krillin said, cutting him off, "and I mean no offense… but I did come to actually learn the knowledge they hold."

Brother Itat slowly nodded at that. "Ah… of course. You wish to read them."

"Yes, I do!" Krillin said in relief, thrilled that the man was FINALLY getting it!

Brother Itat stared at him for several long moments, clearly considering Krillin and judging him before motioning for him to follow. For a moment Krillin worried that he was being taken on another tour but after a few moments the monk stopped and pointed at another member of their group who was sitting on a bench sewing some fabric under a leafy tree. "You'll need to take to Brother Ickers. He will be able to assist you in your goal."

"Thank you!" Krillin said, remembering to give a quick bow before rushing over to the other monk, who looked up from his work. "Are you Brother Ickers? I was told that I needed to see you about seeing your sacred texts!"

The monk smiled, dipping his head low. "I am Brother Ickers. And you are correct, I am the one you must speak to if you wish to learn the secrets of our temple. No one is allowed to enter the sacred room without my permission." He set aside the cloth he had been stitching.

"That's great!" Krillin said, turning towards the temple. "I really need to-"

But the monk suddenly grabbed him by the shoulder, holding him back. "Oh, you can't just march into our sacred shrine!" the man told him, his tone utterly horrified and scandalized.

"What do you mean?" Krillin asked, confused.

Brother Ickers gestured at Krillin. "The sacred texts are kept in a place of purity and peace. An area where we do not allow any negative energy to potentially corrupt them."

Krillin scratched at his chin upon hearing that. "Well… I guess that makes sense." He thought about his own ki and realized that of anyone that might cause problems for sensitive materials he was the one that needed to be the most careful. "So what do I need to do?"

"We have purifying baths that remove any corruption that might affect the texts." He stood and with a graceful sweep of his hand gestured towards a small bathhouse that Krillin remembered Brother Itat showing him during the tour. "Only by cleansing yourself of the impurities will you be able to balance yourself and thus be able to read the texts without fear of corrupting them."

"Well… okay then." Krillin adjusted his hat. All of that sounded like a bit much but he wasn't the man in charge of the powerful ancient texts. "if that is what I need to do-"

Brother Icker though once more placed a hand on his shoulder, turning Krillin around before holding out his open palm. "That will be 4000 zeni."

Krillin started at that. "4000 zeni?!" It wasn't a ridiculous amount but something he hadn't expected to have to pay for. It was just to wash his body…

"Its only 2200 if you wish to only bathe in there… though I must warn you that if you do not use our special soaps then you can't actually enter the sacred chamber. The bath will leave you empty of both good and bad energy… the soaps will ensure that good energy is placed within your being and that it remains there."

Krillin grumbled but accepted he was going to need to do that, pulling out the bills and handing them to Brother Icker who produced from seemingly nowhere a tiny basket with a bar of soap that was barely bigger than his thumb and some shampoo in a bottle that made a capsule look large. He accepted the two and turned to go only for Brother Icker to catch him once more.

"Unless you wish to enter the chambers naked you will also need our specially purified robes and sandals."

"Purified robes and sandles?!" Krillin exclaimed.

Brother Icker nodded rapidly. "Oh yes, very important. Nature is full of such chaos. The predator stalking and killing the prey. The mother birthing her child. Digital watches. All are strange and wonderful and natural but they are not pure. You can not hope to read from the sacred texts if you are not pure."

"…fine," Krillin muttered.

"Wonderful. I will have Brother Eeses bring you a set." The monk pulled out a small scroll and opened it, looking at the contents carefully.

"Is that a way to determine my purification levels?" Krillin asked.

Brother Icker though shook his head. "Oh no… this is a pricing sheet to determine your bill. Now, a set of robes will cost you 33,500 zeni-"

Krillin went stiff as a board before he collapsed on the ground, twitching.

"-but due to your size we will have to have it tailored to fit so that will be an additional 10,000 zeni. The sandals we should have in your size so those will run you only 3,000 zeni which is a good deal on having purified footwear. Now, if you wish to actually handle the sacred texted that will be 2000 zeni for our special blessed gloves, though if you prefer you can hired one of us to read to you the texts at 2,500 zeni; you truly don't get the benefits of their knowledge if they aren't read to you by one who has studied them-"

Krillin weakly got up and opened his wallet, convinced he could hear the poor thing screaming in agony.