Chapter 4: The Time Chamber
Piccolo sat on the lookout, underneath the night sky, pondering on the past 12 days he trained the Sailor Senshi. The girls were getting more used to their powers without the transformation into their Sailor Forms. Though it truly was too short of a time for mastery, he could at least be confident that even Usagi could float and fly. Usagi was the last girl to fly, as he noted that she was the slowest to learn out of all the girls.
Piccolo also had another fact to consider. Usagi's power was well past the other girls when she was able to channel it properly. This little statement he justified in his mind as he thought of something he had at the lookout. His surprise that he had planned since the cats and him thought about training the Sailor Senshi.
The Namek was thinking about the Room of Spirit and Time. He knew that Dende and Mr. Popo had made improvements to the room. The Namek felt that he could reveal said improvements tomorrow afternoon, since school wasn't done on Saturdays and Sundays. If they could supply it with enough food for two saiyans, then five teenage girls shouldn't be any trouble for them.
Dende approached his fellow Namekian, who looked at him as if he had something to say. The young guardian walked closer, though with his ears there was no need for such an action. Piccolo stayed silent until the kid sat next to him.
"I'm thinking about training the girls in the Room of Spirit and Time. Might help them get stronger and get a much better handle on their powers," Piccolo told his friend.
"Hmm, sounds like a good idea. You sure the senshi can handle the loneliness inside the chamber. I mean you and Gohan going in there might be an even better solution," Dende suggested.
"I don't know about having Gohan in there with Usagi. She might be too much of a distraction for him," Piccolo said.
"You said it yourself. He can get through to her like no one else. Not to knock your effectiveness as a teacher," Dende pointed out.
"Yes, but he needs to train on his own. If he's in the chamber with her and the others, he will be too concerned with their progress to monitor his own," Piccolo replied about his former pupil's selflessness.
"At least think about it Piccolo," Dende suggested.
"I will," Piccolo relented.
The gruff Namek knew that his little friend had a point. His mind mulled over Dende's suggestion, though he insisted mentally that he knew better. Before the next morning comes, Piccolo knew he had a decision to make and to decide before the morning light.
While Piccolo had his conversation with Dende, Gohan was in his room. The teenager was on his computer and on the screen was his girlfriend Usagi. Gohan had a simple black headset while his girlfriend had a pink one on with rabbit ears on the top. The couple were happy to see each other in spite of the fact that it was through Computer Screens for the night.
"Hey Usako, how has it been going with Piccolo?" Gohan asked his girlfriend.
"Gochan! Piccolo is a slave driver!" she exclaimed.
Gohan nervously laughed at Usagi's statement.
"He had us spar. Me and Makoto fought each other and well….I was able to beat her for the first time!" Usagi said, her mood changing from a bad one to a happy one.
"That's good," Gohan replied.
"Especially since every other time, she beat me really good," Usagi replied.
Throughout the last 3 days of training…
The senshi would take turns sparring, two at a time. Usagi and Makoto battled each other, and Usagi was knocked to the ground after around 10 minutes. Makoto helped Usagi to her feet and the two left the space to Rei and Minako. That spar was much closer, and in a stalemate when Piccolo called it off. Ami spared with Makoto next and try as she might, she was beaten in a mere two minutes.
The events continued with changing sparring partners every day. On the third day, Usagi and Makoto squared off. Makoto charged at Usagi, who was able to dodge each strike. Her senses sharpened, the odango haired blonde was able to redirect a punch of hers and attempt a sweep. The much taller brunette leapt over the sweep and landed a kick right into Usagi's block. Though her head was not struck, the force of the kick knocked the girl back several feet and placed her on her butt.
Makoto watched as Usagi came back onto her feet, still ready to fight. The taller girl smirked, knowing that her princess was getting tougher with each passing day. Still, the girl gathered energy into her hands and fired an electrified blast at her blonde opponent. Usagi leapt over the blast and went into the air. Makoto took it as an invitation and flew toward her opponent. The girl threw strike after strike, keeping Usagi on the defensive.
Usagi defended against the onslaught, one or two of the punched grazing her skin. The princess then found an opening and threw a counter punch. Makoto caught the arm and proceeded to take the back and attempt a full nelson. Usagi knew this move as it was used against her before and grabbed her wrists, preventing her opponents grip. The girl then moves the arms back and uses the back of her skull against the bridge of Makoto's nose. The tall brunette grabbed her nose and wiggled it to make sure it wasn't broken, her eyes watering.
The blonde girl then got separation and charged back at her opposition. The two exchanged a flurry of strikes before breaking apart and landing onto the lookout floor. Makoto charged at Usagi, who wound up charging a blast of her own. Thinking she could hit Usagi before her ki was released, the tall brunette came at the odango haired one full speed. Usagi however anticipated this and threw her silver blast as Makoto was a few inches from her. The attack sent Makoto flying into one of the side buildings of the lookout, her body breaking into the stone. Laughing as her body was in pain from the hit, she remained stuck to the wall as Usagi made her way to her friend, alongside Piccolo.
"Well, well Usagi, seems like you are making progress," Piccolo pointed out.
Usagi assisted Makoto from the tower, the latter's body making an imprint into the stone. The brunette was on all fours for a moment before slowly getting to her feet. Makoto smiled at the girl and bowed to her in respect, to which Usagi returned the bow.
"Piccolo was actually somewhat nice that time. I wish he was always nice though," Usagi said, the last sentence in a bit of a huff.
Usagi and Gohan spoke for quite a long time. Well mostly her telling him about the days training and thanking Kami that Dende knows how to heal. The girl and the boy said bye to each other and Gohan shut down the chat program on the PC. The saiyan stretched his arms out and yawned. A knock was heard at the door of the bedroom. Gohan tells the knocker to come in, and it was his mother.
"I believe it's time for bed son," Chichi told her son.
"You're probably right," Gohan replied.
The young teen then changed into his pajamas and went into bed. The boy watched as his little brother jumped into the other bed and the two went to sleep.
The next day
The girls were at the lookout, awaiting instruction from Piccolo. Three people joined the ladies this particular day. Dende stood on Piccolo's right and Popo stood on the tallest Namek's left. The senshi couldn't help but anticipate the green man's instruction. Along with them, around 6 steps to the right side of the senshi, was Gohan. The saiyan took it upon himself to join them at the lookout for Piccolo's surprise.
"Follow Mr. Popo," Piccolo ordered.
The senshi followed the black genie to one of the adjacent buildings, with Gohan and the two Nameks closely behind . At the structure was a large, wooden door that the half saiyan of the group instantly recognized.
'Piccolo is not going to put them in that room is he?' Gohan couldn't help but question mentally.
"Sailor Senshi, this is the room of Spirit and Time. I'm glad to say that Dende and I had made many improvements to the room. It should accompany all five of you, instead of the two that was allowed at the time. It shouldn't be a problem for Piccolo and Gohan to join you in the room as well. One day out here is one year in there. The chamber will test you, so watch out," Popo pointed out.
"Is that your surprise Mr. Piccolo?" Minako asked her teacher.
"Guilty as charged Minako," Piccolo replied with little emotion.
"A dimension with time distortion. Fascinating. It must be studied," Ami said as her inner scientist came out.
"Wish I thought of that," Gohan interjected.
"A years worth of training. I like it," Makoto replied, her fist striking her hand to show her feeling on the matter.
"A good way for us to get used to our power," Rei said in her usual, measured manner.
"Is Gochan going to join us?" Usagi simply asked.
"Hmm….I'm sorry to say that he won't be," Piccolo simply answered.
The girls were shocked, and Usagi looked crestfallen. The reincarnated princess couldn't believe that she would have to spend an entire year without her Gohan. Sadness threatened to come out of her eyes as she couldn't imagine such a thing. Gohan went over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. The boy couldn't help but glare at Piccolo, though he knew the Namek had his reasons for that particular decision. The other girls surrounded their leader and all of them tried their best to curb the shock within Usagi.
"Usako, I'm going to talk to Piccolo," Gohan said.
The girl nodded as tears streamed down her face. The saiyan and the namek stepped away from the group, to where they could not hear them under normal conversation. Gohan looked over at the namekian, not sure if he should outright scream at him or keep his emotions in check. Piccolo noticed the turmoil inside his friend, for he knew not how the girls would fare inside the chamber.
"Gohan, I know part of you doesn't like this," Piccolo said.
"I should be there with her Piccolo," Gohan said earnestly.
"Tsk, you are only going to spend a day without her," Piccolo pointed out.
"Yes, but for her it would be a year!" Gohan growled.
"She must do this, along with the other girls!" Piccolo replied
"I know, and I can help!" Gohan pointed out, matching Piccolo's volume.
"Yes, yes, you can help, and neglect your own training! I will be sure that she is safe!" Piccolo shouted.
"She needs me!" Gohan replied, now glaring at his former mentor.
"Don't you have any faith in her!" a voice shouted to Gohan.
The saiyan looked over to the side and saw two very familiar cats. A white one, sitting there quietly while a purple one was glaring daggers at the half-saiyan. The boy looked over and did not move a muscle toward her. The cat on the other hand walked toward the saiyan with purpose.
"Gohan, I know you love her. You think for one second there are those that don't worry about her as much as you do. Sure, she's scared. But I think that a certain someone has been scared a time or two themselves when faced with such challenges. Tell me Gohan...how did it feel when you first trained with Piccolo," Luna pointed out.
The saiyan dropped his anger at that moment. Reliving the feelings he had as a boy when he woke up and had the namekian standing over him. Gohan couldn't help but reflect on that fear he felt, and him wanting his mother and father. At that time, it was the fact that his father was dead for the first time, and his mother did not know about his whereabouts.
Then it hit him...for the first time in his life, he was standing in the shoes of his mother. All the times she feared for his safety during his young life. It was the same feeling he now was experiencing for his girlfriend. Gohan took a deep breath, for he knew that he must ultimately do as she had done many times before for him. The saiyan looked over at Piccolo with a new understanding of sorts.
'I guess the fear for another's safety extends to most any close relationship. Whether romantic, platonic or parental. I'm sorry Piccolo, I guess I let my emotions get me...again," Gohan said somberly to his friend.
"Gohan, don't worry about it. I will be sure that they all are safe. And that all of them are ready," Piccolo said.
"On one condition...allow me to demonstrate something. A little something you taught me," Gohan said.
"It would be an honor," Piccolo said.
The girls managed to calm Usagi down. The odango haired blonde took a deep breath and managed a smile. She looked over at her protectors, each of them ready for what lied ahead in the Room of Spirit and Time.
"I know all of you are looking forward to this new surprise. I guess that….I just need to be strong….but.." Usagi began to stutter, unable to finish her sentence.
"It's ok Usagi, we will be with you. It's not like it's just you and Piccolo," Ami said.
"Besides, it will make you a lot stronger," Makoto said.
"It will be a challenge, but we will rise up to meet it together," Rei said.
"Usagi, you know what they say. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. I'm sure Gohan will love you more when you come back. After all, he was in that very room years ago," Minako pointed out.
"Everyone...thank you. I will be strong for all of you. And my Gochan," Usagi said with a smile.
At that moment, Piccolo and Gohan came toward the group. The saiyan looked upon his girlfriend, who smiled at the saiyan. The girl walked up to Gohan and wrapped her arms around him. Gohan couldn't help but look into her eyes as the two gave a small peck on the lips to each other.
"I can do it Gochan," Usagi said.
Gohan smiled a bit as he moved her arms from around his neck.
"I know you can. I want to show you and the girls something," Gohan replied.
Gohan stepped out onto an open space on the lookout. The saiyan looked up at the sky and stood still for a moment. Eyes upward, the boy put his hands up to his forehead with one hand covering the other. A spark of yellow energy flashed into his hands as he charged his attack for a few moments.
"Masenko HA!" Gohan shouted before pointing those hands upward away from his forehead and down to chest level. Still aiming upwards, that yellow spark became an energy beam and was fired from his hands. The display wowed the girls as the beam seemed to be pretty powerful coming from Gohan.
"That is your assignment inside the room. You must be able to use that technique," Gohan said.
"Nice display Gohan. Now follow me Sailor Senshi," Piccolo said.
Mr. Popo opened the door and the group went inside. Gohan walked to the door as the girls went inside. The teenage fighter noticed his girlfriend looking back at him as she was on the other side of the door. Gohan smiled as she peered through the still open door. They didn't break their gaze as the genie like figure shut the entryway.
"You can do this Usako," Gohan said to the closed door.
Piccolo and the senshi looked around inside the Room of Spirit and Time. The girls were taken aback by what appeared to be just a giant space of white that seemed to not end. The group took it all in as they looked at the white building they were currently sheltered by, with a towering hourglass on each side of that structure.
"Now Sailor Senshi, listen up. This place does have bathing facilities and I had Dende stock changes of training gi's should I get tired of using my magic to make you clothes. Do not stray far from this building. The farther you go, the heavier your body will feel from the pull of gravity. We will train for an entire year if we must for you to get the hang of your powers. Luna and Artemis are working on new ways for you girls to regain your senshi forms. However, it is my goal to make you as strong as possible. That way, if you get those forms back, you will be much stronger than you would be if this didn't happen. I want you girls to stretch and limber up. Training begins in 15 minutes," Piccolo said in utter importance to the group.
Usagi and the girls stretched their limbs as instructed. The girl who is Sailor Moon couldn't help but think about many things. Her family on the other side, the fact that she was with her friends, and Gohan were some of the thoughts on her mind. One thing is for sure, she knew that she was in for a tough test.
Gohan sat out into the open part of the lookout and decided to meditate. He felt he did a great deal of the physical part of his training throughout the two weeks before the tournament. The saiyan knew that a good meditation session always helped him with his energy. The young man had to do something so that he didn't worry about his girlfriend so much.
Artemis and Luna walked up to the meditating Gohan and they couldn't help but notice an aura around him. The cats walked slowly around the boy, making sure not to startle him in any way. Artemis got a little too close and a small, bio-electric charge struck the cat. The poor feline was knocked back a few feet, which caused concern for his fellow feline. The white cat got up to his feet gingerly before falling to his back.
"I think we shouldn't get close," Artemis said wearily as swirls were around his eyes.
"Silly Artemis," scoffed Luna. Knowing her friend would be ok.
Artemis recovered after a few minutes and walked around the lookout with Luna. The two were wondering if what they were doing was right, letting the girls in that room with Piccolo. Those felines couldn't help but wonder what kind of training the girls were going though.
Meanwhile, while that few minutes passed…
Usagi and crew were on day two, right in the middle of pushups. Sweat was pouring from their heads with the increased gravity in the chamber, though the girls were handling it better than Piccolo expected. The girls went into a shadow boxing exercise, followed by meditation. All the girls had maintained their respective energy balls for an extended period.
"Take a break," Piccolo said.
The girls broke off and grabbed water to drink. Makoto looked over to Usagi, who couldn't help but smile in response to her friend.
"You're handling this better than expected," Makoto pointed out.
"Yeah, I don't think I whined once," Usagi replied.
"It's only the second day. I'm sure that we might see a temper tantrum from you yet," Rei told the two of them.
"Rei! That's not fair!" Usagi shouted.
"See!" Rei said before giggling a little.
Usagi growled a little at the black haired a little.
"I think we all are doing well. I certainly did not believe I could last myself," Ami pointed out.
"Well I think we are doing good. We will be doing that Masenko technique in no time" Minako proclaimed.
The girls gave a cheer to that statement. Despite that mood however, Usagi couldn't help but think of someone. She couldn't help but wonder about her boyfriend, and what he was doing at this moment.
"I wonder what Gochan is doing," Usagi said.
The blonde, odango haired girl's statement caught Makoto's ear and she walked up to her friend. Makoto gave a look to Usagi, which gave away a serious demeanor. Usagi's ears perked up, giving her attention to the girl despite a small feeling of surprise.
"Gohan has faith in you. He knows you can do this. We all have faith in you, Usagi. Besides, if we last a year, we stayed longer than him inside this chamber," Makoto said.
"More than he did….did Piccolo tell you that?" Usagi asked.
"He told us all that this morning, did you pay attention?" Makoto responded.
Usagi laughed nervously. Before anybody could say anything else to the girl, Piccolo called out for the group to return to training. The girls rushed out to meet him for whatever exercise the Namek could dream of to get them used to their newfound power.
A/N: Ok this is the shortest chapter I wrote by far. I couldn't think of anything else to put in here right now. I will probably have a longer chapter next time. Please Read, Review, Follow and Favorite.