Author's Note: Hello, hello!
Not much to say this time, first thank you for being so patient with the setup before the invasion. I'm just as eager to get this started as you are, but we just have a few more pieces that need to be put in place before we can. At this rate, it should be 2 more chapters, including this one before the invasion.
Thank you for reading and I'll be back in about a month!
Days left: 5
"You want to run that by me again, Wolf?"
Yamcha sighed, rolling his remaining eye, and looked back at Freddy Hein, the head coach of the Taitans. Dressed in his baseball uniform, he had come to the coach's office hoping he could talk his way out of his situation. He had a feeling it wouldn't be as easy as he hoped.
"I said, I won't be able to make the game this week," Yamcha repeated.
"See, that's what I thought you said," Freddy seethed. "I just couldn't believe my ears."
The stocky overweight man slammed both hands onto his desk with enough force that his glasses rattled on his face. Yamcha didn't flinch.
"Do you have any idea how important this game is, Wolf?!"
"Very important?"
"Very important!" Freddy screamed. "The game is just five days away! We win this, and we are shoes in for the World Series! What could be more important than that?!"
The world? Yamcha thought to himself, silently wishing he was anywhere else.
"No, you don't get to leave Wolf! After your little disappearing act, you're still in the doghouse!"
"Well about that," the former bandit said, scratching his ear. "I'm telling you now that I won't be at the game this week because I won't be at the game this week. Sorry, but at least I'm giving you a heads up this time, right?"
Freddy Hein's face shaded itself blood red as he shouted, "I'll be dead in the grave before I accept that excuse!"
Not an excuse, it's just the truth.
"You know what Wolf? You're done."
"Wait what?"
"Don't play dumb," Freddy said, his tone heated with hatred. "You're a flight risk, Wolf, and if I can't rely on you, then you may as well pack it up and pack it in. You'll never play ball in this league again when I'm through with you."
The coach searched Yamcha's face for any kind of emotion, waiting for the begging to begin. It was the age-old tactic of tossing a player aside and letting them realize just how much they needed the game to survive.
"You're… letting me go?"
"That's right," Freddy grinned. "No more money, no more fame, no more contract, you're just a regular nobody again just like when I first found you."
The coach settled back into his chair, his grin growing. "Or you could apologize now, and I might just be willing to"
"Okay, guess that's alright with me."
Yamcha's wild smile cut Freddy off before he could finish.
"Well, coach, I can't say it's been fun or challenging," Yamcha said, his remaining eye glowing with unrestricted joy. "But thanks for the money."
As the Wolf of baseball started leaving the head coach's office, Freddy Hein was on his feet chasing after him.
"N-now hold a second Wolf. You know I was just joking, right? Come on, can't take a joke these days? Did you lose your sense of humor along with your eye?"
"Real funny coach," Yamcha answered, not slowing his stride at all. "No, I've been thinking of moving on for a while now. Baseball just isn't for me."
"What are you talking about, Wolf? You're a born athlete! You can't just walk away from this!"
"I'm not, you fired me."
"Okay, okay, fine, I get it. But we need you at this game! Tell you what, you get double your rate for it. Just don't tell the others on the team and you're golden."
"Sorry, can't do it."
"You're killing me Wolf! Fine, triple, but that's as high as I'm going!"
"Money isn't the issue coach,"
"Then tell what it is, and I'll buy it Wolf! Whatever you need!"
"Can't get into its coach, it's bigger than you."
"Well, it can't be bigger than this team come on now!"
Freddy didn't get an answer.
"FINE! Take the day but you're coming back alright! I've got you under contract! And as long as I do, you'll never be free!"
Yamcha had reached the end of the hallway and was just about to open the door and leave the Taitan's behind. The coach's words stopped him.
"You think a piece of paper can hold me?"
Freddy froze in place. The coldness of the question from his star player held him still.
"Don't… don't play games with me, Wolf!" The coach stammered. "The second you signed that contract, you became Taitan property and I'm not letting you go for anything!"
"… to be honest, I only started baseball because I didn't know what to do with myself. Just kind of let life get away from me while I was waiting for something, I guess."
Turning away from the door, the one-eyed wolf looked at the stocky coach with a soft gaze. Removing his baseball shirt and tossing it to the flabbergasted coach, Yamcha stood tall wearing his gi underneath. The symbol of the turtle proudly displayed on his chest and back.
"Thanks for giving me a chance coach, but I've found something more important to take care of than just myself," Throwing open the exit, Yamcha grinned widely. "I'm playing for another team; better hope we win."
Before Freddy Hein could say another word, Yamcha walked forward and let the stadium doors close behind him.
Gonna have to think of a new way to make some money. The Wolf thought to himself as he stretched out his arms. Things might be tight for a few weeks if we survive at least.
Casually walking away from the giant Taitan stadium, Yamcha quickly rounded the corner and found his hidden spot for taking flight. One he knew would have no onlookers. Flying upward, Yamcha closed his eye and breathed out, leaving behind the stadium and the city below, feeling free.
As the former baseball star lost himself in the clouds back on the ground stood Z.
The agent of the King had been following Yamcha the best he could for days but felt that only now had his patience finally paid off. Looking at the camera in his hands, the man in black allowed himself a small smile.
"Gotcha."
"I'm back," Yamcha called out as he walked into the Pendulum room.
"Welcome home."
The one-eyed man chuckled at Krillin's joke while he joined his leader looking on at Yajirobi and Vegeta who stood still in the middle of the room, eyes closed, head down.
"How did it go?" The monk asked, turning to his friend.
"I got fired," Yamcha shrugged. "Or I was before the coach tried to run it back and hire me again."
"What did you do?"
"I walked out," Yamcha sighed.
"Sorry it came to that."
"Nah, don't be. Baseball was just a way to pay the bills. Not like I was doing it for the exercise. Besides, you know I'm a born fighter."
"Let's hope so," Krillin laughed. "We're going to need your natural talents."
"Nothing less," The Wolf said, bumping the smaller man's shoulder before looking at the pair still training. "How is this going?"
"No success yet, though it is as we thought," Krillin said his light tone growing serious. "Vegeta's growing more powerful with every attempt."
"It's his saiyan biology again?"
"Yes, seems that just the sensation of dying can increase his power. As long as he survives, his body adapts and strengthens itself."
"That's comforting," Yamcha sighed. "How strong is he?"
"He's around your level by now."
"Great, train for a whole year, and the saiyan can catch up in just a few days."
"That's how it's always been," the monk said, making sure the prince's eyes were still closed. "Don't you remember how just a year would pass and Goku would be completely unrecognizable for the World Tournament? We could never keep up."
"Sure, but we didn't have you in charge then, did we?" The one-eyed warrior grinned. "Things are different now."
"Thanks," Krillin chuckled. "We'll join them for the next run once they're done, then we can-"
The small human stopped short as his strength left him. Falling to one knee as held his head, black spots littering his vision.
"Krillin!" Yamcha yelled instantly by his friend's side. "Are you-"
"I'm okay," the monk answered, catching his breath while shaking his head. "Sorry just got a little overwhelmed for a second there."
The former baseball star watched his friend slowly try to get back up onto his feet, only to stumble again. Before he could fall, Yamcha was there to support his leader, setting him upright before he could crumble.
"This is from Kami's training, isn't it?"
"… yeah," Krillin said, his breathing carefully.
"Can I help?"
"Yes," Krillin said, breathing in shallow breaths. "Get… stronger."
"That's what we're doing dammit!" Yamcha growled, his concern for his friend easy to see. "And we would be if you'd just let us use the hyperbolic time chamber! Why are you so against it?!"
"… sorry, but that room… isn't for you."
Yamcha opened his mouth to say more but was cut off by a potent curse from the saiyan prince.
"Dammit all!" Vegeta growled, eyes now open, fists clenched in anger.
"Ugh, that was a bad way to go out," Yajirobi said as he opened his eyes as well.
"You need to move faster than that, fat man! Frieza caught you almost immediately!"
"Yeah, princy I know, I was there," Yajirobi said with a dead tone. "This would be easier if I just had a sword. Or backup at least."
"You'll get it soon enough," Krillin said, standing tall and masking any sign of previous weakness. "We can win if we fight as a team, but it's just as important that we get used to battling alone. In case things take a turn for the worst."
"Win as a team?" Vegeta asked with an eyebrow raised. "We still haven't been able to win against Frieza at all. You expect more of you humans will tip the scales?"
Krillin was about to reply when his senses grabbed hold of something, which turned his response into a smile. "You must have forgotten who that human is, Vegeta," The monk ginned.
"What are you-"
The prince stopped himself as his own senses flared out a warning. Someone had just arrived on the lookout. Someone powerful.
"There he is now," Krillin nodded. "King Kai said he'd be getting here today."
He was sitting on the edge of the lookout, legs crossed, eyes closed, allowing himself to bring in Earth's air for the first time in over a year. It brought the man some comfort. As it did, he scanned the area and easily found his companions.
That should be Yamcha arriving first, then Yajirobi, and then Krillin. They've gotten stronger but, something feels off about Krillin. There should be more to him by now. Has he not been training as much as the others? He furrowed his brow as he stood up and turned toward the entrance to the lookout. I'll save those questions for later when Vegeta isn't with them.
Before long, they filed out, walking onto the center of the lookout where the ajisa trees swayed in the wind. There he stood; the past year seemingly unaffected him physically. Yet everyone could sense the drastic change in his energy. He had grown far more powerful, yes, but he sent out an air of comfort, of muted grief.
Clasping a fist in one hand and bowing deeply, Tien rose back to his full height with a soft smile adorning his face. "It has been some time, my friends." The three-eyed man said as he was quickly embraced by the other humans.
"Sometime he says!" Yamcha grinned, bringing his teammate into a firm headlock. "You kept us waiting a year, Tien!"
"My apologies," Tien laughed, allowing the headlock to continue a little longer than he would have liked.
"How's the old Kai doing?" Yajirobi asked with a friendly fist bump once Tien was free.
"He's extremely unfunny."
"So, the same."
The three-eyed warrior chuckled before locking eyes with Krillin while offering another deep bow.
"I've returned."
"Welcome home," the monk grinned, happy to see his friend in one piece.
Answering with a nod, the respect in Tien's eyes faded as he turned to look at the prince, his tone shifting from light-hearted to stern. "Vegeta."
"Human," the prince scoffed. "Seems you've gotten stronger."
"I used my time well, which will be needed now more than ever. I come with a message from King Kai, regarding the invasion."
"What is it?" Krillin asked the concern in his voice easy to hear.
"Cold and his army won't be attacking Earth alone. They've been joined by Cooler, Frieza's older brother."
"Cooler?!" Vegeta snapped. "Are you certain?"
"Yes," Tien nodded. "The attack will still happen five days from now, but you should know that Cooler is just as powerful as Frieza was."
"Ugh, how big is this family?" Yamcha cursed, his hands squeezing into tight fists.
"Cooler is the last, King Kai is certain," Tien said calmly. "However, this will make the fight that much harder."
"Are you prepared?" The monk asked, looking at Tien expectantly.
"Yes. I've improved the technique, so it won't be as dangerous to use. I've also prepared one more now that we will face two members of Frieza's family."
"What are you talking about?" The prince snapped. "What technique?"
"One, you should be very familiar with Vegeta," Krillin said with confidence. "The Evil Containment Wave."
"What? That blasted-"
"The what wave?" Yajirobi said, clearly confused.
"It's that move Master Roshi's master used to seal away King Piccolo," Yamcha said, lightly bonking the wide warrior on the head. "Krillin already talked about this knucklehead, it's part of the plan."
"Did he? Probably wasn't listening." The samurai mumbled rubbing his head.
"It's also extremely dangerous to use," Krillin added. "I've been in contact with King Kai discussing our options, but are you sure you'll be fine attempting the wave twice if we have to?"
"I am," Tien answered. "My training went well."
"… alright, better that we know now, at least," Krillin said after a quick pause. "Vegeta what do you know about this Cooler?"
"Very little," the prince scowled. "Unlike Frieza and his father, he seemed to hold a little interest in conquering or expanding the empire. He kept to himself, ignoring Cold's orders to rule, and struck out on his own. Compared to Frieza or Cold, he barely has any soldiers under his control. Why Cold would ask him to join him or why he would accept the command now is beyond me."
"So that's two insane aliens out to kill all of us now?" Yajirobi groaned.
"Seems so, but the plan hasn't changed," the monk said slowly, looking at the group. "We're going to win."
The other humans seem to straighten themselves and despite himself, Vegeta felt drawn into the conversation.
"Yamcha, you'll help the others in the Pendulum Room for now. See how things go with the three of you. Tien and I will join you soon."
"Got it," The Wolf nodded.
"We're not going to train?" The three-eyed warrior asked.
"We will, but there's somewhere we need to go first."
Gesturing for Tien to follow, Krillin walked off the lookout and flew away. A little uncertain, but still trusting, Tien tracked the monk and followed without question. The pair had been flying uninterrupted for five minutes before Tien felt his patience run out.
"Krillin."
"Yeah?"
"May I ask you about your training?"
"You're wondering why I'm not as strong as the others, aren't you?"
"How did-"
"Piccolo asked me the same thing," the monk said with a light chuckle. "Though he wasn't as polite about it as you."
"Glad to hear he has changed little."
"Actually," Krillin smiled. "I think he has."
Tien looked at the monk with some surprise but waited for him to continue.
"After Shenron brought back you, Bulma, and the citizens of East City, he could not sustain himself and passed away. With Namek gone, there isn't any way for Earth to have dragonballs we can use, but we need them, especially with Cold and this Cooler on the way."
"Alright, but what does it have to do with your training?"
"I'm training as we speak. Even now, just flying with you, there's a part of me training so I can summon Earth's new dragon and become the next guardian," Krillin nodded. "Half of me is here, and the other half is back on the lookout… that half can't leave."
"… you… split yourself?"
"Yes."
"For how long, Krillin? How long have you been doing this?"
"… A little more than a year now."
"That technique isn't used supposed to be used for that long."
"I know, but I wanted to remain on the lookout and still be able to freely move around."
"Why? So you could train in different ways?"
"Yes, but," Krillin paused before looking at Tien. "I didn't want to leave you guys."
Before the three-eyed warrior could respond, the monk pointed towards the ground. "We're landing there."
Krillin dived and Tien followed wordlessly. They came upon the cliff's edge hanging far enough away from East City that it would go unnoticed, but close enough you could have a clear view of the rebuilt metropolis in the distance. Krillin was a little worried that it had been discovered, but as he and Tien approached the sight, he was glad to see his fears were unfounded.
"We wanted to make sure he had a good view of the city he helped save; only fair, he should be able to enjoy that."
Krillin turned back to Tien, who had stopped short once he realized where his friend had led him to.
"You okay?"
"… yes, yes. I'm ready now."
"I can give you some space."
"No. Thank you, but it's alright."
Tien walked forward toward the edge of the cliff. There, huddled under a bright blue tree, rested a small tombstone with a familiar hat nestled next to it. Walking up to the stone, Tien knelt and read aloud the inscription.
Dedicated to our friend.
The strongest in the universe.
"It's a title he's earned," Krillin said softly.
"Yes, I couldn't agree more," Tien nodded before focusing on the small gravesite in front of him. Placing two hands in front of him while resting on his knees, Tien slowly bowed until his head hit the grass. He stayed there and let the moments tick by before rising back up and speaking softly.
"I… I spent a long time wishing things had gone differently. You were the reason I fought. Both here on Earth and Namek and now… not a day goes by where I don't miss you."
Krillin watched Tien's body start to shake, but did not interrupt.
"There are… so many regrets, but I now know the best way to honor you is to live well. To not take what you have given me, given us, for granted."
Tien closed all of his eyes and let a single tear roll down his third, exhaling softly as it dripped off of his chin.
"You were strongest of us, and I'll make you proud."
The warrior rose back to his feet and turned to the monk. "Thank you for bringing me here."
"Of course. Are you ready to go back to the lookout?"
"Not yet, there is one more person I need to see."
Launch stretched out at her chair, letting a yawn escape as her blond hair hung low from her head. Great, I'm not the one who should be yawning though. Looking at the door she was posted aside, Launch narrowed her eyes and tried to strain her ears. Haven't heard anything in a bit, so maybe she's actually out this time.
Standing up out of the chair, Launch opened the door to Bulma Brief's room and let out an audible sigh when she saw the blue-haired genius at her desk, working again.
"You're supposed to be resting boss."
"I know, but there's too much to think about. Couldn't do it," Bulma replied without looking in her bodyguard's direction.
"Have a feeling you didn't try, as usual," Launch said, rubbing her head in annoyance. "Look, you hired me to help you feel safe, but it's hard when you're the one doing the most damage to yourself."
"There's too much to do, Launch."
"That's been the case since you got back from Namek." Launch said, clearly exasperated. "The guys are going to need you sharp in a couple of days and if you're falling asleep when-"
Launch's wristwatch buzzed, which brought out a low growl from the former criminal. Bringing up the watch close to her face, she pressed some buttons on its side.
"What?"
"Ah, um, sorry Miss Launch, this is Julie from the front desk at capsul-"
"Yeah, I know. What is it?" Launch snapped. "I'm busy with the boss."
"Sorry, I am sorry, Miss Launch, but there is someone here to see you now."
"It's probably just some loser who wants an interview with one of the Briefs. Turn them away."
"Ah, yes, the thing is they asked specifically for you by name."
"Me? Ugh, fine. I'm coming down. Tell them I'm bringing my gun, so this better not be a waste of time."
Launch shut off her watch and returned to her glare at the back of Bulma's head.
"I'll be back in a sec and when I am, I better find you in that bed. Got it?"
Bulma waved but did not lose her focus on the work in front of her. Launch left and let the door close behind her, stewing in quiet anger as she took the regular elevator down to the front of the capsule corporation. Stomping her way through the halls of the most advanced technological company on the planet, Launch arrived already angry.
"Alright, what's so damn important that-"
Launch's fury faded when she saw him sitting down among the chairs offered for appointments. He had all three eyes closed as if he was meditating, his posture relaxed, and his face shared an unspoken serenity to it. He seemed far more at peace now than when she last saw him, the day he left for Namek.
"So sorry Miss Launch," Julie the receptionist said, nearly tripping over her own words. "B-but this gentleman called for you by name a-and you said to contact you if anyone d-did that. The gen-gentleman said his name was-"
"Tien."
The sound of his name from the blond woman roused the three-eyed warrior. The two locked eyes and Tien quickly got to his feet and gave a small bow.
"It has been some ti-"
Tien was cut off as Launch marched up, grabbed him by the wrist, and yanked him away from the front and a very confused receptionist.
"Idiot, idiot," Launch cursed as she dragged the martial artist through the halls of the capsule corporation and past some surprised onlookers. Rounding the hall that was empty at the moment, Launch lifted her watch at the wall and waited for the secret elevator to slide open.
"Get in idiot," the former criminal said, nearly shoving Tien inside, taking another look to make sure no one was following them. As soon as the elevator closed behind them and pressed the button to the top floor, Launch was in the warrior's face, jabbing at his chest with a pointed finger.
"What's the matter with you?! You guys are supposed to come in through the top, so nobody sees you!"
"Oh, ah, my apologies. I didn't know," Tien said, a little off guard. "I returned to Earth just a little earlier."
"Oh, that's nice. Did Krillin just forget to get you up to speed?" Launch seethed, still angry. "We are trying to remain out of sight, idiot!"
"My apologies. Perhaps Krillin was telling me something along those lines, but I sensed you and went on ahead. He might not have been able to keep up. Was a little surprised to sense you here at capsule corp and the woman behind the desk knew you by name? What is going on?"
"I work here now you lug! Make sure the Briefs are safe from any more aliens! Maybe take a second to use your sense to get a sense before you fly off and-"
Letting her brain catch up with the rest of her launch realized two things. One Tien was smiling at her with a soft look in his eyes and the other was just how close she was to him at the moment.
"Just," the blond woman said, taking a step back. "What are you even doing here? You should be with the rest of the guys' training, right?"
"Yes, I've met with them, and I'll be returning to the lookout soon but as Julie stated, I'm here to see you."
"Sure, you are," Launch said, wishing Bulma had designed the elevator with more room. "Why? You going to tell me I don't matter again?"
"That… No. I'm not," Tien said, dropping his head in shame. "That was very unkind of me to say, and I'm here to apologize for my behavior."
"O-oh," the bodyguard said, a little surprised. "Well yeah, I mean I know you were grieving but it still hurt to hear what you think of me."
"Yes, I know," Tien said, his head still hanging low. "At the time, I had lost faith in both myself and Krillin. I believed the only way forward for me was alone, but I was wrong."
Rising to look at Launch again, the warrior's face matched his grim demeanor.
"After I lost… after Namek, I reflected on what lies in store for me next. Beyond this fight, and I've realized that there are still people who are important to me, who I'd like to keep in my life."
Tien's face calmed as he relaxed once more, feeling that same peace he had achieved after a year away.
"And no matter what I said before, you are one of those people, Launch. So, please forgive me. I'd like to start again."
As Tien bowed once more, Launch paused, scanning him, trying to gauge the man's sincerity.
"Ugh, Bulma told me that Yamcha apologized for being a two-timer right before you all went to fight Vegeta and that other saiyan. What's with you guys deciding that is the best time to say sorry is right before a fight?"
"Hard to be mad at someone when the world might end."
"Guess that's true," Launch snorted. "Alright, get up, you lug. I forgive you but say something like that again and I'll do more than just a punch."
The bodyguard tapped the gun on her hostler and grinned.
"You'd shoot me?" Tien chuckled while rising out of his bow.
"Yeah, and it'd hurt too. Boss's design made sure it would."
"Boss?"
"Bulma."
"Ah, well I'll keep that in mind," the three-eyed smiled. "Perhaps I'll choose my words carefully when I apologize again while your hair is blue."
"Huh? Why are you going to do that?"
"I was under the impression when you sneeze you change personalities and aren't unaware of what you'd been doing."
"Oh yeah, naw the boss took care of that," Launch said, holding up her watch. "We can record what the other does during their day, so if one of us sneezes, we can just watch the recording and get all caught up."
"Wow, that was nice of her."
"Yeah, boss has been good to me."
"Well, regardless, I'll still go through with it. Feel that it's right that both sides of you understand that I was in the wrong."
"Seriously? You're going to apologize again? You like saying sorry that much?"
"Not particularly, but this way I'll get to see you once more, which would be nice."
Launch stiffened and felt heat run through her cheeks but shook her head as if she was uncomfortable. A loud ding announced the two had arrived on the top floor of the capsule corp, Bulma's private lab hidden away from the rest of the corporation.
"Alright, this here is where the boss does most of her work for you guys. We'll be meeting here one more time before the fight so she can give you all something you'll need."
"Oh, what is it?"
"Not sure, she doesn't keep me in the loop with every detail, but she said it was important, so don't be late, okay? Now go out that door and you'll be in a hallway, halfway down and you'll find a hole in the ceiling. You can't miss it. Fly through that when you're coming and going from now on. No more showing up at the front."
"Understood."
"Now get out of here and train your butt off with the rest of the guys, got it?"
"Nothing less," Tien nodded and began walking toward the door. He had made it only a few steps before Launch's voice caused him to turn away.
"Hey, don't die, okay?"
The warrior paused and looked over at the blond woman, who was hiding her eyes and rubbing her shoulder with unease.
"If I hear from the others that you sacrificed yourself or did something stupid again, I'll-" Launch shook her head and snarled. "Just don't die okay!"
Tien blinked with all three eyes and smiled softly. "Heh, I won't. The only thing that can kill me is that gun you've got. So, my life is actually in your hands."
Launch stiffened again but recognized the joke for what it was and laughed. "You got that right!"
"…. Ah, yes, perhaps I should tell you now."
"Huh, what is it?"
"I like your laugh."
"W… what?"
"Your laugh, I've wanted to tell you. Blond hair or blue, I like it."
The heat Launch felt in her cheeks returned with greater intensity, her entire face nearly glowing red.
"Also, Frieza has a brother that has joined the invasion. I've been told he's just as strong as Frieza. Krillin is confident we'll take care of it, but you should tell Bulma when you can."
With one last bow, Tien turned, opened the door, and walked out. Leaving Launch alone and speechless, it wasn't until she heard the three-eyed warrior leave did she find her voice again.
"What… WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?"
First Sergeant Soi felt the sweat drip down the back of his uniform; his nerves getting the better of him, but his face never let it show.
Calm down, Soi. The young soldier told himself. It's just a meeting with the King no big deal. Despite his encouragement, the soldier's leg wouldn't stop shaking as he sat just outside the King's chamber, waiting to be called inside. It'll be fine, you have done nothing wrong. Maybe it's a promotion? Yeah, that's probably it, a promotion. You've been working hard, and it's about time you were-
"Sergeant Soi."
The soldier shot up out of his seat and saluted before he knew who had said his name. To his shock, he was face to face with the most decorated general in the King's Army.
"G-general Bara? What are you-"
"Questions later, Soi," the general said swiftly, her many awards littered across her uniform swinging as she turned. "The King will see you now."
The General turned back into the chamber, leaving the door open for the sergeant. I'm getting fired, aren't I? Soi thought to himself as he walked inside. The King was seated at his desk as Soi walked up towards the center of the chamber, only glancing at General Bara as she stood by the dog's side.
Face to face with the King had the soldier sweating more than usual but kept his face straight, his salute crisp, and his voice steady.
"First Sergeant Soi reporting as summoned, your majesty."
"Well met lad," said the King. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
"It's an honor, your majesty," Soi said, keeping his salute.
"Do you know why you have been called here today, soldier?"
"No sir, but whatever the reason, I'm prepared for it."
"Good lad," King smiled before looking over at the general. "You believe he is up to the task?"
"Soi is one of our finest, your majesty," Bara answered without hesitation. "He has my full support and confidence that he'll be able to pull this off."
"Very well," King nodded as his tone grew serious. "At ease, soldier, what you are about to hear does not leave this room. Understood?"
"Of course, your majesty," Soi said, dropping his salute and standing at full attention.
"… in five days, there will be a second invasion."
Soi's blood ran cold as the color drained from his face. A thousand questions came to him at that moment, but he did not ask any of them. He was a professional after all.
"You may speak freely Sergeant."
"Will there be a deployment, your majesty? Are we going to war with these invaders?"
"We are," The King sighed. "But our weapons will be useless in this battle. So, we won't be the ones fighting."
"Then… who?"
"The one who saved us last time, the same hero who brought about the miracle."
"The hero?" Soi said slowly. "Then it's true, you know their identity."
"Yes, only I have interacted with him at length, and very few here even know what he looks like. I hope that gives you an idea of how serious this is, soldier."
"Y-yes."
"Good man, now he has reassured me he will win this fight, so there is little we can do but trust him there. The battle will occur in the North Mountains where it will hopefully be isolated enough that no one will be harmed."
"If that's the case, then with respect, your majesty, why am I here?"
The King sighed, "The hero has saved us twice now, both from invaders that threatened our world and from the grief of losing a city. Yet how he has accomplished these tasks is still a mystery even to me."
"You don't know how?"
"I do not. In truth, he has told me he is as human as you, yet after the miracle. I have my doubts. What's more, is that I have been told there is a possibility that the hero is working with those that have threatened life on Earth in the past."
"What? Can that be true?"
"… tell me, soldier," King said slowly. "What do you know about the attack on the palace by King Piccolo?"
"Not very much, your majesty," Soi said with a bowed head. "From what I understand, he was a monster who slaughtered your guards, nearly killed you, and took control of the news feed to threaten the entire world."
"That is correct. Do you know how he was defeated?"
"I was taught that it was your army, sir."
"That is a lie. One I knowingly spread to cover up the truth."
"What? Then how was-"
"Someone connected with the hero stepped in and used a similar power to kill the demon. Or that is what I have believed for years. However… a trusted source has told me that there is a chance that not only is King Piccolo still alive but he is connected with the hero."
"That can't be true! Why would he?"
"That is precisely what we would like to know and why you are here, sergeant," King said calmly. "My best agent is currently following the leads he has uncovered, but he cannot be everywhere. We want you and a small team there in the North Mountains in five days to see exactly what is going on."
"Your mission is to observe and report Soi," General Bara said, stepping forward. "You'll be outfitted with long-range cameras and binoculars. We don't want you risking your lives out there. Your primary focus is to gain an understanding of the power the hero wields, as well as his relationship with King Piccolo if there is one at all. In addition, record what you can of the invaders and get a sense of what is effective against them. Should the hero fail, your report will be critical."
"Understood."
"Good, you'll receive more instructions and a description of both the hero and King Piccolo as we get closer to invasion day. Any questions, soldier?"
"Just one general," Soi said as he looked toward the King. "… the hero, what are they like?"
"Pardon?" King said with surprise.
"My apologies, your majesty it's just, I'm really curious. I was to be part of the troops deployed during the first invasion; you see. But when we got your order to pull back and only later when you told the world that we had been saved by this hero, well, it just seems so unbelievable. I… I can only imagine what kind of person they are."
"That's perfectly natural, my boy," King said with a laugh. "You'll get a full report soon enough, but if you want my opinion, then I would have to say that he's… He's driven."
"Driven?"
"Yes, there's something that he holds that pushes him further than anyone else I know. Yet if that drive is to be used for the benefit of Earth or his own gain...I wish to believe in him, but I am uncertain."
"Can I ask his name?"
The old dog paused for a long time, his eyes closed shut. There was a part of him that wanted to avoid this that felt like he was betraying the trust given to him. Despite all he had done for them, it wasn't enough to make Earth feel safe and above all else, that was the most important.
"It's Krillin." The King said softly. "His name is Krillin."