Author's Note: Hello everyone! Hope you have all been well! Summer is nearly here and I'm sure that everyone who enjoys the heat is looking forward to it. I for one have my ac set up and am preparing for the worst, I prefer the cold.

Anywho, first I would like to thank all of you for leaving some incredible reviews lately. It's somewhat shocking we have already reached 250 of these and I deeply appreciate every single one. Thank you all for sticking with me throughout this story.

Speaking of stories, I have a new chapter for you all. Though I'll be honest it's not my favorite chapter I've put out. I'm happy we are slowly getting out of the setup I had planned but the pacing with this one isn't where I'd like it to be. Regardless I've been hitting my head against this for too long and I think it's better just to post it and move on. I have more exciting things to share soon.

Again thank you all for reading and I will be back soon with another one of these! Please, enjoy.

"This…is really difficult," Yamcha said aloud which did little to help his current circumstance.

The endless white plain seemed to stretch on forever both in front and behind him. He had been walking for what seemed like days with every step he took feeling heavier than the last. Sweat pooled and poured down his face soaking his eye patch and repeatedly requiring him to wipe his face so he could see at all. Measuring his breathing carefully he continued to move forward until a throb of pain stopped him in his tracks. Falling to one knee he grunted through the experience his vision blurring as he did.

"Again with this? How long since the last one? Can't even remember. Might need to turn back before I pass out," The wolf muttered to himself finding it more comforting to hear his voice than only his thoughts. "Krillin just told us to walk but how long did he mean? How long will we need to do this?"

"Until you're ready."

Yamcha nearly jumped back onto his feet and nearly out of his skin at the sound of someone who was not him. When he regained control of himself, he focused and could see Krillin staring back at him with a light smile.

"Good to see you Yamcha it's been a while, for you at least."

"Krillin! How did you find me?"

"I've spent quite some time in the time chamber, so I know my way around."

"Really?" Yamcha gasped. "It all looks the same to me."

"That may change, with time. Enough pleasantries though I need your assistance."

"Me? Sure, I'll do what I can, it's not more walking is it?"

"Nothing like that. I need you to head back to the entrance and watch over someone for me."

"Watch over? I thought it was just Yajirobi, Tien, and me in here."

"Well as of a few moments ago Chichi has joined you all."

"Chichi?" Yamcha said in shock. "What is she doing here?"

"Resting at the moment but she intends to join the fight and I have given her the means to do so. Or at least an opportunity. I unlocked her potential just as Guru did for you on Namek."

"Y-you can do that?"

"I was uncertain if I could at first, now I am not."

"O-okay," Yamcha stammered before grabbing hold of himself. "I don't have a problem heading back if that's what you need but I'm not sure if this is the best place for a beginner to start training."

"I agree," Krillin said with a nod. "Which is why I need you to take her out of the chamber and start with the basics. I'm counting on you to teach her."

"Me? I'm no teacher!"

"Not yet, but you are the one I turn to when I am the most desperate," Krillin said firmly.

"That's nice of you to say but it doesn't change the fact that I'm no teacher. Why can't you train her?"

"Unfortunately, I am stretched thin as things stand. Being unable to rejoin with my younger self has complicated matters and I must find a work around."

"…I don't know Krillin I mean what if I just make things worse? It's not like Chichi likes me all that much, you saw how she greeted me at Gohan's party."

The older monk said nothing but raised an eyebrow.

"Oh well the other you did; the point is I'm better off concentrating on my own training now anyway. Maybe ask Tien or heck even Goku."

"She should begin training with another human if only she has a clearer idea of what she can do. Also, I fear that Goku would not make the best teacher as he is now."

"Alright, that's fair, so that just leaves Tien right?"

"No Yamcha, it must be you, but you deserve to know the other reason why. Ever since the Cooler fight, you've gotten weaker."

"What? No, I haven't," Yamcha said knowing full well his friend was telling the truth. "Besides I took a senzu just like everyone else did. I'm fully healed."

"The reality is I've been sensing the progress all you have made while you have been here. As things stand both Tien and Yajirobi have overtaken you."

"…even Yajirobi?" Yamcha said with wide eyes.

"You pushed yourself too far against Cooler doing it again may be fatal. However, if you had not, more lives would have been lost and I am forever grateful. Now I need you to rest, recover, and watch over Chichi. Guide her in a way that she eventually can help us in the battle against the androids. In truth, it is teaching that is often the best practice."

The wolf did not respond and instead opted to curl his hands into tight fists. Seeing this the old monk softly. "You are like fire."

"Excuse me?"

"We've known each other for a long time now and it's been something I've been thinking about. The way you fight, how you interact with others, how you even carry yourself. You are like fire. Ferocious, spontaneous, and quick to fade."

"Um, thank you? What does that mean?"

"It means that we need you in this fight Yamcha, and I can't have you burning out too quickly. I know you may feel that you are taking a backseat to the others, but we need to use everything we can. Which includes keeping you at a simmer for now."

"…fine, I can't promise it'll go well but I will give it my best."

"That is all I ask, thank you. I will be heading back toward the entrance, follow my energy to take the quickest route back."

"You'll let her know right?" Yamcha said with a heavy sigh. I mean I don't think she'll take my word that I'll be training her, hell she may even just say no. Someone should tell Goku this is happening too right?"

When he didn't get an immediate answer Yamcha looked up toward Krillin had been standing to see that the old monk had completely vanished without a trace.

"Man, this place made him weird," The wolf said wiping more sweat from his face.

As he did his hand lingered on his eyepatch. There was no pain from his touch but as always that feeling of loss he had known since Namek remained.

"Need to use everything we can huh? Maybe I should talk to her about this." Yamcha said turning toward the direction he sensed Krillin. "Later though, it's been a really long day."

"How…how much further?"

"We're are close, fear not Agent Z you'll be back home soon."

Z exhaled softly as he continued to follow Mr. Popo through the halls of the lookout. His conversation ended with Krillin rather abruptly as the old monk shared that he did not have much time to spare and had to check on the progress of his friends. Shortly Mr. Popo arrived and explained that he would be the one to return him to Earth's surface.

Mr. Popo had explained to him where the lookout was but the agent still had a hard time believing that he was standing on something more the 35,000 kilometers above Earth's surface. That was until the two of them passed by the lookout entrance and Z was offered a clear view of the lookout's center. The wide-open expanse surrounded by a clear blue sky took the agent's breath away and stopped him dead in his tracks.

"Wow," Z said softly his eyes wide behind the dark glasses.

"It is an impressive sight is it not?" Mr. Popo said walking back to the agent stared. "However, please be mindful you do not leave the hall. While indoors the lookout's elevation will not affect you but should you leave you will suffocate rather quickly."

"Noted," Z said quickly. "Though I imagine Krillin and the others do not have that same problem?"

"Correct, they have trained their bodies long enough that they are able to withstand the height."

"Incredible…am I really supposed to believe that some of them are actually human?"

"You can choose to believe whatever you wish but it is the truth. With enough dedication even you could walk through the lookout freely."

"Even me huh? Just need to learn martial arts and practice my punches?"

"Well, it's a little more intense than that."

"I'll take your word for it," Z said before refocusing his attention on something that demanded his attention. "Those trees, I've never trees with blue leaves before."

"Understandable, they are not from Earth at all."

"What are they?"

"They are a reminder of one of the many things we are fighting for."

"Another fight? How many battles are you all fighting?"

"Too many," Mr. Popo said. "And I think you are beginning to see the toll it is taking."

Z cast one last look over the outlook before continuing to follow Mr. Popo. Only to stop once they were approached by two others walking in the opposite direction, both familiar to Z.

"Oh hey, it's you!" Goku said with a sharp nod. "Uh…your name again was…"

"You can call me Z Son Goku," The agent said quickly before you are redirecting his gaze toward the saiyan's companion. "And you, are the demon king."

Nail frowned. "You are the second person to name me incorrectly today. I am not the demon king human and I do not appreciate being accused of that."

"You're not? But you look just like him."

Z's comment got a deep glare from Nail that remained even as Goku spoke up.

"This is Nail he's a namekian from Namek the planet where he and Piccolo is from. You should know though that Piccolo wasn't the demon king either that was his dad who I beat up when I was a kid."

"A kid? That was you?" Z said unable to hide his shock. "Then what the King saw that day was true."

"The King?" Goku said thinking for a moment. "Oh yeah, that dog guy I think I remember him around that time. How is he doing?"

"Stressed and confused like most of the world," Z said bluntly. "Too many secrets are being kept and it is doing more harm than good. Yet in this case, the truth may be much harder to handle for the general public."

"Hmmm," Goku said crossing his arms. "I think I know what you mean but at the end of the day aren't we all fighting for the same thing?"

"You're correct," Z nodded. "Though it's easy to see that not everyone would be able to see it that way."

"Why is this so difficult?" Nail said through a frown. "You humans must be able to understand that sometimes it is better to leave things where they are. Why demand something if all it will do is bring you harm?"

"That's our nature I suppose," Z shrugged. "We usually want what we can't have, and our entitlement might get the better of us sometimes."

"I am aware of that," Nail said sharply.

Z raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. "I know you have your reasons for not sharing everything with the rest of the world and it's making more sense to me. Yet this impasse we find ourselves in is going to explode at some point. I'll talk to the King and let him know you're not here to do us harm, but I strongly suggest that you all realize that there is no use covering this up anymore. If I was able to find you then it's only a matter of time before others do. Better to get ahead of it all."

"Well we do have our hands full at the moment," Goku said with a nod. "But I'm sure we'll find a way to work things out soon. We're trying hard to make sure everyone is happy."

"I hope so," Z said with a sigh. "I really do."

"Come now Agent," Mr. Popo said gesturing further down the hall. "Let's get you home."

"Thank you," The agent said with a nod before holding out his hand to Goku. "It was a pleasure Son Goku thank you again for saving my life."

"Thank you for helping Chichi," Goku said returning the nod with his own and shaking the human's hand.

With that done Z also gave a nod to Nail before walking away with Mr. Popo.

"I do not trust him," Nail said once the two were out of earshot.

"What? Why?"

"It's clear that he has an agenda. It would be better to strike at him now instead of letting him roam free."

"You have to give people a chance to prove themselves Nail. If you just judge them based on your first interaction, then you'll never make friends. Just like the Yardrats you didn't like them at first, but they ended up teaching you a few things too, right?"

"Perhaps," Nail said almost unwillingly. "Yet from what I've seen it's becoming more and more clear that your human friends are not like the rest of their race."

"What do you mean?" Goku started before he noticed two recognizable figures land on the lookout's center. Touching down onto the lookout father and son strode forward with the prince glaring a hole into the back of Trunks's head.

"I said no," The purpled-haired young man said while walking away from Vegeta. "We're not sparing right now."

"I didn't ask you, boy," The prince said his glare growing stronger. "You're so fearful of these androids and yet you refuse to prepare yourself?"

"I'm refusing because I am tired, and this day has been a nightmare."

"Running from your problems solves nothing, boy."

"I'm not running I just need to be alone. Everything that could have gone wrong has and I need time to think it over."

"Humph, this must be a trait you got from your mother."

"You're infuriating," Trunks sighed. "You can say whatever you want but I need to find somewhere to rest. Try bothering someone else for a bit."

Crossing his arms Vegeta watched Trunks walk towards the entrance of the lookout, just as Goku and Nail were making their exit.

"Oh, hey Trunks!" Goku said cheerfully. "How did getting the parts of your time machine go?"

"Exhausting," The young man said passing by without another word.

"Huh hope he's okay," Goku said watching the teen walk away.

"I imagine he has a lot on his mind considering his situation," Nail said with a steadfast gaze. "Even though he should remain focused on the task at hand."

"On that we agree namekian."

Nail turned around as Vegeta walked toward them his trademark smirk making his way as well. "…prince." He said with a nod.

"I've been told you plan on aiding us against these androids."

"Whatever must be done to restore Namek."

"Nail and I just finished up in that Pendulum Room," Goku said with a smile. "Have you tried it yet? It's gotten a look more intense than the last time I used it."

"I made use of it while preparing for Cooler. The room has it's uses but it cannot compare to the sensation of real battle."

"I feel the same," Goku said with a smile. "In that case are you up for a spar now? Been a while since we fought one on one."

"A spar?" Vegeta said considering it for a moment. "Humph fine Kakarot but if you're holding back for any reason then I'll start going for your head instead."

"Fine by me," Goku said hitting his fist into his palm. "I'll find a free room."

The saiyan turned and dashed toward the entrance clearly happy he found another fight so quickly.

"I'm surprised prince," Nail said with some bite. "I don't remember you being so cooperative on Namek."

"My goals have never been clearer to me namekian, and like you I won't let anyone stand in my way. I spent a better part of this day cleaning up your mess namekian and while at first the process seemed pointless, I did discover something rather interesting at your landing site."

"…something you want to tell me?"

"The pod you used to land on Earth is equipped to handle the landing on nearly any planet regardless of the atmosphere. I've used the spacecrafts countless times during my servitude to Frieza and aside from the crater it leaves behind landing is simple enough. Which why I found a substance surrounding your ship so interesting."

"Get to the point saiyan."

"Ash namekian, I found ash and I know from experience that it is the kind that only appears after bodies are subjected to a large amount of energy. You killed a great deal of people upon first landing on Earth. You're more bloodthirsty that I thought."

"I have nothing to hide saiyan," Nail glared. "I was approached by these humans and accused of being something I am not. I gave them the option of leaving and they refused. In the end, they sought to stop me from reaching my goal and I responded to their aggression with my own. It is as simple as that."

"I wonder if the other humans would agree with you. For reasons I do not understand they hide their strength from most of Earth's population. Your actions may have complicated that, perhaps enough to delay the help you are seeking."

"Those people did not know Krillin or Son Goku. They threatened me and I disposed of them as I would any who attacked me. Why would that stop Krillin of Earth from restoring Namek?"

"The politics of this world seem pointless to us, but I've seen it paralyze the other humans here with indecision. They are worried their identities will be known to the rest of the world

"…Krillin of Earth gave his word."

"And I imagine he'll keep it or at least try; the human's promises will drive him to his death but that is not the point. The point is that your actions will distract him from helping you. You say you have nothing to hide? I suggest you hide this."

Nail grew quiet as his eyes narrowed. "What do you want for this saiyan?"

"Your assistance in the future. As I said I have goals to achieve and when that time comes, I suggest you remember this conversation."

Nail said nothing as Vegeta walked by him leaving the namekian in silence and the heavy weight of his own actions.

A series of knocks on his door took the King of Earth out of his head. Pushing aside the papers he had been reviewing he focused on the door in front of his desk.

Strange, not expecting anyone. The old dog thought before speaking. "Come in."

Seeing Z one of his most trusted agents walk through had the King stand out of his chair in surprise.

"I've returned your majesty," Z said with a short bow.

"You're back! Thank heavens!" The King said walking over to pat the man on his sides. "Are you hurt or anything? When did you return?"

"Just now, I um You may not believe me, but I was transported here by a flying carpet."

"I…that is a strange way of starting a conversation so let's start from the beginning you've had a full day I'm sure."

Z nodded and sat in one of the many chairs facing the King's desk. The old dog in turn walked over to his bar and began mixing a quick cocktail.

"You know I don't drink your majesty."

"I'm aware," The King laughed. "This is for me. It has been a trying day."

The King sat, readjusted his glasses, and took a swift swig of his beverage.

"Alright, from the top. Last I heard of you I gave you permission to approach Son Goku's wife, Chichi was it?"

"Correct, and she is quite something. Strong, brave, and also has the ability to fly."

The old dog's eyes grew wide before taking a breath and inhaling another sip of his drink. "Is she like Krillin?"

"No, from what I've seen she doesn't have the same abilities as him or the others. She's as human as me and this lends evidence to fact that these abilities that seem to baffle us so much are things that anyone can achieve."

"Martial arts," The King said slowly. "No matter how many times I hear that it is still difficult to believe."

"I agree. However, more important than Chichi's abilities are what she used them for. She used them to save my life."

"You're talking about the android correct?"

"H-how did you?"

"Bulma Briefs came to visit me not long ago to discuss a few things. She mentioned you were attacked by the androids the young man from the North Mountains warned us about. She is of the opinion that had we offered that information earlier that attack may not have happened."

"…that may be but we cannot look backward in this not now," Z said his voice wavering a little. "The android was ruthless and while its main target appeared to be Chichi it murdered her father in the process. Had she not flown us to safety I believe I also would have been killed in the attack."

"I see, what happened next?"

"We fled but were caught shortly after. That would have been the end of us but we were rescued by Son Goku, Chichi's husband. Then there was a battle I suppose you could call it but, it was more like a natural disaster."

"How so?"

"While Chichi can fly her speed is nothing compared to what Son Goku could do. He…I don't know how to explain it properly."

"Please try."

"I couldn't follow him with my eyes. I couldn't follow him, his speed reduced him to just a blur in my eyes and his strength, just a bunch seemed to shake the very ground we stood on."

"…and the android kept up with him?"

"Yes, somehow. Krillin also appeared at one point to aid Son Goku but I was told he was heavily injured doing so."

"It hurt Krillin as well? To what extent? Is he still alive?"

"Yes…I spoke to him as well afterward."

"You did? Where?"

"…I apologize my words are failing me."

"Do your best son."

"I was brought to a place where they gather and was explained what it was but not exactly where. Though it doesn't matter in the end as we have no possible way of getting there ourselves. Even if we did, we wouldn't be able to remain there."

"What are you-"

"It's called the lookout a floating structure 35 thousand kilometers straight into the sky."

"Thirt-thirty five?" The King stammered before sitting back in his chair. "How do they breathe up there? How did you?"

"There was an area where I stayed for a while that kept me safe but regardless nothing in forces has the capability of reaching there or even finding it."

You're out of your depth your majesty. Bulma's voice ran through the old dog's mind as he listened to Z speak and could only sigh when he finished.

"So is that it? There is nothing more we can do?"

"Speaking frankly your majesty I'm not sure if there is anything else we should do. It may be a hard fact to come to terms with but it may be better to leave Krillin and his allies to their own devices. Their capabilities are beyond anything we can hope to achieve at the moment. Further attempts to learn more than they are willing to share would only serve to bring further division. Perhaps it would be better to just leave them be."

"…that may no longer be an option," The King said slowly leaning forward on his desk. "Bara's dead."

"What? When did this happen?"

"A few hours ago, if it's true. Which I'm beginning to suspect it is."

"How do you know this? Did Bulma Briefs tell you?"

"No, I was contacted afterward. By Dr. Gero."

"Gero? He was here?"

"No, he spoke through a small machine that he was no doubt spying on us. For how long I do not know but it also had the capability to record events and play them back. Which is how I was able to see Bara's death in the North Mountains, at the hand of the demon king."

"I…I don't understand," Z said softly his mind filling with questions. "They did not talk about that at all."

"Of course, they didn't. Yet the fact remains that Bara has yet to report back and while I do not trust Gero, he made an argument that I cannot completely ignore."

"What? You're not planning on just taking that madman at his word are you your majesty? What could he possibly say that would convince you of anything?"

"He pointed out a truth that I have not wanted to admit," The King said slowly. "Krillin and his allies do not care about us. Whatever they plan or whatever they want we are never a factor for them. The general public doesn't seem to have a voice they are willing to listen to. No doubt things would be simpler for them if we remained in the background. Whatever story they are trying to tell we can be ignored, and nothing will change. To them, we do not matter."

"With all due respect, I must disagree with that, your majesty. Without the efforts of these Z-Warriors, as you have named them, we would have all died long ago."

"Perhaps, but to what authority do they answer? What kind of law would hold them accountable for the murder of our general? What could we do to make them listen to us and not be ignored?"

"There must be a middle ground, your majesty," Z pleaded.

"…Bulma Briefs left me with a communicator that is to be used only for emergencies."

"Then we should use that immediately! Surely there is an explanation as to why this has happened to Bara."

If there was, would they have told you? Bara was murdered, but how can we expect them to answer for that when we cannot even reach them through conventional means? Talking with them has achieved little and they have made their stance clear. Stay out of their way. No, we should wait to use this only when we know more. Do you agree?"

"I…I do not know your majesty, but we should not do anything rash. Especially trust a lunatic who killed an innocent"

"Of course not, No we must not risk angering them any further as you said. No, we should sit quietly and do as we are told. Trust that they have the planet's best interest at heart despite their secrets. No, nothing rash, but we must learn more about them."

"To what end your majesty?" Z said his concern growing. "Do you wish to fight them?"

"No, they would kill us if we tried. No, if they do not want to stand by our side then I want a return to the normal we once knew. To do that justice must be done."

"Your majesty, we have known each other for a long time, and I must advise you that is not the course of action you should take. Rest, it has been a long day and we should talk more about this with clearer heads."

"Perhaps, but there is one more thing I'd like to know," The old dog said his voice growing serious. "Is there anything else you were told or found out while you were on this lookout? Anything that could explain how they can wield such power and if there is, anyway, we can also harness it?"

The agent stiffened slightly but refused to show the King the conflict going through his mind as he absorbed the question.

"…no," he said slowly fully understanding what he was doing. "I do not believe I was given any other information."

"I see," The King replied. "Then you are dismissed for now, get some rest and we will return to this topic soon enough."

"Yes, your majesty," Z said with a bow and quickly left the room.

Watching his trusted agent close the door behind him brought out a long sigh from the King. It is as I feared, he's been compromised somehow.

Standing up from out of his chair and bringing his glass of alcohol with him the King walked over to a window and looked out of it, his gaze coasting over the grand view of his home city. With one long drink, the old dog drained his glass in a matter of seconds.

"You are right my friend we have known each other for a very long time. Which means I am aware of when you are lying to me."

He was adrift in the dark again.

The young monk let himself sink down deeper into the depths of his mind feeling the absolute nothingness take hold of him. Touching down onto the bottom of the null space and opening his eyes, Krillin was disappointed to see the same sight that had been plaguing him for hours now.

Nothing.

"Hello?" He called and was saddened to gain no response. "Is going to be the same thing again? Nothing from you? I know you're in here."

The moments passed slowly and it became clear that if the dragon that lay within heard his call they were not interested in responding.

"I don't understand why you won't answer me. We're wasting time here. We need to work together if we intend to help the others when the androids arrive," Krillin said in exasperation. "If they aren't already here."

The unending darkness was his only answer and after minutes more of all-consuming silence the young monk gave up.

Opening his eyes and tearing himself away from the deep recesses of his mind Krillin came face to face with Bubbles the monkey staring at him with just inches separating him.

"Gah!" Krillin cried as he fell onto his back his surprise at the sudden monkey undoing his meditation stance.

"Bubbles!" King Kai shouted from the other side of his car that he was cleaning. "I told you to leave him alone!"

"It's alright King Kai," Krillin said sitting back up and petting the head of the simian. "Think he just wants to play."

"Well, he can at least wait until you're ready," The Kai of the North said walking over and flinging the rag he was using over his shoulder. "Shoo shoo."

Bubbles slapped his butt in the Kai's direction before running off towards the other side of the planet.

"Doesn't matter how much time will pass that monkey will never learn any manners," King Kai sighed before looking at Krillin. "I'll hazard a guess and say you haven't made any progress."

"What gave me away?" Krillin said flicking the one-star dragonball that lay next to him.

"Patience Krillin, don't dwell on your failure focus on your success."

"That's not easy to do," The monk sighed. "I've been at this all day now, and I haven't been able to see any progress I'm not sure what success will look like let alone if I'm doing this correctly."

"Weren't you successful once?" King Kai said to the one-star ball.

"Yeah but that wasn't me, or it was but I really only helped a little and felt the after-effects of the process."

"Still, you helped."

"I suppose, but that feeling I had when forming the first dragonball I can't seem to get ahold of it again. It might just be that I'm not strong enough."

King Kai looked over the young monk as his shoulders slumped. He adjusted his glasses as his antennas moved about in a direction far off into the distance of his planet.

"Hmmm, now might be our best chance." King Kai said to himself before turning toward Krillin. "Come with me Krillin."

"Huh? Where?"

"To someplace we shouldn't be," King Kai said walking over to his car and gesturing toward it.

"You're not going to trick me into washing it by saying it's training are you, King Kai?"

"No! Just come with me."

Opening the door to the vehicle King Kai slid into the driver's seat and stared at Krillin until he got into the passenger seats beside him.

"Buckle up," The Kai said as he adjusted his mirror.

"This is a joke right?"

"Suit yourself."

King Kai buckled his seatbelt and slammed his foot onto the gas. Nearly flying out of his seat Krillin had to steady himself with both hands to remain seated at all. The car flew across the paved road of the tiny planet increasing its speed every time it completed a full rotation around the small sphere. Eventually, the car had gained enough momentum that it was able to launch itself far enough that it broke through the gravitational pull of the planet. With nothing pulling it down the car soared through the orange clouds below and the purple sky above. Krillin watched King Kai expertly drive the car through the air as he buckled his seat belt. "Wow. That was impressive."

"Of course it is!" King Kai said slowing down his speed to a gentle glide. "There's a reason I work so hard to maintain this bad boy."

"Well thank you for the ride I guess but I could have just flown us wherever."

"You said that you didn't want King Yemma to know you're here, right? If you flew he'd sense you and start asking questions. He's away from his desk now so the timing is good for us to move but it's better to be safe than sorry."

"Alright, but where are we going?"

"There's someone who I think you should meet, and they aren't that far," King Kai said with a grin. "So, we're taking advantage of the situation and taking a quick drive to Heaven."

"Heaven!?" Krillin shouted his voice almost cracking from shock.

"Ah, and here we are now."

Looking through the car window Krillin was granted a view of a large planet that took his breath away. A sphere radiating a glow he could see even outside of its orbit took up most of his view. Even from this extreme distance, Krillin could track the scenic green of rolling mountains, the dazzling blue of calming rivers and oceans, and countless numbers of additional colors he had never even seen before. As King Kai's car came in for a soft landing Krillin could only describe the scenery with one word, perfect.

"Yes, yes it's very impressive," King Kai said stepping out of the vehicle and shutting the door behind him. "Now come on we don't have much time."

Wordlessly Krillin followed the Kai as he absorbed as much of the scenery as he could.

This place sort of resembles Earth but there's so much more vigor to it. This glow as well I can see its energy leaking out of it. It's like this planet is fully realized. As if it's alive and breathing.

"Ah, there he is."

King Kai's voice reached and pulled Krillin's eyes toward the top of a small hill where he saw the figure of someone sitting in meditation just as he had earlier.

Who is that? Krillin asked himself as he followed King Kai close behind before they reached the summit. There sitting still with eyes still closed and an aura of deep concentration sat an old man with a plump body physique. His hair had grayed long ago as had his eyebrows and mustache. He wore a traditional martial art gi bearing a white color, with a black collar and the emblem Krillin did not recognize. The old man's outfit was adored by a dark blue belt around his waist, red wristbands, and dark shoes. Above his head floated a halo shimmering with a golden light.

"It is not often I am visited by a being of such power," The old man said opening his eyes. "To whom do I owe the pleasure?"

"Forgive us for disturbing your rest Master but I have brought someone I believe you have a lot in common with," King Kai said pushing Krillin forward.

A moment passed between the two before the young monk felt compelled to bow in front of the man.

"It is nice to meet you my name is Krillin."

"A pleasure Krillin, the old man said with a small bow of his own. "You may call me Mutatio."

"Mu-Mutaito?" Krillin said raising from his bow before his eyes went wide. "Wait, Master Mutatio?"

"Yes, back when I was alive that is how my students address me. Have we met?"

Krillin couldn't answer as his mind began gathering all the stories his master had told of days last past. Days Roshi had spent under the tutelage and guidance of the man who had taught him everything and started him on his journey to become the teacher Krillin knew him as.

"No, you don't know me, but I have spent a lot of time hearing about you."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, you are my master's master," Krillin said with a smile as he kneeled into a sitting position. "And I could really use some advice from someone who also saved the world."