Chapter VI: Old Moves and New Tricks

            “Are you sure this is positively necessary?” Boxer asked the Fighter Kai as he continued to perform the odd task.  “I mean, I’m not exactly sure how this is going to help my performance in battle.”

            Boxer was doing a handstand and mentally balancing about ten glasses of water in a pure circular position at about the same level as his airborne feet.  By concentrating very hard mentally, he was making the water lift out of the glasses and then move into the next glass, making sure not to spill a drop on the floor.  Boxer was sweating profusely and all the muscles around his eyes ached.  He was working extremely hard on something that seemed relatively unimportant.

            “Don’t forget, Boxer,” the Fighter Kai told him, “That your mental energies are just as important as your physical energies.  I’m going to show you how this works after you are done with this exercise; I believe that training without seeing the results is just as pointless as not training at all.”

            This caused Boxer to smile.  “I like your philosophy.  Where’d you come up with that?”

            “I’ve been fighting for quite some time now,” he replied.  “Between my own training and my students, I’ve learned a few techniques about how training should be done.”

            Boxer had lost concentration while talking with the Fighter Kai, but quickly resumed it when he saw one of the glasses beginning to falter.  “Keep to your task,” the Fighter Kai told him.  “You will lose your concentration by trying to talk.  Keep that in mind for battle too.”

            Boxer nodded, although it made the blood rush around in his upside-down head; an unpleasant sensation.  He continued repositioning the water, the pain in his muscles becoming unbearable.  He simply ignored it and continued the exercise.

            After what seemed like an eternity, the Fighter Kai grabbed a glass and spoke to Boxer.  “That’s enough,” he said, and took the glasses under his own mental control.  “Here,” he said, offering the glass of water to Boxer, who proceeded to gladly accept it. 

            While he gulped down the glass without breathing, the Fighter Kai threw him a towel, and he caught it with his free hand, wiping away his sweat.  Putting down the empty glass, he took off his undershirt and leaned back against the towel, closing his eyes and still breathing heavily.

            “How do you feel?” the Kai asked him.

            “Like I want to rest for a while,” the young warrior responded.  “I’m just exhausted.”

The Fighter Kai helped him stand up.  “Rest is good, but remember, your primary goal here is to train.”

            Without any warning, the Kai back flipped and quickly launched a flying kick at Boxer, who quickly grabbed the Kai’s foot and threw him down behind him.  The Kai got up and laughed.

            “Good!” he commented.  “You’re exhausted but you won’t let your reflexes go.  Do you understand why mental alertness is so important now?”

            Boxer, who had barely been aware of what just happened, turned behind him and took in what had just happened.  “I… I just threw you down without thinking?”

            The Fighter Kai nodded.  “This is an important part of your training.  Mental acuity will allow you to think while on your feet.  Against a powerful foe, you will not have time to plan out strategy while resting.  You must fight and think at the same time.  When you train it into your system to defend yourself, you can think separately.  Quite possibly, I’ve just taught you a skill that will save your life.  I know it’s saved mine many times.”

            Boxer nodded and turned around, sighing.  A second later, he flipped forward and flew backwards through the Fighter Kai’s legs, standing and preparing an energy attack. 

            “Kamehameha!” he quickly chanted, and fired a beam of light directly into the Fighter Kai.  When the dust cleared, the Fighter Kai had not done so much as blinked.  He merely had one hand out but… Boxer had managed to burn away his glove and see a trickle of blood dripping from his palm.

            The Fighter Kai stared at his bloodied hand and smiled.  “You’re getting better,” he complimented.  “Your training will be complete soon; I sense it.  18 was right; you continually show proficiency in training.” He seemed lost in thought for a second.  “How far can I take you?” he asked, however, he seemed to be asking himself.  “How long will it be before I have nothing else to teach you? What is the source of your power… and why does it allow you to advance so quickly? Am… am I…?” he trailed off and then turned back towards to Boxer, returning his mental focus to the training at hand.

            “I have a gift for you, Boxer,” he continued, resuming their conversation.  “However, before I present it to you, you must do something for me.  Quite simple for one such as you, really.”

            “Sure,” Boxer agreed.  “Anything.  I think I’m up to it.  Besides, I’m sure that this gift will help me save that girl.”

            “Oh yes,” the Fighter Kai said.  “It may not seem like much when I give it to you, but you can’t do without it.  Anyway, I’m sure you want to know how you can get this gift.  So, here’s the task: turn Super Saiyan 2.”

            “Super Saiyan 2?” Boxer asked quizzically.  “That’s what Nappa and Raditz were.  It seemed like they had a lot of advantages; they can adjust their abilities at will, right?”

            The Fighter Kai nodded.  “That’s right,” he confirmed.  “It’s extremely useful, especially when used effectively.  No doubt in the battles yet to come, it will be indispensable.  Just turn Super Saiyan 2 and prove that you are worthy of my gift, and it will be yours.”

            “So, how would I go about turning Super Saiyan 2, then?” Boxer inquired, eager to receive his gift.

            “Well, it’s quite simple really,” the Kai began, but quickly stopped himself as if he were saying something wrong.  “It’s simple, from what I’ve seen,” he picked up nervously and then continued.  “Focus your energies; every fiber of your being.  Anger, determination, and will must come together, along with sheer power.  It’s similar to a transformation to Super Saiyan, but everything must be amplified.  I know it is possible to achieve this level through training alone, but it is a lot easier to become a Super Saiyan 2 when self-preservation is required.  Therefore, I suggest we do battle.  I won’t kill you; I promise.”

            “If that’s the best way,” Boxer nodded, and proceeded to attack the Fighter Kai.

***

            18 side-kicked fluidly towards Garuda, who then ducked and lashed out against Piccolo.  The Namek proceeded to bend over and swipe 18 from the ankles, but she recovered quickly, somersaulting forward and trying to elbow Garuda in the back.  It was a truly artistic, if not taxing display of martial artistry, but even though not a single hit could be landed, the three warriors were getting much stronger; the fact that they could not hit each other while having to mind two other warriors was perfect evidence of that.

            Finally, they decided to call it off for the day.  They had trained hard, but 18 had learned painfully from her last training session that being well-rested was a necessary part of training.  Because of her fatigue, she had been knocked down on the battlefield, and she vowed never to let that happen again.

            Being a woman, she insisted on taking a shower first, concerned with her appearance, even as a warrior.  Piccolo and Garuda headed downstairs after her, and sat down in the recreational area at opposite ends of a circular table.

            “Tell me of yourself, Garuda,” Piccolo finally said, to break the silence between the two devout warriors.  “I know why you are here and where you came from, but what motivates you to fight? Where do you come from? How did you come to be appointed as a guardian?”

            Garuda sat still for a moment and breathed quietly.  “I can answer your questions, although it is not a subject I usually touch on.  Believe it or not, my being guardian is rather a disgrace to my heritage.”

            “I find that hard to believe,” Piccolo refuted.  “To be a guardian is a great honor, especially of the Temple of Shenron.”

            “Yes,” he continued, “Well you and I and most warriors may think so, but my family was not quite so pleased.  I am one of a few beings who is naturally born and lives in the afterlife.  You may remember quite a famous one of our race named Kibito? Well, Kibito was my ancestor, and in my bloodline, the firstborn son is supposed to be the personal guardian to whoever the Supreme Kai is at the time.”

            “I could see why you wouldn’t want to do that,” Piccolo mumbled.  “So keep going, then.”

            “Well,” the guardian continued, “I trained and became extremely strong, as I’m sure you may have guessed, and I was inducted into the Supreme Kai’s service.  However, I quickly found myself to be more of a servant than any kind of guardian.  I couldn’t display any of my talents; it made me feel like a common butler or something.  Maybe it was for my own pride, or maybe it was because I believe I could have made a difference elsewhere, but I basically turned my back on him and let my brother, Kimaru, take over.  Now disowned and disgraced by my family, I was a strong mortal, lost in a realm meant for the dead.  That is, until I found King Yemma.  A guardian at the Temple of Shenron had betrayed him and was using the Dragonballs for his own personal gain.  King Yemma employed me to take out this corrupt guardian and take his place.  Since then, I’ve vigilantly watched over the temple.  That’s pretty much my story.”

            He fell silent again, seeming hurt.  Piccolo turned his head downwards and spoke.  “I’m sorry,” he said.  “I am not without feeling.  I shouldn’t have asked.”

            “No, no,” Garuda consoled.  “It’s not a problem.  I figure I should remind myself of my origins every so often lest I forget them.  I haven’t seen Kimaru in centuries… I assume he must have died a long time ago… when I return home, I would like to find him and see him again.”

            “You don’t think you’d stay here in this dimension?” Piccolo asked him.

            “No,” Garuda said.  “Although I may be inclined to visit often.  I really do like it here, but I know where my home is.”

            “Yes, well,” Piccolo continued, “I’ve spent enough time in Otherworld to know that my true duty lies in this dimension; on Earth specifically.  When the time comes that we must go our separate ways, Garuda, I want you to know that I admire you for what you’ve done and for who you are.  It makes me proud to call you my friend.”

            They stood and smiled at each other.  “Piccolo,” Garuda said, returning the compliment, “When we must part, keep in mind that there is no other warrior in the universe quite like you; your unique talents and abilities will no doubt serve you wherever you go.  It is an honor to be befriended to you.”

            They stood there, feeling a great amount of esteem for the other, until 18 came back in with a towel over her body and a towel over her hair.  “The shower’s free,” she commented, wrinkling her nose.  “I figure one of you should use it ASAP.”

            She then noticed the way they were looking at each other and that they had probably just not heard what she just said.  “Oh, let me guess,” she commented.  “You and Garuda just established some understanding by comparing your heroic deeds and are now locked in respect for each other.”

Garuda turned to face her.  “More or less,” he said.  “Anyway, I’ll use the shower next.” With that, he left and 18 took the seat across from Piccolo as the Namek sat down again.

“So,” she said, “Why don’t you ever show your respect for me like that? Are you attracted to him or something?”

“Not at all,” Piccolo explained, “But among humans, and presumably Garuda’s race, there are different sexes, unlike in Nameks.  Through my years, I have learned how to honor different sexes differently.  To establish understanding like that with you would have to be done in a different way.  Have I not already done so?”

18 thought for a moment.  “I knew we worked together, but have you ever really said you thought highly of me?”

“Maybe I didn’t need to say so,” he remarked.  “Talking is only one form of communication, and in my opinion, it is a poor one.”

They both smiled as they felt a great understanding grow between them.  18 laughed.  “Now I just need to get to know Garuda better and I think we’re all set.  I’m going to dry off and head to bed now.  Good night.”

She exited the room, leaving Piccolo to his thoughts about the battle yet to come.

***

            Boxer fought with all of his might against the Fighter Kai’s foot, which was about to go to his head.  It was a struggle to keep it in place, but Boxer soon slid under it, and flipped, kneeing the Fighter Kai hard in the back.  Much to Boxer’s surprise, he actually fell hard to the ground.

            As a Super Saiyan, Boxer had learned to control his energies well, but he knew that the Fighter Kai had much untapped power that he would not hesitate to use if he really had to.  But, he had promised not to kill Boxer…however, Boxer could not help but notice that he never said that Boxer could not kill him.  The young warrior truly hoped that either he would have the foresight to stop if the Fighter Kai was in serious danger or that the Fighter Kai would defend himself at Boxer’s risk, if need be.

            “All moot,” he thought, reminding himself who his adversary was.  “With a single blow, he took out Nappa and Raditz, and he barely had to power up.  I don’t think I pose much of a threat to him.” However, he noticed how much his power had grown since his first training sessions with the Kai.

            Again, they stood opposite each other on their feet, breathing heavily.  “This is going nowhere,” the Kai said, disappointed.  “I’m sorry, Boxer.  I can no longer guarantee your safety, but this is the only way.”

            He let out a cry as he powered up, and Boxer at once felt a surge of energy flow out from the Kai.  Boxer had never felt this kind of energy before; it felt strangely familiar, and yet he could not quite put his finger on the sensation. 

            The Fighter Kai, now rejuvenated and surrounded with a golden aura flew towards Boxer once more, and this time easily pinned him to the ground.  He grabbed the blue-haired warrior and flung him against the opposite wall.  Boxer coughed blood as he felt pain ring through his whole body.  Now the Kai had reached levels of power that Boxer never thought possible; why did his own student have to be the first one to ever suffer such wrath?

            As Boxer went helplessly flying around the ship, thoughts kept running through his head; Piccolo telling him to train to avenge his parents, Nappa and Raditz threatening to destroy the world, his first transformation to Super Saiyan, the Fighter Kai’s undying faith in him, and the girl who they had to rescue.

            “Don’t forget you are a true warrior now,” he remembered Piccolo saying to him.  “You must prove your strength in a variety of ways.”

            The physical concentration the Fighter Kai had taught him, the mental alertness… they all became one.  Boxer once again forgot about the pain, and stood up, bursting with energy.  His golden hair stood on end and his green eyes looked to be on fire.  As the Fighter Kai came rushing towards him, he rammed the Kai in the stomach headfirst, and flipped around in the air, kicking him in the back, sending him flying downwards face first into the floor.

            “Fighter Kai,” he declared as the target of his statement rose, “I will not fail you!” Boxer concentrated all emotion, all feeling, all power into one great surge of energy… and it happened.  He cried mightily as his golden aura warped around him and healed his numerous wounds.  As he threw his arms out, there was a golden flash, and Boxer reappeared, seeming in every way stronger than before.  His hair was slightly taller now, and he seemed to possess a greater muscle mass.

            Boxer floated there in the air for a while as the Fighter Kai stood and powered down.  “Remember that feeling, Boxer,” he instructed.  “You are a Super Saiyan 2.  The hardest part of your training is over; now it is all just perfecting your techniques.”

            Boxer landed with poise and powered down as well.  His blue hair now fell down past his shoulders in a scraggly kind of fashion; it was no longer a bowl cut as it once was.  He seemed a new man, which was only fitting.  Now instead of a young man who had stumbled upon his powers accidentally, he was a true Saiyan warrior, in full control of his transformations. 

            “My gift to you, Boxer,” the Fighter Kai motioned for Boxer to come towards him as he rummaged through a closet.  “Ah, yes, here it is.”

            He handed to Boxer a training gi, made of the finest materials known to mortals.  “This garment is worthy of one such as yourself,” he explained.  It was soft, pliable, and somewhat expandable, but as Boxer tried it on, he realized that it was obviously designed for comfort as well as usefulness. 

            The gi was gray with a Kai symbol on the back, but had a black undershirt and belt.  Along with it, the Fighter Kai gave him a pair of black boots.  Gohan had been right; a gi was ideal for battle.  As soon as Boxer tried it on, he wondered how he had ever done without it.  Admiring himself in the mirror, he noted that now he looked like a true warrior; a material reflection of his spirit inside.

            At last, he turned back towards the Fighter Kai.  “Thank you very much, Fighter Kai.  I am ready to resume training now.  I will become stronger, I promise you.”

            “I’m glad to be working with someone so determined as yourself, Boxer,” the Kai complimented him again.  “Now, let’s get back to work.  Don’t forget; there’s always a higher level; whether or not you can achieve it depends only on how much you believe in yourself.”