>>5144078As you look back at the ring, you see Tien using the Multi-Form to keep Ginyu on his toes. ‘I find it fun. And I would guess mom, dad, Chuu Lee, everyone else felt the same way. I guess I’ve kinda internalized that merely winning once, being crowned World Champ or acknowledged as Turtle Master, it isn’t the end of it. I like seeing new challenges, what await going forward, fighting new foes and the like!’ You look up to her. ‘…Do you not, Keli?’’
‘I guess I’ve kinda pushed off really thinking about that question for a while now.’ Keli watches in surprise, as Ginyu preforms a Body Change… with Tagoma, charging back into the ring and actually doing some damage to the Tien doppelgangers. ‘It’s not like I hate training and improving myself. But maybe I just… don’t know if that’s all I want it to be.’
‘Well, I guess a thing that helps is that there are some goals beyond just that. For mom and uncle Acer, they’ve been keeping vigilant for the eventual arrival of Raichi, and the constant threat of Towa. For me… well, I also want to be able to protect Cocoa. Or… well, maybe not just protecting her, but being able to be there for her. I guess… it’s not just getting physically stronger, but stronger in spirit, strong enough in it to know how to pace myself.’ Tien’s still holding on pretty well, but it looks like Ginyu in Tagoma’s body has the upper hand still. Just then, Vegeta dashes in and slams his fist into their foe’s stomach, following it up with a kick that knocks him back. Smirking, Vegeta takes his stance, motioning for Ginyu-Tagoma to come at him. As Tien backs off, though, you see that he’s still very focused, like he’s waiting for something. He and Vegeta have a plan. ‘Tien’s the same too, and I know you are as well. You’ve got someone you care about.’ you tell her with a smile on your face.
Keli ruffles your hair. ‘Yeah.’
‘Plus, it’s not like they just… stop being your Master when you’ve “graduated” either. Master Roshi is still, well, Master Roshi to me, mom, dad, uncle Acer, aunt Chi-Chi, uncle Krillin, Yamcha, Launch… and Gohan, too. We’ve long surpassed him, but that doesn’t change who he was and still is to us. I don’t think things between you and Tien will really change that much.’
‘Man, you’ve got a mind twenty years ahead of where most kids your age would be. Be honest, how much of that is stuff your mom told you?’
‘Heeeey, come on, give me some credit!’ You place your hands behind your head casually. ‘Still, that help any?’
‘I think so. Thanks, Peppa.’
(cont.)