>>6042456“Regardless of how you got it, or what happened, you have this power now kiddo.” you tell her seriously, patting her on the back. “What matters now is not why or how you have it, but how you use it.”
“But I shouldn't be-” she starts, you shaking your head. She goes quiet at this, letting you talk.
“Regardless of how you feel now, the choices we made are the ones we must live with. Not with what could have been, or how things could have been better.” you tell her. “And now that this Gwyndolin, for whatever reason entrusted you with this power, it is your responsibility to wield it well.”
She goes quiet at this, thinking over what you just told her. But you're not done, not yet.
“Making a mistake isn't wrong, kiddo, I've made plenty in my life. Ones that cost others theirs, more than once.” you admit, Caulifla's eyes widening as she looks up to you. “But now that this power is yours, you have to use it to the best of your abilities. To learn from what you did, and do better. Making a mistake isn't wrong, but not learning from it and doing the same thing over again and again is. If you don't learn from your mistakes, if you don't seek to do better than before, THAT would be wrong. You'd dishonor their memory by not doing better in the future.”
“You messed up like that before?” she asks, sounding quite surprised. “I didn't think...”
“What, that your old man didn't make mistakes?” you ask, Caulifla looking away, unable to meet your gaze. “I've been making mistakes all my life. Even back when we lived on Planet Vegeta, before the PTO, I made choices that got others killed. But making mistakes is a part of life. We have to learn from our mistakes, those we're fortunate enough to live through, and strive to keep doing better kiddo.”
“I see.” she replies, letting go of you and turning her focus back out towards the rapidly-setting sun. “You've... Given me a lot to think about, but I think I'd like to be alone. At least for a little bit.”
“Of course, kiddo. If you need me just call.” you tell her, ruffling her hair before rising up to your feet. “Just make sure you get some sleep, we've got another long day tomorrow.”
“I will.” she replies, you leaving her to herself as you leap down, going back into your home. You head off to sleep, your wife and Towa in bed with you as the new day dawns. Up and at it early, you head to Raven's only to see the portal already open. Looking to her curiously, she gives you a small smile.
“Seems your daughter was too eager to wait, and has gone ahead.” she tells you, you opening your ki sense to find Caulifla is already through. “I think your talk yesterday did her some good.”
“Our-?” you start, remembering after a moment the awareness being connected to New Salda gives. “Right. Thanks, Raven. Really appreciate all this.”
cont
