The sun hung high over the mountains, casting its warm glow across the quiet landscape.
Celes stood alongside Gohan just outside the house, watching as Goku and Bulma finalized their preparations.
It was time.
Goku adjusted the strap of his travel pack, grinning as he glanced back at them.
"Well, guess this is it!" he said cheerfully. "Time to go!"
Bulma sighed, crossing her arms. "Finally. I thought we'd be here all day."
Gohan chuckled at her impatience before turning his attention to Goku.
"Take care out there," he said with a knowing smile. "The world's a lot bigger than these mountains. Make sure you learn from it."
Goku nodded enthusiastically. "You got it, Grandpa!"
Then, his gaze shifted to Celes.
She wasn't staying behind just to wait—she had her own journey to begin.
She smirked slightly.
"Don't get yourself killed out there," she remarked. "You'll need to survive if you want to enter the World Tournament."
Goku laughed. "I'll be fine! And when I come back, we're totally going to fight!"
Celes simply nodded, knowing that by the time they reunited, she would be completely different.
With that, Goku hopped onto Bulma's hoverbike, waving back at them as she started the engine.
"See ya!"
And just like that, two journeys began that day, one for Goku, and one for Celes.
With that, Goku hopped onto Bulma's hoverbike, waving back at them as she started the engine.
"See ya!"
The roar of the engine faded as the dust settled, and just like that, he was gone.
Celes watched until they disappeared beyond the horizon, the last echoes of Goku's laughter lingering in the air.
A quiet breeze rustled through the mountains, signaling not just the end of the moment—but the beginning of something new.
Her own journey awaited.
She turned to Gohan, her expression steady.
"It's my turn now," she said.
Gohan studied her for a moment before giving a knowing nod.
"You always have a plan," he remarked. "Just make sure this one is worth your time."
Celes smirked. "It will be."
With that, she focused her energy, her body vanishing in an instant, Kai Kai activating for the first time.
In the blink of an eye, she was gone, leaving Earth behind.
She reappeared under an alien sky, surrounded by a new energy, a new atmosphere.
Planet Yardrat.
As Celes materialized on Planet Yardrat, the alien terrain stretched endlessly in all directions, vast, unfamiliar, and eerily quiet.
No towering cities. No immediate signs of life.
Just open land and the weight of the unknown.
She narrowed her eyes, instinctively reaching out with her Ki, scanning the energy signatures across the planet.
At first, the responses were faint, subtle pulses of life scattered across the world. But soon, she locked onto a large concentration of energy in the distance.
"That must be them."
Without hesitation, she rose into the sky, her aura shimmering as she took off, speeding toward the Yardrats.
She had arrived.
Now, it was time to begin learning what they had to teach her.
As Celes approached a Yardrat City, she took in the sight of the Yardratians for the first time in this life.
Two distinct types stood out, the short, round-bodied Yardratians with soft, pinkish-purple skin, radiating an air of wisdom and patience. And the taller, more humanoid ones, carrying stronger energy signatures, their posture and presence resembling battle-hardened warriors.
Observing them carefully, she could already sense the vast reservoir of knowledge they possessed, secrets and techniques that transcended simple combat strength.
This wasn't just about learning for herself.
She needed to cut down the time Raphael would require mastering these abilities.
With that thought firm in her mind, she descended into the city, prepared to absorb everything the Yardratians had to offer.
As Celes descended toward the outskirts of Yardrat City, the air felt charged with a strange, unfamiliar energy.
Her feet touched the ground, the terrain beneath her soft yet firm, a texture unlike Earth's soil.
Almost immediately, she caught the attention of a few Yardratians nearby.
Two of them approached, their movements calm yet purposeful.
One was short and round-bodied, his deep purple skin smooth and his expression welcoming. The other was taller, more humanoid, his stance carrying a quiet strength.
Both radiated a controlled, refined Ki signature, completely different from what she had experienced before.
The shorter Yardrat tilted his head curiously.
"A visitor?" he asked, his voice even and composed.
Celes straightened up, her gaze steady as she prepared to speak.
Celes nodded at the Yardrat's inquiry, her tone polite but direct.
"Yes, I've come here seeking guidance." She paused briefly before continuing. "I need to speak with your Elder. Is he available?"
The two Yardratians exchanged a glance, then smiled warmly, radiating their natural hospitality.
"The Elder Yardrat resides at the heart of the city," the shorter one explained. "He always welcomes those who arrive in need"
The taller Yardrat gestured toward the city streets.
"We'd be happy to take you to him."
Celes acknowledged them with a slight nod.
"Lead the way."
As they started forward, she took one last glance around, absorbing the energy of this alien world before stepping deeper into its mysteries.
Soon, they arrived before a floating vehicle, its sleek design hovering effortlessly above the ground.
Stepping inside, Celes took a seat as the two Yardratians settled beside her. The hum of its anti-gravity engines vibrated gently beneath her feet as the vehicle began to move.
The Yardrats settled in beside her, their hospitable nature shining through as they engaged in casual conversation.
"It's rare to see outsiders on Yardrat," the round-bodied Yardrat remarked. "What brings you here?"
Celes glanced out the transparent panels of the vehicle, taking in the unique beauty of the alien city.
Buildings with curved, intricate designs stretched across the landscape, their structures seemingly defying conventional engineering. The streets pulsed with soft energy streams, flowing like rivers through the city, illuminating everything with an ethereal glow.
Above, the sky shimmered with cosmic hues, mixing soft blues and purples that blended like a celestial masterpiece.
"I've come to learn," she finally responded, still admiring her surroundings. "Everything I can."
The taller Yardrat nodded approvingly.
"Then you've come to the right place."
With that, the vehicle lifted higher, gliding smoothly through the city, carrying Celes toward the heart of Yardrat's mysteries.
As the floating vehicle descended, Celes looked up at the towering structure before her, one of the tallest buildings in the city, its presence commanding yet serene.
The air felt thick with energy, a subtle but unmistakable sign that this was a place of significance.
Presumably, this was where the Elder Yardrat resided.
As they neared the landing platform, the two Yardratians turned to her.
"We have arrived," the shorter one said warmly. "The Elder awaits within."
Celes stepped out, her boots touching the smooth surface of the platform as she took in the sight of the grand structure.
As Celes stepped out of the vehicle, her gaze drifted upward, taking in the sheer size and presence of the grand structure before her.
The two Yardratians led the way toward an immense door, its design intricate yet sturdy, humming with faint energy.
Moving through the entrance, they passed through long, winding hallways, the soft glow of Yardratian architecture casting a serene aura through the corridors.
Every step carried her deeper into the heart of this place, the seat of knowledge, the center of mastery.
Finally, they reached a large room, its atmosphere dense with wisdom and power.
Standing at the center, surrounded by subtle ripples of refined Ki, was the Elder Yardrat.
His presence was calm, vast, and undeniably commanding.
The Elder Yardrat regarded Celes with a calm, measured gaze, his presence radiating wisdom cultivated over centuries.
"You have traveled far to stand before me," he said, his voice deep yet soothing. "Tell me, what brings you to my company?"
Celes met his eyes without hesitation.
"I seek knowledge."
The Elder tilted his head slightly, contemplating her words.
"Knowledge comes in many forms," he mused. "What knowledge do you seek?"
Without missing a beat, Celes responded.
"All of it."
A flicker of amusement touched the Elder's expression, though it did not overshadow his curiosity.
"All our knowledge?" he echoed, studying her with newfound intrigue.
She nodded.
"Every technique, every lesson, every ability your people have mastered, I want to learn them all."
The Elder Yardrat folded his arms, his thoughtful gaze lingering on her for a moment longer.
Then, with quiet certainty, he spoke.
"You seek our knowledge, and that can be granted," he said. "But there will be a price."
Celes remained still, unflinching.
"What price?"
The Elder's expression did not shift, but his presence carried weight.
"If ever we have need of you, we may call upon you at any time," he stated. "When that time comes, you will answer."
Celes absorbed the words, considering them carefully.
It was a fair request, after all, what they possessed was beyond valuable. If she wanted to learn everything, then she had to be prepared to give something in return.
Without hesitation, she nodded.
"Agreed."
The Elder's eyes gleamed with approval.
"Then let your training begin."
(Words: 1553)