"I wish we had been able to get the pool retiled," Bulma bemoaned as the gang darted about the large pool area. Not only was there an Olympic size swimming pool but there were several hot tubs, a smaller wave pool, and even ice baths that already many of the fighters were eyeing up as being perfect after a long day of training.
"Sorry about the small size," Bulma said even as Gohan and Chiaotzu happily bounced up and down on the massive king size bed that hardly made a dent in the massive bedroom. It was larger than Goku's entire house, something the Saiyan warrior kept muttering, while Chichi was focused on the amazing view of the jungle below them.
"Okay, I have to admit… this is the main reason I chose this place." Bulma shrugged as she led them to the underground workshop and lab where she'd been spending much of her time. "But trust me, it will be worth it when I get done making us all sorts of amazing new gear to help out against Raditz!" The lab stretched out for at least the length of a football field and already there were robots moving about on treads preparing different tables for Bulma to begin work on.
"Don't start a revolution," Kayos asked Isco.
"No promises."
After the tour everyone began to break up to go explore the island, wanting to know more about it on a personal level for their individual training that would begin the next day. Tien had decided to wait a bit before asking the Scroll what he could do to improve, wanting to get back into a full training mindset before he asked the question. Krillin on the other hand was planning to head out the next morning to find the Temple of the Repentant Miser in hopes of learning the secrets held there that would allow him to better take on Raditz. Goku of course was planning to train with Piccolo but Chichi had also mentioned wanting to help him; she had noticed how he enjoyed her company during his warm ups.
'And I think she missed training herself,' I thought as I sat on the roof-top balcony of the research center, watching the sun set. Isco had gone to film some stuff with Bulma (hoping most likely to also convince her to give him some upgrades) leaving me all by myself. 'Need to consider that for myself,' I thought as I looked down at my arms. They weren't stick thin by any means but I was aware that I wasn't the strongest guy in the world and it wouldn't hurt to get in a bit of training myself.
"You truly are the weakest one here."
I started, nearly falling out of the lounge chair I was in, before turning and staring at the new arrival. "…what the?" I said, catching myself before I blurted out Baba's name. The squat little witch was standing behind me, an arrogant and condescending smirk on her lips.
"You aren't an unfit blob, which is probably the only nice thing I can say about you," she commented as she floated over to me on her bubble. "But you'll never be a fighter like the rest of them. Even the toddler is stronger than you… and will only grow more stronger as time goes on. The gap will grow ever wider and your pathetic behind will be left in the dust. Pathetic, really."
"…that is mildly ego deflating but also accurate," I admitted. I took a step forward, staring down at her. "But I would think you of all people would know that there is more to this world than throwing punches."
"Heh! Of course I do! Though nearly all you fools can't see that!"
I continued to look down at her before finally asking, "So… want to join me in watching the sunset?"
"I've seen thousands of them. They are boring and only enjoyable to boring people. So perfect for a limp noodle like you." She cackled at that but I merely continued to stare at her. "Aw, don't like that? Too bad! It's the truth!"
"Dentists are a wonderful thing," I pointed out.
That made her scowl at me. "Watch your tone. It isn't wise to insult someone that can alter your future."
"Apologizes," I said, giving her a mocking bow. "Also I'm not paying for any fortunes to be read."
"Now you are being cruel," she huffed in annoyance. "Give me your hand."
"I just said-"
"Not that you dimwit!" she snapped, her bubble rocketing forward so she could grab my right hand with her leathery fingers. "Yes… yes… very interesting." She continued to stare at my palm as she spoke. "I watched you when you summoned the dragon. When the wish to bring back that scar faced buffoon didn't work you stepped forward to claim the wish as your own. I was hoping you'd do that. What one does with the chance for power tells all there is to know about a person. You could have chosen many things, Avo Kayos… to no longer be a weakling. To be taller and stronger. For a bigger dick." I glowered at that but Baba continued on. "But you wished for knowledge. And not just one time either… you were clever. That Scroll of yours… designed to only work for you, though I doubt the cotton headed fools that you have around you realize that yet."
"It's the wish that keeps on giving," I stated. "Its like… why wish to return someone back to life when you could wish for a ring that would allow you to do that over and over?"
Baba raised an eyebrow at that. "You aren't as dumb as I thought." She went back to studying my hand. "Still an idiot."
"Of course," I said dryly.
"You surround yourself with dolts who only know of fighting. How to throw punches and the like. Better than mindless thugs, I'll admit, but only just." She glanced up at me. "What do you know of the other powers of this world?"
"Considering who is asking I assume you mean magic," I commented.
"Indeed!" Baba said, pleased with my answer. "Ki is far more physical, though don't assume that it means all you can do it punch and kick with it like those fools downstairs believe. It can do far more as my idiot brother learned. Magic… magic is far different. Ki is the stone… magic is the ocean."
I nodded at that as she grabbed my other hand, not even bothering to ask me if it was okay for her to do so.
"There are many different methods of magic. Schools, as some call them. Paths to others. Divination, of course." She smirked at that, clearly enjoying bragging up her own chosen path. "Elementals. Mind magic. Physical magic. Those that can turn one thing into another or who can pull objects from one place to the next. They grant great power to objects… or leach it away. Healers and destroyers. Some who are jack of all trades, learning to perform bits from all areas… and others who are masters in but a single type while novices in all others.
"What is accepted though is that there are two types of magic. Good Magic or 'Light' Magic… and Evil Magic or 'Dark' Magic." She looked up at me, making sure I was paying attention. "Usually these forces can only be wielded one at a time. Magic is fed by our actions… a hero can not slaughter the innocent, just as a villain can not save a damsel in distress. It is a scale, sliding back and forth."
I felt a jolt in my finger and tried to yank my hand away as Baba sliced my index finger with her nail. But she held firm, refusing to let go, instead squeezing my finger so more blood oozed out of the cut and began to trickle down my finger to my palm. She stared intently, watching as it began to run along the lines in my palm.
"But every once and a while… there is a person who can balance on the edge. Who can wield both Good and Evil Magic. And to them… all things are possible." She reached with her free hand into the folds of her cloak before just as quickly bringing her arm back up, hovering her hand over my own before sprinkling powder down.
I let out a yelp when there was a flash… and black and white smoke drifted from the now burned blood on my palm.
"Don't be a baby," she scolded, releasing my hand and pushing away from me. "Get some sleep, Kayos. We begin training tomorrow."
I didn't bother to ask her what training she was referring to.
Instead I waited until she left before grabbing the Scroll of Knowledge, slowly unfurling it and staring at its blank surface.
'It would have been nice to learn how to fight,' I admitted mentally to myself. 'One can't help but want to be able to fire of Kamahamahas and do the aura power up. Its Dragon Ball, after all!' I looked down at my hand, brushing the burnt blood away. 'But… if what Baba is saying is true…'
I looked at the scroll.
"If I follow this path… what will I become?"
The scroll remained empty for several long moments and just as I began to believe that I needed to ask a different question it began to write out in glowing golden letters:
Good and Evil
Light and Dark
You will be the one
In the Middle
The tainted white
The purified black
United at last
The Silver Sorcerer