The universe is vast, dotted with wonders, and Planet Yardrat is counted prominently among them. Its inhabitants, the Yardratians, are known for many miraculous abilities. Yet these are not birthrights of blood, but fruits of diligent cultivation—less inherent powers and more profound techniques, skills honed through deep understanding and practice.
Within a stately, organically curved building on this world, an entirely blue Yardratian stood tall. He was several meters in height, with two subtle antennae rising from his brow—a figure of simple dignity yet imposing presence. This was Elder Pybara, a regional administrator of Yardrat, revered not merely as a bureaucrat but as a guide and custodian of wisdom.
The chamber was a quiet hub of activity. Alongside smaller blue Yardratians, there were beings barely a meter tall, their skin a translucent green and sporting a single antenna. Mingling with them was another group—more conventional in alien aspect, with large, wise eyes, hairless heads, wrinkled faces, and purple skin, standing closer to the height of an average Earthling.
Swish!
Without warning, the calm was parted. Two figures materialized in the center of the room as if stepping through a fold in the air itself. Every being present, each a master of ki perception in their own right, started in unified surprise. There had been no precursor—no fluctuation of energy, no telltale signature—a phenomenon that defied their refined senses.
"Ahem. Our apologies for the sudden arrival."
The newcomers were Rhode and Aira. Rhode's polite tone broke the stunned silence.
"You may all return to your duties."
Elder Pybara was the first to recover. His voice, deep and calming, settled the room. Though inwardly astonished, he sensed no malice in the spirits of the two visitors—a crucial relief, given the immense, coiled power he perceived lying dormant within them, especially within the young man. As the others filed out, his gaze lingered on the tails wrapped around their waists. Saiyans? The thought was startling. Benevolent Saiyans? The concept was foreign, yet the energy they radiated spoke of discipline, not mindless fury.
Their method of arrival puzzled him further. It resembled Instant Transmission, yet it lacked the familiar spiritual signature—the unique flavor of ki that Yardratians associated with the technique. This was something else… cleaner, more absolute, and utterly silent to his senses.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" Pybara asked, his tone carrying a note of respect. Power, when paired with such control, commanded acknowledgment regardless of its origin.
"Hello. I am Rhode, and this is Aira. We apologize again for our intrusion," Rhode said, offering a slight, respectful bow. He recognized the Elder immediately—this was Pybara, the one who would one day teach Instant Transmission to Goku and guide Vegeta toward the principles of Forced Spirit Fission. A true master of technique.
"The surprise is ours, born of a method we do not yet comprehend," Pybara replied, his antennae twitching with keen interest. "Your arrival… it echoes our Instant Transmission, yet differs fundamentally. And you are Saiyans. This is most unusual. To what do we owe the honor of your visit to Yardrat?"
"We have heard of the miraculous abilities cultivated by the people of Yardrat," Rhode said, his tone respectful yet direct. "We have come specifically to learn the ways of Spirito—what we call ki—and the special techniques born from its mastery. We would be grateful for your guidance, Elder."
Elder Pybara's antennae gave a slight, curious twitch. "Ki?"
A moment of clarification passed between them before he nodded in understanding. "Ah, you refer to Spirito. The energy of life and spirit. Yes, of course."
"Just so," Rhode confirmed. "The name differs, but the essence is the same."
"It is no trouble at all," Pybara replied, a note of quiet pride in his resonant voice. His gaze lingered on the two Saiyans, an appreciative surprise in his ancient eyes. "I must confess, I did not expect to encounter Saiyans who approach learning with such... humility."
At his words, Rhode's expression remained placid, but Aira's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. She held her tongue, though a flicker of defiance shone in her eyes.
Rhode offered a light, diplomatic chuckle, deftly steering past the comment. "Then, with your permission, when might we begin?"
"Immediately," declared Pybara, pleased by their readiness. He turned toward a cluster of the small, green-skinned Yardratians nearby. "Hasky," he called. "I entrust them to your instruction. Should you encounter any difficulty, bring the matter to me directly."
"As you wish, Elder Pybara!"
At his command, the multitude of nearly identical green figures flowed together, merging seamlessly into a single being—Hasky—who bowed in acknowledgment.
Aira's eyes widened, her analytical mind immediately captivated by the display of the Multi-Form technique. Rhode, though familiar with the concept, felt a pang of genuine envy; such fine-tuned control of spirit and form was still beyond his own repertoire.
"Hasky's mastery of Spirito is considerable," Pybara assured them. "He will guide your foundational training."
Both students nodded their acceptance. The teacher's identity mattered less than the knowledge they sought.
"Please, follow me," Hasky said, gesturing toward an archway. With a final nod of thanks to the Elder, Rhode and Aira fell into step behind him, their path now set toward the training grounds.
Left alone in the hall, Elder Pybara stood in contemplative silence for a long moment. The sudden arrival of disciplined, knowledge-seeking Saiyans was an event without precedent. Their power was immense, yet restrained. Their method of travel, inexplicable. Were they a chance for cultural exchange, a bridge to a misunderstood race? Or did they represent a subtle, unforeseen danger?
With a soft swish of displaced air, he employed his own Instant Transmission and vanished. The matter required the counsel of the full Circle of Elders. The future, it seemed, had arrived on their doorstep, and they must decide whether to greet it as a dawn or brace for a storm.
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