It was the dead of night. Krillin was running for his life. He could hear the taunts of the Shaolins behind him.
He could feel the intense fear riding up his back, and as if those bullies were getting closer.
His legs ached. In fact, his whole body ached. He wished he could be stronger, then he could face all obstacles in his life head on, instead of running away.
The taunts became quieter, then stopped. He realised they had lost him. He breathed a sign of relief, but then carried on running...
That was a year ago. Things had changed. People had changed. Krillin had changed.
He was now gearing up for the 22nd Tenkaichi Budoukai. He was preparing to face the toughest fighters from all over the world.
He glanced over at Son Goku, his new friend. Goku was a year younger than Krillin but very strong. He had trained alongside Krillin under Kamesennin the last few months and his new friend/ rival had spurred him on to be stronger still.
He could feel his own strength, like electricity, flowing through his veins. He felt proud. He felt like a better person. He had self-esteem and a will to live.
It was a completely different story to when he had been living with the other Shaolin monks. They had treated him like dirt, calling him names like 'runt' and 'no-nose' and using him as their scapegoat and punch-bag.
He didn't stand up for himself once, or ask to be treated with respect. It was the only life he knew, and he had often considered ending it.
However, he was now a totally different person. He had learned to do more than run errands for the Kamesennin, he had also learned to stand up for himself.
The commentry announced: "Our next battle is between Krillin and...". Krillin turned around to find himself facing a very large man. A familiar face. A face from the past.
His body suddenly wnet rigid with fear, as he was the ring-leader of the Shaolin bullies from his home village! The man recognised Krillin, and snarled.
Krillin knew that facing this opponent would be his biggest challenge yet. He was scared. As well as being scared though, he was also very excited. This was his opportunity: his opportunity for revenge!
The battle began. "I'm going to get you. And this time i'm going to kill you" were the words of the large man as he lurched towards Krillin. Krillin jumped, and his opponent was surprised how high he could jump! And Krillin now felt inclined to show the bully just what else he could do!
As he was landing from his jump, Krillin swung out his arm and knocked the bully in the face-hard!
So hard, the man fell to the floor, ^slam^. The announcer declared Krillin the winner of the match!
Krillin felt proud, and he said to himself, "yes, revenge is sweet!"
Even though the battle did not last long, it was easily one of Krillin's fondest moments. He had proved to himself and many other little people that Shaolin shorties can come out on top!