Eight – The tale of the familiar stranger

"That was quite problematic, wasn't it?" Yamcha laughingly said and dusted himself off. Bulma shot him a death glare.

"Problematic? Problematic? We're in a damn cell, you complete moron!" Great, just great! She stumbled from one prison to another. It just had to happen that they came across some bandits who captured them and now there found their selves in a stupid cell in the ground those bandits obviously made. And on top of that, the hole was quite deep too. "How should we get out of here, huh? We're near the border; about five hundred meters east and we would be safe. I know that a city's coming. If we're lucky, we could get there, but first we have to get out of here…" Bulma mumbled all the while to herself. Yamcha looked at her puzzled. What was she talking about?

Walking from one wall to another she analyzed the earth hoping she would find something that would help them. It was going to be a long day…

About three hours later, she still was digging the earth, while Yamcha was snoring loudly. Bulma shook her head and sighed. This idiot was a good for nothing fellow. When they saw the bandits surrounding them, that guy just lifted his arms and said "I'm all yours, do what you want!"

Cursing under her breath, Bulma just kept on digging. She hoped the root she found would go up to where she hoped it would go. The hole was near a tree. A very high tree. Considering the thickness of the trunk it was possible to climb up to the surface. And that was what Bulma was hoping for…

Every now and then a bandit would come and check on them, but lucky the hole was deep and dark, they couldn't see what happened down there. Bulma tried to listen to their drunken conversation and when someone yelled "check on them!" she pretended to be asleep, only to dig the earth again as soon as the bandit went away. Her fingers hurt, and her nails where as black as the night. A bath was the first thing she would ask for if she was out of here, she promised herself! But before that, she had to get out here…

They were surrounded. Chichi was in the middle of the group, frightened to no end and clutched the bag she was holding. There, already two dragonballs were resting in. They found the second one in an empty cave. They were lucky this time. But when Chichi had to touch it again, she threw a tantrum. She just didn't want to make the same experience once again. The first time was worse enough! But while she protested and wanted to leave the cave, she stumbled over her own feet. And Goku, being very sneaky sometimes, caught her, and in the process, pressed the dragonball into her palm.

And then: It went hot, the ball started to glow and Chichi curled herself into a ball on her own until the pain subsided and she could stand up again. When Goku wanted to help her up, she just slapped his hand away and hissed at him with tears in her eyes. That one hurt deeply. She hated what those things were doing to her. And every time it happened she was exhausted the whole day afterwards. But now, she gladly accepted his help, as they were surrounded by six evil bastards, who with red gleaming eyes fixated her and the bag she was carrying. Well, they more looked at the bag then at her…

"GiVe It!" they whispered all the time with cracking voices. Their faces were grimaces. They looked even more disgusting than the first one Chichi met not long ago. One had six arms, another had the lower body of a snake, the third had teeth as hard as granite; it looked as if his face was a mixture of a human and a shark, the forth was just….monstrous. He was big and looked like a monkey. More like a gorilla, with bad teeth; they were pitch black. The fifth looked normal, yet inhuman. And the sixth was covered with bandages. Somehow it looked as if he only was able to be in one peace with them on. All in all, they were not the pretty type…

"Stay close to us." Goku whispered to her and Chichi nodded her head fanatically. She wouldn't leave them even if her life depended on it!

"YoU HaVe WhAt We WaNt! YoU HaVe….YoU HaVe…"

"Man, is that all they can say?" Krillin wondered jokingly but one could feel how tensed up he was inside. The situation was not good looking. Kata on the other hand was pretty calm. Could be, because anyone was unable to kill him as he only was a spirit in an already dead body. He was able to materialize himself over and over again. Yet again, pain he could still feel. Chichi sweated and her eyes searched for Goku's figure. He looked determined, his concentration seemed like it was on anything and everything. Gulping, Chichi tried to slow down her breathing. The situation got worse by the minute, she thought.

"AtTaCk tHeM! AtTaCk!" The one with his bandages yelled suddenly and then it happened so fast, Chichi had trouble to understand just one thing. The shark-man screamed and lunched himself at the group. Krillin took him over and dodged his attack while the one with his snake-body directly came to Chichi. She only was able to see his tail. Fortunately Kata was quicker than the snake, grabbed its tail and threw it into the next tree. With a loud crash the wood cracked and the only thing left of the snake were two body-parts. Disgusted, Chichi turned her head away. Goku was fighting the gorilla. Somehow he took what resembled himself – even if it was just a tiny bit. Their fighting screams echoed through the woods and made Chichi shiver.

One by one the group was able to knock them out but they started to get exhausted! They didn't recognize how fast time was flying by, but they were almost fighting for about two to three hours. Chichi tried to hide herself behind a tree, kneeled down and made herself small. With no luck. They saw her. It was as if they could smell her, those creatures found out where she was only seconds after she thought she was hiding well enough! Cursing she decided to stay where she was, the bag still pressing against her form. Goku slightly panted as he still was fighting that stupid gorilla guy. To make things worse, that bandage guy attacked him too. And that one obviously was pretty strong. All in all, all of them were stronger than the first one. What in the world was happening?

"Damn it, why can't we defeat them properly?" Krillin panted frustrated. "It shouldn't be so hard to just get rid of them!"

"It seems…" started Kata while he dodged the shark-man. "...that these here are not the ones we knew. They are a lot more intelligent, not to mention stronger. They have a tactic, either way they couldn't work together like that."

"I agree with that. Those guys are particularly making us tired so that they are having a light match! I mean, look at that! Three against six! What's fair in that?"

"Five." Kata repeated. "The snake is already dead."

"Whatever. Then five…" Krillin muttered and earned a blow from the guy with his six arms.

Goku had part of his concentration all the while on Chichi, controlling her safety. He was having trouble observing all at once, but he managed – as always. He felt her fear and gritted his teeth. He had hoped he didn't have to show her his true color, but he guessed there was no other way now. If he wouldn't do what he didn't want to do, they would stand no chance against those evil bastards. They were just too many. Growling he started to bellow some orders to Kata and Krillin.

"Get them into a group and watch out that nobody leaves the radius they should stay in!"

"Got that!" Krillin and Kata yelled in unison. With that they started to encircle them and attacked them in a certain way, so that those evil beings were together. Goku stepped back and stood just right before Chichi, who looked up at him with big eyes. What does he want to do? I don't know but I think it should end this here…I'm scared, I don't care anymore just make them disappear!

"Close your eyes and don't move." Goku whispered to her without turning around. Chichi nodded and pressed her eyelids together, clutching the bag to her heart. Breathing out deeply to calm himself, Goku got into a certain fighting stance, his hands forming a C slightly behind him.

"Ka…" he slowly started to say, his eyes focusing on Krillin and Kata trying to held the creatures in place.

"Me…" A small light appeared in between his palms, radiating cold warmth. Chichi curiously cracked one eye open to look what was happening. Gasping she put a hand over her mouth. She never saw something like that.

"Ha…" Krillin felt energy rising and looked with his eyes to Goku who stayed there in a funny way. Yet, without a doubt the energy was coming from him. Smelling the strong attack he was forming, Krillin slightly sweated. They should get out of here, as soon as possible!

"Me…" Kata looked at Krillin and nodded as if he understood what Krillin just thought about getting away quickly. Now was the best time. Bringing them close once again, Krillin and Kata attacked the evil bastards one last time, then got away just in time. The glowing ball between Goku's palms was as big as a football by now, Chichi noticed with amazement and fear. She had an urge to touch it, but she said to herself it would be better to leave it alone…

"HA!" Goku suddenly screamed and brought his hands forward, the ball suddenly flying towards the creatures which looked at the energy-attack like it was some kind of firework. They didn't knew what happened until it hit them. Being engulfed in the strange light, they cried out in agony. Chichi watched frightened at the scene. The only thing she saw were the shadows, but it was enough to tell her what Goku's attack was doing to them. The sound of flesh being torn was heard, it sounded squishy as in the contrary the bones being broken sounded horribly disgusting.

And then slowly, the light faded away and all that was left was a bloody mark on the ground. Chichi couldn't help herself but look at the spot and then at Goku. To think what he was the one who did that…Turning around, Goku found Chichi looking at him in horror and shock. He sighed inwardly, hurt by the look she was giving him. He knew something like this would happen, and he hated the fact. Ignoring the throbbing pain in his heart he reached down to her, wanting to help her up. But as soon as he dared to touch her, Chichi flinched automatically. Wincing at her reaction, Goku balled his hand into a fist and muttered a sorry, his eyes looking another direction. He couldn't handle her shocked expression hated himself at that moment.

Krillin sighed heavenward and whipped the sweat on his forehead away, smiling a little. "Man, that was something…" Turning to Goku he patted his back. "Do me a favor and don't wait to finish this that quickly the next time, dude! I thought seriously they got us there…unbelievable!"

Goku smiled at him, although it looked quite forced. "I will keep it in mind!"

Kata was already turning his attention to Chichi as he just grabber her arm gently and helped her up – as good as he could considering their height difference. She couldn't stop staring at the bloody ground and back to Goku. It really was him. Well, she was lucky that it killed those…things, but to think she actually wanted to touch the energy ball! Good god, Goku would have killed her, literally…She didn't want to tell it to him. She was just so amazed about the things he could do with his hands, she couldn't believe it. When he was about to touch her with said hand, she flinched because she still could feel the power within them, it made her skin prickle. It felt…exciting. Blushing about her thought she kept her head down and watched her feet. "Everything alright?" Kata asked her, now back in his boyish manner. Chichi smiled at her and nodded in response. No need to freak out, Chichi. You are still alive, and so are the others.

Goku watched her sigh. Was she that shocked about what he had done? She didn't even want to look at him. It made him kind of grumpy to think that she took the help of Kata but not of him…

"Let's keep on going." Goku said to the group and they wandered forward again, Goku leading them through the ending day, his focus entirely on Chichi as she walked right behind them. He needed to ignore it, he said to himself. Those feelings were not allowed, as it was only natural for him to have this power – although it nagged on him that Chichi would be afraid of him just because of that fact. Ignore it, he said to himself. Just ignore it.

"I did it!" Bulma silently beamed at her finished work, trying to forget the pain in her hands. She finally had the root inside of her hands and tears of joy were lingering in her eyes. Thank goodness, she did it! Yamcha, yawning as he woke up, rubbed his eyes and focused them on Bulma, a frown covering his face. "What are you doing there?"

"Shh!" she hissed at him. "Shut your trap, I'm going to get us out of here!"

"Huh? You what? How?" He wanted to know as he scratched the back of his head.

"Here." She showed him the root. "If we climb this thing up – slowly and without any noise – we can run away. If I'm not mistaken your horse is still alive and about…" she watched the stars thinking hard. "…about five feet east from here."

"How do you know?"

"I'm a genius after all, of course I know!" She barked at him. "And now, keep quiet, I will go first. Luckily this wall is west, so it's going to be in the dark if the sun is setting…" That said, she started to climb up. This was harder than she believed…

Chichi gathered up her courage and decided to go to Goku and tell him she was sorry. Well, he wouldn't really know why she apologized at all, but she just was ashamed of the fact that she wanted to touch this thing he created without knowing what it meant. It was careless and would have hindered the whole attack! Him knowing or not, she had to apologize! "Goku!" she stared to say as she run to his side, only to be met by his hand stopping right before her mouth. "Shh!" he ordered her, looking up tensed.

"What is it?" She whispered, noticing that Krillin and Kata were looking up too.

"You feel it?" Krillin wanted to know and Goku nodded, finally setting his hand back in place. Chichi was confused. "Feel what?" she wanted to know but they couldn't hear her as a strong wind was taking her words away from them before they could hear her. Her hair was flying around nervously and as she tried to bring it back to where it belonged a loud scream filled their ears.

All of it happened so fast, Chichi only remembered the way she tried to reach out for Goku as something grabbed her from behind and lifter her up into the air quickly. She noticed the shocked expressions from the others as well and how Goku intuitively reached out for her too, but there was nothing that could be done as she was getting away from them more and more.

"Goku!" She yelled the name she always thought of, but her scream was being taken away by the wind. Goku gritted his teeth and anger rushed through him. Too many problems on only one day, he thought to himself! "Wait here!" He bellowed to the others who stood there as if lightning just shout through them. They couldn't move even one muscle as they watched Goku suddenly lift himself into the air and flew after the giant bird monster. Chichi's name was the only thought he had.

It didn't take him long until the bird and Chichi were in sight again. Screaming her name he took her attention. Reaching out her arms as good as she could as she was trapped inside those claws, she cried Goku's name desperately as he got nearer and nearer. He slightly brushed her fingertips before the bird noticed Goku and made a maneuver to escape the monkey-man. Goku, cursing under his breath followed him, trying to take Chichi into his arms again. It was a nerve-racking cat and mouse play.

Oh please, just let this end! Chichi thought half crying as suddenly the bird – not noticing what was before it as Goku followed almost fanatically, crashed into a high stone wall, taking Chichi with it into the depth. Her cry lasted till the bird landed with a loud sound on the ground, unmoving. Goku's heart stopped. He wasn't fast enough to catch the situation, as the bird was too heavy to fall slowly to the ground. If something bad happened to Chichi he would kill himself!

Rushing down he searched for the claws of the bird. They were open and no Chichi was near. His breathing stopped as he desperately searched for her. "Chichi!" he yelled. "Chichi answer me!"

"I'm here!" her voice sounded from somewhere. "I'm here, Goku! Help me! I think I'm…I'm stuck! I can't move my feet…"

"Wait, I will come to you!" he shouted while he rushed towards the place she was screaming from. When he saw here he ignored the shock that crept from within himself. Chichi lied under a pile of loose rocks, her upper body free while her lower part was hidden under them. Her hair was tangled and her face was dirty and had cuts here and there. When he kneeled before her, he brushed her cheek and freed her from the dirt while his eyes always went back to the heavy stones. "Don't worry, I will get you out of here!" he assured her as she got rid of the first stone only to be met by Chichi's cry of agony. "Chi! Are you alright? Did that one hurt?"

"Don't worry, just keep going." She wheezed and gritted her teeth as Goku took away the remaining rocks. When she was finally free, she breathed out and closed her eyes at the sudden exhaustion she felt. "Thank you…" she whispered as she felt Goku's hand brushing the top of her head. "Don't worry, I will take you back, Krillin can help you."

"Do you know why the bird did that?" Chichi wanted to know while she tried to look at him. He shook his head no. "I have no idea. Those birds are known for being very shy and friendly."

"Could it be it was an…evil bastard?" He thought about that. "Maybe. If so, we should get away as soon as possible." That being said he positioned himself to help up Chichi without hurting her too much as a stomping sound was heard.

"WhErE Do YoU ThInK yOu ArE GoInG?" the bird asked in a strange voice Goku's blood froz inside of his veins. So it was an evil bastard after all but how could that be possible?

"What are you?" he wanted to know, bringing his body before Chichi protectively.

"I Am InSiDe ThE BiRd, So WhAt Do YoU tHiNk I aM?"

"A spirit? A ghost? A shapeshifter?" Goku sarcastically counted. Hell, he had no idea what this was! The only thing he knew was that Chichi needed some medical treatment, now!

"I aM A PoSsEsSoR. I CaN Be In aNyThInG I WaNt tO bE!"

"And let me guess: you want the dragonballs?"

"ExAcTelY!"

"Well then, show me what you've got!" Goku said between clenched teeth, going into fighting stance. He wasn't absolutely keen about this whole situation! Today was just not his day, he thought as he attacked the bird by grabbing it at its tail and throwing it away as far as possible. The bird stopped midair by slowing the fall with its large wings and met Goku halfway with a glowing ball it shot suddenly through its mouth. It hit Goku right in the middle of his chest and he disappeared into the next stone wall he met…

Chichi wheezed in pain as she tried to move her body. It just hurt too much. Watching how Goku fought that monstrous demon-like bird she tried to flee – without much success. Her body was too greatly damaged. The night already had fallen upon them, making the air cooler and the sandy ground colder. Her body started to shiver as she looked up and followed with her eyes the light the round yellow moon radiated. She always loved the moon, but today it scared her deeply…it was as if it shone directly to the place where Goku was lying.

Chichi searched him with her eyes fanatically. But all she could see was something standing in the light, its tail was twitching, its fur was standing to the sky and its teeth and red eyes glimmered darkly into the night. It licked its claws and chuckled lightly as it watched the bird go still in shock. "I will kill you know…" it snickered and in seconds – it happened so fast, Chichi didn't know what happened at all – the head of the bird came off with a loud crash and blood floated the ground like a river.

Chichi watched with horror in her eyes when the strange demon suddenly stood right before her, its eyes fixated on her. He looked at her as if she was something dirty. But the remarkable hairs of it made painfully clear to Chichi just who was standing before her. "G-Goku?" she stammered. "Is that really you?"

He didn't answer her as he just gazed down, his tail going from one side to the other. She tried to call his name again, but he ignored her perfectly. He looked up at the moon which shimmered in a red light down at him. Without another word he turned around and walked away, leaving Chichi alone, unable to move.

"No-no…NO!" She yelled and he stopped for a second, only to walk away again. "I said no! You stop right there! Don't even think about leaving me! Hear me? DON'T YOU DARE GO AWAY!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, her eyes pressed closed as tears covered her cheeks.

"Who do you think you are to order me?" Goku's voice asked directly before her and Chichi opened her eyes only to see him kneeling before her. Clutching the fabric of his trousers, Chichi tried to hold him here. "I'm not ordering you…" she huffed.

"Let go." His cold voice said, but Chichi's grip only hardened. "NO!" She yelled at him determined. "I will not let go of you! Not a second time! You left me once, I will not allow you to leave me twice, hear me Goku? I Will Not Allow It!" her tears fell freely to the ground. "Don't do that to me…I don't want to be separated anymore!" She tried to push her body up to his face level with her last strength, as Goku's demon-like face kept being cold and uninterested. When she finally reached it, she gazed into his red eyes while her last tears rolled down her cheeks. "Don't leave me here…" she felt her strength leaving her as the world started to get dizzy around her.

And without another thought she pressed her lips firmly against his cold ones for a second and went limp only to whisper the words she didn't knew she could ever say to anyone: "I love you…"

Then her world went dark.