Chapter 48

With the welcome homes and celebrations complete, everyone went to bed to prepare for the next day's events. Valick and Miana's room occupied the whole of the upstairs and Falcon highly doubted they were sleeping after being separated for so long. The bottom floor consisted of a living/dining room where the main entrance was located, a kitchen, and another bedroom, which the kids shared. Falcon, Bra, and Ebony had been given sleeping mats, which they placed in the living room. Falcon had set up in a corner to the right of the main entrance, placing him under a window. Bra and Ebony decided to share a blanket and were in the corner opposite of Falcon's. The windows allowed a soft, cool breeze to enter the room and the girls wanted to stay away from it. Falcon didn't mind; he liked the cold.

Now, in the middle of the night, Falcon lay awake on his mat, staring at the ceiling, his hands crossed behind his head. As usual he wasn't sleepy. His acute hearing allowed him to pick up Bra and Ebony's peaceful snores and the occasional scream or moan from upstairs. But even with these sounds it was a peaceful night in the village. And tomorrow he and Bra would bid it and the rest of Demon World farewell and go back to Earth with the antidote Vegeta so desperately needed. Then they could start taking back the planet.

But like many more peaceful times before, this one was ended when an ominous feeling came over Falcon. Like most Saiyans, he had a sixth sense for impending danger, which had been heightened in his case. And something in the air just didn't feel right. It was so peaceful, so calm. He saw it as the calm before the storm. The question was, what was causing this feeling to come over him? He had to investigate.

He silently rose from bed and picked up his sword, which had been propped against the wall next to him, before heading for the door.

A sudden breeze had made Bra stir and she sat up in bed, causing Ebony to groan in protest as the blankets over her shifted. Bra rubbed her eyes and scanned the room. Though it was dark, she could make out a shape in the door. "Falcon?"

She must have gotten his attention because she saw two glowing emerald-green eyes staring back at her. "What?" he asked in a low voice.

"Where are you going?"

"Just for a walk. Don't follow. You'll need sleep for tomorrow."

"Oh…okay. Be careful."

The eyes moved in a nodding motion before disappearing into the darkness.

At first, Bra's instincts told her to follow him to make sure he'd be okay. But she quickly decided against that action. Falcon may work well with others but he was a loner at heart. Like any good loner, he needed alone time. And she cared about him enough to respect that need. So she lay back down and settled back down. Still feeling chilled from the breeze; she snuggled closer to Ebony and closed her eyes.

Outside, Falcon set a coarse for the main gate. His instincts told him the disturbance he sensed was outside the village. His glowing eyes acted as night vision, allowing him to see the guards asleep at their posts. Hopefully they wouldn't need to be disturbed.

He stealthily leapt over the gate and landed in a crouch outside the village walls. He placed his free hand on the ground and felt the soil between his fingers. He had to be in the right state of mind for a quick and undetected patrol and getting a literal feel of the land helped. As he felt the soil his muscles relaxed, his nostrils flared, his ears perked, and a tingle went up and down his spine. Something was definitely up; he could feel the tension in the air.

He started off in a sprint, his feet touching the ground for less than a millisecond before leaving the ground. He headed for the highest nearby hill, knowing it would give him a good view of the surrounding landscape.

Just before he reached the hill's crest he picked up the sound of voices and hit the dirt. He lay absolutely still, holding his breath to confirm the presence of a conversation. It was faint but he did pick up two gruff voices from the other side of the hill. He carefully crawled the rest of the way up the hill and peaked over the top. His special night vision allowed him to see two figures standing next to each other a few feet from the bottom of the hill.

From their large size he easily identified them as barbarians. From his experience, Falcon knew a raiding party wasn't to far off. No doubt they planned to attack the village, steal supplies, most of the women and children, and kill all the men with the exception of some slaves for the females' entertainment. But he couldn't know what actions to take until he knew which tribe they were. So he stayed in place, listening carefully to every word they said.

It was mainly stuff about what they planned to take the next morning, which gave Falcon the time for the attack. Then he heard what he wanted. One of them said Raikhan. So they're with the Thunder Tribe.

Now that he knew whom he was up against he needed information on their planned attack. The only place to get that was the camp. During his time with the Shadow Tribe he'd been taught the strategies of various tribes, including the Thunder Tribe. Raikhan was the thunder god so the tribe would position their camp in the direction storms came from, hoping to gain strength from their god in the coming battle. In this landscape most storms came from the southeast so Falcon guessed they were southeast of the village. His current position was to the east so all he had to do was head slightly to his right.

He went back behind the hill he was on and went around the next few hills next to it so he'd stay out of sight. Once he knew he was clear, Falcon took off in a sprint in the suspected direction of the camp. He had to be careful with his movements. There were no doubt other patrols out and he had to stay out of sight. He couldn't move to quickly or he risked detection but if he wasn't quick enough he couldn't give Valick's village sufficient warning.

It was about an hour later when he came across it. The surrounding hills made a bowl shape that the Thunder Tribe had used to set their camp in. Their strategy was to stay low and undetected.

Falcon used his sash to secure his sword to his back then proceeded toward the tents in a crawl. In an almost catlike manner, he crept toward the camp, keeping a careful eye on the guards stationed around the camp. From its size he knew there couldn't be more than fifty but what they lacked in numbers they made up for in toughness and sheer determination.

When he was within range, he rose to a crouch and sprang forward in a lunge toward the nearest tent. He pressed his back against the wall as a group of warriors walked out of the camp to relieve the other guards. After making sure the coast was clear, Falcon zipped behind a weapon rack and waited for two females to turn their backs to him. When they complied he snuck next to another tent and crouched behind two barrels. From his current position he could see the chief tent, where the leaders were discussing their strategy. He saw the cover he wanted in the form of a pile of furs and bones, supplies waiting to be turned into useful tools.

Making sure the coast was clear; Falcon darted for the cover and ducked in the small space between the pile and the tent. He pulled a couple of furs over him to help camouflage him. Fortunately, his current position put him right next to a small gap in the skins that acted as walls for the tent. He pushed them slightly apart and peaked in.

Two barbarians were seated right in front of him but he could see the map laid out on the table.

Tempest was using his sword as a pointer as he gave out orders to those present. "Shuden, your group will attack the village's gate while Jenauk leads the main group in an attack from the south. While you distract them, I will lead my force in from the north. We have found a pass through the hills that will allow us to use them as cover. With their defenses centered on the gate and east wing, my group will breach the wall and overrun the village. We will open the gate to let Shuden's group in. Jenauk, your group will stay outside the village to stop any escape attempts. Now when we attack the villagers will no doubt send their women and children into the shaman's quarters in the center of the village. We will surround it and burn them out. Remember take only what you can carry for now. Once the rest of the tribe arrives we will be able to pick the place clean. Understood?"

The others grunted their yeses.

"Now as for how the supplies we take will be divided…"

Falcon stopped listening to what the chief was saying. He focused his attention on the map, memorizing their plan of attack. It was a classic diversion. They were going to send a large and small force to apply pressure two certain areas of the defenses while a small infiltration force attacks from the rear. Falcon was impressed. Most barbarians would have their main force attack from behind. This one was using their largest force as a diversion. But he saw the flaw. If Tempest's force could be stopped and the largest force broken up, the entire operation would fail.

He had the information he needed. It was time to head back. He decided it would be best for him to start a diversion to make the going easier. So, he carefully slipped his sheath sword into the tent. One of the two in front of him was asleep. He gave the sleeping demon a good wallop with the tip of his sheath and quickly drew his weapon back.

The awakened demon punched the barbarian next to him, thinking he was the one who hit him. This of course escalated into a full fight that drew everyone's attention. As others in the camp rushed toward the tent entrance to help break it up, Falcon slipped out of the camp. He decided to approach from the north to find the pass Tempest spoke of. He had a pretty good idea of where to look.

((Two hours later))

Falcon quietly opened the door to Valick's house. He'd found the pass and had formulated a defense strategy. But they had only a few hours left to prepare. He headed for the stairs but stopped dead in his tracks when he looked to where Bra and Ebony slept.

He raised a curious eyebrow. Bra and Ebony were kissing each other. And it wasn't just butterfly kisses; there was deep-throat tongue action involved. He shook off his shock and continued toward the stairs. In reality, both Bra and Ebony were asleep and having very vivid dreams involving him. And in their close proximity to each other they had started kissing thinking it was Falcon.

Falcon reached the door to Valick and his wife's room. He frowned when he heard all to familiar noises. This was going to be harder then he thought. He knocked on the door.

"Beat it," Valick called back.

Falcon sighed and knocked again.

"I'm busy…right…now," Valick replied, obviously between kisses.

That was the last straw for Falcon. He raised his foot and kicked the door down. Valick and Miana looked at him in shock, Miana in top of Valick and straddling him. She quickly scrambled off him and hid herself under the covers while Valick sat up to face Falcon.

"What's the big idea?!" Valick yelled.

Before Falcon could reply the sounds of Bra and Ebony screams could be heard from downstairs. His dramatic entrance had woken them from their Falcon fantasies and they reacted to finding themselves lip locked with each other.

"Valick we have a problem."

"It had better be important. What is it?" Valick growled, pulling a pair of pants on.

"Barbarians," Falcon replied.

Valick froze. "A raiding party?"

Falcon nodded.

"We have to sound the alarm," Valick said, frantically putting on his battle gear.

""No Valick, if we sound the alarm they'll know we figured out their plans."

"Then what are we going to do?"

"We're going to calmly wake everyone and gather all fighters in the shaman's tent. I'll tell you the situation there. But it's imperative that we make the village look like it's still asleep."

"Okay," Valick agreed, strapping his sword on. He leaned to his mate and gave her a kiss. "We'll finish up later."

The two headed downstairs, where Bra and Ebony were currently giving each other looks of suspicion mixed with embarrassment.

"What's going on Falcon?" Bra asked, noticing the urgency with how Falcon moved.

"You two come with me," Falcon ordered.

They looked at each other but didn't question him as they got out of bed and followed him out.

"Take care of the kids while I'm gone!!!" Valick called to Miana.

The group went from house to house, waking the inhabitants then explaining the situation. Most of the fighters started preparing without a single questions once "barbarian raiding party" was mentioned.

In no time they had all gathered in the shaman's large tent, which acted as a home for him and a meetinghouse. The shaman was a short, wrinkled demon whose blue skin had taken a lighter color in his old age. He wore a red robe with yellow runes sewed into the bottom and the end of the sleeves, with a star on the back.

"What are we going to do about this attack?" One of the warriors asked.

"Falcon, if you'd please explain," Valick said, motioning toward the large map of the village and surrounding landscape hanging at the head of the room.

Falcon stepped up to the map. "They'll attack in three separate groups. The largest will attack from the south while a second smaller one attacks the gate. These are diversions for another small force that will come in from the north and take the rear while we're distracted with the other areas."

"That pass is the easiest way to get to us from that direction," Valick added.

"So what is our defense plan?" the shaman asked.

"We'll attack them before they attack us," Falcon replied.

The tent erupted in murmurs.

"Because they want to stay hidden, they'll stick to the low ground. We'll position troops on top of the surrounding hills. Valick, you will lead the sixteen best archers onto those hills. I want five positioned on each side of the pass and three to hang back behind each to provide cover for a withdrawal. Meanwhile, I'll lead another group to the southwest and come around behind the largest force."

"Yes, stop their actual attack and break up their largest force and they will break into a retreat," the shaman observed.

"That's the plan," Falcon replied.

"Alright then. Prepare yourselves for battle. But remember, we have to make it look like they have caught us by surprise. Go now," the shaman ordered.

"So Falcon, who's going with you?" asked Valick as he, Falcon, Bra, and Ebony left the meeting.

"Ebony and seven others," Falcon replied.

"Me?" Ebony asked in surprise.

"Yes, now go retrieve your weapons. You'll need them."

"Falcon, what about me?" asked Bra.

"You're to stay back in the shaman tent with the women and children. If this plan fails you'll be their last line of defense."

"Wait, you're making me stay behind the lines. As in out of the action?"

"It's an important job."

"But Falcon…"

"No buts Bra. You'll stay back with the women and children. Ebony, go get ready. Valick, gather your archers."

He hurried off to find the warriors his part of the plan required, leaving a shocked and hurt princess behind. She couldn't believe he'd give her an order like that. Did he not think she was up to the challenge?

Ebony noticed her reaction and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry Bra. I'm willing to bet Falcon's keeping you back so you won't risk getting hurt. He's just looking out for your safety."

"Really?"

Ebony smiled. "His ways are complicated, but I can tell he doesn't want you to be in danger."

Bra smiled back.

So, Valick and his sixteen archers headed north. Five of them positioned themselves behind the tops of the hills that made up the right side of the pass and another five went on the left. On three hills behind each group the backup archers positioned themselves. Falcon, Ebony, and seven other defenders made their way southwest and waited for the attack from the south to come. Everyone else returned to their quarters waiting for the alarm to sound. Though they would be ready when the time came.

The stage was set.

((With Trunks))

With the break of dawn, the Thunder Tribe broke into their attack groups. Tempest led fourteen north for the rear attack. Trunks and Kilana were in the largest group of twenty-two while the third group of twelve headed for the gate.

He couldn't wipe the sweat forming on his brow due to the mask made of a tigrow skull he was forced to wear. It was customary for him to wear it for his first raid. His sweaty palms tightened their grip on the crude sword in his right hand and the shield on his left.

"Just stay with Trunks. We will make it through this," Kilana said reassuringly.

He nodded back even while his mask hid his nervous expression. He never thought he'd be so hesitant to go to a battle. But he had a feeling something big was going to happen today. Whether it was good or bad he couldn't tell.

It may be the 26th but this next part was typed up yesterday so consider my Christmas present to you guys for your great reviews. So thanks to everyone whose reviewed. I'm glad my fic's entertained you for this long. And it's still far from over.

Thanks to…

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…and everyone who's took time to read Legends Never Die but still hasn't reviewed.

Merry Christmas!!!

The next chapter should be up on Wednesday. Don't worry, it'll cover much more than just the battle.

Review please.

To Stonehenge and Some Kind of Monster:

I just want to clear a few things up with my writing style. You see, I'm not out to create a literary master piece, I'm just writing something other people can read and hopefully enjoy. You've both stated that you're not big DBZ fans so I'll give you a basic plot for the show. A big villain shows up and threatens the universe. Goku and the gang set out to stop him. They defeat each of his henchmen before taking on the big guy himself. I'm trying to stay true to the show here. If you don't like the plot of DBZ then you won't like the plot of my fic. I'm writing something for the fans of the show. SkoM, you told me I haven't had enough antagonists; that Chaos Kai has been the only one so far. Well here's a list of the antagonists that have shown up so far: ogres, giants, skeletons, gargoyles, officers, Azul, Viper, Azure, Talon, Claw, Fang (sort of), Heavy Blaze, barbarians, Magmas, Shadow, and a few others I can't remember right now but you get the picture. And they still have more to face. You both seem to really want some doom and gloom in the war. Well, Talon explained why that hasn't been happening. If you want a real war so bad just wait till Chaos Kai comes back, which will be quite a few chapters from now. I first need to build up the relationships between the characters. You both seem to also not like what you've deemed "pointless humor" or the "childish antics" of the protagonists. Well guess what, that's what DBZ is all about. It's about fighting, pointless humor, with some drama here and there. And that's why fans like it. They want the pointless humor. Everyone I just listed loved those parts where Marron hit Broly with the frying pan, they like Broly's psychotic antics, they like the catfights between Bra and Ebony, they like all the humor. And yes, this is an action/adventure fic but if you haven't noticed it has the word ROMANCE right next to it. The first chapters focused on the action and now I'm mixing a little action with the developing romance.

Some Kind of Monster once wrote, "I have found though some of of the most popular stories on the net are also some of the worst written. I'm here to give criticism to those who believe thye arre the best." Okay first of all I don't think I'm the best. In fact I know I'm not the best writer out there. I've got fanfic idols that write much better than I. Second, why do so many people like those badly written fics? Because they're fun to read and very entertaining. That's what writing fanfiction's all about. It's about entertaining people and giving them something they like reading. I've seen some of the best-written stories get no reviews whatsoever because they're just not fun to read. Those badly written ones may not be pretty, but they are damn sure fun to read.

So from now on judge my fics by how much they entertain you not how well or badly they're written. That's what my fics are all about. So stop talking like my literature teacher, I write this stuff to escape that. Ifyou're not entertained then I don't know what to do to help you. All I can say is stop reading and don't waste your time with mine.

And you might want to check your spelling before you send in your reviews, because all those errors make them lose every ounce of professionalism.

Oh and one more thing: clears throat I CAN MAKE MY FICS HOWEVER DAMN LONG I WANT THEM TO BE!!!