The next chapter is posted! Enjoy :)
It's been about three weeks since they stumbled upon those old ruins beneath the ground. And for some reason, Angel can't get the images out of her head. Frieza was being logical when he said, the depictions could've meant a number of things. But for some reason she seemed certain the images did have to do with Planet Kandu's untimely demise at the hands of Frieza's ancestor, Froze.
Not only that, but ever since she saw the images on the wall she's been having odd dreams. They were quite vivid, just like her dreams tended to be. A lot of them put her in a different time and place. It's as if Angel's dreams were trying to tell her something. Or possibly warn her of something to come. When she closes her eyes, some of these dreams take her to what could only be another world. One that was beautiful, with much of the scenery looking similar to the tropical forests she has seen here.
But Angel also saw civilizations. And they appeared to be very technologically advanced with crafts cruising and flying about. The places she was seeing along with these crafts, instantly reminded her of futuristic New York City as seen in that sci-fi movie 'The Fifth Element'. Even the clothing on many of the individuals were odd and futuristic, also like in the movie. But what surprised her most of all, is that the people she saw in her dreams appeared human.
Only like her, these humans could fly. They also appeared to be very strong and fast. Was it possible, that her dreams have taken her back three thousand years to the time Planet Kandu was still in existence? If so, is it the place she is seeing in her dreams. Angel hasn't said, a word about her dreams to Frieza. A part of her felt like, what would be the point in that. Plus, who's to say it isn't her imagination running wild, after what she's seen on those cave walls?
Is it? And if so, how would she know what Planet Kandu and it's inhabitants looked like? She knew they were a race of super humans. But when Angel initially thought of how a super human would look like. She would picture a human that looked kind of like a mutant. Taller than the average human and with bulky muscles. She would've went as far as to think the Kandusai looked just like the Saiyans, minus the tail.
The flying humans she saw in her dreams were not overly huge or bulky. It's because Angel wanted answers on who these people may be. She kind of wants to ask Frieza what the Kandusai may have looked like. He always talked of his advanced education during his youth. And that included ancient civilizations and worlds. He even told her there were books and documents with detailed drawings of ancient races. Odds are he may have seen some detailed sketches of someone of the Kandusai Race.
Angel felt like, that's exactly who they were. But she always likes to be one hundred percent sure on something that's important. That's just how she is, it's a trait that has shown up dozens of times in her work. If something was going on with the local wildlife and foliage. She wanted to be one hundred percent certain on what's happening and makes sure her answers on the matter are correct.
Shortly after the cave's discovery. Angel didn't talk to Frieza much for the next couple days. Probably, because she was still pissed on how he just shrugs everything off. Like how he acts like hurting others is just some inconvenience for him just so he can get to what he wants. In this case, it's the sphere. He wasn't stupid, he knew she was pissed at him and that is why he hardly conversed with her after that.
She started to feel a sense of dread. Because Angel felt like there was no way for her to save these beings from the tyrant that she was accompanying on this trip. She wanted to plead with him not to hurt anyone. But Angel knew with Frieza, it would just fall on deaf ears. And so far, these last few weeks she couldn't think up a good plan to avoid any casualties that most likely will occur.
There was only one solution she could think of. But Angel doesn't believe she can do it. The plan was to kill Frieza. But it wasn't a good plan for two reasons. One, she wasn't sure if she can overpower him in battle. Two, she wasn't a killer. Even if he is rotten to the core and a monster. That didn't give her the 'Ok' to end his life. Angel may as well be just like him, if she were to execute such a plan. But each day they were drawing closer. The more anxious and desperate she was becoming.
It was nearing night time again. Which meant they should be landing soon to rest for the night. It was a rather exhausting day from flying. Plus her side was a bit sore from when Frieza knocked her into the side of a large boulder, during their brief stint of sparring. Lately, he hasn't been wanting to stop for sparring.
He probably figures if their getting this close, he doesn't want anymore delays. But the last few times, Angel was able to talk him into a few sparring lessons. What Frieza didn't know, was Angel was deliberately asking him as often as she can to spar so she would intentionally delay him. It was just until she came up with a better plan.
"I think it's time to find a place to crash for the night." Angel told him.
To her surprise he shook his head.
"No, we're too close now. Let's keep pushing on." He told her.
She gaped at him. "What? No way, I'm exhausted. I feel like we used up a lot of energy today and it left me feeling a little drained. I'm landing in the next convenient area we find."
Frieza clenched his jaw and was clearly annoyed.
"Are you kidding me? We're the closest we've ever been to these beings for the first time in months. And you want to stop because you want a nap?" He spat.
Angel glares at him. "That's exactly what I'm saying, Ass wipe. And if you don't like it. Too fucking bad."
"Keep talking, Little Warrior Princess. You have nearly drained the last of my reserves. Before I start beating you to a bloody pulp to shut you up." He said, leveling a glare right back at her.
Instead, Angel just gave him the one fingered salute.
"Bite Me." She quipped.
Then she descended and was headed for a small clearing in the foliage below. Frieza growled and began to follow her. If she keeps delaying him, he may as well knock her out for the rest of the trip. Until he finds these mystery beings they've been trailing since the moment they got here. He was almost beginning to wonder if the young woman was intentionally delaying him. After all, Angel has been goading him into more sparring matches as of late. Perhaps he will ask her of that when they settle in for the night. Or better yet, ask her before knocking her out and carrying her the rest of the way.
The clearing was smaller than they thought it would be. Surrounded by very dense foliage. It was hard to see anything through the numerous trees that surrounded them. The air was kind of thick and soupy with an odd smell about it. Angel had been in other wooded areas back home. She recalls vacationing down in Florida with some relatives. And remembers that their house was near a very swampy area. Because of this, their place was pretty smelly from the nearby swamp.
Perhaps they were near a swamp. It would explain the odd thickness and smell of the air. If Angel wasn't so exhausted, she probably would've moved onto another area. But looks like this will have to do for now. They will head off, as soon as they get up in the morning. Angel walked about the small area, looking around. She thought she saw another clearing several meters away to her left. And at the corner of her eye, she thought she saw something move. But when she looked again, she didn't see anything. She shrugs, thinking her eyes were just tired and playing tricks on her.
After a few moments, Frieza approached her.
"You really want to stay here? This place reeks. The air smells pretty rancid, like something rotting." He told her.
"We're probably near a swamp. And quite honestly, I don't care if we are. I'm too tired to fly at this point." She said, while keeping her gaze on the darkened woods.
She won't admit it. But it did have a sense of eeriness about it.
"Are there other reasons on why we are frequently stopping? You seem very keen on sparring lately. Care to elaborate on why that is?" Frieza asked, while standing beside her.
"Maybe, I just want to learn more." She told him quietly.
But he wasn't really buying that answer.
"Pretty sudden if you ask me. Not to mention, there will be more time for sparring once we find those elusive beings. And possibly find a way off this rock with their assistance." He said.
"You mean when you force them to help you, right?" She bit out.
A small smirk forms on his face. "Is that what this is all about? Still worried I'll end them once their usefulness runs out?"
In anger and exhaustion she punched the closest tree. Which ended up uprooting the large tree and sent it toppling over.
"Your damn right that's what this is all about!" She yelled.
He crosses his arms, smirk still planted on his face.
"Good thing to see anger still brings the truth out of you." He said.
She growls in frustration and throws a punch his way. But he caught her fist and didn't let go. Frieza applied some pressure to her fist. Her exhaustion was making her slow. She threw another sloppy punch his way with her other fist. This one he caught with his tail. Now he had both her hands in his grip. Angel sent a glare his way.
"Let go of me." She snapped.
He shakes his head. "No, not until you cool off."
"Kind of hard to do so. When you plan on hurting more innocents to get answers." Angel gritted out.
Frieza sighs, this woman was just so stubborn. And to be honest it was making him tired as well.
"Fine, we'll go, get answers, and then leave. I won't lay a hand on anyone...Unless they attempt to attack us first, alright? Now will you calm down? Because to be honest with you, I'm starting to feel rather tired myself." He admitted.
She snorts. "That does tend to happen, when you were up for a good portion of this past week. I still don't trust you and your word obviously doesn't mean shit. But at this point, I just want to sleep. So I really don't want to carry on like this."
Pleased with her answer. Frieza slowly loosened his grip on her hand and wrist. Angel dropped them to her sides and stepped back. She eyed him, making sure he doesn't try something. But he just turns his gaze back to the dark, quiet woods. Unlike the other previous stops they made. There were hardly any sounds here. Usually you would her the buzzing of bugs, the chirping of crickets, and strange birds. But here, it was just quiet.
Frieza sat down and leaned back against a tree trunk with his hands behind his head. Angel usually goes to the other side of the area, putting as much distance as she can between them. But something about the silence of this place left her a little uneasy. So she settled for laying down in the soft grass only a few feet away from him. Angel let out a yawn. Which reminded her of something. Will she dream of that place and those people again? Before she fell asleep, she figures a couple questions won't hurt.
"Hey, Frieza? Mind if I ask you just a couple questions?" She asked.
He turned his gaze to her. "You may, though pending on the question. I can't guarantee you an answer."
Angel moved a little closer. "You said that learning about ancient civilizations and worlds was part of your education right?"
His tail thumped up and down on the grass a couple times.
"Yes, why do you ask?" He asks.
She propped her head up on her hand.
"Did you ever recall seeing any pictures or maybe drawings of what the Kandusai or their world looked like?" She asks.
His brow ridged arched in question. "Well, that's certainly not the question I was expecting. But yes, I do recall seeing some detailed images of both places on Planet Kandu and it's inhabitants, the Kandusai."
"What did they look like?" She asked, now very curious.
Frieza turned his gaze to the starry sky.
"Like Humans and Saiyans. A little taller and slightly more muscular than the average human. But still shorter and not as built as a saiyan. I even remember reading that there was some crossbreeding between the two races, creating half bred offspring. There was another name for these hybridized children. But I can't quite remember what they were called." He told her.
He paused briefly before proceeding. "I do remember that one of the royals took a saiyaness for their spouse. In fact, it was King Silas that done so. Planet Kandu's Queen at that time, was of the Saiyan Race. The King of the Saiyan Race at the time had four children. He wed off his only daughter to Silas who at the time was a prince. As part of an ongoing peace between their worlds. Their marriage boost up their status as the old king handed his thrown down to his son, Silas. That meant their three children were half breeds.
One child, their youngest and only daughter was said to be a prodigy. She was a natural born warrior. There was talk among the seers, that she would be recognized one day as the protector of her people. If I remember correctly, the princess's name was Mila."
Frieza began to chuckle. Which Angel found confusing. Just what was so funny about that?
"What's so funny?" She asked.
He looked over at Angel. "I just find it amusing, that the one who was prophesized as a protector of her people was in fact the exact opposite. If anything, she caused the death of her entire world and race."
Angel narrowed her eyes. "No, she didn't. Your ancestor was the cause of that, not her."
Frieza adjusted his hands behind his head.
"She did, perhaps if she didn't reject Froze's advances, then he wouldn't have destroyed Planet Kandu." He stated.
She sat up. "That's bullshit, he destroyed her planet because he feared them and to be spiteful. If anyone were to take responsibility for their demise, it's your fucking bastard of an ancestor. It's just like you and your family not to man up and take some responsibility. All your family has ever done is take out their anger on everyone else."
He sat up at this. "This has nothing to do with anger. It's about power and control. When an enemy or threat arises, you take them out. And that's exactly what Froze did. It's how we always handled problems throughout our history."
Angel narrowed her eyes. "And that's how you wracked up a history's long list of enemies and why everyone hates you. It's also why you keep failing."
He clenched his fists in anger. 'How dare she. How dare she presume how I dictate and run my life and my empire.' As angry as he was though. He was not in the mood to argue with her. So he leaned back against the tree with his hands behind his head again. Frieza looked up at the dark starry sky again, deep in thought. A few moments later, he shifted his gaze back to Angel.
He sighs, "Just go to sleep, Angel."
Then he looks straight ahead, before shutting his eyes.
Exhaustion was finally getting to her. So Angel laid back down and shut her eyes. Within the next fifteen minutes, both were fast asleep.
Sometime later that night. Angel awoke to bushes rustling, like something was moving about. She lifted her head and slowly looked around. The rustling suddenly stopped, and she couldn't help but feel they were being watched. It was too dark to see anything. She turned to Frieza, who must've heard what she heard. Because he was now fully awake too. He put a finger to his lips, signaling for her to stay quiet and not to make a sound.
The rustling sounds started back up. The only difference now is it was coming from different directions. A bush to their right would shake. Then a bush straight ahead of them would. Then a bush to their far left started to shake. Whatever they were, it's either their were more than one. Or it was an individual who was very fast. Frieza slowly stood up, body tense and prepared for a fight. Angel followed suit and stood up as well.
Not a couple moments later, this large green blur shot out of a bush closer to Angel so quickly, she didn't see it coming until last minute. She tried to move out of the way. But not being fully awake made her slower. As this thing rushed past her, she felt a sharp stinging pain on her chest. Not a moment after she was hit, the green blur had already disappeared back into the woods.
Angel gasped and looked down at herself. Her eyes widened when she saw three distinct claw marks across the top of her chest, right below her collarbone. They were bleeding, but luckily didn't appear to be too deep. Frieza approached her when he saw she was hit. Whatever it was, didn't come back out. But they knew it was still out there, watching them. It was then she started feeling strange. A sensation of heat started traveling throughout her body. Then she felt like what can only be described as a pins and needles sensation.
She went to take a step forward, only to realize she can't. Angel became a little confused on why her leg didn't move. Her confusion turned to panic when she realized she couldn't get her legs to work. Angel opened her mouth to say something. When to her horror she couldn't open her mouth. Her arms stopped working too. Then she found herself falling over. Angel couldn't move at all. It was as if her whole body had been paralyzed.
Frieza knelt down to analyze her. She tried to open her mouth and say something. But she couldn't, all that came out was a muffled whimper. He was about to say something. When the green blur shot out of the woods again, heading straight for them. Frieza stood up to confront the creature or being. It stopped right in front of them. It was quite grotesque, some kind of large, thin, green scaled reptoid.
It let out a hiss with a slight growl. Opening a mouth that revealed large yellowish sharp teeth. Then a long pink tongue slithered out, reminding her of Venom's long gross slobbery tongue. The strange creature approached the now paralyzed Angel. Frieza charged it and aimed a round house kick to it's head. But to his surprise it quickly ducked. Then came back up and rammed it's head into his gut. The impact of the hit sent Frieza sailing through the woods a few meters.
Then the creature quickly picked up a limp Angel and made a quick dashed through the woods. Greatly annoyed for getting blindsided so easily, Frieza pushed off the ground and quickly returned to the clearing. Unfortunately, Angel was no longer there.
"Dammit." He muttered.
Luckily, he could sense her energy and honed in on the direction they went. Frieza took off after them.
The creature was moving so fast, that the foliage around them blurred together. After a couple minutes, it made an abrupt stop. The odd smell they smelled earlier back in the clearing, was even stronger now where they were at. Angel was right when she assumed they were near a swamp. Now she was in the middle of a swamp with this creature. It made a strange sound. Then not a moment later, more of these reptoids emerged from the swamp and started crowding around the one that had her in it's grip.
They made a chattering noise, like they were conversing with one another. But what really scared Angel; was when they turned their yellow gaze down to her. Drool started dribbling out of their mouths. To her horror, that's when she knew. They were planning on eating her!
She tried to look for any sign of Frieza. But being paralyzed, meant she couldn't even turn her neck. She was completely helpless now. They started to huddle in closer, and more whimpers along with some tears came from the frightened young woman. Then one of them was slammed hard by something, sending them rolling and toppling through the swamp.
Frieza landed besides the small group of reptoid creatures huddled around Angel.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. You would all probably have indigestion for days." He quipped.
Oh, once she can move again. She was kicking his ass. Here she is in another life or death situation. And what does Frieza do; makes a huge joke of it all. The angry reptoids charged the arcosian warrior. While the one that held Angel stayed behind. Frieza jumped up and became airborne. At least these creatures can't fly. He was debating a close combat fight with these creatures. Because if one of them manages to slash him with their claws, then he will become paralyzed like Angel. Then they would really be screwed.
He charged up some ki and blasted one of them. It sent it crashing into a tree. Then he shot down and nailed another across the face with his tail. Three more came at him, swinging their arms about, trying to slash him with their paralyzing claws. He dodged each one and retaliated with his own combo of moves. He uppercut one, violently snapping it's head back, and sent it up in the air a good several meters before falling back down. Another he kicked in the gut, sending it crashing into the brown muddy swamp water.
Their scaly skin was tough but his hits were hard and damaging. Many of the beasts stayed down and out. While a couple managed to stagger to their feet and have another go at him. When one came close enough, he blasted it close range. The blast going straight through it's middle. That one dropped to the ground, dead. The remaining reptoid hissed in anger and dove for Frieza, arms outstretched.
The tyrant batted it's arms away, quickly grabbed the creature's head and twisted it, snapping it's neck. He made his way to the remaining creature that had Angel. But Frieza stopped in his tracks when the reptoid held it's sharp claws over her neck, threatening to gouge her. He narrowed his crimson eyes. Faster than anyone could blink, Frieza pointed a finger and shot a death beam right through the reptoid's head. It dropped like a lead weight into the nasty, smelly water. Taking Angel with it.
He made his way over to her and pulled her out of the muck. Angel couldn't pick up her head to look at him. But she was relieved he got to her in time. This makes the second time he saved her life. He would've asked her if she were alright. But that would be pretty irrelevant, since she currently can't speak or move. Frieza moved his hand up her back, bringing her up so her head was propped up on his shoulder.
He noticed she was looking right at him now. A couple more tears leaked from her eyes. But within their depths held a great deal of gratitude. As Frieza looked at her prone form. He couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. If he had handled this more effectively from the start, than this wouldn't have happened. He ascended into the sky. The moon peaked out from behind some dark clouds, casting light down on them.
"I'm sorry, Angel." He said, softly.
She kept her eyes on him and made another small muffled whimper sound. Angel was a little worse for wear and filthy. But the important thing was, she was still alive. Now they had to wait and see how long it would take for the paralysis to wear off. He can only hope there wasn't poison in the claws too. They were far from any medical attention, if she needed to be treated with any antibiotic. But they can't worry about that just yet. He had to get them out of here first.
"Let's find a stream to clean you off in. Then we can rest. We won't wake early, you need all the rest you can get so that you will get better." He told her.
All she can do was continue to stare. But if Angel could talk, she'd tell him that that was all perfectly fine with her. And if she didn't know any better, she saw guilt and remorse in those crimson eyes as he gazed upon her. Frieza took off, leaving the swamp behind. He'd fly until he found the closest stream. Then he would help rinse her off, before they settle back down for much needed sleep. Safe to say, they just had a huge, major setback with all this.
Hope everyone enjoyed this shocking chapter. Fingers crossed that Angel will be ok. This whole situation definitely set them back quite a bit. Probably more than they realized. They can only hope that they can still trail the mystery beings they keep sensing. Until Next Time ;)