Here's chapter 2! Thanks to RoyalBlueRoses, Rawrzx3, Christine, DarkReina and Guest for reviewing chapter 1.
Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!
...
Turles was delighted to find that the food prepared by the Earth female was utterly scrumptious! While it was simple fare of bread, meat and rice, the food was plentiful enough to sate a Saiyan's appetite. The fruit and pastry dessert served was unfamiliar but absolutely delectable.
In a conspiratorial voice Gohan explained that he had informed his mother about the violent blows "Goku" had sustained to his head by the evil Turles. She understood that his memory was a bit off kilter. Hopefully that would improve as he recovered. If not they could always consult a local expert by the name of Bulma if need be. The crafty brigand smirked inwardly. It was he who had fashioned the excuse for not knowing what would be common knowledge for the Earth-raised Kakarot.
"It's good to have you home, Goku, " the slender woman commented as she pressed a soft kiss to the Saiyan's cheek.
Turles blinked in surprise at the gentle show of affection. A yawn escaped him as the warmth of his surroundings and the filling meal had him unexpectedly relaxed.
"You poor dear, I'll just bet you're exhausted. Why don't you rest for a bit?"
The Saiyan pirate actually found the notion appealing. Gohan pointed to a doorway as he caught the bewildered expression on Turles's face as he stepped into the hall. A decently sized bed dominated the room which was covered by an obviously hand-crafted coverlet in pastels. Two fluffy pillows rested against the simple wooden headboard. A wooden construction for the storage of clothing stood across the room. Light filtered gently through two cloths that hung on a rod at the top of a small window. Not exactly the sumptuous quarters he was accustomed to but adequate. Turles gave a contented sigh as he stretched out on the bed which was quite comfortable. In no time at all he was fast asleep.
Turles awoke with a start. The unmistakable warmth and softness of a female's form pressed against his back. He didn't recall ever hearing about Hell containing a brothel. Looking about his surroundings the memories instantly came flooding back. This was Kakarot's dwelling and night had fallen. The woman who slumbered beside him was Kakarot's mate. Of course she would rightfully expect to share sleeping arrangements. No matter how awkward the situation refusing to do so would invite unneeded questions. But sharing the bed itself was all they would share. For all his bravado at mocking Kakarot, the bond between mates was sacred by Saiyan tradition and Turles had no intention of violating that bond. He moved away only to have the woman press closer. A little further and she snuggled right into him. Moving a bit more the annoyed mercenary found himself on the floor as he'd rolled completely off the bed with a muffled curse. He swore he could hear Kakarot snickering at the back of his mind.
...
The epicurean Turles happily indulged in the appetizing spread Kakarot's mate served for the morning meal. Items from each bowl and plate he sampled were either sweet or savory treats for the palate. Something the boy called "bacon" and "cinnamon rolls" were his favorites. Goku whimpered helplessly as the impostor enjoyed a second meal that was rightfully his. As Gohan and the woman cleared the table Turles stepped outside into the sunlight.
After stretching a few moments the Saiyan began his morning routine as always. After several repetitions of an elaborate kata, Turles began to punch and kick at an imaginary opponent. To his amusement the Earth child had also exited the domicile and was attempting to emulate his movements. And why not? The youngster did possess Saiyan blood.
Gohan was delighted as Turles instructed him in the finer points of each motion. A nod of approval came from the pirate as Kakarot's progeny caught on quickly and mirrored his actions perfectly.
An utterly incensed Chi-Chi marched out of the house wielding her dreaded cast-iron frying pan.
"GOHAN!"
Turles turned to see what caused the eyes of Kakarot's brat to bulge in terror and why the woman was utterly screaming out his name.
"YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE STUDYING GOHAN! NOW STOP WASTING TIME THIS INSTANT!"
The furious brunette then turned her attention to Turles.
"AND YOU! We've been over this! Gohan is going to be a scholar NOT a useless FIGHTING THUG! Instead of this pointless "training" YOU need to do some chores around here!"
"Are you quite finished?" Turles growled.
Chi-Chi was outraged at her gentle Goku daring to use that tone with her. Well, she knew how to get him back in line immediately. She waved the frying pan in a threatening manner...
Instead of cowering and pleading "Goku" simply snatched the cooking implement away. The Ox-Princess gaped in disbelief as her 'weapon' was bent in half and tossed aside.
"I will train when I choose to do so. Gohan will train also if he wishes. THEN we will attend to the "chores" and "studying." Is that understood?" Turles snarled.
A frightened Chi-Chi nodded nervously. Whatever had come over Goku?
A mischievous Gohan decided to milk the situation.
"Hey Dad! After we're DONE with the chores and my studies. Let's go fishing!"
Chi-Chi was flabbergasted at the idea of even more precious time better used in scholarly pursuits being frittered away.
Turles had immediately noticed the female's displeasure at the notion of this "fishing" activity. Obviously Kakarot had allowed the domineering female to impose her will as she saw fit. That was something he refused to endure. The present "Kakarot" would respect her reasonable wishes as not to arouse undue suspicion but the woman would not dictate his actions.
"Yes, Gohan. After we finish our tasks. We will 'go fishing,'
"Fine!" Chi-Chi shouted as she threw her hands into the air and hurried back to the safety of the house. Goku was clearly not himself but at least there would be the possibility of fresh fish for one of their meals.
...
"There's something different about Goku, " Piccolo insisted.
Krillin snorted with disbelief.
"He looked okay to me. Well, after all the wallops he took from Turles it's understandable if he seems a little "off", " Krillin quipped.
"Piccolo's right, Krillin. I sense something that's just not the same as before, " Tien added.
"Why don't we pay Goku a visit and see if we can figure out what's going on?" Yamcha suggested.
"Sounds reasonable to me, " Chiatzou agreed.
"Maybe that's a good idea, " Piccolo mused...
...
Until the next chapter!
daughterofrisingsun