Chapter 12 – At Home In Hell

Zarbon was blinded by a bright white light, he couldn't see, he couldn't feel nor could he think strait in his disoriented state until finally, he felt as though he was falling, down, down and down. The light subsided and he began to make out flashes of red and brown as he plummeted downwards until suddenly he was engulfed in liquid. Survival instincts kicked in and Zarbon kicked his thick muscular legs as hard as he could propelling him back up until he broke through to the surface. Choking and coughing he continued to swim forward until his hands clutched onto the edge of whatever it was he'd fallen in to. He haughled himself out onto dry land, heaving up the fluid which he'd swallowed. Soon his vision cleared and as he expelled the last of the liquid he noticed his surroundings. Familiar surroundings. Fear like he'd never felt before tore through him… he was back in hell. He scrambled to his feet and spun around looking for any sign of Yamcha, a few splashes came from the lake and Zarbon watched as the Ginyu Force and the others that had been revived on Earth fell in as he did. Despair flooded through him, unable to cope with the arrival of the others he powered up and took off as fast as he could. Dodoria broke through the water just in time to see what direction the ex general had fled in.

…

Back on Earth Yamcha had made it to the Capsule Corporation, as soon as he drew close he could sense Goku, Vegeta and Bulma and followed their energy signatures to the garden. He flew strait at Goku and grabbed him by the front of his orange gi. ''What have you done?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!'' he screamed repeatedly at the bemused man.

Goku just watched on puzzled, ''Hey, Yamcha? You ok? You seem upset.''

Yamcha opened his mouth to scream some obscenities at the dumb witted sayain when Vegetas gravel like voice broke though his thoughts ''They are back in Hell. Kakkarot travelled to New Namek to use their Dragon balls.''

''No…..NO!'' screamed Yamcha distraught, he immediately started punching Goku repeatedly as hard as he could ''Why why WHY?!'' he screamed as he continued to punch the other man, who didn't even flinch from the ferocious attack on him.

''Yamcha!'' Shouted Bulma angrily ''Stop it! It's for your own good! They were evil, they don't belong here!''

Yamcha nearly flew at her then as his rage continued to flow through him ''Evil?! What about YOUR loving husband- he was one of them! Everything they did- he did too! How can you even justify that in your mind?!''

Vegeta was in front of him in a second ''Don't you dare speak to her that way. Leave, now!''

Yamcha felt the fight leave him. He couldn't beat Vegeta or Goku. And if he did, it wouldn't bring Zarbon back. Zarbon was gone. And Yamcha was alone. Again. And Zarbon was alone, trapped in that hell. He took to the sky and flew off as fast as he could unable to speak at all, back to his apartment. As he walked in Pu'ar appeared to greet him, the cheerful smile was wiped from her face as she took one look at Yamcha.

''Yamcha! What's wrong?'' squeaked the tiny shape shifter worriedly. Yamcha fell to his knees and screamed a bloodcurdling heartbroken scream, before breaking down in tears, so chocked up he couldn't breathe.

…

In hell Zarbon had flown and flown and flown as far as he could, totally spent of energy he half crashed into the ground. Having nothing to distract him anymore- his tears started to fall. His body shook as crushed sobs filled the air.

He didn't know how long he'd been there for, hours at least, he'd cried until no more tears could come, still laying crumpled in the dust on the ground. He heard heavy footsteps approaching him, ones he knew well. A fat pink hand rested on his shoulder and Zarbon reached up and placed his hand over it without bothering to look round.

''I'm so sorry, Z'' Consoled Dodoria, giving the others shoulder a squeeze.

Zarbon felt hot tears start to prick in his eyes again which were still so sore. He turned around and threw his arms around Dodoria, burying his face into his vast chest as the tears started all over again.

Painful hours turned into painful days which turned into painful weeks. Zarbon kept himself secluded from everyone else. He spent every day walking- nowhere in particular, just an unbeatable compulsion as though he could simply walk his way away from the pain. Then at night, when his body forced him to physically rest, the uncontrollable tears would fall again.

…

Down on earth things were no better for Yamcha. He'd refused to return to the Z fighters, and the captain of his baseball team had suspended him for 3 months due to how utterly appalling he was playing and for routinely just failing to show up completely. He fell quickly into a suffocating bout of depression, spending the days either at the gym until he physically collapsed or in bed for days on end without rising. Pu'ar was deeply worried about her loyal friend, but there seemed no way for her to even get him to crack a smile, besides, the small feline was also missing the green mans companionship too.

In such desperate times Yamchas mind started to turn to desperate measures; unable to so much as think about continuing on without Zarbon by his side. Their last night together played over and over and over again in his head, until he feared the memory would be worn out. Soon he was thinking of ways, any ways to be reunited with the green beauty. Yamchas first thought was suicide- but that would still do no good, for having died before he knew he wouldn't be sent to Hell. He thought of committing such an act that would send him there- murder? But it soon became apparent to him that there was no way he could afflict that pain on someone's family. If he managed to get the Dragon balls and resurrect Zarbon the others would only sense his energy and return to kill him again. He checked the calendar… it had been 3 months since Zarbon had gone. Goku had used Nameks Dragon balls… so that left the earth's Dragon balls with only half a month left until they were usable again. Yamcha silently started to come up with a plan.

Finally after nearly 4 months of solid heart break the time finally came for Yamcha to put his plan into action. Washed, groomed and nicely dressed, Yamcha made for the Capsule Corporation.

Upon landing he went up and knocked on the side door, which was soon opened by Bulma. It took everything Yamcha had to plaster a smile across his face when he saw her, pretending to be so happy to see her.

''Bulma!'' he exclaimed ''I'm so glad you're home. I wanted, no, needed to apologise for what I said and how I behaved the last time I was here. I wanted to come by sooner, but I was so ashamed of myself that I couldn't bring myself to. I wanted to say that I was wrong, and you were right as always. You guys did the right thing, I'm sorry I didn't see it at the time.''

Bulma looked at her lifelong friend with a sad smile on her face ''I'm so glad you came Yamcha, I know it was hard for you. Please, come in, I've got time for a chat.''

Yamcha forced himself to give her another smile then followed her into the kitchen. Bulma made tea and they sat at the table discussing what had been going on lately, Bulma talked nonstop about Trunks and Bulla whilst Yamcha nodded enthusiastically, occasionally making the odd friendly comment. After about 30 minutes a loud alarm sounded throughout the halls.

''Oh my!'' exclaimed Bulma jumping up ''that's from the gravity chamber. Damn Vegeta! I'll go and check on him. Wait here, I'll be back soon!'' she said giving him a friendly wave and an apologetic smile. As soon as she was gone Yamcha left the kitchen and sprinted down the corridors and into Bulmas lab. He knew his way around and quickly located the Dragon ball safely stashed away where it belonged before taking off as fast as he could. Meanwhile Bulma returned to the kitchen with Vegeta in tow; ''Hey Yamcha I was just telling Vegeta about…. Yamcha? Oh, I guess he left…'' mused Bulma shrugging.

It didn't take many days for Yamcha to locate 6 of the Dragon balls, and after quickly returning home for a freshen up and a final meal with Pu'ar, he set off to locate the last orb. The next day Yamcha had the 7 orbs and summoned the mighty Shenron. With a loud rumble and darkening of the skies the dragon appeared; ''Speak your wish….'' Yamcha stood in awe for a few seconds, even after all this time the dragon was still a mighty sight to behold.

Not daring to keep the dragon waiting, Yamcha cleared his throat and walked up to the mighty beast; ''I wish for you to send me to hell, to be with the warrior Zarbon!''

The dragon narrowed his eyes, Yamchas breath hitched in his throat, was the dragon going to say it was not within his power to grant such a wish? But the dragons eyes started to glow red; ''It shall be done.''

Yamcha felt a searing pain rip through his body as everything started to flash black, unable to hold it in he screamed in pain as he felt his body start to move.

Yamcha slowly came round, blurry eyes flicking open to slowly focus on a barren, rocky terrain. Shakily, he pulled himself up onto aching legs and started to stumble forwards. After a while he noticed a red coloured puddle to the ground, peering into it he noticed that his body was still intact after his painful ordeal, he also noticed he had no halo- he was still alive!

Yamcha managed to calm himself down enough to search for Zarbons ki, and finally got a lock on. Taking to the sky he flew across the jaggered rocky ground, finally landing by a large red lake. He looked around to find where the ki source was coming from and finally spotted it. His legs felt weak and his heart started beating rapidly as he looked in front of him. There, right at the edge of the lake, was Zarbon. He was still wearing the white top and jeggings, however they were now pretty tattered and torn, he sat with his legs pulled up to his chest, his arms wrapped around them tightly and his head resting on his knees. Yamchas heart ached; the once mighty warrior looked so small, so defeated.

Taking a deep breath his shaky legs managed to carry him forwards, his footsteps hardly making a sound on the dry ground. As he drew closer he herd small heartbroken sobs; Zarbon remained completely oblivious as Yamcha drew closer, until the black haired warrior stopped just behind him and cleared his throat.

Zarbon lifted his head and turned to look towards the noise, his breath hitching in his throat as his eyes met its cause. Tear filled golden eyes widened as they stared into pure black ones.

''Y…Yamcha?'' he gasped, hardly believing his eyes.

''Hey, Zarbon'' smiled Yamcha, suddenly feeling very shy.

Slowly, not breaking eye contact, Zarbon rose to his feet. They both stared at each other, transfixed for a few moments, hardly daring to breathe. Finally Zarbon broke his stance and ran at Yamcha throwing his arms round him, holding him so tightly against his chest, he gripped at the other mans clothes desperately as though he was scared he'd disappear. Loud sobs wrecked through his body.

Yamcha gently wrapped his arms against the other mans waist ''Sshhhh, Z, It's ok, It's ok.''

''But… but HOW?'' gulped the green man in between sobs.

Yamcha pulled back slightly, placing his hands on the others tear stained cheeks and caressing his face. ''I used the Dragon balls. I couldn't wish for you to come back to me, so I came to you. It's all I could do. I just needed you so much…'' he choked off, gently pushing their foreheads together.

Zarbon smiled through his tears as he bought his hands up over the top of Yamchas; ''I love you, Yamcha'' he breathed shakily.

''I love you too.''

…

Back on Earth Pu'ar floated into her and Yamchas flat, happily calling out for her friend. When she couldn't find him anywhere else in the flat she entered his bedroom, floating up to the bed she saw an envelope resting on the pillow; 'To Pu'ar' was written on the front in Yamchas handwriting. Pu'ar opened it and starting reading through the letter; as her blood ran cold she stopped reading and flew out of the window as fast as her little body could go, heading to Bulma's.

Bulma was having lunch with Whis out on the balcony when she finally reached the Capsule Corporation. ''Bumla! Bulma!'' squeaked Pu'ar panicked, floating towards her.

''Oh! What do we have here!'' coo-d Whis placing his hands on his cheeks with cheerful smile ''Well aren't you just a much more sweeter feline then Lord Beerus!''

''What is it Pu'ar?'' asked Bulma alarmed at Pu'ars appearance without Yamcha. Pu'ar thrust the letter into Bulmas hands, which the blue haired woman quickly read, her face going white. ''Goku, I need to get Goku!'' she exclaimed pulling her mobile out of her pocket and dialling frantically. Soon Goku had Instant transmission in front of them, Vegeta had also joined them.

''What is it Bulma?'' asked Goku scratching his head.

''It's Yamcha!'' she cried ''He's gathered the Dragon balls and wished himself to hell to be with that handsome green haired man he was looking after!''

Goku titled his head on the side ''Why would he do that?''

Whis rolled his eyes and shook his head in exasperation at Goku's cluelessness.

''He's obviously in love with him!'' Shouted Bulma, now placing her head in her hands ''Oh, we should never have wished them back! What can we do? We can't leave him in hell for a year whilst the Dragon balls are out of commission!''

''….hang on… so… two men can love each other?'' asked Goku surprised, promptly receiving a whack on the back of the head from Vegeta.

''Oh my god Kakkarot, your ignorance is so moronic at times!'' he growled.

''Hmmmm…'' hummed Whis ''I wonder if this friend of yours is still alive… if he is, it would not be a good balance to have a living mortal in hell….''

Bulma turned to him catching on ''You could get him? Would you?'' she asked with wide eyes.

Whis seemed to think ''I'm not sure…. After all, it's not really an angels place… and it's not as if my destroyer has asked it of me either. I don't even have an offering of any kind for him….''

Bulmas eyes flashed bright ''An offering? I'll give you an offer! An all you can eat buffet full of Lord Beerus' favourite foods! A feast in his honour! What do you say, Whis?'' she asked nudging him and winking hopefully.

''Well that does sound like something his Lordship would like!'' beamed Whis before his staff lit up and he disappeared.

…

In hell Yamcha was cradling Zarbon in his arms on the hard rocky ground as the green man slept, he gently ran his fingers through the others fine silk like hair ''I'll never lose you again'' he promised the sleeping man in a whisper.

Suddenly in a flash of white, there stood Whis. Yamcha gasped and jumped to his feet, knocking a now very stunned Zarbon unceremoniously onto the floor.

''Whis!'' he exclaimed ''How are you here? W... why are you here? If Bulma sent you I don't care what she says- I'm not going back to earth!''

Whis simply flashed one of his care free smiles ''Fear not human, I think I have the perfect solution to your problem!''

Zarbon walked up behind Yamcha and slipped his fingers through Yamchas, nervous about who this halo wearing blue stranger was.

…

With one last flash of white Whis appeared back on Earth on Bulmas balcony, as the blue haired scientist ran up to him closely followed by Goku and Vegeta, she noticed Yamcha and Zarbon standing behind him. Yamcha felt Zarbon tighten his grip on his hand as if he were nervous or afraid. Yamcha stepped in front of Zarbon to protect him from any attack Vegeta was planning when Whis cleared his throat, everyone froze where they were to pay attention to the angel.

''Now then. I have come to an agreement with these two love birds here!'' Chimmed Whis, making Yamcha and Zarbon blush and cringe ''they are both here to live out the rest of their mortal lives on earth. I have capped their power levels, thus taking away any ability they might have had to cause trouble on your planet. Yamchas power level will always remain at his current 75,000 whilst Zarbons will remain at his current 1,000,000- thus leaving them far below the earth's protectors Goku or Vegeta. Now then! It's about time I return to Lord Beerus; Bulma, I will be in touch when his lordship awakes to arrange a date for the banquet you promised. Until then, cheerio!'' and with a cheerful smile the angel vanished, leaving behind a very relieved and happy Bulma, a seething Vegeta, and a still clueless Goku.

That night Yamcha and Zarbon lay in bed together, Zarbon rested his head on Yamchas chest and closed his eyes just taking in the gentle thumping of Yamchas heart and the way his warm chest rose and fell. ''….I can't believe this….'' He whispered into the darkness.

The hand which had been running through his loose hair gently pressed itself to his face ''I know… this is everything I could have ever wished for and more.'' Yamcha closed his eyes but opened them again a short while later when he felt something wet on his chest ''….Z, are you crying?'' he asked concerned.

With a seconds hesitation Zarbon nodded. ''I'm sorry… it's just… I've never been allowed to express any emotions, or grieve for anything… and this is just… so overwhelming'' the green man admitted tightening his grip on Yamcha whilst more tears spilled onto his bare chest. Yamcha wrapped his arms around him and held him tightly.

''It's ok Z… I'm here for you. Anything you need to work through, we'll do it together. I promise you'll never be on your own again.''

Zarbon pulled himself up onto his elbows to look at Yamcha. Yamcha smiled lovingly at the other man; his immaculate green face now stained with tears and black mascara. Yamcha carefully wiped away one of the tears with his thumb, he couldn't help but smirk slightly; ''You're such a hot mess, you know.''

Zarbon managed to let out a small chuckle before playfully elbowing Yamcha in the side, Yamcha laughed as he grasped the elbow and used it to flip them over so his body was now hovering over Zarbons.

''Your hot mess…'' Zarbon whispered up at him gently placing his finger tips on Yamchas juicy lips. Yamcha took the light green hand in his and kissed it whilst staring lovingly into the others eyes.

''Mine.''