The Raid
Elizabeth Knight
KB1
Bra heard the branches snap and looked up. At first she couldn't make anything out in the under brush, and then she caught a glimpse of gold. Beautiful golden eyes stared back at her and, she was mesmerized. Bra crept several inches forward and reached into the foliage.
"What is it Bra? Did you find something?" Goten called.
Bra moved the branches slightly and gazed at the cat-man in font of her. Shadows played across his face and branches had caught his long black hair, spreading it in every direction like a black silken web.
"Bra! What's up with you?"
This time Goten's voice made her jump, and she released the branches. Giving the cat-man one last look, she turned and swiped up the volley ball. "Sorry! I thought I heard something, but there was nothing there."
"Well toss us the ball so we can serve again."
"I don't think so. Your ball flew out of bounds, and that means it's our serve. Here ya go Videl!" Bra tossed the ball in to Gohan's wife. She threw a look over her shoulder, and noticed the bush moving slightly. When it stopped she knew he was gone. What had she done? There was no telling what he'd been doing there, but it wasn't anything good. She was sure.
"Kyle! It's nice to see you back. Is everything ready for the raid this evening?"
"Every things a go, White Fang. Have you seen my sister?"
"I think she's with Abigail. Has Jonathen returned from the second site?"
"Not that I know of. Are you sure he should be coming this evening? He's awfully young to be included in the raids. He'd probably just get in the way."
"My nephew will be fine, Kyle. He's a strong boy, and he's smart." the ware-wolf answered. "You just look out for your sister this evening. I won't be able to help you if anything goes wrong, since I'll be on the second site with Jon."
"Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on her." Kyle turned to find the healers tent. It was situated at the very end of the camp away from all the others. He headed that way and thought about the up coming battle. He wasn't looking forward to this one for more than one reason. He entered the healers tent quietly as his eyes searched it for the ware-rat and wear-tiger.
"Zantha?" he called. His voice sounded loud in the utter silence.
"Here, Kyle." Zantha answered opening a divider. "I'm glad to see you've returned safely."
"Me too. Do you think your ready for this evening?" he ask with a grim expression on his face.
"I'm ready." she assured him.
"I wish you'd reconsider this."
"Kyle, I'm ready for this. I want to help."
"It's very dangerous."
"I know, but I can't let you be the only one risking your neck. Besides, You gave me your permission."
"Well I've changed my mind. I want you to stay here where it's safe."
"No! You can't make me stay behind!"
"You're not ready yet, Zantha."
"I am!" Zantha hissed, and Kyle let her push her way past him. He followed her out, but when she took to the air he was stranded. Giving a sigh of frustration, he turned to go back into the healers tent. It wouldn't be long before dusk arrived and they departed.
An hour later, the aerial team took to the air and the ground force moved out. Kyle tried to keep an eye on Zantha, but when she dashed through a tower, he lost sight of her. He quickly scaled the city's one wall of defense and climbed into the empty tower room. Kyle caught a glimpse of red hair disappearing into a tall building a little ways away and looked around to find a closer way to get to her. Kyle spied a large greenish blue dragon and called out. "Isaru!"
The dragon came to him. "I need to get to Zantha. She went into that bell tower over there." He pointed to the tower across the way. The dragon turned to present his back to Kyle and he climbed on. A saiyan passed them in hot pursuit of Zantha. He was going to reach the bell tower first. "Hurry, Isaru. Zantha's in trouble."
Kyle stepped off Isaru's back and dashed across the roof to find the saiyan. He still had his back turned to Kyle, but Kyle didn't hesitate as he charged the short saiyan. He caught him off guard and was able to take him down the first time. They rolled with the slant of the roof, but both managed to get back on their feet before they plunged over the edge. Kyle managed to keep up with the fight until he saw Zantha crashing through another window in a house. Kyle ducked a high blow and plowed his shoulder into the saiyan's stomach, sending them both over the edge.
When they hit the ground, Kyle landed on top. He was momentarily winded, but still climbed to his feet and took off in the direction of the house. He climbed it's side and up to the second story window. Zantha lay just inside on the floor with an arrow imbedded in her shoulder. He called her name as he crawled in the window. Kyle glanced over at the women in the corner as he gathered up Zantha, but paused to look a second time when he noticed the young woman from this afternoon. Her eyes were wide in recognition, but not fright or repulsion. He hefted Zantha back out the window to the ground and took off for the trees at the far end of the city. Kyle felt Zantha sift into her tiger form, and stopped to set her on her feet. He shifted as they ran for cover, and when they entered the tree line Zantha stopped.