Chapter VIII - The Turning Point
-------------
Author's note: I might do a little Gohan-bashing here, for one simple reason: I don't like Gohan. He's too soft for my taste. And all you diehard T/P fans, people who think Trunks should never be paired up with anyone but Pan... you might want to stop reading here, because the relationship between Trunks and Kakarika will start to really become more pronounced.
I apologize for how late this chapter is in coming, but I've been... preoccupied.
FYI: Kakarika and the entire Alcoan race are mine. You may use them if you ask for my permission first. Also, Kakarika will be a recurring character in all my stories, though she will have different names and a different background, but her appearance is always the same.
-------------
I went down to the highway
That runs between love and pride
And I tried to get sideways
Across the great divide
But my mind's eye's on the key ring
Crying in misery
'Cause it won't spend one more evening
Staring back to me
It may be by choice
Or a small inner voice
I can't say
When you add up the cost
We all have a cross
How do you write off the loss?
Where do I go from here?
How do I find my way?
When is it loud and clear?
That there's no turning back
No looking back
Where do I go from here?
Nobody gets away
It's a new kind of fix
For the poor and the rich
You never know what's coming next
At the turning point
The rules are unwritten
And nobody knows the deal
Where have I been driven
Are demons behind the wheel?
Yeah, I know my days are numbered
We're only flesh and bone
And I've been left to wonder
How it went so wrong
Is it all tailor made?
Can the sinner be saved?
I can't say
So don't hang your hat
On the knife in my back
'Cause nobody treats me like that
Where do I go from here?
How do I find my way?
When is it loud and clear?
That there's no turning back
No looking back
Where do I go from here?
Nobody gets away
It's a new kind of fix
For the poor and the rich
You never know what's coming next
At the turning point
Where do I go from here?
How do I find my way?
When is it loud and clear?
That there's no turning back
No looking back
Where do I go from here?
Nobody gets away
When is it loud and clear?
That there's no turning back
No looking back
Where do I go from here?
Nobody gets away
It's a new kind of fix
For the poor and the rich
You never know what's coming next
At the turning point
---------------
The Z Fighters had all gathered at the Capsule Corporation after an urgent rally by Kakarika.
"The Dark Power is starting to rise. This may not be good. In addition, Vegeta is missing. After adding all this up, I've come to one conclusion: Vegeta's in trouble. It's too early to start this little war against the monster that's been plaguing this dimension, so we need to act quickly and get Vegeta back. But this won't be easy. I'm sure wherever he is will be heavily guarded, and Vegeta himself may be injured. Now, if we can just-"
Kakarika was cut off by a swirling black void that opened up in midair in front of them. The others watched in wonder as a sleek, large, jet-black wolf stepped out of it.
(Author's note: This wolf looks like Moro's pups from Princess Mononoke, only black. It also speaks like Moro.)
The wolf looked around at all of them. Around its neck was a necklace made from clean white bones and eagle feathers. Its dark purple eyes mirrored the shocked faces of the Z Fighters.
"Ah, Earth's protectors, all in one place. This makes things much easier." The wolf's fur looked more like it was made of night than of actual fur. Its tail was like a wisp of shadow.
"What do you want?" Gohan asked angrily.
"Nothing from you, little I'm-Afraid-To-Use-My-Power-To-Destroy-Cell-Though-I-Know-He'll-Destroy-Earth-If-I-Don't-But-All-I-Care-About-Is-How-I-Feel-And-I'm-Too-Soft-Hearted." The wolf sneered, "I wish to speak with the one you call Kakarika."
The wolf turned to Kakarika. The Alcoan narrowed her eyes, snarling, "What have you done with Vegeta?"
A shimmering holographic image of Vegeta appeared in the room. He was lying on his stomach, tail shredded. He was lying in a pool of blood, and Kakarika's tail whipped the air around her into a frenzy, whipping the wolf's fur back, revealing huge corded muscles.
"Release him." Kakarika said in a voice so cold it would stop Satan himself in his tracks (no, I'm not talking about Mr.Satan).
The wolf laughed. The laughter was so evil, so villianious that every horror-movie director would want to record it.
"Vegeta is my guest." The image faded away, leaving the warriors in stunned silence, "He will remain alive if you turn over to me the five Elemental Gems: the gems of Fire, Water, Air, Earth, and Cosmos. The other gems: Thunder, Moon, Heaven, Hell, Life, Death, and Infinity are optional. I do not need all of them in order to control the ultimate power of the universe."
"Fuck you!" Neo Shenron spat, "We're not giving those damn gems to the likes of you! Now release Vegeta and get back to whatever Hell you crawled out of!"
Kakarika put a claw on Neo's serpentine back. She spoke telepathically, *Neo... he'll kill Vegeta rather than turn him over to us. We can't wish him back with the Dragonballs, because you are the manifestation of them. Since you came into the picture, the Dragonballs are dead.*
"Very true, Kakarika. Ever the insightful one. And Neo, your spirit is like iron armor... I think that's what I'll call you. Tekkoryu: Iron Armor Dragon. Such a tough spirit is hard to come by, Kakarika... I'd keep a hold of that little draco, he might come in handy." The wolf howled... and disappeared.
Though the wolf was not visible, it was still somewhere in the room. Suddenly, Trunks screamed.
"To ensure you upholding your end of the bargain, I'll up the stakes a little." Came the disembodied voice of the wolf. Trunks disappeared.
"Trunks!" Kakarika screamed, "Bakamono! Return him!"
Kakarika dashed headlong outside, her tail knocking over vases and chairs. The others followed her, though they knew she couldn't catch them.
-------------
The creature moved at the speed of darkness, which is faster than the speed of light. Trunks was safely in custody, and Kakarika's apparent love for him would ensure that she'd gather the gems to pay for his release.
-------------
Kakarika launched into the air. Her voice quivered with rage, "Spread out. Search for any place that might be this creature's hideout. We're not dealing with a normal person here, check every shadow and dark place."
Goku lifted a rock, "Trunks? Vegeta?"
A large anime sweatdrop appeared on Kakarika's head, "I didn't mean like that, Goku."
Goku laughed. The others sighed heavily.
Kakarika's expression suddenly turned serious. She flapped her wings and lifted off the ground. The other warriors shielded their eyes from the blinding cloud of dust that accompanied her liftoff. Without a word, she flew towards the west, her tail flashing in the sunlight.
Piccolo watched the young vagabond fly off, "We'd better move out."
The search was on.
--------------
Kakarika swept the landscape, diving low to pass through forests and jungles. Her large wings tucked against her body as she slid through the trees like a missile. Her sharp eyes took in every little piece of landscape, searching for even a ripple in reality.
She was so busy she didn't see the bird flying at her. With a squawk and a cry of protest, Alcoan and eagle collided at full speed. The two went flying in opposite directions, stunned.
Kakarika recovered first, flying over to make sure the eagle was okay. She could see it sitting in the grass, dazed.
As she came closer, she noticed that it wasn't an eagle, but rather a griffin. It was a magnificent sleek black color, with purple feathers here and there on its wings. As Kakarika landed on the grass behind the creature, it shook its head and gazed at her. Its eyes seemed to have no pupil, but rather the entire eye swirled in a multitude of ever-changing colors. Its eyes swirled a serene pale blue as it gazed at Kakarika.
"You... you are the Traveler?" The griffin gaped.
"Traveler? Well, I have traveled here from another dimension." Kakarika said slowly, unsure as to whether or not to trust this griffin.
"Good, then you are the One. I have something for you, come here." The griffin beckoned with a single eagle-like talon.
Kakarika arched her tail above her right shoulder, a position akin to a scorpion about to strike. The griffin pulled the skin behind his beak up in a sort of griffin-grin.
"I understand your need to defend yourself." The griffin's eyes changed color to a dark blue and black, "Evil is all around us. But I have a litle item that may be able to turn the tide."
With one eagle talon, the griffin held up a small jewel dangling from a silver chain. The jewel was a purple agate encased in a golden spiral. The agate swirled with black and purple. Power seemed to flow from it.
"The Cosmos Gem..." Kakarika breathed, reaching out and telekinetically taking the gem from the griffin.
"My name is Ssargon." The griffin's eyes turned a beady black, like a normal bird, "I am the prince of the griffins... and your new ally."
Kakarika's gaze turned to the ruff of feathers around Ssargon's neck. On a golden chain was another gem. This one was a simple crystal that shimmered a pale blue. White clouds seemed to be entrapped in the shimmering crystal.
"And... the Air Gem." Kakarika said.
Ssargon nodded, "I am the Air Elemental."
"Sure, you have the gem. And you ARE a griffin, which would be a suiting form for the Air Elemental, but how can I be sure? How do I know you aren't one of those dark creatures serving that monster that's been inhabiting this dimension?" Kakarika said suspiciously.
"Perhaps a little demonstration is in order." With that, Ssargon lifted his head and raised his forelegs. He opened the talons as if to catch something.
Kakarika watched in awe as the griffin's eyes turned to a pale blue with white clouds, the same color as the gem. Speaking of the gem, it was glowing brighter and brighter every second. Soon, it was too bright to look at, even with the Alcoan ability to see through bright lights.
A howling wind kicked up, catching in Kakarika's wings like wind in a parachute. She hurridly folded her wings against her back and gripped the grass with her gargoyle-like claws. From nowhere came a brown tornado, growling as it advanced rapidly towards the two. The sky darkened from the dust and dirt it kicked up as it moved.
"Stop! Stop! That's enough of a demonstration!" Kakarika shouted above the wind which was roaring like a savage beast.
Then, in less than it takes for one to blink one's eye, the sky was clear and the tornado was gone as if it had never existed. The birds resumed their cheery song, so out of place in the dark situation. The dust and dirt that the tornado had been hurling settled to the ground, the only proof that the tornado had ever actually been there.
"So, you ARE the Air Elemental." Kakarika looked satisfied. She put on her own gem and instantly was overwhelmed with the psychic boost it gave her. In response to her touch, the gem began to glow purple.
"And you are the Cosmos Elemental." Ssargon confirmed.
Her mind opened like a blooming flower, tendrils of thought reaching through the forest. She could sense each and every animal as they went about their daily lives. Her tail twitched as she listened to the bird's twittering.
"This world is faced with total annihilation and birds are still singing..." Kakarika sighed.
Then it hit her. She had a mission! She couldn't waste time chatting while Trunks was in danger... oh yeah, Vegeta was too, but who cared about him? Her wings opened with a rush of wind and a sound like a sail opening.
"Leaving so soon?" Ssargon sighed. He opened his wings as well and prepared for takeoff.
"Two of my friends are in danger, and I must find them." Kakarika replied.
Ssargon nodded understandingly. Had he been in the same situation, he wouldn't waste any time. He lifted up from the ground, watching as Kakarika followed his lead.
"Shall we go?" Ssargon smiled.
"You're coming... with me?" Kakarika sounded unsure.
"Of course!" Ssargon squawked as though she had just asked if the sky was blue. He cleared his throat and returned his normal purling speech, "I mean, you'll need all the allies you can get."
Kakarika didn't protest any more. Before long, they were flying through the trees, occasionally calling to each other to mantain contact.
Suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit Kakarika head on. She landed on the undergrowth of the forest, shaking her head to clear it. Ssargon landed nearby.
"Do you feel that?" Ssargon hissed, "It's... not exactly evil. More like... confusing. It's almost as though reality itself was twisted. Even the trees prove that."
Sure enough, the trees were bent, twisted. Kakarika's psychic senses were going crazy, the strain felt as though she was being pulled in two. Suddenly, her vision began to whirl, the trees all blending together into a haze of green. She felt Ssargon's warm feathers brush against her and she realized he was experiencing the same thing. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the trees stopped whirling and everything settled to normal. But it wasn't normal. The lush green trees were now blackened by fire.
"What's this?" Ssargon sounded shocked.
"How... how could trees burn that fast? I didn't feel any heat or anything!" Kakarika gasped.
"I don't think they did." Ssargon said, his eyes narrowing to dangerous-looking slits, "These trees have been this way for a while. I think we were transported somewhere."
"No!" Kakarika shouted. She grabbed Ssargon by his neck feather and shook him, "I've got to save Trunks! My mission isn't completed!"
Ssargon choked, "You're going to tear out my feathers! I wanted you to get a grip, but not like that! Let go and calm down, I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for all of this."
Kakarika released the griffin prince and looked him over. He began brushing his feathers back into place with his taloned front feet. It was then that Kakarika realized he was standing on his hind paws, and rather comfortably too. His lionlike tail lashed from side to side appeasingly. Kakarika's tail was straight out behind her, ready to conk someone upside the head.
"Well, let's get going." Ssargon said, doing his patented 'griffin-grin' again.
"Get going? Where?" Kakarika said. Her tail began waving like a charmed snake.
Ssargon laughed, dropping down to all fours, "I want to find out where we are."
Ssargon began to walk, picking his way through the singed undergrowth. Kakarika followed, keeping her wings tucked in to keep the delicate tissue from being burned by the still-warm trees. Times like this, she thought, she was glad she had thought to wrap bandages around her feet as protection.
As the two came out of the forest, they saw a broken-down house, apparently a tourist site or something because of the guardrails around it.
Kakarika cried out, "I know this place!!"
-------------
Author's note: I might do a little Gohan-bashing here, for one simple reason: I don't like Gohan. He's too soft for my taste. And all you diehard T/P fans, people who think Trunks should never be paired up with anyone but Pan... you might want to stop reading here, because the relationship between Trunks and Kakarika will start to really become more pronounced.
I apologize for how late this chapter is in coming, but I've been... preoccupied.
FYI: Kakarika and the entire Alcoan race are mine. You may use them if you ask for my permission first. Also, Kakarika will be a recurring character in all my stories, though she will have different names and a different background, but her appearance is always the same.
-------------
I went down to the highway
That runs between love and pride
And I tried to get sideways
Across the great divide
But my mind's eye's on the key ring
Crying in misery
'Cause it won't spend one more evening
Staring back to me
It may be by choice
Or a small inner voice
I can't say
When you add up the cost
We all have a cross
How do you write off the loss?
Where do I go from here?
How do I find my way?
When is it loud and clear?
That there's no turning back
No looking back
Where do I go from here?
Nobody gets away
It's a new kind of fix
For the poor and the rich
You never know what's coming next
At the turning point
The rules are unwritten
And nobody knows the deal
Where have I been driven
Are demons behind the wheel?
Yeah, I know my days are numbered
We're only flesh and bone
And I've been left to wonder
How it went so wrong
Is it all tailor made?
Can the sinner be saved?
I can't say
So don't hang your hat
On the knife in my back
'Cause nobody treats me like that
Where do I go from here?
How do I find my way?
When is it loud and clear?
That there's no turning back
No looking back
Where do I go from here?
Nobody gets away
It's a new kind of fix
For the poor and the rich
You never know what's coming next
At the turning point
Where do I go from here?
How do I find my way?
When is it loud and clear?
That there's no turning back
No looking back
Where do I go from here?
Nobody gets away
When is it loud and clear?
That there's no turning back
No looking back
Where do I go from here?
Nobody gets away
It's a new kind of fix
For the poor and the rich
You never know what's coming next
At the turning point
---------------
The Z Fighters had all gathered at the Capsule Corporation after an urgent rally by Kakarika.
"The Dark Power is starting to rise. This may not be good. In addition, Vegeta is missing. After adding all this up, I've come to one conclusion: Vegeta's in trouble. It's too early to start this little war against the monster that's been plaguing this dimension, so we need to act quickly and get Vegeta back. But this won't be easy. I'm sure wherever he is will be heavily guarded, and Vegeta himself may be injured. Now, if we can just-"
Kakarika was cut off by a swirling black void that opened up in midair in front of them. The others watched in wonder as a sleek, large, jet-black wolf stepped out of it.
(Author's note: This wolf looks like Moro's pups from Princess Mononoke, only black. It also speaks like Moro.)
The wolf looked around at all of them. Around its neck was a necklace made from clean white bones and eagle feathers. Its dark purple eyes mirrored the shocked faces of the Z Fighters.
"Ah, Earth's protectors, all in one place. This makes things much easier." The wolf's fur looked more like it was made of night than of actual fur. Its tail was like a wisp of shadow.
"What do you want?" Gohan asked angrily.
"Nothing from you, little I'm-Afraid-To-Use-My-Power-To-Destroy-Cell-Though-I-Know-He'll-Destroy-Earth-If-I-Don't-But-All-I-Care-About-Is-How-I-Feel-And-I'm-Too-Soft-Hearted." The wolf sneered, "I wish to speak with the one you call Kakarika."
The wolf turned to Kakarika. The Alcoan narrowed her eyes, snarling, "What have you done with Vegeta?"
A shimmering holographic image of Vegeta appeared in the room. He was lying on his stomach, tail shredded. He was lying in a pool of blood, and Kakarika's tail whipped the air around her into a frenzy, whipping the wolf's fur back, revealing huge corded muscles.
"Release him." Kakarika said in a voice so cold it would stop Satan himself in his tracks (no, I'm not talking about Mr.Satan).
The wolf laughed. The laughter was so evil, so villianious that every horror-movie director would want to record it.
"Vegeta is my guest." The image faded away, leaving the warriors in stunned silence, "He will remain alive if you turn over to me the five Elemental Gems: the gems of Fire, Water, Air, Earth, and Cosmos. The other gems: Thunder, Moon, Heaven, Hell, Life, Death, and Infinity are optional. I do not need all of them in order to control the ultimate power of the universe."
"Fuck you!" Neo Shenron spat, "We're not giving those damn gems to the likes of you! Now release Vegeta and get back to whatever Hell you crawled out of!"
Kakarika put a claw on Neo's serpentine back. She spoke telepathically, *Neo... he'll kill Vegeta rather than turn him over to us. We can't wish him back with the Dragonballs, because you are the manifestation of them. Since you came into the picture, the Dragonballs are dead.*
"Very true, Kakarika. Ever the insightful one. And Neo, your spirit is like iron armor... I think that's what I'll call you. Tekkoryu: Iron Armor Dragon. Such a tough spirit is hard to come by, Kakarika... I'd keep a hold of that little draco, he might come in handy." The wolf howled... and disappeared.
Though the wolf was not visible, it was still somewhere in the room. Suddenly, Trunks screamed.
"To ensure you upholding your end of the bargain, I'll up the stakes a little." Came the disembodied voice of the wolf. Trunks disappeared.
"Trunks!" Kakarika screamed, "Bakamono! Return him!"
Kakarika dashed headlong outside, her tail knocking over vases and chairs. The others followed her, though they knew she couldn't catch them.
-------------
The creature moved at the speed of darkness, which is faster than the speed of light. Trunks was safely in custody, and Kakarika's apparent love for him would ensure that she'd gather the gems to pay for his release.
-------------
Kakarika launched into the air. Her voice quivered with rage, "Spread out. Search for any place that might be this creature's hideout. We're not dealing with a normal person here, check every shadow and dark place."
Goku lifted a rock, "Trunks? Vegeta?"
A large anime sweatdrop appeared on Kakarika's head, "I didn't mean like that, Goku."
Goku laughed. The others sighed heavily.
Kakarika's expression suddenly turned serious. She flapped her wings and lifted off the ground. The other warriors shielded their eyes from the blinding cloud of dust that accompanied her liftoff. Without a word, she flew towards the west, her tail flashing in the sunlight.
Piccolo watched the young vagabond fly off, "We'd better move out."
The search was on.
--------------
Kakarika swept the landscape, diving low to pass through forests and jungles. Her large wings tucked against her body as she slid through the trees like a missile. Her sharp eyes took in every little piece of landscape, searching for even a ripple in reality.
She was so busy she didn't see the bird flying at her. With a squawk and a cry of protest, Alcoan and eagle collided at full speed. The two went flying in opposite directions, stunned.
Kakarika recovered first, flying over to make sure the eagle was okay. She could see it sitting in the grass, dazed.
As she came closer, she noticed that it wasn't an eagle, but rather a griffin. It was a magnificent sleek black color, with purple feathers here and there on its wings. As Kakarika landed on the grass behind the creature, it shook its head and gazed at her. Its eyes seemed to have no pupil, but rather the entire eye swirled in a multitude of ever-changing colors. Its eyes swirled a serene pale blue as it gazed at Kakarika.
"You... you are the Traveler?" The griffin gaped.
"Traveler? Well, I have traveled here from another dimension." Kakarika said slowly, unsure as to whether or not to trust this griffin.
"Good, then you are the One. I have something for you, come here." The griffin beckoned with a single eagle-like talon.
Kakarika arched her tail above her right shoulder, a position akin to a scorpion about to strike. The griffin pulled the skin behind his beak up in a sort of griffin-grin.
"I understand your need to defend yourself." The griffin's eyes changed color to a dark blue and black, "Evil is all around us. But I have a litle item that may be able to turn the tide."
With one eagle talon, the griffin held up a small jewel dangling from a silver chain. The jewel was a purple agate encased in a golden spiral. The agate swirled with black and purple. Power seemed to flow from it.
"The Cosmos Gem..." Kakarika breathed, reaching out and telekinetically taking the gem from the griffin.
"My name is Ssargon." The griffin's eyes turned a beady black, like a normal bird, "I am the prince of the griffins... and your new ally."
Kakarika's gaze turned to the ruff of feathers around Ssargon's neck. On a golden chain was another gem. This one was a simple crystal that shimmered a pale blue. White clouds seemed to be entrapped in the shimmering crystal.
"And... the Air Gem." Kakarika said.
Ssargon nodded, "I am the Air Elemental."
"Sure, you have the gem. And you ARE a griffin, which would be a suiting form for the Air Elemental, but how can I be sure? How do I know you aren't one of those dark creatures serving that monster that's been inhabiting this dimension?" Kakarika said suspiciously.
"Perhaps a little demonstration is in order." With that, Ssargon lifted his head and raised his forelegs. He opened the talons as if to catch something.
Kakarika watched in awe as the griffin's eyes turned to a pale blue with white clouds, the same color as the gem. Speaking of the gem, it was glowing brighter and brighter every second. Soon, it was too bright to look at, even with the Alcoan ability to see through bright lights.
A howling wind kicked up, catching in Kakarika's wings like wind in a parachute. She hurridly folded her wings against her back and gripped the grass with her gargoyle-like claws. From nowhere came a brown tornado, growling as it advanced rapidly towards the two. The sky darkened from the dust and dirt it kicked up as it moved.
"Stop! Stop! That's enough of a demonstration!" Kakarika shouted above the wind which was roaring like a savage beast.
Then, in less than it takes for one to blink one's eye, the sky was clear and the tornado was gone as if it had never existed. The birds resumed their cheery song, so out of place in the dark situation. The dust and dirt that the tornado had been hurling settled to the ground, the only proof that the tornado had ever actually been there.
"So, you ARE the Air Elemental." Kakarika looked satisfied. She put on her own gem and instantly was overwhelmed with the psychic boost it gave her. In response to her touch, the gem began to glow purple.
"And you are the Cosmos Elemental." Ssargon confirmed.
Her mind opened like a blooming flower, tendrils of thought reaching through the forest. She could sense each and every animal as they went about their daily lives. Her tail twitched as she listened to the bird's twittering.
"This world is faced with total annihilation and birds are still singing..." Kakarika sighed.
Then it hit her. She had a mission! She couldn't waste time chatting while Trunks was in danger... oh yeah, Vegeta was too, but who cared about him? Her wings opened with a rush of wind and a sound like a sail opening.
"Leaving so soon?" Ssargon sighed. He opened his wings as well and prepared for takeoff.
"Two of my friends are in danger, and I must find them." Kakarika replied.
Ssargon nodded understandingly. Had he been in the same situation, he wouldn't waste any time. He lifted up from the ground, watching as Kakarika followed his lead.
"Shall we go?" Ssargon smiled.
"You're coming... with me?" Kakarika sounded unsure.
"Of course!" Ssargon squawked as though she had just asked if the sky was blue. He cleared his throat and returned his normal purling speech, "I mean, you'll need all the allies you can get."
Kakarika didn't protest any more. Before long, they were flying through the trees, occasionally calling to each other to mantain contact.
Suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit Kakarika head on. She landed on the undergrowth of the forest, shaking her head to clear it. Ssargon landed nearby.
"Do you feel that?" Ssargon hissed, "It's... not exactly evil. More like... confusing. It's almost as though reality itself was twisted. Even the trees prove that."
Sure enough, the trees were bent, twisted. Kakarika's psychic senses were going crazy, the strain felt as though she was being pulled in two. Suddenly, her vision began to whirl, the trees all blending together into a haze of green. She felt Ssargon's warm feathers brush against her and she realized he was experiencing the same thing. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the trees stopped whirling and everything settled to normal. But it wasn't normal. The lush green trees were now blackened by fire.
"What's this?" Ssargon sounded shocked.
"How... how could trees burn that fast? I didn't feel any heat or anything!" Kakarika gasped.
"I don't think they did." Ssargon said, his eyes narrowing to dangerous-looking slits, "These trees have been this way for a while. I think we were transported somewhere."
"No!" Kakarika shouted. She grabbed Ssargon by his neck feather and shook him, "I've got to save Trunks! My mission isn't completed!"
Ssargon choked, "You're going to tear out my feathers! I wanted you to get a grip, but not like that! Let go and calm down, I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for all of this."
Kakarika released the griffin prince and looked him over. He began brushing his feathers back into place with his taloned front feet. It was then that Kakarika realized he was standing on his hind paws, and rather comfortably too. His lionlike tail lashed from side to side appeasingly. Kakarika's tail was straight out behind her, ready to conk someone upside the head.
"Well, let's get going." Ssargon said, doing his patented 'griffin-grin' again.
"Get going? Where?" Kakarika said. Her tail began waving like a charmed snake.
Ssargon laughed, dropping down to all fours, "I want to find out where we are."
Ssargon began to walk, picking his way through the singed undergrowth. Kakarika followed, keeping her wings tucked in to keep the delicate tissue from being burned by the still-warm trees. Times like this, she thought, she was glad she had thought to wrap bandages around her feet as protection.
As the two came out of the forest, they saw a broken-down house, apparently a tourist site or something because of the guardrails around it.
Kakarika cried out, "I know this place!!"
