1 Chapter 6
The attack came swiftly. Valgav wasted no words as he shot forth a pulsing blast of black energy at Gokuu's house. Lina and Zel were ready with their shield spell, which deflected the blast. The resulting explosion lit up the night air! Gohan, Gokuu, Vegeta, and Piccolo took flight to meet the dark godling head-on. Xellos stayed with Lina and Zel and lent his considerable powers to reinforce their shield. Valgav was attacked at once from all directions, try as he might, he couldn't defend against all of their attacks. Vegeta's fury, as well as Gokuu's, were making telling blows on Valgav. Gohan and Piccolo landed shots here and there too. Finally, the godling was brought down by a massive hammer punch from Gokuu. Valgav slammed to the ground hard, causing miniature earthquakes throughout the surrounding area. Valgav got up slowly, wiping blood from his mouth. His great wings spread wide, as he screamed in rage! The wings waved forth, shooting their poisonous spikes in all directions! The Z warriors were prepared this time as they blurred to the ground. Valgav frowned.
"You fooled us with that trick last time," Vegeta taunted, smiling. "It won't work again."
"Perhaps not," replied Valgav. He brought his hands forth and extended his arms, almost like Vegeta's Final Flash (thanks Vegeta Jr.!- M.). A dark globe of deadly energy came into being, and with a great shout, it screamed towards the heroes!
The bolt was easily dodged, but the beam arced back, heading straight for Gokuu's house. Lina, Xellos, and Zel saw it coming and poured forth more magical energy into their shield. The bolt struck the shield; Lina and Zelgadis winced in concentration.
"We can't keep this up for long," yelled Zel.
"Oh, it's nothing really to worry about," remarked Xellos through gritted teeth, "It's only an annihilation beam, nothing more."
"Shut up Xellos! Concentrate," Lina snapped.
She was actually surprised that she heard a grunting acknowledgment from him! Apparently he was actually sticking with her this time. Normally by now he would've teleported himself from harm's way. It did seem strange that he stayed. But she couldn't dwell on that subject just now. There were more important things to do, like survive!
The beam eventually died down, but another followed, this time with twice the intensity as before! "We've got to stop him guys," said Gohan. He's attacking the house!"
Gokuu and Vegeta flew as one toward the figure of Valgav. More deadly spikes assaulted them, and a few hit, but the saiyans were undeterred. They met Valgav head-on, punching and kicking. Gohan and Piccolo were right behind them, lending their might to the battle. Valgav was simply overwhelmed by the powerful warriors. He couldn't defend against every attack, and his fatigue was starting to show. His movements were a little slower, and his counter-attacks were a bit weaker. "Now!' commanded Gokuu.
Piccolo broke off the attack and put his two fingers up to his forehead. Gohan and Gokuu went into position to cast simultaneous Kamehameha waves, while Vegeta did the same, casting his own version called the Galick-Ho. All the warriors need was one second. They got it.
"KA-ME-HA-ME-HAAA!" Both Gokuu and Gohan bellowed in unison.
"SPECIAL BEAM CANNON!" exclaimed Piccolo.
"GALICK-HO!" raged Vegeta. (I thinks that's the Japanese name, I'm not quite sure what the American name is-M.)
"NOOOO!" exclaimed Valgav wide-eyed.
Their combined blasts struck Valgav each from different directions. The explosion nearly tore the planet apart! Long dormant volcanoes erupted to life thousands of miles away, as the planets' magnetic forces played havoc against the power of the Z warriors. Earthquakes and tsunamis raged across the planet in an attempt to dissipate the majority of the energy being released. Lina, Zelgadis, and Xellos, along with everyone else inside the house fell to the ground as the combined shockwave passed over them. Xellos's eyes were wide, and for perhaps the first time he was speechless. ***Such power these beings have! Beastmaster would indeed find uses for their powers. I must learn how they are able to harness such power! I must have it!*** Valgav's scream of pain continued as a great mushroom cloud of destruction rose from the area of the blast.
"D. . . Damn. . . you!" he spat.
The Z warriors were breathing heavily, having spent an enormous amount of energy in their strike. "Blast!" Vegeta cursed, "he still lives!"
"Not for long," came Piccolo's reply as he quickly blurred to the now very large crater that Valgav was in. Piccolo crushed Valgav with a might elbow drop! As quick as Piccolo, Valgav brought his leg up and kicked the Super Namek. Both blows struck as one; Valgav descended deeper into the crater, while Piccolo was sent flying into the air. Piccolo was able to recover first. He powered-up and blurred again. This time, Valgav blurred too. Gokuu, Gohan, and Vegeta's eyes went wide.
"Where did he go," asked Gohan. "I don't feel his energy!"
"Me neither," replied Gokuu. His eyes darted from side to side as he assumed a defensive posture. "Don't get careless, he could be anywhere!"
"Come out and fight like a real warrior, coward!" bellowed an enraged Vegeta.
"He's gone," muttered Piccolo. His eyes closed as he tried to sense where he might be. Frustratingly, he couldn't detect him either.
"Let's head back to the house, guys. We'll regroup there." Gokuu said. The others nodded and sped off toward the house.
Meanwhile, the others were just getting their bearings. Lina and Zel were picking themselves up from the ground. Xellos was hovering above them, still a little shaken. Bulma, Chi-Chi, Videl, Goten, and Trunks were digging themselves out of the fallen furniture. "Wow," Goten exclaimed, "that was cool!"
"Yeah," remarked Trunks excitedly, "all that power! We gotta train hard so we can be that strong again!" Goten smiled and nodded.
"Just look at my house! When this business is over with, Gokuu and I are going to have a big talk over this!" Chi-Chi immediately began to rearrange the furniture, and resetting the shelves.
"I don't like this," complained Bulma. "Did they get him? Is he dead?"
"I don't know," answered Videl. "I sure hope so!"
"Is everyone all right," Lina asked as she entered the house.
"Look at this mess," exclaimed Chi-Chi. "It'll take days to fix this place up!"
The others nodded, but their scared faces (except the kids) told her that they felt the same way she did. Suddenly the power gave out. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. "Where are you Lina," Zel asked, nearly scaring the red out of her hair.
"I'm right in front of you, dolt!" Her fist came down hard on his head. Her hand throbbed but so did he. "Oww, don't scare me like that Zel!"
"Sorry Lina," he said rubbing his head.
"Oh dear," Xellos said, making everyone jump inside the house, "I think its time for me to go."
"What? Don't tell me," Lina's eyes went wide as coldness gripped her stomach and made her knees weak.
"I'm afraid so, Lina."
"You can't just leave us here Xellos!" Zelgadis was on the verge of drawing his sword. "What about these other people!"
"Sorry, but my hands are tied. See ya folks!" With that, he disappeared.
"Xellos!" both Lina and Zel cried.
"What's going on?" asked a worried Bulma.
"He's here," Lina whispered in shock.
"Damn," cursed Zel. "Where?" He drew his sword.
"Here!" she exclaimed; yet still whispering.
Trunks and Goten heard her and immediately went Super Saiyan. Bulma, Chi-Chi and Videl crouched down behind the furniture. Lina's hands got together as she created a fireball and assumed a defensive posture. Zel enchanted his sword so it glowed its dull red. He too assumed a defensive posture. Trunks and Goten were on either side of the other adults in the room. They were all business now. The air grew cold suddenly.
"I know you're here, Lina Inverse," Valgav rasped through painful breaths.
"Valgav," she breathed. Her knees began to buckle. His form shone through the open doorway. His Left wing was bent at an awkward angle, and he appeared to be pretty beat up.
"Die monster," screamed Zelgadis as he leaped forth with his sword. The attack came high, but Valgav blocked it with a raised arm. He didn't look too impressed.
"How many times must I kill you golem?" His one eye glowed and a beam of blue energy shot forth and hit Zel squarely on the chest. He screamed as he flew backward into the furniture, causing the women to scatter. Goten and Trunks were on the attack in a second. Fists and kicks flew in the air. Valgav parried each one.
"Children, your fight is not with me," he said in a somber tone, "It is for children like you, the innocent, that I must do this." He calmly struck both Goten and Trunks with one chop from his hands. They de-powered and were out cold.
"Now its just you and me, Lina."
She was at Zel's side doing a quick scan of his injuries. They were bad, but he should live. She turned to face him. "We've had this talk before Valgav. You know yourself that what you want to do isn't the right way to do things. What's done is done. I know there's some goodness in you. We felt it when we fought some five years ago. You were reverted to an egg state and were able to start your life over again. You were given a second chance at life." Her eyes were locked on Valgav's one good one. "You don't need to make the same mistake twice."
"It's too late for me, I'm afraid," he said, his voice low and calm. "And, I'm afraid it's also too late. . . "his voice reached a fever pitch, filled with hatred and spite," for you!"
He brought his arms forth and a lancing beam of power shot forth. "NOOO!" screamed Zelgadis as he jumped in front of Lina. Lina didn't have time to react. "Zel, no!"
The beam hit Zel fully, in slow motion; he was thrust back as the lancing bolt pierced his body and continued moving forward. His mouth opened and coughed blood. He was able to deflect the blast from Lina however. The bolt exited the house and continued for miles. Zel toppled over Lina as they slowly fell to the ground. He was on top of her and whispered weakly, "Lina. . . you. . . sigh. . . you must escape. . . from. . . here. . .Lina. . . go!. . . Lina. . . " he looked into her eyes with a quiet calmness and compassion, he even managed a small smile despite the pain, ". . . I . . ." His eyes went white as his body went limp.
"No," she breathed, " no, Zel! Zel?" Her eyes were wide in shock, and tears began forming.
"What a noble end," Valgav said scornfully. "Useless."
"Valgav," Lina screamed, as tears flowed freely down her face.
"Now you know a small measure of the pain I felt as my entire race was being exterminated by their brethren dragons! How does it feel Lina?"
"Her fists clenched, as she drew the power to her. Her talismans of power glowed as she prepared the Giga-Slave.
"Oh, no you don't," he said as he blurred and struck her across the face. She landed hard on the ground. "I'm going to savior this moment!" He looked down at her, "The moment when Lina Inverse finally dies! HAHAHAHAHA!"
His laughter was cut short by a broomstick snapping in two over his head as he was struck. "You monster," Bulma exclaimed. "You vicious monster!"
"Ahh, " he said smiling. "The wife of the arrogant one." She backed away scared. "I can see what you see in him," he mused.
"DRAGON-SLAVE!" She arced the blast upward, so she would miss Bulma. Valgav's cry of pain and rage made her feel just a little better. The top of the house was completely obliterated as Valgav was thrust almost a mile into the sky before the big explosion. She had the spell ready again, and cast it again when he blurred back down to the house. He took the full force of the blast. She cast it again, then again, and again! Through her sheer force of will she would make this monster die! She cast it again, and again. Still he kept coming. He was walking through the blast as they came, slowly but surely. Her tears didn't stop, and her voice was getting hoarse from screaming. Suddenly, he was right in front of her. "It's no use Lina. You've lost," he said in a quiet, matter of fact tone. "Accept your fate. Join your friend Zelgadis. And when I'm finished you will be remade as I planned." His strong hands gripped hers, and held her tightly.
"Never," she cried through the tears, "I'll never give up."
"That's too bad," he said as His eye closes and a globe of dark energy formed above his head. Lina Inverse, Sorceress Extrordinare was mere seconds away from death!
"Let her go!" exclaimed Gokuu.
"Blast," cursed Valgav. He was forced to let go of her as Vegeta and Piccolo tackled him. Lina was cast down to the floor, landing right next to Zel.
"Is there no way to be rid of you meddlesome fools!"
Valgav brought both fists down on Vegeta and Piccolo, causing them to release him. Vegeta slammed him with a mighty blow of his own, and Piccolo blasted him with another Special Beam Cannon that sent him soaring to the ground! Unfortunately he landed inside the house!
Gohan and Gokuu were already inside the ruins of their home, standing guard. Valgav got up slowly obviously weakened by the mighty blows of the Z warriors and Lina's spells. Piccolo and Vegeta landed on either side of Gokuu. "Give up Valgav," Gokuu commanded pointing a finger at him, "You lost."
Blood flowed freely from Valgav's mouth as he clenched his teeth. "Never! Nothing can stop me!" His already broken wing was indeed broken in a few more places.
"Let me deal with this Kakarot," Vegeta said with a smile. "You obviously are strong off-worlder. But you need to realize that you'll never beat true saiyan warriors!" Sweatdrops formed on the other Z warriors' heads. "We are the most powerful force in the universe!"
"Here we go," Gohan remarked.
"It is true," Valgav muttered. "I have never met anyone as powerful as you people are. But you have at least one weakness." He held Vegeta's stare for a few long seconds.
Vegeta still smiled, and crossed his arms, "Oh really? Would you care to enlighten us?"
This time Valgav smiled. "It would be my pleasure." He blurred.
The Z warriors tensed for the onslaught, but it never came. Suddenly, a woman's scream pierced the night. Vegeta's eyes went wide! "Bulma!"
"Yes!" Valgav had his arm around her. She struggled but to no avail. "Let me go you creep!"
"Let her go," said Gokuu in a rising desperate voice. "She isn't part of this fight. Your fight is with us!"
"Let her go this instant, monster!" Vegeta's voice was quiet and unnervingly evil.
"A human weakness! It seems to have infected this planet as well! Fear not! For when my plans are complete, everything will be as it should!"
Bulma squirmed against him. "Let her go," both Gokuu and Vegeta warned.
"Pathetic. I give you this; so that you may reflect on what it's like to lose those most dear to you."
"No!" the Z warriors cried as they attacked him. But they were too late, he blurred. The warriors did the same to follow. They re- materialized high in the sky. Bulma still struggled, but it was hopeless.
"Know this; death to all who oppose my will!" It a blinding flash, Bulma screamed, then fell silent.
"BULMA!" Gokuu cried.
"NOOOOOOOO!" cried Vegeta.
Valgav tossed the body down to the ground. Vegeta blurred and was there immediately. The others gave chase to Valgav, but he drew into himself, disappeared into a hole of darkness, and was gone! His laughter was still carried by the winds. Vegeta caught the limp form of Bulma and gently landed. The other warriors followed suit. He carried the body up to the house. He turned to Gokuu; "We must find the dragonballs at once, Kakarot!"
"I don't think that will do any good," remarked a somber Piccolo.
"What?" his tone was quiet almost a whisper.
"Dende is more of an expert on healing, but even I can tell you that it probably wouldn't do any good. Valgav is a god from another world and definitely has more power than the dragon. He obliterated her soul, Vegeta. That's the closest approximation I can come to. He's wiped her from existence."
"Still," Vegeta said trembling, "we must try," the last part of his sentence sounded, pleading?
"Of course," Gokuu said.
Piccolo nodded. Gohan did too.
The warriors slowly made their way back to the house. When they got there, they saw Lina frantically casting healing spells on Zelgadis, who was breathing again! When she saw Bulma she offered her assistance but nothing happened. Piccolo explained the situation to her.
"I know of only two spells that can effectively wipe out the existence of another," she said somberly. "but with what Valgav is able to do. . . " She didn't need to finish.
"There's got to be a way," Gokuu said resolutely.
"We must begin our search for the dragonballs in earnest," Vegeta said. "That's our only chance." He held Bulma's body close to him as everyone huddled close for warmth in the cold night.
Next Chapter: Explanations, Rumors, Dragonballs, and a Budding Love?
Hope you enjoyed it. I had fun writing it. Next chapter should be up in a day or two at most.
The attack came swiftly. Valgav wasted no words as he shot forth a pulsing blast of black energy at Gokuu's house. Lina and Zel were ready with their shield spell, which deflected the blast. The resulting explosion lit up the night air! Gohan, Gokuu, Vegeta, and Piccolo took flight to meet the dark godling head-on. Xellos stayed with Lina and Zel and lent his considerable powers to reinforce their shield. Valgav was attacked at once from all directions, try as he might, he couldn't defend against all of their attacks. Vegeta's fury, as well as Gokuu's, were making telling blows on Valgav. Gohan and Piccolo landed shots here and there too. Finally, the godling was brought down by a massive hammer punch from Gokuu. Valgav slammed to the ground hard, causing miniature earthquakes throughout the surrounding area. Valgav got up slowly, wiping blood from his mouth. His great wings spread wide, as he screamed in rage! The wings waved forth, shooting their poisonous spikes in all directions! The Z warriors were prepared this time as they blurred to the ground. Valgav frowned.
"You fooled us with that trick last time," Vegeta taunted, smiling. "It won't work again."
"Perhaps not," replied Valgav. He brought his hands forth and extended his arms, almost like Vegeta's Final Flash (thanks Vegeta Jr.!- M.). A dark globe of deadly energy came into being, and with a great shout, it screamed towards the heroes!
The bolt was easily dodged, but the beam arced back, heading straight for Gokuu's house. Lina, Xellos, and Zel saw it coming and poured forth more magical energy into their shield. The bolt struck the shield; Lina and Zelgadis winced in concentration.
"We can't keep this up for long," yelled Zel.
"Oh, it's nothing really to worry about," remarked Xellos through gritted teeth, "It's only an annihilation beam, nothing more."
"Shut up Xellos! Concentrate," Lina snapped.
She was actually surprised that she heard a grunting acknowledgment from him! Apparently he was actually sticking with her this time. Normally by now he would've teleported himself from harm's way. It did seem strange that he stayed. But she couldn't dwell on that subject just now. There were more important things to do, like survive!
The beam eventually died down, but another followed, this time with twice the intensity as before! "We've got to stop him guys," said Gohan. He's attacking the house!"
Gokuu and Vegeta flew as one toward the figure of Valgav. More deadly spikes assaulted them, and a few hit, but the saiyans were undeterred. They met Valgav head-on, punching and kicking. Gohan and Piccolo were right behind them, lending their might to the battle. Valgav was simply overwhelmed by the powerful warriors. He couldn't defend against every attack, and his fatigue was starting to show. His movements were a little slower, and his counter-attacks were a bit weaker. "Now!' commanded Gokuu.
Piccolo broke off the attack and put his two fingers up to his forehead. Gohan and Gokuu went into position to cast simultaneous Kamehameha waves, while Vegeta did the same, casting his own version called the Galick-Ho. All the warriors need was one second. They got it.
"KA-ME-HA-ME-HAAA!" Both Gokuu and Gohan bellowed in unison.
"SPECIAL BEAM CANNON!" exclaimed Piccolo.
"GALICK-HO!" raged Vegeta. (I thinks that's the Japanese name, I'm not quite sure what the American name is-M.)
"NOOOO!" exclaimed Valgav wide-eyed.
Their combined blasts struck Valgav each from different directions. The explosion nearly tore the planet apart! Long dormant volcanoes erupted to life thousands of miles away, as the planets' magnetic forces played havoc against the power of the Z warriors. Earthquakes and tsunamis raged across the planet in an attempt to dissipate the majority of the energy being released. Lina, Zelgadis, and Xellos, along with everyone else inside the house fell to the ground as the combined shockwave passed over them. Xellos's eyes were wide, and for perhaps the first time he was speechless. ***Such power these beings have! Beastmaster would indeed find uses for their powers. I must learn how they are able to harness such power! I must have it!*** Valgav's scream of pain continued as a great mushroom cloud of destruction rose from the area of the blast.
"D. . . Damn. . . you!" he spat.
The Z warriors were breathing heavily, having spent an enormous amount of energy in their strike. "Blast!" Vegeta cursed, "he still lives!"
"Not for long," came Piccolo's reply as he quickly blurred to the now very large crater that Valgav was in. Piccolo crushed Valgav with a might elbow drop! As quick as Piccolo, Valgav brought his leg up and kicked the Super Namek. Both blows struck as one; Valgav descended deeper into the crater, while Piccolo was sent flying into the air. Piccolo was able to recover first. He powered-up and blurred again. This time, Valgav blurred too. Gokuu, Gohan, and Vegeta's eyes went wide.
"Where did he go," asked Gohan. "I don't feel his energy!"
"Me neither," replied Gokuu. His eyes darted from side to side as he assumed a defensive posture. "Don't get careless, he could be anywhere!"
"Come out and fight like a real warrior, coward!" bellowed an enraged Vegeta.
"He's gone," muttered Piccolo. His eyes closed as he tried to sense where he might be. Frustratingly, he couldn't detect him either.
"Let's head back to the house, guys. We'll regroup there." Gokuu said. The others nodded and sped off toward the house.
Meanwhile, the others were just getting their bearings. Lina and Zel were picking themselves up from the ground. Xellos was hovering above them, still a little shaken. Bulma, Chi-Chi, Videl, Goten, and Trunks were digging themselves out of the fallen furniture. "Wow," Goten exclaimed, "that was cool!"
"Yeah," remarked Trunks excitedly, "all that power! We gotta train hard so we can be that strong again!" Goten smiled and nodded.
"Just look at my house! When this business is over with, Gokuu and I are going to have a big talk over this!" Chi-Chi immediately began to rearrange the furniture, and resetting the shelves.
"I don't like this," complained Bulma. "Did they get him? Is he dead?"
"I don't know," answered Videl. "I sure hope so!"
"Is everyone all right," Lina asked as she entered the house.
"Look at this mess," exclaimed Chi-Chi. "It'll take days to fix this place up!"
The others nodded, but their scared faces (except the kids) told her that they felt the same way she did. Suddenly the power gave out. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. "Where are you Lina," Zel asked, nearly scaring the red out of her hair.
"I'm right in front of you, dolt!" Her fist came down hard on his head. Her hand throbbed but so did he. "Oww, don't scare me like that Zel!"
"Sorry Lina," he said rubbing his head.
"Oh dear," Xellos said, making everyone jump inside the house, "I think its time for me to go."
"What? Don't tell me," Lina's eyes went wide as coldness gripped her stomach and made her knees weak.
"I'm afraid so, Lina."
"You can't just leave us here Xellos!" Zelgadis was on the verge of drawing his sword. "What about these other people!"
"Sorry, but my hands are tied. See ya folks!" With that, he disappeared.
"Xellos!" both Lina and Zel cried.
"What's going on?" asked a worried Bulma.
"He's here," Lina whispered in shock.
"Damn," cursed Zel. "Where?" He drew his sword.
"Here!" she exclaimed; yet still whispering.
Trunks and Goten heard her and immediately went Super Saiyan. Bulma, Chi-Chi and Videl crouched down behind the furniture. Lina's hands got together as she created a fireball and assumed a defensive posture. Zel enchanted his sword so it glowed its dull red. He too assumed a defensive posture. Trunks and Goten were on either side of the other adults in the room. They were all business now. The air grew cold suddenly.
"I know you're here, Lina Inverse," Valgav rasped through painful breaths.
"Valgav," she breathed. Her knees began to buckle. His form shone through the open doorway. His Left wing was bent at an awkward angle, and he appeared to be pretty beat up.
"Die monster," screamed Zelgadis as he leaped forth with his sword. The attack came high, but Valgav blocked it with a raised arm. He didn't look too impressed.
"How many times must I kill you golem?" His one eye glowed and a beam of blue energy shot forth and hit Zel squarely on the chest. He screamed as he flew backward into the furniture, causing the women to scatter. Goten and Trunks were on the attack in a second. Fists and kicks flew in the air. Valgav parried each one.
"Children, your fight is not with me," he said in a somber tone, "It is for children like you, the innocent, that I must do this." He calmly struck both Goten and Trunks with one chop from his hands. They de-powered and were out cold.
"Now its just you and me, Lina."
She was at Zel's side doing a quick scan of his injuries. They were bad, but he should live. She turned to face him. "We've had this talk before Valgav. You know yourself that what you want to do isn't the right way to do things. What's done is done. I know there's some goodness in you. We felt it when we fought some five years ago. You were reverted to an egg state and were able to start your life over again. You were given a second chance at life." Her eyes were locked on Valgav's one good one. "You don't need to make the same mistake twice."
"It's too late for me, I'm afraid," he said, his voice low and calm. "And, I'm afraid it's also too late. . . "his voice reached a fever pitch, filled with hatred and spite," for you!"
He brought his arms forth and a lancing beam of power shot forth. "NOOO!" screamed Zelgadis as he jumped in front of Lina. Lina didn't have time to react. "Zel, no!"
The beam hit Zel fully, in slow motion; he was thrust back as the lancing bolt pierced his body and continued moving forward. His mouth opened and coughed blood. He was able to deflect the blast from Lina however. The bolt exited the house and continued for miles. Zel toppled over Lina as they slowly fell to the ground. He was on top of her and whispered weakly, "Lina. . . you. . . sigh. . . you must escape. . . from. . . here. . .Lina. . . go!. . . Lina. . . " he looked into her eyes with a quiet calmness and compassion, he even managed a small smile despite the pain, ". . . I . . ." His eyes went white as his body went limp.
"No," she breathed, " no, Zel! Zel?" Her eyes were wide in shock, and tears began forming.
"What a noble end," Valgav said scornfully. "Useless."
"Valgav," Lina screamed, as tears flowed freely down her face.
"Now you know a small measure of the pain I felt as my entire race was being exterminated by their brethren dragons! How does it feel Lina?"
"Her fists clenched, as she drew the power to her. Her talismans of power glowed as she prepared the Giga-Slave.
"Oh, no you don't," he said as he blurred and struck her across the face. She landed hard on the ground. "I'm going to savior this moment!" He looked down at her, "The moment when Lina Inverse finally dies! HAHAHAHAHA!"
His laughter was cut short by a broomstick snapping in two over his head as he was struck. "You monster," Bulma exclaimed. "You vicious monster!"
"Ahh, " he said smiling. "The wife of the arrogant one." She backed away scared. "I can see what you see in him," he mused.
"DRAGON-SLAVE!" She arced the blast upward, so she would miss Bulma. Valgav's cry of pain and rage made her feel just a little better. The top of the house was completely obliterated as Valgav was thrust almost a mile into the sky before the big explosion. She had the spell ready again, and cast it again when he blurred back down to the house. He took the full force of the blast. She cast it again, then again, and again! Through her sheer force of will she would make this monster die! She cast it again, and again. Still he kept coming. He was walking through the blast as they came, slowly but surely. Her tears didn't stop, and her voice was getting hoarse from screaming. Suddenly, he was right in front of her. "It's no use Lina. You've lost," he said in a quiet, matter of fact tone. "Accept your fate. Join your friend Zelgadis. And when I'm finished you will be remade as I planned." His strong hands gripped hers, and held her tightly.
"Never," she cried through the tears, "I'll never give up."
"That's too bad," he said as His eye closes and a globe of dark energy formed above his head. Lina Inverse, Sorceress Extrordinare was mere seconds away from death!
"Let her go!" exclaimed Gokuu.
"Blast," cursed Valgav. He was forced to let go of her as Vegeta and Piccolo tackled him. Lina was cast down to the floor, landing right next to Zel.
"Is there no way to be rid of you meddlesome fools!"
Valgav brought both fists down on Vegeta and Piccolo, causing them to release him. Vegeta slammed him with a mighty blow of his own, and Piccolo blasted him with another Special Beam Cannon that sent him soaring to the ground! Unfortunately he landed inside the house!
Gohan and Gokuu were already inside the ruins of their home, standing guard. Valgav got up slowly obviously weakened by the mighty blows of the Z warriors and Lina's spells. Piccolo and Vegeta landed on either side of Gokuu. "Give up Valgav," Gokuu commanded pointing a finger at him, "You lost."
Blood flowed freely from Valgav's mouth as he clenched his teeth. "Never! Nothing can stop me!" His already broken wing was indeed broken in a few more places.
"Let me deal with this Kakarot," Vegeta said with a smile. "You obviously are strong off-worlder. But you need to realize that you'll never beat true saiyan warriors!" Sweatdrops formed on the other Z warriors' heads. "We are the most powerful force in the universe!"
"Here we go," Gohan remarked.
"It is true," Valgav muttered. "I have never met anyone as powerful as you people are. But you have at least one weakness." He held Vegeta's stare for a few long seconds.
Vegeta still smiled, and crossed his arms, "Oh really? Would you care to enlighten us?"
This time Valgav smiled. "It would be my pleasure." He blurred.
The Z warriors tensed for the onslaught, but it never came. Suddenly, a woman's scream pierced the night. Vegeta's eyes went wide! "Bulma!"
"Yes!" Valgav had his arm around her. She struggled but to no avail. "Let me go you creep!"
"Let her go," said Gokuu in a rising desperate voice. "She isn't part of this fight. Your fight is with us!"
"Let her go this instant, monster!" Vegeta's voice was quiet and unnervingly evil.
"A human weakness! It seems to have infected this planet as well! Fear not! For when my plans are complete, everything will be as it should!"
Bulma squirmed against him. "Let her go," both Gokuu and Vegeta warned.
"Pathetic. I give you this; so that you may reflect on what it's like to lose those most dear to you."
"No!" the Z warriors cried as they attacked him. But they were too late, he blurred. The warriors did the same to follow. They re- materialized high in the sky. Bulma still struggled, but it was hopeless.
"Know this; death to all who oppose my will!" It a blinding flash, Bulma screamed, then fell silent.
"BULMA!" Gokuu cried.
"NOOOOOOOO!" cried Vegeta.
Valgav tossed the body down to the ground. Vegeta blurred and was there immediately. The others gave chase to Valgav, but he drew into himself, disappeared into a hole of darkness, and was gone! His laughter was still carried by the winds. Vegeta caught the limp form of Bulma and gently landed. The other warriors followed suit. He carried the body up to the house. He turned to Gokuu; "We must find the dragonballs at once, Kakarot!"
"I don't think that will do any good," remarked a somber Piccolo.
"What?" his tone was quiet almost a whisper.
"Dende is more of an expert on healing, but even I can tell you that it probably wouldn't do any good. Valgav is a god from another world and definitely has more power than the dragon. He obliterated her soul, Vegeta. That's the closest approximation I can come to. He's wiped her from existence."
"Still," Vegeta said trembling, "we must try," the last part of his sentence sounded, pleading?
"Of course," Gokuu said.
Piccolo nodded. Gohan did too.
The warriors slowly made their way back to the house. When they got there, they saw Lina frantically casting healing spells on Zelgadis, who was breathing again! When she saw Bulma she offered her assistance but nothing happened. Piccolo explained the situation to her.
"I know of only two spells that can effectively wipe out the existence of another," she said somberly. "but with what Valgav is able to do. . . " She didn't need to finish.
"There's got to be a way," Gokuu said resolutely.
"We must begin our search for the dragonballs in earnest," Vegeta said. "That's our only chance." He held Bulma's body close to him as everyone huddled close for warmth in the cold night.
Next Chapter: Explanations, Rumors, Dragonballs, and a Budding Love?
Hope you enjoyed it. I had fun writing it. Next chapter should be up in a day or two at most.
