1 Chapter 7
The sun rose lowly, breathing new life into the world. It seemed that the sun was trying to heal the planet of the damage it sustained only hours before. The warmth was a welcome relief to Lina Inverse and company. No one could sleep, and the air held its bitter chill till now. Piccolo and Vegeta left for the sky palace hours ago carrying Bulma's body. Piccolo said that Dende might be able to help, even if he couldn't, her body would be safe from harm there. Gokuu left also, armed with the Dragonball Tracker, he disappeared, saying that this was the fastest way for them to get the dragonballs. Poor Trunks, he needed to come to terms with his mother's death, and he was taking it hard. Vegeta had to force his own son from creating more havoc. Videl and Chi-Chi were still shaken up, but otherwise okay. Goten was okay, but he seemed distant, spending the entire night in silence. Gohan was the same, but he stayed in super saiyan form the whole night standing guard for the rest. Lina was for the most part uninjured, but her mental state was another matter entirely. She knelt at the side of Zelgadis, watching his chest slowly rise and fall with his hollow, but steady breaths. His wound still wasn't fully healed, and it was doubtful that it would, until Gokuu returned with the dragonballs. Zel slept the whole night aided by Lina's sleep spells. Still he winced in pain and twitched uncontrollably. She felt so helpless! Never before were her friends in such a predicament! Sure, things got close here and there, but nowhere near as bad as this. She wasn't strong enough, and she knew it. Zel twitched again and moaned in pain. She gently rested her hand on his chest and muttered a healing spell. It wasn't much, but he stopped moaning. Her constant spell casting took a heavy toll on her. She was so tired! Her thoughts were consumed with Zel. He saved her life! And the look he gave her afterward! She was confused and elated at the same time. Her thoughts swirled and she couldn't make heads or tails of it! Mercifully she nodded off, not realizing that her head rested on Zel's chest.
"So, what can you do Dende," Vegeta demanded. "Can you help her? Can you help. . . my wife?"
The young namek's hands pulsed with power as he ran them slowly over her still form. "I'm trying Vegeta. Give me more time. I've never dealt with anything like this."
Vegeta clenched his fists in frustration and rage. But there was nothing he could do but wait. He hated waiting! Piccolo stood by Vegeta's side with his arms across his chest. He was respectfully silent the whole time, but still kept an eye on Vegeta just in case he did something wrong. Hours passed. Finally, Dende lowered his hands and the power dropped. His eyes closed. "I'm sorry Vegeta," he said quietly, " but there is nothing I can do."
"The dragonballs then," he pressed.
"Honestly? I couldn't tell you Vegeta. It may be possible, but I doubt it. The dragon can only grant wishes up to a certain power level. If this Valgav were indeed as strong as you say he is, I would say that it's out of the dragon's reach. But there's always a chance it could work. You never know."
Vegeta frowned, "We'll see. Gokuu should be returning shortly with the dragonballs. Then we'll find out if its true or not."
"And what happens if it doesn't work Vegeta?" Piccolo asked.
Vegeta clenched his fists so hard that the veins were showing. "Then Valgav will learn a lesson in pain and anguish that he will never forget! Then, I'll kill him!" He thrust his fist into the ground causing the whole palace to shake!
Valgav was chasing Lina in her dreams. He killed everyone she ever cared for one by one, leaving Zelgadis for last. She cast her Giga-Slave but he grew stronger from it! His laughter came from all directions as he grew to gigantic proportions! She tried to run faster, but he was everywhere! Suddenly out of nowhere, his clawed hand reached out and struck her squarely in the chest, delivering the killing blow. . .
"Lina?"
She awoke with a start. Her eyes had trouble focusing, and she felt a hand reach up to her face. Her eyesight got better as she saw Zelgadis reach out to stroke her cheek. His face wore a weak smile. She quickly regained her composure and returned it. His hand gently brushed her cheek, his touch was warm and full of life! "It's nice to see you again Lina," he said quietly.
"Me too Zel," she replied, quite relieved to see him move again. "Why did you do that?"
"Call it a spur of the moment thing," he said. "Something inside me made me move."
"It was really stupid on your part." Her eyes closed, and she held his hand up to her cheek with hers. "I thought I lost you Zel," she whispered.
"I know," he said quietly as he looked into her tearful eyes.
"You were. . . saying something," she stammered, trying to put thoughts into words, ". . . before. . . before you. . ."
Gokuu rematerialized with a small bulging brown sack. "I've got them! Now, we need to go to the Palace in the Clouds so we can summon the dragon!"
This broke off Lina's question as everyone gathered round Gokuu. "Now, everyone hold hands," he commanded. Everyone complied, while Lina still held Zel's hand up to her cheek, and with one hand Gokuu touched Gohan's shoulder and activated his Instant Transmission Technique.
The group rematerialized at the Palace. There they met up with Mr. Popo who led them to Dende, Piccolo and Vegeta. Lina cast her levitation spell on Zel to make movement easier. Dende offered his help in healing the injured Zel, who accepted. After a few moments, Zel was able to walk again. Gokuu gave Dende the dragonballs and he started the ritual to summon the dragonballs. "Now you realize," Dende said," that once the dragon is summoned, he can grant two wishes that are within his power. There are still things that even the mighty dragon cannot do. And once the dragonballs are used it will be a few months before they are able to be used again." Everyone nodded, and he continued the ritual.
The Ritual was finally cast, and the great dragon came forth. "Who dares summon me?" it bellowed.
"I do," replied Dende.
"Then, what is your wish?"
"I wish for you to bring Bulma back to life."
A few seconds passed which seemed like hours! The dragon grunted and emitted a low growl. "That I cannot do."
"What?" yelled Vegeta.
"She is beyond my power to bring back. Now, what is your wish?"
Vegeta's arms slumped in defeat, the other z fighters never saw him look like this before. Piccolo muttered a few words to Dende and he spoke. "Dragon! I wish you to send back the three travelers who have recently come to this planet. Send them back to their worlds."
The dragon coiled, "I can send two of the travelers back to their world. The other is too powerful for me to send."
"That won't work," Lina commented. "That means Valgav would be stuck here on this planet!"
"What is your wish then," demanded the dragon impatiently.
"This could be your only chance to go home guys," Gokuu said. "you should take it."
"Well there's one wish I know the dragon should be able to do," remarked Zel. "I'd like to wish to be human again."
Lina looked over at Zel. "But Zel, if you're human again all of your special abilities and defenses will be gone!"
"I don't care Lina! You know how long my search has been for me to become human once more. I can't pass up this opportunity!" She shrugged. Zel looked at Dende who nodded.
"Dragon! I wish you to return Zelgadis back to his former self! Make him human once more!"
"Your wish, " it bellowed, "is granted."
Bright energy swirled around Zelgadis. The energy lifted him up in the air as the swirls closed in. Zelgadis screamed in pain as he was enveloped in the energy! In a blinding flash, it was done. The now fully human Zelgadis fell to the ground, grasping for breath. Lina offered her hand to help him up, which he accepted. His features were strikingly handsome, she thought. Even more-so now. She twitched at that last thought, as she realized that she was staring at him. His face was blushing as was hers. They both smiled.
"What about Valgav," Vegeta asked impatiently.
"What is your second wish?"
"Here's you chance," Gokuu said. "you won't get another for a long time, if at all."
"But Gokuu," Lina said.
"Go," he smiled. "We'll take care of Valgav. Don't worry about us. We'll be fine."
"We can't go without knowing you'd be safe," Zelgadis declared. "I'm staying."
Gokuu was taken aback at this. "But," he stammered, "it's your way home! You'd be fools to stay! We stand a chance against Valgav, you two don't."
Lina looked at Zel with pleading eyes, "He's right you know? Don't forget about Amelia and Gourry! We still have our friends back there who are probably very concerned about us!"
Zel's face lowered and his eyes closed. "I've ran away from many battles Lina. This is one I can't run from."
"You could die!"
"So be it. At least I'll know I would have played a part in at least trying."
Anger overwhelmed her. Normally she would've said okay and went on her way. But now, she didn't know. Then she realized it as her eyes went wide. She didn't want him to stay because then he wouldn't be with her! It was happening all over again! "Zel, please," she said for the first time to any of her friends, "I. . . I don't want. . . to lose you."
Zel looked like he was struck by lightning! But the dragon who was getting increasingly impatient interrupted his next question. A large sweatdrop glistened on its massive forehead. "What is your last wish?"
"Damnit!" Lina cursed. "Fine! We're both staying! ARRGH!" She flew her hands up in the air in defeat.
"Then my time is done," the dragon exclaimed.
"No wait!" cried Dende.
"Your time is up! I go back to my rest now!" With that, the dragon disappeared and the dragonballs again scattered to the far corners of the Earth.
"That's. . . never happened before," exclaimed Piccolo wide-eyed.
"Perhaps someone spooked him, "muttered Vegeta darkly. "Like Valgav!" he yelled.
"If I am denied seeing Bulma alive, then I sure as hell will see to it that Valgav pays the price! The dragon is useless to me, as are the fabled dragonballs! I will find him myself, and deal with him!"
"No Vegeta!" Gokuu cried. "He'll kill you, you know that!"
"I don't care Kakarot! One way or another, Bulma and I will be reunited."
"What about your son?"
This gave Vegeta pause as he looked over at Trunks. His face showed the same grim determination that he had. "This doesn't concern him, or anyone else! It's personal now."
"You're wrong, " Zel said. "Lina and I are a part of this. Like it or not, we're in."
"Humph! It would be best if you stayed out of harm's way. The two of you don't stand a chance against him."
"Oh, and you do?" Lina asked angrily. "It doesn't appear so."
"I accept any and all challenges red-head. A saiyan backs down from no man or god!"
"ENOUGH!" Gokuu screamed as he powered-up to his most powerful form. The energy given off shook the Palace almost to its foundations! Everyone looked at Gokuu, even Vegeta.
"That's not how we're going to go about this Vegeta," Gokuu said in a calm, deadly voice. "Bulma's dead. If this keeps up we all will be and the Earth will be destroyed. I won't allow that! Do you hear me Vegeta?"
"Ha. Is that a threat, Kakarot?" Vegeta's eyes bored into Gokuu. He stared right back, very serious.
"Yes Vegeta, it is."
Vegeta knew Gokuu was still way stronger than he was. He immediately sized-up Gokuu as an opponent, but he knew he didn't stand a chance. "Don't play games with me! I will make my own choices!"
"You know, it's sad," Gokuu said disappointedly. "You've already given up. You're ready to throw your life away in a meaningless battle. Is that how the Prince of all Saiyans is supposed to act? What would Bulma think? How about Trunks? Do you want him to be fatherless as well?"
Vegeta looked at Gokuu, then at Trunks who was trying very hard not to cry. Various emotions were pulling Vegeta in different directions. He stared at his son for a long time. He was consumed with rage at what Gokuu said, yet he couldn't deny it either. "Very well, Kakarot," he muttered. "What do you propose?"
The others lowered their guard a bit, but Gokuu didn't de-power. "We find Valgav, and we fight him together. That's the only way we stand a chance."
"But Gokuu," Lina said, "the only way we were able to defeat Valgav in our world was with the fabled Weapons of Light! We don't have them here!"
"There's got to be another way," he said. He looked over at Vegeta, "Everyone has a weakness." Vegeta humphed.
"Valgav will start attacking the populace soon," Piccolo reasoned. "When he's done healing, he'll be back at full strength."
"We'll have to be ready for whatever he throws at us. We've seen what he can do, and he won't be able to fool us with his tricks anymore. That gives us an edge."
"He's a god, remember," Zel reminded.
"He was able to be hurt. And if he can be hurt. . . "
". . . He can be killed," Vegeta finished.
"I don't like this," Lina remarked. "We should've went home when we had the chance!"
Next: The search for a god!
This one was a bit painful to write for some reason, but a joy none the less. Enjoy!
The story's winding down to its climax! Expect the next chapter to be up in a day or so.
The sun rose lowly, breathing new life into the world. It seemed that the sun was trying to heal the planet of the damage it sustained only hours before. The warmth was a welcome relief to Lina Inverse and company. No one could sleep, and the air held its bitter chill till now. Piccolo and Vegeta left for the sky palace hours ago carrying Bulma's body. Piccolo said that Dende might be able to help, even if he couldn't, her body would be safe from harm there. Gokuu left also, armed with the Dragonball Tracker, he disappeared, saying that this was the fastest way for them to get the dragonballs. Poor Trunks, he needed to come to terms with his mother's death, and he was taking it hard. Vegeta had to force his own son from creating more havoc. Videl and Chi-Chi were still shaken up, but otherwise okay. Goten was okay, but he seemed distant, spending the entire night in silence. Gohan was the same, but he stayed in super saiyan form the whole night standing guard for the rest. Lina was for the most part uninjured, but her mental state was another matter entirely. She knelt at the side of Zelgadis, watching his chest slowly rise and fall with his hollow, but steady breaths. His wound still wasn't fully healed, and it was doubtful that it would, until Gokuu returned with the dragonballs. Zel slept the whole night aided by Lina's sleep spells. Still he winced in pain and twitched uncontrollably. She felt so helpless! Never before were her friends in such a predicament! Sure, things got close here and there, but nowhere near as bad as this. She wasn't strong enough, and she knew it. Zel twitched again and moaned in pain. She gently rested her hand on his chest and muttered a healing spell. It wasn't much, but he stopped moaning. Her constant spell casting took a heavy toll on her. She was so tired! Her thoughts were consumed with Zel. He saved her life! And the look he gave her afterward! She was confused and elated at the same time. Her thoughts swirled and she couldn't make heads or tails of it! Mercifully she nodded off, not realizing that her head rested on Zel's chest.
"So, what can you do Dende," Vegeta demanded. "Can you help her? Can you help. . . my wife?"
The young namek's hands pulsed with power as he ran them slowly over her still form. "I'm trying Vegeta. Give me more time. I've never dealt with anything like this."
Vegeta clenched his fists in frustration and rage. But there was nothing he could do but wait. He hated waiting! Piccolo stood by Vegeta's side with his arms across his chest. He was respectfully silent the whole time, but still kept an eye on Vegeta just in case he did something wrong. Hours passed. Finally, Dende lowered his hands and the power dropped. His eyes closed. "I'm sorry Vegeta," he said quietly, " but there is nothing I can do."
"The dragonballs then," he pressed.
"Honestly? I couldn't tell you Vegeta. It may be possible, but I doubt it. The dragon can only grant wishes up to a certain power level. If this Valgav were indeed as strong as you say he is, I would say that it's out of the dragon's reach. But there's always a chance it could work. You never know."
Vegeta frowned, "We'll see. Gokuu should be returning shortly with the dragonballs. Then we'll find out if its true or not."
"And what happens if it doesn't work Vegeta?" Piccolo asked.
Vegeta clenched his fists so hard that the veins were showing. "Then Valgav will learn a lesson in pain and anguish that he will never forget! Then, I'll kill him!" He thrust his fist into the ground causing the whole palace to shake!
Valgav was chasing Lina in her dreams. He killed everyone she ever cared for one by one, leaving Zelgadis for last. She cast her Giga-Slave but he grew stronger from it! His laughter came from all directions as he grew to gigantic proportions! She tried to run faster, but he was everywhere! Suddenly out of nowhere, his clawed hand reached out and struck her squarely in the chest, delivering the killing blow. . .
"Lina?"
She awoke with a start. Her eyes had trouble focusing, and she felt a hand reach up to her face. Her eyesight got better as she saw Zelgadis reach out to stroke her cheek. His face wore a weak smile. She quickly regained her composure and returned it. His hand gently brushed her cheek, his touch was warm and full of life! "It's nice to see you again Lina," he said quietly.
"Me too Zel," she replied, quite relieved to see him move again. "Why did you do that?"
"Call it a spur of the moment thing," he said. "Something inside me made me move."
"It was really stupid on your part." Her eyes closed, and she held his hand up to her cheek with hers. "I thought I lost you Zel," she whispered.
"I know," he said quietly as he looked into her tearful eyes.
"You were. . . saying something," she stammered, trying to put thoughts into words, ". . . before. . . before you. . ."
Gokuu rematerialized with a small bulging brown sack. "I've got them! Now, we need to go to the Palace in the Clouds so we can summon the dragon!"
This broke off Lina's question as everyone gathered round Gokuu. "Now, everyone hold hands," he commanded. Everyone complied, while Lina still held Zel's hand up to her cheek, and with one hand Gokuu touched Gohan's shoulder and activated his Instant Transmission Technique.
The group rematerialized at the Palace. There they met up with Mr. Popo who led them to Dende, Piccolo and Vegeta. Lina cast her levitation spell on Zel to make movement easier. Dende offered his help in healing the injured Zel, who accepted. After a few moments, Zel was able to walk again. Gokuu gave Dende the dragonballs and he started the ritual to summon the dragonballs. "Now you realize," Dende said," that once the dragon is summoned, he can grant two wishes that are within his power. There are still things that even the mighty dragon cannot do. And once the dragonballs are used it will be a few months before they are able to be used again." Everyone nodded, and he continued the ritual.
The Ritual was finally cast, and the great dragon came forth. "Who dares summon me?" it bellowed.
"I do," replied Dende.
"Then, what is your wish?"
"I wish for you to bring Bulma back to life."
A few seconds passed which seemed like hours! The dragon grunted and emitted a low growl. "That I cannot do."
"What?" yelled Vegeta.
"She is beyond my power to bring back. Now, what is your wish?"
Vegeta's arms slumped in defeat, the other z fighters never saw him look like this before. Piccolo muttered a few words to Dende and he spoke. "Dragon! I wish you to send back the three travelers who have recently come to this planet. Send them back to their worlds."
The dragon coiled, "I can send two of the travelers back to their world. The other is too powerful for me to send."
"That won't work," Lina commented. "That means Valgav would be stuck here on this planet!"
"What is your wish then," demanded the dragon impatiently.
"This could be your only chance to go home guys," Gokuu said. "you should take it."
"Well there's one wish I know the dragon should be able to do," remarked Zel. "I'd like to wish to be human again."
Lina looked over at Zel. "But Zel, if you're human again all of your special abilities and defenses will be gone!"
"I don't care Lina! You know how long my search has been for me to become human once more. I can't pass up this opportunity!" She shrugged. Zel looked at Dende who nodded.
"Dragon! I wish you to return Zelgadis back to his former self! Make him human once more!"
"Your wish, " it bellowed, "is granted."
Bright energy swirled around Zelgadis. The energy lifted him up in the air as the swirls closed in. Zelgadis screamed in pain as he was enveloped in the energy! In a blinding flash, it was done. The now fully human Zelgadis fell to the ground, grasping for breath. Lina offered her hand to help him up, which he accepted. His features were strikingly handsome, she thought. Even more-so now. She twitched at that last thought, as she realized that she was staring at him. His face was blushing as was hers. They both smiled.
"What about Valgav," Vegeta asked impatiently.
"What is your second wish?"
"Here's you chance," Gokuu said. "you won't get another for a long time, if at all."
"But Gokuu," Lina said.
"Go," he smiled. "We'll take care of Valgav. Don't worry about us. We'll be fine."
"We can't go without knowing you'd be safe," Zelgadis declared. "I'm staying."
Gokuu was taken aback at this. "But," he stammered, "it's your way home! You'd be fools to stay! We stand a chance against Valgav, you two don't."
Lina looked at Zel with pleading eyes, "He's right you know? Don't forget about Amelia and Gourry! We still have our friends back there who are probably very concerned about us!"
Zel's face lowered and his eyes closed. "I've ran away from many battles Lina. This is one I can't run from."
"You could die!"
"So be it. At least I'll know I would have played a part in at least trying."
Anger overwhelmed her. Normally she would've said okay and went on her way. But now, she didn't know. Then she realized it as her eyes went wide. She didn't want him to stay because then he wouldn't be with her! It was happening all over again! "Zel, please," she said for the first time to any of her friends, "I. . . I don't want. . . to lose you."
Zel looked like he was struck by lightning! But the dragon who was getting increasingly impatient interrupted his next question. A large sweatdrop glistened on its massive forehead. "What is your last wish?"
"Damnit!" Lina cursed. "Fine! We're both staying! ARRGH!" She flew her hands up in the air in defeat.
"Then my time is done," the dragon exclaimed.
"No wait!" cried Dende.
"Your time is up! I go back to my rest now!" With that, the dragon disappeared and the dragonballs again scattered to the far corners of the Earth.
"That's. . . never happened before," exclaimed Piccolo wide-eyed.
"Perhaps someone spooked him, "muttered Vegeta darkly. "Like Valgav!" he yelled.
"If I am denied seeing Bulma alive, then I sure as hell will see to it that Valgav pays the price! The dragon is useless to me, as are the fabled dragonballs! I will find him myself, and deal with him!"
"No Vegeta!" Gokuu cried. "He'll kill you, you know that!"
"I don't care Kakarot! One way or another, Bulma and I will be reunited."
"What about your son?"
This gave Vegeta pause as he looked over at Trunks. His face showed the same grim determination that he had. "This doesn't concern him, or anyone else! It's personal now."
"You're wrong, " Zel said. "Lina and I are a part of this. Like it or not, we're in."
"Humph! It would be best if you stayed out of harm's way. The two of you don't stand a chance against him."
"Oh, and you do?" Lina asked angrily. "It doesn't appear so."
"I accept any and all challenges red-head. A saiyan backs down from no man or god!"
"ENOUGH!" Gokuu screamed as he powered-up to his most powerful form. The energy given off shook the Palace almost to its foundations! Everyone looked at Gokuu, even Vegeta.
"That's not how we're going to go about this Vegeta," Gokuu said in a calm, deadly voice. "Bulma's dead. If this keeps up we all will be and the Earth will be destroyed. I won't allow that! Do you hear me Vegeta?"
"Ha. Is that a threat, Kakarot?" Vegeta's eyes bored into Gokuu. He stared right back, very serious.
"Yes Vegeta, it is."
Vegeta knew Gokuu was still way stronger than he was. He immediately sized-up Gokuu as an opponent, but he knew he didn't stand a chance. "Don't play games with me! I will make my own choices!"
"You know, it's sad," Gokuu said disappointedly. "You've already given up. You're ready to throw your life away in a meaningless battle. Is that how the Prince of all Saiyans is supposed to act? What would Bulma think? How about Trunks? Do you want him to be fatherless as well?"
Vegeta looked at Gokuu, then at Trunks who was trying very hard not to cry. Various emotions were pulling Vegeta in different directions. He stared at his son for a long time. He was consumed with rage at what Gokuu said, yet he couldn't deny it either. "Very well, Kakarot," he muttered. "What do you propose?"
The others lowered their guard a bit, but Gokuu didn't de-power. "We find Valgav, and we fight him together. That's the only way we stand a chance."
"But Gokuu," Lina said, "the only way we were able to defeat Valgav in our world was with the fabled Weapons of Light! We don't have them here!"
"There's got to be another way," he said. He looked over at Vegeta, "Everyone has a weakness." Vegeta humphed.
"Valgav will start attacking the populace soon," Piccolo reasoned. "When he's done healing, he'll be back at full strength."
"We'll have to be ready for whatever he throws at us. We've seen what he can do, and he won't be able to fool us with his tricks anymore. That gives us an edge."
"He's a god, remember," Zel reminded.
"He was able to be hurt. And if he can be hurt. . . "
". . . He can be killed," Vegeta finished.
"I don't like this," Lina remarked. "We should've went home when we had the chance!"
Next: The search for a god!
This one was a bit painful to write for some reason, but a joy none the less. Enjoy!
The story's winding down to its climax! Expect the next chapter to be up in a day or so.
