1 Chapter 12
Gokuu carried the unconscious Vegeta back to the Palace while Piccolo carried his unconscious son from the future. Lina was able to wake up Zelgadis, who was none the worse for wear. They arrived at the Palace before daylight; Mr. Popo and Dende were there with supper prepared. Trunks and Vegeta were put in separate rooms where Dende tended to their wounds. The others told Krillin, Tien and Yaumcha what happened.
"Wow, "Krillin exclaimed, "That must've been one hell of a battle!"
"You're not kidding, "replied Tien.
"Valgav still disappeared. He's still out there guys." Gokuu clenched his fists. "We almost had him!"
Dende appeared, and he looked exhausted. Piccolo walked over to him. "Is the room of Spirit and Time fixed yet?"
"Yes, " Dende responded. "The entrance has been repaired and everything's back to normal."
"Good. We might be needing it soon."
"As you wish, Piccolo."
Piccolo went back to the courtyard and started his search for Valgav. He could sense the energy of almost everyone on this planet, even if they used techniques to hide or mask their power. This Valgav was different though; he was a god but was somehow able to mask himself completely. They would never find him until he was about to attack. By the time they'd get there more innocents would be killed. ***We were so close! His energy level had dropped to almost nothing! Vegeta had the chance and blew it! So much for his pride. The Fool!***
His thoughts were interrupted by sounds out further in the courtyard. He moved silently and saw Lina and Zel talking.
"He nearly killed me!" Zel fumed.
"I think if he really wanted to, he would. But…"
"That's some consolation!"
"He wants his wife back." Her eyes looked down at her feet, "I know how he feels."
"What do you mean, Lina?"
"It's just that…" she could feel herself blush a little and tried to mask it. How could she tell him how she felt? She was still unsure of herself, and how he might react.
"Humph. Anyway," he turned away," he was able to escape again. We came this close to finishing him!"
She could feel the frustration inside him. She felt it too. Zel had seen a recent change in demeanor since he became human once more. His speech and the way he moved became more regal. He still hadn't shaken that damnable trait for helping others. If he didn't decide to stay, they would've been home already! She felt angry at him for that, but she couldn't really blame him. It was her spell that got her and Zel here, and Valgav too. It was her fault, yet another to add to her ever expanding list.
"I'm sorry," she breathed.
Zel turned. "What?"
Her eyes were still staring at the floor. She felt herself tremble a little. "I said, I'm sorry. It's my fault. It's my fault Bulma's dead, and it's my fault that I almost lost you." She realized she said that last sentence and put her hands up to her mouth in shock.
Zel's eyes widened as he blushed. "Lina…"
Vegeta awoke painfully, but that felt good! Even with Dende's help, his ribs would still need a week or two to heal. Every bone in his body was sore, the battle with his son from the future nearly killed him! He strained to get up and his body screamed in protest. Slowly Vegeta stood and nearly fell back onto the bed. He regained his composure and put on his clothes, then he headed for the door.
Trunks eyes opened as he grimaced. ***Hopefully, I won't ever have to go through that again!*** Gingerly, he attempted to get up. Pain assaulted him, but he fought it back and was soon standing. His clothes were laid out for him and he put them on. He spent a second to strap on his sword to his back then he went for the door.
The two saiyan warriors closed their doors at the same time, startling the other. They turned and looked at each other. Vegeta smiled at Trunks approvingly as did his son to his father. Nothing needed to be said. They went to the courtyard in silence, their footsteps echoing in the halls.
"Lina…"
Her hands lowered from her mouth as she tried to speak, but she couldn't. She was consumed with guilt (trust me- this never happens to her!- M.) and confusion. She half-remembered little signs from him in the past pointing toward his feelings for her, and she missed them all. She turned away from him quickly, blushing like mad and feeling tears well up inside her. She couldn't bear to let him see her like this!
Suddenly, Lina became very aware of Zel standing right behind her. He was so close that she could feel the warmth from his body. He put his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her to face him. "Lina," he began, "I didn't know you to felt this way about me. I thought…"
She raised her index finger up to her lips, "Hush." She was fighting back her tears, but it was a losing battle. "I…I didn't realize it until very recently."
"There's so much I've been wanting to tell you," he said breathlessly.
Her face brightened a bit and she smiled. "I know Zel. I feel the same."
Zel smiled back. God he was gorgeous!, she thought. Their arms wrapped around each other and they hugged for a long time.
"A-hem."
Both Lina and Zel jumped in shock! "You two can get a room for that sort of thing," Piccolo grunted as he walked into the light.
They blushed and let go of each other, trying to act as if nothing had happened. "What?" Lina asked incredulously.
"We didn't…" Zelgadis stammered.
Piccolo pointed one finger at his ears. "These do more than frame my face you know (I had to put it in, it's one of my favorite Piccolo lines!- M.)!"
Lina and Zel hung their heads in defeat. Piccolo walked past them but didn't say anything else. The two budding lovebirds stared at each other, blushing like mad.
Trunks and Vegeta arrived in the kitchen and got food. Gokuu was still at the table; stacks of plates reached up to the ceiling, but the saiyan showed no sign of slowing. Wordlessly, father and son sat down and began to eat their prepared meals. It took Gokuu a few minutes to realize he had company at the table.
"Feeling better?" he asked between mouthfuls.
Vegeta grunted, and Trunks stared at Gokuu questioningly. "What do you plan to do after this Trunks?" Gokuu asked, changing the subject.
Trunks stared at his food for a moment. "I don't know, honestly. There's nothing left for me in my world, and this one already has me in it."
Vegeta glanced over at his son from the future but remained silent. "There's still thousands of people who need my help though. It's just too much," he exclaimed as his fist suddenly slammed the table. Gokuu and Vegeta stopped eating. "It was bad enough trying to rebuild after the Androids and Cell! Many people will die when the winter comes. Mom…and I used her gadgets to create generators and heaters for those who didn't have them, but it was never enough! Now more survivors won't see through another year because of Buu. I wish mom…" he stopped.
Vegeta glared at his son, remaining quiet.
"Sorry."
"At any rate, we could use your help in fighting Valgav," Gokuu stated, trying to ease the tension in the room.
"No problems there," he growled.
"We'll get him next time," Gokuu said. "And we'll find a way to get Lina and Zelgadis back to their world."
"Where is the one called Xellos?" asked Vegeta finally.
"Who?" Trunks asked.
"I don't know," Gokuu replied. "Lina might know."
"Who's Xellos?" Trunks asked.
"He's from the same world as Lina and Zel," Gokuu said, "but I don't think they like him very much."
"Nor do I," Vegeta commented, gulping down a whole bowl of rice.
The warriors finished their dinner and headed out to the courtyard, where they met Lina and Zel.
"I have no clue where that bastard is!" she spat. "And if you ask me, he could stay way the hell away from me! He's more trouble than he's worth."
"Lina's right," Zel nodded. "He always comes out ahead, no matter what."
"Oh, I would say that," said a voice.
Everybody turned, automatically assuming defensive stances. "Xellos!" they exclaimed in unison.
Xellos blinked into existence right in front of the group, smiling. "Hello again," he said cheerfully.
"Demon!" Piccolo spat, raising his energy preparing to attack.
Xellos put his hands up, "Now calm down, Piccolo," he said. "I'm not the enemy here."
"That remains to be seen," Lina said through gritted teeth. Her hands had a fireball spell prepped.
"I'm hurt Lina," he said mockingly. "You wouldn't want to hurt the one person who knows where Valgav is hiding now, do you?" his smile broadened.
"What?" Lina exclaimed.
"How can we trust you?" Gokuu asked.
"I want Valgav gone as much as you do," he said. "He's an abomination and doesn't belong on this world."
"How noble of you," Vegeta remarked sarcastically. "What do you propose? Do you plan to fight with us?"
"Of course I do," He said sounding sincere. "The quicker he's disposed of, the quicker I can get back to my world as well."
"Oh really," Lina said. "You told us earlier that you were able to travel here with the blessings of your master, Beastmaster." Her eyes narrowed, "What's the deal here?"
"It's simple really," he answered. "I'll take you to his hideout and there you can kill him."
"What do you get out of it?" Zel demanded.
"The satisfaction in knowing that justice is served? How about saving the planet from destruction?" The silence that met Xellos was almost deafening.
"What about my wife, demon? If we kill Valgav, how will I get my wife back?"
"Ahh, that's a tricky one…" he frowned and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Stop playing games!" Lina yelled. "Do you know of a way to bring her back or not?"
Xellos frowned for a second, deep in thought. He snapped his fingers and smiled, "Of course there's a way!"
"Out with it!" Vegeta's anger rose, causing his energy to rise.
Xellos took note of Vegeta's attitude. ***He's perfect! He'll serve my master's plans perfectly!*** "All I need to do is grab her soul at the moment of his death. Then the soul can be placed back into the body, and she'll live again as if nothing had happened."
"You had better not be lying, demon, "Vegeta warned.
"I wouldn't dream of it," he replied casually. "We can go now if you wish."
"No," Gokuu stated, "We'll go when we are all healed of our injuries."
"Kakarot!" Vegeta yelled, hands balled into fists.
"No Vegeta!" Gokuu said, the hardness in his voice meant there was no room for debate. "We'll wait until you and Trunks are fully healed and at your peak. It should only take a day at most."
"Very well, "Vegeta said slowly, barely restraining his anger. He saw the logic in it of course. He'd need to be at full power if he was to kill the mad godling.
"Are you sure that's wise?" Xellos asked.
"We'll need to be at full strength, and we're out of sensu beans," Gokuu reasoned. "We will wait."
"As you wish," Xellos said as he bowed mockingly. "I shall return." He blinked out of existence.
"Xellos, wait!" Lina exclaimed as she rushed at him, but it was too late, he was gone.
"Damn!" she cursed. "He's so irritating!"
"What's the matter, Lina?" Gokuu asked.
"Xellos! He could've teleported us back anytime he wanted. He's setting us up! I can feel it. It's a trap!"
Vegeta raised an eyebrow," You think?"
Lina pretended that she didn't hear his sarcastic remark. "It's a set-up I'm telling you!"
"What other choice do we have," Zel asked. "You and I both know who Xellos operates. We can handle him."
"I'll crush him if he gets in my way," Vegeta said.
"It won't matter either way," Trunks said. Everyone turned to look at him. "So, it's a trap, that's a given. Don't let your guard down. We'll finish this in no time at all."
"Don't underestimate Valgav or Xellos, "Lina warned.
"We'll be ready, whatever the case," Gokuu declared. "Tomorrow we finish this."
Lina stared at the resolve of the warriors. It gave her some comfort to know that she had such powerful friends (except for that Vegeta) willing to help her. She smiled, they might actually be able to pull this off after all.
Next: Setting the Stage for the Final Battle! See ya!
There's only about 3 or 4 more chapters to go we're almost done folks! Hope you enjoy it so far!
Gokuu carried the unconscious Vegeta back to the Palace while Piccolo carried his unconscious son from the future. Lina was able to wake up Zelgadis, who was none the worse for wear. They arrived at the Palace before daylight; Mr. Popo and Dende were there with supper prepared. Trunks and Vegeta were put in separate rooms where Dende tended to their wounds. The others told Krillin, Tien and Yaumcha what happened.
"Wow, "Krillin exclaimed, "That must've been one hell of a battle!"
"You're not kidding, "replied Tien.
"Valgav still disappeared. He's still out there guys." Gokuu clenched his fists. "We almost had him!"
Dende appeared, and he looked exhausted. Piccolo walked over to him. "Is the room of Spirit and Time fixed yet?"
"Yes, " Dende responded. "The entrance has been repaired and everything's back to normal."
"Good. We might be needing it soon."
"As you wish, Piccolo."
Piccolo went back to the courtyard and started his search for Valgav. He could sense the energy of almost everyone on this planet, even if they used techniques to hide or mask their power. This Valgav was different though; he was a god but was somehow able to mask himself completely. They would never find him until he was about to attack. By the time they'd get there more innocents would be killed. ***We were so close! His energy level had dropped to almost nothing! Vegeta had the chance and blew it! So much for his pride. The Fool!***
His thoughts were interrupted by sounds out further in the courtyard. He moved silently and saw Lina and Zel talking.
"He nearly killed me!" Zel fumed.
"I think if he really wanted to, he would. But…"
"That's some consolation!"
"He wants his wife back." Her eyes looked down at her feet, "I know how he feels."
"What do you mean, Lina?"
"It's just that…" she could feel herself blush a little and tried to mask it. How could she tell him how she felt? She was still unsure of herself, and how he might react.
"Humph. Anyway," he turned away," he was able to escape again. We came this close to finishing him!"
She could feel the frustration inside him. She felt it too. Zel had seen a recent change in demeanor since he became human once more. His speech and the way he moved became more regal. He still hadn't shaken that damnable trait for helping others. If he didn't decide to stay, they would've been home already! She felt angry at him for that, but she couldn't really blame him. It was her spell that got her and Zel here, and Valgav too. It was her fault, yet another to add to her ever expanding list.
"I'm sorry," she breathed.
Zel turned. "What?"
Her eyes were still staring at the floor. She felt herself tremble a little. "I said, I'm sorry. It's my fault. It's my fault Bulma's dead, and it's my fault that I almost lost you." She realized she said that last sentence and put her hands up to her mouth in shock.
Zel's eyes widened as he blushed. "Lina…"
Vegeta awoke painfully, but that felt good! Even with Dende's help, his ribs would still need a week or two to heal. Every bone in his body was sore, the battle with his son from the future nearly killed him! He strained to get up and his body screamed in protest. Slowly Vegeta stood and nearly fell back onto the bed. He regained his composure and put on his clothes, then he headed for the door.
Trunks eyes opened as he grimaced. ***Hopefully, I won't ever have to go through that again!*** Gingerly, he attempted to get up. Pain assaulted him, but he fought it back and was soon standing. His clothes were laid out for him and he put them on. He spent a second to strap on his sword to his back then he went for the door.
The two saiyan warriors closed their doors at the same time, startling the other. They turned and looked at each other. Vegeta smiled at Trunks approvingly as did his son to his father. Nothing needed to be said. They went to the courtyard in silence, their footsteps echoing in the halls.
"Lina…"
Her hands lowered from her mouth as she tried to speak, but she couldn't. She was consumed with guilt (trust me- this never happens to her!- M.) and confusion. She half-remembered little signs from him in the past pointing toward his feelings for her, and she missed them all. She turned away from him quickly, blushing like mad and feeling tears well up inside her. She couldn't bear to let him see her like this!
Suddenly, Lina became very aware of Zel standing right behind her. He was so close that she could feel the warmth from his body. He put his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her to face him. "Lina," he began, "I didn't know you to felt this way about me. I thought…"
She raised her index finger up to her lips, "Hush." She was fighting back her tears, but it was a losing battle. "I…I didn't realize it until very recently."
"There's so much I've been wanting to tell you," he said breathlessly.
Her face brightened a bit and she smiled. "I know Zel. I feel the same."
Zel smiled back. God he was gorgeous!, she thought. Their arms wrapped around each other and they hugged for a long time.
"A-hem."
Both Lina and Zel jumped in shock! "You two can get a room for that sort of thing," Piccolo grunted as he walked into the light.
They blushed and let go of each other, trying to act as if nothing had happened. "What?" Lina asked incredulously.
"We didn't…" Zelgadis stammered.
Piccolo pointed one finger at his ears. "These do more than frame my face you know (I had to put it in, it's one of my favorite Piccolo lines!- M.)!"
Lina and Zel hung their heads in defeat. Piccolo walked past them but didn't say anything else. The two budding lovebirds stared at each other, blushing like mad.
Trunks and Vegeta arrived in the kitchen and got food. Gokuu was still at the table; stacks of plates reached up to the ceiling, but the saiyan showed no sign of slowing. Wordlessly, father and son sat down and began to eat their prepared meals. It took Gokuu a few minutes to realize he had company at the table.
"Feeling better?" he asked between mouthfuls.
Vegeta grunted, and Trunks stared at Gokuu questioningly. "What do you plan to do after this Trunks?" Gokuu asked, changing the subject.
Trunks stared at his food for a moment. "I don't know, honestly. There's nothing left for me in my world, and this one already has me in it."
Vegeta glanced over at his son from the future but remained silent. "There's still thousands of people who need my help though. It's just too much," he exclaimed as his fist suddenly slammed the table. Gokuu and Vegeta stopped eating. "It was bad enough trying to rebuild after the Androids and Cell! Many people will die when the winter comes. Mom…and I used her gadgets to create generators and heaters for those who didn't have them, but it was never enough! Now more survivors won't see through another year because of Buu. I wish mom…" he stopped.
Vegeta glared at his son, remaining quiet.
"Sorry."
"At any rate, we could use your help in fighting Valgav," Gokuu stated, trying to ease the tension in the room.
"No problems there," he growled.
"We'll get him next time," Gokuu said. "And we'll find a way to get Lina and Zelgadis back to their world."
"Where is the one called Xellos?" asked Vegeta finally.
"Who?" Trunks asked.
"I don't know," Gokuu replied. "Lina might know."
"Who's Xellos?" Trunks asked.
"He's from the same world as Lina and Zel," Gokuu said, "but I don't think they like him very much."
"Nor do I," Vegeta commented, gulping down a whole bowl of rice.
The warriors finished their dinner and headed out to the courtyard, where they met Lina and Zel.
"I have no clue where that bastard is!" she spat. "And if you ask me, he could stay way the hell away from me! He's more trouble than he's worth."
"Lina's right," Zel nodded. "He always comes out ahead, no matter what."
"Oh, I would say that," said a voice.
Everybody turned, automatically assuming defensive stances. "Xellos!" they exclaimed in unison.
Xellos blinked into existence right in front of the group, smiling. "Hello again," he said cheerfully.
"Demon!" Piccolo spat, raising his energy preparing to attack.
Xellos put his hands up, "Now calm down, Piccolo," he said. "I'm not the enemy here."
"That remains to be seen," Lina said through gritted teeth. Her hands had a fireball spell prepped.
"I'm hurt Lina," he said mockingly. "You wouldn't want to hurt the one person who knows where Valgav is hiding now, do you?" his smile broadened.
"What?" Lina exclaimed.
"How can we trust you?" Gokuu asked.
"I want Valgav gone as much as you do," he said. "He's an abomination and doesn't belong on this world."
"How noble of you," Vegeta remarked sarcastically. "What do you propose? Do you plan to fight with us?"
"Of course I do," He said sounding sincere. "The quicker he's disposed of, the quicker I can get back to my world as well."
"Oh really," Lina said. "You told us earlier that you were able to travel here with the blessings of your master, Beastmaster." Her eyes narrowed, "What's the deal here?"
"It's simple really," he answered. "I'll take you to his hideout and there you can kill him."
"What do you get out of it?" Zel demanded.
"The satisfaction in knowing that justice is served? How about saving the planet from destruction?" The silence that met Xellos was almost deafening.
"What about my wife, demon? If we kill Valgav, how will I get my wife back?"
"Ahh, that's a tricky one…" he frowned and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Stop playing games!" Lina yelled. "Do you know of a way to bring her back or not?"
Xellos frowned for a second, deep in thought. He snapped his fingers and smiled, "Of course there's a way!"
"Out with it!" Vegeta's anger rose, causing his energy to rise.
Xellos took note of Vegeta's attitude. ***He's perfect! He'll serve my master's plans perfectly!*** "All I need to do is grab her soul at the moment of his death. Then the soul can be placed back into the body, and she'll live again as if nothing had happened."
"You had better not be lying, demon, "Vegeta warned.
"I wouldn't dream of it," he replied casually. "We can go now if you wish."
"No," Gokuu stated, "We'll go when we are all healed of our injuries."
"Kakarot!" Vegeta yelled, hands balled into fists.
"No Vegeta!" Gokuu said, the hardness in his voice meant there was no room for debate. "We'll wait until you and Trunks are fully healed and at your peak. It should only take a day at most."
"Very well, "Vegeta said slowly, barely restraining his anger. He saw the logic in it of course. He'd need to be at full power if he was to kill the mad godling.
"Are you sure that's wise?" Xellos asked.
"We'll need to be at full strength, and we're out of sensu beans," Gokuu reasoned. "We will wait."
"As you wish," Xellos said as he bowed mockingly. "I shall return." He blinked out of existence.
"Xellos, wait!" Lina exclaimed as she rushed at him, but it was too late, he was gone.
"Damn!" she cursed. "He's so irritating!"
"What's the matter, Lina?" Gokuu asked.
"Xellos! He could've teleported us back anytime he wanted. He's setting us up! I can feel it. It's a trap!"
Vegeta raised an eyebrow," You think?"
Lina pretended that she didn't hear his sarcastic remark. "It's a set-up I'm telling you!"
"What other choice do we have," Zel asked. "You and I both know who Xellos operates. We can handle him."
"I'll crush him if he gets in my way," Vegeta said.
"It won't matter either way," Trunks said. Everyone turned to look at him. "So, it's a trap, that's a given. Don't let your guard down. We'll finish this in no time at all."
"Don't underestimate Valgav or Xellos, "Lina warned.
"We'll be ready, whatever the case," Gokuu declared. "Tomorrow we finish this."
Lina stared at the resolve of the warriors. It gave her some comfort to know that she had such powerful friends (except for that Vegeta) willing to help her. She smiled, they might actually be able to pull this off after all.
Next: Setting the Stage for the Final Battle! See ya!
There's only about 3 or 4 more chapters to go we're almost done folks! Hope you enjoy it so far!
