Chapter 7

Zarek and Makoto got back to the apartment late. Everyone else was already there. Raidon was asleep, but Pyralis and Hoshiko sat in the kitchen playing cards. Hoshiko was laughing.

"This is a change," Makoto said quietly.

"Zarek!" Pyralis called out. "Hoshiko taught me how to fly! Then she taught me how to fight. Slave driver or what?"

"And how did she do?" Zarek asked Hoshiko.

"Great! She's a fast learner," Hoshiko said. "She made it easy for me."

"And now I'm beating you at cards!" Pyralis announced.

"Beating me? You lost five games out of six, Pyralis." Hoshiko laughed.

"Hey, you didn't have to tell them that!"

Zarek and Makoto sat, not sure what to make of a cheerful Hoshiko.

"How did your search go?" Pyralis asked. Something about the look on Zarek's face told her that he didn't have very good news.

"We found her, but we didn't get anywhere. I still don't know what she's up to...I destroyed the place she was living in, but I don't think that will make a difference at this point. She's too strong. And she's crazy."

The good mood was gone. "So...what are we going to do?"

"I don't know." Zarek sighed. "I feel helpless."

"Stop beating yourself up," Hoshiko said. "That won't do any good! You always seem to blame yourself, and it's not your fault!"

"I'm the strongest, and if I can't face her...then we're all lost," he said. "Goku was the strongest and he always saved them...I feel like I'm letting you down."

"Never," Hoshiko said. "You're doing the best you can." She didn't mention that Pyralis was stronger than he was. She didn't know how he would take it. "Go get some rest."

Zarek complied.

"When did Raidon go to bed?" Makoto asked. "He usually stays up so late."

Pyralis giggled. "I think he had a little too much to drink," she said. "He was staggering around and yelling about cheese, I think. Then he passed out."

Makoto shook his head. "He likes his wine, but really..."

"He had a hard day," Pyralis said. "With my being attacked and everything...He deserved to relax."

"Poor Raidon. Well, I'm spent. Good night, you two."

Pyralis threw her cards down on the table. "I give up. You win." She stood. "Hoshiko, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure. Go ahead."

"Are you in love with Zarek?"

Hoshiko froze. "What?"

"You heard me."

"I...but we're related!"

"Only distantly. Well?"

"Yes, I am. He saved me. He's the only one I ever learned to care about."

"You learned to be friends with me. Hoshiko, he's not in love with you," Pyralis said. "I'm not trying to be cruel, but it's the truth."

"Don't you think I know that? Why do you think I hated you so much?" Hoshiko demanded.

"What are you talking about?"

"Zarek pays you more attention that way than he ever will to me!" Hoshiko sighed. "But...I guess it's okay now. I like you. You can make him happy."

"That's not what I meant! I was telling you because I don't want you to get hurt, not because I want Zarek!" That thought hadn't even occurred to Pyralis. "And Raidon..." She trailed off. She shouldn't say anything, really. It was partly her fault that Raidon had gotten drunk and told her in the first place...

"Raidon what?" Hoshiko asked. "You like Raidon?"

"No, not like that. Hoshiko...just treat Raidon a little nicer from now on. It hurts him a lot when you're so cold."

"Why? Why would it hurt him any more than Makoto or Zarek?"

"It just does. Think about it. Good night."

Pyralis left Hoshiko to her thoughts.

*****

Pyralis knew she was dreaming, and thought that it was very important for her to watch what was going on.

There were two men fighting. The shorter of the two looked angry and attacked with fury, but the other looked as if he had been forced into this fight.

I know this. That's Goku and Vegeta!

She watched in fascination. It was obvious that Goku was the stronger, but Vegeta would not give up.

Determination...That's like me. I never give up, no matter what...

Then, she witnessed the transformation of both of them to Super Saiya-Jin. She memorized the feel of the energy as they did that...

...And woke with a start to the sound of yelling.

"Hye found us!"

Someone was lifting her off the ground. It was not one of her friends; it was one of Hye's fighters!

She kicked him and he dropped her. She was ready to fight.

She made short work of him, and saw Zarek's opponent fall.

"They took the others!" He cried. "We have to hurry!"

The two of them flew in pursuit of the kidnappers.

Hoshiko...Makoto...Raidon...

Pyralis felt panic rising in her throat, but managed to suppress it.

"There!" Zarek yelled.

The kidnappers shoved the unconscious Makoto, Raidon, and Hoshiko into the back of a car and sped away.

"This is a trap," Pyralis said.

"I know," Zarek said grimly. "I'm lost. What should I do?"

"We should go after them. Trap or not, I'm not letting her hurt my friends!" Her eyes flashed angrily.

Zarek admired her for a moment. Such strength...

"You're right. Come on!"

*****