A/N – sorry for the long wait, I've been a very busy airman, not to mention all the people that want to come play my gamecube. :p anyway, I'll try my hardest to update again by Wednesday. Again, sorry for the lack of update.
Changing Faces
Part 2 – Choices They Make
Chapter 27 – Attack Plan, Second Part
"That's crazy," Matiko shouted, "Not an honor dual. First of all, only born Pandovans can compete in honor duals, secondly, what would happen if the competitor dies? The whole planet would be razed by their dragon, which is due to hatch any day now."
Her eyes flashed and Gohan saw where Videl's temper came from. Their temperament was akin to the heat of the revered Pandovan Lava Pits.
"Mother," Javera interrupted, "Neither Gohana nor a Ruani is a born Pandovan, so that rule is void."
"What if she is defeated?" the queen protested. She could see that she was losing.
"Mother, since I have fought a Ruani, I have a handle on their power, strength, and fighting tactics. I have also seen Gohana train and I have seen her power. I truly believe she can defeat them and win the dual."
"What then? What would make them leave? We know they have no honor, so what would make us believe they would hold up their side," Matiko asked.
"We have to destroy the dragon," Javera said, "It is their only reason for being on this planet."
"Yes, and the mind controlling machine," Antella added.
"Maybe that should be our side of the wager," Javera said.
"No," Videl sighed, "They would not agree to that. They are cunning; we must give them that credit. If they think there will be a way to weasel out of the repercussions of losing, they will take it. I say we keep the ante at the planet."
Matiko's head fell. "You can't be serious about this plan."
No one said anything for the next few minutes.
Antella was the voice of reason, "Mother, I have not been on this planet as long as you or anyone here, but I love my home more than my life. If we do not do something, anything, then all we have worked for, all our ancestors had stood for, will be gone. Really, we are taking no risk. If we win, the planet is ours, if we lose, well, it wouldn't be any different if we did nothing and were killed by the dragon."
Gohan smirked. That girl is smart.
Matiko was conquered, "Very well. We will go with the plan. Gohana, you will fight a Ruani of their choosing, in an honor dual for the fate of the planet. Our future is in your hands, dear warrior."
"Strong and capable hands they are, Mother. Gohana will do fine," Videl praised with a proud gleam in her eyes.
Man, one minute she's ignoring me, the next she praises me. He sighed to himself, This girl stuff is so complicated.
Javera cleared her throat, "One more detail. How shall we bring this challenge to the Ruani?"
A few more moments of silence, until once again, Antella broke the quiet.
"I will go."
"Over my dead body," Matiko argued, "I have lost one daughter already, I do not plan on loosing another."
"Please Mother, if you don't allow me I will go without your permission," she spat back.
"You would defy me," the queen uttered coldly.
The ice was enough to hush the youngest, but she was not held down. One bright step left her out the door. Gohan sensed her chi as it gained distance between them and the youngster.
"She's got your temper, mother. And she has your determination," Javera sighed.
"Yes, but she lacks in discipline. Something that was probably an example," Matiko eyes flickered to Videl.
The only response to the accusation was a momentary furrow of the raven haired warrior's brows.
I sense some dissuasion here... Gohan thought.
"I believe in her. We all should," Videl said evenly and confidently, "Antella has shown nothing but improvement in her combat classes and studies. She deserves a chance to help the cause. You heard her speech. She would give her life for this planet just as you, or I, or anyone else here."
"Very well. We will wait for her return," Matiko said as she rose and left the war room.
"Come Gohana, I will take you to your room," Videl said, not even glancing at Gohan as she walked by him to the door.
Antella returned that evening, unharmed and bearing news. She waited until her sisters, mother, and Gohan had assembled.
"The Ruani have accepted the challenge," she said, being someone of few words, "The fight will be held on the next Night of No Moon."
"That's in two days!" Videl exclaimed.
"Yes indeed," Matiko chimed, "Where will they have Gohana battle?"
"The Lava Pits," she answered.
"The Lava Pits," Matiko muttered, "What an insult, fighting on our hallowed grounds."
"And that dragon is due to hatch any day now," Javera added.
"I'm not going back there," Antella said hotly, "The Ruani I spoke to was Duasha. He will be fighting Gohana, in the Lava Pits, on the Night of No Moon."
"Of course. We are the honorable ones, we shall fight where asked to." The Queen turned to Gohan, "Now Gohana, I'm sure you want to train or rest before the fight. I will meet with you in the court room at noon tomorrow. I have some things to give you before your dual."
