Last chapter:
"Hello princess, my how you've grown since last we met."
She blinked when she heard the familiar sound of his voice, soft and teasing, always teasing when speaking to her. Without another thought she closed the distance between them and threw her arms around his neck. He chuckled as he hugged her back, "It's good to see you too, Chichi." She moved away after awhile and grinned up at him. "I'm so glad you're back, Goku."
Chapter 2:
She glowed with happiness as the towering man grinned down at her. "Oh…I can't believe you're here. After all these years, you finally came back." She was talking so quickly, he had no room to speak. He simply watched her with adoring wonder. 'Humans grow up so fast. She looks…very charming.' He cleared his throat, "I always keep my promise princess. Besides, I would never defy royalty."
He voice held humor but Chichi didn't care, she was too happy to say anything about his teasing. 'Maybe now he will see me as an adult and take me more seriously. After all I am a woman now. Stay calm Chichi, oh, I hope he's not reading my thoughts.' A voice from behind her interrupted her train of thought. She turned from her visitor and saw her cousin moving towards them.
Yamcha grinned broadly as he and the visitor gripped forearms in welcome and friendship. "Long time no see, Dragonlord. It's good to see you." The Dragonlord bowed his head to his human friend but with a trace of a smile on his face replied, "Same to you, your majesty." Yamcha grimace from the title, "Dragonlord, I've know you all my life, please, I would be honored if you would call me by my given name, as you once did." "Alright, as old friends we are inclined to brush off some formalities, but same goes for you as well. No Dragonlord, just Goku."
Yamcha nodded his head in agreement. "So Goku, how have you been old friend?" Goku grinned in amusement, "Well, I've seen better years, I was bored out of my mind with pointless wars that I decided to take some time off. So here I am." Yamcha chuckled, "You'll never changed, will you Goku?" Before Goku could answer Chichi interrupted, "You always find ways to make anyone smile even in bad situations." Goku blinked down at her before he smile sweetly, "Don't flatter me princess, it'll go to my head."
Chichi giggled as she beamed up at him, "I only speak the truth, Goku." "Yes, she speaks too openly of the truth if you asked me." Yamcha teased. She glared at her cousin and slapped his arm, not enough to hurt, but he unconsciously massaged it. He turned his attention back to Goku and cleared his throat, signaling his little cousin to remain quiet. "So, Goku you traveled far, what brings you to Amadicia?"
Goku's smile faded as he took a ragged breath. "I had hoped that we could have met under different circumstances but…I was sent to call you, king of Amadicia, to 'the gathering'." Yamcha blinked in confusion, " 'The gathering'? That hasn't been heard of in thousands of years. What has happened old friend?" As Yamcha and Chichi watched, as the man in front of them straightened his shoulders and with great difficulty spoke, "My king is dying." The sadness in his eyes spoke a thousand words. The Dragonking was the most majestic creature in this realm and the Dragonlords valued him above all else.
Yamcha was taken by surprise, "What?! The Dragon king…dying?! That's not possible." Goku cleared his throat, "By the orders of the Oracle, I'm to gather all kings of the lands and bring them-" Yamcha held up his hand to stop him, "Wait a minute Goku, You just told me the Dragon king is dying. I didn't pay much attention to my tutors when I was young, but if memory serves me, the Dragon king can't die. He's immortal." Goku shook his head, "All life dies, your books were written by humans, who I might point out live short lives. We may seem immortal but I assure you we are not."
Yamcha glared at the Dragonlord, "Bullshit Goku! That's not what I meant and you know that. Your people can't die naturally; only by the hands of others can you perish! So what's going on?" Goku turned his eyes towards the western skies, his sad eyes narrowed for a second before he turned back to the silent pair. He frowned at them, before he sighed in defeat.
"You are right my old friend, we are immortal, but to a certain degree. The Dragon king has been defeated by another's hand. We can not stop what has already begun, but we can save him from ruin." Chichi looked pleadingly at him, "I don't understand, who would want to kill the Dragon king?!" Yamcha put a hand on Chichi's shoulder to silence her. She glanced up at him but remained quiet.
Goku stared at Yamcha; it was so quiet that Chichi finally understood what was transpiring. Goku was speaking to Yamcha in his mind. She frowned, 'This was not fair! I can't believe this.' A few second went by where the only sound that was heard was the morning birds singing in the background. Chichi jumped when her cousin spoke suddenly, "I swear by my sword as the King of Amadicia that I will follow the alliance of the kings past."
Chichi watched as Goku nodded slowly, as if accepting this oath. "By the order of the Oracle, I'm to gather the kings…" He suddenly stopped and smiled sadly, "Yamcha, a war is at hand. Not these petty wars, but the dark war itself. I was not informed of why the gathering is being assembled but I have a suspicion. I cannot speak of it until I am sure. Until then, Mesotovia has to unite its kings. The four kings of Mesotovia have to unite at the capital where you must ask the High king to meet the Dragon king. You know the prophecy, it's happening now."
"How long do we have?" Goku shook his head, "My father has already summoned his four brothers, the other Dragonlords, but I do not know how long until they reach the Dragon king. But we have to hurry, he is strong but he is slipping fast." Yamcha did not hesitate as he made his decision. "We leave this afternoon. I will just make arrangements for my cousin-" Chichi stomped her foot, "I am not being left behind!" Yamcha turned to look at her stubborn face. "Chichi, this is not a game, it's dangerous." Chichi held up her hand, "Don't make excuses, you made a promise to father to protect me with your very life. Well, the only way you can protect me is if I go with you."
Yamcha was about to protest when he shut his mouth and gave up. "Fine, I'll never win with you will I? Go and get ready, and remember we are on a mission not a picnic. Take what you need only." She grinned up at her cousin before disappearing down the stairwell. Yamcha watched her go before returning his gaze back to Goku, only to find him staring at the spot where Chichi had vanished from view. "She's a hand full, but full of spirit, wouldn't you agree Goku?"
Goku turned to him and smiled, "She has grown lovely Yamcha, and yes, full of spirit. I just hope she can keep that spirit in the long journey ahead." Yamcha nodded in agreement, "She's strong, she'll manage, trust me. Where do we go from here?" Goku turned slightly to the north; "We will meet the king of Geldata before we head to the capital, he had been marching for a week now in order to meet us at your border. The two other kings are on the march to the capital as we speak. We will meet them at the crossroads to the capital."
Yamcha nodded his head, "Well my old friend, it seems that our adventure days aren't over yet. I have to inform my advisors of my departure. Are you riding with us or are you flying?" Yamcha was nearing the stairwell when he turned back to him. Goku grinned, "It wouldn't be much of an adventure if I was to fly. Just provide me with a horse and I'm good to go." Yamcha chuckled as he descended the stairs, "Alright, come down with me, so you can choose your horse and I can secure my kingdom."
A few hours later….
The king of Amadicia rode to the north with the Dragonlord, his cousin, and five knights.
Yamcha was riding ahead of the group with Goku, while Chichi was carrying a conversation with one of Yamcha's knights, Puar. Puar is one of the finest warriors in Yamcha's army, she also happens to be a woman. She turned her head to say something to her companion, Chichi, when she noticed that her attention was somewhere else. She followed the princess' gaze and smiled. "He is a handsome man isn't he?"
Chichi sighed dreamily, "Yes, he is. He is so…" Chichi blinked and quickly turned around to Puar. She saw the smile the older woman was favoring and blush with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I was being rude, but I…please don't tell anyone about this."
Puar laughed softly, "Princess do not worry your pretty little head about anything, I maybe a warrior but I'm also a woman. I'll take your secret to my grave." They exchanged smiles, before they grew silent.
Chichi quietly observed the two friends in the front, the king of Amadicia and the Dragonlord, and she tilted her head to the side as if wondering. Without turning to her companion she spoke softly, "Puar, what do you know of 'the gathering'?" Puar shrugged, "Well, if you're referring to 'the gathering' then not much. It was a ritual of some sort between the humans and the dragons. I heard stories about it when I was young, how thousands of years ago dragons and humans were killing each other off."
She took a deep breath before she spoke again, "The world was on the brink of destruction when the kings and dragonlords came together to save the two races. I don't really know more than that, I always took it as a legend, a fairy tale." Chichi bit her lip in confusion, "I still don't understand how…" Puar smiled down at her, "Why don't you ask your cousin, he would know more about it."
Chichi looked at her and grinned, "Great idea, and thanks for…well you know." Puar winked at her, "No problem princess, just go for it." Chichi took a deep breath and nudged her horse forward, when she reached the two men, they both inclined their heads at her. "Good afternoon princess, how are you doing? I hope this ride is not to hard on you." Chichi raised her head up high and glared at the Dragonlord, "If you must know Dragonlord, I am an excellent rider. I can take any pressure just like anyone here, man or woman!"
Goku grinned sheepishly and raised his hands in front of him as if to fend her off. I did not mean to offend you Chichi, I was just teasing." He chuckled softly as he scratched the back of his head. Chichi's scowl turned into a smile, "I'm sorry for bursting like that, I hope you can forgive me." She lowered her head but glanced at him through her lashes. He blinked in confusion and cleared his throat, "No not all, Yamcha was about to ask me something." Yamcha spoke with deathly calm, "It's a long way to the Capital Goku, even by hard ride; we can never make it there in the time that you told me. And I know for a fact that this journey will not lack any unwanted company, if you know what I mean." Goku nodded his head in understanding, he sighed loudly, but did not say anything.
They rode on in silence, Chichi forget what she was there for when she felt the tension in the two warriors. She dare not glance at either of them as they moved further into the woods. A few minutes past before Goku spoke quietly, "If you two would excuse me, I have to scout the other Dragonlord, perhaps he can help us out of this predicament, he is escorting the King of Geldata."
Yamcha nodded, "Go ahead." But before Goku could turn away Yamcha motioned from him to stop and with an amused grin spoke, "Oh and by the way Goku, the king of Geldata is a she." Goku's mouth dropped opened, "I was not informed of this, a queen?" Yamcha chuckled, "Yes, my friend, a queen, but I would not underestimate her. I have met her, she's no ordinary woman."
Goku chuckled merrily, "Yes, I have my share of experience with feisty women. It's all the same in all races." Yamcha agreed with a nodded, "Just watched your self friend, your Dragon brother must be at his wits end." Goku chuckled as he started to shimmer and glow brightly. Everyone watched as the man disappeared to be replaced by a golden dragon. The dragon seemed to salute as he gained altitude as he moved ahead of them.
When he was out of sight Chichi cleared her throat to get the attention of her cousin. Yamcha smiled down at her, "Well, it seems you can scare away even the strongest of creatures on this planet my dear cousin." Chichi glared at him and raised her head high, "I did no such thing. He's just teasing me as he always did when I was young." She grew silent as she thought of her adoration of the Dragonlord. She blushed and tried to look away from her cousins searching gaze.
Yamcha felt her discomfort and changed the subject. "Remember to be mindful of where we are going Chichi, the Dragon king might favor humans but you must remember who and what he is." Chichi sighed loudly, "I know Yamcha, I'll be careful of what I say. Speaking of the Dragon king, I wanted to ask you about 'the gathering.' Tell me about it Yamcha." Yamcha glanced around their surroundings as if fearing someone was listening in the woods. He was silent for a few seconds before he spoke softly, "As you already know, the Dragon king is dying, 'the gathering' hopefully will save his life."
Chichi nudged her horse closer to her cousin, "I don't understand. How will it save him?" Yamcha's brow drew together as he thought in concentration. "You already know about the Dragonwars thousands of years ago, right?" Chichi nodded slowly. "Well, the Dragon king during those times was a fearful and powerful being. He controlled the two continents with a strangling grip. He destroyed humans and any other being that opposed him, even his own people. It grew so bad that the world was crumbling, the Dragon king was mad with power, greed and blood. He destroyed everything."
Chichi gazed at her cousin, watching the plains of his handsome face contract as if he was there thousands of years ago remembering the horror first hand. She remained quiet as she waited. "The Dragon king's son amazingly did not follow in his father's footstep. He retaliated. He refused. It was that little ray of hope that changed the course of our two races. The leader of the humans made an alliance with the young prince. They of course were no matches against the Dragonking. And that was when 'the gathering' was formed."
"As you know Chichi, the two continents of our world, Mesotovia and Draconia are ruled by the Dragon king and the High king. But back then, there was no order, all control was under the Dragon king. So in order to defeat him the Dragon prince and the human leader had to gather enough power to over throw the Dragon king. Of course the prince was not alone in his fight against his father, the four most powerful of the dragons joined allegiance with the prince, Muston, Ebidra, Sypris, and Tescon." Chichi's eyes widen in recognition, "Those are the names of the Draconia nations!"
Yamcha nodded in amusement at her obvious exclaim. "That's right, they joined powers with their prince and their allies, the humans-" "Amadicia, Geldata, Nortar, and Hellan were the human leaders' four companion, right?!" Chichi's interruption made Yamcha smile, 'why wasn't I this excited about history?' he thought. He shook his head to clear his head, "Right again little cousin. The final battle was at hand, the prince and leader of the human race joined powers, their entities became one, they were for a brief second able to hold the Dragon king, they were winning."
"They underestimated the Dragon king's strength, he broke their hold on him, just before he crushed them the eight warrior, dragon and human alike, raised their swords and protected their leaders. Their determination to protect and fight for this world emanated enough energy to help the two leaders destroy the Dragon king and to end the struggle."
Chichi sighed softly; she brushed a loose strand of her black hair away from her face as she thought. 'So much turmoil and suffering for what? Power? Death?' She glanced at her cousin, "So everything was fine after that, right?" She frowned when Yamcha shook his head, "No, history is nothing like fairytales Chichi, even though the Dragon king was gone there was still the destruction left behind."
Before Chichi could ask what he meant Yamcha continued, "The two continents were now being fought for. Dragons and humans alike were fighting for land. The prince and our ancestor now had to make a choice; the wrong one, they knew would start another war. So the prince took the Eastern Continent and called it Draconia. Here in Mesotovia, our ancestor split the land into four quarters, each piece he gave to his four warriors, they ruled the lands as kings, but under the leadership of our ancestor, which we now know as the High King."
Chichi nodded her head, remembering this part of their history from her schooling. "The same goes for the Dragon king and his four Dragonlords right? The prince became the Dragon king and his four companions became his Dragonlords. But I still don't understand why you're needed Yamcha. Why 'the gathering; has been summoned after all these years still evades me. Why is it that the Dragon king is dying when you said that he is immortal? Yamcha?"
Yamcha was about to speak when he spotted something ahead. He tensed up as his hand flew to his sword. "Chichi, stay here no matter what happens, do you hear me?" Chichi looked ahead and saw a group of man blocking the road. They were all dressed in black armor, with their visors down and their swords held in their hands. Chichi felt her heart beat faster as she watched her cousin move forward and reined in his horse.
The five knights of Amadicia came forward and flanked her. She glanced at all of them; they all stared up ahead, awaiting their king's orders. Puar she saw was patting her warhorse gently. The older woman turned to her and smiled grimly, "He senses the tension; he is about ready to bolt." Chichi nodded in understanding, seeing now that all the warhorses were stomping their hooves into the ground with anticipation.
The stomps of the hooves into the earth was the only sound moving through the air, Chichi tried to stop her racing heart, her throat was dry, 'Who are those men?' With his back to them, the king's flat voice rang like a bell, breaking the silence. "Gawin and Zan, you're with me. The rest of you stay with the princess. When we break through the barricade, you all make it for the trees." Chichi shouted before she could even think, "Yamcha, No! They're too many of them. You'll die!"
Yamcha did not address her, "Puar, I trust that you understand." Chichi glanced at Puar with pleading eyes, she watched with horror as Puar's gentle face became stony. "I understand my lord, and it will be done." Before Chichi could protest further, her cousin pushed his horse into a gallop with the Gawin and Zan at his heels.
"No! Yamcha!" Chichi grabbed her reins about to push forward when a strong hand held her back. She looked up at Puar to see her concentrating on the fight up ahead. "You can not help your cousin." Chichi trembled with anger and fear. "What if he dies?" Chichi has never seen Puar with so much anger in her blue eyes. "You should have more faith in your cousin, he is not king for a reason. If any of us doubted his skill, we would never have agreed to his decision." Her voice was calm but the hard steel was heard clearly. Chichi swallowed hard and tried not to cry as she watched her cousin struggle against the odds.
Chichi turned in her seat to glance around at the other knights that watched up ahead. They were all tense and ready if anything were to happen. Before she could turn around in her seat, Puar's strong voice shouted over the clashing of swords. "Move!!" Suddenly her horse was moving towards the woods, she grabbed the reins and pushed forward, not wanting to look back. 'Yamcha…please don't die.' She bit on her bottom lip to stop her whimper as a single tear ran down her cheek.
To be continued…..
"Hello princess, my how you've grown since last we met."
She blinked when she heard the familiar sound of his voice, soft and teasing, always teasing when speaking to her. Without another thought she closed the distance between them and threw her arms around his neck. He chuckled as he hugged her back, "It's good to see you too, Chichi." She moved away after awhile and grinned up at him. "I'm so glad you're back, Goku."
Chapter 2:
She glowed with happiness as the towering man grinned down at her. "Oh…I can't believe you're here. After all these years, you finally came back." She was talking so quickly, he had no room to speak. He simply watched her with adoring wonder. 'Humans grow up so fast. She looks…very charming.' He cleared his throat, "I always keep my promise princess. Besides, I would never defy royalty."
He voice held humor but Chichi didn't care, she was too happy to say anything about his teasing. 'Maybe now he will see me as an adult and take me more seriously. After all I am a woman now. Stay calm Chichi, oh, I hope he's not reading my thoughts.' A voice from behind her interrupted her train of thought. She turned from her visitor and saw her cousin moving towards them.
Yamcha grinned broadly as he and the visitor gripped forearms in welcome and friendship. "Long time no see, Dragonlord. It's good to see you." The Dragonlord bowed his head to his human friend but with a trace of a smile on his face replied, "Same to you, your majesty." Yamcha grimace from the title, "Dragonlord, I've know you all my life, please, I would be honored if you would call me by my given name, as you once did." "Alright, as old friends we are inclined to brush off some formalities, but same goes for you as well. No Dragonlord, just Goku."
Yamcha nodded his head in agreement. "So Goku, how have you been old friend?" Goku grinned in amusement, "Well, I've seen better years, I was bored out of my mind with pointless wars that I decided to take some time off. So here I am." Yamcha chuckled, "You'll never changed, will you Goku?" Before Goku could answer Chichi interrupted, "You always find ways to make anyone smile even in bad situations." Goku blinked down at her before he smile sweetly, "Don't flatter me princess, it'll go to my head."
Chichi giggled as she beamed up at him, "I only speak the truth, Goku." "Yes, she speaks too openly of the truth if you asked me." Yamcha teased. She glared at her cousin and slapped his arm, not enough to hurt, but he unconsciously massaged it. He turned his attention back to Goku and cleared his throat, signaling his little cousin to remain quiet. "So, Goku you traveled far, what brings you to Amadicia?"
Goku's smile faded as he took a ragged breath. "I had hoped that we could have met under different circumstances but…I was sent to call you, king of Amadicia, to 'the gathering'." Yamcha blinked in confusion, " 'The gathering'? That hasn't been heard of in thousands of years. What has happened old friend?" As Yamcha and Chichi watched, as the man in front of them straightened his shoulders and with great difficulty spoke, "My king is dying." The sadness in his eyes spoke a thousand words. The Dragonking was the most majestic creature in this realm and the Dragonlords valued him above all else.
Yamcha was taken by surprise, "What?! The Dragon king…dying?! That's not possible." Goku cleared his throat, "By the orders of the Oracle, I'm to gather all kings of the lands and bring them-" Yamcha held up his hand to stop him, "Wait a minute Goku, You just told me the Dragon king is dying. I didn't pay much attention to my tutors when I was young, but if memory serves me, the Dragon king can't die. He's immortal." Goku shook his head, "All life dies, your books were written by humans, who I might point out live short lives. We may seem immortal but I assure you we are not."
Yamcha glared at the Dragonlord, "Bullshit Goku! That's not what I meant and you know that. Your people can't die naturally; only by the hands of others can you perish! So what's going on?" Goku turned his eyes towards the western skies, his sad eyes narrowed for a second before he turned back to the silent pair. He frowned at them, before he sighed in defeat.
"You are right my old friend, we are immortal, but to a certain degree. The Dragon king has been defeated by another's hand. We can not stop what has already begun, but we can save him from ruin." Chichi looked pleadingly at him, "I don't understand, who would want to kill the Dragon king?!" Yamcha put a hand on Chichi's shoulder to silence her. She glanced up at him but remained quiet.
Goku stared at Yamcha; it was so quiet that Chichi finally understood what was transpiring. Goku was speaking to Yamcha in his mind. She frowned, 'This was not fair! I can't believe this.' A few second went by where the only sound that was heard was the morning birds singing in the background. Chichi jumped when her cousin spoke suddenly, "I swear by my sword as the King of Amadicia that I will follow the alliance of the kings past."
Chichi watched as Goku nodded slowly, as if accepting this oath. "By the order of the Oracle, I'm to gather the kings…" He suddenly stopped and smiled sadly, "Yamcha, a war is at hand. Not these petty wars, but the dark war itself. I was not informed of why the gathering is being assembled but I have a suspicion. I cannot speak of it until I am sure. Until then, Mesotovia has to unite its kings. The four kings of Mesotovia have to unite at the capital where you must ask the High king to meet the Dragon king. You know the prophecy, it's happening now."
"How long do we have?" Goku shook his head, "My father has already summoned his four brothers, the other Dragonlords, but I do not know how long until they reach the Dragon king. But we have to hurry, he is strong but he is slipping fast." Yamcha did not hesitate as he made his decision. "We leave this afternoon. I will just make arrangements for my cousin-" Chichi stomped her foot, "I am not being left behind!" Yamcha turned to look at her stubborn face. "Chichi, this is not a game, it's dangerous." Chichi held up her hand, "Don't make excuses, you made a promise to father to protect me with your very life. Well, the only way you can protect me is if I go with you."
Yamcha was about to protest when he shut his mouth and gave up. "Fine, I'll never win with you will I? Go and get ready, and remember we are on a mission not a picnic. Take what you need only." She grinned up at her cousin before disappearing down the stairwell. Yamcha watched her go before returning his gaze back to Goku, only to find him staring at the spot where Chichi had vanished from view. "She's a hand full, but full of spirit, wouldn't you agree Goku?"
Goku turned to him and smiled, "She has grown lovely Yamcha, and yes, full of spirit. I just hope she can keep that spirit in the long journey ahead." Yamcha nodded in agreement, "She's strong, she'll manage, trust me. Where do we go from here?" Goku turned slightly to the north; "We will meet the king of Geldata before we head to the capital, he had been marching for a week now in order to meet us at your border. The two other kings are on the march to the capital as we speak. We will meet them at the crossroads to the capital."
Yamcha nodded his head, "Well my old friend, it seems that our adventure days aren't over yet. I have to inform my advisors of my departure. Are you riding with us or are you flying?" Yamcha was nearing the stairwell when he turned back to him. Goku grinned, "It wouldn't be much of an adventure if I was to fly. Just provide me with a horse and I'm good to go." Yamcha chuckled as he descended the stairs, "Alright, come down with me, so you can choose your horse and I can secure my kingdom."
A few hours later….
The king of Amadicia rode to the north with the Dragonlord, his cousin, and five knights.
Yamcha was riding ahead of the group with Goku, while Chichi was carrying a conversation with one of Yamcha's knights, Puar. Puar is one of the finest warriors in Yamcha's army, she also happens to be a woman. She turned her head to say something to her companion, Chichi, when she noticed that her attention was somewhere else. She followed the princess' gaze and smiled. "He is a handsome man isn't he?"
Chichi sighed dreamily, "Yes, he is. He is so…" Chichi blinked and quickly turned around to Puar. She saw the smile the older woman was favoring and blush with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I was being rude, but I…please don't tell anyone about this."
Puar laughed softly, "Princess do not worry your pretty little head about anything, I maybe a warrior but I'm also a woman. I'll take your secret to my grave." They exchanged smiles, before they grew silent.
Chichi quietly observed the two friends in the front, the king of Amadicia and the Dragonlord, and she tilted her head to the side as if wondering. Without turning to her companion she spoke softly, "Puar, what do you know of 'the gathering'?" Puar shrugged, "Well, if you're referring to 'the gathering' then not much. It was a ritual of some sort between the humans and the dragons. I heard stories about it when I was young, how thousands of years ago dragons and humans were killing each other off."
She took a deep breath before she spoke again, "The world was on the brink of destruction when the kings and dragonlords came together to save the two races. I don't really know more than that, I always took it as a legend, a fairy tale." Chichi bit her lip in confusion, "I still don't understand how…" Puar smiled down at her, "Why don't you ask your cousin, he would know more about it."
Chichi looked at her and grinned, "Great idea, and thanks for…well you know." Puar winked at her, "No problem princess, just go for it." Chichi took a deep breath and nudged her horse forward, when she reached the two men, they both inclined their heads at her. "Good afternoon princess, how are you doing? I hope this ride is not to hard on you." Chichi raised her head up high and glared at the Dragonlord, "If you must know Dragonlord, I am an excellent rider. I can take any pressure just like anyone here, man or woman!"
Goku grinned sheepishly and raised his hands in front of him as if to fend her off. I did not mean to offend you Chichi, I was just teasing." He chuckled softly as he scratched the back of his head. Chichi's scowl turned into a smile, "I'm sorry for bursting like that, I hope you can forgive me." She lowered her head but glanced at him through her lashes. He blinked in confusion and cleared his throat, "No not all, Yamcha was about to ask me something." Yamcha spoke with deathly calm, "It's a long way to the Capital Goku, even by hard ride; we can never make it there in the time that you told me. And I know for a fact that this journey will not lack any unwanted company, if you know what I mean." Goku nodded his head in understanding, he sighed loudly, but did not say anything.
They rode on in silence, Chichi forget what she was there for when she felt the tension in the two warriors. She dare not glance at either of them as they moved further into the woods. A few minutes past before Goku spoke quietly, "If you two would excuse me, I have to scout the other Dragonlord, perhaps he can help us out of this predicament, he is escorting the King of Geldata."
Yamcha nodded, "Go ahead." But before Goku could turn away Yamcha motioned from him to stop and with an amused grin spoke, "Oh and by the way Goku, the king of Geldata is a she." Goku's mouth dropped opened, "I was not informed of this, a queen?" Yamcha chuckled, "Yes, my friend, a queen, but I would not underestimate her. I have met her, she's no ordinary woman."
Goku chuckled merrily, "Yes, I have my share of experience with feisty women. It's all the same in all races." Yamcha agreed with a nodded, "Just watched your self friend, your Dragon brother must be at his wits end." Goku chuckled as he started to shimmer and glow brightly. Everyone watched as the man disappeared to be replaced by a golden dragon. The dragon seemed to salute as he gained altitude as he moved ahead of them.
When he was out of sight Chichi cleared her throat to get the attention of her cousin. Yamcha smiled down at her, "Well, it seems you can scare away even the strongest of creatures on this planet my dear cousin." Chichi glared at him and raised her head high, "I did no such thing. He's just teasing me as he always did when I was young." She grew silent as she thought of her adoration of the Dragonlord. She blushed and tried to look away from her cousins searching gaze.
Yamcha felt her discomfort and changed the subject. "Remember to be mindful of where we are going Chichi, the Dragon king might favor humans but you must remember who and what he is." Chichi sighed loudly, "I know Yamcha, I'll be careful of what I say. Speaking of the Dragon king, I wanted to ask you about 'the gathering.' Tell me about it Yamcha." Yamcha glanced around their surroundings as if fearing someone was listening in the woods. He was silent for a few seconds before he spoke softly, "As you already know, the Dragon king is dying, 'the gathering' hopefully will save his life."
Chichi nudged her horse closer to her cousin, "I don't understand. How will it save him?" Yamcha's brow drew together as he thought in concentration. "You already know about the Dragonwars thousands of years ago, right?" Chichi nodded slowly. "Well, the Dragon king during those times was a fearful and powerful being. He controlled the two continents with a strangling grip. He destroyed humans and any other being that opposed him, even his own people. It grew so bad that the world was crumbling, the Dragon king was mad with power, greed and blood. He destroyed everything."
Chichi gazed at her cousin, watching the plains of his handsome face contract as if he was there thousands of years ago remembering the horror first hand. She remained quiet as she waited. "The Dragon king's son amazingly did not follow in his father's footstep. He retaliated. He refused. It was that little ray of hope that changed the course of our two races. The leader of the humans made an alliance with the young prince. They of course were no matches against the Dragonking. And that was when 'the gathering' was formed."
"As you know Chichi, the two continents of our world, Mesotovia and Draconia are ruled by the Dragon king and the High king. But back then, there was no order, all control was under the Dragon king. So in order to defeat him the Dragon prince and the human leader had to gather enough power to over throw the Dragon king. Of course the prince was not alone in his fight against his father, the four most powerful of the dragons joined allegiance with the prince, Muston, Ebidra, Sypris, and Tescon." Chichi's eyes widen in recognition, "Those are the names of the Draconia nations!"
Yamcha nodded in amusement at her obvious exclaim. "That's right, they joined powers with their prince and their allies, the humans-" "Amadicia, Geldata, Nortar, and Hellan were the human leaders' four companion, right?!" Chichi's interruption made Yamcha smile, 'why wasn't I this excited about history?' he thought. He shook his head to clear his head, "Right again little cousin. The final battle was at hand, the prince and leader of the human race joined powers, their entities became one, they were for a brief second able to hold the Dragon king, they were winning."
"They underestimated the Dragon king's strength, he broke their hold on him, just before he crushed them the eight warrior, dragon and human alike, raised their swords and protected their leaders. Their determination to protect and fight for this world emanated enough energy to help the two leaders destroy the Dragon king and to end the struggle."
Chichi sighed softly; she brushed a loose strand of her black hair away from her face as she thought. 'So much turmoil and suffering for what? Power? Death?' She glanced at her cousin, "So everything was fine after that, right?" She frowned when Yamcha shook his head, "No, history is nothing like fairytales Chichi, even though the Dragon king was gone there was still the destruction left behind."
Before Chichi could ask what he meant Yamcha continued, "The two continents were now being fought for. Dragons and humans alike were fighting for land. The prince and our ancestor now had to make a choice; the wrong one, they knew would start another war. So the prince took the Eastern Continent and called it Draconia. Here in Mesotovia, our ancestor split the land into four quarters, each piece he gave to his four warriors, they ruled the lands as kings, but under the leadership of our ancestor, which we now know as the High King."
Chichi nodded her head, remembering this part of their history from her schooling. "The same goes for the Dragon king and his four Dragonlords right? The prince became the Dragon king and his four companions became his Dragonlords. But I still don't understand why you're needed Yamcha. Why 'the gathering; has been summoned after all these years still evades me. Why is it that the Dragon king is dying when you said that he is immortal? Yamcha?"
Yamcha was about to speak when he spotted something ahead. He tensed up as his hand flew to his sword. "Chichi, stay here no matter what happens, do you hear me?" Chichi looked ahead and saw a group of man blocking the road. They were all dressed in black armor, with their visors down and their swords held in their hands. Chichi felt her heart beat faster as she watched her cousin move forward and reined in his horse.
The five knights of Amadicia came forward and flanked her. She glanced at all of them; they all stared up ahead, awaiting their king's orders. Puar she saw was patting her warhorse gently. The older woman turned to her and smiled grimly, "He senses the tension; he is about ready to bolt." Chichi nodded in understanding, seeing now that all the warhorses were stomping their hooves into the ground with anticipation.
The stomps of the hooves into the earth was the only sound moving through the air, Chichi tried to stop her racing heart, her throat was dry, 'Who are those men?' With his back to them, the king's flat voice rang like a bell, breaking the silence. "Gawin and Zan, you're with me. The rest of you stay with the princess. When we break through the barricade, you all make it for the trees." Chichi shouted before she could even think, "Yamcha, No! They're too many of them. You'll die!"
Yamcha did not address her, "Puar, I trust that you understand." Chichi glanced at Puar with pleading eyes, she watched with horror as Puar's gentle face became stony. "I understand my lord, and it will be done." Before Chichi could protest further, her cousin pushed his horse into a gallop with the Gawin and Zan at his heels.
"No! Yamcha!" Chichi grabbed her reins about to push forward when a strong hand held her back. She looked up at Puar to see her concentrating on the fight up ahead. "You can not help your cousin." Chichi trembled with anger and fear. "What if he dies?" Chichi has never seen Puar with so much anger in her blue eyes. "You should have more faith in your cousin, he is not king for a reason. If any of us doubted his skill, we would never have agreed to his decision." Her voice was calm but the hard steel was heard clearly. Chichi swallowed hard and tried not to cry as she watched her cousin struggle against the odds.
Chichi turned in her seat to glance around at the other knights that watched up ahead. They were all tense and ready if anything were to happen. Before she could turn around in her seat, Puar's strong voice shouted over the clashing of swords. "Move!!" Suddenly her horse was moving towards the woods, she grabbed the reins and pushed forward, not wanting to look back. 'Yamcha…please don't die.' She bit on her bottom lip to stop her whimper as a single tear ran down her cheek.
To be continued…..