Last chapter:

"Move!!" Suddenly her horse was moving towards the woods, she grabbed the reins and pushed forward, not wanting 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.

Chapter three:

They neared the cover of the forest when the horses reared their heads in protest; they stood on their hind legs and screamed, using their front hooves to kick at the air. Chichi wrapped her arms around her horse's neck to keep her seat. She peered into the woods and saw ten soldiers move towards them with their swords pointed straight at them. Chichi did not have to ask who they were as Puar pulled her sword from her sheath and moved towards Chichi. "No matter what happens men, the princess must not be harmed."

Chichi watched in horror as the people she grew to know, as friends were now strangers as their faces became stony and cold. They formed a circle around her with their backs to her and with their swords drawn waited as the black armored soldiers advanced. She closed her eyes, 'This is not happening, Kami please don't let it end this way.' She saw her cousin's face in her mind and something snapped.

As her eyes snapped open as she leaned over and grabbed Puar crossbow from her horse. She took aim at the closest soldier and fired. Just as the soldier hit the ground, she prepped her weapon for the next shot. But the others did not wait but galloped at them at full speed. Chichi glared at them, her anger and fear for her friends broke through her throat and she cried out followed by her companions.

Chichi leveled her crossbow at the fast closing enemy, but before she could fire, the nine black knights screamed as they were engulfed in flames. She heard a great cry from above; she raised her eyes to the sky, only to feel her heart sing with praise and delight. A golden dragon graced the heavens as he descended towards the earth. As she watched with a smile on her face, she heard Puar cry out, "Look Chichi, your cousin."

Chichi turned her horse around and saw with amazement that her cousin was fine, he stood with his two knights atop their horses and the black knights slain at their feet. He was grinning as he motioned for them to come. She nudged her horse into a gallop, for a second forgetting about the dragon as she made her way to her cousin. Upon reaching him, she threw herself into his arms, ignoring the pain that shot through her as his armor dug into her. With her face buried in his chain mail, she could hear the rumble of his laughter before it reached his lips. "I'm glad you're still in one piece Chichi, that was one hell of a fight."

Chichi drew away from him with disbelief written over her face. "You were at impossible odds Yamcha, and you're laughing? Have you lost your mind?" Yamcha grinned down at her as he settled her back on her horse, "I was a warrior before I was king Chichi, I was glad for the exercise. I was not worried about myself, you're safety was my first concern." Before Chichi could say anything, an angelic voice broke through, "As it should be princess. You must not scold your cousin for taking concern in you welfare."

Chichi turned her head towards the voice only to hold her breathe in wonder. On top of a great bay horse was a beautiful woman clad in armor. Even with the dark blue armor adorning her figure, Chichi could see the regal posture she emanated. Her dark ebony hair illuminated a blue color as she bath in the sun's rays. Her dark eyes were fierce and yet fool of mirth as she beamed down at Chichi. She did not have to be introduced. She managed to incline her head to the woman but her surprise was evident.

"Your highness."

The queen of Geldata moved forward and took hold of Chichi's hand. Chichi could not help but gazed into the older woman's eyes and blinked when the queen winked at her.

"I know you care for you cousin's welfare but a king's duty never stops. You are a remarkable child; you were fighting along side your knights. I know a brave heart when I see one." Chichi was still gaping at her when the queen turned her eyes to the sky, "Where do you think our flying companions went to my king?"

Yamcha also turned his attention away from the two women and searched the sky. "I don't know, but I'm glad you all showed up when you did. It has been a long time my dear Lunch."

Lunch gazed at him and smiled, "Flatter will get you everywhere. Besides, I couldn't let them get their hands on you before you got an earful from me." Yamcha grinned but kept his eyes on the blue sky. Chichi looked from one to the other. 'What was all that about?'

A shadow covered the sky for a second, they all cheered as they watched. Chichi smiled as she watched the dragon circle above them. She was about to wave when she froze. She watched with awe as another golden dragon, identical in color to the first flew along side the first. The only distinct difference was the last arrival had two slick horns adorning the top of his head, the two tips touched at the back of the dragon's head.

They watched as the two dragons landed softly a few meters away from them. They shook out their wings and gazed at the human company. The hornless dragon titled his massive head. "What happened to the cheering?" His voice vibrated as he chuckled. His merriment was met with silence.

The other dragon blew out steam from his nostrils, as a hiss was heard from him that could only be described as laughter. "I think we scared them little brother, perhaps we should humor them." The laughter in the voice was unmistakable as the group watched the dragons change.

When the transformation was complete, Goku stood their grinning at them. "Well, I 'm glad everyone's safe. I was scared there for a moment. Didn't think we would make it in time." As he spoke he motioned to the man that now stood by his side, the man looked older than Goku, and taller by a couple inches. He had the same black eyes and hair color as Goku, but with a difference in hairstyle. While Goku's hair stood out in all directions, the older man had his hair pulled away from his face and flowed wildly down his back where it reached his waist. He had on the same armor as Goku wore with his sword at his side.

Chichi noted that he was handsome, but his eyes were not as cheerful as Goku's, who always had a twinkle in his eyes. He had seen too much, experience too much to grin so openly as Goku did right now. But their was no mistaking it, the two men where brothers.

She watched silently as Yamcha and the Queen of Geldata rode towards them. She had to hide a giggle, 'Those two look like a couple.' Then she noticed two beautiful black horses appeared from the forest to the east. 'Where did they come from?'

As Yamcha and Lunch reached the two Dragonlords they stopped, "It appears that those soldiers were not the only ones who followed us." Lunch said with amusement, when she spotted the horses as well. The two monarchs watched as the horses made their way to the Dragonlords.

Goku chuckled as he patted one of the horses on the back. "Well, it seems that you found me Galadoor. You traveled far, my good friend." The horse bobbed his head as if in greeting. Goku turned to Yamcha and Lunch and grinned, "Well, it seems that I will not be needing the horse you provided me with anymore Yamcha, thank you again. But I don't want Galadoor here to bite my head off."

Yamcha brushed it off, "Don't think nothing of it, I was going to use him for more important things anyway." He came forth in wonder and ran his hand over the horse's beautiful black coat. He was equally amazed at how the horse reacted, he sounded like he was purring. Magical animals are truly odd creatures. No mortal is fit to ride these animals. He sighed as he moved away to be only reminded of the new arrival. He nodded to Goku's companion, who was silently watching them.

Goku turned slightly and gestured to the other Dragonlord, "Yamcha, you remember my brother Radditz? He companied the queen from Geldata." 

Yamcha nodded as he swung off his horse, landing softly beside the two Dragonlords. Yamcha held out his forearm, which the Goku's brother grasped with a grin on his face. "King of Amadicia, I hope that you forgive our tardiness, we were caught in some hostile situations."

As their grip fell, Yamcha chuckled, "Actual we were fine, no need for that. But I am interested to hear about your little situation. Was it bad?" Yamcha saw from the corner of his eyes that the Queen of Geldata stiffened on her horse. He focused his attention on the two brothers and saw the silent laughter pass between.

"Nothing we could not handle." Radditz without breaking eye contact with Yamcha continued, "We should be getting on our way, if we expect to get there on time."

Yamcha nodded in agreement as he turned and in one swift movement swung onto his horse, the two Dragonlords followed suit. They regrouped with the rest of the group, where Chichi was waiting patiently. Yamcha saw and read the silent question in her eyes. He reined his horse next to hers and turned towards the new Dragonlord, "Dragonlord, I'd like you to meet my cousin, princess Chichi of Amadicia."

Chichi inclined her head respectfully towards him, as her eyes met his she could not help herself but ask, "Are you Goku's brother, Radditz? For you do look so much like him." Radditz smiled at her when he saw Yamcha roll his eyes. But before he could answer Lunch scolded, "Princess, you must not address the Dragonlord so informally."

Radditz chuckled, "It's quite alright, I don't mind. It's refreshing to find someone so young without fear. Yes princess, I'm Kakarrot's brother, Radditz. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to call me by my name, seldom do. Besides, referring to Kakarrot and myself by our names makes it easier on everyone. Don't you think so little brother?"

Goku nudged his horse pass them, "Feel free to call us by our names too your majesties. Ahh…I don't want to be a thorn in anyone's side, but it's almost evening, and we still have a long way to go." He inclined his head to Chichi as he rode past her. The smile on his face was so warm and inviting that she blushed in spite of herself. He chuckled when he saw it and turned his head to wink at her playfully.

**********

The party moved on to the Northeast, now with the queen and her five knights in the group as well as two Dragonlords, there seem to be no more trouble for the rest of the day.

Hours later, they stopped to make camp near a little stream. The ten knights took turns securing the perimeter of the camp. The queen and Chichi moved around the camp handing out food to everyone. (NOTE: Just because they're royalty doesn't mean they don't help with stuff. They have to do something…right?)

After Chichi finished serving the knights she came back and scooped some off the food into another bowl and headed for the man near the fire. She sat down next to him and watched him closely. His eyes were closed, he seemed to be meditating, she waited for him to acknowledge her, but with no response she grew impatient. "Goku?" The Dragonlord snapped open his eyes and stared into the fire for a second before he blinked and turned his head peer at her. She felt lost in his dark eyes; she drew in a breath before she felt her courage returning, "I brought you some food." Goku seem to not have heard her for a second as he kept gazing at her. She could feel the blood rush to her face, 'Why is he looking at me like that?' Her thoughts kept racing.

He shook his head and grinned at her before he took the bowl. She tried not to gasp when she felt his fingers graze her hand. She cursed her self as she felt her face grow hot. 'Please don't let him see. His eyes….his eyes….what's happening to me? Someone, anyone, I'm about to embarrass myself, help.' Just as she was about to faint from lack off oxygen, when someone spoke to her from behind.

"Chichi, you should get to bed. Tomorrow is a hard ride, I don't know if we have time to stop for a long break. Just enough to rest the horses, so go get some rest." Never in Chichi's life was she ever glad to hear her cousin say those words before. She hurriedly got to her feet, kissed her cousin on the cheek and with a hurried goodnight to everyone, made her way to her blanket and tried unsuccessfully to sleep.

Unknown to anyone was Goku's soft smile as he observed Chichi's sleeping form. He lowered his eyes to stare at the bowl she gave him. He was still staring at it when his brother sat next to him, "What's wrong with it?" Goku turned to stare in confusion at him, "What?" Radditz gestured to the untouched bowl in his hand. Goku looked at the bowl in his hand and chuckled, "Nothing, I was just thinking." Radditz nodded but could not keep his face expressionless when his brother was concerned, he frowned deeply, "Kakarrot, we don't have time for this little brother. When you decline food, something is definitely wrong."

Goku sighed loudly and shook his head as if to clear it, "I know, I just can't focus." Radditz studied him carefully, "You have a long way to go Kakarrot, and if you don't pull your head out of the skies you'll never fully grasp what is most important." When Goku remained silent Radditz continued, "Did you recite to King Yamcha exactly what the Dragon king told you to tell him?" When he was met with silence again, he shook his head.

He was about to scold the younger man when Goku suddenly spoke up, "I know what you're going to say, but I know Yamcha, I could not lie to him. Besides, father trusts me, unlike you." He tried not to smirk at that comment.

Choosing to ignore the remark, Radditz turned his head to look around; he saw the king of Amadicia talking to the queen and grunted with defeat at the whole situation. He knew his brother's attachment to humans; 'He cares very deeply about them. What fragile creatures they are. He always wants to protect them. I'll never understand them, but I guess this was Kakarrot's gift.' He smirked as he clapped his hand on Goku's back softly, "I should knock you upside the head for that remark, don't sit here and tell me about trust. You lie through your teeth to father when it suits you. Is that what you call trust?"

Goku grinned as his hand flew back to scratch the back of his head, almost innocently chuckled, "Hey, I was just having some fun. Didn't hurt anybody, did it?"

Radditz tried not to growl when he saw that look appear on his brother's face. "Stop that! Do you know how ridiculous you look with that goofy-absentminded expression on your face?"

Goku suddenly shrugged and instantly sobered, "What's going to happen when we get there, Radditz?"

Radditz refused to meet his eyes as he stared into the fire. What he would give not be here at this moment. "I don't know, father did not explain everything to me. And I'm not about to spread fables to get my behind into trouble, even for you. I've carried enough of your burden to last me a life time."

Goku sighed knowing how useless an argument it would be when his brother was like this. "How do you think the other two are doing?" They should have the other two king secure by now, right?" 

Radditz nodded, "They should be close to the capital by now, we still have a long way to go." He was silent for a few minutes, Goku could see the distant look in his eyes before he spoke softly, his voice barely above a whisper, "I think we should speed think up a bit, with all the ambushes we have been getting, I wouldn't be surprised if we're attacked tomorrow by hundreds of those bastards. They're not a problem for us surely, but I think their plan is only to slow us down."

Goku put his plate down in front of him, contemplating what Radditz was suggesting, he stared at the fire intensely before he spoke, "Do you think it's possible?" He was always the positive motivator when it came down to situations like this, but today he felt out of sorts. 'I just wishes that Radditz is good as he says he is.'

Radditz chuckled lightly, "Of course it's possible, and there are only fifteen of us. These two kingdoms are the furthest from the capital. We have to cover over five thousand miles to reach the others in time, right at the crossroads. They're already fifty miles from it. There are two of us, we could make it half way, but we would still be far off. There's only one solution left. We use the portals, with the windows; we can teleport everyone without difficulty.  We just need some help opening it. We can't hold it open for that far a distance. So, this is where we call for help."

Goku turned sharply from fire and stared at Raddtiz with surprise, "Radditz, we can't call the others, they're using all their strength to just keep the king alive." Suddenly Goku felt sick as he remembered the look on his father's face as he told them to hurry on their task. He looked so drained of energy as he tried to preserve the King's life with his own life force. They just had to find another way to get the window open without the Dragonlords. 'Why the hell couldn't the others be strong enough to open the window?'

'The stronger you are the more things you can accomplish, how true were does words. Only a few were able to open the windows, including my brothers, myself and the Dragonlords of course.' His thoughts were interrupted when his brother growled at him.

"Kakarrot are you listening to me? I was not referring to the Dragonlords or the Dragon king, do you think I'm stupid?" Radditz clenched his teeth as his glare bore into his brother. After a few second Goku's face widened in understanding, he grinned for a second before something past over his face and he frowned. Radditz felt like shouting, "What the hell is it? What does that look mean?"

Radditz did not have to wait long for an answer as his brother spoke with uncertainty, "He is not in any shape to help us Radditz, he's likely to kill us before we even explain our situation-" He stopped in mid sentence knowing the answer before he even voiced it, "Never mind what I just said, Vegeta will do it, if only to help the king." Radditz finally understood, "The Dragon prince will help us, he may be too proud but he will do anything to help his father."

Radditz was about to stand when he realized something that had just transpired, "I still can't believe you're informality with Prince Vegeta. I'm surprised he hasn't beaten you senseless for your lack of respect towards him, Kakarrot."

Goku scratched the back of his head again in amusement, "I do respect Vegeta, I just don't grovel at his feet. Besides, Vegeta spars with me, he respects me as a warrior, he just has problems controlling his temper."

"Still, he is the prince, so stop calling him by his given name. He is not of your station." Goku chuckled heartily, "Alright, I won't do it anymore……when you're around." Radditz grunted as he rolled his eyes.

Goku looked around the camp and saw that almost everyone was asleep except for the queen and Yamcha who were talking quietly. "I think we should contact him now. If everyone was awake we might have some uncomfortable questions to answer." Radditz nodded in agreement and they both stood up and moved towards the two monarchs quietly.

Yamcha felt them approached and greeted them with a smile before it disappeared upon seeing their determined faces. "What's going on guys?" Goku and Radditz sat next to them and with a gesture from Radditz, Goku spoke to the two monarchs about their plan.

*****************

After half an hour of questions and uncertainty from Yamcha and Lunch, they all fell silent. Lunch cleared her throat; "I think we should do it, save us some time and energy." Yamcha nodded, "She's right, there's no other choice. Besides, I always wonder how those portals worked." Radditz sighed in relief; he didn't know what to do if they refused. "Alright, the moment we get there Kakarrot and I will sweep the landscape for anymore of our 'friends.' And it's better this way that everyone is asleep, no complications. Ready?"

All three of them nodded and kept silent as Radditz glared into the fire, he broke the silence after three minutes past, "Kakarrot, help me find his energy." Goku nodded and concentrated on the Dragon prince's power signature. It took them both awhile to find it, the prince masked it real well, and Goku did not have to say a thing as the prince's voice rang in his head. "What in hell's fire are you doing Kakarrot?"

To be continued…