AN: I hope to get much accomplished in this chapter. Yes- the story is getting a bit dramatic, but it's only temporary, don't worry. Well, with Vejita, it's a chronic disease…but, alas, I digress.
Kat's Advertisement CornerAnyone have any ideas? Well…read anything by Frozenflower. She's a GREAT author.
Enjoy!
Through Thick and Thin
Chapter Sixteen: The Legend of the Frying Pan
The pod slowly started its descent towards Earth, Vejita looking disdainfully at the planet. As trees and lakes came into view, his brow furrowed. This planet was frighteningly familiar to Vejita-sei- lush green trees, cliché sparkling-blue oceans…the only difference were the clouds. Clouds on Chikyuu-sei were fluffy and white, Vejita faintly remembered something about Chikyuujins comparing them to a popular sweet. What was it? Swampmellos? Anyhow, Vejita-sei's clouds contrasted dramatically. They were sharply cut, and usually long and thin. Those clouds didn't give the impression of carefree happiness.
In Chikyuu literature and writings, clouds were used to represent something good and pure, something to lift a spirit. In Vejiea literature…they were used to represent anxiousness and conflict.
'Of course,' Vejita thought bitterly, 'It is rather fitting of the planets.' Suddenly, he was jolted from his angsty thoughts by the noticeable jerk of the pod hitting the ground. He glanced around to gain a sense of confidence; there wasn't really any need to check his surroundings. Why should he care if he had to exterminate of few Chikyuujins?
Vejita climbed out of the pod, and grabbed his power-level reading device. He fiddled with it for a while, muttering profanity under his breath. Finally he nestled it behind his ear and brought the "lens" up to he eye. The machine gave a familiar "beep!" as he switched it on. He adjusted it to long-range reading, and focused as the numbers arranged themselves. He took in a slight breath as some coordinates were given, and effortlessly sprang from the ground, leaving a trail of glowing ki.
Meanwhile, Chi-Chi and Goku were flying on Nimbus to Kame Island…more specifically, Kame House. The small, fluffy cloud make little humming noises as the two glided across the ocean, the small island quickly coming into view.
"Nimbus- make sure we land softly. We want to surprise Kuririn and Buruma- our friends-, so don't make any loud noises!" Goku commanded in a friendly tone. Nimbus emitted a small, cute titter in return. Goku smiled. "Thanks," he said.
Nimbus slowly lowered itself to the ground, and Goku hopped off nimbly. He turned towards Chi-Chi (who was still on the cloud) and extended his hand. Chi-Chi raised her eyebrow at this action, bit decided to take advantage of it anyway. She took Goku's offered hand and hopped off in the same manner. The two never let go of their gentle grip on one another's hands as they sneaked quietly to the door.
Goku whispered in his companion's ear: "One…two…three!" Both rapped loudly on the door, grinning all the while. They heard a noisy "THUMP!", and someone shouted in a feminine-sounding voice. A lower one, whom Goku and Chi-Chi assumed to be Kuririn, yelled back to the rest of the house. They heard defined footsteps as Kuririn walked to the door. He flung it open, and stood.
"Hey, Kuririn!" Goku said cheerfully. Chi-Chi snorted, trying not to laugh. Kuririn gasped, and tears filled his eyes.
"GOKU!" He exclaimed loudly. The house quieted for three second, and suddenly there was a mad rush to the door.
"WOW! You've grown so tall!"
"Oi, Goku! Nice gi!"
"Goku, who is this fine young woman?" Goku turned his attention to Muten Roshi, and answered,
"What? You mean you guys don't recognize her?" Everyone turned their attention to Chi-Chi, and Kuririn and Buruma's eyes swiveled to see their intertwining hands. Chi-Chi huffed.
"Really! All of you! Damnit, I didn't think it was that long!" She stomped her foot.
Goku said awkwardly, "Well, you do look a bit different. But," he turned to his friends, "You guys seriously don't recognize her?"
"Well, Goku, I've never known you to hold hands with anyone before like that." Kuririn teased. Goku immediately felt his face warm, as did Chi-Chi, and they both released their hold immediately.
"Er…that was just-" Goku sputtered. Chi-Chi interrupted, however.
"So, who do you think I am?" She said, trying to change the subject. It worked.
"Um…" Buruma racked her mind. Jet-black hair, and attitude…she started.
"MY KAMI! CHI-CHI, IS THAT REALLY YOU?!" Chi-Ch smirked and nodded. Buruma swept her old friend into a huge hug.
"Wow, I haven't seen you in such a long time! So how are you? Have you managed to keep Goku under control?" Buruma couldn't resist adding the last bit.
Chi-Chi glanced at Goku, who looked helpless. "I can't say that I haven't. He does seem to like my cooking," she giggled.
"That's not the only thing he likes," muttered Kuririn loudly enough for everyone to hear. Goku looked taken aback and a bit confused, Buruma smirked and nodded slightly, and Chi-Chi looked at Goku for help. When she saw that her companion was rendered helpless, she glared murderously and glanced wildly around for a large object to hit him with. She grabbed the nearest thing- a frying pan- and brought it down on Kuririn's head. Fortunately for him, he ducked in the nick of time, and the pan accidentally whacked Goku's face. Thus, the legend of the frying pan was born.
Goku looked dazed for a second, then clutched his face and yelled, "CHI! What did you do that for?!" Chi-Chi looked sympathetic.
"I'm sorry, Goku. But…this is a wonderful weapon! So efficient, so effective! Plus, they're widely available, and cheap!" She looked excited and brought the pan lovingly to her heart. Everyone sighed- with the exception of Chi-Chi.
The pod was filled with noise as Radditz frantically tried to contact Frieza. Small blips could be heard every once and a while, but they would soon be replaced by the familiar disheveled sound of static. Eventually, the static died down and Radditz spoke tentatively into the communicator.
"Reporting, master."
A high and nauseating voice answered, "Yes, monkey. What is your state of progress? Considering you have any, of course," Frieza laughed mockingly.
"Nappa and I are approaching the planet Chikyuu-sei. Vejita seems to have already landed-" Radditz was interrupted by Frieza hissing violently.
"Do not speak of that name in my prescence!" Radditz slunk down in his seat, even though Frieza couldn't see him.
"Y-yes, master. Continuing my report, it seems that Ve-our prey has already landed on Chikyuu-sei."
"What is your position, slave?" Radditz made no comment as to Frieza's deliberate use of the word "slave".
"We are to arrive at Chikyuu-sei in 2 hours, my lord."
"Good, good." The voice cackled. "You and Nappa know your mission. I am warning you again of the consequences, should you fail."
"Thank you, my lord. You are…too kind." Immediately, Radditz disconnected the communication link and scowled, ignoring the sweat that had formed on his brow.
The battles had begun.