FORE RUN
MEET THE FAMILY
Frowning, a solitary figure stalked towards the campfire, dark eyes intent on his prey. His own induction into the 'Good Guy Club' – as he called it – had taken a lot of convincing on Kakarott and Bulma's part, meanwhile this 'toy' had been accepted as though a part of the gang all her life. He supposed it was easier to forgive an android than a Saiyajin, but it still rankled him. He growled with agitation.
Bulma noticed as he approached. She supposed it was their closeness that allowed her to somehow sense him when he was close. Her cheeks were starting to hurt. 'If I smile anymore my lips will fall off' she thought as she divided her attention between her incoming mate, the happy couple before her and her son, laying in Goku's arms.
Unaware of the tension coming from the Saiyajin prince, Krillin was talking comfortably with the surrounding congratulators. 18 stood to the side, aware of Krillin's attempts to involve her in the conversations bubbling around them. She took in the faces of those she had thought would never accept her and sighed softly. It was a relief that they not only accepted her, but also seemed to approve of her. She noted that two faces were missing from the group. 'Green Gherkin' and 'Power Kid', as her brother had so gleefully dubbed them, were gone.
Krillin smiled. 18 had a frown on her features, one habit she had not broken. 'She's so pretty when she frowns' he thought happily, then added, 'as long as it's not at me!' to be truthful. His smile disappeared, though, when he suddenly found himself face to face with a certain prince. A certain frowning and very angry-looking prince. Gulping noisily, he forced a smile on his struggling features and prepared to ask what Vegeta thought of the 'engagement'. He was saved from speaking, however, when a gruff and out-of-breath voice cut into the still night, grabbing everyone's attention.
It hadn't taken them long to get back to the campsite, but for all that Piccolo knew, it could have been too late. Relief washed through him as he saw his friends milling around Krillin and 18. Squashing his curiosity, he called out, thinking to warn them of any possible danger. Over the years of being caught by surprise and ambushed, they – namely Bulma – had come up with the idea of a word to warn of danger. It was Bulma – yet again – who came up with the word – "I came up with the idea, so I'll choose the word." – of warning. Piccolo rather liked it, and it did get the usually arrogant Vegeta's attention.
"Vegeta Stinks" echoed around the campsite, causing everyone to drop their conversations and look around for the unfortunate Caller. Even Lunch knew about the Saiyajin Prince's volatile temper. As fortune had it, it was Gohan's voice that echoed around the clearing, and even Vegeta preferred not to tempt Gohan's – or Chi chi's – ire.
Counting his lucky stars, Piccolo preceded to land, keeping his expression calm and collected. He didn't like to wager what the reaction of another Saiyajin Landing would bring to the small group. Especially Vegeta, who still maintained that he and Goku were the last pureblooded Saiyajins alive. Turning his attention to Goku and Krillin, he opened his mouth and closed it again as Gohan started to spill the story of the 'Mysterious Light', faltering only when Tien asked what the 'light' was. Gohan fell silent. Piccolo, voice even and carefully pitched, started to explain.
"As Gohan explained, I went forward to scout it out and you'll never guess what I found." His gaze locked on Vegeta's as he continued with a smirk. "It was a pod." Gasps from the female members of the group, bar 18, and thoughtful expressions on the men's were the only reactions and he waited until their attention was on him before starting again. "Not just any pod."
Vegeta frowned with impatience. Tone scathing, he growled "Get on with it." Piccolo allowed a brief smirk, then became serious again as he 'got on with it'. "It was a Saiyajin pod. Smashed up badly and missing an occupant." He allowed time for the information to sink in, then continued. "There were no signs of anything around." Turning to Vegeta he asked, "What do you think?"
Vegeta, lost in private thoughts, shook his head at Piccolo; annoyed that something had come up exclude him from the 'gang' again. It wasn't like he expected to be treated any nicer considering his past. He didn't want that. It was the suspicion that constantly pushed him away, however, and he hated it. He only wanted to belong, if only in the smallest and most insignificant way. That was all.
Taking the authority that he'd been offered, he smirked slyly, then, turning serious, made a decision. "Well, Greenie, if you're so scared about a 'mysterious light', why come whining to me?" Seeing Piccolo start in surprise, then gather his wits to begin a verbal sparring contest, he quickly continued. "Obviously we should scout the area to make sure it's safe." Thinking quickly, he added. "If any one sees anything, call out "Reska" and meet here." Deciding not to listen to any arguments, he flew off, heading the way Piccolo had come from.
Bulma wasn't happy. How could Vegeta have up and left her like that! Then the others following his lead and leaving the women at the camp, alone, with no guard. True, they had 18 there, but that wasn't as reassuring as having Goku, or Piccolo OR even Krillin!
Chi chi came over hesitantly. She knew Bulma was mad and didn't want to agitate her further. It was harder on Bulma than it was on the other women. 18 could defend herself very well, Lunch could always sneeze and Chi chi was quite able to defend herself if need be. Bulma, however, was always dependant on others to take care of her. Not that she need worry; after all, the woman who controlled Vegeta was a woman to be reckoned with. Nevertheless, Chi chi decided to keep and eye out for her friend. One could never be too careful.
Vegeta found the first signs of their 'prey', as it were. A broken branch and a strange, haunting smell were the only signs, but they were there, and that was enough for the small Prince. Grinning rather maniacally, he hunted on.
A warm glow lit the forest as the woman stalked through the night. She was headed for the source of that light, determined to get some help and maybe a hint of where her target was. Silently, she slipped from behind a bare bush, trying to get a clear look of the campsite as she approached.
Piccolo stayed near Gohan as they searched, keeping one eye on his Protégé and the other on the ground he covered. He could sense Vegeta below, to his left; Goku, Krillin and Tien to his right. Yumcha and Choutzu were covering their kis. He turned to find Gohan looking at him, a worried expression on his usually happy features.
Gohan decided that keeping the feeling to himself was not a good thing. Piccolo had taught him to tell if anything strange should pop up, and this feeling was definitely strange. He flew to his mentor, quietly and quickly like always. He enjoyed seeing Piccolo start as his 'sudden appearance' and was proud of his ability to surprise the Namekian. "What is it, Kid?" came the gruff voice, and Gohan felt that as long as he kept hearing that voice, nothing could ever go wrong.
"I've got a funny feeling." He replied. Piccolo frowned thoughtfully. "Go on." Was all he said and Gohan was happy to comply. "I feel like there's something wrong. Not here, though, further back, near the campsite." He watched Piccolo's frown deepen, then started when a flash of green flew past him, back towards the campsite. Wondering if he should alert the others, he decided not to. They could probably feel Piccolo going, he wasn't masking his ki as he had been. Turning to follow the Namekian, he saw Vegeta break from the trees to the left, his father and the others flying from the right. All of them headed after Piccolo, and Gohan realized he was being left behind. A moment later, an owl opened his eyes to the rush of wind flying past. The image of a young black haired teen puzzled it for a moment before it saw food. All thoughts left as it prepared to hunt.
It was Lunch that let off the alarm. Sitting on a log by the fire, she wondered over Tien's safety, hoping that he and Choutzu would be okay. The rest of the women were in their tents, Bulma trying to solve a problem on her laptop, Chi chi making Gohan's bed and 18 reading a book. "Wh-who are y- you?" came the startled question, and 18, whose tent was closest to where Lunch sat, put her book down and looked out the flap to see what was going on. Lunch sat on the log, trembling as a newcomer stood in the shadows of an old oak. Sensing trouble 18 left her tent and walked into the ring of light cast off by the fire.
After watching the scared blue-haired woman for a while, the stranger decided to come closer. She seemed to ignore both 18 and Lunch as she made herself at home, sitting on another log and warming her outstretched feet by the fire. 18 noted that she looked a little stressed, her long brown hair tousled, black eyes staring into the fire. 'She reminds me of someone.' The android thought. Aloud she asked, "Who are you?"
The stranger looked up and laughed. A sweet, rich sound that seemed to well from deep inside her body. It was the laughter that finally brought Chi chi and Bulma from their respective tents, and it was Chi chi, seeing a strange woman, that spoke first. "Who are you? What do you want? Where's my Gohan?" The stranger rose to her feet, lithely stretching her leg and calf muscles at the same time. She took in the new arrivals with an air of superiority as she answered Chi chi's question. "My name is Princess Kina, you may call me Your Highness. I want some food, a warm bed and some information. What is a 'Gohan'?" Jaws dropped.
It took them five minutes to reach the campsite, and as they landed, they knew there was something wrong. Vegeta growled, smelling a new scent around the clearing. Goku landed, and then ran towards his tent. "Chi chi! Chi chi, where are you? Are you all right? Chi chi…?" He was cut off by an impatient glare from his wife as she strode from the tent, arms crossed and ready for battle. "Goku!" she fair yelled, not bothering to keep her voice down, "Do you mind? We have a visitor trying to sleep in here and I don't want her woken up." With that she turned to the others and, glaring, said, "If you need answers, ask 18. She'll tell you what you need to know. Now, if you don't mind…" Turning, she went through the flap, zipped it behind and called out "Oh, and Gohan. Get ready for bed." before soft whispers could be heard.
18 watched the men approach. Krillin lagged behind the others, Vegeta bringing up the front. "So 'toy', exactly what did you bring into our camp?" His glare focused on her, but she'd be damned if he was going to bring her down. Keeping calm, her eyes locked on his, she replied in a silky voice. "Actually, Vegeta, I wanted to send her away. It was Bulma that demanded we let her stay for the night." Vegeta seemed rather put out about this, demanding to see Bulma at once. Pointing to Bulma's tent, 18 smirked as only an android could, as the short prince stormed over to his tent.
Krillin was standing n front of her when she turned back, his eyes watching her face. She flushed; embarrassed that he should catch her using one of her brother's famous smirks. Grinning at her, he reached up, intent on whispering in her ear, when a roar of laughter erupted from Chi chi's tent.
"You mean to tell me that I've been looking, no wait, SEARCHING the cosmos for the mighty Prince Vegeta, and I've finally found him on this lousy excuse of a mudball? AHAHAHAHA! No way, you have GOT to be kidding me!" Several resounding gulps came from the throats of those around, as their attention was divided between the strange woman's tent and the tent of one very peeved Prince Vegeta.
(A/N: I know, I know, cliffhanger much, but I couldn't help it…. HONEST! Well, I wonder what happens next? Will all hell break loose as Vegeta and this strange female *_finally_* come face to face? Stay tuned for the next exciting installment of "The flower ate my Underpants"! ----- Wait a minnie, wrong fic…hehehe… ahem……. I meant… the next exciting installment of … "Fore run"! Much better …hehe
And remember, if you don't review, I'll turn into a frog and be unable to type any more chappies……um…sorta, … kinda . . . well, no…but it COULD happen!
LOL)
MEET THE FAMILY
Frowning, a solitary figure stalked towards the campfire, dark eyes intent on his prey. His own induction into the 'Good Guy Club' – as he called it – had taken a lot of convincing on Kakarott and Bulma's part, meanwhile this 'toy' had been accepted as though a part of the gang all her life. He supposed it was easier to forgive an android than a Saiyajin, but it still rankled him. He growled with agitation.
Bulma noticed as he approached. She supposed it was their closeness that allowed her to somehow sense him when he was close. Her cheeks were starting to hurt. 'If I smile anymore my lips will fall off' she thought as she divided her attention between her incoming mate, the happy couple before her and her son, laying in Goku's arms.
Unaware of the tension coming from the Saiyajin prince, Krillin was talking comfortably with the surrounding congratulators. 18 stood to the side, aware of Krillin's attempts to involve her in the conversations bubbling around them. She took in the faces of those she had thought would never accept her and sighed softly. It was a relief that they not only accepted her, but also seemed to approve of her. She noted that two faces were missing from the group. 'Green Gherkin' and 'Power Kid', as her brother had so gleefully dubbed them, were gone.
Krillin smiled. 18 had a frown on her features, one habit she had not broken. 'She's so pretty when she frowns' he thought happily, then added, 'as long as it's not at me!' to be truthful. His smile disappeared, though, when he suddenly found himself face to face with a certain prince. A certain frowning and very angry-looking prince. Gulping noisily, he forced a smile on his struggling features and prepared to ask what Vegeta thought of the 'engagement'. He was saved from speaking, however, when a gruff and out-of-breath voice cut into the still night, grabbing everyone's attention.
It hadn't taken them long to get back to the campsite, but for all that Piccolo knew, it could have been too late. Relief washed through him as he saw his friends milling around Krillin and 18. Squashing his curiosity, he called out, thinking to warn them of any possible danger. Over the years of being caught by surprise and ambushed, they – namely Bulma – had come up with the idea of a word to warn of danger. It was Bulma – yet again – who came up with the word – "I came up with the idea, so I'll choose the word." – of warning. Piccolo rather liked it, and it did get the usually arrogant Vegeta's attention.
"Vegeta Stinks" echoed around the campsite, causing everyone to drop their conversations and look around for the unfortunate Caller. Even Lunch knew about the Saiyajin Prince's volatile temper. As fortune had it, it was Gohan's voice that echoed around the clearing, and even Vegeta preferred not to tempt Gohan's – or Chi chi's – ire.
Counting his lucky stars, Piccolo preceded to land, keeping his expression calm and collected. He didn't like to wager what the reaction of another Saiyajin Landing would bring to the small group. Especially Vegeta, who still maintained that he and Goku were the last pureblooded Saiyajins alive. Turning his attention to Goku and Krillin, he opened his mouth and closed it again as Gohan started to spill the story of the 'Mysterious Light', faltering only when Tien asked what the 'light' was. Gohan fell silent. Piccolo, voice even and carefully pitched, started to explain.
"As Gohan explained, I went forward to scout it out and you'll never guess what I found." His gaze locked on Vegeta's as he continued with a smirk. "It was a pod." Gasps from the female members of the group, bar 18, and thoughtful expressions on the men's were the only reactions and he waited until their attention was on him before starting again. "Not just any pod."
Vegeta frowned with impatience. Tone scathing, he growled "Get on with it." Piccolo allowed a brief smirk, then became serious again as he 'got on with it'. "It was a Saiyajin pod. Smashed up badly and missing an occupant." He allowed time for the information to sink in, then continued. "There were no signs of anything around." Turning to Vegeta he asked, "What do you think?"
Vegeta, lost in private thoughts, shook his head at Piccolo; annoyed that something had come up exclude him from the 'gang' again. It wasn't like he expected to be treated any nicer considering his past. He didn't want that. It was the suspicion that constantly pushed him away, however, and he hated it. He only wanted to belong, if only in the smallest and most insignificant way. That was all.
Taking the authority that he'd been offered, he smirked slyly, then, turning serious, made a decision. "Well, Greenie, if you're so scared about a 'mysterious light', why come whining to me?" Seeing Piccolo start in surprise, then gather his wits to begin a verbal sparring contest, he quickly continued. "Obviously we should scout the area to make sure it's safe." Thinking quickly, he added. "If any one sees anything, call out "Reska" and meet here." Deciding not to listen to any arguments, he flew off, heading the way Piccolo had come from.
Bulma wasn't happy. How could Vegeta have up and left her like that! Then the others following his lead and leaving the women at the camp, alone, with no guard. True, they had 18 there, but that wasn't as reassuring as having Goku, or Piccolo OR even Krillin!
Chi chi came over hesitantly. She knew Bulma was mad and didn't want to agitate her further. It was harder on Bulma than it was on the other women. 18 could defend herself very well, Lunch could always sneeze and Chi chi was quite able to defend herself if need be. Bulma, however, was always dependant on others to take care of her. Not that she need worry; after all, the woman who controlled Vegeta was a woman to be reckoned with. Nevertheless, Chi chi decided to keep and eye out for her friend. One could never be too careful.
Vegeta found the first signs of their 'prey', as it were. A broken branch and a strange, haunting smell were the only signs, but they were there, and that was enough for the small Prince. Grinning rather maniacally, he hunted on.
A warm glow lit the forest as the woman stalked through the night. She was headed for the source of that light, determined to get some help and maybe a hint of where her target was. Silently, she slipped from behind a bare bush, trying to get a clear look of the campsite as she approached.
Piccolo stayed near Gohan as they searched, keeping one eye on his Protégé and the other on the ground he covered. He could sense Vegeta below, to his left; Goku, Krillin and Tien to his right. Yumcha and Choutzu were covering their kis. He turned to find Gohan looking at him, a worried expression on his usually happy features.
Gohan decided that keeping the feeling to himself was not a good thing. Piccolo had taught him to tell if anything strange should pop up, and this feeling was definitely strange. He flew to his mentor, quietly and quickly like always. He enjoyed seeing Piccolo start as his 'sudden appearance' and was proud of his ability to surprise the Namekian. "What is it, Kid?" came the gruff voice, and Gohan felt that as long as he kept hearing that voice, nothing could ever go wrong.
"I've got a funny feeling." He replied. Piccolo frowned thoughtfully. "Go on." Was all he said and Gohan was happy to comply. "I feel like there's something wrong. Not here, though, further back, near the campsite." He watched Piccolo's frown deepen, then started when a flash of green flew past him, back towards the campsite. Wondering if he should alert the others, he decided not to. They could probably feel Piccolo going, he wasn't masking his ki as he had been. Turning to follow the Namekian, he saw Vegeta break from the trees to the left, his father and the others flying from the right. All of them headed after Piccolo, and Gohan realized he was being left behind. A moment later, an owl opened his eyes to the rush of wind flying past. The image of a young black haired teen puzzled it for a moment before it saw food. All thoughts left as it prepared to hunt.
It was Lunch that let off the alarm. Sitting on a log by the fire, she wondered over Tien's safety, hoping that he and Choutzu would be okay. The rest of the women were in their tents, Bulma trying to solve a problem on her laptop, Chi chi making Gohan's bed and 18 reading a book. "Wh-who are y- you?" came the startled question, and 18, whose tent was closest to where Lunch sat, put her book down and looked out the flap to see what was going on. Lunch sat on the log, trembling as a newcomer stood in the shadows of an old oak. Sensing trouble 18 left her tent and walked into the ring of light cast off by the fire.
After watching the scared blue-haired woman for a while, the stranger decided to come closer. She seemed to ignore both 18 and Lunch as she made herself at home, sitting on another log and warming her outstretched feet by the fire. 18 noted that she looked a little stressed, her long brown hair tousled, black eyes staring into the fire. 'She reminds me of someone.' The android thought. Aloud she asked, "Who are you?"
The stranger looked up and laughed. A sweet, rich sound that seemed to well from deep inside her body. It was the laughter that finally brought Chi chi and Bulma from their respective tents, and it was Chi chi, seeing a strange woman, that spoke first. "Who are you? What do you want? Where's my Gohan?" The stranger rose to her feet, lithely stretching her leg and calf muscles at the same time. She took in the new arrivals with an air of superiority as she answered Chi chi's question. "My name is Princess Kina, you may call me Your Highness. I want some food, a warm bed and some information. What is a 'Gohan'?" Jaws dropped.
It took them five minutes to reach the campsite, and as they landed, they knew there was something wrong. Vegeta growled, smelling a new scent around the clearing. Goku landed, and then ran towards his tent. "Chi chi! Chi chi, where are you? Are you all right? Chi chi…?" He was cut off by an impatient glare from his wife as she strode from the tent, arms crossed and ready for battle. "Goku!" she fair yelled, not bothering to keep her voice down, "Do you mind? We have a visitor trying to sleep in here and I don't want her woken up." With that she turned to the others and, glaring, said, "If you need answers, ask 18. She'll tell you what you need to know. Now, if you don't mind…" Turning, she went through the flap, zipped it behind and called out "Oh, and Gohan. Get ready for bed." before soft whispers could be heard.
18 watched the men approach. Krillin lagged behind the others, Vegeta bringing up the front. "So 'toy', exactly what did you bring into our camp?" His glare focused on her, but she'd be damned if he was going to bring her down. Keeping calm, her eyes locked on his, she replied in a silky voice. "Actually, Vegeta, I wanted to send her away. It was Bulma that demanded we let her stay for the night." Vegeta seemed rather put out about this, demanding to see Bulma at once. Pointing to Bulma's tent, 18 smirked as only an android could, as the short prince stormed over to his tent.
Krillin was standing n front of her when she turned back, his eyes watching her face. She flushed; embarrassed that he should catch her using one of her brother's famous smirks. Grinning at her, he reached up, intent on whispering in her ear, when a roar of laughter erupted from Chi chi's tent.
"You mean to tell me that I've been looking, no wait, SEARCHING the cosmos for the mighty Prince Vegeta, and I've finally found him on this lousy excuse of a mudball? AHAHAHAHA! No way, you have GOT to be kidding me!" Several resounding gulps came from the throats of those around, as their attention was divided between the strange woman's tent and the tent of one very peeved Prince Vegeta.
(A/N: I know, I know, cliffhanger much, but I couldn't help it…. HONEST! Well, I wonder what happens next? Will all hell break loose as Vegeta and this strange female *_finally_* come face to face? Stay tuned for the next exciting installment of "The flower ate my Underpants"! ----- Wait a minnie, wrong fic…hehehe… ahem……. I meant… the next exciting installment of … "Fore run"! Much better …hehe
And remember, if you don't review, I'll turn into a frog and be unable to type any more chappies……um…sorta, … kinda . . . well, no…but it COULD happen!
LOL)