Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z and I'm not making nay money from
this.
Chapter 17: "We're in this together!"
The village square was once again quiet, the moon sending slanting rays of light over the dusty ground. All was eerily quiet, and had been since the murder of Nappa a while ago. A merchant who had decided to set up early had found his body, cold and lifeless in the square. Although the people of the village were glad that the ruthless thief had been taken care of, there was a real sense of fear among them. Nappa has been long renowned as the most evil and dangerous person in the village, but if he had been killed, then that must mean that there was someone even more dangerous than he. That was the reason why people seldom walked around after the sun had set.
However, Gohan took no heed of the warnings that several people had called to him from their windows as he made his way across the plaza. He had no reason to. There was nothing for him to fear. Except, maybe, himself.
No. What was he thinking? Afraid of himself? Ridiculous. He was doing fine until...she had come along. And look where that had got them. The young man stopped, standing in the centre of the square, and folded his arms. It had been Trunks' fault. Why didn't he kill the maiden? Why didn't he do what he had been told? Why had he changed so much? Just because of her? Because of one woman? Weak. Pathetic.
~~~~
"Gohan, wasn't it?"
"Yes?"
"I just wanted to thank you for what you did."
"Oh."
"It was very gracious of you."
"Hmm."
"So then, tell me about yourself."
"I have nothing to say to you."
A giggle.
"You're a strange one. Did you know that, Gohan. Open up a little!"
"Leave me alone."
"No."
~~~~
"Sir? You really shouldn't be walking about after dark!"
Gohan turned his head towards the sound. A young woman was calling him from her window. He regarded her, coldly.
"Worry about something else."
She retreated inside the house.
What had happened to Trunks and Goten, he wondered? He had heard no news on them. It wasn't that he was worried. He was just interested. After all, Goku worked there. He gritted his teeth.
Goku.
Just the name aroused sheer hatred in him. How could he have ever doubted Raditz? Father - no, Goku, was a selfish, cold-hearted bastard.
'Just like you.'
"Shut up!" he said aloud. His voice echoed around the quiet streets, but no one was roused by it. The square stayed empty.
He remembered how he had shot the woman from the manor. She hadn't been killed, he knew she hadn't. His aim was a little off, lately. But at least it had got her to go back to where she came from. Hopefully she'd kill herself in her despair over Trunks. He was probably in the dungeons, knowing how those nobles operated. Idiots. Whatever happened to 'shoot first, ask questions later?'
No. He didn't want that. They were like brothers, the three of them. He wouldn't see them killed. As soon as he found out where they were, he would devise a plan to help them out. Even if they were about as useful as a chocolate fireguard. Maybe he was being too harsh.
Why had Goten been taken anyway? He could remember watching from inside the house as his younger brother had spied the guards taking his friend away, and had broken into a run.
"What are you doing? Where are you taking him?"
"You would be wise to stay out of our affairs, ruffian!"
"Trunks? Trunks!"
"You know this boy?"
"Of course I do! I live in that house!"
"Take him, too."
He had wanted to help, but she wouldn't let him.
~~~~
"Gohan?"
"Hmm?"
"Why do you never talk about your family?"
"I told you about Raditz."
"No, no. I mean your real family. Don't you know them?"
"No. I can't forgive them for what they did."
"Gohan..."
"Please don't ask me any more."
~~~~
The next day dawned, and Bra made another trip to the manor. She was hoping to see Marron, who had been unavailable the previous day. Lord Krillin had told her to try again when his daughter was in a more accommodating mood. He had shared with her that the young woman had been decidedly affected by her kidnapping, and wished to be left alone to recuperate after her terrible ordeal. So today, she had returned, hoping to see Marron, and also to see her mother, who had been acting a little strange since yesterday. She hadn't seemed to really be listening as Bra recounted her day, and confessed that Lord Seventeen had been acting even more distant than usual.
"Yamcha, where is my mother?"
Yamcha, who had previously been concentrating on scrubbing the saddle of one of the horses, turned to face his blue haired companion.
"Was she not in the servant's quarters, my lady?"
"No, Lord Krillin told me I should ask you."
"Where is Lord Krillin?"
"He had to leave. The Duke of Saren paid an unexpected visit to discuss what would be done with those ruffians in the dungeons."
The black haired man nodded thoughtfully.
"I see. Well, you could always check the drawing room. I think she was taking over Miss Chi-Chi's job today. Wait a while, I will accompany you."
Bra shook her head, smiling gratefully.
"I wouldn't want to disturb you from your duties, good Yamcha. I shall find her myself."
"If you insist."
Bra nodded a goodbye, and turned around, leaving the stable area. As she approached the drawing room, she heard a door open and close, and turned to see Marron standing near the dungeon entrance.
"Marron!" she cried happily. "I was worried about you! I expect you are pleased that your kidnappers have been reprimanded."
"Kidnappers?" Marron laughed harshly. "Is that what my father has told you?"
Bra shot her a quizzical look.
"Is his information false, then?"
"His whole being is false!" Marron spat, folding her arms and scowling in a most unladylike manner.
"Then I trust you will tell me what really happened." Bra replied.
"Very well, Bra."
~~~~
Meanwhile, in the dim glow of the torches, Goten sat quietly. While Trunks had slipped effortlessly into a deep sleep, as though he had not a care in the world, Goten had found the release of sleep to be evasive, to say the least. He was haunted by images of Goku, his father. He could not tear his thoughts away from the guard. Did Goku know?
He couldn't possibly have recognised him, surely. But why did his eyes seem to hold that faint glimmer of recognition, as if he couldn't quite place him? He must know, deep down. Maybe he was afraid?
Goten was bewildered. Goku was nothing like his brother had made him out to be. The selfish, cruel tyrant that Gohan had described seemed a million miles away from the innocent, almost childlike, warm-hearted qualities that this Goku possessed. Could it be that Gohan had been duped? But if so, why? Why would Raditz lie about something like that?
He looked over at his companion in the other cell, who was slumped against the wall, eyes still closed in slumber. Or...were they?
"Trunks?" Goten whispered. No response was heard.
"Trunks?" His voice grew louder.
"...What?"
The raven-haired boy breathed a sigh of relief.
"Don't do that!" he told his friend.
"Do what?"
Goten shook his head.
"Never mind."
There was a long pause, until Trunks' voice broke the silence.
"So then. I think it's time we got out of here."
Goten raised a brow.
"In your condition? We'd get nowhere, except sent to the gallows early."
"What do you think I am, Goten? This wound doesn't hinder me at all. I've had worse."
"So you say."
"Look, Goten, I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. It's nothing. Besides, my plan's already in motion, if Goku's done what I told him to."
"What did you tell him to do?"
Trunks smiled lazily. "You'll find out soon enough. Goten, just remember, you had nothing to do with any of this. You shouldn't be here."
"We're a team, Trunks. We're in this together."
The dungeon door interrupted them, and the two prisoners watched as Lord Krillin made his way down the stone steps, followed by Goku, and a man who Goten didn't recognise. He had ice blue eyes, and shoulder length, straight, black hair. His air was one of effortless grace and confidence, and as he walked over to the cell, Goten couldn't help but lower his head in respect.
"Lord Seventeen, is this the boy?" Krillin asked, scowling at the two of them. Seventeen's eyes rested on Trunks' face for a few seconds, and the lavender haired boy nodded almost imperceptibly. His eyes turned to Goten.
"Yes. This young man was with my Lady on the night of the two murders."
Goten gasped, looking around to see if there was someone else in his cell that Seventeen could be referring to. But, besides him, the cell was empty. His eyes locked with Trunks, who was smiling in the faint light.
"Trunks, no! We're in this together! How can you - "
"Silence, boy!" Lord Krillin barked. He turned to Trunks.
"You would even bring this boy down to your level?" he asked, disgusted. "Explain yourself, villain!"
"He convinced the boy that they were in this situation together, and that he would kill him if he did not obey." Seventeen said, his voice devoid of emotion, as usual.
"My, lord, I did no such thing!" Trunks said, deliberately failing to sound convincing.
"You are the worst kind of demon!" Krillin growled. "Implicating this unfortunate boy to try and save your own skin! You shall be sent to the gallows much earlier for this offence!" He turned to Goku. "Release the prisoner."
"No!" Goten cried. "He's lying! I was there! I helped him hide the evidence! I assisted him in the crimes!"
"Please, my boy, there is no need to continue your charade. This one will be executed. He shall not harm you."
"It isn't a charade! I helped! You should hang me too! Execute me!"
Krillin shared a sympathetic look with Goku, who happened to be quite a good actor.
"The boy is so afraid he refuses to tell the truth, even now."
Lord Krillin and Seventeen made their way out, indicating for Goku to follow.
Goku took the boy's arm, and, with one last look at Trunks, began escorting him out of the dungeons. Goten's indignant cries could still be heard, until they were blocked out by the dungeon door.
~~~~
A/N: Yay! This fic is still alive! How about that? I'm deeply sorry for my lack of updates, four and a half months is quite a long time. But to make up for it, this chapter is longer than usual. (I think.) So I hope you enjoyed, and don't forget to review. Ja ne!
Aerith
Chapter 17: "We're in this together!"
The village square was once again quiet, the moon sending slanting rays of light over the dusty ground. All was eerily quiet, and had been since the murder of Nappa a while ago. A merchant who had decided to set up early had found his body, cold and lifeless in the square. Although the people of the village were glad that the ruthless thief had been taken care of, there was a real sense of fear among them. Nappa has been long renowned as the most evil and dangerous person in the village, but if he had been killed, then that must mean that there was someone even more dangerous than he. That was the reason why people seldom walked around after the sun had set.
However, Gohan took no heed of the warnings that several people had called to him from their windows as he made his way across the plaza. He had no reason to. There was nothing for him to fear. Except, maybe, himself.
No. What was he thinking? Afraid of himself? Ridiculous. He was doing fine until...she had come along. And look where that had got them. The young man stopped, standing in the centre of the square, and folded his arms. It had been Trunks' fault. Why didn't he kill the maiden? Why didn't he do what he had been told? Why had he changed so much? Just because of her? Because of one woman? Weak. Pathetic.
~~~~
"Gohan, wasn't it?"
"Yes?"
"I just wanted to thank you for what you did."
"Oh."
"It was very gracious of you."
"Hmm."
"So then, tell me about yourself."
"I have nothing to say to you."
A giggle.
"You're a strange one. Did you know that, Gohan. Open up a little!"
"Leave me alone."
"No."
~~~~
"Sir? You really shouldn't be walking about after dark!"
Gohan turned his head towards the sound. A young woman was calling him from her window. He regarded her, coldly.
"Worry about something else."
She retreated inside the house.
What had happened to Trunks and Goten, he wondered? He had heard no news on them. It wasn't that he was worried. He was just interested. After all, Goku worked there. He gritted his teeth.
Goku.
Just the name aroused sheer hatred in him. How could he have ever doubted Raditz? Father - no, Goku, was a selfish, cold-hearted bastard.
'Just like you.'
"Shut up!" he said aloud. His voice echoed around the quiet streets, but no one was roused by it. The square stayed empty.
He remembered how he had shot the woman from the manor. She hadn't been killed, he knew she hadn't. His aim was a little off, lately. But at least it had got her to go back to where she came from. Hopefully she'd kill herself in her despair over Trunks. He was probably in the dungeons, knowing how those nobles operated. Idiots. Whatever happened to 'shoot first, ask questions later?'
No. He didn't want that. They were like brothers, the three of them. He wouldn't see them killed. As soon as he found out where they were, he would devise a plan to help them out. Even if they were about as useful as a chocolate fireguard. Maybe he was being too harsh.
Why had Goten been taken anyway? He could remember watching from inside the house as his younger brother had spied the guards taking his friend away, and had broken into a run.
"What are you doing? Where are you taking him?"
"You would be wise to stay out of our affairs, ruffian!"
"Trunks? Trunks!"
"You know this boy?"
"Of course I do! I live in that house!"
"Take him, too."
He had wanted to help, but she wouldn't let him.
~~~~
"Gohan?"
"Hmm?"
"Why do you never talk about your family?"
"I told you about Raditz."
"No, no. I mean your real family. Don't you know them?"
"No. I can't forgive them for what they did."
"Gohan..."
"Please don't ask me any more."
~~~~
The next day dawned, and Bra made another trip to the manor. She was hoping to see Marron, who had been unavailable the previous day. Lord Krillin had told her to try again when his daughter was in a more accommodating mood. He had shared with her that the young woman had been decidedly affected by her kidnapping, and wished to be left alone to recuperate after her terrible ordeal. So today, she had returned, hoping to see Marron, and also to see her mother, who had been acting a little strange since yesterday. She hadn't seemed to really be listening as Bra recounted her day, and confessed that Lord Seventeen had been acting even more distant than usual.
"Yamcha, where is my mother?"
Yamcha, who had previously been concentrating on scrubbing the saddle of one of the horses, turned to face his blue haired companion.
"Was she not in the servant's quarters, my lady?"
"No, Lord Krillin told me I should ask you."
"Where is Lord Krillin?"
"He had to leave. The Duke of Saren paid an unexpected visit to discuss what would be done with those ruffians in the dungeons."
The black haired man nodded thoughtfully.
"I see. Well, you could always check the drawing room. I think she was taking over Miss Chi-Chi's job today. Wait a while, I will accompany you."
Bra shook her head, smiling gratefully.
"I wouldn't want to disturb you from your duties, good Yamcha. I shall find her myself."
"If you insist."
Bra nodded a goodbye, and turned around, leaving the stable area. As she approached the drawing room, she heard a door open and close, and turned to see Marron standing near the dungeon entrance.
"Marron!" she cried happily. "I was worried about you! I expect you are pleased that your kidnappers have been reprimanded."
"Kidnappers?" Marron laughed harshly. "Is that what my father has told you?"
Bra shot her a quizzical look.
"Is his information false, then?"
"His whole being is false!" Marron spat, folding her arms and scowling in a most unladylike manner.
"Then I trust you will tell me what really happened." Bra replied.
"Very well, Bra."
~~~~
Meanwhile, in the dim glow of the torches, Goten sat quietly. While Trunks had slipped effortlessly into a deep sleep, as though he had not a care in the world, Goten had found the release of sleep to be evasive, to say the least. He was haunted by images of Goku, his father. He could not tear his thoughts away from the guard. Did Goku know?
He couldn't possibly have recognised him, surely. But why did his eyes seem to hold that faint glimmer of recognition, as if he couldn't quite place him? He must know, deep down. Maybe he was afraid?
Goten was bewildered. Goku was nothing like his brother had made him out to be. The selfish, cruel tyrant that Gohan had described seemed a million miles away from the innocent, almost childlike, warm-hearted qualities that this Goku possessed. Could it be that Gohan had been duped? But if so, why? Why would Raditz lie about something like that?
He looked over at his companion in the other cell, who was slumped against the wall, eyes still closed in slumber. Or...were they?
"Trunks?" Goten whispered. No response was heard.
"Trunks?" His voice grew louder.
"...What?"
The raven-haired boy breathed a sigh of relief.
"Don't do that!" he told his friend.
"Do what?"
Goten shook his head.
"Never mind."
There was a long pause, until Trunks' voice broke the silence.
"So then. I think it's time we got out of here."
Goten raised a brow.
"In your condition? We'd get nowhere, except sent to the gallows early."
"What do you think I am, Goten? This wound doesn't hinder me at all. I've had worse."
"So you say."
"Look, Goten, I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. It's nothing. Besides, my plan's already in motion, if Goku's done what I told him to."
"What did you tell him to do?"
Trunks smiled lazily. "You'll find out soon enough. Goten, just remember, you had nothing to do with any of this. You shouldn't be here."
"We're a team, Trunks. We're in this together."
The dungeon door interrupted them, and the two prisoners watched as Lord Krillin made his way down the stone steps, followed by Goku, and a man who Goten didn't recognise. He had ice blue eyes, and shoulder length, straight, black hair. His air was one of effortless grace and confidence, and as he walked over to the cell, Goten couldn't help but lower his head in respect.
"Lord Seventeen, is this the boy?" Krillin asked, scowling at the two of them. Seventeen's eyes rested on Trunks' face for a few seconds, and the lavender haired boy nodded almost imperceptibly. His eyes turned to Goten.
"Yes. This young man was with my Lady on the night of the two murders."
Goten gasped, looking around to see if there was someone else in his cell that Seventeen could be referring to. But, besides him, the cell was empty. His eyes locked with Trunks, who was smiling in the faint light.
"Trunks, no! We're in this together! How can you - "
"Silence, boy!" Lord Krillin barked. He turned to Trunks.
"You would even bring this boy down to your level?" he asked, disgusted. "Explain yourself, villain!"
"He convinced the boy that they were in this situation together, and that he would kill him if he did not obey." Seventeen said, his voice devoid of emotion, as usual.
"My, lord, I did no such thing!" Trunks said, deliberately failing to sound convincing.
"You are the worst kind of demon!" Krillin growled. "Implicating this unfortunate boy to try and save your own skin! You shall be sent to the gallows much earlier for this offence!" He turned to Goku. "Release the prisoner."
"No!" Goten cried. "He's lying! I was there! I helped him hide the evidence! I assisted him in the crimes!"
"Please, my boy, there is no need to continue your charade. This one will be executed. He shall not harm you."
"It isn't a charade! I helped! You should hang me too! Execute me!"
Krillin shared a sympathetic look with Goku, who happened to be quite a good actor.
"The boy is so afraid he refuses to tell the truth, even now."
Lord Krillin and Seventeen made their way out, indicating for Goku to follow.
Goku took the boy's arm, and, with one last look at Trunks, began escorting him out of the dungeons. Goten's indignant cries could still be heard, until they were blocked out by the dungeon door.
~~~~
A/N: Yay! This fic is still alive! How about that? I'm deeply sorry for my lack of updates, four and a half months is quite a long time. But to make up for it, this chapter is longer than usual. (I think.) So I hope you enjoyed, and don't forget to review. Ja ne!
Aerith