Trickery... it can be a great asset in a time of desperation, or it can forge an even greater hatred. You'll see what I mean.
Disclaimer: *sigh* I do not own DBZ
Ch 14 Out of Control
"No!" Shin cried as he bolted from his chair and threw the table against the wall. Bibi-Dee ran back to the corridor. Shin appeared in front of him and rested the end of his sword on Bibi-Dee's shoulder. Ch 14 Out of Control
"No!" Shin cried as he bolted from his chair and threw the table against the wall. Bibi-Dee ran back to the corridor. Shin appeared in front of him and rested the end of his sword on Bibi-Dee's shoulder. The child screamed. "It would have been wiser if you hadn't insulted her honor."
Bibi-Dee laughed. "Why? I'm already damned! I just want to see you wrestle with your anguish."
"Enough!"
"Are you sure you killed Desdelona?"
"I left her for dead."
"Ah, but you didn't kill her?"
"She's as good as dead."
"Am I?"
Shin's eyes grew wide, "I guess not." Bibi-Dee grinned and stepped back out from under the tip of the blade.
"Farewell Supreme Kai," he spat. "Send him to hell, then his mistress."
"With pleasure."
"You needn't fight me you know."
"Oh no.... I owe you now."
~*Okay, I hear you but I can't sense you.*~
Bibi-Dee grinned. "Master of shadows and serpents, come forth and reveal yourself!"
Her voice echoed in the dome ceiling. "Oh I needn't expose myself to this one. He's seen me already for what I am."
Shin spun and searched the entrance to the corridor. "Then refresh my memory!" he called.
"You disappoint me."
A black spiked shadow ran up the wall from the corridor.
"Had it not been for me, you would never have met Amethyst."
"What?!"
"I was the one who froze you. Remember now?" The shadow seemed to turn a head shaped portion of itself and erie green eyes flashed then faded to black. Shin's skin grew pale and his whole body trembled. A wide grin of black crooked teeth spread from one side of its face to the other. "Yes... you remember me now..."
*****
Zari's peaceful expression shattered and warped to pain and distress. "How can she...?"
~*Wake up!*~
"How can she be free?"
~*Damn you Zari get up!*~
Zari bolted upright and screamed a name, "Agi!" She cocked her head. "Why would you contact me now?"
~*Forget it! She's loose!*~
"Who?"
~*The one who eradicated your father's line. The one who has bathed in the blood of your former comrades: Quay, Ria, Eshen your father, your mother Swuari, and her own light giver, Dethide.*~
"Ria's collar must be off," Zari said thoughtfully. Her eyes widened, "dammit!" She jumped out of bed and sprinted out of the room. She hesitated. "The ever vexing question, right or left." She looked down at her feet where a viper spread its hood and hissed. She looked up to see more serpents pouring down from the ceiling. "Left..."
*****
"What's wrong Kai?" Desdelona asked in a slithering tone. "You look suddenly so pale." The shadow slithered down the wall and puddled on the floor then slunk toward him in the form of a giant serpent.
~*Damn! How the hell do I fight a shadow?!*~ He sprang into the air and watched the shadow drip upward like rainwater falling backward to take on her feminine form. ~*Well at least now I can see her.*~
"Great work Desdelona!" Bibi-Dee cried with a grin on his face. "You've got him pale as a ghost."
"It would seem so," she said also with a sinister grin. She sighed and reached up to touch the place where her collar once hung. "I beg of you Kai come down out of your tree, I mean no harm to you."
"What guarantee do I have?" Shin asked sharply.
"Why none at all," she said with a chuckle. "But I suppose you needn't come down at all. Since you were kind enough to remove my curse I shant hunt you." Bibi-Dee lost his smile. "You have done for me what this fool claimed he could... then never carried it through." She shrugged. "Tis no never mind to me who removed it. Though to show my gratitude I shall tell you this. You needn't tango with me anymore. I shall leave you to your love and life for seven thousand years time as the Earth spins. You shant hear of me until that time is over. Then I will hunt you both."
"I want your word on that," Zari said from the corridor.
"And you have it," Desdelona replied without turning to look at Zari. "I leave you to your lives for seven thousand years, maybe a year or two more." She shifted her eyes to Zari, "then I will continue my venture for your light." She turned to Bibi-Dee, "you miserable fool," she growled. "I truly desire that he kills you... nice and slow." Without another word, her body began to vanish, turning transparent. Then in a flash of shadow, she was gone.
Zari gazed at the serpent collar in her hand. "Well... how about that." ~*Maybe there is a part of her that is worth saving after all.*~ She smiled at the thought. ~*She is my sister as far as our stature is concerned.*~ She looked up at Shin who wiped the sweat from his forehead with a sigh of relief.
"That was close," he said to himself. ~*But there is still one matter I must not overlook.*~ He allowed himself to fall hard to the ground and shouted, "now it ends!"
Bibi-Dee's mouth dropped. ~*But this isn't how it ends! Curse you Desdelona! No matter, I have someone else that he would never attack.*~
His eyes glowed and the M on Zari's forehead ignited. She dropped the collar and fell to her knees, clutching her head. Shin dropped his sword and dashed to her. He gripped her shoulders. "Fight him!"
"No shit!"
"Do not resist me," Bibi-Dee growled.
"I- will not- fight him!"
"Ah! You're impossible. Buu!" The munching in the back room quieted. "Get your filthy fat face out here and finish what you started!"
"No! Buu still hungry. Buu no go!"
"You want me to seal you up and never let you out?!"
"No..." Buu replied quietly.
"Then get out here now!"
"Buu do," Buu said sadly as he walked out of the room, shoulders slumped and arms limp. "Wha?! What mean purple boy doing?!"
"He's come to take her away," Bibi-Dee replied slyly.
"He wha?"
"He came to take her away from you."
Steam erupted from holes in his head and whistled like a teakettle. "Mean boy no take her from Buu!"
"That's what he's come to do."
"No buu," Zari said softly. "Don't..."
"Don't worry," Shin whispered. "I'll take care of it."
He glared at Bibi-Dee as he gently laid her on the ground. Stretching out his hand, he called Junid's sword to him and pointed it at the wizard. "Let her rest in peace or it will be your head."
"I told you Kai," he spat. "I'm already damned! Get him!"
Buu pumped his fists and Shin leapt into the air. Buu appeared behind Shin with a clownish grin on his face. "How?" Shin shifted to his left and Buu plunged his fist into Shin's side. He could feel his ribs splinter. Buu lashed out with his rubbery antenna and wrapped it around Shin's arm. It stretched as Shin was sent flying toward the ground but it always checked him and sent him flying back. Shin cracked an eye open to see Buu winding up. He gripped his sword in one hand and charged an energy wave in the other. He smiled slyly as he drew near. Buu's face went blank as he twisted, his sword hand slicing the rubbery shackle and the other hand slammed the vivid light in Buu's face. Shin jumped back and pried the remains from his arm. The smoke cleared then flared again as Buu pumped his fists and released another wave of steam.
"Now Buu mad!"
~*Not so much as a scratch! What is this thing?!*~
Bibi-Dee laughed, "that's it! Kill him!" The child wailed in his arms.
Zari looked up at him. ~*He's having such a good time he forgot all about me... good.*~
Buu charged and slammed his head against Shin's sending him rocketing into the floor. Zari watched in terror as the dust settled and still there was no sign of Shin.
Buu glared at the pile of rubble. "Hehehehe, Buu drop him down now he dead!"
"No," Zari whispered. ~*Still, I can't sense him.*~ Tears blurred her vision as she stood and walked toward the gaping hole. Buu landed beside her and pulled her up in his arms like a stuffed teddy bear.
"Yippee! Now nice girl stay with Buu!"
"What have you done?"
"Huh?"
"Why did you have to..." her voice faded. "Let go of me!" she said lowly.
"But... mean purple boy was gonna take nice girl away from Buu. Nice girl not happy?"
"No!" she growled as her shoulders quivered. Lightning crackled around her then struck Buu in the chest. She bolted away from him and sped down the hole. It lead out through the side of the cliff. Her eyes searched frantically. "Please no," she pleaded. She shook her head. ~*Calm down... remember yourself. So long as he hasn't already passed the gates you can call him back now look:
Look through darkness
find the departed
guide him back
with the light of Amethyst...
She closed her eyes and put her hands together. She felt a push in the center that spread her palms like a blooming flower. Tiny twin comets spun around a central shard of dark amethyst. The comets spun faster until they formed a bright halo of white light. A faint pulse made a dim light within the shard. Zari leaned down and whispered to it softly, as if a feather's touch would make it fracture. "Guide me... save him... take from me what is needed to make him whole."
The pulse quickened like a racing heartbeat and the comets took the shape of ghostly wings.
Buu peered down the hole to see her fly after the shard as its wings took flight. "Hm? Buu no get it."
"Follow her you fool!" Bibi-Dee hollered. "Don't let her revive him!"
"Huh? Bibi-Dee what does revive mean?"
"You killed him you idiot! Now she's going to bring him back from the grave!"
"Buu killed mean purple boy? Yay! Buu get cakes now! Buu do what Bibi-Dee want now Buu get cakes!"
"Grrr... you'll never get another cake unless you kill them both!"
Buu's mouth hung open. "Bibi-Dee want Buu to kill nice girl?"
"She wasn't so nice to you just a moment ago though was she?"
"No... but nice girl told Buu that mean purple boy was hers. She just mad at Buu for making purple boy dead."
"Of course you idiot! She loves him!"
Buu gasped. "And Bibi-Dee tell Buu make him dead? Buu do..."
"And her too."
"No! Buu no hurt nice girl!"
"She hit you Buu!"
"It no hurt. And! Nice girl no call Buu mean names like Bibi-Dee."
Bibi-Dee shook nervously. "Do you want me to seal you up and never let you out?" Buu's glare softened. Buu shook his head. "Then do as I say. Kill them!"
Buu pouted, "Buu do." He jumped down the hole and followed Zari's trail.
Her eyes widened. "That crater wasn't there before." The shard lent its light as it entered the mouth of the crater. Zari hesitated and hovered just outside the mouth of the crater, watching the light. It grew smaller and smaller. Its light chased away the shadows on towering spikes of rock. "A cave?" She strained her eyes as the light grew smaller. ~*I can't lose it.*~ She let her aura envelop her in a dim radiance then she let herself fall.
The shard flashed rapidly and the wings once again spun like comets. She landed beside it and searched the rubble. "He has to be here." The shard flashed brightly and floated upward. Her eyes followed then she shut them tightly as its light gleamed on something wet and dark dripping down the base of a stalagmite. The shard flashed again and she forced herself to look up.
There he was, supported by three stalagmites through his torso and one through his neck. His arms dangled lifelessly, blood dripping from his fingers, no longer holding Junid's sword. His eyes were open from the shock of impact and growing ghostly hollow and gray.
~*He's behind you!*~
Zari gasped and looked up to see Buu's large silhouette blocking the light of the oncoming dawn.
"Buu sorry..."
"You don't have to do anything you don't want do," Zari said as she climbed up the stalagmite, eyes focused on Buu.
"Buu no want to kill nice girl."
"Then don't."
"Don't bring purple boy back and Buu no kill."
"That Buu... is a deal I can never make." With one controlled swipe over his body, she sliced the stalagmites and jerked his body out of the cluster. Buu cried out like a pouting child and charged after her. She clutched his lifeless body and pulled the shard in close to her chest. Closing her eyes she whispered an incantation and sank through the rock beneath her feet.
Buu swung his arm where he last saw her head then crashed into the rock wall. Buried in the rubble he trembled in anger and clenched his teeth. "Why?!" he wailed in his childish voice. "Why nice girl be so mean to Buu?!" White flames charred the stones around him then they popped like popcorn. He bolted to his feet and threw his fists in the air. "Now Buu steamed!"
Zari gasped as she pulled herself, Shin, and the fragile shard out from the rocks miles away. ~*I don't have much time...*~ She panted and heaved for breath. As gently as she could in her weakened state, she laid Shin on his back and pressed her hand to his chest. Orange rippled radiated from her hand. Shin's eyes went black and the blood vanished. The holes in his torso and neck closed but he still didn't move. She pulled her knees up under her and cradled the shard in her hands. Her hands trembled. Holding the shard over his chest, she pulled her hands out from under it. "Endas tu sheh nol," she whispered. The comets flashed and swirled around the shard that now glowed brightly from the white flame within. Sliding one hand back under it, she closed her eyes and with her free hand, called out a dead white crystal from his chest like a puppeteer pulling strings. Holding the shard in one hand, and the dead crystal in the other, she brought the two together. The shard slid into a crack in the side. She opened her eyes and smiled as the shard ignited within, making the crystal come alive with a celestial glow. She felt her heart skip a beat when Shin's face twisted in pain and he groaned. "It's alright," she said with tears in her eyes. "I've got you. I won't let you fall." Cupping the crystal in both hands she lowered it until the hairs on the back of her neck stood erect. ~*Dammit! I'm not finished yet!*~ Willing her mind into silence she guided the crystal back to him. It sank in the same way it came out and Shin gasped for breath. She smiled lovingly and whispered as her hand hovered over his face, "sleep. It'll all be over soon. Then we can both rest."
Buu's angry scream reached her ears and fury boiled in her blood. A gust of wind brushed against her skin like cold fingers. She looked down at Shin, quivering from death's remaining chill. Her head snapped sideways to glare over her shoulder. "What's his hurry?!" she snapped. "Hm." Her eyes couldn't help but be drawn back to him. ~*He's freezing... just as when I first laid eyes on him.*~ She looked down and untied the sash around her waist. Pinning it under her knee so it wouldn't blow away, she undid the single button of the overcoat and wrapped it around Shin. Tearing a broad strip from the sash she wrapped it around her chest then tied the corners of what remained around her hips. She glanced back over her shoulder and grinned, "you wanna play? Alright... let's play." She sank into the ground.
Buu scoured the ground beneath him, a scowl on his comical face. "Buu make mean girl dead! Purple girl play with Buu's feelings. Make Buu steamed!"
"Did I?"
"Huh?" Buu said as he looked up. Zari flew above him, matching his speed.
"I'm so sorry," she said with mock sympathy. Entwining her fingers, she raised her hands above her head and brought them down into Buu's back. Before he rocketed to the ground she snagged his rubbery antenna and swung him around and around in a wide circle. "You need to shed a few pounds Buu!" she growled then let go and clutched her shoulder. She raised her free hand and a bar of light appeared then took sword form. "And I'm just the person to sheer it off of your hide!"
*****
Shin shivered still despite the added overcoat. His eyes slowly opened and gazed at the light pinks, oranges, and purples spreading across the sky. ~*Where am I? Ledena, am I living or am I dead?*~ His eyes narrowed as a faint sensation nagged at his senses. "Buu..." he said in disgust. "Then?" He bolted up to his feet and nearly fell over again. His legs felt like weak reeds battered by the wind. His neck and torso suddenly ignited. ~*What's happening to me?*~ He fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around himself. ~*I'm on fire inside... why? Am I just sore?*~ He panted and heaved for breath, each mouthful of air more painful than the last. ~*Forget it! There's only one person who would take Buu on... and she needs help...*~ He pushed himself up on his feet. "Now!" He dropped his arms and rocketed into the air.
*****
Her blade came down on his shoulder, sheering his arm off with ease. Buu gasped in shock then grinned evilly. ~*Seems swords won't work on him.*~ Buu chuckled and Zari smiled back. "Right," she said to herself. "Got something for ya."
"For me?"
"Uh huh," she said with a quick nod. Her hands tightened on the hilt and the blade glowed a fiery red. "Hope you like it."
"Buu no fall for-"
She gave a battle cry and thrust her sword straight between his eyes. Buu dropped his grin and touched the blade to pull it out. She rocketed backwards, still facing him. The sword began to flash then exploded. Smoking bits of pink splattered the rocks and sprayed the air. Buu's arm had reconnected itself and both hands waved through the empty space where his head once was.
She chuckled, "that's really a good look for you."
A mound raised like a swelling sore and popped. Buu grinned.
Her eye twitched, "gross."
Buu chuckled, "hehehe. Buu!" He threw his arms up in the air. Zari's eyes widened as she realized that he was somehow right in front of her. A spinning disc of blue light ignited between his hands.
"NO!"
Too late. Buu brought his hands down in an angled sweep and Zari felt as though her arm was sliding off her shoulder.
Everything slowed down. She looked down at her feet. Blood rushed down her leg and puddled around her fallen arm and shoulder. She looked at her left shoulder. Her hand reached up to touch where her shoulder had been, then her eyes shifted back to Buu. He grinned and swung for her head. She jumped back and threw her arm up to block her face. Blood sprayed her face and she heard her hand hit the ground.
"KALILA!!"
Buu swung his hands in a wide arch at her torso. She stood dumbfounded. Blood bubbled up her throat and flooded her mouth. Her feet wouldn't move. Buu grinned and the tiny slits that had been his eyes opened. "Now you die!"
"NO!"
Buu chuckled and launched the light like a spear. Zari flew back, well, half of her. From her waist down remained standing for a moment longer, then collapsed.
Buu laughed and pumped his fists in the air. "Buu cut you up! Now mean girl dead!"
Shin felt his heart scream, ache, and burst all at the same time. His hand fumbled around his neck to find the delicate chain that lead to the silver pendant she had given him. He hovered above Buu then landed right beside him. Buu stopped his cheering and gawked at Shin.
"But Buu made mean boy dead."
"Yes Buu," Shin said in a whisper as he took a step toward her. His eyes never left the spear through her breast bone. "I am dead..."
"But boy still walking and talking."
"There is nothing in me anymore."
Zari's eyes flooded with tears. ~*Don't say that...*~
"I can't help it," he said tersely, tears blurring his own vision. With one step beyond her lifeless legs and he collapsed to his knees and crawled the last few meters. Buu cocked his head in confusion. "You were-" He shook his head. "You are what makes me whole." His eyes never left hers as his fingers circled around the spear. The sizzling was enough to make both of them wince. In one fluid motion, Shin jerked it out, discarded it, and took her up in his arms. "Without you," he paused to stroke her hair. "My life holds no meaning."
She shook her head slightly. ~*Don't say that...!*~
He clutched her to his chest, "I won't let you die," he whispered.
~*I won't leave you... not until the... link between our... li- fe forces... is broken...*~
He nodded and rocked her gently. "What are these arms for, if I can't..." his voice faded. He pulled back to see a meek smile on her face, her eyes shining with her love. His tears slowed, and determination spread across his face. His voice was suddenly clear, unhindered by tears. "I thought you might like to know," he said as he looked up at Buu. "Since you, like I, were so fond of her. Bibi-Dee used her against you. You see this mark on her forehead?" He braced her up and brushed back her bangs. Buu squinted his eyes and walked toward them. He knelt beside her and looked at the M, then at his own belt.
"Same mark."
Shin nodded. "Do you know what it means?"
"... no..." Buu said innocently.
"It means he controls her mind. She has no power over herself so long as this mark is on her forehead."
Buu brushed his finger over the M. It smeared. "It fake!"
Shin shook his head and trembled. "No... the mark can only be removed by the one who placed it upon the victim's brow by their free will or... it will rub off when the victim has met their end."
"Boy mean... girl dead?"
Shin nodded grimly and reluctantly laid her down on the ground. He stood, his back to Buu like a father ashamed of his son. He wiped at his eyes then put his hands on his hips. "Do you now understand what you've done?" Buu didn't answer so Shin continued. "You've killed an innocent woman who would have most gladly sheltered you from Bibi-Dee and been your lifelong friend."
"Friend... to Buu?" Shin stared out at the rising sun. "Then... purple boy be friend to Buu too?"
"I might have been," Shin said angrily. "If you hadn't killed me twice."
"Buu..." he sniffed. "Buu sorry... Buu sorry nice girl," he said as he gently stroked her forehead, rubbing the remains of the mark from her forehead. "Nice girl wake up now.... WAKE UP!"
"She will never wake," Shin snapped, his back still to Buu. "You've sent her to her grave where she will sleep for eternity."
"No!" Buu cried. He clenched his teeth and sniffed. Taking her up in his arms he gasped. "Girl no dead!"
"What?!" Shin gasped as he whirled around. He fell to his knees and felt Zari's cheek.
"Everything okay!" Buu said happily.
Shin shook his head. "No," he said grimly. "She may not be dead yet, but she's got both feet in the grave and just has to lie down."
"Buu..." he hesitated. "Buu could heal nice girl."
"Can you?!"
Buu nodded, "but... mean man... mean Bibi-Dee seal Buu up and never let Buu out. Bibi-Dee sent Buu to kill nice girl and purple boy. Buu did... but if Buu help nice girl and boy... Bibi-
Dee seal Buu up. Buu no want to be in dark place."
"Hang Bibi-Dee!" Shin exclaimed. "I'll back you." He held out his hand and smiled. "If you heal her, I swear, I will protect you from Bibi-Dee. Zari will help too."
"Nice boy help Buu?"
"Yes! Of course!"
Buu smiled happily, "then Buu do! Help Buu get pieces together and Buu put nice girl back together." Shin bolted from his feet and sprinted toward Zari's lost arm and hand. Buu gently picked up her lower half and realigned it. "Get back!" Buu commanded. Shin eagerly obliged, clutching the pendent and pressing his closed fist to his lips.
He closed his eyes and prayed.
Buu held his hand out over her and they glowed. The sound of tiny bells ringing filled the air as pale yellow ripples left Buu's hands. Each part reattached itself and the hole closed. The trails of blood from the corners of her mouth disappeared and she drew a long deep breath. The light subsided and she sat up. Buu giggled happily and Shin let out a long sigh of relief. ~*Was that hell's flame I caught a glimpse of just then?*~
"Nice girl okay!" Buu squealed. "Look nice boy! She okay!"
Zari blinked and smiled at Buu then turned to Shin. "What happened?"
"Long story," Shin replied. He scooted up close, pinched her chin, and rubbed noses. "I'll tell you later when this is over."
Buu suddenly growled, "now for mean man!"
Shin's eyes blazed when he turned his gaze to the cliff. "Let's end this... once and for all!"
Zari and Buu nodded. She touched her forehead, "is my mark really gone?"
Shin kissed her brow, "yes."
She sighed in relief, "then was I really dead?"
He shook his head, "I don't want to think about it."
She smiled, "okay."
"Hey!" Buu called from high above. "Nice girl and boy got Buu's back yes?"
"Yes Buu," Shin replied. "Remember I promised, and I don't take my vows lightly."
Buu wiped the sweat from his forehead, "then we go!"
~*Did you really promise him?*~
~*I was lenient this time.*~
~*So this may not be one that you aim to hold true?*~
He was silent for a moment. ~*No.*~
A nervous tension made her cringe. As she flew beside him, her hand searched for his. Once she found it, she gave it a tight squeeze. He looked at her and squeezed her hand in return. "Buu," he called softly. Buu stopped and turned. "You go on in first, we'll surprise him. Go on ahead and tell him we're dead, lure him into a false sense of security."
"Huh?" Buu asked as he scratched his chin.
"Tell him we're dead that way he won't expect us," Zari said simply. "He'll relax then we'll come in and get him."
Buu nodded enthusiastically then flew on ahead.
Zari pressed herself against his chest, desperate for security. "I hope you know what you're doing," she whispered.
"The wizard must not be allowed to live," he said coldly. "Neither must his son."
Zari gasped softly.
He rubbed her back. "Come on, he's already inside. We have to get moving." He looked back at the crater and the cave he died in. "It's strange, I never thought I would be looking at my former grave." He chuckled softly, "Junid would kill me if he knew how I was handling his sword." She smiled and nuzzled up closer. He stretched out his hand and smiled as a glimmering silver light flew from the darkness of the cave and toward his hand. It stopped and hovered beside him. The blade was nicked but not fractured.
"I don't know," Zari said. "It doesn't look too bad."
His hand gripped the hilt and he kissed her brow. "Let's go."
"Excellent Buu!" Bibi-Dee cried happily. "Absolutely exquisite!" The child squirmed in his arms.
"Bibi-Dee happy?"
"Oh thrilled!"
"Yay!" Buu watched Bibi-Dee get up out of his chair and dance around it. When his back was turned, Buu glanced at the hole and smiled when he saw Shin and Zari nodding their heads. "Bibi-Dee?
"Yes what is it Buu?"
"Why did Bibi-Dee make Buu kill nice boy and girl?"
"Simply because-" He stopped. "Did you just say nice boy and girl?" He gasped as Shin appeared behind him and rested his sword on his shoulder.
"So what if he did?" Shin growled.
Buu grinned and put his fists on his hips. "Buu no have to listen to mean man no more!"
"And what about Amethyst?" Bibi-Dee said in a threatening tone.
"You needn't worry about me Bibi-Dee," Zari said as she scooped up the child in her arms. It squirmed then quieted immediately. "Shhh... there there. As you can see I'm quite well." She sat on the edge of the table and stared at him.
"Kalila what are you doing?" Shin asked, suddenly unnerved at the sight of the child in her arms.
"I gave birth to him," she answered, turning her eyes back to the child reaching for her. "I intend to look after him."
"The child is a monster!" Shin stated. "It must suffer the same fate as its father."
"I can save him."
"His course in life has already been set."
"I don't care. I can save him."
He shook his head. "He holds no connection to you."
"Oh no?" Bibi-Dee intervened. "Have you told him yet... Zari?" She glanced at him then focused on the child. "About how his child died?"
"You killed him inside me." Bibi-Dee grinned as he felt Shin's hand tremble. "I could feel him burning." One hand rested over her abdomen. "I could see him in my mind. He was possibly fifty years old, still very much a child. He was calling to me. Fire burned all around him. And I just stood there... and watched." She leaned down and nuzzled the child's cheek with her own. "And from his ashes... you created your own son in my womb."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Shin asked in a quivering voice.
"The grief was still too near," she whispered.
Buu glared at Bibi-Dee, "mean man!" he spat.
"You have to let it go," Shin said blankly.
"No..." she replied.
"Zari! It's not our child! We have to destroy it!"
"You hear that Buu?" Bibi-Dee whispered. "See how he is in reality? He'd kill his own child just because I claimed it for my own out of loneliness. I'd gladly give it back, but he won't have it. Is this what you want your friends to be like?" He paused to let Buu hear Shin try to convince Zari to let the child go. "See how insensible he is. Do you want him to be that way with you?"
"Nice boy no do mean things to Buu," Buu protested quietly.
"Oh? How well do you know him Buu? Zari wouldn't do that do anyone. Oh no! But he's not like her. He's cruel, just like all Kais."
"No..."
"He'll turn on you Buu. He has his own agenda. He won't protect you."
"Stop it!" Buu cried and clutched the sides of his head. Lightning crackled around him and he threw his hand out at Bibi-Dee.
"You see Kai?" Bibi-Dee said sinisterly. "Here you thought you could trust him and he turns on you."
"Buu!" Zari cried. "What are you doing?!"
Shin threw his free hand out to counter Buu's attack and Bibi-Dee shouted the sealing incantation. Buu's face went blank and his arms shot down to his sides. The walls of the room began to crack and crumble. Large sections fell from the ceiling. Bibi-Dee held his concentration on Buu and Shin ran to Zari. He grabbed her arm and pulled her behind him. Buu managed to turn his head to see Zari looking at him. "Buu come on!" she cried.
"Leave him!" Shin snapped.
"Help..." Buu whispered. "Help Buu!"
Shin squeezed her arm to the point where she flinched. "We have to go! Forget him!"
She still stared down at Buu with remorse and regret in her eyes. "Zari! He can't be saved!" He clenched his teeth when she didn't move. In a flash he wrapped an arm around her waist and rocketed up into the morning light, evading the caving ceiling. Shin flew low to avoid a sudden shock wave that shattered the cliff. She gazed blankly over his shoulder when he landed. Red rings crushed the outer walls.
She could hear Bibi-Dee scream as his own sanctuary came crashing down on him. The rings grew thicker and brighter then shrank in size and width. She saw Buu shackled in mid air where the floor of the dome room once stood. His head was hung. His eyes flashed and he threw back his head and screamed as the rings came down to form a brown, dry husk. "MEAN BOY LIE!"
Disclaimer: *sigh* I do not own DBZ
Ch 14 Out of Control
"No!" Shin cried as he bolted from his chair and threw the table against the wall. Bibi-Dee ran back to the corridor. Shin appeared in front of him and rested the end of his sword on Bibi-Dee's shoulder. Ch 14 Out of Control
"No!" Shin cried as he bolted from his chair and threw the table against the wall. Bibi-Dee ran back to the corridor. Shin appeared in front of him and rested the end of his sword on Bibi-Dee's shoulder. The child screamed. "It would have been wiser if you hadn't insulted her honor."
Bibi-Dee laughed. "Why? I'm already damned! I just want to see you wrestle with your anguish."
"Enough!"
"Are you sure you killed Desdelona?"
"I left her for dead."
"Ah, but you didn't kill her?"
"She's as good as dead."
"Am I?"
Shin's eyes grew wide, "I guess not." Bibi-Dee grinned and stepped back out from under the tip of the blade.
"Farewell Supreme Kai," he spat. "Send him to hell, then his mistress."
"With pleasure."
"You needn't fight me you know."
"Oh no.... I owe you now."
~*Okay, I hear you but I can't sense you.*~
Bibi-Dee grinned. "Master of shadows and serpents, come forth and reveal yourself!"
Her voice echoed in the dome ceiling. "Oh I needn't expose myself to this one. He's seen me already for what I am."
Shin spun and searched the entrance to the corridor. "Then refresh my memory!" he called.
"You disappoint me."
A black spiked shadow ran up the wall from the corridor.
"Had it not been for me, you would never have met Amethyst."
"What?!"
"I was the one who froze you. Remember now?" The shadow seemed to turn a head shaped portion of itself and erie green eyes flashed then faded to black. Shin's skin grew pale and his whole body trembled. A wide grin of black crooked teeth spread from one side of its face to the other. "Yes... you remember me now..."
*****
Zari's peaceful expression shattered and warped to pain and distress. "How can she...?"
~*Wake up!*~
"How can she be free?"
~*Damn you Zari get up!*~
Zari bolted upright and screamed a name, "Agi!" She cocked her head. "Why would you contact me now?"
~*Forget it! She's loose!*~
"Who?"
~*The one who eradicated your father's line. The one who has bathed in the blood of your former comrades: Quay, Ria, Eshen your father, your mother Swuari, and her own light giver, Dethide.*~
"Ria's collar must be off," Zari said thoughtfully. Her eyes widened, "dammit!" She jumped out of bed and sprinted out of the room. She hesitated. "The ever vexing question, right or left." She looked down at her feet where a viper spread its hood and hissed. She looked up to see more serpents pouring down from the ceiling. "Left..."
*****
"What's wrong Kai?" Desdelona asked in a slithering tone. "You look suddenly so pale." The shadow slithered down the wall and puddled on the floor then slunk toward him in the form of a giant serpent.
~*Damn! How the hell do I fight a shadow?!*~ He sprang into the air and watched the shadow drip upward like rainwater falling backward to take on her feminine form. ~*Well at least now I can see her.*~
"Great work Desdelona!" Bibi-Dee cried with a grin on his face. "You've got him pale as a ghost."
"It would seem so," she said also with a sinister grin. She sighed and reached up to touch the place where her collar once hung. "I beg of you Kai come down out of your tree, I mean no harm to you."
"What guarantee do I have?" Shin asked sharply.
"Why none at all," she said with a chuckle. "But I suppose you needn't come down at all. Since you were kind enough to remove my curse I shant hunt you." Bibi-Dee lost his smile. "You have done for me what this fool claimed he could... then never carried it through." She shrugged. "Tis no never mind to me who removed it. Though to show my gratitude I shall tell you this. You needn't tango with me anymore. I shall leave you to your love and life for seven thousand years time as the Earth spins. You shant hear of me until that time is over. Then I will hunt you both."
"I want your word on that," Zari said from the corridor.
"And you have it," Desdelona replied without turning to look at Zari. "I leave you to your lives for seven thousand years, maybe a year or two more." She shifted her eyes to Zari, "then I will continue my venture for your light." She turned to Bibi-Dee, "you miserable fool," she growled. "I truly desire that he kills you... nice and slow." Without another word, her body began to vanish, turning transparent. Then in a flash of shadow, she was gone.
Zari gazed at the serpent collar in her hand. "Well... how about that." ~*Maybe there is a part of her that is worth saving after all.*~ She smiled at the thought. ~*She is my sister as far as our stature is concerned.*~ She looked up at Shin who wiped the sweat from his forehead with a sigh of relief.
"That was close," he said to himself. ~*But there is still one matter I must not overlook.*~ He allowed himself to fall hard to the ground and shouted, "now it ends!"
Bibi-Dee's mouth dropped. ~*But this isn't how it ends! Curse you Desdelona! No matter, I have someone else that he would never attack.*~
His eyes glowed and the M on Zari's forehead ignited. She dropped the collar and fell to her knees, clutching her head. Shin dropped his sword and dashed to her. He gripped her shoulders. "Fight him!"
"No shit!"
"Do not resist me," Bibi-Dee growled.
"I- will not- fight him!"
"Ah! You're impossible. Buu!" The munching in the back room quieted. "Get your filthy fat face out here and finish what you started!"
"No! Buu still hungry. Buu no go!"
"You want me to seal you up and never let you out?!"
"No..." Buu replied quietly.
"Then get out here now!"
"Buu do," Buu said sadly as he walked out of the room, shoulders slumped and arms limp. "Wha?! What mean purple boy doing?!"
"He's come to take her away," Bibi-Dee replied slyly.
"He wha?"
"He came to take her away from you."
Steam erupted from holes in his head and whistled like a teakettle. "Mean boy no take her from Buu!"
"That's what he's come to do."
"No buu," Zari said softly. "Don't..."
"Don't worry," Shin whispered. "I'll take care of it."
He glared at Bibi-Dee as he gently laid her on the ground. Stretching out his hand, he called Junid's sword to him and pointed it at the wizard. "Let her rest in peace or it will be your head."
"I told you Kai," he spat. "I'm already damned! Get him!"
Buu pumped his fists and Shin leapt into the air. Buu appeared behind Shin with a clownish grin on his face. "How?" Shin shifted to his left and Buu plunged his fist into Shin's side. He could feel his ribs splinter. Buu lashed out with his rubbery antenna and wrapped it around Shin's arm. It stretched as Shin was sent flying toward the ground but it always checked him and sent him flying back. Shin cracked an eye open to see Buu winding up. He gripped his sword in one hand and charged an energy wave in the other. He smiled slyly as he drew near. Buu's face went blank as he twisted, his sword hand slicing the rubbery shackle and the other hand slammed the vivid light in Buu's face. Shin jumped back and pried the remains from his arm. The smoke cleared then flared again as Buu pumped his fists and released another wave of steam.
"Now Buu mad!"
~*Not so much as a scratch! What is this thing?!*~
Bibi-Dee laughed, "that's it! Kill him!" The child wailed in his arms.
Zari looked up at him. ~*He's having such a good time he forgot all about me... good.*~
Buu charged and slammed his head against Shin's sending him rocketing into the floor. Zari watched in terror as the dust settled and still there was no sign of Shin.
Buu glared at the pile of rubble. "Hehehehe, Buu drop him down now he dead!"
"No," Zari whispered. ~*Still, I can't sense him.*~ Tears blurred her vision as she stood and walked toward the gaping hole. Buu landed beside her and pulled her up in his arms like a stuffed teddy bear.
"Yippee! Now nice girl stay with Buu!"
"What have you done?"
"Huh?"
"Why did you have to..." her voice faded. "Let go of me!" she said lowly.
"But... mean purple boy was gonna take nice girl away from Buu. Nice girl not happy?"
"No!" she growled as her shoulders quivered. Lightning crackled around her then struck Buu in the chest. She bolted away from him and sped down the hole. It lead out through the side of the cliff. Her eyes searched frantically. "Please no," she pleaded. She shook her head. ~*Calm down... remember yourself. So long as he hasn't already passed the gates you can call him back now look:
Look through darkness
find the departed
guide him back
with the light of Amethyst...
She closed her eyes and put her hands together. She felt a push in the center that spread her palms like a blooming flower. Tiny twin comets spun around a central shard of dark amethyst. The comets spun faster until they formed a bright halo of white light. A faint pulse made a dim light within the shard. Zari leaned down and whispered to it softly, as if a feather's touch would make it fracture. "Guide me... save him... take from me what is needed to make him whole."
The pulse quickened like a racing heartbeat and the comets took the shape of ghostly wings.
Buu peered down the hole to see her fly after the shard as its wings took flight. "Hm? Buu no get it."
"Follow her you fool!" Bibi-Dee hollered. "Don't let her revive him!"
"Huh? Bibi-Dee what does revive mean?"
"You killed him you idiot! Now she's going to bring him back from the grave!"
"Buu killed mean purple boy? Yay! Buu get cakes now! Buu do what Bibi-Dee want now Buu get cakes!"
"Grrr... you'll never get another cake unless you kill them both!"
Buu's mouth hung open. "Bibi-Dee want Buu to kill nice girl?"
"She wasn't so nice to you just a moment ago though was she?"
"No... but nice girl told Buu that mean purple boy was hers. She just mad at Buu for making purple boy dead."
"Of course you idiot! She loves him!"
Buu gasped. "And Bibi-Dee tell Buu make him dead? Buu do..."
"And her too."
"No! Buu no hurt nice girl!"
"She hit you Buu!"
"It no hurt. And! Nice girl no call Buu mean names like Bibi-Dee."
Bibi-Dee shook nervously. "Do you want me to seal you up and never let you out?" Buu's glare softened. Buu shook his head. "Then do as I say. Kill them!"
Buu pouted, "Buu do." He jumped down the hole and followed Zari's trail.
Her eyes widened. "That crater wasn't there before." The shard lent its light as it entered the mouth of the crater. Zari hesitated and hovered just outside the mouth of the crater, watching the light. It grew smaller and smaller. Its light chased away the shadows on towering spikes of rock. "A cave?" She strained her eyes as the light grew smaller. ~*I can't lose it.*~ She let her aura envelop her in a dim radiance then she let herself fall.
The shard flashed rapidly and the wings once again spun like comets. She landed beside it and searched the rubble. "He has to be here." The shard flashed brightly and floated upward. Her eyes followed then she shut them tightly as its light gleamed on something wet and dark dripping down the base of a stalagmite. The shard flashed again and she forced herself to look up.
There he was, supported by three stalagmites through his torso and one through his neck. His arms dangled lifelessly, blood dripping from his fingers, no longer holding Junid's sword. His eyes were open from the shock of impact and growing ghostly hollow and gray.
~*He's behind you!*~
Zari gasped and looked up to see Buu's large silhouette blocking the light of the oncoming dawn.
"Buu sorry..."
"You don't have to do anything you don't want do," Zari said as she climbed up the stalagmite, eyes focused on Buu.
"Buu no want to kill nice girl."
"Then don't."
"Don't bring purple boy back and Buu no kill."
"That Buu... is a deal I can never make." With one controlled swipe over his body, she sliced the stalagmites and jerked his body out of the cluster. Buu cried out like a pouting child and charged after her. She clutched his lifeless body and pulled the shard in close to her chest. Closing her eyes she whispered an incantation and sank through the rock beneath her feet.
Buu swung his arm where he last saw her head then crashed into the rock wall. Buried in the rubble he trembled in anger and clenched his teeth. "Why?!" he wailed in his childish voice. "Why nice girl be so mean to Buu?!" White flames charred the stones around him then they popped like popcorn. He bolted to his feet and threw his fists in the air. "Now Buu steamed!"
Zari gasped as she pulled herself, Shin, and the fragile shard out from the rocks miles away. ~*I don't have much time...*~ She panted and heaved for breath. As gently as she could in her weakened state, she laid Shin on his back and pressed her hand to his chest. Orange rippled radiated from her hand. Shin's eyes went black and the blood vanished. The holes in his torso and neck closed but he still didn't move. She pulled her knees up under her and cradled the shard in her hands. Her hands trembled. Holding the shard over his chest, she pulled her hands out from under it. "Endas tu sheh nol," she whispered. The comets flashed and swirled around the shard that now glowed brightly from the white flame within. Sliding one hand back under it, she closed her eyes and with her free hand, called out a dead white crystal from his chest like a puppeteer pulling strings. Holding the shard in one hand, and the dead crystal in the other, she brought the two together. The shard slid into a crack in the side. She opened her eyes and smiled as the shard ignited within, making the crystal come alive with a celestial glow. She felt her heart skip a beat when Shin's face twisted in pain and he groaned. "It's alright," she said with tears in her eyes. "I've got you. I won't let you fall." Cupping the crystal in both hands she lowered it until the hairs on the back of her neck stood erect. ~*Dammit! I'm not finished yet!*~ Willing her mind into silence she guided the crystal back to him. It sank in the same way it came out and Shin gasped for breath. She smiled lovingly and whispered as her hand hovered over his face, "sleep. It'll all be over soon. Then we can both rest."
Buu's angry scream reached her ears and fury boiled in her blood. A gust of wind brushed against her skin like cold fingers. She looked down at Shin, quivering from death's remaining chill. Her head snapped sideways to glare over her shoulder. "What's his hurry?!" she snapped. "Hm." Her eyes couldn't help but be drawn back to him. ~*He's freezing... just as when I first laid eyes on him.*~ She looked down and untied the sash around her waist. Pinning it under her knee so it wouldn't blow away, she undid the single button of the overcoat and wrapped it around Shin. Tearing a broad strip from the sash she wrapped it around her chest then tied the corners of what remained around her hips. She glanced back over her shoulder and grinned, "you wanna play? Alright... let's play." She sank into the ground.
Buu scoured the ground beneath him, a scowl on his comical face. "Buu make mean girl dead! Purple girl play with Buu's feelings. Make Buu steamed!"
"Did I?"
"Huh?" Buu said as he looked up. Zari flew above him, matching his speed.
"I'm so sorry," she said with mock sympathy. Entwining her fingers, she raised her hands above her head and brought them down into Buu's back. Before he rocketed to the ground she snagged his rubbery antenna and swung him around and around in a wide circle. "You need to shed a few pounds Buu!" she growled then let go and clutched her shoulder. She raised her free hand and a bar of light appeared then took sword form. "And I'm just the person to sheer it off of your hide!"
*****
Shin shivered still despite the added overcoat. His eyes slowly opened and gazed at the light pinks, oranges, and purples spreading across the sky. ~*Where am I? Ledena, am I living or am I dead?*~ His eyes narrowed as a faint sensation nagged at his senses. "Buu..." he said in disgust. "Then?" He bolted up to his feet and nearly fell over again. His legs felt like weak reeds battered by the wind. His neck and torso suddenly ignited. ~*What's happening to me?*~ He fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around himself. ~*I'm on fire inside... why? Am I just sore?*~ He panted and heaved for breath, each mouthful of air more painful than the last. ~*Forget it! There's only one person who would take Buu on... and she needs help...*~ He pushed himself up on his feet. "Now!" He dropped his arms and rocketed into the air.
*****
Her blade came down on his shoulder, sheering his arm off with ease. Buu gasped in shock then grinned evilly. ~*Seems swords won't work on him.*~ Buu chuckled and Zari smiled back. "Right," she said to herself. "Got something for ya."
"For me?"
"Uh huh," she said with a quick nod. Her hands tightened on the hilt and the blade glowed a fiery red. "Hope you like it."
"Buu no fall for-"
She gave a battle cry and thrust her sword straight between his eyes. Buu dropped his grin and touched the blade to pull it out. She rocketed backwards, still facing him. The sword began to flash then exploded. Smoking bits of pink splattered the rocks and sprayed the air. Buu's arm had reconnected itself and both hands waved through the empty space where his head once was.
She chuckled, "that's really a good look for you."
A mound raised like a swelling sore and popped. Buu grinned.
Her eye twitched, "gross."
Buu chuckled, "hehehe. Buu!" He threw his arms up in the air. Zari's eyes widened as she realized that he was somehow right in front of her. A spinning disc of blue light ignited between his hands.
"NO!"
Too late. Buu brought his hands down in an angled sweep and Zari felt as though her arm was sliding off her shoulder.
Everything slowed down. She looked down at her feet. Blood rushed down her leg and puddled around her fallen arm and shoulder. She looked at her left shoulder. Her hand reached up to touch where her shoulder had been, then her eyes shifted back to Buu. He grinned and swung for her head. She jumped back and threw her arm up to block her face. Blood sprayed her face and she heard her hand hit the ground.
"KALILA!!"
Buu swung his hands in a wide arch at her torso. She stood dumbfounded. Blood bubbled up her throat and flooded her mouth. Her feet wouldn't move. Buu grinned and the tiny slits that had been his eyes opened. "Now you die!"
"NO!"
Buu chuckled and launched the light like a spear. Zari flew back, well, half of her. From her waist down remained standing for a moment longer, then collapsed.
Buu laughed and pumped his fists in the air. "Buu cut you up! Now mean girl dead!"
Shin felt his heart scream, ache, and burst all at the same time. His hand fumbled around his neck to find the delicate chain that lead to the silver pendant she had given him. He hovered above Buu then landed right beside him. Buu stopped his cheering and gawked at Shin.
"But Buu made mean boy dead."
"Yes Buu," Shin said in a whisper as he took a step toward her. His eyes never left the spear through her breast bone. "I am dead..."
"But boy still walking and talking."
"There is nothing in me anymore."
Zari's eyes flooded with tears. ~*Don't say that...*~
"I can't help it," he said tersely, tears blurring his own vision. With one step beyond her lifeless legs and he collapsed to his knees and crawled the last few meters. Buu cocked his head in confusion. "You were-" He shook his head. "You are what makes me whole." His eyes never left hers as his fingers circled around the spear. The sizzling was enough to make both of them wince. In one fluid motion, Shin jerked it out, discarded it, and took her up in his arms. "Without you," he paused to stroke her hair. "My life holds no meaning."
She shook her head slightly. ~*Don't say that...!*~
He clutched her to his chest, "I won't let you die," he whispered.
~*I won't leave you... not until the... link between our... li- fe forces... is broken...*~
He nodded and rocked her gently. "What are these arms for, if I can't..." his voice faded. He pulled back to see a meek smile on her face, her eyes shining with her love. His tears slowed, and determination spread across his face. His voice was suddenly clear, unhindered by tears. "I thought you might like to know," he said as he looked up at Buu. "Since you, like I, were so fond of her. Bibi-Dee used her against you. You see this mark on her forehead?" He braced her up and brushed back her bangs. Buu squinted his eyes and walked toward them. He knelt beside her and looked at the M, then at his own belt.
"Same mark."
Shin nodded. "Do you know what it means?"
"... no..." Buu said innocently.
"It means he controls her mind. She has no power over herself so long as this mark is on her forehead."
Buu brushed his finger over the M. It smeared. "It fake!"
Shin shook his head and trembled. "No... the mark can only be removed by the one who placed it upon the victim's brow by their free will or... it will rub off when the victim has met their end."
"Boy mean... girl dead?"
Shin nodded grimly and reluctantly laid her down on the ground. He stood, his back to Buu like a father ashamed of his son. He wiped at his eyes then put his hands on his hips. "Do you now understand what you've done?" Buu didn't answer so Shin continued. "You've killed an innocent woman who would have most gladly sheltered you from Bibi-Dee and been your lifelong friend."
"Friend... to Buu?" Shin stared out at the rising sun. "Then... purple boy be friend to Buu too?"
"I might have been," Shin said angrily. "If you hadn't killed me twice."
"Buu..." he sniffed. "Buu sorry... Buu sorry nice girl," he said as he gently stroked her forehead, rubbing the remains of the mark from her forehead. "Nice girl wake up now.... WAKE UP!"
"She will never wake," Shin snapped, his back still to Buu. "You've sent her to her grave where she will sleep for eternity."
"No!" Buu cried. He clenched his teeth and sniffed. Taking her up in his arms he gasped. "Girl no dead!"
"What?!" Shin gasped as he whirled around. He fell to his knees and felt Zari's cheek.
"Everything okay!" Buu said happily.
Shin shook his head. "No," he said grimly. "She may not be dead yet, but she's got both feet in the grave and just has to lie down."
"Buu..." he hesitated. "Buu could heal nice girl."
"Can you?!"
Buu nodded, "but... mean man... mean Bibi-Dee seal Buu up and never let Buu out. Bibi-Dee sent Buu to kill nice girl and purple boy. Buu did... but if Buu help nice girl and boy... Bibi-
Dee seal Buu up. Buu no want to be in dark place."
"Hang Bibi-Dee!" Shin exclaimed. "I'll back you." He held out his hand and smiled. "If you heal her, I swear, I will protect you from Bibi-Dee. Zari will help too."
"Nice boy help Buu?"
"Yes! Of course!"
Buu smiled happily, "then Buu do! Help Buu get pieces together and Buu put nice girl back together." Shin bolted from his feet and sprinted toward Zari's lost arm and hand. Buu gently picked up her lower half and realigned it. "Get back!" Buu commanded. Shin eagerly obliged, clutching the pendent and pressing his closed fist to his lips.
He closed his eyes and prayed.
Buu held his hand out over her and they glowed. The sound of tiny bells ringing filled the air as pale yellow ripples left Buu's hands. Each part reattached itself and the hole closed. The trails of blood from the corners of her mouth disappeared and she drew a long deep breath. The light subsided and she sat up. Buu giggled happily and Shin let out a long sigh of relief. ~*Was that hell's flame I caught a glimpse of just then?*~
"Nice girl okay!" Buu squealed. "Look nice boy! She okay!"
Zari blinked and smiled at Buu then turned to Shin. "What happened?"
"Long story," Shin replied. He scooted up close, pinched her chin, and rubbed noses. "I'll tell you later when this is over."
Buu suddenly growled, "now for mean man!"
Shin's eyes blazed when he turned his gaze to the cliff. "Let's end this... once and for all!"
Zari and Buu nodded. She touched her forehead, "is my mark really gone?"
Shin kissed her brow, "yes."
She sighed in relief, "then was I really dead?"
He shook his head, "I don't want to think about it."
She smiled, "okay."
"Hey!" Buu called from high above. "Nice girl and boy got Buu's back yes?"
"Yes Buu," Shin replied. "Remember I promised, and I don't take my vows lightly."
Buu wiped the sweat from his forehead, "then we go!"
~*Did you really promise him?*~
~*I was lenient this time.*~
~*So this may not be one that you aim to hold true?*~
He was silent for a moment. ~*No.*~
A nervous tension made her cringe. As she flew beside him, her hand searched for his. Once she found it, she gave it a tight squeeze. He looked at her and squeezed her hand in return. "Buu," he called softly. Buu stopped and turned. "You go on in first, we'll surprise him. Go on ahead and tell him we're dead, lure him into a false sense of security."
"Huh?" Buu asked as he scratched his chin.
"Tell him we're dead that way he won't expect us," Zari said simply. "He'll relax then we'll come in and get him."
Buu nodded enthusiastically then flew on ahead.
Zari pressed herself against his chest, desperate for security. "I hope you know what you're doing," she whispered.
"The wizard must not be allowed to live," he said coldly. "Neither must his son."
Zari gasped softly.
He rubbed her back. "Come on, he's already inside. We have to get moving." He looked back at the crater and the cave he died in. "It's strange, I never thought I would be looking at my former grave." He chuckled softly, "Junid would kill me if he knew how I was handling his sword." She smiled and nuzzled up closer. He stretched out his hand and smiled as a glimmering silver light flew from the darkness of the cave and toward his hand. It stopped and hovered beside him. The blade was nicked but not fractured.
"I don't know," Zari said. "It doesn't look too bad."
His hand gripped the hilt and he kissed her brow. "Let's go."
"Excellent Buu!" Bibi-Dee cried happily. "Absolutely exquisite!" The child squirmed in his arms.
"Bibi-Dee happy?"
"Oh thrilled!"
"Yay!" Buu watched Bibi-Dee get up out of his chair and dance around it. When his back was turned, Buu glanced at the hole and smiled when he saw Shin and Zari nodding their heads. "Bibi-Dee?
"Yes what is it Buu?"
"Why did Bibi-Dee make Buu kill nice boy and girl?"
"Simply because-" He stopped. "Did you just say nice boy and girl?" He gasped as Shin appeared behind him and rested his sword on his shoulder.
"So what if he did?" Shin growled.
Buu grinned and put his fists on his hips. "Buu no have to listen to mean man no more!"
"And what about Amethyst?" Bibi-Dee said in a threatening tone.
"You needn't worry about me Bibi-Dee," Zari said as she scooped up the child in her arms. It squirmed then quieted immediately. "Shhh... there there. As you can see I'm quite well." She sat on the edge of the table and stared at him.
"Kalila what are you doing?" Shin asked, suddenly unnerved at the sight of the child in her arms.
"I gave birth to him," she answered, turning her eyes back to the child reaching for her. "I intend to look after him."
"The child is a monster!" Shin stated. "It must suffer the same fate as its father."
"I can save him."
"His course in life has already been set."
"I don't care. I can save him."
He shook his head. "He holds no connection to you."
"Oh no?" Bibi-Dee intervened. "Have you told him yet... Zari?" She glanced at him then focused on the child. "About how his child died?"
"You killed him inside me." Bibi-Dee grinned as he felt Shin's hand tremble. "I could feel him burning." One hand rested over her abdomen. "I could see him in my mind. He was possibly fifty years old, still very much a child. He was calling to me. Fire burned all around him. And I just stood there... and watched." She leaned down and nuzzled the child's cheek with her own. "And from his ashes... you created your own son in my womb."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Shin asked in a quivering voice.
"The grief was still too near," she whispered.
Buu glared at Bibi-Dee, "mean man!" he spat.
"You have to let it go," Shin said blankly.
"No..." she replied.
"Zari! It's not our child! We have to destroy it!"
"You hear that Buu?" Bibi-Dee whispered. "See how he is in reality? He'd kill his own child just because I claimed it for my own out of loneliness. I'd gladly give it back, but he won't have it. Is this what you want your friends to be like?" He paused to let Buu hear Shin try to convince Zari to let the child go. "See how insensible he is. Do you want him to be that way with you?"
"Nice boy no do mean things to Buu," Buu protested quietly.
"Oh? How well do you know him Buu? Zari wouldn't do that do anyone. Oh no! But he's not like her. He's cruel, just like all Kais."
"No..."
"He'll turn on you Buu. He has his own agenda. He won't protect you."
"Stop it!" Buu cried and clutched the sides of his head. Lightning crackled around him and he threw his hand out at Bibi-Dee.
"You see Kai?" Bibi-Dee said sinisterly. "Here you thought you could trust him and he turns on you."
"Buu!" Zari cried. "What are you doing?!"
Shin threw his free hand out to counter Buu's attack and Bibi-Dee shouted the sealing incantation. Buu's face went blank and his arms shot down to his sides. The walls of the room began to crack and crumble. Large sections fell from the ceiling. Bibi-Dee held his concentration on Buu and Shin ran to Zari. He grabbed her arm and pulled her behind him. Buu managed to turn his head to see Zari looking at him. "Buu come on!" she cried.
"Leave him!" Shin snapped.
"Help..." Buu whispered. "Help Buu!"
Shin squeezed her arm to the point where she flinched. "We have to go! Forget him!"
She still stared down at Buu with remorse and regret in her eyes. "Zari! He can't be saved!" He clenched his teeth when she didn't move. In a flash he wrapped an arm around her waist and rocketed up into the morning light, evading the caving ceiling. Shin flew low to avoid a sudden shock wave that shattered the cliff. She gazed blankly over his shoulder when he landed. Red rings crushed the outer walls.
She could hear Bibi-Dee scream as his own sanctuary came crashing down on him. The rings grew thicker and brighter then shrank in size and width. She saw Buu shackled in mid air where the floor of the dome room once stood. His head was hung. His eyes flashed and he threw back his head and screamed as the rings came down to form a brown, dry husk. "MEAN BOY LIE!"