Disclaimer; I don't own DBZ, it's only a few days till my birthday though
A/N; I finally got around to posting another chapter posted fir you all. I really wasn't expecting to get this updated for at least another week so you are all very lucky that I got my lazy butt into action and updated this. Hope you like it. ~D.B
And Then You'll KnowChapter 21
It was a big day for the palace. It was a big day for the whole Sayian Empire. But most of all, it was a big day for the 33 Sayians that were going to be heading off on their epic journey across the universe.
The sun had yet to rise, and spread it's golden glow over the land, but already, the palace was buzzing with quiet life.
"Tarie, what in the hell am I supposed to do with this?" asked 18 as she scratched her head in confusion, shifting the object in her hands so she could look at it from several different angles. "Um," Tarie took the metal object from 18 and also studied it, "you are supposed to.... um.... give it to Nison!". She plonked the thing in Nison's hands as he was walking past. He shot her a funny look, but he seemed to know what to do with the thing.
The 2 girls, along with all of their friends, were in the grand hall – the King had planned a farewell breakfast for his men and he had also invited many of the planets most important people to say goodbye to their brave soldiers. And this was no small event, everything was to be perfect – which was why they had had to get up at 3am, even though the guest wouldn't be arriving until around 8.
18 picked up a tablecloth, ripped the packaging off it, and spread it across the table, all in one swift movement. It was pretty much the same thing as making Chi-chi's bed, so she considered herself an expert.
"Hey 18, what do you think?" she heard 17 call to her. 18 turned to look at her brother and smiled, "You look very handsome, don't you think Tarie?" Tarie nodded her head up and down eagerly, then she quickly placed a kiss on 17's cheek and bounced off to find something else to do.
18 took in her brother's attire approvingly. He was dressed in his new suit, it contained proper black slacks, and a brand new, pristine white shirt – plus a bow tie that was done up extremely badly.
18 shook her head and took a step towards him, "let me fix this". 17 laughed sheepishly and 18 noticed a faint blush tinge his features as she re-did his tie then rested her hands on his shoulders.
"How have you been?" she asked. It had been a long time since they had had a real conversation. They had both been so busy, not only working. But they had both been coming into their own in a way. Finding out who they were and exactly what they wanted from life – even if it was unattainable. Dreaming never hurt anybody. But finding out who you were was a very time consuming process, and it had taken away from the time they would usually spend together. Plus 17 had been spending an awful lot of time with Tarie, she had become the most important girl in his life – even he didn't realise it had happened, 18 sure saw it. If it had of been anyone else who had stolen her brother away, she probably would of killed them – and she could if she wanted, but as it was, Tarie was one of her closest friends and she was happy to let her have 17.
17 looked his sister in the eyes, and gave her a genuine smile "I've been ok," he said "you?"
"Fine" she replied, "well, I'd better get back to it," she said and she walked off. The two really had become very distant lately, and 18 had a feeling it was mostly her twin's fault.
***
Krillen's alarm was set for 6am, which would give him plenty of time to get up and get ready for breakfast. But when he opened his eyes, it was only 5.30, rolling over, he buried his head in his pillow and groaned, it was far to early to be awake, even if this was one of the most important days of his young life. He felt absolutely sick to his stomach, today was the day. And it felt like this could be the first day of the last of his life.
Krillen was 19 years old, and never had he ever felt like he needed his mother more than he did right now.
Despite the early hour he could already hear much going on in the hall outside, he pulled the pillow over his head to try and drone out the sound, maybe if he could get back to sleep he would sleep right through the day. Then this living nightmare would be over, he wouldn't have to go to Namek, wouldn't have to see Frieza, wouldn't have to leave 18. The nightmare would be no more.
But little did he realise that morning as he climbed out of bed and stumbled towards his bathroom for a hot shower, that his nightmare was only just beginning.
***
Chi-chi wanted to look good for Kakkarot, it would be one of the last times he would see her for who knows how long and she wanted him to have good memories of her.
She was wandering around her bedroom with one towel wrapped around her body, and one towel wrapped around her wet hair, and of course her favourite pair of fluffy pink slippers. Soft music filled her bedroom and the slowly rising sun was coating her room in pretty morning colours. She decided she would wear a pantsuit to breakfast – it wasn't to fancy, but it was dressy enough. Her suit was black, made up of pants and a jacket and had very thin grey pinstripes, plus she was also wearing a silky white shirt underneath. She'd managed to pull of a very sexy look by leaving the few top buttons of her shirt undone. She pulled half of her silky black hair back and tied it up. Then she found her favourite pair of black sandals – with the big heels, and pulled then on. Soon she was ready, she left her room and rushed off towards the section of the palace where all the employees of the King lived, that included his guards, all his officials, the doctors and nurses who worked in the medical wing and of course all the scientist and researchers.
Oh yes, a lot more than just the ruling of the planet went on inside the palace walls, approximately 4000 people lived and worked inside these walls – which was why the palace was so big. If you included the abundance of grounds surrounding the palace, it would take you close to an hour to walk from one end of the palace to the other.
Chi-chi had been so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even realise she had gotten to Bulma's apartment. She knocked on the door a few times then waited.
Bulma's mum, Bunny, greeted her. "Chi-chi dead, how are you this morning? Come in won't you. Would you like some coffee?"
Chi-chi stepped into the house, as always, she felt overwhelmed by Bunnies enthusiasm towards well – everything. "No, I'm fine thank-you. Is Bulma almost ready?"
"You no, I'm not quite sure dear. Why don't you go pop your head in the door and find out. Because her father and I are almost ready to head down there you know. But oh you know my Bulma. Always has to look perfect for everything, especially if boys are going to be there" Bunny rattled on and on and on, not even realising that Chi-chi had already walked off.
Bulma had music absolutely blaring out of her stereo as she bounced around her room in a white singlet top and a pair of skimpy Black panties. She disappeared into her closet for a few minutes and when she reappeared, Chi-chi was leaning against her bedroom door. Bulma turned the music down and greeted her best friend "Good morning Chi"
"Morning B-Chan. You should be ready by now you know"
Bulma stuck out her bottom lip in a pout and tried to make it look like she was the victim. "I know, but I have to much to choose from. But you, you look fantastic"
Chi-chi smiled then pushed Bulma back into the big walk in closet to help her find something to wear.
10 minutes later Bulma was dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans, Chi-chi's silky black shirt, which had mysteriously ended up in Bulma's closet, and a black leather jacket that fell to her knee's.
"I can't believe you stole my shirt B-Chan!" scoffed Chi-chi as she watched Bulma brush her hair.
"Oh stop complaining, you steal my stuff all the time"
Chi-chi glanced up at the clock on the wall and jumped, "Shit, I'm gonna be late. I'll see you there ok" she said, and without waiting for a reply and ran off.
***
Almost all the guest had arrived when Chi-chi ran into the Grand Hall, via a door through the kitchen. She had had to push her way through the 40 or so slaves that were working in there. But when she got into the hall, even she had to admit they had done a good job. She quickly spotted the table where her family was seated, along with Queen Kahlia, who she was to be seated next to.
"Good morning Chi-chi, you look lovely this morning" commented the Queen
Chi-chi smiled at the older woman "Thank-you" she said as she played nervously with her tail.
Then she saw him.
Kakkarot was seated with his family in at a table towards the center of the room. Chi-chi excused herself from her table, and headed over to his.
"Good morning everyone" she greeted as she politely shook hands with Bardok, Neha, Radditz and Turles. And she had a nice big kiss for Kakkarot.
Kakkarot wrapped his arms around Chi-chi waist and pulled her down onto the lap, Chi-chi shrieked then burst out laughing. God she was going to miss him.
"How have you all been?" asked Chi-chi, as he locked her fingers with Kakkarot's
"Fine thank-you. Tell us, did you enjoy the ball?"
Chi-chi's eyes lit up "Oh yes, it was a fantastic event, we had a wonderful time. The articles in the newspapers hardly did it justice" she raved. Neha turned to Bardok and smiled, "Well we're glad you enjoyed yourself"
Chi-chi looked towards the door and saw her father about to walk into the room. She quickly gave Kakkarot one last kiss, then returned to her seat for breakfast.
***
18 made sure she stayed well away from the table Krillen and Chi-chi were at. She had no desire what so ever to go anywhere near Chi-chi when she didn't have to and she was afraid if she got to close to Krillen then she wouldn't be able to leave him. She was becoming attached to him – to attached to him, she didn't like the feeling of needing him. It was taking away her independence and she didn't like that one little bit.
Walking across the room, she handed out plate after plate of delicious smelling food. Seeing it all and smelling it all, but not being able to eat any of it, only made her 10 times hungrier than she already was. She'd passed out from hunger before, and she honestly wouldn't be surprised if it happened again, she hadn't eaten in almost 3 days as it was.
Sighing she turned on her heel and headed back to the kitchen to make coffee. Tarie was supposed to be doing that, but she had said the smell was making her feel sick, so 18 had offered to swap with her.
"Ok Tarie, I'm here. Get your butt out there and give those rich snobs some breakfast". Tarie looked at 18 and raised an eyebrow, then a smirk appeared on her pretty features and she took some plates and left the kitchen.
18 smiled to her self and shook her head, she picked up the kettle full of hot water and busied herself making cup after cup of piping hot coffee.
Tarie wandered around the hall clutching a pitcher of juice in her hands. Everyone had their breakfast in front of them now, so it was up to her to make sure everyone's glasses were full. She walked up to 17, being careful not to get to close to him – there were working after all.
"How are you feeling?" 17 asked her
"Ok I suppose" replied Tarie, which was not true, she felt like she was about to vomit. 17 carefully took in her appearance and quickly came to the conclusion she was lying to him "Why are you lying to me?" he asked, "come on, Nison is washing up, you can switch with him". Tarie started to protest, but 17 would have none of it, he gently, yet with ample force, guided her to the kitchen.
***
The King leaned back into his chair and took in his surroundings, everything was going perfectly to plan. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, conversation and laughter filled the air – yes, this was good.
"Uh....papa" he heard his only daughter call him from 2 seats down.
"Yes Chi-chi, what can I do for you?" he asked with a smile
"Would you mind if I went and sat with Kakkarot?" Chi-chi asked, her voice full of hope. The King flashed his daughter a proud smile, seeing her this happy made him feel happy. "Of course you can go"
Chi-chi jumped up and planted a kiss on her fathers cheek, "thanks papa"
Kakkarot spotted Chi-chi approaching their table and began to wave like a moron. Chi-chi smiled and blew him a kiss, "Did you enjoy your breakfast?" she asked as she perched herself on Kakkarot's lap
"Since when has Kakkarot not enjoyed a breakfast?" called Turles from the other side if the table. Everyone at the table burst out laughing, and Kakkarot blushed a shade of deep red "I'm not a pig you know Turles" he retorted, once again arousing laughter from his family. "Come on Kakkarot, you eat more in one day, then we do in an entire week" Radditz sniggered through his laughter. Even Chi-chi had to try and suppress a giggle at her beloved Kakkarot's expense.
"Chi-chi," Kakkarot wined, "I'm not a pig, I swear", he stuck out his bottom lip in a pout and flashed her his puppy dog eyes.
Chi-chi cocked her head to the side, studied Kakkarot's face for a few moments then flashed him a big grin "Of course you're not a pig, baby" she said, and she pressed her lips to his.
Neha and Bardok exchanged happy glances, they were glad to see their boy happy. It was a memory they would be keeping close to their hearts for a very long time to come.
"I think my dad is gonna make a speech soon, I need to get back to my table" she whispered into his ear, her hot breath tickling the fine hairs residing there
"Ok then, I love you"
"I love you too"
***
17 headed down the hall, being sure to stomp his feet as hard as he could, he was in a bad mood – he hated the royals, he hated his work, he hated his life.
He hated everything!
Finally he arrived back at the slave quarters and walked inside, mumbling all sorts of profanities under his breath.
"18, where are you?" he called.
In the next room 18 looked up, she could tell by the tone of 17's voice that he was not in a good mood.
"Krillen maybe you should go, 17's not happy. He's not very nice when he's upset" 18 warned her prince. Krillen took hold of 18's hand and smiled warmly at her "Are you sure?" he asked, "If he's in a bad mood he might hurt you"
"It's ok, I know how to deal with him, come back in a little while ok"
"Ok"
Just as Krillen stood up, 17 walked through the archway into the room; the look he shot Krillen could have rivalled one of 18's glares. With one last smile for 18, Krillen fled the room.
18 stood up and walked right up to her brother, there was a look of pure rage on his face and 18 would have to tread carefully with her 'calm down, it's not worth it' speech or else she'd end up with a black eye.
"17, what's gotten into you?" she asked.
17 was literally shaking with rage, "nothing is wrong with me!" 18 crossed her arms over her chest, took a step back and raised a blonde eyebrow, "Bullshit. What eating at you 17?"
"I said nothing!" he snarled.
18 shook her head and looked at the floor. She rubbed her temples for a few minutes then let out a long sigh, "look 17, I don't have time for this, not today anyway," she admitted, "and if you're not gonna tell me what's wrong, I'm not gonna waste my time figuring it out. So let's either sit down and discuss this like mature adults, or let me get on with my business".
17 let out an exasperated sigh and collapsed onto the nearest bed, 18 smiled and sat beside him.
Suddenly, a smirk appeared across 17 face, and it eventually became an evil grin "what are you up to 17?"18 asked as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I've got a plan!" he announced.
"A plan?" she asked, wondering where the hell his bad, horrible mood went all of a sudden
"But you can't tell," he said "I'm leaving 18, fleeing this living hell. And then I'll come back for you and Tarie and Nison and we'll all be free" he raved on and on and on. And for a second 18 actually believed him, the hope dancing in his eye made her fall into his world for a brief moment – but she was quickly snapped back into reality.
"17, that's silly, you're being silly. We can't leave, not now or ever…..it's…it's…it's like this place has some kind of a magnetic pull on us and no matter how hard we try to escape, we'll just end up right back where we started. And besides, you can't leave Tarie here while you go gallivanting half way across the country, she needs you"
17 shook his head "No no no 18, not the country, I plan on leaving the entire planet behind. I've heard of this little planet, it's a fair way away, but they'll never find us there…its called Earth, and from what I've heard, we'll blend right in!"
"No 17" 18 stood up and backed away from her brother, "no! You're obviously not thinking straight. I'm gonna send Nison down to talk to you ok, maybe he can fix you. But I've got work to do. I'll talk to you later 17" she said, and she turned and practically ran out of the room.
***
Bulma stood in front of the mirror, her reflection shining back at her, and beyond her she could see Chi-chi's reflection. Both girls were on the verge of tears as the time when the men they loved would leave became dangerously close.
In her hands Chi-chi clutched a small, brightly wrapped gold parcel, and inside that was a box, it had all sorts of things inside for Kakkarot. A photo of him and Chi-chi at his parents ball, a whole bunch of news paper clipping about the 'happy couple', a nice long letter Chi-chi had written him and a bar of chocolate she had stuffed in there at the last minute, as well as a few other things.
"How long now?" asked Bulma as she carefully brushed mascara across her lashes. Chi-chi looked down at her watch and frowned "20 minutes until they'll start to arrive, an hour to blast off" she said.
Bulma shuddered, that wasn't very long at all.
"Come on," said Chi-chi, "let's go"
***
"There we go, perfect" Krillen said to himself as he laid a few item out on his bed. Next he picked up the key to his bedroom and a long piece of string, threading the string through the hole in the top of the key and knotting the two ends together, he effectively managed to make it into a necklace.
Looking up at the clock he gulped, he had five minutes to get to the docking bay. Taking one last glance around his bedroom, he sighed, picked up his red duffel bag and left the room.
"Krillen, hey!" Krillen heard someone calling him, and he knew who it was. Kakkarot.
"Hi" he said glumly, he was scared and nervous, but mostly scared.
"What's wrong?" asked Kakkarot as he placed a comforting hand on Krillen shoulder.
"Well I guess I'm just not really looking forward to this too much".
Looking around the courtyard, he sighed, everywhere he looked all he could see was Sayians laughing, yelling screaming…all over excited about the bloodbath that they were about to take part in.
"Hey, Krillen, I don't suppose you have anything to eat do you?" Kakkarot asked with a sheepish grin
"No Kakkarot, I don't…. sorry".
After a few more minutes of talking with Kakkarot, Chi-chi made her grand entrance into the courtyard, but that didn't bother him – he saw something else that caught his eye.
"18. I was hoping I'd get to see you" he said as he walked over to her. She was sitting on the steps that lead into the palace, out of everybody's way.
"Well I wasn't gonna let you go without saying goodbye" she said with a smile. Krillen sat down next to her and took her hand, something he did often. "Well, I have something for you" he said and he took his key necklace off.
"What's this?" asked 18 as she eyed the small silver key.
"It's the key to my bedroom, I want you to have it. Use it whenever you want, I'm leaving it totally to you to use as you see fit. You're the only one who can get in there," he said as he draped the necklace across her shoulders.
"Really?" asked 18, she sounded shocked
"Really really".
***
Where the hell was he? Almost everyone had arrived now and still there was no sign of Vegeta anywhere. Butterflies started to flit in her stomach as the time of departure got nearer and nearer and she still hadn't gotten to say good bye.
Another 5 minutes passed and men began to board the ship, looking around the courtyard; Bulma let a depressed sigh escape her lips. She was just about to give up hope and go back inside when she spotted him, dressed in a sleeveless black spandex, a blue duffel bag swinging by his side.
When he spotted her he decided to do the right thing and say goodbye. "Woman" he greeted with a nod.
Bulma raised an eyebrow "It's nice to see you to Vegeta" she said, her eyes were shiny with tears and she was hoping Vegeta wouldn't notice… but unfortunately for her, Vegeta was a very perceptive man.
"Why are you crying, woman?"
Bulma hiccupped and she knew the tears were about to flow "because I don't want you to go" she whimpered.
Vegeta rolled his eyes and stepped towards Bulma, before embracing her in a brief hug "Don't worry woman, I will be back. I'm not letting that son of a bitch take me down".
Bulma smiled at him and wiped the tears off her cheeks, "you know, I was talking to Chi-chi and -" but Vegeta cut her off before she could finish speaking. "I know, she spoke to me too, said 'know what would be cool Veg, if you and B-Chan went out" he said rolling his eyes as he tried to imitate his sister. Bulma had to laugh, "well I guess this is goodbye then, huh?" she asked.
"Only for now" replied Vegeta in the same cool tone of voice that could not possibly belong to anyone else but him.
"Well, can I at least have something to remember you by?" Bulma asked, blushing slightly. Vegeta frowned slightly at what she was implying, but none the less, he quickly pecked her on the cheek.
Bulma was not impressed "Nuh-uh Vegeta, no good" she said, and before he realised what had happened, Bulma threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his, giving him a kiss he would never forget whether he wanted to or not.
***
"Please stay" Chi-chi begged through her tears, "please please please please please stay". Kakkarot smiled down lovingly at her and buried his face in her sweet smelling hair, "I have to go Chi, but I'll be back, I promise" Looking over Chi-chi he saw his family, they were standing back quietly waiting for their turn to say goodbye to their son.
Neha has a tissue and was gently dabbing at her eyes, not wanting her boys to see her cry, and even Bardok was a little misty eyed. Unwrapping Chi-chi from his grip, he walked over to his parents and took both of them in his embrace, "I'm gonna miss you guys. I'll think about you everyday, I promise" he said as he kissed mother on the cheek and shook his father's hand, "Go on son, go and show him just what the Sayian race is made of"
"I'll do that, dad," he said as he moved along the line to Radditz. "Guess your gonna have to start picking on Turles now huh?" he asked as he shook his oldest brothers hand
"I guess so. But don't worry, I'll be waiting for you to get back. By then, I'll probably have though up heaps on mean things to do to you" he joked
"You will do nothing of the sort Radditz Son" Neha scolded him through her tears. Kakkarot laughed and turned his attention back to Radditz "I'll miss you" he said
"Right back at ya little bro"
Last but not least he came to Turles, as twins they had always had a special type of bond, a friendship that couldn't be broken. You could ask anyone you'd always get the same answer, ever since they had been children Kakkarot and Turles had been inseparable. For Kakkarot, saying goodbye to his twin, was the hardest goodbye of all. Instead of a friendly handshake, he had a hug for his brother. "I'm gonna miss you most of all Turles, but don't tell Chi-chi I said that". Turles laughed and patted him on the back, "I'll be seeing you again real soon, I just know it," he said "you're gonna go out there and kick some butt. And when you get back, we'll go for Ice-cream" Kakkarot's face lit up at the mention of his favourite dessert.
Then he was back at Chi-chi, "Don't cry Chi, you not gonna miss me that much, you've got Bulma to talk to, and lots and lots of things to do. And maybe my family will have you over for dinner some time. I'll be back before you know it" he soother her and wiped the tears off her face.
Chi-chi produced her gift for him from under her jacket then, "This is for you," she said as she handed it over. "But I don't want to open it until you can't see Vegeta-sei anymore, ok"
"Alright then. I have to go now," he said, and with one last kiss for Chi-chi, he boarded the ship.
The King came over to the group then and took his only daughter into a comforting hug as she cried. He was not going to Namek, Vegeta-sei still needed someone to rule over it, and since he didn't know how long his men would gone for it would be unfair to leave it up to Chi-chi when it wasn't even her planet to rule.
"Perhaps Kakkarot's family would like to dine with us tonight" suggest the King, "why don't you ask them?"
***
Inside the ship it was crazy, all the men were filing into the briefing room for a roll call, although most of them were taking their time, not wanting to leave the small windows and the views of their family.
"Would all personnel, I repeat all personnel, please make their way to the briefing room immediately" boomed Nappa over the intercom system. Within 5 minutes, the room was full. "Alright quiet down men!" Nappa commanded, he had been appointed by the King as chief of this mission, and as such, it was his job to keep everything in order and running smoothly at all times.
"Ok, before we can take off I need to make sure everyone is here, when I call your name you will respond with present. Not here, or yes – present, got it?"
Once everyone had been checked off the list, they were assigned to beds as well as giving a booklet detailing everything they would need to know about the ship, about Frieza and about their mission
And then it was blast off time.
In the courtyard, smoke began to rise from underneath the huge ship and it made a loud hissing sound. All the spectators took a few steps away from the ship to avoid getting covered in smoke.
All the way back on the steps, 18 stood up and watched, there was a funny feeling inside her stomach, something she hadn't felt before...could it be that she was missing him already, already longing for his company. Was it love?
Well whatever it was, it was making her cry, she couldn't watch yet another person she was close to leave her life "bye Krillen" she whispered to herself, before she turned and headed inside the palace.
She was wandering aimlessly around the palace, looking for something to take her mind of Krillen, when she bumped into Tarie, "Hey, are you alright?" she asked
18 shook her head to clear her thoughts "Uh…yeah, I'm fine"
But Tarie didn't buy it, "You're not fine at all 18," she placed a hand on her friends shoulder and noticed that she was shaking, "Krillen's gone isn't he". 18 nodded and collapsed into a nearby chair. "He gave me the key to his room" she said.
Tarie smiled, "Well do you wanna go check it out?" she asked. Trying to life 18's spirits, she didn't wait for a reply, she just took hold of 18's arm and lead her down the hall.
***
"Wow" said Tarie as she looked around the big, expensively furnished room, "Impressive"
18 made her way around the room, picking up and touching everything that belonged to Krillen, it all smelt of him, and reminded her of him. But when she arrived at his bed, she found a little surprise. There were a few boxes and some bags all laying there, and a card that simply read 'enjoy'
Upon sitting down to further investigate, she found a simple white envelope with her name on it. She picked it up and studied it for a few minutes before opening it up and reading the letter that was inside.
Her eyes darted across the page as she read what Krillen had written to her, and as she did her face paled. When she was done, she put the paper down and stared blankly at the wall, not knowing what else to do.
"Oh my god," she muttered to herself as she once again picked up the letter,
"oh my god"
***
A/N; Well there you have it, the next instalment of A.T.Y.K is done! I'd love to hear what you thought of it in a review! Until next time I update bye bye! ~Deadly Beauty