CHAPTER 22 – No Where to Go but Down
Both remained silent for a time. Baba had made herself comfortable on one of the benches. She felt compelled to stay by Sen. Besides, she had nowhere else to go. Going home was out of the question. She looked over at the other platforms which were soon crammed with souls. Transports were coming and going as quickly as they could load. The old woman closed her eyes and thought of all the people she knew. She wondered if there were any survivors. She could look in her ball if she wanted too but thought against it. After all, what's worst? Dying or being stuck on Earth with that evil monster. Sadly, Baba tilted her head as she watched Sen.
Hugging herself, Sen stood at the edge of the platform, staring at the yellowy orange clouds below. Her tail rhythmically swayed back and forth. The warrior was trying to comprehend what everyone expected of her. The reality was that she was an embryonic compared to the other Saiyans. She was not one to walk away from a battle, but given all of her talents, Sen saw only defeat against the pink monster. The best she could hope was to somehow weaken him; leave him vulnerable for one who was stronger. "Someone stronger," she whispered.
Sen aroused Baba's curiosity when her tail began to flick forcefully back and forth. So, she climbed back up on her ball and ventured over to the warrior who was now pacing back and forth. Sen appeared to be arguing with herself. As the old woman neared, she realized Sen was speaking in another language. But Baba's excellent intuition could guess what Sen struggled over.
"May I interrupt?"
"CEH? er...What?!"
The old teller looked down at her nervously tapping fingers. "Uh, I was wondering, Sen...you can feel ki, right?"
Sen faced Baba with her hands on her hips. She had a sneaking suspicion what the woman was leading to. "Yeeees, so?"
"Well, that would mean you could locate Vegeta, right?"
"Possibly, WHY?"
"Maybe you could point King Yama's men in the right direction."
"Old woman! Do you realize what you are asking of me?!" Without waiting for an answer, Sen threw up her arms in frustration. "Gods! Why do you weaklings look upon that scoundrel as an ally?" Baba looked thoughtfully at Sen but didn't answer. The warrior snorted then turned her back, once again staring at HFIL's clouds below. Quietly, she continued. "I knew his people, Baba. I saw what his father did to my people...what he did to my Saiyan mother...what they did to my father. His son is the same. No, he's worse. With Frieza, Vegeta eradicated whole planets. Purged them of their inhabitants...for nothing more than profit! No mercy, no remorse. That Saiyan has one agenda, and it's his and his alone. And now you look to him for help?"
Baba, floated to Sen's side and also watched below. She didn't care for Vegeta either. That one always teetered back and forth from help to hindrance. It really bothered her to speak in his defense, but given the state of affairs, she would try. "Sen, I don't think anyone truly knows Vegeta's motives. What I do know is that he has lived among us Earthlings for over ten years. He has a family. And on more than one occasion, he has fought our enemies. Vegeta gave his life to destroy Majin Buu." Then she looked over at the warrior. "Grant it, he's no saint, but he's a far cry from the evil that plagues us now." She reached over and lightly touched Sen's arm. "You said you would help."
Sen stood motionless for a moment then sighed. "I don't think I can."
Baba dropped her hands in her lap and slumped over. "Forgive me, if I don't understand. She turned around to float back over to the benches but stopped when Sen grasped her shoulder.
"You're right, you don't understand. I haven't sensed Vegeta since I put him HFIL. I've been trying but I get nothing."
Baba turned back to face Sen. "But you felt Buu all the way from the Living World."
"I felt Goku too. But only traces of an extraordinary thrust of power."
"Oh."
Both stood staring at the floor in thought when they were startled by two warriors entering onto the platform arguing with one another. Sen sensed that both had impressive ki levels. The taller of two sparked Sen's fancy.
"No way man! Nobody survived Buu's eating frenzy." The short black haired man shivered at the memory of being turned to candy and eaten by the pink monster. "Earth is toast for sure!"
"Come on, Krillin! If Dende was killed too, he'd be here. Yet nobody's seen hide nor hair of the Guardian." Then the tall handsome Earthling saw they were not alone and smiled. "Well, who do we have here? Hey, Baba!" His eyes never left Sen as he and Krillin walked over. "Aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?"
Baba's eyes narrowed at the brash warrior. "Not so nice to see you too, Yamcha, (then nodding to short man,) Krillin."
"Yeah, this does suck, doesn't it? I can't believe Krillin and I are back here again. On the bright side, we've been upgraded. We are going to Grand Kia's world this time." Noting Sen's attire, Yamcha added. "Going my way, I hope?" Sen nodded once. Reaching out his hand, the tall Earthling introduced himself. "My name is Yamcha, and you would beeeee?" Sen glanced confusingly at the man's hand not sure what to do. "I want to shake your hand; it's how we greet people. It's ok really. I won't bite-- promise."
Sen hesitated then took his hand, "My name is Sen."
"Hm, Sen, nice..." Yamcha blushed slightly, as did Sen after moments past. Baba rolled her eyes and cleared her throat. Finally, they let go of each other.
Krillin thought he would break the awkwardness. He noticed that Baba didn't have a halo. "Hey, Baba! Nice to see at least one Earthling survives the massacre. Any news..." Krillin caught sight of Sen's tail, the end twitching slightly. "Yikes! Xnay on the ail tay, Yamcha!" Krillin tried to get Yamcha to follow what he was looking at but was interrupted.
"Huh? Shame on you, Krillin. Has married life dulled your manners? Forgive my...Wow!" Yamcha noticed the appendage too. "You ---You're a Saiyan?"
"Only half, I prefer Tsufuru, my father's race."
Yamcha's eyebrows raised and he smiled, "Hmm -- that could work."
"What?" Though Sen didn't comprehend what Yamcha was thinking, Krillin knew.
"Hey Bro, I don't think this is time or place. You should be ---"
They were interrupted by a screech and then the platform jerked. Behind them the small transport docked. The door on the side opened and a blue female popped her head out. "Hey, we are a little short handed. Would you mind wheeling the steps over here?"
Sen shook the startled look off her face. "Uh, sure." She started to walk over but was stopped by Yamcha. "Allow me." Effortlessly, he pushed the stairway into place.
"Thank you so much." The attendant stepped onto the top stair. "Well are you four our only passengers?"
Baba spoke up first. "Not me. You've got three total."
"Ah, welcome to the Heavenly Skies." The attendant looked a little closer at each then recognized one of them. "Yamcha!" She rushed down the stairs and through her arms around the embarrassed man. "Oh, it's so good to see you! Oh, I mean it's not good to see you. Well, you know what I mean."
Blushing Yamcha pulled her hands away from his neck and cupped them together, patting the top. "Ah, Hi Angel, How ya been? Staying out of trouble?"
She stepped back and gave Yamcha an affectionate shove. "Oh, you know it handsome." Her smile changed to a frown, "But I see you haven't. I was hoping it would be a long time before I saw you again. You are way too young," she smiled again and winked, "and too cute to be here."
Baba had a hard time swallowing all this. "Ok, Ok, you guys are wasting time. You should be training. I think you should get going."
"Training? What for? The Gods don't expect us to fight, do they, Baba?" Krillin closed his eyes; I mean I don't want to get eaten again." When he realized how clear his recall was, he shook his head and his eyes shot open. "Eh! That was definitely no picnic!" He crossed his arms. "Grand Kia or no Grand Kia, if that's the plan, count me out."
Yamcha walked over to Krillin and put his arm over his shoulder. "Come on Krillin, I hear Hero status is nothing to bark about." He looked over at Sen, smiling, "There are definite advantages. Besides, I'm sure the Gods have everything under control; what with Goku, Vegeta and Gohan at their disposal. If anyone from the Afterworld is going to fight, it will be those guys. I can't wait to see Goku. I'd like to see him in action as an SS3. That must be awesome!" He gave Krillin a slap on the back. "Ha! I wouldn't mind a crack at him myself."
Baba thought these guys needed a reality check. "Your optimism is commendable but things just aren't that bright. First, there's Buu, and right now the only two keeping the creature from destroying everything is the two boys. Two- -"
"Baba, Trunks, Goten, and Piccolo are sealed in the Time Chamber."
"What! How did that happened?"
Krillin spoke up this time. "Majin Buu insisted on fighting the boys so Piccolo had no choice but to take him to them. The plan was if the fused Gotenks couldn't defeat Buu, Piccolo was to destroy the entrance; preventing anyone from leaving the Time Chamber. But somehow the monster escaped."
"You mean the three are stuck in time's void?!" Both Yamcha and Krillin nodded with saddened faces at the same time. "And there's nobody down there to stop Buu?!" The men dropped their eyes and shook their heads slowly. "This is just great! You need to prepare! Get your butts on that transport now!"
Krillin's face brightened and he excitedly took a step towards Baba. "Hey wait a minute, Baba! Aren't you forgetting? What about Goku and Vegeta? I'm sure there would be no stopping those two if they teamed up. Those dead guys would punch his lights out. Heck, With the Dragon balls, I wouldn't be surprised if we went home before the day is out!"
A funny noise came from Baba's throat as she hovered over to Krillin and swatted him upside his head. "Thanks for sharing your wishful thinking muscle head! But there's a problem with your scenario. We don't know where Goku is right now. When he found out Gohan hadn't checked in, he took off and nobody has seen him since. Besides, I'm not so sure he can return to Earth."
"Gohan hasn't checked in? Hmm, Videl was right." Yamcha looked hopefully at Krillin, "What do you know Krillin? He must have survived. Now Baba, that's some hope we can hold onto. But what about Vegeta?"
Baba briefly glanced over to Sen. "Vegeta is in HFIL."
"Oh." Yamcha looked to the ground and let out a sigh. "There was a time I would have said good riddance. But you know, Vegeta kind of grows on you. And after what he did for us on Earth, I got to say, I feel sorry for the guy. I've been in plenty of life or death battles, but I don't think I ever considered sacrificing my life—not intentionally anyway."
Krillin seemed to be staring at the same spot Yamcha was; his head nodded slightly. Then he looked up at Baba. "King Yama rejected him, just like that? No atonement, reconciliation, no nothing?"
"He wasn't condemned." Baba's eyes narrowed as she watched Sen turn and walk over to the edge of the platform. "He dropped in."
Angel spoke up. "Oh, the poor dear. I think the last time someone fell in was that sweet fellow, you know Yamcha, your friend. What's his name again?"
"Goku." Yamcha was watching Sen as he spoke. He stepped closer to Baba. "Hey Baba, is Sen alright?"
"Hmm. I'm not sure." Baba disregarded the others and floated over to Sen.
"Hey guys, I think you should all get on board." Angel climbed the first couple of steps to the transport and turn to face her passengers. "How about I fix you all one of my celestial dream floats? They are to die for, hehehe."
Krillin's face lit up and ran over. "I'm right behind you, sweetheart. Make mine a double!" He looked back at Yamcha. "You coming?"
Not taking his eyes off Sen, Yamcha waved to Krillin, "In a minute Krillin." He glanced at the two and smiled. "Save a seat for me." Then he walked over to stand behind Sen and Baba. "Sen, they're waiting for us, you ready?--- Sen?"
Slowly Sen turned to face Yamcha. She looked up into his eyes and searched for something, anything to stop her from what she was about to do. What she saw was a race not unlike her own, and unlike her own, they could have a chance to survive.
"Sen?" Baba studied the warrior uneasily.
Sen reached up, unclipped her Tsufuru earring. Yamcha felt something warm and fuzzy wrap around his wrist and saw that it was Sen's tail. Taken by the gesture, he smiled meekly at the woman. Her tail guided his hand to hers and opening it, placed her earring in his palm. Then Sen closed his fingers around it and cupped his hand between hers. "I can't go with you, Yamcha. But I want you to remember me. I want you to hold this for me until we meet again. Will you do this?" Yamcha swallowed and nodded. Then her tail went to his face and brushed across his cheek lightly. "Thank you."
Baba anxiously looked at the warrior. "Sen! What are doing? Did you change your mind? Aren't you going to help us?"
Sen slowly rose and pulled away from Yamcha; her eyes never leaving his. "Yes, Fortune Teller to both your questions. But you knew that didn't you?"
"But Sen, speak with King Yama, find out what he wants."
"I already know." She nodded once to Yamcha. "Don't forget, we will meet again?"
"Uh, of course."
"Good. I look forward to it." Then she looked over to Baba. "Take care Baba, I hope to run into you again. You must tell me all about your world and your people." Then smiling back at Yamcha, "There is much to like." She raised her hands above her head, took one last look at her new companions and dropped, disappearing below the yellow/orange clouds that separated the Afterworld from the Underworld.
Yamcha gasped and rushed to the edge. "Sen! Come back!" Then he felt a small hand on his shoulder. "Why, Baba? Why'd she do it?"
"She's searching for hope --- the best hope we can get."
Yamcha opened his hand and stared at the object that was given to him. Thoughtfully, he rolled it over a couple of times then snatched it up and tucked it inside his pants pocket. He turned and walked over to the transport. Before boarding he turned and waved at Baba. "See ya around Baba, --- I hope."
Angel peeked around the front cabin wall, "Where's the one with the tail."
"Oh, she decided on a warmer climate."
Krillin looked up from his dream float, with a splash of ice cream on his upper lip. "What are you talking about, Yamcha? The way you two carried on, I thought I would be playing the third wheel the whole time we're here." Then he smirked at Yamcha as the warrior took a seat across from him. "She's not your average find, huh?"
Yamcha pulled out the earring and traced its edges with his finger. "You could say that again.--- Krillin, she went to find Vegeta."
"You're kidding, right?!"
Yamcha looked out the window. "I wish I were."
Both remained silent for a time. Baba had made herself comfortable on one of the benches. She felt compelled to stay by Sen. Besides, she had nowhere else to go. Going home was out of the question. She looked over at the other platforms which were soon crammed with souls. Transports were coming and going as quickly as they could load. The old woman closed her eyes and thought of all the people she knew. She wondered if there were any survivors. She could look in her ball if she wanted too but thought against it. After all, what's worst? Dying or being stuck on Earth with that evil monster. Sadly, Baba tilted her head as she watched Sen.
Hugging herself, Sen stood at the edge of the platform, staring at the yellowy orange clouds below. Her tail rhythmically swayed back and forth. The warrior was trying to comprehend what everyone expected of her. The reality was that she was an embryonic compared to the other Saiyans. She was not one to walk away from a battle, but given all of her talents, Sen saw only defeat against the pink monster. The best she could hope was to somehow weaken him; leave him vulnerable for one who was stronger. "Someone stronger," she whispered.
Sen aroused Baba's curiosity when her tail began to flick forcefully back and forth. So, she climbed back up on her ball and ventured over to the warrior who was now pacing back and forth. Sen appeared to be arguing with herself. As the old woman neared, she realized Sen was speaking in another language. But Baba's excellent intuition could guess what Sen struggled over.
"May I interrupt?"
"CEH? er...What?!"
The old teller looked down at her nervously tapping fingers. "Uh, I was wondering, Sen...you can feel ki, right?"
Sen faced Baba with her hands on her hips. She had a sneaking suspicion what the woman was leading to. "Yeeees, so?"
"Well, that would mean you could locate Vegeta, right?"
"Possibly, WHY?"
"Maybe you could point King Yama's men in the right direction."
"Old woman! Do you realize what you are asking of me?!" Without waiting for an answer, Sen threw up her arms in frustration. "Gods! Why do you weaklings look upon that scoundrel as an ally?" Baba looked thoughtfully at Sen but didn't answer. The warrior snorted then turned her back, once again staring at HFIL's clouds below. Quietly, she continued. "I knew his people, Baba. I saw what his father did to my people...what he did to my Saiyan mother...what they did to my father. His son is the same. No, he's worse. With Frieza, Vegeta eradicated whole planets. Purged them of their inhabitants...for nothing more than profit! No mercy, no remorse. That Saiyan has one agenda, and it's his and his alone. And now you look to him for help?"
Baba, floated to Sen's side and also watched below. She didn't care for Vegeta either. That one always teetered back and forth from help to hindrance. It really bothered her to speak in his defense, but given the state of affairs, she would try. "Sen, I don't think anyone truly knows Vegeta's motives. What I do know is that he has lived among us Earthlings for over ten years. He has a family. And on more than one occasion, he has fought our enemies. Vegeta gave his life to destroy Majin Buu." Then she looked over at the warrior. "Grant it, he's no saint, but he's a far cry from the evil that plagues us now." She reached over and lightly touched Sen's arm. "You said you would help."
Sen stood motionless for a moment then sighed. "I don't think I can."
Baba dropped her hands in her lap and slumped over. "Forgive me, if I don't understand. She turned around to float back over to the benches but stopped when Sen grasped her shoulder.
"You're right, you don't understand. I haven't sensed Vegeta since I put him HFIL. I've been trying but I get nothing."
Baba turned back to face Sen. "But you felt Buu all the way from the Living World."
"I felt Goku too. But only traces of an extraordinary thrust of power."
"Oh."
Both stood staring at the floor in thought when they were startled by two warriors entering onto the platform arguing with one another. Sen sensed that both had impressive ki levels. The taller of two sparked Sen's fancy.
"No way man! Nobody survived Buu's eating frenzy." The short black haired man shivered at the memory of being turned to candy and eaten by the pink monster. "Earth is toast for sure!"
"Come on, Krillin! If Dende was killed too, he'd be here. Yet nobody's seen hide nor hair of the Guardian." Then the tall handsome Earthling saw they were not alone and smiled. "Well, who do we have here? Hey, Baba!" His eyes never left Sen as he and Krillin walked over. "Aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?"
Baba's eyes narrowed at the brash warrior. "Not so nice to see you too, Yamcha, (then nodding to short man,) Krillin."
"Yeah, this does suck, doesn't it? I can't believe Krillin and I are back here again. On the bright side, we've been upgraded. We are going to Grand Kia's world this time." Noting Sen's attire, Yamcha added. "Going my way, I hope?" Sen nodded once. Reaching out his hand, the tall Earthling introduced himself. "My name is Yamcha, and you would beeeee?" Sen glanced confusingly at the man's hand not sure what to do. "I want to shake your hand; it's how we greet people. It's ok really. I won't bite-- promise."
Sen hesitated then took his hand, "My name is Sen."
"Hm, Sen, nice..." Yamcha blushed slightly, as did Sen after moments past. Baba rolled her eyes and cleared her throat. Finally, they let go of each other.
Krillin thought he would break the awkwardness. He noticed that Baba didn't have a halo. "Hey, Baba! Nice to see at least one Earthling survives the massacre. Any news..." Krillin caught sight of Sen's tail, the end twitching slightly. "Yikes! Xnay on the ail tay, Yamcha!" Krillin tried to get Yamcha to follow what he was looking at but was interrupted.
"Huh? Shame on you, Krillin. Has married life dulled your manners? Forgive my...Wow!" Yamcha noticed the appendage too. "You ---You're a Saiyan?"
"Only half, I prefer Tsufuru, my father's race."
Yamcha's eyebrows raised and he smiled, "Hmm -- that could work."
"What?" Though Sen didn't comprehend what Yamcha was thinking, Krillin knew.
"Hey Bro, I don't think this is time or place. You should be ---"
They were interrupted by a screech and then the platform jerked. Behind them the small transport docked. The door on the side opened and a blue female popped her head out. "Hey, we are a little short handed. Would you mind wheeling the steps over here?"
Sen shook the startled look off her face. "Uh, sure." She started to walk over but was stopped by Yamcha. "Allow me." Effortlessly, he pushed the stairway into place.
"Thank you so much." The attendant stepped onto the top stair. "Well are you four our only passengers?"
Baba spoke up first. "Not me. You've got three total."
"Ah, welcome to the Heavenly Skies." The attendant looked a little closer at each then recognized one of them. "Yamcha!" She rushed down the stairs and through her arms around the embarrassed man. "Oh, it's so good to see you! Oh, I mean it's not good to see you. Well, you know what I mean."
Blushing Yamcha pulled her hands away from his neck and cupped them together, patting the top. "Ah, Hi Angel, How ya been? Staying out of trouble?"
She stepped back and gave Yamcha an affectionate shove. "Oh, you know it handsome." Her smile changed to a frown, "But I see you haven't. I was hoping it would be a long time before I saw you again. You are way too young," she smiled again and winked, "and too cute to be here."
Baba had a hard time swallowing all this. "Ok, Ok, you guys are wasting time. You should be training. I think you should get going."
"Training? What for? The Gods don't expect us to fight, do they, Baba?" Krillin closed his eyes; I mean I don't want to get eaten again." When he realized how clear his recall was, he shook his head and his eyes shot open. "Eh! That was definitely no picnic!" He crossed his arms. "Grand Kia or no Grand Kia, if that's the plan, count me out."
Yamcha walked over to Krillin and put his arm over his shoulder. "Come on Krillin, I hear Hero status is nothing to bark about." He looked over at Sen, smiling, "There are definite advantages. Besides, I'm sure the Gods have everything under control; what with Goku, Vegeta and Gohan at their disposal. If anyone from the Afterworld is going to fight, it will be those guys. I can't wait to see Goku. I'd like to see him in action as an SS3. That must be awesome!" He gave Krillin a slap on the back. "Ha! I wouldn't mind a crack at him myself."
Baba thought these guys needed a reality check. "Your optimism is commendable but things just aren't that bright. First, there's Buu, and right now the only two keeping the creature from destroying everything is the two boys. Two- -"
"Baba, Trunks, Goten, and Piccolo are sealed in the Time Chamber."
"What! How did that happened?"
Krillin spoke up this time. "Majin Buu insisted on fighting the boys so Piccolo had no choice but to take him to them. The plan was if the fused Gotenks couldn't defeat Buu, Piccolo was to destroy the entrance; preventing anyone from leaving the Time Chamber. But somehow the monster escaped."
"You mean the three are stuck in time's void?!" Both Yamcha and Krillin nodded with saddened faces at the same time. "And there's nobody down there to stop Buu?!" The men dropped their eyes and shook their heads slowly. "This is just great! You need to prepare! Get your butts on that transport now!"
Krillin's face brightened and he excitedly took a step towards Baba. "Hey wait a minute, Baba! Aren't you forgetting? What about Goku and Vegeta? I'm sure there would be no stopping those two if they teamed up. Those dead guys would punch his lights out. Heck, With the Dragon balls, I wouldn't be surprised if we went home before the day is out!"
A funny noise came from Baba's throat as she hovered over to Krillin and swatted him upside his head. "Thanks for sharing your wishful thinking muscle head! But there's a problem with your scenario. We don't know where Goku is right now. When he found out Gohan hadn't checked in, he took off and nobody has seen him since. Besides, I'm not so sure he can return to Earth."
"Gohan hasn't checked in? Hmm, Videl was right." Yamcha looked hopefully at Krillin, "What do you know Krillin? He must have survived. Now Baba, that's some hope we can hold onto. But what about Vegeta?"
Baba briefly glanced over to Sen. "Vegeta is in HFIL."
"Oh." Yamcha looked to the ground and let out a sigh. "There was a time I would have said good riddance. But you know, Vegeta kind of grows on you. And after what he did for us on Earth, I got to say, I feel sorry for the guy. I've been in plenty of life or death battles, but I don't think I ever considered sacrificing my life—not intentionally anyway."
Krillin seemed to be staring at the same spot Yamcha was; his head nodded slightly. Then he looked up at Baba. "King Yama rejected him, just like that? No atonement, reconciliation, no nothing?"
"He wasn't condemned." Baba's eyes narrowed as she watched Sen turn and walk over to the edge of the platform. "He dropped in."
Angel spoke up. "Oh, the poor dear. I think the last time someone fell in was that sweet fellow, you know Yamcha, your friend. What's his name again?"
"Goku." Yamcha was watching Sen as he spoke. He stepped closer to Baba. "Hey Baba, is Sen alright?"
"Hmm. I'm not sure." Baba disregarded the others and floated over to Sen.
"Hey guys, I think you should all get on board." Angel climbed the first couple of steps to the transport and turn to face her passengers. "How about I fix you all one of my celestial dream floats? They are to die for, hehehe."
Krillin's face lit up and ran over. "I'm right behind you, sweetheart. Make mine a double!" He looked back at Yamcha. "You coming?"
Not taking his eyes off Sen, Yamcha waved to Krillin, "In a minute Krillin." He glanced at the two and smiled. "Save a seat for me." Then he walked over to stand behind Sen and Baba. "Sen, they're waiting for us, you ready?--- Sen?"
Slowly Sen turned to face Yamcha. She looked up into his eyes and searched for something, anything to stop her from what she was about to do. What she saw was a race not unlike her own, and unlike her own, they could have a chance to survive.
"Sen?" Baba studied the warrior uneasily.
Sen reached up, unclipped her Tsufuru earring. Yamcha felt something warm and fuzzy wrap around his wrist and saw that it was Sen's tail. Taken by the gesture, he smiled meekly at the woman. Her tail guided his hand to hers and opening it, placed her earring in his palm. Then Sen closed his fingers around it and cupped his hand between hers. "I can't go with you, Yamcha. But I want you to remember me. I want you to hold this for me until we meet again. Will you do this?" Yamcha swallowed and nodded. Then her tail went to his face and brushed across his cheek lightly. "Thank you."
Baba anxiously looked at the warrior. "Sen! What are doing? Did you change your mind? Aren't you going to help us?"
Sen slowly rose and pulled away from Yamcha; her eyes never leaving his. "Yes, Fortune Teller to both your questions. But you knew that didn't you?"
"But Sen, speak with King Yama, find out what he wants."
"I already know." She nodded once to Yamcha. "Don't forget, we will meet again?"
"Uh, of course."
"Good. I look forward to it." Then she looked over to Baba. "Take care Baba, I hope to run into you again. You must tell me all about your world and your people." Then smiling back at Yamcha, "There is much to like." She raised her hands above her head, took one last look at her new companions and dropped, disappearing below the yellow/orange clouds that separated the Afterworld from the Underworld.
Yamcha gasped and rushed to the edge. "Sen! Come back!" Then he felt a small hand on his shoulder. "Why, Baba? Why'd she do it?"
"She's searching for hope --- the best hope we can get."
Yamcha opened his hand and stared at the object that was given to him. Thoughtfully, he rolled it over a couple of times then snatched it up and tucked it inside his pants pocket. He turned and walked over to the transport. Before boarding he turned and waved at Baba. "See ya around Baba, --- I hope."
Angel peeked around the front cabin wall, "Where's the one with the tail."
"Oh, she decided on a warmer climate."
Krillin looked up from his dream float, with a splash of ice cream on his upper lip. "What are you talking about, Yamcha? The way you two carried on, I thought I would be playing the third wheel the whole time we're here." Then he smirked at Yamcha as the warrior took a seat across from him. "She's not your average find, huh?"
Yamcha pulled out the earring and traced its edges with his finger. "You could say that again.--- Krillin, she went to find Vegeta."
"You're kidding, right?!"
Yamcha looked out the window. "I wish I were."