CHAPTER 30 – Amidst the Settled Dust
Goz called after him, "HEY! THAT'S NOT the way to--" and gave up when Vegeta's form disappeared in the horizon. Goz continued to stare in that direction. He tried to figure out where the Saiyan was heading.
"Same ole Vegeta. A regular figjam, that one." Jeice watched Vegeta take off then turned to Sen. "Err, Sen. I would appreciate, eh, I mean--" The Ginyu Captain cleared his throat and stood tall. "I am quite impressed with your (hmm) unique fighting skills."
Sen was busy tracking Vegeta's ki but stopped and turned to Jeice. "I apologize Ginyu. I am not proud of what I did to you. But you must understand I was grossly outnumbered. I was left with no other alternative."
Jeice's stern face softened and then he grinned at Sen. "She'll be apples, mate! Don't give it another thought. Been to Relo, I take it?"
"Nice planet. I can't believe you ended up working for Frieza."
"Well, we all have our crosses to bear. It's nice to know my home planet didn't make it on the purging list."
"Is that your justification for siding with that monster?"
Jeice's eyes narrowed and he frowned, "My reasons would be my own, pretty Sheila. But I'm not here for an ear bashing. I was hoping you'd give this bloke a fair go for your eh— consideration." Sen looked a bit confused so Jeice continued, "You know, it's not so bad here, if you know the right blokes like I do." He raised his fist. "No harm would come to you, I'd dead set see to it!" Jeice sighed as he relaxed his stance. "I'm really not a bad spunk, once you get to know me. So what do you say you give it a burl? The Ginyu showed his opened palms to her. "No regrets! I promise."
"Are you asking me to stay here?" Both Sen and Goz stared at him in disbelief.
Jeice's eyes furrowed, "Can't very well follow you, can I now?!"
Goz spoke first. "Cut it out Jeice, this isn't funny."
Ignoring Goz, Jeice took a step in front of Sen, looked deeply into her eyes and spoke in a hushed voice. "You know very well what you did to me Sen. I can't just put this whole thing to bed. I'm asking you to finish what you started."
Sen couldn't look at his earnest eyes anymore and she dropped her head. In a moment of desperation she had resorted to an act of initiation coveted by his people. Something very personal that was not to be taken lightly and never meant to be used in combat. She fought her shame and tried to reason with him. "Jeice, I'm sorry. I had no choice."
"It's not enough, Sheila." Jeice clasped her hand in his and brought it up to his chest. With his other hand he raised her chin to gaze into her eyes again. "You will stay, you must stay."
Goz came up behind Jeice and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Jeice, it's not possible. She doesn't belong here. Even if she wanted to, she can't. King Yama wants her back. Sen must return to the Afterworld." He slightly tugged at the Ginyu. "Come on Jeice, let her go."
After a moment, Jeice dropped her hand and turned his back on her. Looking to Goz for some sort of solution, "I suppose I have no choice?" Frowning, Goz shook his head. Jeice looked to the yellow clouds above. "Ha! This is truly HFIL." He tried to surmise his fate and he thought, 'Is it better to have sampled joy and have it taken away forever or better to have never have known its pleasure?'
Then he heard Sen call softly to him. "Jeice?" He cocked his head towards Sen slightly to take in what she had to say, "I haven't been judged. My past is not without flaws. It is possible that I will be returning here once Yama is through with me." Sen knew her fate was still questionable. She could do worse in this place. The half Saiyan took a closer look at the handsome Ginyu and thought of her experiences on his planet. If Yama sent her to HFIL she would make the best of it and Jeice would be eager to help make that happen. Regardless of where she would end up she hoped the King would allow her to keep her physical form.
Jeice dared to hope and smiled. He answered over his shoulder; "Right. I wait for you." Then Jeice began to float into the air.
The Ginyu was poised to takeoff but stopped, turning as he did so. With his hands on his hips, he called, "Hey Sen! You are really something! To chunder on the boss, now that's simply priceless. Good onya, mate!" Sen smiled and bowed in appreciation.
Jeice swung around and flew past the fissure that Frieza laid in. Halting, he hesitated a moment, then turned back and floated down inside the gaping hole. Seconds later, he reappeared with Frieza. Jeice held Frieza's arm over his shoulder and his other arm was wrapped around the tyrant's waist. Their backs were to Sen and Goz but Sen could hear Frieza moan angrily, "Where are they?!"
Jeice looked back at Sen and winked then looked forward again, moving slowly away as he did so, "They've all gone Master Frieza."
"Lucky for them, those wretched monkeys! I would have wiped them from existence, just as I had done to their miserable planet. Those stinking animals have no place in my domain. Next time, those bastards will get no mercy. Jeice! Where are the rest of my men? I want them training!"
"They're about, Master Frieza. Let me get you back to your father and then I'll round them up, er-of course, by your leave, sire. Afterwards, may I have word with you--"
As they faded out of Sen's keen earshot, she was brought back to her current plight by Goz. "Do you know where his highness went?"
"I can sense where Vegeta is, if that's what you mean."
"We need to go get him then."
"Look, it might be better if I take you to the Entrance Hall, then I go to get him and bring him back. You know he's not very sociable. If I have any problems, I will come get you, alright?"
"Wweelll, ok." Goz laid his hand on her shoulder. "But if he gives you any flack, Sen, you come get us. We know how to handle his kind."
"Deal!" Then Sen placed two fingers to her forehead and next thing Goz knew, they were standing next to the jolted Mez on top of steps to the Entrance Hall.
Mez grabbed his chest. "Gods, you two gave me a heart-attack!" Then Mez's eyes narrowed, "Goz! Where is he?!"
"Take it easy, Mez! His highness took off in a huff. But don't worry, Sen knows where he is. Well, Sen? What are you waiting for?"
Sen was concentrating on locating Vegeta's ki. When she found him she explained, "Got him," and put her two fingers to her head. She looked to Goz and side stepped causing him to drop his hand from her shoulder.
"Oh yeah, sorry." She nodded to them both then disappeared. "Man, I can't get over this instant transmission stuff. In fact, this whole shift has been too bazaar. I think I'll ask King Yama for a raise. What do you think Mez?"
"Get over yourself, Goz! We haven't had a raise in a thousand years." He sat down on the step next to the thermos. "Sounds like this whole dimension could be in jeopardy. What makes you think he'll give us one now?"
Goz sat down on the other side of the thermos. "Exactly!" Not taking his eyes off Mez, he reached down and grabbed the thermos and pointed it at Mez. "That leaves him no reason not to. And-" Goz continued while opening the thermos, "-with all this chaos going on, he'll give us the raise just to keep us happy. Come to think of it, he'll think he may not have to divvy up anyway if this Majin Buu comes around."
Goz lifted the thermos to take a swig but stopped when Mez hit him on the back of the head then grabbed the bottle from him. "You idiot! If Majin Buu does make it here, we won't need the raise either!"
"Oh shoot. Never thought of that. But you worry too much Mez. If these Saiyans have anything to do with it, there's a good chance we'll still be around." Goz stared at his empty hand then glared at Mez. "Hey! Give me that bottle!" He went to grab it back then noticed two pieces of ripe orange fruit next to where the thermos was sitting. "Ah man! King Yama's special fruit too?!"
"Sorry, these are for our guests. King Yama wants them at their best and more."
"What am I chop liver?"
"Oh, put a cork in it and get your own thermos."
Goz stood up, turned to go inside, and then looked back to Mez before going. Handing him the bottle top, "Hey, give it to the girl first, she's hurt pretty bad, and that Veggie fellow would probably drink it all."
"Hehe, no doubt! Hmm, I wonder what's taking them so long. He's probably giving her flack. You should have gone with her."
Goz continued on inside, calling over his shoulder, "She didn't want me to, thought it would be easier to get him to come by herself. Hahaha. That Sen sure has a way with the males. Hmm, I think this calls for my vintage stash. What do ya think Mez, is it too early to celebrate?"
Mez didn't answer. He put the lid back on the thermos and placed it next to the fruit. Picking up one of the coveted produce, Mez examined it for blemishes. Nothing. Yama's fruit was perfect. Aside from the King, there was only one other being that has eaten from the sacred tree.
It was the first Saiyan he had ever met and the thought brought a smile to his lips. The goof had fallen off Snake Way and asked them to help him out. Mez closed his eyes and recalled the young man. They sure had fun with the guy, all the way up until he raced him in a foot race. It was the toughest challenge he had ever had. He had hoped Vegeta would have given him a fair go to redeem his title. Goku beat the ogre and as promised by Mez, he was shown the secret passage way out of HFIL. That mortal was the only being to learn of its existence. "The Secret Passage Way." He had heard the fellow returned to the living world soon after. Mez eyes shot open and he jumped up. "The Secret Passage Way! Holy crap!" Running inside, he yelled, "GOZ!! WHICH WAY WAS THAT VEGETA HEADING?!"
Mez found Goz rummaging in one of the wall cabinets. Half his body was stuck inside the deep closet. Goz didn't come out but continued to hunt for his bottle. "Gods, I don't know Mez. I guess he was heading in the direction of Hairline Gorge."
"Darn it!" Dropping in a nearby chair, Mez shook his head. "We are in for it now."
Goz continued to look, pushing things out of the way which caused some to fall to the floor around him. "Where is that-- What are you talking about, Mez?"
Mez glared at Goz's back side. "The Secret Passage Way!" Mez heard a muffled chuckle come from the half submerged ogre. "Come on, Mez. There's only one being that knows about the passage way. You know, that Saiyan that beat you in a race. What was his name?"
Sighing, Mez slumped his shoulders and answered quietly. "Goku."
"Huh? GOO COO wasn't it? Ah ha! I found it! Now if I could just reeeeach it--" Goz got up on his tip toes.
Mez spoke up this time, "Gees Goz, you really have to work on your people skills. His name is pronounced Goku! Anyway, King Yama said something about sending Vegeta to their planet to stop the Majin guy. Didn't he?!"
"ehh-a little more--" Frustrated, Goz yelled at his colleague "SO?"
Mez jumped out of his chair and balled his fists. He was so tempted to kick Goz in the butt. "TWO SAIYANS ON THE SAME PLANET. DON'T YOU THINK THEY WOULD KNOW EACH OTHER!"
Goz stopped reaching for a moment and questioned again, "Soooo?" Getting no response forced the blue ogre to draw his own conclusion. He jumped, "GREAT GODS!" This caused him to knock his head on the shelf above him. "Ouch!" Pulling himself out of the cabinet, Goz turned to Mez rubbing the back of his head.
Mez frowned at Goz, "King Yama isn't going to be happy to here this. We better call him before Vegeta shows up in his lap."
"Hold on, Mez. What makes you think he'll find his way anyway? There's more to just knowing where it is."
"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm not taking any chances. I'm calling King Yama right now." Mez stomped out of the room and headed for their office.
"Shucks!" Goz swung around, kicked the stuff on the ground out of the way and slammed the cabinet doors shut. "I guess we can kiss our raises good-bye!"
Goz called after him, "HEY! THAT'S NOT the way to--" and gave up when Vegeta's form disappeared in the horizon. Goz continued to stare in that direction. He tried to figure out where the Saiyan was heading.
"Same ole Vegeta. A regular figjam, that one." Jeice watched Vegeta take off then turned to Sen. "Err, Sen. I would appreciate, eh, I mean--" The Ginyu Captain cleared his throat and stood tall. "I am quite impressed with your (hmm) unique fighting skills."
Sen was busy tracking Vegeta's ki but stopped and turned to Jeice. "I apologize Ginyu. I am not proud of what I did to you. But you must understand I was grossly outnumbered. I was left with no other alternative."
Jeice's stern face softened and then he grinned at Sen. "She'll be apples, mate! Don't give it another thought. Been to Relo, I take it?"
"Nice planet. I can't believe you ended up working for Frieza."
"Well, we all have our crosses to bear. It's nice to know my home planet didn't make it on the purging list."
"Is that your justification for siding with that monster?"
Jeice's eyes narrowed and he frowned, "My reasons would be my own, pretty Sheila. But I'm not here for an ear bashing. I was hoping you'd give this bloke a fair go for your eh— consideration." Sen looked a bit confused so Jeice continued, "You know, it's not so bad here, if you know the right blokes like I do." He raised his fist. "No harm would come to you, I'd dead set see to it!" Jeice sighed as he relaxed his stance. "I'm really not a bad spunk, once you get to know me. So what do you say you give it a burl? The Ginyu showed his opened palms to her. "No regrets! I promise."
"Are you asking me to stay here?" Both Sen and Goz stared at him in disbelief.
Jeice's eyes furrowed, "Can't very well follow you, can I now?!"
Goz spoke first. "Cut it out Jeice, this isn't funny."
Ignoring Goz, Jeice took a step in front of Sen, looked deeply into her eyes and spoke in a hushed voice. "You know very well what you did to me Sen. I can't just put this whole thing to bed. I'm asking you to finish what you started."
Sen couldn't look at his earnest eyes anymore and she dropped her head. In a moment of desperation she had resorted to an act of initiation coveted by his people. Something very personal that was not to be taken lightly and never meant to be used in combat. She fought her shame and tried to reason with him. "Jeice, I'm sorry. I had no choice."
"It's not enough, Sheila." Jeice clasped her hand in his and brought it up to his chest. With his other hand he raised her chin to gaze into her eyes again. "You will stay, you must stay."
Goz came up behind Jeice and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Jeice, it's not possible. She doesn't belong here. Even if she wanted to, she can't. King Yama wants her back. Sen must return to the Afterworld." He slightly tugged at the Ginyu. "Come on Jeice, let her go."
After a moment, Jeice dropped her hand and turned his back on her. Looking to Goz for some sort of solution, "I suppose I have no choice?" Frowning, Goz shook his head. Jeice looked to the yellow clouds above. "Ha! This is truly HFIL." He tried to surmise his fate and he thought, 'Is it better to have sampled joy and have it taken away forever or better to have never have known its pleasure?'
Then he heard Sen call softly to him. "Jeice?" He cocked his head towards Sen slightly to take in what she had to say, "I haven't been judged. My past is not without flaws. It is possible that I will be returning here once Yama is through with me." Sen knew her fate was still questionable. She could do worse in this place. The half Saiyan took a closer look at the handsome Ginyu and thought of her experiences on his planet. If Yama sent her to HFIL she would make the best of it and Jeice would be eager to help make that happen. Regardless of where she would end up she hoped the King would allow her to keep her physical form.
Jeice dared to hope and smiled. He answered over his shoulder; "Right. I wait for you." Then Jeice began to float into the air.
The Ginyu was poised to takeoff but stopped, turning as he did so. With his hands on his hips, he called, "Hey Sen! You are really something! To chunder on the boss, now that's simply priceless. Good onya, mate!" Sen smiled and bowed in appreciation.
Jeice swung around and flew past the fissure that Frieza laid in. Halting, he hesitated a moment, then turned back and floated down inside the gaping hole. Seconds later, he reappeared with Frieza. Jeice held Frieza's arm over his shoulder and his other arm was wrapped around the tyrant's waist. Their backs were to Sen and Goz but Sen could hear Frieza moan angrily, "Where are they?!"
Jeice looked back at Sen and winked then looked forward again, moving slowly away as he did so, "They've all gone Master Frieza."
"Lucky for them, those wretched monkeys! I would have wiped them from existence, just as I had done to their miserable planet. Those stinking animals have no place in my domain. Next time, those bastards will get no mercy. Jeice! Where are the rest of my men? I want them training!"
"They're about, Master Frieza. Let me get you back to your father and then I'll round them up, er-of course, by your leave, sire. Afterwards, may I have word with you--"
As they faded out of Sen's keen earshot, she was brought back to her current plight by Goz. "Do you know where his highness went?"
"I can sense where Vegeta is, if that's what you mean."
"We need to go get him then."
"Look, it might be better if I take you to the Entrance Hall, then I go to get him and bring him back. You know he's not very sociable. If I have any problems, I will come get you, alright?"
"Wweelll, ok." Goz laid his hand on her shoulder. "But if he gives you any flack, Sen, you come get us. We know how to handle his kind."
"Deal!" Then Sen placed two fingers to her forehead and next thing Goz knew, they were standing next to the jolted Mez on top of steps to the Entrance Hall.
Mez grabbed his chest. "Gods, you two gave me a heart-attack!" Then Mez's eyes narrowed, "Goz! Where is he?!"
"Take it easy, Mez! His highness took off in a huff. But don't worry, Sen knows where he is. Well, Sen? What are you waiting for?"
Sen was concentrating on locating Vegeta's ki. When she found him she explained, "Got him," and put her two fingers to her head. She looked to Goz and side stepped causing him to drop his hand from her shoulder.
"Oh yeah, sorry." She nodded to them both then disappeared. "Man, I can't get over this instant transmission stuff. In fact, this whole shift has been too bazaar. I think I'll ask King Yama for a raise. What do you think Mez?"
"Get over yourself, Goz! We haven't had a raise in a thousand years." He sat down on the step next to the thermos. "Sounds like this whole dimension could be in jeopardy. What makes you think he'll give us one now?"
Goz sat down on the other side of the thermos. "Exactly!" Not taking his eyes off Mez, he reached down and grabbed the thermos and pointed it at Mez. "That leaves him no reason not to. And-" Goz continued while opening the thermos, "-with all this chaos going on, he'll give us the raise just to keep us happy. Come to think of it, he'll think he may not have to divvy up anyway if this Majin Buu comes around."
Goz lifted the thermos to take a swig but stopped when Mez hit him on the back of the head then grabbed the bottle from him. "You idiot! If Majin Buu does make it here, we won't need the raise either!"
"Oh shoot. Never thought of that. But you worry too much Mez. If these Saiyans have anything to do with it, there's a good chance we'll still be around." Goz stared at his empty hand then glared at Mez. "Hey! Give me that bottle!" He went to grab it back then noticed two pieces of ripe orange fruit next to where the thermos was sitting. "Ah man! King Yama's special fruit too?!"
"Sorry, these are for our guests. King Yama wants them at their best and more."
"What am I chop liver?"
"Oh, put a cork in it and get your own thermos."
Goz stood up, turned to go inside, and then looked back to Mez before going. Handing him the bottle top, "Hey, give it to the girl first, she's hurt pretty bad, and that Veggie fellow would probably drink it all."
"Hehe, no doubt! Hmm, I wonder what's taking them so long. He's probably giving her flack. You should have gone with her."
Goz continued on inside, calling over his shoulder, "She didn't want me to, thought it would be easier to get him to come by herself. Hahaha. That Sen sure has a way with the males. Hmm, I think this calls for my vintage stash. What do ya think Mez, is it too early to celebrate?"
Mez didn't answer. He put the lid back on the thermos and placed it next to the fruit. Picking up one of the coveted produce, Mez examined it for blemishes. Nothing. Yama's fruit was perfect. Aside from the King, there was only one other being that has eaten from the sacred tree.
It was the first Saiyan he had ever met and the thought brought a smile to his lips. The goof had fallen off Snake Way and asked them to help him out. Mez closed his eyes and recalled the young man. They sure had fun with the guy, all the way up until he raced him in a foot race. It was the toughest challenge he had ever had. He had hoped Vegeta would have given him a fair go to redeem his title. Goku beat the ogre and as promised by Mez, he was shown the secret passage way out of HFIL. That mortal was the only being to learn of its existence. "The Secret Passage Way." He had heard the fellow returned to the living world soon after. Mez eyes shot open and he jumped up. "The Secret Passage Way! Holy crap!" Running inside, he yelled, "GOZ!! WHICH WAY WAS THAT VEGETA HEADING?!"
Mez found Goz rummaging in one of the wall cabinets. Half his body was stuck inside the deep closet. Goz didn't come out but continued to hunt for his bottle. "Gods, I don't know Mez. I guess he was heading in the direction of Hairline Gorge."
"Darn it!" Dropping in a nearby chair, Mez shook his head. "We are in for it now."
Goz continued to look, pushing things out of the way which caused some to fall to the floor around him. "Where is that-- What are you talking about, Mez?"
Mez glared at Goz's back side. "The Secret Passage Way!" Mez heard a muffled chuckle come from the half submerged ogre. "Come on, Mez. There's only one being that knows about the passage way. You know, that Saiyan that beat you in a race. What was his name?"
Sighing, Mez slumped his shoulders and answered quietly. "Goku."
"Huh? GOO COO wasn't it? Ah ha! I found it! Now if I could just reeeeach it--" Goz got up on his tip toes.
Mez spoke up this time, "Gees Goz, you really have to work on your people skills. His name is pronounced Goku! Anyway, King Yama said something about sending Vegeta to their planet to stop the Majin guy. Didn't he?!"
"ehh-a little more--" Frustrated, Goz yelled at his colleague "SO?"
Mez jumped out of his chair and balled his fists. He was so tempted to kick Goz in the butt. "TWO SAIYANS ON THE SAME PLANET. DON'T YOU THINK THEY WOULD KNOW EACH OTHER!"
Goz stopped reaching for a moment and questioned again, "Soooo?" Getting no response forced the blue ogre to draw his own conclusion. He jumped, "GREAT GODS!" This caused him to knock his head on the shelf above him. "Ouch!" Pulling himself out of the cabinet, Goz turned to Mez rubbing the back of his head.
Mez frowned at Goz, "King Yama isn't going to be happy to here this. We better call him before Vegeta shows up in his lap."
"Hold on, Mez. What makes you think he'll find his way anyway? There's more to just knowing where it is."
"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm not taking any chances. I'm calling King Yama right now." Mez stomped out of the room and headed for their office.
"Shucks!" Goz swung around, kicked the stuff on the ground out of the way and slammed the cabinet doors shut. "I guess we can kiss our raises good-bye!"