I'll try to make this chapter a little longer for you guys. ; It took me a while to finish, what with AP tests and all. But overall, I'm fairly satisfied with this one. Yea, two more characters!
Thomas: Lol now you sound like an obsessed fanboy. Your first review was so formal…
I don't own DBZ or Linkin Park's music.
Nothing to lose,
Nothing to gain,
Hollow and alone…
Promise
Chapter 4
"Mom!" My face broke into a smile a mile wide. "Mom!" I bounded toward the tall, smiling figure and was scooped up instantly. Strong arms cradled me silently and I snuggled against the long black hair. It was warm from the sun, and I smiled. "What pretty flowers did you plant this time, Mom?" Long, graceful steps carried us to the garden, every space filled with pretty flowers and fountains, even a fish pond! I breathed in a warm, sweet smell that seemed to be all around me and in me and smiled. I could feel Mom's breath on my face as she whispered,
"Wake up brat!"
I nearly jumped out of my captor's arms as he laughed gleefully. "What pretty flowers did you plant this time, Mommy?" he mimicked.
My face flamed and I looked down in shame…
How long was I asleep? We were in a field, and I thought I could just see a little dirt hill off to our left. Oh, that must be the crater where his ship was! That meant Gohan was in there…why didn't he put me in there too?
Obviously not satisfied with my response, he tilted his head. "Hmm! Nothing, huh? I should have left you asleep, you were cuter that way." Before I had time to process this quipped remark I was swung like a rag doll; my feet plunked to the ground. Broad rough weights latched to my shoulders, "You dress different than all the other humans, even that idiot brother of mine…Hmm," the weights lightened a little, "I can see the Saiyan in you!" The left weight disappeared completely and a hand came to my chin, pulling my gaze upwards. I blushed deeply-through all Radditz's harsh features, his eyes were strangely attractive. I could get lost in those eyes, a demagogue's eyes…
"You don't know what happened to our race, do you? Your father wouldn't appreciate the significance of what I'm doing, and your brother is too young to understand. But I can see that you're different. You see, we, the greatest fighters in the universe, are dying out. Our planet was hit by an asteroid some years ago; it was an accident, they happen. Nevertheless, only four of us remain. I can't just let our entire people die out, now can I? You may not be full Saiyan, but I'm sure that same fighting spirit resides in you. Come with me, and I'll teach you how to be a true warrior. We'll see the stars together…we could rule the universe, and show them all that the Saiyan race will never die!"
C-come with him? Learn to fight…leave this crummy life behind…I could have all of it, just like Gohan! I could be a Saiyan!-but…
"You can't escape it, it's in your blood."
"No," I replied weakly, shaking my head free, "no, it's not…I'm not Saiyan…"
"Face the truth, child, just as your father had to."
"He's not my father…I'm not Saiyan…I'm not supposed to have a tail! I'm not supposed to be here!" I slumped to the ground in despair, hot tears streaming down my cheeks. This was what I wanted, but not like this! Why did this happen? How did I get a tail? It doesn't make sense!
Between sobs, the smell of grass stung my nostrils.
"You Earth women are all the same, so weak and emotional-eh?"
A pause. I held back my tears long enough to see him turn and smirk at me, "It's show time."
In the blink of an eye I was standing again, both wrists in his gigantic hand behind me. I cringed as he wiped my face, "Have to look good for your daddy," and turned to the mountains. "Here he comes. Oh how quaint! He thinks that if he brings his Namek friend, they'll actually have a chance!"
I didn't dare chance a reply, but my mind was racing. If he only knew what this quaint pair would do to him…
Holy cow…! Goku and Piccolo-san! I'm going to see Goku and Piccolo-san! I strained my eyes to catch the first glimpse, held my breath as the tiny specs approached-gasped as they came into view. It was all wrong. Piccolo's shoulder pads were condensed, his skin was a different color; Goku's gi was faded and torn! I turned away from the dust of their landing and stared at the two forms in front of me.
Piccolo's form towered above even Radditz, but he wasn't bulky like my captor. Harsh lines accented his condescending stare, boring into me as if he could read my thoughts. I had to look down, or face utter destruction from those eyes…
My gaze fell on Goku's boots. They looked worn and faded. All of his clothes were old, and he was tan and lined from years of training. His face resembled Radditz's, with an expression that had seen it all. I wanted to yell, to scream, Stop! That's not who you are!
"Raddatz, you've gone too far! Holding an innocent girl…"
A fleeting glance seemed to say, Sorry you had to get mixed up in this…