Disclaimer; I don't own Dragonball/z/gt though why you think I would is beyond me.
A/N; Well here we are, a brand new chapter just in time for Christmas. I hope you all enjoy it, it's a bit of an emotional chapter (well, I think so) and I'm sorry about how long it's been taking me to update for the majority of this piece, but I really don't have any very good reasons, it's just life. Anyway, Merry Christmas and enjoy the chapter
-D.B
Mind Games
Chapter Twelve
The sun shone high in the sky, spreading its golden warmth on everything below it. Not a cloud was visible as far as the eye could see. It was a perfect, picturesque day. The beautiful clear water that splashed up against the shores of the Kame Island was warm and perfect for wading in, and it seemed that as long as one could enjoy a day like this once in a while, their life would be perfectly carefree. Because a perfect day could work miracles.
So why wasn't the day working miracles for 18?
She sat on the beach, her legs pulled to her chest, gaze fixed far out on the distant horizon. A million thoughts raced through her head, but they all led her back to one conclusion. She had made a grave mistake in confessing to Krillen. Now they would pay, she could feel it in her bones, they would all pay. She didn't know what 17 would do, but he had warned her and she had chosen to ignore his threats.
Suddenly, and not at all to 18's displeasure, Marron was sitting on her lap. Tilting her head backwards, 18 was greeted by Krillen's smiling face. He sat himself down beside his wife and threaded his hand through hers.
"Krillen" she sighed as she rested her head on his shoulder. Even his name rolling off her tongue brought comfort to her, just to know he was near and did indeed love her dearly.
"Don't be scared of your brother 18, he can't hurt you anymore, I won't let him"
18 looked up at Krillen and blinked. How did he know what she was thinking? Stupid Krillen.
Krillen felt that 18 was looking at him and looked back down at her, then kissed her forehead, smiled cheekily and turned his gaze back to Marron who was playing in the sand just beyond their feet.
"I can't help it" 18 replied, after a few more seconds of peaceful silence, "I'm scared of what he's going to do next. He knows that you know. That look he gave me this morning before he left to train…" she paused for a second, "he knows"
"So what?" Krillen replied, "He's never going to be able to harm you or Marron as long as I'm around, and I promise, I'm not going anywhere."
"Papa!" Marron cried happily as she clambered up the sand dune towards her parents holding something in her small chubby hand. "Sick"
"What have you got there Marron?" Krillen asked as he pried the clearly dead bug from Marrons hands. 18 grimaced in disgust, she didn't at all approve the idea of her daughter playing with filthy dead animals.
"Is sick" Marron stated as she peered down at the bug, which was rested in Krillens open palm.
"No Marron, not sick. This little fellow is dead, you probably squashed it" he shook his head, knowing that his daughter had no idea what he was talking about.
"Krillen, that's horrible, throw it away" 18 pulled a funny face, "then go inside and wash your hands with lots of soap."
Krillen chose to ignore his wife for the moment, and instead pulled Marron down onto his lap, "Here we go firefly, you can help me bury this thing. Help papa dig a hole in the sand" he began to dig the hole, and then let Marron take over until the hole was a little deeper than the length of her hand.
"Ok, that's enough" he informed her. "Now we'll put the bug in, and cover him up"
"Coer 'im up" she repeated as best she could then followed her fathers lead and filled in the hole with sand until it was all filled up.
"All gone" Marron announced once the hole was filled in then stood up and clapped her hands together. 18 smiled at her daughter, she was so proud of her. She one only one and a half, yet she was growing up so fast. Even at her age, she knew what manners where, and always remembered to say please – although it came out more like 'peas' and thank you, and just now, she had beautifully demonstrated her understanding of life, she knew that bug was dead, she didn't know it was her fault, but she knew it was dead, and she had cared about his well being. What a perfect little girl she had, 18 was just over flowing with love and motherly pride at the moment, and it made her feel great.
"C'mon" 18 stood up and brushed the sand off of her, why don't you two go upstairs and clean up, and I'll start lunch"
"Or, I could do this…" Krillen responded as he stood up, wrapped his arms around 18's waist and kissed her. It was the most passionate moment they had shared in long time, and it felt great.
"You could do that" 18 replied with a smile as she brought her lips to his again for another sweet kiss. Oh how she had missed this. "But I really should go and make lunch, Marron's probably getting hungry"
---------------
"I'm coming!" Arisa called as she ran towards the front door, slipping her arm into her white jacket as she went. Pulling open the front door, a very surprised look settled on her face. She was greeted by a woman, who was sporting much the same facial expression.
"Hi, I'm Bulma" Bulma spoke up first and offered her hand, which Arisa shook, "You must be the woman I spoke to on the phone yesterday"
"I'm Arisa"
Bulma smiled a bright and friendly smile, "Well it's very lovely to met you Arisa, as I've already said, I'm Bulma, a long time friend of Yumcha. Speaking of which, is he in?"
"Oh yes," Arisa blinked, "How rude of me, come on in, he's around somewhere"
Bulma walked into the luxurious penthouse apartment and across to the sofa, where she sat down and made herself comfortable. She had been here million of times, probably more than millions; it had been like her second home during her twenties.
"Bulma!" Yumcha called as he walked out into the living room, Bulma stood up and wrapped her arms around her friend's neck in an affectionate hug. "Yumcha, it's good to see you again, it's been ages"
"Coffee?" Yumcha asked as she walked across the room to the kitchen
"Absolutely" Bulma replied
"Ris, you want coffee as well?"
"Sure" she replied as she sat herself down next to Bulma on a stool by the kitchen bench. "So", she asked, "How long have you known Yumcha?"
Bulma and Yumcha both turned their heads and looked each other in the eyes, hoping the other would remember how many years it had been, but when Yumcha proved to be no help what so ever, Bulma replied, "Well I met him when I was what, 17?" she looked at Yumcha and smiled, "and I'm 28 now"
"Bulma!" Yumcha interrupted.
"Alright 30"
"Bulma"
"31"
"Bulma"
"Ok, fine. 33. Happy now"
"Thank you" Yumcha smiled in triumph
"So we've known each other for 16 years"
"Wow, that's a long time" Arisa smiled at Yumcha as he passed her a hot mug of coffee
"Yeah, me and Bulma go way back" he agreed, "Don't we Bulma?"
She nodded as she sipped her coffee.
They talked idly while they sipped their coffee, as neither Bulma nor Yumcha wanted to move onto the more pressing issue of their friends until Asria had left, which she planned to do in only a matter of minutes, because at the present moment, she was running around the apartment looking for the keys to her car and yelling at Yumcha because apparently it was his fault they were missing.
Bulma had to laugh, it sometimes made her glad that Vegeta took almost no interest in her everyday life; it made things so much easier. Soon though, Arisa left and Yumcha and Bulma moved out onto the terrace and sat beside the long clear swimming pool. It was a glorious day, and it seemed pointless to waste it indoors, when from here, they had a beautiful view of the entire city.
"So," Bulma rested her arms on the small table and leaned forward, "what are we going to do about this situation with Krillen and 18. We can't just leave them, it's our duty as their friends to help"
"I know" Yumcha leaned back in his chair and pulled his sun glasses over his eyes, "But I don't want to intrude, Krillen trusted me with his secret"
"I know, but don't you think sometimes is worth breaking the trust if it means helping a friend in need?"
Bulma didn't see it, but behind his glasses, Yumcha's eyes grew wide. "Bulma, it's never okay to take someone's trust for granted, once you've done that, it's never the same again. You should know that" he was making a direct reference to all the times Bulma had abused his trust during their relationship.
"I know" she replied, suddenly not feeling so good about herself anymore, "I guess I see your point"
"Well, I was lying in bed last night and I was thinking, maybe we just drop by for a visit, you know, check up on them?"
"Both of us? Together? You don't think they'd find that a little odd?"
"Probably, but don't you think it's better to know that they're safe even if it means wierding them out just a little?"
"Hmm, you're probably right. When should we go then?"
"Right now?" Yumcha shrugged his shoulders
"Right now? As in, this very second?" Bulma replied
"Sure, why not, just gimme a minute to find some shoes, and we'll be outta here"
Bulma shook her head as she watched him get up and walk back into the house; he was just too impulsive for his own good sometimes. His plan was hardly thought out at all, and had the potential for so very much to go wrong, but the again, a surprise visit wouldn't give them any chance to cover up whatever might need to be hid.
---------------
"Sleep tight, little one" 18 whispered as she lowered her baby into the crib and pulled the covers up over her. Marron looked up at 18, through already heavy eyelids and smiled. 18 smiled back, then after quickly rubbing her hand over Marrons hair, walked out the room.
"Did she go down ok?" asked Krillen, as he walked up the stairs
"Fine" 18 replied with a smile, "she always goes for her nap with out a fuss"
"So," Krillen wrapped his arms around 18's waist, "How are you feeling?"
"Ok…I think" 18 replied, "I don't know how I feel really"
Krillen smiled at her, "well, maybe I can help you decide" he whispered as he leaned into kiss her, he hesitated though, and pulled away again.
"Krillen, what's wrong?" 18 asked, he eyes full of concern.
Reaching up, Krillen gently rain his index finger over the fading bruise under 18's eye, "are you sure your alright? Really?"
"Krillen," 18 took hold of Krillen's hand and gently squeezed it, "I'm fine, I promise, as long as I have you, and Marron, I'll be fine"
"And you'll always have me and Marron. We love you"
"I know, believe me, I know"
---
Roshi sat on the couch watching the T.V, rejoicing for the one day of peace they had been given, when there was a knock at the door. Standing up, he made his way across the room, wondering who on earth would be visiting the Kame Island – no one ever visited the Kame Island.
"Master Roshi!" Yumcha greeted the old man joyously; it really had been too long since he had seen the legendary martial arts master.
"Yumcha, Bulma," Roshi removed his trademark glasses and rubbed his eyes, "What a pleasant surprise, won't you please come in"
Looking down to the floor below, Krillen smiled as he saw Yumcha walk into the house, followed by Bulma, it was a little odd seeing the two together, but he thought nothing of it.
"Look who's here babe" Krillen nudged his wife in the side with his elbow.
"Yes Krillen," she smiled, "I'm not blind"
Krillen looked across at 18 then shook his head. "Yumcha!" he called down to the bottom floor, catching his friend's attention, he then took off down the stairs, 18 followed casually behind him, "What are you doing here?" he asked
"We we're in the neighbourhood" Bulma replied, entering the conversation.
Krillen raised an eyebrow; "In the neighbourhood?" he repeated then laughed, "whatever. Do you want coffee?"
"Sure" they both replied in unison.
"How have you been 18?" Bulma asked as she sat down beside her friend on the sofa, straight away she noticed the fading bruise under her eye, but she said nothing.
"Fine" 18 quickly replied, not wanting to arouse any more suspicion than was absolutely necessary "we're doing well"
"Marron?"
This time 18 stopped and smiled, "She's great, talking more and more everyday now"
"Is she sleeping?"
"Yeah, she jut went down a few minutes ago"
"I bet she's getting big now. It seems like forever since I've seen her"
"She never stops growing, it's incredible"
"Tell me about it, they grow up so fast" Bulma sighed, thinking back to when Trunks was just a baby for her to love and hold, not that she didn't still love and hold him now, he just protested against it
There was silence in the room until Krillen re-emerged with coffee for everyone, once everyone had one, he took a seat in his favourite chair, and smiled at his friends. "So," he began, "Why are you guys here exactly?" he asked.
Yumcha and Bulma exchanged awkward glances, they didn't want to tell them why they were really here, Krillen would get mad at Yumcha for betraying his trust, and that was something neither of them wanted to put him through.
"Well?" 18 asked after several seconds of silence, she too, wanted an explanation.
"We…err…just thought it had been far to long since we had seen you both" Yumcha lied terribly
"I see" Krillen slowly nodded, "And where are Arisa and Vegeta today?"
"Arisa is working"
"And Vegeta is training. What else have you ever known Vegeta to do in his free time?"
"Good point" Krillen replied with a laugh. He noticed 18 looking at him out of the corner of her eye and turned to meet her glance, she looked confused and worried, 17 could come back at any minute and then who knew crazy conclusions he would jump to, and if he would go berserk or not. The sooner they could get rid of these two the better.
"I'll be right back" 18 excused herself from the room and headed upstairs, it didn't take long for Krillen to follow her.
"18?" Krillen asked as he followed he into their bedroom and shut the door "What's the matter"
"Krillen you have to get rid of them. What if 17 comes back?"
"What if he does?" Krillen shrugged his shoulders; "He won't try anything while they're around"
"Yeah, but they can't stay forever," she turned around and collapsed onto the bed, "And then what?"
"And then I'll be here, and didn't I already promise you that I wasn't going to let him hurt you?"
"But, Krillen" she began, but Krillen placed his finger over her lips, silencing her.
"Shhh. No more talking ok"
"Fine." She gave him a funny look, "But please get rid of them. I don't feel up to guest today anyway"
"How about I cut you a deal?" Krillen offered.
"Alright"
"How about you stay up here and get some rest and stop thinking about your brother, and I'll go downstairs and chat with Bulma and Yumcha for an hour or so then send them away"
18's eyelids were already getting heavy and she snuggled deeper into her pillow, "Ok" she muttered. She only faintly felt it as Krillen kissed her forehead then left the room.
------------
It was approaching 7pm when 17 touched back down on the island, the sun had almost finished setting, and the sky was a beautiful dark blue with a few stars beginning to poke though. It was a beautiful sight, but 17 paid it no heed, beauty didn't appeal to him. Not in the least.
18 stood in the kitchen, putting the few final touches on the evening meal. Marron sat on the floor beside her feet, quietly talking to herself as she pretended to stir with the bowl and spoon her mother had let her play with. Suddenly, 18 heard the screen door bang shut and a shiver ran down her spine. 17 was back. 18 picked her daughter up off of the floor and rested her on her hip, and only seconds later, 17 burst into the kitchen.
"Is the food ready yet?" he demanded, tossing a dirty glare in the direction of his sister and niece.
"Almost" 18 quickly replied, unconsciously she held Marron a little tighter.
17 growled deep in his throat then turned and stormed out the room. Once he was gone, 18 breathed a sigh of relief and kissed Marron on the forehead.
"Hey babe" Krillen called as he walked into the kitchen. Straight away he noticed something wasn't right. "Babe?" he asked, "you ok?"
"Hmm?" 18 blinked, "Yeah, fine. Will you take Marron out to the table?"
"Sure. C'mon Firefly" he said with a bright smile as he took Marron from 18 and left the room.
Shaking her head, 18 let out a long deep breath and shook her head. Things were out of her hands now. As much as she didn't want to admit it, her fear of 17 controlled her, she was his puppet. And it sickened her, made her feel physically ill.
Krillen walked back into the room then, "Are you really alright?" he asked
"Yeah," 18 forced a smile, "fine. 17 just…startled me"
Krillen raised an eyebrow, "Promise?"
"Promise" 18 replied with a firm nod of her head, then she picked up her dinner and motioned for Krillen to do the same, "Now lets eat"
---
Later that night, Krillen sat on his bed, playing with his tiny daughter, he could hear the shower running in the next room and smiled. Even if 17 was still here, it felt like things were back to the way they used to be. He had his wife, he had his daughter, he had his health. He had everything a man could possibly wish for.
He was happy.
Turning his head, he watched as Marron bounced around on the bed as if it were a trampoline, a wide smile plastered on her face. He had let her perfect blonde hair out of its pig tales, and it amazed him just how much like her mother she really was. How much she was like the 18 Krillen knew. Not the 18 everyone else knew. The 18 who loved to be happy and who cherished nothing more than her family. The 18 who Krillen loved more than words could describe.
"Marron" he called his daughters name. The little girl stopped bouncing and turned to look at her father. "Give me a hug?" he asked.
Straight away, Marron smiled and dropped to her knees, crawling across the bad, she wrapped her arms around her father's neck; Krillen hugged back and deeply inhaled her sweet baby smell. These were the memories that would last with him for a million lifetimes.
18 stood in the doorway that adjoined the small bedroom to the even smaller bathroom, leaning against the doorframe, just taking in the scene in front of her. It was a priceless moment between a father and his little princess and she wouldn't dare interrupt it.
Krillen looked over Marrons shoulder and smiled at 18, he motioned with his free hand for her to come and join them on the bed, which she gladly did.
"Give mummy a hug" Krillen smiled at Marron, who nodded, then turned around and hugged 18, whose eyes instantly filled up with tears.
"Aww babe, you're not meant to cry" joked Krillen as he sunk down on the bed, resting his head on the pillow.
Sniffing back more tears, 18 kissed Marron then wiped her cheeks, "I think it's time for someone to go to bed"
Krillen yawned, it was late and he'd had a busy day "I think so too. C'mon princess, I'll tuck you in" he said as he took Marrons hand and lead her across the hall to her bedroom.
"Sweet dreams Marron" Krillen smiled down at his daughter as he handed her her stuffed elephant toy and pulled the covers up. Leaning into the crib, he kissed her then stood aside so 18 could repeat the process. The couple watched for a few minutes until Marron dozed off then headed to bed themselves.
---------------
It was the middle of the night, and everyone was asleep for miles and miles around. Well almost everyone. One lone figure stood by the shore, the waves lapping up against his bare feet as the tide came further and further up the beach. The air was rather cold tonight, and 17 tilted his head back to look up at the starts. The sky was littered with them, literally – millions upon millions of stars consumed the night sky, spreading an almost eerie silver glow over the entire world.
Sighing deeply, 17 turned and picked up a rather large rock, looking for a way to vent his frustration. He threw it straight at Marrons tricycle, smashing it into a million tiny pieces. A sadistic laugh escaped his lips as he headed back into the house. He had a job to do tonight.
A job he knew would crush his sister forever. Tonight he would exact his final revenge.
Walking into the living room, 17 flicked on the lamp, filling the room with brightness. He picked up the pen and paper that was kept beside the phone and began to scribble down a note. Quickly he finished the short letter and moved up to the second floor of the house. He had one last thing to collect before he could leave.
10 minutes later the only indication that 17 had ever been there; was the broken woman he had left behind, the woman who would probably never fully heal.
---------------
The sun had already risen high in the sky when Krillen began to stir. He moaned against his closed lips and without opening his eyes, stretched out his arms and wrapped them around his wife.
"You awake?" he mumbled.
There was silence for a few seconds, until he heard the muffled reply, "No"
"Ok then" he replied as he drifted back off into a peaceful slumber.
Some time passed, he wasn't sure how long, but it was ten past 8 when he finally sat up and rubbed his eyes, ready to face the day.
"C'mon," he nudged his wife, "it's time to get up"
18 groaned, "fine" she sat up too, and gently pecked her husband on the lips, "morning" she greeted him as she threw back the covers and climbed out the bed.
Krillen slipped his feet into his slippers and headed down stairs to make some breakfast, walking into the kitchen, he eyed the big garbage bag that had been placed over the hole in the window and made a mental note to call a glazier this afternoon, that needed to be fixed before the beginning of the rainy season.
He walked further into the room and opened the fridge. Peering in, he sighed. They need to do some shopping. Reaching in, he pulled out a bottle of milk that 18 had filled the night before and popped it in the microwave. 30 seconds later, it was ready, just the right temperature for Marrons morning drink. Bottle in hand, he headed back up the stairs and into Marrons room.
"Morning firefly" he greeted as he put the bottle on the change table and opened up the curtains, filling the room with bright morning sunlight. Turning around though, he noticed that Marrons wasn't in her crib. 18 must have already come and gotten her and taken her back to their room. So, picking up the bottle, he walked across the hall and into the room he shared with his wife.
"Where's Marron?" he asked as his eyes swept the room.
"In her crib" 18 replied as she rummaged through her closet looking for the days outfit.
"No she's not" Krillen quickly disagreed with his wife's statement, his voice now filled with worry.
"What?" 18 turned to look at him, "What do you mean?"
"I mean, she's not in her crib" Krillen was starting to panic now. He gripped the bottle tighter in his hand.
"No, she has to be" 18's face went pale as Krillen's words really begun to sink in. "I…I haven't gone in there yet"
Dropping the bottle, Krillen turned and ran, 18 was right behind him. They both burst into Marrons room and began to search for her in every nook and cranny.
"She's not in here Krillen!" 18 began to panic, her mind being thrust back to that horribly day she had almost drowned.
"It's ok," Krillen took 18's hands in his, "Well find her. She's a baby, she can't have gone very far."
18 growled deep in her throat and stormed out the room, she had to find her baby.
Krillen stood there for a second. His heart was pounding in his chest harder than ever before. He was more scared right now in this very instant than he had ever been in any battle he had ever fought. "Master!" he cried as his legs suddenly became active again and he ran out his daughters room and down to the other end of the hall.
"What is it my boy?" Roshi asked as he swung open the door to his bedroom.
"It's Marron," Krillen panted, "we can't find her"
"Are you sure?" he asked. "Have you looked everywhere?"
Tears began to well up in Krillen's eyes as he nodded, "everywhere" he replied.
"She can't be far my boy," Roshi tried to offer words of comfort to the distraught man, "She can't be far"
Shaking his head, Krillen ran down the stairs where he found his wife sitting on the floor, her shoulders shaking as she cried.
"18, don't cry, we're going to find her. I promise"
"We're not going to find her" 18 replied through her tears, her whole body was shaking with fear.
"Yes we will, don't say that"
"No Krillen, you don't understand!" 18 looked up at him. "We're not going to find her," she thrust a piece of paper at him, "17 has her"
"No," Krillen fell backward as the blood rushed from his head. He focused his eyes as best he could to read over the letter
18,
This is what you get for not taking my threats seriously. I told you, you would pay like never before. I have your kid don't ever expect to see her again though. Now you know what it feels like to lose something that means so much to you.
Enjoy the rest of your life.
17
Krillen felt the rage inside him bubble up to the point where he could no longer control it and he screamed. It hurt so much.
"Krillen don't!" 18 pleaded with him, "You'll hurt yourself" she grabbed his hands and pulled him down to his knees. "Krillen please" she cried, panicking like she never had before.
Krillen stopped screaming, and began to cry. 18 wrapped him up in her arms. "What are we going to do, Krillen?" she asked as she pushed his hair back off his tear soaked face.
He didn't reply for several minutes as he tried his best to compose himself, then, "We're going to find our daughter. 17 won't hurt her. Even he wouldn't sink that low"
"No Krillen, he would sink that low"
"We need to call everyone, they'll help us look. Don't worry, we'll find her, I promise"
"Krillen" 18 sobbed, she was so scared.
"We'll find her 18. Don't worry. And then I'm going to kill that bastard for doing this to us"
---
A/N; Well there you have it, hope you all enjoyed it and the next one shouldn't be too far away. Also, look out for my Christmas fic, which I'm going to try and get finished by Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year to everyone!
-Deadly Beauty