. A Story with No Name .
From One Ship to the Next
AN – Ooooh. Yeah, Now that's what I call a clever title. XD Ok, I fucked it off, so sue me. I was racked for time. Anyway, here's another chapter. To all who be reading, I hope to have the next chap out come the Monday after Thanksgiving, but I don't really know. I'm spending next weekend with my dad, who doesn't have a computer, but I'll take my notebook and write as much as I can. And Happy Thanksgiving ahead of time.
Gohan's eyes were wide with bewilderment and disbelief. The massive warrior blinked, not quite understanding why this new face looked upon him in such a manner. Nappa glanced towards Chi-chi, who now stared at her son in shock.
"…Gohan…?"
Chi-chi's voice was weak with discretion as her son turned his head the slightest measure towards her, never lifting his eyes from the bulky beast before him.
"Mom…it's…that's Nappa…"
She snapped her eyes towards the tall being, and stood unbelieving, having remembered the many tales of a warrior by that name. Nappa blinked, completely lost, and lifted a hand to scratch the back of his neck.
"Uh…yeah. Oh, right, I never introduced myself to you guys."
He hit his head with the base of his palm and turned to Bulma and 18. A soft smile fell across his face, and it was obvious that he felt rather embarrassed at forgetting such a customary action.
"Gosh, I'm sorry misses. I guess you know now, though…"
He looked down bashfully as Bulma stared at him in shock. 18, however, didn't see the importance of what was happening, having never been told of the day Vegeta came to Earth. Bulma's blue eyes glistened with surprise and utter fascination.
"You mean…you're Nappa?"
He looked up to her innocently and stared, dumbfounded yet again at her actions. A small nod dipped his head.
"Uh, yah."
She couldn't remove her eyes from the thick face.
"You're the same guy that came with Vegeta?"
He stared at her and glanced confusedly back to Chi-chi as though in search of assistance.
"Well, yeah. So what?"
Bulma shook her head and focused upon him once more.
"Well…I thought he killed you."
Realization sparkled within his eyes for a fleeting moment and he chuckled sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head.
"Aw, yeah, that. Well, I don't see why that's anymore shocking then Frieza being alive."
Bulma blinked, the information suddenly hitting her across the face like a ton of bricks. She had heard him talk about Frieza as though he was alive, but it had yet to click. Chi-chi and Gohan gasped at that, and Gohan jumped into Nappa's point of view.
"What? You mean, he's alive? How? When? What the heck?"
Nappa reared back slightly and laughed while waving his hand before Gohan's face.
"Whoa, calm down, Kid. Look, I don't know anymore then you. All I know is one day, I was suddenly poofed back onto Frieza's ship with a buncha other people. They were just as confused as me, and all Frieza said to us was 'Get you pathetic carcasses working. I didn't bring you back so you fools could start lollygagging around. Move it!'"
Nappa's voice shot up three octaves, mimicking Frieza in a manner that suggested he was a schoolgirl. Bulma couldn't help but giggle at the impression, but she soon quieted as Gohan showed signs of obvious distress. He sighed with obvious worry resting upon his mind, when a heavy hand fell upon Gohan's shoulder.
Gohan lifted his eyes to view the friendly face of the man that had terrorized him so long ago. It was a weird sight that only disturbed him more when Nappa spoke.
"Hey, whatever's botherin' you, just forget about it. You've still got a while to just relax, and you should do just that."
Gohan stared at him, and Nappa laughed.
"Jeez, Kid, you act like I'm some sorta rabid dog or somethin'."
He chuckled as Gohan glanced towards Bulma and his mother. Gohan looked back up to the friendly man and smiled nervously.
"Heh, I kinda…have a reason though, don't ya think?"
Nappa blinked, completely stumped by what Gohan said.
"You…do?"
Gohan laughed nervously and nodded weakly.
"Uh, yeah."
Nappa blinked when a thought suddenly sparked in his head.
"Aw man, did I like, kill your dad or somethin'?"
Gohan deadpanned the warrior, completely stunned at what he was hearing.
"You've got to be kidding me."
Nappa glanced over to Bulma and looked back to the half-Saiyan before him.
"Uh…no?"
Gohan laughed and shook his head.
"Holy cow, I can't believe you don't remember me."
Nappa blinked.
"Well, uh, am I supposed to?"
Gohan stared unblinking at Nappa, and simply shook his head.
"Well, uh, I was there when you and Vegeta came to Earth. You know, Kakarot's son?"
Nappa reared back, nearly choking on air, and he stared at Gohan with wide eyes.
"Shit! You can't be serious! You mean she's Kakarot's mate?"
He pointed to Chi-chi, dumbfounded by the information, and Gohan nodded. Nappa slapped his forehead with a hand.
"Holy shit! You mean…? Man, Shit. No wonder yall are lookin' at me so funny. Heh…"
He rubbed the back of his neck and looked around the faces.
"Ok, well, so that explains why you two are here. But…"
He pointed a finger at 18.
"But what about you?"
She narrowed her eyes and flicked her head away.
"I have no idea."
He blinked and grinned.
"Oh, I see. Then you're a perk."
He chuckled as she snapped a cold glare toward him. She rolled her eyes and focused her attention elsewhere. He shook his head and stretched.
"Well, hm. Yall just came last night, eh?"
Bulma slowly nodded, not sure what to expect now that she knew exactly who this man was. Nappa just nodded and motioned for her and 18 to stand.
"A'ight then, come on. I gotta go meet up with someone, but I'll show yall to your room."
Bulma shrugged and stood up as Nappa turned and led them through the cafeteria until he finally reached a door. He opened it and held it for the small group until they all had filled into the hallway. He shut the door and looked to Bulma.
"Just thought of somethin'. Who's your dude?"
She looked up and gave him a strange grin, knowing what he was talking about.
"Oh, his name's Tovke. Or, at least, I think so."
He stared at her for a moment, almost as though he didn't expect her to know. Nevertheless, he shrugged it away and nodded curtly.
"Lucky dogs. He's a good one. Normally just leaves people alone. Ok then, never mind."
He walked down the hall until he stood before the girls room, and, upon reaching the door, he turned to face them.
"This it, ain't it?"
Bulma nodded quizzically.
"Yeah, but how'd you know?"
He grinned knowingly.
"Tovke is one of the top guys when it comes to transporting people. He watches over the most precious and powerful of people 'till they get to wherever they're supposed to go. So he always boards his people in this room. It's the best one on the ship, believe it or not, and you could probably get a crazy Vegeta in here and nothing would happen to it. Heh."
Bulma smiled thoughtfully and opened the door, holding it for Chi-chi and Gohan as they walked in. 18 was watching Nappa cautiously, but soon brushed whatever was bothering her aside and followed after the duo. Bulma turned to Nappa after 18 walked inside and narrowed her eyes the smallest measure in curiosity.
"Hey, Nappa."
The warrior paused, having been about to walk away, and looked back curiously. He straightened up as Bulma ended the temporary silence.
"I was being serious when I asked you what you thought about Vegeta."
He stared at her, a timid confusion resting softly upon his brow. She took the chance to explain, knowing exactly how to deal with people like him thanks to the years she spent with Goku.
"You know? I asked what you thought of Vegeta, and you said that being with him was nothing but work."
His eyes widened the slightest measure with knowledge as he remembered the previous conversation.
"Oh, that. What about it?"
She rolled her eyes inwardly and spoke with a firm voice.
"I was being serious, and you gave me a sarcastic answer. What do you think of him?"
A slight touch of nervousness caressed the depths of his eyes, and Bulma laughed in a friendly manner to show she had only good intentions.
"Look, I won't tell him. I just wanna know. It's my nature."
He stared at her blankly, and after a moment, lowered his gaze and watched the ground. He rubbed the back of his neck in thought and shook his head while chuckling.
"I've really gotta get goin'. I'll try to visit you guys a little later; this ship's as boring as hell."
He dipped his head and clicked his heels, all as a sparkle rested in the depths of his black eyes.
"Good day, Miss."
He turned with a queer manner that showed his cordial, yet respective feelings towards the blue-haired woman. He quickly walked down the hallway, and turned around a corner out of sight. She rolled her eyes unconsciously and turned back inside. She sighed as the door softly shut behind her with a gentle squeak that almost seemed to call out a warning into the all-too-calm air.
……
Hours slowly dragged on as the small group sat cramped inside their room. Bulma and Gohan had started playing tic-tac-toe in the dust that clung to the walls, however they soon ran out of room and were forced to stare boredly at the walls in silence. After what felt like an eternity, a soft knock resonated through the room, and Bulma instantly jumped to answer. She opened it wide and bore a friendly smile, having been looking forward to seeing her new acquaintance.
"Hey Na…"
Her expression fell when she realized that three people stood before her, none of which being Nappa. Two men clad in the same armor as she (although their's seemed more regal and brilliant under the old light of the hallway) stood behind Tovke. The thick, black-haired man smiled softly and nodded in greeting. Bulma instantly dropped her carefree attitude and raised a questioning eyebrow. Tovke glanced over his shoulder at one of the men behind him, yet quickly returned his attention to the woman before him.
"Hello Miss. How was your night? Sleep well?"
Bulma nodded cautiously, watching the two men behind Tovke carefully.
"It was fine. Do you mind me asking who those men are?"
Tovke turned to view one of the men behind him.
"They are simply guards to ensure your safety during the transfer, ma'am."
She blinked as Gohan came up behind her. Tovke nodded to him as well in greeting yet quickly turned back to Bulma.
"Come with me."
He took a step back as Bulma cautiously walked forward. Gohan watched her as 18 and Chi-chi walked up behind him in curiosity. One of the two guards put his calloused hands upon her shoulders gently, yet firmly, as though he expected her to escape. Tovke looked to the remaining three and waved his hand.
"Come on, you too."
Gohan led the way while 18 and Chi-chi followed cautiously, still unsure as to what was happening. Tovke began walking down the hallway as the guard watching Bulma pushed her forward, not removing his hands for a second. The three others followed after Bulma, and the second guard took up the flank. They walked for a long while, until they came to a door far from their dorm. Tovke glanced over his shoulder towards the two guards behind him and lifted his first and middle finger, flicking them to his right, then down, and then pointing towards his head in some sort of sign. The guards nodded, and at that, Tovke turned the heavy latch that sealed the door. He pulled it to the side and proceeded traveling down the long, white hall, trusting that those following would continue as well. A thin, dark skinned woman with an unnaturally long face and strange clothes stood at the end of the hallway and nodded in acknowledgement towards the group. She easily turned the heavy latch and opened the hallway to an entirely new world.
As Tovke made his way forward, Bulma was the first to view the spectacular sight that seemed monotonous to the guard that followed her ever so closely. The ceiling stood beautifully above her head, so high that she could barely see it. Gohan soon followed and gaped at the sight. People of hundreds of descriptions bustled about with children, baggage, and queer beasts he could never have imagined. Lights ensured the feeling of day would never die as words and markings blinked and flickered magnificently with every color. The walls were made of glass with the occasional support beam artistically separating the dotted view of space. As they started walking into the mass of people, the crowd parted before Tovke with a swiftness that seemed mechanical. The previously garrulous crowd hushed as they stood watching the group pass. The soft roar from the various shops and attractions was the only noise as the group quietly walked towards a far door. There, waiting for them to come, was a tall, pale-skinned man with green hair and golden eyes.
Chi-chi glanced around the many faces that stared wide-eyed towards her, each pair of eyes (or set, depending upon the race) flickering with undoubted curiosity. She suddenly caught sight of a rare blotch of orange, and she snapped her eyes to focus upon what she thought was Goku. Her fleeting hope died, however, when she saw that it had simply been a small group of people wearing clothes that seemed unmistakably similar to Goku's gi. She watched them for a moment, and soon noticed how the orange-clad people stared in pure awe towards her (not seeming the least bit curious) and her son and never once glanced towards any one else. She narrowed her eyes but brushed her thoughts aside.
18 carefully scanned over every face when she noticed a group that watched from a distance. Her eyes narrowed as she studied them as she had all the others, and she watched them carefully when a female diverted her gaze from the front of the line and made eye contact. The passion and queer darkness within the woman's dark gaze surprised her as the two stared at each other, both in deep thought. 18 finally tore her gaze away and focused upon the pale-fleshed man that still stood so far away.
As they slowly stepped ever closer to the patient man that stood ominously against the pale walls of the station, darkness suddenly flooded into the area. Frenzied voices exploded and raged as mass confusion instantly took hold. The guards shouted to one another and haste rode upon their powerful voices. The guard holding Bulma's shoulders suddenly unleashed a shocking screech. His cold hands still grasped her shoulders as the muscles within each finger twitched violently against her flesh. Bulma turned around, filled with peaking paranoia, and looked into the dim face of her guard. His eyes were wide as he hacked and wheezed, yet not once did he soften his grip. The confusion and fear roared all around her as voices raged in defense and fear. Screams shrieked throughout the crowds as the masses of people began moving and shifting, knowing well of their sudden venerability. Bulma gasped, frightened as to why her guard suddenly acted in such a manner.
"Sir? Sir, what's wrong? Sir!"
Her questions only received strangled coughs in reply, and she soon discovered why. The warrior fell forward, forcing her down due to his bulk. She gasped, fearing the strange action, yet soon realized exactly what had happened. A dark, warm liquid drained across her torso, coating her and calling claim to any untouched flesh. She forced her shaky head to gaze upon him and watched as a thick blood poured from the great warrior's neck in unchecked torrents. A scream flew from the depths of her soul as her gaze made contact with his eyes, and she watched as he stared towards her with tender fear and hopelessness. All his strength escaped from the slash that snaked deeply through the center of his throat, and her screams only increased as she watched the man slowly fade, unable to move the great bulk and too terrified to even try.
The bulky body was suddenly flung away from her, and a pair of hands roughly grabbed her frail body. They lifted her up without the slightest thought and threw the bewildered woman across a broad shoulder. Screams of fear and shouts of anger consumed the air as women floundered in the darkness and the men shouted orders to defeat some unseen foe. Horrid slaps of flesh hitting metal resonated throughout the station and the blood curdling cracks of bone bore its sickening skull into her mind. She screamed and shouted at the demon of unknown description, fighting tooth and nail for freedom to no avail. Similar voices yelled into the darkness as Chi-chi and 18 both fought frantically against the darkness.
Even with her strength, 18 made no difference against the unmovable arms that held her close to a chiseled chest. She felt herself gliding swiftly through the air as her captor ran hurriedly to some unknown location. Other sounds of running feet beat with an unnaturally swift pace, and the faint world of darkness before her seemed to melt away into a world of dark confusion. Shouts from men erupted from behind them as the thieves easily dashed away from Tovke and the other workers of the station.
Darkness kept its cold hold upon their eyes, yet the sound of the swift, light-footed escape pounded in harmony with the beating of the girls' hearts. A few times, they felt as though they floated after launching into the air, yet gravity always regained its hold upon the defiant beasts that rushed to some secret place.
Suddenly, the creatures stopped and stood deathly still, darkness still cloaking every inch of the women's world, and after the last of their people gathered, a soft click was sounded as a door was sealed shut. The tense air relaxed, and the girls' captors unleashed their victims, allowing them to fall to the ground. Chi-chi squeaked painfully and quickly sat up in fear for her new situation. Bulma quickly crawled to the sound of her friend's voice, and soon touched Chi-chi's shaky knee. The two girls quickly grasped one another in fear and snapped their eyes around the room in panic. 18 sat not far away, as the strange masses of shadow shifted before their eyes. The strangers grumbled and mumbled in some queer speech whose rustic tone increased the terror within their hearts.
One smaller shadow made its way to the small group of girls as various shouts flew across the room. The creature paused before them just as the room began vibrating and jolted with enough force to knock a grown man from his feet. Chi-chi and Bulma slowly looked up to the faint shape of a head, and watched as the stranger knelt before them. A soft, almost seductive voice spoke towards the fearful girls in a gentle, feminine tone.
"Ase, ner harente so darhon."
Bulma relaxed upon hearing a feminine voice, feeling much safer with another woman in the area, and watched the shadowy figure with curiosity. The texture of her voice was reassuring and kind, but the girls weren't about to relax completely after the ruckus caused. Her voice suddenly screeched out a quick order to one of the other men, and lights from above flickered on, filling the room with a clean glow. The sudden brightness blinded the three girls, but after a few moments, their eyes adjusted to the change. Their frantic eyes darted about the room, as though fearing that this moment of enlightenment would be fleeting. Several large, heavily built men were scattered around the room, sitting in chairs or leaning comfortably against the walls as though they had been resting there for hours. 18 quickly looked to the woman who knelt before them, and scanned over her in hopes of collecting every detail.
She was a thin, yet obviously powerful, woman with long, black hair that wielded an exotic will of its own. Her face was well built and sleek, and she wore a ragged outfit that seemed to have been made straight from old, brown rags. When 18 met her gaze of black, she instantly recognized the passion that burned beautifully within the woman's gaze and inhaled a small breath in surprise. She was the same woman she had seen before the lights went out. Chi-chi suddenly lashed out, and her dark eyes glistened with her natural prowess.
"Who the hell are you people?"
The woman laughed softly and gently nudged Chi-chi's knee playfully with the back of her hand.
"Don't you worry. We aren't going to kill you chicks or anything."
Chi-chi's glare stayed undaunted by the reassuring words, though her voice proved that she was hesitant about continuing her argument. Bulma spoke quickly, assisting her friend's protest.
"And how do we know that isn't some lie?"
The exotic woman simply laughed at the question.
"I guess you'll just have to trust me."
Bulma and Chi-chi side-glanced on another and sent a unified glare towards the strange woman. She caught this gaze and adopted an understanding look.
"Hey, don't worry. I won't let any of these bad men touch you."
She gave a playfully accusing look to one of the closer men, and he laughed while shaking his head.
"Oh yeah, I'm so into them."
He held out his hands towards the three girls and twirled his fingers around mockingly.
"Ooo, you better watch out."
He laughed again and a few others joined in his dark merriment. Chi-chi leaned forward, glaring fiercely towards the joyful woman.
"Ok, if you guys don't mean us harm, then where's my Gohan?"
Her voice shrieked in anger and the strange woman withdrew in slight shock. She recovered quickly, however, to answer the temperamental woman's question.
"Your son? Well…"
She paused, trying to find the best way to say what was on her mind. Her features softened as she gained a compassionate aura.
"He's with us, obviously, but he got in the cross-fire of our mission. One of our people mistook him for a guard and attacked him in the confusion. It's understandable, your brat's a lot older then any of us planned. Anyway, we realized our mistake and as of now, he's currently in the medical wing of the ship."
Although her word choice appeared rather crude and demeaning, her voice still held its gentle, sympathetic tone as though calling someone's child a 'brat' wasn't a form of degradation. Chi-chi noted the way she spoke, rather the words she used, since she understood the difference between cultures that naturally resided. However, the message that the woman had spoken sliced fear through her heart. Her eyes widened with shock and she drew her hand to her lips.
"What?"
She was quiet, still collecting her newfound information, when she suddenly exploded with rage.
"What did you do to my baby boy!"
She lunged forward and clasped her hands around the woman's neck. Every eye snapped towards the scene with shock and anger, yet the warriors kept their place unwillingly. The woman's black eyes were wide once more with surprise, and although an insane mother was trying to strangle her, she didn't make a single move to restrain her. Chi-chi's hysterical attack soon faded as she saw that no one rushed forward to calm her down or return her to her place (as some people might say). Tears glistened in the corners of her eyes as she stared confusedly towards the woman within her grasp. She pulled back awkwardly, and watched the queer woman who had only stared at her while Chi-chi tried to kill her. The black-haired woman brushed aside a lock of misplaced hair and began her reply as though nothing had happened.
"He received a serious blow to the head, but I assure you, we will fix him up and inform you of his progress as it comes."
Chi-chi stared at her.
"So, he's…here?"
She glanced around and softly mumbled under her breath.
"Wherever 'here' is…"
The other woman smiled, seeming to have completely forgotten the previous outburst of violence.
"Of course, when we realized our mistake, we hurried him back here before we brought the three of you."
Chi-chi looked down, deciding to simply accept what the other woman said.
"When can I see him?"
Chi-chi's voice was suddenly weak with worry, and the woman smiled empathetically. She laid a hand on Chi-chi's knee in comfort.
"You can see him soon. They're just putting him in the rejuvenation tank, and after they've set him up, you can go in."
Chi-chi nodded meekly, worry emanating from her psyche in waves, and Bulma placed a comforting arm upon her back. The blue-haired woman soon looked up from her friend's fear and gazed towards the stranger, watching her through narrowed eyes of suspicion.
"So, why did you kidnap us like that?"
The other woman perked up, almost, at the more prominent question. She sat back onto the floor and leaned back on one arm. The other perched itself upon one elevated knee, while her other leg laid comfortably upon the floor.
"Well, it's a bit of a long story."
Bulma narrowed her eyes, showing that she didn't care and simply wanted answers. The girl smiled and began.
"Well, after we all came back from Hell, we took a look at our resources. A few groups dispersed quickly in order to slip under Frieza's nose and make some sorta plan. We were one of those groups, and we met a guy that was in-the-know. He told us that Prince Vegeta was still alive, so we tried to figure out exactly where he was. Go figure, Frieza was doing the same thing, and rumor was going around that Frieza got a hold of His followers. Well, we knew that Der Nappa had taken up workin' at Frieza's favorite slave ship, so we had him stay on the lookout for any new faces. He sent us a message that Lord Vegeta's mate was on the ship, and boom, here we are."
Bulma blinked, surprised that there had been so much behind it all. Her eyes narrowed the slightest touch in thought.
"Ok, so…why do you want us?"
A grin caressed the woman's face as she spoke.
"Well, we can't let you fall into the Emper's hand. You're Prince Vegeta's mate."
Bulma glanced towards 18, and then quickly looked down to Chi-chi.
"Well, what about them?"
She smiled and shrugged softly.
"I donno, Der Nappa didn't say much. He was obviously racked for time. He just told us that there was going to be three girls and a boy."
She shook her head disapprovingly.
"If he woulda just said young man, or man, then we woulda known that he was going to be older. But he's just like that, always making everyone sound younger."
She chuckled softly and shook her head.
"I still don't see why though. Hey, Korta, where is he anyway?"
The man closest to the group looked up and lightly lifted his powerful shoulders to show his indifference.
"How the hell should I know? He's probably still tendin' to the gamin."
She rolled her eyes, sending a reprimanding glare towards Korta.
"Hey, don't say somethin' like that. To hell if you know who he is. He could be Der Vegeta's kid, he's old enough."
Korta sent an empty glare towards her, and simply looked back to the ground. The woman rolled her eyes and looked back to Bulma. The scientist blinked, suddenly feeling more comfortable with the sudden flicker of hope.
"Wait, you mean, he's on the ship?"
The girl laughed and nodded.
"Of course he is. He's part of this little brigade, why else do you think he was on that ship? Jeez, you Earthlings really are slow."
Bulma growled from the offensive remark and scrunched her face in distaste.
"Well, excuse me. A lot of stuff has happened. It's hard to keep track of it all."
The woman nodded while containing her giggles, and finally spoke in a voice that hardly reached the apologetic tone it was meant.
"I know, I know. Just can't help it. I always get really active after a bout like that."
Her smile sharply contrasted Bulma's cold glare, and suddenly the woman perked up, as though remembering something.
"Damn, we haven't met yet, have we?"
She dipped her head in a quick nod.
"My name is Takirhare, but most people just call me Tak."
Bulma's glare faded to one of blank indifference.
"I'm Bulma, this is Chi-chi, and she's 18."
She indicated each person as she spoke their name, and looked back to Takirhare. She smiled and opened her mouth to say something when a large shadow suddenly loomed behind her. Tak turned her head around and glared up to the massive warrior's face, and slapped his leg in a show of false anger.
"Geez, what took ya?"
Nappa chuckled and looked towards the small group. His thick face softened as he watched Chi-chi.
"Ma'am, you can see him if ya want."
Chi-chi's previously melancholy actions disappeared at his words, and she jumped to her feet. Her hands grabbed Nappa's armor and pulled him down harshly.
"Then take me to him!"
His eyes showed his shock, but he quickly gathered a humored look and grinned.
"Alrighty, come on."
He turned and started walking to some unknown region of the ship with Chi-chi stalking him the whole way. Bulma glanced towards Takirhare, and the woman simply nodded in reply to Bulma's silent question. The blue-haired woman jumped to her feet, quickly following after Nappa, and 18, after seeing the other's actions, grudgingly stood and walked after them. Nappa paused by a door as it opened on its own, and walked inside with the group of females following him. He finally stood before a large tank with a small window that showed the demi-Saiyan. Chi-chi lunged forward and placed her hands softly upon the cool glass. She stared inside and watched her son as the blue-green liquid swirled about him calmly, playing with the locks of his black hair. Her face softened at the sight.
"Oh…Gohan…"
Her eyes glistened with tears at the sight of her oldest son weakened and helpless within some strange tank with a breathing mask and various tubes connected to his body. Her eyes closed tightly when a large hand rested upon her shoulder. She turned and gazed into Nappa's sweetly compassionate gaze.
"He'll be fine. He's just gotta rest for an hour or so."
Chi-chi narrowed her eyes sadly and looked to the ground thoughtfully.
"You sure?"
He grinned a warm smile and nodded.
"A'course, we've got a doctor that'll watch over him and fix anything that goes wrong."
He threw his eyes towards a purple-skinned man who sat near a control box sipping on a dark liquid and reading through a magazine. Green and blue lights blinked steadily upon the keyboard to show that everything was working properly and that there was no need for alarm.
She nodded weakly and closed her eyes.
"All right…"
He helped her stand up and led her back into the main area. The two other women followed quietly as Nappa led Chi-chi to a small sofa. She sat back against the soft fabric and laid her head back in an attempt at relaxation. Her eyes were closed as she took a moment to enjoy the rich texture of the fabric that coated the couch, and she lifted a drowsy hand to softly caress the gentle fabric. Her eyes opened as she stared towards her hand, and she softly spoke without removing her gaze.
"This is…beautiful. What is it?"
Nappa had turned and plopped down onto an old couch. Tak lifted her dark eyes to watch Chi-chi curiously and smiled when she saw her reaction.
"It's one of our prized possessions. It was made on the planet Alador and adorned with the pelt of the rare Belysnec Deer."
Chi-chi lifted her head and stared at her blankly, and Tak laughed and shook her head.
"Alador is the top planet when it comes to the arts, and the Belysnec Deer is one of the rarest creatures in space. Only found on three planets, can you imagine?"
Her voice was almost dreamy as she spoke of the wealthy aspect of the room, and her eyes glistened with the natural pride that came when one owned rare items. Nappa chuckled and shook his head, looking back to Chi-chi.
"I bet that it's just an old couch that was made to look fancy-shmansy."
Takirhare glared at the bulky warrior and slapped his arm.
"It was not. Don't try to depress."
The two chuckled and Nappa shrugged in closure. He then looked up to Bulma and threw his thumb towards one of the far doors.
"Well, you guys'll sleep in there, if you were wondering of whatever. I think we have a TV in there if yall get bored. Can't remember though."
He rubbed the back of his head and glanced back towards Tak.
"Hey, when you startin' supper? I'm starved."
She straightened up and nodded. She turned and ran towards another door.
"Damn, totally forgot."
She grumbled to herself as she dashed inside a far room, instantly disappearing behind the metallic walls. Nappa laughed to himself and shook his head, looking back towards the small group of women.
"Well, she won't be done for a few hours. Make yerselves at home. The bathroom's got that red thing on the door, and like I said earlier, that door over there is your room. If Gohan's better before supper, I'll holler at ya."
Bulma looked towards the rooms he indicated, eyeing the bathroom carefully.
"Could I take a shower?"
He grinned and nodded, waving his hand towards the bathroom.
"Go right on ahead, I'll make sure nobody bothers ya. All the stuff's in there. You need some clothes or somethin'?"
She nodded and Nappa stood to walk into a different room. 18 stood as well and walked inside the bedroom he had indicated. She fell onto the bed, happy that she could be alone for a while. Chi-chi, however kept her place on the couch when Nappa returned carrying an old, wrinkled t-shirt and a pair of strange pants. He held them out to Bulma, who smiled thankfully and eagerly walked into the bathroom.
As her friend left, Chi-chi leaned her head back onto the gentle furs of the couch and inhaled deeply and calmly. Her eyes flitted closed as she rested against the cushions, suddenly realizing how tired she felt. Her mind teemed with the thoughts and memories that had occurred throughout the past hours, yet they soon faded to a soft, soothing hum. A familiar face gently formed within her mind's eye. It slowly turned to gaze towards her, and the man's simple gaze lit a smile upon her face. His black eyes were so innocent and joyful, yet he looked towards her with so much care dripping from his gaze. Those long locks of hair were characteristic to him alone, and her heart softened upon seeing that familiar beacon of hope. A single thought slid from her consciousness as sleep took its pleasant hold upon her mind.
Please remember me…Goku…
AN – Heh, something like…happened in this chapter. Yeah. There were a few little language things in this one. Don't worry, I won't do that too much. I'm mainly trying to give it that 'not earth' feel. –shrug- The only one you need to know about was when Takirhare said 'Der Nappa'. Der is kinda like…sama for Japanese, or Sir for English. It's Saiyan, yeah… o.o I'll probably use it in later chapters. So now you're in the know XDD Anyway, thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. And until next time, fare thee well…