Authors note: Hey all ^_^. I really like this chapter, its pretty exciting. All the good stuff will happen soon; I've dragged this story out long enough. Anyway, thanks for your reviews, I hope you all like this chapter. Enjoy =D!
Eighteen dried herself and put on a bathrobe after her long shower, deciding to head off to bed and watch a bit of TV. She sauntered from the bathroom, a towel wrapped in her hair, smirking when she spotted Goku and Chi Chi sitting on a chair together, Chi Chi on Gokus lap, arms around one another as they gazed into each others eyes. Her smirk only deepened when she noticed Krillin standing uncomfortably by the window, unsure of what to do with himself. "Hey baldy, want to come watch some TV with me," Eighteen asked Krillin casually, as she pulled her bathrobe tighter around herself. Why am I doing this, Eighteen wondered, surprised at her own caring behaviour. Goku also seemed surprised; he had raised an eyebrow and was grinning at Eighteen, before snuggling closer to Chi Chi and kissing her softly on the forehead.
"Sure," Krillin replied, relieved that he would be able to get out of the uncomfortable situation of watching Goku and Chi Chi pull kissy faces at one another. He didn't really take in the change of Eighteens personality; she was no longer acting like her usual, cold self. Eighteen led Krillin into her room, which was equipped with a TV; "Hey! How come you get a TV in your room," called Goku; and a queen sized bed. Eighteen pulled the towel from her hair and threw it in a heap in the corner of the room. She then shook her head a few times, thin wisps of blonde hair falling across her face. Krillin stared at the blonde beauty admiringly, placing a hand on his head, where she had kissed him. Eighteen, meanwhile, turned on the television and flung herself on the large bed, staring at the screen in a bored fashion. She soon turned her head and spotted the staring Krillin. "Well baldy, I know I'm much more interesting then this thing," she started, pointing at the TV, "But the reason you were invited in MY room in the first place was to watch the television; not me! As interesting as I am." Eighteen laughed as she watched Krillin turn a dark shade of red, before he seated himself on the floor next to the bed. Eighteen was having to much fun too stop embarrassing poor Krillin there though! "Hey baldy! I promise I wont bite you! Your more then welcome to sit up here, if you'd like," Eighteen said, as she patted the bed beside her. Eighteen didn't really know what had gotten into her; she supposed it was the fact that she was enjoying the company of someone who wasn't a big, Saiyan oaf. Eighteen giggled as she watched Krillin; whose face was now even REDDER, though she didn't think it would have been possible for it to grow darker; climb clumsily onto the bed beside her, his eyes fixed almost TOO intently on the ADD about toilet cleaner that was playing on the TV. "Your alright, baldy," she said cheerfully, punching him playfully on the arm. Krillin dared to turn away from the TV and saw that Eighteen was now staring at him; but instead of blushing, she just smiled. Krillins breath caught in his chest, as he watched Eighteens face inch closer and closer to his. OH MAN, she's going to KISS ME, Krillin thought nervously, as he watched her eyes close. I'm not going to let that happen! I'm going to get in first, he told himself, leaning forward and catching Eighteens mouth with his. Krillin had never kissed anyone the way he was kissing Eighteen. The passion in the kiss was so much; it felt as though they were madly in love; though, of course, they weren't. Krillin reached over to Eighteens bathrobe, and was about to take it off her, when he heard the bedroom door swing open. Eighteen pulled away from Krillin, smoothing her hair back carefully, staring at the figure in the doorway. Krillin turned from Eighteen, panting, and gasped when he saw who was at the door; it was Radditz!
"Eighteen," Radditz said, through gritted teeth.
"What is it, honey," she asked, in a fake sweet voice, gazing at Radditz innocently.
"Why? How could you," Radditz asked, aghast that his girlfriend had been making out with a little bald man.
"Oh Radditz, its been coming for a while. I guess we just weren't really meant to be. Baldy here is pretty cool, so maybe I might hang out with him a bit more," Eighteen said maliciously, standing up, and storming past Radditz. Radditz followed after her, calling her some terrible names.
"Did she just use me, to make Radditz jealous? Was it just a game for her," Krillin said aloud to himself, as he stared at the doorway. Krillin didn't have much time to think about the previous events though; a TV announcement had just sprung onto the TV, and it sounded important. Krillin turned to the television and spotted a big, fat pink man standing on the screen.
"Saiyan scum. Filthy, Saiyan scum. I know you're out there... And I know you have the last dragonball. Now, I need that dragonball, just like I know that you filthy Saiyans want my dragonballs. Want to fight for keeps? The war is about to begin. I'll raise my power level, so you can find me. Don't come alone, unless you want to die. I know you Saiyans love a good fight. Vegeta... I know that you wont turn a match down. I'll be waiting," the pink, spiky fat man said in a mocking voice, laughing into the screen. Krillin gasped, as he saw the back of the news studio had been blown up; he must have killed everyone there, just to try and find Vegeta! The pink man then flew out of the studio, his laughter echoing through the barren studio, eventually disappearing. Krillin ran from the room, yelling out for everyone to gather around. Radditz was standing behind Eighteen, pleading with her, whilst Goku and Chi Chi were kissing, once again. "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! I KNOW WHERE VEGETA IS GOING," Krillin yelled, immediately catching everyone's attention. Everyone stared at Krillin, open mouthed, as he retold everything the pink man had said.
"Dodoria..." said Radditz, a grim look on his face.
"He wants a war does he? We will give him a war," Eighteen muttered, in serious voice. Radditz, Goku, Eighteen, Krillin and Chi Chi stood in silence, until the signal was raised; a large energy signal erupting in the distance.
"Its time to go," said Goku, leading the others from the motel.
"Alright. Yamcha, you know that there are only a few of us left. So, as much as I hate to say it, we will need you to help in the fight against the Kolds. Of course, you have no choice; we can kill you if you decline. Now, we are going to break up into search parties to find the Kolds whereabouts, Vegeta needs the dragonballs, and they have them. Your little girlfriend will stay with Vegeta, and your girlfriends pretty little look-alike can come with me. Piss us off, and we can kill them first. Of course, we will kill you after. We need to find Kakarott and the others as well, so keep a look out," said Nappa to Yamcha, briefing him on their mission. Yamcha nodded emotionlessly, gulit stabbing into his chest as he listened to Bulmas weeping.
"For the sake of us all, woman, be quiet," Vegeta snapped angrily, as he listened to her crying. Bulma, surprisingly, did as she was told, and sat quietly with Marron, who hugged her friend sympathetically, throwing glares at Yamcha and the 2 gloating Saiyans.
"Alright. Now, break up into the groups and lets get go...." Nappa's speech was cut off when an enormous energy signal rose from where the Saiyan headquarters had once stood proud.
"Dodoria," Vegeta yelled, immediately picking up on that all too familiar energy signal. Vegeta had fought Dodoria on many occasions, the battles always resulting in himself being half murdered.
"Not this time," Vegeta muttered, standing from his seat, "Nappa, weakling, come with me."
Nappa arose from his seat, as did Yamcha, and they followed Vegeta out the door. Marron and Bulma sat quietly, praying to the heavens that they would forget about them.
"Don't get your hopes up, ladies," said Nappa gruffly, grabbing Bulma and Marron by the wrists and dragging them off. Vegeta immediately rose up into the air, and started flying from the village, Yamcha following behind. Marron yelped like an injured puppy as Nappa followed suite and took off, but Bulma only breathed deeply; she had already been taken flying by Vegeta, and her fear had gradually lessened. She was still too upset about Yamcha to be scared, anyway. Marron, meanwhile, was screaming, as she dangled from Nappas huge hand.
"Please don't drop me Mr Saiyan," Marron squealed, groping at Nappas arm with her spare hand. Nappa, annoyed by her whining, pulled her upwards, cradling her in his strong arm. Marron seemed to calm down a bit, only whimpering quietly under her breath occasionally. After sometime, the group finally reached the city, and one by one, they plummeted to the ground, Vegeta taking the lead. Vegeta then led them to an abandoned building; it seemed as though most people had been leaving their homes lately, as the gang warfare had reached a new peak, and it was unsafe, even to hide away in your own home. "Keep your power levels lowered. We want to take them by surprise, so we can get the upper hand. As for my Dragonball, Bulma, I need you too hide it somewhere safe. If the Kolds find it, we're fucked," Vegeta said in a quiet, yet serious voice. Vegeta then pulled the dragonball from out of his pocket, and placed it in Bulmas hand.
"Stay hidden. And for your own sake, be QUIET," Vegeta said to Bulma, his face so close to hers that his breathing tickled her face. Bulma nodded, surprised that he trusted her with the dragonball, and even more surprised that he had called her by her first name, instead of his usual name of 'woman', for her. Judging from Vegetas behaviour, Bulma figured that it would not be wise to make a 'run for it', so she nodded in acceptance, and she led Marron deeper into the building, the 2 of them creeping away quietly.
"Hey.... Dodorias hiding his power level now. How the heck are we going to find him. He could be anywhere," Yamcha asked Vegeta and Nappa, as the 3 of them left the building.
"We were hoping to use 'live bait'," said Nappa with a smug look on his face. Realisation flooded over Yamchas face, as he realised that HE was going to be that live bait. "Well, weakling, stand out in the middle of the road, and start yelling like your some crazy fool, lost in the big city. Don't let out that your a Saiyan," Vegeta told him, nudging Yamcha roughly in the arm. Yamcha nodded, and was about to go complete his role, when an ear-piercing scream echoed from the building behind them.
"Shit," Yamcha began, fear rising in his chest, "DODORIAS INSIDE! He must have the girls!"
Goku, holding Chi Chi safely in his arms, flew up into the night air, followed by Krillin and Radditz. Eighteen was straggling behind, as she dressed herself, having only been in a bathrobe previously. Eighteen soon caught up with them, flying along side Goku, ignoring Krillin and Radditz's presence.
"Women," Radditz grumbled, as he struggled to keep up with Eighteen and Gokus pace. Chi Chi seemed to look a little green in the face, as Goku sped through the air with her, but she was to scared to open her mouth and tell Goku to slow down. Besides, she knew that this must be important, and if what Krillin said was true... Bulma would be with Vegeta, so she would be reunited with her best friend! But something soon struck Chi Chi; what would Bulma think, now that she and Goku were together? Would she think Chi Chi was a traitor? Chi Chi tried to push the nagging thoughts away, but they only seemed to increase, as they flew deeper into the night. Krillin, meanwhile, was gazing at the back of Eighteen, also in deep thought. Had that kiss really meant nothing to her? Was she just playing with him, to make Radditz jealous? It makes sense... Why would she choose some short bald guy over a strong, buff Saiyan? I cheated on my girlfriend for someone who wouldn't usually even give me a passing glance, thought Krillin, a pained expression crossing over his face. Eventually, everyone was brought from his or her silent trains of thought, as Goku stopped midair and started to drop to the ground. The others followed his lead, and soon found themselves in the heart of the Saiyan headquarters.
"Shit," Radditz said, gasping, as he saw the remains of the Saiyans once proud lair. Goku gently let Chi Chi to the ground, and scowled angrily, staring at the desolate, concrete graveyard. The group stood in silence, neither Chi Chi nor Krillin daring to utter a word to ask where they were. The first person too speak was Eighteen. "Its time we gave those Kolds a taste of what they deserve. We will have to keep low profiles, so we can find them, without them knowing where we are. They know we are here, naturally they could sense our energy when we flew in here, but we can still use the element of surprise to get in first. Ready," Eighteen asked the group, as she flicked some of her hair behind her ear. The group nodded in unison, and they began to scour the area for traces of the Kold Lizards. Before long, however, the presence of the Kolds was made deadly obvious. A loud, ear-piercing scream filled the air, and the group immediately assumed that the Kolds must be terrorising some of the people who lived in the vicinity. "Come one," Radditz called, running off in the direction of the scream. The 5 of them sprinted through the dark, Krillin almost tripping on a large piece of fallen wall, until they finally reached a large complex of buildings.
"They've got to be in one of these buildings," Eighteen said, calmly staring from building to building.
"Okay, split up. I'll go in here; the rest of you chose another building. If you find them, keep quiet and come back out here, and wait for the rest of us to come back out. That way we can go in as a group and we will stand more of a chance," said Eighteen, as she stepped into the building closest to her. The group split up, reluctantly; as Goku didn't want to leave Chi Chi; but she eventually convinced him she could look after herself.
Chi Chi chose to search a small abandoned building, the door hidden up a dark alleyway. It brought back memories of how she was kidnapped in the first place, back in that alley behind the nightclub, and she shuddered involuntarily. After what seemed like an eternity, Chi Chi finally reached the door, and she quietly turned the handle. Then, ever so slowly, Chi Chi crept inside, closing the door behing her. It was pitch black inside, and the silence was almost too much for Chi Chi; she was tempted to run from the building and hide in Gokus arms. What are you thinking Chi Chi! You are no wimp! You can handle whatever they throw at you, Chi Chi told herself, stepping forward, into the unknown. Slowly, but surely, Chi Chi tiptoed into the dark, straining for any sign of life inside. Eventually, Chi Chi made her way to a door on the otherside of the room, proud for the stealth she had displayed; having not made a single noise in her journey across the dark room. Slowly, she lowered herself to the keyhole on the door, and peered in. It was no use though; something was blocking the keyhole. She then pressed her ear to the door, hoping to catch any sign of noise on the other side. Nothing, thought Chi Chi wearily, annoyed that her stealth and bravery was wasted on an empty building. Grumpily, Chi Chi stood up and marched through the room, kicking something on the floor that was in her way. It must've been an empty can or something, because it clattered across the floor and came into contact with something, thudding to a stop. Chi Chi felt as though she was about the throw up her insides; the fear inside her chest was strangling, causing her breathing to hasten. Why the hell did that can just stop! It should have crashed into the wall! But it just stopped, without a crash, only a little thud. Someone is in here! And they know that I'm in here too, Chi Chis thoughts clouded her judgment, and without thinking, she said, in a shaky voice, "Come out of hiding, I know you're there."
Silence... No one answered Chi Chi at first, but eventually, she heard a voice she recognised all to well.
"Chi... Chi," came Bulmas whispering voice.
"Bu..Bulma!" Chi Chi whispered back, rushing forward and straining to find her friend. Eventually, the 2 girls made their way to each other, and hugged tightly, both of them letting out sighs of relief.
"Thank God your alive," Chi Chi whispered, squeezing the air from her friend.
"Your... choking...me," Bulma wheezed, causing Chi Chi to gasp and loosen her grip.
"Lets get out of here! Everything will be okay now," Chi Chi whispered to her friend, standing up, and trying to pull Bulma up with her. But Bulma didn't budge; she seemed to be glued to the spot.
"What is it Bulma. Get up! We have to get out of here," Chi Chi hissed under her breath, pulling at her friends arm.
"Chi... I can't! Marron... They've got her... Shes in this building... A few rooms away. Its my fault, I told her to keep watch," Bulma whispered quickly, her voice filled with guilt.
"Marrons here," Chi Chi asked, in shock to hear such a thing.
"Yes!" Bulmas reply was louder then she would've liked, but luckily for the 2 of them, no one seemed to hear.
"Well Bulma, I have the remaining Saiyans and Krillin outside waiting. We can go in and save Marron together," Chi Chi told Bulma, some of her spark returning to her voice.
"They wouldn't help us," Bulma stated, her voice empty of emotion.
"Bulma! They will help us! They hate the Kolds! They want to fight them! We will be fine," Chi Chi said hurriedly, panic rising in her voice. Bulma, still uncertain, decided she had no other choice, and followed her friend from the room. Outside, Goku, Krillin and Radditz were gathered, and they all gasped in surprise as they watched Chi Chi emerge with a shaken Bulma.
"The Kolds are in that building I was just in. Its time we went in there and finished this," Chi Chi said, the strength in her voice adding courage back into the others gathered around her.
"Once Eighteen gets back, we can end this. There will be no turning back. Once we are in there... We may not come back alive," Radditz said wisely, clenching his fists by his sides as he spoke. The group stood there, the foreboding feeling of what lay beyond sinking in. This may be their last breath... Any one of them could die, once they confronted the Kolds. This really was going to be the deciding battle, in the war between the worlds 2 strongest gangs.
Eighteen dried herself and put on a bathrobe after her long shower, deciding to head off to bed and watch a bit of TV. She sauntered from the bathroom, a towel wrapped in her hair, smirking when she spotted Goku and Chi Chi sitting on a chair together, Chi Chi on Gokus lap, arms around one another as they gazed into each others eyes. Her smirk only deepened when she noticed Krillin standing uncomfortably by the window, unsure of what to do with himself. "Hey baldy, want to come watch some TV with me," Eighteen asked Krillin casually, as she pulled her bathrobe tighter around herself. Why am I doing this, Eighteen wondered, surprised at her own caring behaviour. Goku also seemed surprised; he had raised an eyebrow and was grinning at Eighteen, before snuggling closer to Chi Chi and kissing her softly on the forehead.
"Sure," Krillin replied, relieved that he would be able to get out of the uncomfortable situation of watching Goku and Chi Chi pull kissy faces at one another. He didn't really take in the change of Eighteens personality; she was no longer acting like her usual, cold self. Eighteen led Krillin into her room, which was equipped with a TV; "Hey! How come you get a TV in your room," called Goku; and a queen sized bed. Eighteen pulled the towel from her hair and threw it in a heap in the corner of the room. She then shook her head a few times, thin wisps of blonde hair falling across her face. Krillin stared at the blonde beauty admiringly, placing a hand on his head, where she had kissed him. Eighteen, meanwhile, turned on the television and flung herself on the large bed, staring at the screen in a bored fashion. She soon turned her head and spotted the staring Krillin. "Well baldy, I know I'm much more interesting then this thing," she started, pointing at the TV, "But the reason you were invited in MY room in the first place was to watch the television; not me! As interesting as I am." Eighteen laughed as she watched Krillin turn a dark shade of red, before he seated himself on the floor next to the bed. Eighteen was having to much fun too stop embarrassing poor Krillin there though! "Hey baldy! I promise I wont bite you! Your more then welcome to sit up here, if you'd like," Eighteen said, as she patted the bed beside her. Eighteen didn't really know what had gotten into her; she supposed it was the fact that she was enjoying the company of someone who wasn't a big, Saiyan oaf. Eighteen giggled as she watched Krillin; whose face was now even REDDER, though she didn't think it would have been possible for it to grow darker; climb clumsily onto the bed beside her, his eyes fixed almost TOO intently on the ADD about toilet cleaner that was playing on the TV. "Your alright, baldy," she said cheerfully, punching him playfully on the arm. Krillin dared to turn away from the TV and saw that Eighteen was now staring at him; but instead of blushing, she just smiled. Krillins breath caught in his chest, as he watched Eighteens face inch closer and closer to his. OH MAN, she's going to KISS ME, Krillin thought nervously, as he watched her eyes close. I'm not going to let that happen! I'm going to get in first, he told himself, leaning forward and catching Eighteens mouth with his. Krillin had never kissed anyone the way he was kissing Eighteen. The passion in the kiss was so much; it felt as though they were madly in love; though, of course, they weren't. Krillin reached over to Eighteens bathrobe, and was about to take it off her, when he heard the bedroom door swing open. Eighteen pulled away from Krillin, smoothing her hair back carefully, staring at the figure in the doorway. Krillin turned from Eighteen, panting, and gasped when he saw who was at the door; it was Radditz!
"Eighteen," Radditz said, through gritted teeth.
"What is it, honey," she asked, in a fake sweet voice, gazing at Radditz innocently.
"Why? How could you," Radditz asked, aghast that his girlfriend had been making out with a little bald man.
"Oh Radditz, its been coming for a while. I guess we just weren't really meant to be. Baldy here is pretty cool, so maybe I might hang out with him a bit more," Eighteen said maliciously, standing up, and storming past Radditz. Radditz followed after her, calling her some terrible names.
"Did she just use me, to make Radditz jealous? Was it just a game for her," Krillin said aloud to himself, as he stared at the doorway. Krillin didn't have much time to think about the previous events though; a TV announcement had just sprung onto the TV, and it sounded important. Krillin turned to the television and spotted a big, fat pink man standing on the screen.
"Saiyan scum. Filthy, Saiyan scum. I know you're out there... And I know you have the last dragonball. Now, I need that dragonball, just like I know that you filthy Saiyans want my dragonballs. Want to fight for keeps? The war is about to begin. I'll raise my power level, so you can find me. Don't come alone, unless you want to die. I know you Saiyans love a good fight. Vegeta... I know that you wont turn a match down. I'll be waiting," the pink, spiky fat man said in a mocking voice, laughing into the screen. Krillin gasped, as he saw the back of the news studio had been blown up; he must have killed everyone there, just to try and find Vegeta! The pink man then flew out of the studio, his laughter echoing through the barren studio, eventually disappearing. Krillin ran from the room, yelling out for everyone to gather around. Radditz was standing behind Eighteen, pleading with her, whilst Goku and Chi Chi were kissing, once again. "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! I KNOW WHERE VEGETA IS GOING," Krillin yelled, immediately catching everyone's attention. Everyone stared at Krillin, open mouthed, as he retold everything the pink man had said.
"Dodoria..." said Radditz, a grim look on his face.
"He wants a war does he? We will give him a war," Eighteen muttered, in serious voice. Radditz, Goku, Eighteen, Krillin and Chi Chi stood in silence, until the signal was raised; a large energy signal erupting in the distance.
"Its time to go," said Goku, leading the others from the motel.
"Alright. Yamcha, you know that there are only a few of us left. So, as much as I hate to say it, we will need you to help in the fight against the Kolds. Of course, you have no choice; we can kill you if you decline. Now, we are going to break up into search parties to find the Kolds whereabouts, Vegeta needs the dragonballs, and they have them. Your little girlfriend will stay with Vegeta, and your girlfriends pretty little look-alike can come with me. Piss us off, and we can kill them first. Of course, we will kill you after. We need to find Kakarott and the others as well, so keep a look out," said Nappa to Yamcha, briefing him on their mission. Yamcha nodded emotionlessly, gulit stabbing into his chest as he listened to Bulmas weeping.
"For the sake of us all, woman, be quiet," Vegeta snapped angrily, as he listened to her crying. Bulma, surprisingly, did as she was told, and sat quietly with Marron, who hugged her friend sympathetically, throwing glares at Yamcha and the 2 gloating Saiyans.
"Alright. Now, break up into the groups and lets get go...." Nappa's speech was cut off when an enormous energy signal rose from where the Saiyan headquarters had once stood proud.
"Dodoria," Vegeta yelled, immediately picking up on that all too familiar energy signal. Vegeta had fought Dodoria on many occasions, the battles always resulting in himself being half murdered.
"Not this time," Vegeta muttered, standing from his seat, "Nappa, weakling, come with me."
Nappa arose from his seat, as did Yamcha, and they followed Vegeta out the door. Marron and Bulma sat quietly, praying to the heavens that they would forget about them.
"Don't get your hopes up, ladies," said Nappa gruffly, grabbing Bulma and Marron by the wrists and dragging them off. Vegeta immediately rose up into the air, and started flying from the village, Yamcha following behind. Marron yelped like an injured puppy as Nappa followed suite and took off, but Bulma only breathed deeply; she had already been taken flying by Vegeta, and her fear had gradually lessened. She was still too upset about Yamcha to be scared, anyway. Marron, meanwhile, was screaming, as she dangled from Nappas huge hand.
"Please don't drop me Mr Saiyan," Marron squealed, groping at Nappas arm with her spare hand. Nappa, annoyed by her whining, pulled her upwards, cradling her in his strong arm. Marron seemed to calm down a bit, only whimpering quietly under her breath occasionally. After sometime, the group finally reached the city, and one by one, they plummeted to the ground, Vegeta taking the lead. Vegeta then led them to an abandoned building; it seemed as though most people had been leaving their homes lately, as the gang warfare had reached a new peak, and it was unsafe, even to hide away in your own home. "Keep your power levels lowered. We want to take them by surprise, so we can get the upper hand. As for my Dragonball, Bulma, I need you too hide it somewhere safe. If the Kolds find it, we're fucked," Vegeta said in a quiet, yet serious voice. Vegeta then pulled the dragonball from out of his pocket, and placed it in Bulmas hand.
"Stay hidden. And for your own sake, be QUIET," Vegeta said to Bulma, his face so close to hers that his breathing tickled her face. Bulma nodded, surprised that he trusted her with the dragonball, and even more surprised that he had called her by her first name, instead of his usual name of 'woman', for her. Judging from Vegetas behaviour, Bulma figured that it would not be wise to make a 'run for it', so she nodded in acceptance, and she led Marron deeper into the building, the 2 of them creeping away quietly.
"Hey.... Dodorias hiding his power level now. How the heck are we going to find him. He could be anywhere," Yamcha asked Vegeta and Nappa, as the 3 of them left the building.
"We were hoping to use 'live bait'," said Nappa with a smug look on his face. Realisation flooded over Yamchas face, as he realised that HE was going to be that live bait. "Well, weakling, stand out in the middle of the road, and start yelling like your some crazy fool, lost in the big city. Don't let out that your a Saiyan," Vegeta told him, nudging Yamcha roughly in the arm. Yamcha nodded, and was about to go complete his role, when an ear-piercing scream echoed from the building behind them.
"Shit," Yamcha began, fear rising in his chest, "DODORIAS INSIDE! He must have the girls!"
Goku, holding Chi Chi safely in his arms, flew up into the night air, followed by Krillin and Radditz. Eighteen was straggling behind, as she dressed herself, having only been in a bathrobe previously. Eighteen soon caught up with them, flying along side Goku, ignoring Krillin and Radditz's presence.
"Women," Radditz grumbled, as he struggled to keep up with Eighteen and Gokus pace. Chi Chi seemed to look a little green in the face, as Goku sped through the air with her, but she was to scared to open her mouth and tell Goku to slow down. Besides, she knew that this must be important, and if what Krillin said was true... Bulma would be with Vegeta, so she would be reunited with her best friend! But something soon struck Chi Chi; what would Bulma think, now that she and Goku were together? Would she think Chi Chi was a traitor? Chi Chi tried to push the nagging thoughts away, but they only seemed to increase, as they flew deeper into the night. Krillin, meanwhile, was gazing at the back of Eighteen, also in deep thought. Had that kiss really meant nothing to her? Was she just playing with him, to make Radditz jealous? It makes sense... Why would she choose some short bald guy over a strong, buff Saiyan? I cheated on my girlfriend for someone who wouldn't usually even give me a passing glance, thought Krillin, a pained expression crossing over his face. Eventually, everyone was brought from his or her silent trains of thought, as Goku stopped midair and started to drop to the ground. The others followed his lead, and soon found themselves in the heart of the Saiyan headquarters.
"Shit," Radditz said, gasping, as he saw the remains of the Saiyans once proud lair. Goku gently let Chi Chi to the ground, and scowled angrily, staring at the desolate, concrete graveyard. The group stood in silence, neither Chi Chi nor Krillin daring to utter a word to ask where they were. The first person too speak was Eighteen. "Its time we gave those Kolds a taste of what they deserve. We will have to keep low profiles, so we can find them, without them knowing where we are. They know we are here, naturally they could sense our energy when we flew in here, but we can still use the element of surprise to get in first. Ready," Eighteen asked the group, as she flicked some of her hair behind her ear. The group nodded in unison, and they began to scour the area for traces of the Kold Lizards. Before long, however, the presence of the Kolds was made deadly obvious. A loud, ear-piercing scream filled the air, and the group immediately assumed that the Kolds must be terrorising some of the people who lived in the vicinity. "Come one," Radditz called, running off in the direction of the scream. The 5 of them sprinted through the dark, Krillin almost tripping on a large piece of fallen wall, until they finally reached a large complex of buildings.
"They've got to be in one of these buildings," Eighteen said, calmly staring from building to building.
"Okay, split up. I'll go in here; the rest of you chose another building. If you find them, keep quiet and come back out here, and wait for the rest of us to come back out. That way we can go in as a group and we will stand more of a chance," said Eighteen, as she stepped into the building closest to her. The group split up, reluctantly; as Goku didn't want to leave Chi Chi; but she eventually convinced him she could look after herself.
Chi Chi chose to search a small abandoned building, the door hidden up a dark alleyway. It brought back memories of how she was kidnapped in the first place, back in that alley behind the nightclub, and she shuddered involuntarily. After what seemed like an eternity, Chi Chi finally reached the door, and she quietly turned the handle. Then, ever so slowly, Chi Chi crept inside, closing the door behing her. It was pitch black inside, and the silence was almost too much for Chi Chi; she was tempted to run from the building and hide in Gokus arms. What are you thinking Chi Chi! You are no wimp! You can handle whatever they throw at you, Chi Chi told herself, stepping forward, into the unknown. Slowly, but surely, Chi Chi tiptoed into the dark, straining for any sign of life inside. Eventually, Chi Chi made her way to a door on the otherside of the room, proud for the stealth she had displayed; having not made a single noise in her journey across the dark room. Slowly, she lowered herself to the keyhole on the door, and peered in. It was no use though; something was blocking the keyhole. She then pressed her ear to the door, hoping to catch any sign of noise on the other side. Nothing, thought Chi Chi wearily, annoyed that her stealth and bravery was wasted on an empty building. Grumpily, Chi Chi stood up and marched through the room, kicking something on the floor that was in her way. It must've been an empty can or something, because it clattered across the floor and came into contact with something, thudding to a stop. Chi Chi felt as though she was about the throw up her insides; the fear inside her chest was strangling, causing her breathing to hasten. Why the hell did that can just stop! It should have crashed into the wall! But it just stopped, without a crash, only a little thud. Someone is in here! And they know that I'm in here too, Chi Chis thoughts clouded her judgment, and without thinking, she said, in a shaky voice, "Come out of hiding, I know you're there."
Silence... No one answered Chi Chi at first, but eventually, she heard a voice she recognised all to well.
"Chi... Chi," came Bulmas whispering voice.
"Bu..Bulma!" Chi Chi whispered back, rushing forward and straining to find her friend. Eventually, the 2 girls made their way to each other, and hugged tightly, both of them letting out sighs of relief.
"Thank God your alive," Chi Chi whispered, squeezing the air from her friend.
"Your... choking...me," Bulma wheezed, causing Chi Chi to gasp and loosen her grip.
"Lets get out of here! Everything will be okay now," Chi Chi whispered to her friend, standing up, and trying to pull Bulma up with her. But Bulma didn't budge; she seemed to be glued to the spot.
"What is it Bulma. Get up! We have to get out of here," Chi Chi hissed under her breath, pulling at her friends arm.
"Chi... I can't! Marron... They've got her... Shes in this building... A few rooms away. Its my fault, I told her to keep watch," Bulma whispered quickly, her voice filled with guilt.
"Marrons here," Chi Chi asked, in shock to hear such a thing.
"Yes!" Bulmas reply was louder then she would've liked, but luckily for the 2 of them, no one seemed to hear.
"Well Bulma, I have the remaining Saiyans and Krillin outside waiting. We can go in and save Marron together," Chi Chi told Bulma, some of her spark returning to her voice.
"They wouldn't help us," Bulma stated, her voice empty of emotion.
"Bulma! They will help us! They hate the Kolds! They want to fight them! We will be fine," Chi Chi said hurriedly, panic rising in her voice. Bulma, still uncertain, decided she had no other choice, and followed her friend from the room. Outside, Goku, Krillin and Radditz were gathered, and they all gasped in surprise as they watched Chi Chi emerge with a shaken Bulma.
"The Kolds are in that building I was just in. Its time we went in there and finished this," Chi Chi said, the strength in her voice adding courage back into the others gathered around her.
"Once Eighteen gets back, we can end this. There will be no turning back. Once we are in there... We may not come back alive," Radditz said wisely, clenching his fists by his sides as he spoke. The group stood there, the foreboding feeling of what lay beyond sinking in. This may be their last breath... Any one of them could die, once they confronted the Kolds. This really was going to be the deciding battle, in the war between the worlds 2 strongest gangs.