Chapter 39: The Secret of Dr Flappe

The sun dawned on a bright new day in Suno's village. A snowman had been made outside, but within the house people paid it no heed, for joy filled every home as they celebrated the safe return of the village chief. Kakarot enjoyed a welcome break from their adventures, by eating a feast which had been set out for them by the grateful villagers. His friends were rooming in some of the other houses.

They eat hungrily, as only those who have recently been in battle can. Kakarot in particular tore through the food with ravenous gluttony.

'My someone is hungry this morning.' said Suno's mother.

'Yes,' said Kakarot 'you are an excellent chef.'

'Thank you, young man.'

'Eat all you want,' said the village chef. 'because of you our village is freed from the tyranny of the Red Ribbon Army.'

'In all the commotion,' said Suno's mother 'I forgot to ask you if you ever found that ball you were looking for sweetie?'

'Thats right,' said Suno 'no one ever found the dragonball. They searched everywhere for it, but nothing ever turned up.'

Eighter looked pensive.

'It was probably never here at all.' said the village chief. 'Or so I guess.'

'Wait,' said Eighter as he stood.

'Speak up.' said the village chief.

'Whats wrong, Eighter?' asked Kakarot.

'I would like to know why exactly you are searching for the dragonball.' said Eighter 'Are… are you planning some bad wish.'

'No,' said Kakarot, seeing no reason to disguise the truth. 'see a while back the moon got destroyed in an unfortunate situation. I'm gathering the dragonballs to wish it back.'

'Oh,' said Eighter 'thats good. I just knew you were a good guy.' Kakarot felt a surge of guilt. He had not been entirely honest, and it irked him to misuse Eighter's belief in him.

'Thats a wonderful wish,' said Suno's mother 'we've missed the moon and were wondering why it just disappeared one day.'

'Yes, a worthy plan if ever there was one. A far better wish than those Red Ribbon scoundrels would make.' said the chief. 'But why do you ask, Eighter?'

'I have it with me.' said Eighter, and he drew out the dragonball from his pocket, and set it on the table. It had two stars on it, and Kakarot stared at it.

'The two star ball…' he said, tapping it. 'You found it, Eighter.'

'Are you telling me the Red Ribbon Army had the dragonball the whole time?' asked Suno.

'I found the ball in an ice cave near Muscle Tower.' said Eighter. 'I was planning to give it to General White, but then I found out he was planning to kill all of the villagers once he had recovered it.' There was a horrified silence as everyone stared. 'I couldn't bear the thought of being responsible for something like that. So I kept it hidden.'

The village chief smiled and approached him. 'You, my friend, are a true hero! That cinches it then, your welcome to live in our village!'

'Me?' asked Eighter 'And Kakarot too?'

'Of course.' said the village chief. 'Your both honorary members of this village, you can stay here as long as you want.'

Despite himself, Kakarot was touched. And not for the first time he began to have doubts about destroying this world. He doubted that Eighter would have so quickly given him the ball, had he known the full details of the wish. Even so, it was the result that counted. 'Thank you,' he said 'but I can't stay.'

'Why not?' asked the village chief.

'Well I mean the moon isn't going to restore itself, is it?' asked Kakarot 'And anyway, someone has to make sure those Red Ribbon Army types don't get ahold of the dragonballs. They are persistent, if nothing else.'

'I see.' said the village chief. 'Eighter, you are welcome to live at my house, if you like.'

'Huh?' asked Eighter 'With you.'

'Things seemed to have worked out well.' reflected Kakarot 'Now you will be able to be around people who don't treat you like a tool to destroy. And you'll have a house instead of a cage.'

'Yes…' said Eighter.

'Then its settled.' said the village chief.

'But I'm not really human.' said Eighter.

'I've met people I wouldn't call human.' said the village chief, a certain edge in his tone. 'Its your heart that counts, and you've got a big one.'

Big tears dripped down Eighter's cheek, and he wiped them away. 'Thats nice, your all so kind to me…'

'This is wonderful,' said Suno's Mother 'I know the other villagers will be just as excited as we are.'

'You'll love it here.' said Suno.

'I must go.' said Eighter. There were sounds of disappointment from everyone in the room. 'Thank you, I appreciate the offer. But I can't live with you.'

'Why not?' asked the village chief.

'There is a bomb planted somewhere inside my body.' said Eighter.

A shocked silence ensued. And Kakarot closed his eyes, feeling anger coming to him. 'What he says is true. The Red Ribbon Army planted an explosive in his chest to ensure his obedience.'

'Oh thats unimaginable,' said Suno's Mother.

'There is no way of knowing when it will explode.' said Eighter.

'Why would anyone do such a thing?' asked the village chief.

'From what I know of the Red Ribbon Army,' said Kakarot 'it would be just like them to kill someone who was no threat, just so they couldn't be happy.'

'I'm so sorry,' said Suno, looking on the verge of tears.

'I can't stay here.' said Eighter. 'I would be putting everyone's life in danger.'

'No,' said the village chief 'it doesn't have to be this way Eighter! I know someone who can help! His name is Doctor Flappe!'

'That's right,' said Suno's mother 'he's an expert at robotics.'

'Dr Flappe?' asked Eighter.

'You know, I could just call Bulma.' said Kakarot 'She's a genius too and she's probably a lot closer to home.'

'He is an extraordinary scientist,' continued the village chief.

'Am I being ignored?' asked Kakarot.

'He lives alone on the other side of the mountains.' said Suno's mother. 'He built a laboratory up there so that he could work on his experiments undisturbed.'

'You could ask the doctor if he could remove the bomb from your body!' said the village chief.

'Of course, he doesn't care much for people.' reflected Suno's mother. 'If he doesn't like you, he won't even talk to you.'

There was silence for a moment.

'So can I call Bulma now or-' began Kakarot.

'Doctor Flappe loves me!' proclaimed Suno. 'I've been to his house several times! I'll bet he'd talk to Eighter if I were there.'

'That's true,' said Suno's mother 'the doctors rather fond of Suno. If she goes along, she might be able to get him to help Eighter out.'

'Will you go with them Suno?'

'Mmmhmm,' said Suno.

'Okay, this is ridiculous.' said Kakarot 'I literally have a super genius the next house over! We should at least ask her for help before we going trekking across mountains in search of this Flappe person.'

Everyone finally acknowledged his words, and looked at him in irritation. 'Fine,' said the village chief. 'we'll see Bulma about it first.'

'I can't help you.' said Bulma.

'What?!' said Kakarot 'What do you mean you can't help, you built the dragon radar when you were twelve because your dad cut you off from your allowance!'

'There is a big difference between creating a dragon radar and creating artificial life.' said Bulma in frustration. 'I don't know the first thing about how Eighter was built and I don't have anything to work with. I'd need blueprints, tools, a lab.

Unless this village has some of those things, I'd need to take him all the way back to Capsule Corp. Give me a month to tinker around, and I might be able to figure it out. You need someone who specializes in mechanical stuff to get fast results here, Kakarot.'

'Then its settled! You kids will leave first thing tomorrow!' said the village chief.

'Did I just get volunteered?' asked Kakarot in deadpan.

'Hang on, where are you guys going?' asked Bulma.

'There is some inventor called Doctor Flappe who lives up in the mountains.' said Kakarot 'The villagers are hoping he might be able to disarm the bomb which is in Eighter's body. I was hoping you could save me the trip.'

'I'm coming with you.' said Bulma.

'Why?' asked Kakarot.

'Are you kidding, your about to go learn about the inner workings of an artificial life form!' said Bulma 'I have got to see the blueprints!'

Meanwhile in the depths of Muscle Towers ruins, after Buyon had long ago been carried away by Pilaf's death fortress, Murasaki dragged himself out of the fortress.

The next morning, as Kakarot got on his heavy clothes, Suno picked up and began to look at his dragonballs with a curious eye. Kakarot glanced up. 'Are you interested in coming along for the hunt?'

'Are you kidding?' asked Suno 'And have the Red Ribbon Army after me? No thanks. Their your balls, you keep them.'

'Suit yourself.' said Kakarot, before placing them down and drawing out the dragon radar.

'Kakarot,' said Eighter 'is that the dragon radar General White was trying to steal from you?'

'Yes,' said Kakarot 'an invention of my friend Bulma. You just push this button and…' He tapped it repeatedly and blinked. 'What the- Hey!'

'Whats the matter?' asked Suno.

'I don't know,' said Kakarot 'its not working. I must have broken it while I was fighting in Muscle Tower.'

'If the Doctor can help Eighter,' said Suno 'maybe he can also fix your gadget too.'

'Why would I need Frappe?' asked Kakarot 'Bulma is literally next door.'

'Oh,' said Suno.

Something occurred to Kakarot suddenly, a question which begged at his mind despite his best efforts. 'Suno, where is your Father?' he asked 'I mean, I figured I would have seen him by now.'

Suno's expression grew sad. 'Well… a few months ago when the village chief was first imprisoned, my dad got together with some of the other villagers and tried to rescue him. He… he never made it back.'

'Oh,' said Kakarot 'I'm sorry.'

'I… I've gotten used to him not being around.' said Suno, getting teary eyed. 'But sometimes I miss him so much.'

Kakarot felt as if he was at a decision point in his life. He felt as if his next words would be very important, and he stood up. 'Well you don't need to worry about that. When I get all the dragonballs I'll bring him back to life.' As soon as he said it, he instantly regretted it.

'Really?!' said Suno 'You would do that?'

'But what about the moon?' asked Eighter.

'Its the least I can do for a future member of my harem.' said Kakarot quickly. 'Besides, the dragonballs can be used once a year. I'll just gather them again next year. Problem solved.' Of course a dry voice in his mind pointed out that if he did achieve his goals next year, it would make his previous wish moot. He choose to ignore that part of his mind.

'Thanks Kakarot,' said Suno.

Then she kissed him on the cheek. Kakarot could hardly control his blush.

The next morning the group prepared to set out for Dr Frappe's house. They were bundled up in warm clothes, and Bulma was once again wearing her trenchcoat and cap. The only one who wasn't bundled up was Eighter, who was wearing exactly the same thing he normally did. There were apparently serious advantages to being an Android.

'Do you have the food I packed?' asked Suno's mother.

'Yes Mother,' said Suno.

'Soon you'll be good as new, my boy.' said the village chief.

As they set out across the snows the villagers called a resounding goodbye. Theyt turned to wave back at them, and then continued. Bulma, for her part, looked a little annoyed. 'Hey Kakarot, remind me why we're walking when we could just take Yamcha's snowmobile?' She asked.

'Now that the Red Ribbon Army's presence is destroyed there is no hurry.' said Suno. 'And walking through the snow is fun!'

'Where is Yamcha anyway?' asked Kakarot.

'That jerk hasn't said a word to me since Muscle Tower.' huffed Bulma 'I think he's off practicing kamehameha waves with Launch. I don't care where he goes.'

'But apparently you care enough to want to use his snow mobile.' noted Kakarot.

'…Has anyone ever told you that you are an annoying little brat, Kakarot.' said Bulma after a moment.

'Has anyone ever told you that you have a tendency to project your problems onto other people?' asked Kakarot in turn.

There was a long silence as they walked onwards.

Murasaki saw the group coming along the path. As they approached he rushed to one side and used his camo to hide himself against the side of a tree,

As they came over the hill, they came within sight of a great white mountain. It towered over Suno pointed at it. 'See that huge mountain up there? Dr Flappe lives just behind it.'

'It sure is a long journey.' said Eighter 'I hope he can help.'

'He's a very nice person once you get to know him.' said Suno.

'It can hardly hurt to ask.' reflected Kakarot. 'Worst case scenario, he says no and I threaten to break his-' Bulma hit him over the head, and Kakarot sighed, '-I implore him to reconsider. I can be very persuasive.'

'Come on guys, there's nothing to worry about.' said Suno 'Doctor Flappe is a sweet old man. He's up there all day creating all kinds of wonderful stuff you wouldn't believe.'

'I hope your right, Suno.' said Eighter.

As they pressed onwards, Bulma glanced behind them. In the snow by a set of trees she could see tracks not their own. However they simply disappeared by a tree. She walked on a little ways and glanced back. The tracks had advanced. She quickened her pace and caught up with the others. 'Hey guys, uh… I think someones following us.'

'Its Murasaki,' said Kakarot 'I smelled him a mile away. Lets pay him no mind, acknowledging his presence would only encourage him.'

'But don't you think we should do something about him then?' asked Suno.

'Yes,' said Kakarot 'we can ignore him and hope he goes away.'

As they pressed onwards, they came to a great frozen lake. Kakarot looked at it with childlike wonder. 'That pond reflects the light from the sun.' Suno leaped off the ledge and landed on it, and Kakarot took a step back. 'How is it that you can walk on water?'

'Of course,' said Eighter 'the water is frozen.'

'What kind of water is that?' asked Kakarot.

'You know,' said Bulma 'I can never figure you out Kakarot.'

'The water became hard in the cold temperature, thats all.' said Suno. 'What cha waiting for silly? Lets go!'

Kakarot stepped forward and leaped onto the ice. His feet slipped out from under him, and he went sliding forward across the ice to come to a halt before her. Suno helped him up. 'That was funny.' she said.

'Speak for yourself.' said Kakarot, stepped forward and nearly slipping again.

Suno turned to Eighter. 'Come on, Eighter, Bulma, join the fun.'

Bulma stepped off and made her way forward carefully across the ice. Eighter followed shortly afterward with a leap. When he landed he left a series of cracks on the ice. Then he walked onward. Kakarot glanced back, and saw Murasaki leap in after him. He landed on the ice and plunged in.

'Hey did you hear something?' asked Suno.

'Oh, Murasaki fell into the frozen lake.' said Kakarot 'He probably could have gotten out by now. He's probably waiting for us to leave so he can continue not being secret.' He paused.

'…So are we gonna move or-'

'Wait for it…' said Kakarot.

The silence was almost audible.

'This is getting boring.' said Suno.

'Wait for it…' said Kakarot.

'What are we waiting for?' asked Eighter.

'Either for Murasaki to show himself,' said Kakarot 'or for him to drown.'

'Maybe we should just move on and let him breath.' suggested Eighter.

'Yeah, he's not even a real threat anyway.' said Kakarot.

They made their way onwards without further ado. Kakarot took some small satisfaction in the knowledge that he had caused his enemies suffering.

In the midsts of a snowbank distant from the village, Puar watched as Launch and Yamcha faced one another down, standing before one another as they focused energy through their bodies that sent their trenchcoats rippling around them. Then they surged forward, and met each other in a flurry of blows. Back and forth they went, with neither able to overwhelm the other. Suddenly Yamcha fell to the snow with one gloved hand and moved to kick Launch's legs out from under her.

Launch leaped into the air and lashed out with one foot, that nearly caught Yamcha in the face as he swung himself back onto his feet and took a guarding stance. Launch unleashed a flurry of blows which he parried, little by little being driven back. Finally Launch knocked aside his guard and swung a punch which halted mere inches away from Yamcha's face.

There was silence as they stood there, fixed in place. A chill wind blew through their coats as Launch pulled back her hand. 'Well, well, well, looks like the tables have turned, haven't they?'

'I'll say.' said Yamcha 'A few weeks ago you'd never have been able to do this well. Your a quick learner.'

'I had a good teacher.' said Launch 'Now lets see how you've learned to handle the kamehameha wave.'

Yamcha smiled and backflipped three times to gain some distance, before both of them took stances, cupping their hands together as the wind blew around them.

'Kaa…' They both began.

'Mee…' They summoned their power.

'Haa…' Their power took the form of a blue light.

'Mee…' The blue light intensified.

'HAA!' The light shone like the sun, and burst forth in two brilliant beams which clashed with each other. For a moment they strained against each other, their beams struggling to overwhelm each other. Then Launch's beam gained ground, slowly but surely pushing Yamcha's own energy back.

Finally Yamcha lost control, and the combined energy was thrown right back at him.

'Get out of the way, Yamcha!' cried Puar.

But Yamcha did not dodge. Instead he crossed his arms in front of him, and took the blast head on. The kamehameha wave seemed to bend and warp against some invisible as it crashed into him, and then he uncrossed his arms and shoved it back. The wave surged towards Launch, who leaped into the air to dodge it.

The beam was then directed away into the air to explode harmlessly high above.

The villagers, who had been watching, began to clap and cheer.

Launch landed on one knee, and stared. 'What the… how did you do that?'

'Its a technique I figured out by accident.' said Yamcha 'See, back before the World Martial Arts Tournament I fought this guy called Tien Shinhan who used some weird energy attack called Dodon Ray. When I dodged it, he started aiming it at innocent civilians to force me to jump into it.

I got in the way and used the guard. I don't know exactly what happened, but I think I ended up calling on my ki, the same force that powers the kamehameha wave. Whatever it was, I only got a bit singed, and was able to knock him out while his guard was down. When you taught me to use the kamehameha wave, I began to figure out how I did it.

So I figured I'd try summoning my ki as a defensive force to stop your kamehameha wave. I guess it kind of worked better than I was expecting.'

'You're the greatest Yamcha.' said Puar. 'You totally won.'

'Won!' snapped Launch 'I kicked his butt!'

'Why don't we call it a draw.' said the village chief. 'Yamcha is better at energy control, and Launch is the better at physical combat. That sounds fair.'

'Yeah sure, lets give her that.' said Yamcha. There was a long pause. 'But you do know that I could have wolf fanged fisted you into that mountain over there, right?'

'Keep dreaming.' said Launch with a smirk. 'I'm the one who won the beam war.'

Meanwhile Kakarot, Bulma, Eighter and Suno made their way up a steep hill, leaving heavy tracks behind them as they went. Trailing behind them was a large furry bear which bounded after them. Soon they came over the crest of the hill, and saw below a charming house with smoke rising from the chimney.

'There it is!' cried Suno.

'Finally,' said Bulma 'I was getting tired of all this snow.

However something above them, as the bear from before was standing on its hind quarters, looking after them. 'Look,' said Suno 'its a bear.'

'No,' said Kakarot 'that is Murasaki in a bear suit.'

Everyone looked at him.

'Look I have a very keen sense of smell, okay.' said Kakarot. 'I know the difference between a bear, and a bear suit. I've eaten bear.'

'What does it taste like?' asked Suno.

'Pretty good, actually.' said Kakarot 'My favorite flavor is panda.'

'But pandas are an endangered species!' cried Bulma.

'Endangered what now?' asked Kakarot 'Is that some kind of brand?'

'No its a-' began Bulma.

At that moment Murasaki in a bear suit rolled down the hill past them, picking up snow as he did so until he was in the middle of a giant ball. As he neared the bottom of the hill he hit a tree with a crash. They walked past him without a word.

'This is kind of pathetic.' said Kakarot 'Want me to kill him and put him out of his misery.'

'I think we should hold off on that until all chances of his lot improving are gone.' reflected Eighter sadly. 'Mercy killings should be a last resort.'

They came to the house of Dr Flappe and looked up at it. Bulma looked a little disappointed. 'This doesn't look much like a laboratory.' she said.

'Just you wait,' said Suno 'he'll be able to help. Wait here, let me see if he's home.' She made her way up to the door, and knocked. 'Hello! Doctor Flappe are you home!'

At that moment a snowspeeder soared into view, and a man with a white aphro and a thin white mustache looked at them in suspicion. He had a haggard and worn face, and on the left side of his face was a harsh scar. 'Private property!' he snapped at them.

'Doctor!' cried Suno.

The man looked up, and at once his hostile expression changed. 'Suno!' he cried. 'I didn't know you were her friends, come in, come in!'

Later as they sat on a sofa before a roaring fire, Flappe looked at them curiously. 'So, you and your friends took on the whole Red Ribbon Army, hmm?'

'Thats right,' said Suno 'their all very strong.'

'Oh no,' said Eighter 'I'm really not that stronger.'

'Don't be so modest.' said Kakarot 'You were clearly stronger than Murasaki and Major Mettallatron, so you have to be pretty powerful.'

Eighter laughed nervously.

'Anyway,' said Flappe 'I'm glad the village is at peace again.'

'I hope the Red Ribbon Army never returns.' said Suno.

'Me too.' agreed Flappe.

'Given that I intend to wipe them out after we're done here,' said Kakarot 'that shouldn't be a problem.'

'Did the army do anything to you while you were here?' asked Suno.

'No, no!' said Flappe 'I haven't seen a trace of the army!' His words were too hasty. 'They do not… uh… like it! Its too cold!'

'Your lucky,' said Suno 'can you believe those mean men actually put a bomb in Eighters body?' Flappe remained silent. 'You can take it out, can't you? You can save Eighter? Doctor Flappe.'

Flappe had no answer, he seemed to be in his own little world.

Kakarot suddenly thought of something. He drew out his broken dragon radar and offered it to Bulma, who looked distant. She seemed not to notice him. 'Bulma,' he said 'Bulma!'

'Yes, what is it?' asked Bulma.

'I forgot to mention this to you before, but the dragon radar stopped working.' said Kakarot 'I kind of need you to fix it.'

'What?' said Bulma 'You broke it!'

'I was shot in the head and dropped down a floor.' said Kakarot 'Give me a break.'

'You need to be more careful kid,' said Bulma as she took it. 'You might not always have me around to do… maintenance…' She looked up to Flappe. 'Your lying.'

'What?' said Suno, looking at her in shock. 'How can you say something like that?'

Flappe froze as Bulma stood up. 'If there is one thing that I know its technology. And technology is fragile. It breaks down. A lot. Cars cease to fuction if they are put to too heavy use. Robots freeze if they are brought into temperatures that are too cold. And Androids need maintenance.'

'Doctor Flappe would never work for the Red Ribbon Army-' began Suno.

'There is no one around with the qualifications except him.' said Bulma 'White was a general, not a scientist. Maybe Eighter was put together somewhere else, but they would still need someone to work on him. He was a combat model! Getting beaten up was part of the job!'

'How can you accuse-' began Suno.

'Its true.' said Flappe, looking down and looking miserable. 'I… I was working for the Red Ribbon Army. I didn't want to, but they didn't give me any choice. You don't know what they are capable of.'

'Oh,' said Suno 'well, that is pretty bad. But now that White is gone, you don't have to work for them anymore.'

'Thats not all.' said Flappe 'I… I was hoping to put this off for a time. But… I was the one who set the bomb in Eighter. It was my first act in the service of the Red Ribbon Army, and I've regretted it ever since.'

'Why?' asked Kakarot.

'Because White would have killed the villagers if I hadn't complied.' said Flappe 'And because… because Dr Gero is not the sort of person one dares cross.'

'Dr Gero?' asked Kakarot.

'I've heard that name.' said Bulma 'He's a brilliant scientist. A legend in the field of robotics, though he kind of dropped off the map a few years ago.'

'He's a monster!' said Flappe 'I first met him some years ago, before I came here, it… it happened like this…'

Flappe awoke in his house to find masked figures standing over him. He was grabbed, and pulled from his bed and dragged outside into a van and blindfolded. 'Who are you?' he asked 'What do you want?!'

No one answered. He didn't know how long exactly he was in that van, but eventually it came to a halt, and he was dragged out. He was brought into some kind of building, he could tell by the change in temperature. He was dragged through the halls, and eventually deposited in a metal chair. His hands were cuffed and the blindfold was pulled off.

He was sitting on a metal chair, near a metal table in a metal room with a single door. It was very cold within it, and he was soon shivering. Eventually the door opened, and Dr Gero entered. He sat down calmly, carefully, and looked him over.

'Dr Flappe?' he asked after a moment.

'Y-yes,' said Flappe.

'You may recall me from a few scientific events.' said Dr Gero 'Congratulations Dr, you've been recruited by the Red Ribbon Army.'

Flappe went cold. He knew what would happen if he refused. But he also knew just what kinds of things the Red Ribbon Army would use his talents for it. He had always believed that science was a tool which had to be used responsibly.

Now was the time to prove it. 'No.' he said.

'You misunderstand,' said Gero 'I was not giving you a choice. I have too many projects to do maintenance on every one of my creations. I need someone to handle things for me.'

'I don't care,' said Flappe, though his voice came out a high pitched squeak. 'I won't be a part of the kinds of atrocities you people commit.'

'I thought you might be reluctant.' said Dr Gero 'So I am going to give you three good reasons why you should cooperate. First, because I have asked you to, and I am the only reason you are still alive.

Second, because I have Mercenary Tao on speed dial.' He paused, and Flappe realized he was shaking, not just from the cold. 'And third, because I know where your daughter lives.' He removed a picture from his breast pocket and set it down. It was of his girl, now twenty three and living happily.

Flappe could barely breath. 'Please… please don't kill my daughter.'

'That all depends on your cooperation.' said Dr Gero.

'I… I will work for you.' said Flappe.

'Good,' said Gero 'now I need you to move to an area far to the north of here. I'll send you the specific coordinates. I have some machines I've been building which will be sent to that location. General White will be your commander.

If you try to run, I will kill your daughter. If General White asks me to, I will kill your daughter. If I find out you have been sabotaging my equipment, I will kill your daughter. Do we understand each other?'

'Y-yes.' said Flappe.

Gero smiled. It was an evil smile, befitting the man who wore it. Then drawing a knife, he slashed Flappe across the side of his face.

It left a scar.

They stared at Flappe, horror in there eyes. Bulma was speechless, and so was Kakarot. The way Flappe had described what happened had chilled him to the core. 'I… I'm so sorry. I didn't know.' Bulma said at last.

'Nobody does.' said Flappe bitterly. 'The Red Ribbon Army does what it wants because no one can stop it. When I came here, I just wanted to be left alone and die on some freezing night. Then Suno came knocking at my door to greet the new neighbor.' He looked to her. 'You remind me of my daughter when she was your age. We… grew apart over the years.' Then he looked to Eighter. 'I wish I could say I resisted to the last when I was told to plant the bomb on your heart, but… I would be lying.

When I saw you on that operating table, I didn't see a sentient creature. I just saw a machine that White wanted rigged to explode.'

'Its alright,' said Eighter 'you had no choice. I… I forgive you, Dr Flappe.'

'We're not going to let them get away with this.' said Kakarot simply, his fist clenched.

'But…' Suno said 'Dr Flappe, you can take out his bomb, right?'

'Yes,' said Doctor Flappe 'of course I will. Its the least I can do, just give me a moment to make some preparations.' He made his way to a door and opened it.

Flappe made his way through the hall, and reached his bedroom. Entering it, he found Murasaki waiting for him on the bed. He froze in horror.

'Its been a long time,' said Murasaki.

Flappe went for the door, but throwing knives were embedded near the door knob as he reached for it. 'P-please leave me alone.'

'Whats the matter, doc?' asked Murasaki. 'Aren't you happy to see me?' He drew out a series of knives. 'We have a little business to discuss.'

'I told General White I'm out for good!' snapped Flappe.

'Whatever deal you made with the good General went out the window with him.' said Murasaki. 'He and his soldiers were defeated yesterday after Android Number Eight went Renegade. You remember that one, right?

If you don't cooperate I'll tell Gero that you weren't wiped out with the rest of us. And you know who he'll call next if you don't come back in.'

'Just tell me what you want me to do.' said Flappe.

'The spiky haired brat in the living room has two dragonballs. I need you to get them for me. After that all you need to do is take care of the brat.'

Flappe stared at him. 'Let me see if I have this quite clear. That child successfully defeated Major Metallatron, you, and General White along with the entire Red Ribbon Army garrison, and is sufficiently dangerous that you refuse to kill him yourself.

And you expect me, an ordinary, untrained human who doesn't own a gun, to kill him?'

There was a long silence as Murasaki stared at him. 'I liked the way I phrased it better.'

'No doubt.' said Flappe.

'Fine, just get the dragonball, I don't care!' snapped Murasaki.

Suddenly something awoke within Flappe, a terrible anger that brought him to hold his ground. 'No!' shouted Flappe, deliberately making a great deal of noise. 'I'm done cooperating with you people! I'll take my chances and hope you freeze to death in the snows!'

Kami considered the situation and decided that it was an excellent idea. Murasaki might very well reveal that Flappe was still alive, now that he had come all this way. It was beginning to look like Murasaki escaping alive was unacceptable. The man had been given every chance to back down, but if he was going to force Kami to choose between a professional murderers rapidly diminishing chances of salvation and the life of an innocent women, the choice was more than obvious.

In fact it had been his encouragement which caused Flappe to hold his ground. Now he noticed that Suno was making her way towards the room, and convinced Kakarot to go after her. Or tried, but Kakarot was lost in thought and could not be moved. So Kami urged Bulma to go instead. Yet she was busy thinking about how wonderful it would be to learn how Eighter was created.

Time was running out.

Suno made her way though the hall. 'I could have gone back to the village and back in the time they preparations are taking.' Opening the door, she entered it to see a violet clad man holding a knife to Flappe's throat. She screamed.

'Run Suno!' cried Flappe.

Suno obeyed, but she had not gone far before a hand reached out and grabbed her, pulling her back as a knife was set to her throat. 'Do as I say,' said the man 'or the girl gets it.'

Kami did something else then. He sent a sense to Eighter of terrible danger. Eighter sensed it, and got up, making his way through the door. As Murasaki gripped Suno, the door behind him was opened.

'Sergeant Murasaki!' cried Eighter.

Murasaki was filled with surprise, and Kami weakened his grip on the blades. Suno then bit him on the hand, and he dropped them entirely. Murasaki panicked and rushed to smash through the window, leaping out into the snows and rushing away.

At that moment Kakarot came by. 'Who went out the window?'

'It was Murasaki!' cried Eighter. 'He was threatening Suno.'

'Quick,' said Flappe 'you've got to go after him! If he gets word to Gero, my daughter will die! You can't let him get away!'

'Don't worry,' said Kakarot 'he won't.'

He leaped out the window and pursued.

Kakarot raced after Murasaki's snowmobile, but it moved with incredible swiftness and he found himself slowed by the snows he had to trudge through. As he ground a halt, he cupped his hands.

'Kamehameha!' he cried.

Firing a beam of blue light at the mountain Murasaki was scaling. It struck the mountain, and Murasaki soon found himself having to flee an avalanche which chased after him, faster and faster. It was ultimately futile, and he was soon covered in snow. Feeling obligated to try and save the mans soul, Kami allowed him to be spared from the avalanche.

'Well that takes care of that.' said Kakarot in satisfaction. 'Now, lets have lunch!'

After lunch, Doctor Flappe began the process of removing the bomb. Eighter took off his shirt and lay down upon the operating table. Flappe opened up the chest plate, to reveal innards of steel. And on a metal heart, lay a small bomb, held on with screws.

Flappe slowly removed one of the screws, turning the driver as his face dripped with swat. Suno and Kakarot watched in suspense, while Bulma looked fascinated. Soon Flappe began to work on the second screw. After a moment that was out too, and reaching in he drew off the bomb.

'I did it,' said Flappe 'there is nothing more to worry about.'

Kakarot and Suno breathed in relief and smiled, as Flappe wiped the sweat from his brow. As he did so, however, the bomb slipped from his fingers. In slow motion it seemed to fall back down toward Eighters heart. Then Kakarot surged forward and caught it in one purple mitten.

Suno smiled. 'Quick hands!'

Kami smiled as well.

Later on, the four of them stood outside Doctor Flappe's house to say their goodbyes.

'I owe you my life, Doctor.' said Eighter. 'Thank you.'

'Yes thank you.' said Suno.

'Hey, these schematics you gave me are really cool.' said Bulma 'I can't wait to pour over these back home. Thanks a lot. And thanks for lending me your tools to fix the dragon radar.'

'If the Red Ribbon Army gives you any more trouble,' said Kakarot 'give me a call and I'll handle it.'

'Yes, yes,' said Flappe 'its alright. If I might ask, what will you do now?'

'Me?' asked Bulma 'I want to go home and sleep for a week. These adventures have been fun and all, but I'm tired.'

'A trip to the city sounds nice.' agreed Kakarot. 'Oh, and Suno, I wanted to say that I was serious about that wish. I'll wait for my own one.'

'Thanks Kakarot.'

Then Kakarot pulled something out of his pocket. It was the bomb. 'The bomb… what to do with this?'

'Just throw it away.' said Bulma 'Somewhere far away from people.'

'Fair enough,' said Kakarot before hurling it in Murasaki's rough direction.

Then they walked away, waving goodbye to Dr Flappe.

'Good luck, my friends!' cried Flappe after them.

Kami then turned his attention to the Ninja Murasaki, who was now emerging from the snow. Eighter aside. Murasaki had been the least evil of Muscle Towers guardians. It had been why Kami had preserved him when the building fell in around his head. And his potential for good, should he reform, was why he had saved him from the avalanche. Yet as events had played out, Murasaki had gone farther and farther down the wicked path he had chosen.

Now the only question was what Murasaki would do with his life.

Murasaki emerged from the snow. 'Like the ebb and flow of the tides, my wrath shall remain constant! I'll have my revenge!'

Time was up. Murasaki only needed to find a radio to contact Gero, and have an innocent girl murdered. Kami had done him two separate miracles in the hopes that he might give up and make something of himself, but his stupid determination was too great. At this rate he'd probably end up getting murdered by Kakarot, after exposing Flappe.

So Kami manipulated events to protect innocent life. He nudged the bomb with the wind, so that it landed on Murasaki's face, then activated it. The ninja had just enough time to scream, before he was consumed in light.

The explosion could be seen for miles around.

He took a moment to appreciate Kami's coldblooded slaughter of the fool, Murasaki. It was always nice to end a story with a bang.

Authors Note:

Well her we have chapter thirty nine. I enjoyed writing this chapter, primarily because I got a chance to fix a huge problem I had with the original episode. See, Doctor Flappe's story could have been an excellent story about a good man forced to do bad things. It could have led to some development, and given some suspense.

Instead Flappe never gets a chance to reveal, or have revealed his dark and troubled past. As a result the whole thing feels incredibly anticlimactic, because the very interesting story line aspect is never revealed.

As for the Launch Vs Yamcha rematch, I figured I'd have it now since I doubt they will have another showdown in the next World Tournament. And Yamcha got a new technique! Cool!

I meant to have Suno disavow Kakarot of the whole harem plan here, but that didn't work out either. At this rate I'm beginning to think the harem might actually happen.