Here's chapter 46! Thanks to Dark Domination, icewolf, Diosa de la muerta, Ryo-chan wolfgirl, Scimitar Prime and Hoshi124 for all the reviews on chapter 45. And a special thanks to Super Vegetarott for the overall review. Also thanks to The Professor for the review on chapter 3.
A/N: 491 reviews! Thanks SO much for the support! Here's a longer chapter than I usually get to manage...
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!
...
Gartoas breathed a sigh of relief as Turles returned to their table alone.
'Thank Kami! E' didn bring tha white aired wench back wi' im' the Kardanagan thought.
The Saiyan was quiet and withdrawn and his crew gave him a wide berth. They dared not ask what he had discussed with the pirate queen's sibling.
Turles didn't like the maelstrom of emotions that swirled within him at the moment. He much preferred the lack of such feelings. Anger he could handle and always use to his advantage. But this was completely alien to him.
"He's hurting," Zailora whispered to Daiz.
"It's Turles. He 'll be over it in no time," the male pirate assured her.
Daiz was a bit concerned himself but the last thing he wanted was Zailora fussing over the Saiyan.
…..
Turles sat silently staring out at the stars. Gartoas was piloting the ship giving Gohan a much needed break. The little demi-Saiyan was worried. Turles had only spoken when necessary since they left Zenostar. For hours the pirate commander just stared out into space speaking to no one.
Zailora gave Daiz a slight swat on his shoulder as he just "happened" to brush her cheek with his lips when he turned his head. The former prince managed to brush his hand over hers momentarily as he reached for his playing piece for their chess-like game of Tarchia.
She cut her eyes at him but stayed silent. A second later the dark green-haired female felt her male counterpart slip his right arm around her waist just out of sight beneath the table where they sat.
"Seriously, Daiz?" Zailora whispered.
"Something wrong?" Daiz asked with a wink.
The exasperated woman suddenly smirked at him and the astonished pirate watched in disbelief as she seized his most valuable playing piece thereby becoming the victor of their round of Tarchia.
You should have paid more attention to the game, Flirt!" Zailora remarked as she rose from her seat and left the bridge area.
The she-pirate had barely made three steps into the hall when she whirled around as she felt a presence behind her. Daiz.
"Away from prying eyes, my sentiments exactly," Daiz murmured as he pulled her into a scorching kiss.
Zailora couldn't help but to melt into his embrace. She sighed softly as the male pirate gently trailed kisses down her throat before swooping in to claim her lips once more. The Kabochan female wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed against him…..
"WOW!" the passionate couple heard from behind them.
Zailora's face turned scarlet as she ended a kiss only to see Gohan standing there. He had his little hands clapped over his mouth and was trying to muffle the sound of his giggles. The mortified female member of Turles's crew pulled away from the protesting Daiz and hurried to her quarters.
"Way to kill the mood, Kid!" Daiz muttered under his breath.
The little half-Saiyan stared blankly as the former Kabochan royal strode away.
Was Daiz upset with him for some reason?
…
(Flashback)
Five-year-old Turles narrowed his eyes in anger as he watched the burly bald Saiyan known as Nappa torment a young female low class warrior.
"IS THAT ALL YOU'VE GOT? You're worthless! King Vegeta should have NEVER changed the law concerning your ilk. Half-breed trash!
The small framed half-blood struggled to her feet as the massive general of the Saiyan army bore down on her once more. She was part Alborite judging from her brilliant blue complexion. Raven black hair tumbled past her shoulders. A brownish-black furry tail hung limply at her waist. Her purple and silver armor marked her as being one of the lower class. Excepting the hue of her skin, the female appeared no different than any other Saiyan female.
"I'll say this much, Katchia's got guts. Nappa's been cutting back her rations for a week now. I'm surprised she has the strength to stand much less take him on," the long-haired teen known as Raditz commented.
"She's a Saiyan female. She should be treated with respect!" Turles growled.
"HA! That's rich! She's a half-breed!" the son of Bardock cut in.
"Saiyan blood MAKES her Saiyan!" the dark-skinned youth snarled.
"You REALLY believe that?" Raditz huffed.
Nappa flung the hapless female across the training arena. She landed just in front of Turles and Raditz. The five-year-old couldn't miss the dark circles beneath her eyes and the nasty cuts and bruises that marred the exposed areas of her azure skin. She tried to get up but failed. He could hear her panting for breath as she fell back to the arena floor.
With a low growl, Turles stepped in front of her.
"She's getting what's coming to her! Get out of the way" Nappa bellowed.
"With all due respect General, my honor prevents me from doing so," Turles declared.
The Saiyan general erupted into laughter.
"What does a third-class know about honor?"
"Obviously more than YOU!" the Saiyan youngster shot back.
"Looks like you need to be put in your place, Third-Class!" Nappa barked.
"You're more than welcome to try, Sir," Turles said as he shrugged his small shoulders.
"THAT'S IT! You definitely need an attitude adjustment Brat!" the furious elite seethed.
Turles sank into a defensive stance as Nappa went on the offensive. The commander of the Saiyan army aimed a devastating punch. His jaw dropped as he realized that he had been aiming at an after image.
A blow to the small of his back almost sent the elite officer face first into the arena floor. Almost.
"You got lucky low-class! That WON'T happen again!" Nappa snarled.
In a blur of speed, Turles managed to take the general's legs out from under him.
The absolutely livid Nappa was back on his feet within seconds and Turles found his throat being crushed beneath the massive Saiyan's boot.
"General Nappa! That's quite enough!" an authoritive voice called out.
With a snort of disgust, Nappa lifted up his foot from the now gasping Saiyan child's neck. But it didn't stop him from delivering a savage kick that slammed the five-year-old into the far wall.
Commander Zorn stood glaring at the leader of the Saiyan army.
"What's it to you, Zorn? I'M the authority out here. Go sniff the king's boots or something to entertain yourself," the burly Saiyan snickered.
"You're being reassigned, Nappa," he Saiyan commander announced with a smirk.
"Reassigned? YOU can't…." Nappa began sputtering in outrage.
"By the order of Lord Frieza himself, you are now simply an elite officer. You are relieved of all other duties," Zorn declared.
"ALL other duties? I'M THE COMMANDER OF…"
"Lord Frieza has appointed one of his own personnel to be in charge of the Saiyan forces," Commander Zorn said flatly.
"Damned lizard!" Nappa huffed.
"Frieza's orders will keep you on your toes, Nappa. Trust me on that."
"Hmmph! You get a position in the royal court and you think you know everything, Zorn," Nappa muttered.
"You're lucky Zorn showed up when he did," the blue-skinned female said as she watched Turles slowly get to his feet.
"Nonsense! I was luring Nappa into a false sense of security," the spiky-haired youth insisted.
The female half-blood burst into laughter "R-i-i-ight!"
She grinned at the dark-skinned male," Thanks for getting him off my case though, I'm Katchia."
"Turles," the youngster wheezed. His sides felt as if they'd been crushed.
"Looks like you need a spell in the tank. C'mon I'll show you where to go…."
(End of Flashback)
'Will every female that has some meaning for me end up in an early grave?' Turles wondered.
Then a smirk of pure deviltry crossed his face.
'If that's the case, then all of the rest of them are perfectly safe!'
The dark-skinned pirate snickered. If they were aware of his musings, over half a dozen females scattered throughout the galaxy would be vehemently cursing his name right about now….
….
Daiz strode through the Quarzarlan Market of planet Baratres. He was looking for something to impress a certain someone…..Gohan was right on his heels. The little demi-Saiyan was enjoying the sights and smells around him.
Gartoas suddenly appeared grumbling loudly about a particular item Turles had sent him to procure. He carried a small blue container in his right hand.
"What's wrong with you? I mean other than the obvious," Daiz teased.
"Shut yer mouth, Whelp! " the Kardanagan snorted.
"Compared to your advanced age anyone could be considered a pup!" the former prince chortled.
"Ahm gonna…AW! Yer not worth tha effort!" the burly bearded pirate growled.
"What's that, Gartoas?" Gohan asked as he pointed to the container Gartoas held in his hand.
"Ah this be tha precious item is' majesty be sendin' after," Gartoas groaned. "Ah can't believe Ah paid two hundred zeni fer it!"
Daiz gaped as he heard the price "What the hell's in that jar?"
"Triglian pears. Pickled Triglian pears ta be exact!"
The Kabochan pirate whistled and shook his head "That's some pricey stuff! But that's Turles for you. If he wants something then its price is no object."
"Is' tastes be gettin a mite ta rich ifn' ya ask me!"
"We DIDN'T ask!" Daiz chortled.
"Ahm not wastin' muh time wi ya! Goin' back ta tha ship," Gatoas mumbled as he set off in the direction of the ship.
A smile lit the face of the Kabochan pirate as he found what he was looking for…..
Nestled in a scrap of royal blue silk was a delicate chain of Kloshian silver with precious Yetrasete pearls. They were a luminous white with subtle tones of pink.
'Perfect! Just like the woman it's meant for' Daiz thought
. He could just imagine the look on his female crewmate's face when when he presented the elegant gift to her.
"Ah! Something for a very special lady, yes?" the merchant commented.
The dark green-haired male merely nodded. A soft chuckle came from the yellow-haired purple humanoid as he wrapped the pirate's purchase in a larger square of the royal blue silk.
"I can guarantee that the lucky lady will be very pleased!"
'I sure hope so!' Daiz thought.
"Mr. Daiz?" Gohan spoke up as the Kabochan began to walk away from the merchant's display.
"What have I said about that?" Daiz scolded.
"Uh, sorry! Daiz. You like Zailora don't you?" the little half-blood asked.
"You could say that," his fellow crew member answered.
"What I mean is…you REALLY like her!" Gohan pressed.
"Well yes, you could say that too," Daiz sighed. Where was the kid going with all the questions?
"So THAT's why you two were kissing so much!' " the son of Goku blurted out.
Daiz felt his face suddenly flush with embarrassment. Just how long had Gohan been standing in the hall watching?
"Who's beena kissin'?" Gartoas asked as he lumbered into view.
With the look Daiz gave him Gohan didn't dare utter a word.
"I thought YOU went back to the ship!" the Kabochan pirate growled.
"Ah changed muh mind. Gonna get a bite ta eat first.'Sides Turles an' Zailora might be appreciatin' a bit o' privacy."
"WHAT?" Daiz thundered out.
Gartoas burst into laughter "Couldin' help muh self! Ah knew ya wouldin' be takin' that well!"
"One day I'm going to find out what vile transgression I've committed to be cursed with you!" the dark green-haired pirate snarled.
The Kardanagan merely chuckled.
...
Gohan had wandered over to another merchant's display of wares. Several thick books that seemed as if they had not been handled in some time lay on a small table. He took a deep breath and blew away the thick layer of dust that coated them.
The seven-year-old chose a heavy volume with a deep purple cover with lettering of inlaid silver. Some of the letters seemed familiar while others he had never seen before. His curiosity piqued, the youngster asked the price of the large tome. Gohan was surprised at the paltry sum but hurriedly made his purchase.
"C'mon'Gohan! Let's get us a snack to hold us until the evening meal," Daiz suggested.
Gohan grinned and rushed off with his new book tucked carefully under his right arm.
…
Turles had drifted off slumped in his captain's chair and he shook himself awake. The Charladon pup was eyeing him. Her pitiful bright red and yellow tail wagged very slowly and then stopped. Ember made a step towards him and then backed away.
The dark-skinned Saiyan held out his right hand and the animal gave it a cautious sniff. Moving slowly Turles reached over and gently scratched the pup behind her ears. The silly tail was now wagging furiously.
"Worthless mutt," the pirate commander muttered.
Ember gave a happy bark and rubbed her head against the Saiyan's hand.
"Ignorant too!"
"DAMN!" Zailora shouted.
"Is there a reason for such unladylike language?" Turles teased.
The Kabochan female blushed as the Saiyan pirate walked over to where she was trying to stem the flow of blood from her left hand.
"Master Turles! I was cleaning my short blade when it slipped…"Zailora started.
"Accidents happen," Turles cut in. He reached for her wounded hand and with a slight press of his fingers the bleeding miraculously stopped.
The female pirate shivered as the Saiyan's warm hand moved over hers.
"That scent truly suits you," Turles commented.
Zailora's face flushed with color.
"I wasn't aware of saying anything amiss!" the pirate commander snapped.
"I-It's not that, Commander. It's just…. I'm not wearing any scent except for my own…."
It was the Saiyan's turn to be startled. He abruptly turned on his heel and left the bridge area.
…..
"Master Turles?"
The dark-skinned warrior looked up from his charts "What is it, Gohan?"
"I found this book today. Some of the letters seem like they're in the Saiyan language. But these others are so strange," the little half-blood explained.
Turles looked over the volume in question. His eyes went wide in surprise.
"This book is very old. It was printed before planet Vegeta-sei was destroyed. It is written in the old Saiyan script," the Saiyan full-blood informed him.
"So I won't be able to read it," the demi-Saiyan sighed in disappointment.
"I can read the old script," Turles affirmed.
"Great! I mean when time allows, Commander," Gohan added hurriedly.
"I'll make time. You've made me curious….."
…..
Daiz could hardly wait to show Zailora her gift but he wanted to bestow it when they had some time alone. He gave Zailora a wink and grinned as she turned in his direction.
'Now what's he up to?' the dark green-haired female wondered.
Zailora stole a quick glance to see where the pirate commander was. Things had been a bit awkward since he had made his earlier remark.
"Daiz! You won't believe it! Look over at Turles!"
The Kabochan male could hardly believe his eyes. He elbowed Gartoas whose jaw dropped as he took in the sight…..
Gohan sat listening to Turles read from the immense book he had purchased earlier that day. His head was nestled on the elder Saiyan's left shoulder. Turles's tail was wrapped around Gohan's shoulders!
"This book tells of the legendary…..of the Super Saiyan….."
…..
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