Here's chapter 64! Thanks to Diosa de la muerte, Dragon1157, Scimitar X, Richard, icewolf, Ryo-chan wolfgirl, DarkCarnival220, Dark Domination and Hoshi124 for all the reviews on chapter 63.
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!
A/N: Apologies for the late update! A busy schedule and thunderstorms playing havoc with my internet connection are the cause. 701 reviews! Thanks SO much to my AWESOME readers!
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Turles walked briskly across the courtyard tiles. What a relief to be no longer confined to that damned bed! The Saiyan grimaced as he thought about Gohan's request. He might soon be wishing he'd stayed in that bed. But the pirate had never backed away from a challenge and he wasn't about to start now.
Gartoas caught sight of Turles and let out a deep sigh of relief. Now maybe things would get back to normal. Well as normal as his existence was concerned.
"Master Turles! Good ta see ya up 'n about !" the burly Kardanagan called out.
Zailora appeared from nowhere with a deep disapproving scowl on her face,"Commander! You were supposed to stay another..."
"Not ONE MORE word, Woman!" Turles snarled.
The Kabochan female grew pale at the sharpness of the Saiyan's voice and his fierce expression as he swiftly cut her off.
"Best ta be list'nin!" Gartoas whispered.
"YOU don't give the orders, Zailora! It seems you have forgotten that!" the dark-skinned Saiyan growled.
Daiz came up behind his two crewmates "What's this? Trouble in Paradise, hmm?"
"Go to Hell, Daiz!" Zailora snapped.
The former prince was actually taken aback by the sheer venom in her voice. Gartoas even noticed him wince.
"Zailora, wait in the lower hall. You will learn the consequences for your actions as of late," the pirate commander ordered.
"Yes, Master Turles," the she-pirate declared nervously as she followed her orders.
Daiz swallowed hard. What was Turles planning? He and Zailora were at odds for the moment but he wished her no harm.
"Daiz, Inform Arquiris we will be leaving at first light tomorrow. I expect the ship to be properly stocked with supplies and adequate fuel to make it to Darathazer."
"As you wish, Commander," the dark green-haired male spoke up quickly.
'Why doesn't Turles want me around to witness Zailora's reprimand? Does he have something that drastic in mind?' Daiz thought.
"Master Turles, ther might be ah bit o' ah delay shippin' off," Gartoas informed the Saiyan pirate.
"And why is that?" Turles demanded.
"Tha ship's waste removin' unit's actin' up."
The Kardandagan actually shivered at the completely devilish smirk that suddenly appeared on the face of his commander.
"Send Zailora to the ship. Instruct her to loosen the release valve and increase the pressure in the main drainage pipe," Turles directed.
A look of complete astonishment came over the pirate's face when he took in his instructions.
"Meanin' no disrespect , Commander. Doin' such is gonna..."
"I know exactly what the result will be," the Saiyan snickered.
"Ya be Evil itself, Master Turles," Gartoas muttered.
"Ah, you noticed!"
...
Daiz walked over to Gartoas. I'll be glad to be getting out of here. By the way, Turles wasn't too hard on Zailora was he?"
The bushy black-haired pirate gave a long sigh. Daiz grabbed at his brawny shoulders "He didn't hurt her did he?"
"Naw, e sent 'er ta fix tha ship's waste removin' tank by loosinin' an' ah tightnin ah few things!"
"WHAT? Zailora doesn't have the faintest idea of how to..." the Kabochan warrior shot into the sky. He hoped he could reach Zailora in time before disaster struck...
...
Zailora pushed and strained at the stubborn release valve, finally it slipped back.
'Almost done. Phew! Something smells horrible! Just need to adjust the pressure now...'
A scream of absolute horror and outrage tore from the Kabochan nobleman's daughter as a flood of foul -smelling liquid and what she quickly recognized as excrement sprayed out of the rear of Turles's ship. Zailora was now coated in filth from head to toe. Daiz arrived just before she slipped and fell into the awful mess. His jealousy faded as he took in the sight of the hapless female.
The dark green-haired female snapped up her head when a strong arm prevented her from falling face first into the huge malodorous puddle of refuse.
"You know, even covered with crap you're still gorgeous," Daiz teased.
" You're full of it if you believe that!" Zailora snapped.
"I mean that," Daiz said softly. He pulled a piece of cloth from a pouch at his waist and gently wiped her face.
"Get yourself cleaned up. I'll take care of this," the former royal offered.
"Y-You're sure?"
"Yes! I've fixed these disgusting things before."
"Thank you!" Zailora choked out.
...
A clean sweet-smelling Zailora greeted Daiz as he himself exited the ship's training room's cleansing unit.
"At least neither of us reek now!"
"I didn't mean to be so harsh with you. I should have listened to you instead of jumping to conclusions," Daiz said.
"Yes, you should have," Zailora replied as she turned away from him.
"Can we start over...please?"
"I'll have to think about that" the she-pirate muttered stubbornly.
The male pirate pulled her into his arms "I'm sorry I let the green-eyed monster separate us. I've missed you!"
Zailora buried her face into his chest "I missed you too!"
"C'mon, Turles will be wondering what's taking us so long," Daiz advised.
"I'm going to kill Gartoas, he sent me here to 'make adjustments' ," the female pirate huffed.
"That was actually our dear commander's idea," her male counterpart informed her.
"Why would Master Turles do something like that?" Zailora demanded.
"He believes you overstepped your position on this ship. And NEVER mess with a Saiyan's pride, Turles has killed for far less," Daiz warned.
...
A beaming Gohan watched as Daiz and Zailora walked past him hand in hand.
"Get to the training room, Brat! You're going to get the training session of your life!" Turles growled.
The little half-blood jumped up and cracked his knuckles."Let's get to to it then, Master Turles!"
'What the Hell is he so happy about?' the Saiyan pirate wondered.
Gohan gaily bounced about as he evaded several kicks and punches.
A few moments of the seven-year-old's cheerful disposition was about all the former commander of the Crusher Corps could tolerate.
"What are you grinning about, Brat?"
"You fixed things for Daiz and Zailora, Commander! I knew you could do!" the young demi-Saiyan chortled.
'For Kami's sake! All I did was send Zailora to endure a punishment for her willful behavior' Turles thought.
The sheer joy radiating on the Earth-raised child's face became utterly annoying.
"We'll do this at another time, Brat. GET OUT OF HERE!"
...
'Master Turles wants to put me in my place does he? Well, I think it's time to remind him I'm NOT just one of the men,' Zailora thought to herself. 'And someone else needs to be reminded just how lucky he is.'
A wicked smile crossed the dark green-haired female's face. She reached into a container and burst into laughter as she imagined the haughty Saiyan's reaction to her little surprise...
...
Turles and his crew, excepting Zailora, were seated in the Great Hall for their evening meal. Maybe she was too miffed by the day's events to even show herself, the Saiyan suppressed a smirk as the thought occurred to him.
A gasp from Gartoas caught the pirate commander's attention. The Kardanagan pointed out a figure that entered the room. Turles rose to his feet as he had no clue to the identity of the elegantly dressed female that was heading towards their table. Daiz, Gartoas and Gohan stood up as well.
The woman wore a shimmering rose-colored dress that clung to her upper body and flowed into a wide skirt. Her slender but strong pale-skinned shoulders were bare, a delicate gold chain with a single ruby hung at her throat. Matching earrings were also worn. A shimmering veil of Crislim was placed over her hair.
When her hand reached up and pulled the gossamer material away, long forest green hair flowed down her back held by a single golden clasp. A familiar smirk suddenly lit the mysterious female's face.
Zailora?
A hint of color appeared on the Saiyan pirate's face as he immediately returned to his seat without a single comment. He had not taken his eyes off the intriguing beauty from the moment she had caught his notice. Turles stared down at his plate but found himself stealing furtive glances at the female pirate.
Why would she change her appearance so? What was she up to? She had certainly gotten his notice much to his chagrin.
"What are you doing? Turles can't keep his eyes off you!" Daiz whispered.
"Precisely!" Zailora whispered back with a wink.
Turles slammed the goblet in his hand onto the table so hard it shattered.
"Be ready to leave at dawn!" the Saiyan snapped as he stood to his feet.
Without another word or a glance in their direction, Turles left the room.
"Now ya got im' ina mood, Woman!" Gartoas huffed.
Zailora merely smirked at the irritated Kardanagan. It served the pirate commander right if she got under his skin a bit after the grief he'd caused her.
...
Daiz and Gohan walked along the streets of Elkisarr, capital of Darathazer. The planet's oppressive heat made them wish they'd left their armor back at Turles's ship. Wisps of steam floated up from the very street beneath their feet. But what more could be expected from a world with four suns? Its settlements were scattered about as volcanic activity was quite prevalent.
The former prince couldn't shake the feeling that they were being followed. Several respectable power levels were detectable but the throngs of passers-by made it difficult to determine their precise location. This planet wasn't controlled by Turles so the immunity they typically enjoyed as part of his crew didn't exist here. The Kabochan was keenly aware of the resentful glances that were directed towards Gohan. Intense hatred for the Saiyan race still burned in the hearts of countless lifeforms.
A pair of amber colored eyes set beneath emerald green hair regarded the young demi-Saiyan with great interest. Zarbon had come to this Kami-forsaken out-world to purchase a most difficult to obtain variety of wine that was Frieza's absolute favorite. If he succeeded in bringing the half-breed offspring of the pirate scum known as Turles to the Ice-jin as well, then his lordship would be pleased indeed...
...
Zailora pouted as she paced the floor of Turles's ship observed by the Charladon who looked up at her in curiosity. She should be out with Daiz not "guarding" the ship. Ember whined and backed away as the she-pirate kicked out at one of the support beams in annoyance.
"Sorry, girl. Didn't mean to frighten you. It's just frustrating being cooped up in here instead of doing something useful."
The Kabochan female scratched the Charladon's ears and was rewarded with a happy bark as Ember enjoyed the attention. Zailora laughed softly as she watched Ember's pitiful tail wag furiously.
"Doesn't take much to make you happy, huh?" the dark green-haired female asked while she continued to scratch much to Ember's utter delight.
'I just thought I'd irk Turles a bit. I didn't know I somehow touched a nerve' Zailora thought to herself.
Turles had made it a point to keep a distance away from her since they left . Oh well, she'd let the Saiyan sulk if he wanted to. A few days from now he'd be back to himself like usual with no explanation or apology given for his behavior.
...
Gartoas rolled his eyes as a squat , pudgy green Arleckadian haggled with Turles over a Shirnaytrian ruby. The exquisite flawlessly cut jewel was worth an emperor's ransom but the Arleckadian vehemently protested the price the Saiyan pirate demanded. Shrugging his shoulders, the dark-skinned Saiyan began to walk away from the merchant with the priceless gem still in hand.
"Wait! If my lord would accept just three hundred tanirs less than he asks, I would be most happy to purchase the treasure he seeks to sell," the merchant offered.
Turles crossed his arms over his armored chest and gave the Arleckadian a baleful glare. The now frightened shop-keeper cringed at the fearsome sight.
"I'm feeling a bit generous today, I will subtract the three hundred tanirs from my original price you may purchase the ruby for forty-six thousand tanirs" the pirate commander conceded.
"A bargain indeed, Great Sir! I am most grateful to pay as you wish!" the now relieved merchant chortled. He would raise the price twice as much!
"Master Turles, Ya bout' made im' cry hagglin' so," Gartoas remarked as they left the small shop.
"That gem was made of Kalserium paste. He'll definitely be shedding tears when it melts under this planet's four suns!" Turles chuckled.
The Kardangan muttered under his breath at the Saiyan's duplicity. Where did he find the master craftsmen that made his fabulous imitation baubles?
...
Daiz frowned as he took in the information from one of Turles's somewhat trusted contacts. It seemed that Artruay was conducting business that would surely anger Turles when the pirate commander discovered exactly what the gray reptilian had been up to. He dismissed the purple rat-like informant after slipping him a generous amount of the local currency. The dark green-haired pirate wondered if it had been a wise decision to meet with the furry Sharlizite in the posh restaurant. His new-found knowledge wasn't exactly encouraging an appetite.
Gohan ate his meal quietly but he couldn't hear what the rat-being and the former prince had discussed. Daiz returned to his attention back to his own meal, giving the youngster a smile and a nod to assure him that nothing was amiss. The little half-blood had his doubts for he hadn't missed the grave expression that came over the Kabochan's countenance as he spoke to the strange creature that spoke in rapid chatters. But surely Daiz would speak up if there was anything going on that concerned him. Wouldn't he?
The little demi-Saiyan quickly noticed that Daiz barely touched the food on his plate.
"Daiz, Is something wrong?"
"I'm not a liberty to discuss some pressing matters at the moment. Turles will have to decide whether or not to share them with you," was the reply.
After consuming only a small portion of his meal, Turles's second-in -command pushed his plate away.
"Time to go, Gohan," Daiz sighed. He was not looking forward to conferring with Turles.
As he stepped out of the dimly lit eatery into the brilliant Darathazerian sunlight , it took a few seconds for pirate's eyes to adjust to the sudden glare. Soldiers...why was he suddenly surrounded by armored soldiers?
Two beefy, shaggy brown Zarkilians stepped aside to allow an imposing figure to pass. The former royal grit his teeth as he instantly recognized the teal-skinned, emerald-haired officer known as Zarbon.
"What do you want with me, Zarbon?" Daiz growled.
"You? You're not even worthy of my notice. However, I'm quite interested in the little misbegotten half-breed behind you." Zarbon simpered.
"You're not putting one filthy hand on Gohan!" the Kabochan male snapped.
"I knew you weren't going to be reasonable. But what can I expect from someone who takes orders from a monkey!" the teal changeling taunted.
"Better than someone who kisses a lizard's backside!" Daiz shot back.
"Dispose of the pirate trash and seize the brat!" Zarbon ordered.
The soldiers surged forward. There were ten in all. Not his best odds but the Kabochan warrior had endured worse. Daiz fired off a ki blast and easily took out the two orange frog-like beings that attacked first. One of the massive Zarkilians seized him from behind meaning to crush him in its powerful grip. The Kabochan flung back his head as violently as he could, he connected with the skull of the bovine. Daiz gulped in a quick breath of air as the now unconscious Zarkilian released his grip.
Gohan was holding his own against a blue simian life-form. Daiz flashed him a grin as he snapped the neck of a purple reptile who clumsily charged into him. The green-haired pirate deflected a blast and sent one of his own to wipe out the blue armored yellow fish-creature that was aiming a weapon at him.
Zarbon stood back watching the carnage unfold before him. An evil smile crossed his face as he saw his chance. The seven-year-old slammed his fist into the midsection of a green boar-like soldier who dropped like a stone. Phasing in behind the youth, Zarbon delivered a swift blow to his neck .
Daiz turned just in time to see Zarbon take to the sky, the limp form of Gohan held firmly in his grasp...
...
Next chapter: Daiz vs Zarbon!
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