Here's chapter 75! Thanks to Dark Domination, LostHero171, jomama, Dragon1157, Diosa de la muerte, Ryo-chan wolfgirl, Cadeus Vitiate and Scimitar X for all the reviews on chapter 74.
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!
…..
"You are quite certain that it's her?" Turles queried the voice that came over his scouter.
"Absolutely sure, I'd stake my life on it, Sir," the male voice insisted.
"That's most fortunate because you will be," the Saiyan declared ominously.
An audible gulp was heard on the other side of the scouter before the voice continued.
"Sir, Artruay insisted she take his place at a diplomatic meeting concerning an alliance of the planets on the rim of the Eastern Quadrant….."
"I did not give permission for him to join such an alliance," Turles interrupted with an edge to his voice.
"Precisely, Lord Turles. I thought you would wish to know immediately. The woman known as Bulma is heading to Marismor as we speak."
"Well you're certainly earning your pay and the privilege of continuing to exist for the moment, Agarlis," the pirate commander informed the green arachnid spy that he employed on planet Arturay.
"T-Thank y-you , Sir," the spider-being replied nervously .
"You are dismissed," Turles growled. His scouter silenced at once.
The Saiyan pirate decided to investigate what Artruay was plotting and it would be interesting to cross paths with the fiery blue-haired female once more.
Gartoas barely suppressed a shudder at the predatory smile that suddenly lit the pirate commander's face.
"It's ne'er a good sign when Turles be gittin THAT look!" Gartoas grumbled under his breath.
"What 'look'?" Zailora wanted to know.
"Hmph! E's got ah wench on is' mind er' some pure deviltry. Might be both o' tha two!" the Kardanagan huffed.
"Whatever," the she-pirate said with a roll of her eyes.
"Mebbe e'll be fetchin' ah crew member worth somethin' n' send ya packin, woman," Gartoas needled.
"If he's kept your worthless hide this long I think I stand a fair chance of staying on for a bit," Zailora mused.
"Who ya callin' worthless ya bony witch?" the burly bearded pirate bellowed.
"You know if your gut gets any bigger you'll have to register as a planet," the Kabochan female teased.
The pair fell silent as Turles entered the room. Gohan's eyes went wide with surprise as he took in the Saiyan pirate's appearance. Not a hair was out of place as usual and the Saiyan's armor and boots were polished impeccably. But rather than his typical white cape, Turles wore a midnight colored one with a thin silver trim. In spite of his curiosity the little demi-Saiyan quickly returned his attention to piloting the ship.
"Yep, all gussed up like thet e's definitly' on tha prowl," Gartoas whispered.
Zailora merely snorted at the notion. But Turles was obviously up to something.
"Gohan, set your course for planet Marismor!" Turles ordered.
"As you wish, Commander!" Gohan quickly responded.
"When we arrive on Marismor , there is an important formal event I have found reason to attend. The two of you are to find something suitable to wear for such an outing. Then you will meet me at the assigned location….."
….
Bulma checked her reflection smiling with absolute delight as Chi-Chi clucked her tongue disapprovingly. The young blue-haired scientist wore a shimmering one shouldered gown seemingly made up of thousands of tiny white crystals. A glittering necklace of flawless diamonds set in exquisitely fashioned silver hung at her throat. She also wore matching earrings.
"This gown is practically weightless!" Bulma chortled as she gave a graceful spin watching the wide flowing skirt of the ethereal garment seem to float as she spun around.
"You're actually going through with it? I can't believe you're going all alone to a planet full of aliens and…" Goku's widow began.
"Chi-Chi, I'll be just fine!" the former heiress interrupted.
"Artruay is being completely unreasonable expecting you to…"
"Chi- Chi, please!" Bulma interrupted once more. "It's quite an honor for me to attend in Artruay's place. Besides he's done so much for us the least I can do is offer my assistance when he needs it.
"Hmmph! You think it's just going to be one big party that's the real reason you want to go!" the Ox-King's daughter scolded.
"So I can impress our employer and have a little enjoyment too what's wrong with that?" the once darling of Capsule Corps wanted to know.
"You don't know who you might run into out there in space. It could be very dangerous!"
"Lighten up, Chi-Chi! It's a simple diplomatic venture. What could possibly go wrong?"
"Are you sure you want the answer to that?" the irate brunette shot back.
"You could go with me," Bulma suggested.
"Not on your life! I had enough fun on the last little outing you dreamed up," Chi-Chi grumbled.
"I'm sure that was just …"
"NO! I AM NOT GOING!"
"Fair enough but I plan to enjoy this little venture," the aquamarine-haired young genius insisted.
…
Gartoas arrived at the designated location wearing polished black and brown armor and a dark brown woolen cape hanging from his shoulders. His usually wild-looking bushy black beard and hair were neatly trimmed and combed.
"Where is Zailora?" Turles demanded.
"Ya know women, Commander. They can't decide what ta wear ta save ther life," the Kardanagan snorted.
Turles's attention was diverted by the sudden arrival of a very familiar figure. Gartoas rolled his eyes as he caught sight of the blue-haired beauty from the planet known as Earth. Was she the reason they were here? What could Turles want with her?
Bulma was too busy taking in the magnificently appointed room she had entered and the glittering assemblage gathered therein to take notice of anything else. The walls were pristine white marble with heavy royal blue window coverings and a floor made of cream colored marble. A multitude of different races had arrived for the purposed meeting. She wanted to take her time and take everything in.
Turles sauntered over with the gait of a predator circling its prey. Bulma almost gasped in horror as the arrogant Saiyan pirate came into her view.
"What are YOU doing here?" the former heiress hissed.
"I heard you were attending and I rushed right over," Turles announced mockingly.
"You've got something horrible planned I just know it!" Bulma accused.
"I merely hoped to take you up on the delightful invitation you so graciously offered. Surely you didn't forget did you?" the Saiyan teased.
Bulma's face turned scarlet as she realized his meaning. He'd seized her hand before she could pull away without making a scene. She shivered as his lips leisurely made their way over the back of her right hand. A sharp fang briefly brushed them causing her to bite her lip.
"It's nice to know I can still make you quiver," Turles commented with a wicked smirk.
Bulma snatched away her hand inspecting it for bite marks causing the pirate commander to chuckle at her action.
"Why do you insist on tormenting me?"
"Because it's so amusing, " Turles retorted.
"I am NOT your entertainment!" the Earthling female snarled.
"On the contrary, you're succeeding quite impressively so far," the dark-skinned Saiyan taunted.
"This is a diplomatic meeting you have no reason to be here, you murderer!"
"Do you think someone here is capable of forcing me to leave?" Turles queried.
Tears of anger and frustration filled Bulma's eyes at the Saiyan's sheer arrogance.
"Why did you do it? Why did you murder Gohan?"
It suddenly occurred to Turles that it might be best that Bulma was not informed that the little demi-Saiyan still existed.
"The brat became rather annoying."
At that very moment an insect buzzed about the notorious pirate. He swatted the hapless insect when it sat on his left shoulder causing it to fall lifeless to the polished marble floor.
"Annoyances should be disposed of as quickly as possible," Turles informed his horrified audience.
"I'm rather curious as to how you received word of the brat's disposal," the former leader of the Crusher Corps remarked casually.
How could he be so cold, so cruel? Bulma was enraged.
"Artruay told me what you did, you MONSTER!"
"Did he now?" Turles mused without a single trace of emotion.
'What could Artruay possibly gain by falsely informing the Earth woman of such a thing?' the Saiyan wondered. Obviously a visit to the reptile's planet was in order.
"I understand you're staying on the third floor. DO make sure the water's warm later," Turles said with an evil laugh that sent chills up Bulma's spine. Then he had the nerve to turn and walk away.
"I HATE YOU!" Bulma screeched no longer caring if anyone heard her.
…..
Daiz regarded the angry young Dayogien that stood before him curiously.
"Have I done something to offend you? If so I'm unaware of what I am supposed to have done."
"Your presence offends me! You don't belong here!" Agalaki seethed.
"Agalaki, you do not speak so, especially to a guest in my home!" Cronos scolded.
"I ask your forgiveness, Cronos. I merely wish to declare that this stranger's presence is causing difficulty," the younger Daygoyien pressed.
"What 'difficulty' has my presence caused?" Daiz questioned.
"Your presence here has Markelia questioning her place in our society. She looks toward things outside of our ways that are none of her concern,' Agalaki stated irritably.
"What's wrong with wanting something more?" the former prince wanted to know.
"Precisely my point, she has no business wanting anything else than the life that is to be allotted to her," the young guard huffed.
"That's rather narrow minded thinking," Daiz said flatly.
"Strangers with their unseemly ideals and…"
"Agalaki, we can discuss this later. Our friend has made a significant breakthrough with his memory and I would like to see if we can expand on that," Cronos cut in.
"He is NOT my friend," Agalaki muttered under his breath as he stormed out of Cronos's home.
"You must excuse Agalaki. He has tried and failed to gain my granddaughter's favor for some time now," the elderly Daygoyien said apologetically to Daiz.
"I can't say I really blame her," Daiz growled as he folded his arms over his chest.
Cronos pursed his lips at the comment. Enmity between the two young males would be a recipe for disaster to be sure. It was best to get his "guest" to focus on regaining his memory.
"Let's see if discussing the female you recalled can jog any more memories into being," Cronos suggested brightly.
Markelia stood back in the shadows unseen. She guiltily hoped that the female in the memory of the man she now knew as Daiz had no meaning for him. He was beginning to mean a great deal to her…..
…..
Turles laughed to himself. He thoroughly enjoyed exchanging verbal barbs with the volatile blue-haired female and how easily he could make her blush!
"Bin avin fun, Master Turles?" Gartoas asked.
"Indeed," the Saiyan answered with a smirk.
The massive pirate almost felt sorry for the azure-haired victim of Turles's schemes, almost.
"Zailora still hasn't arrived?" the pirate commander growled irritably.
"Uh, no, Commander," Gartoas spoke up nervously. What was the woman thinking? Turles didn't tolerate tardiness.
Suddenly Turles stared straight ahead with his jaw agape. The Kardanagan turned around to see what had caused such a reaction. His eyes nearly popped out of the sockets at the sight before him.
The Kabochan female was walking towards them in a close-fitting gown that appeared to be made of liquid silver. Her dark- green hair glistened in the light and hung unbound past her pale-skinned shoulders. An intricate necklace with green stones encircled her neck.
"Hmph! Ain't seen er' wi'er' air like thet ah' fore''," Gartoas remarked.
"Like a cloud of jade," Turles murmured.
The black and brown armored crewman snapped his head around at the Saiyan's remark. A genuine smile lit the infamous pirate's face.
'Yah gotta be kiddin' me!' Gartoas thought as he smacked himself in the forehead…
…..
Until next time!
daughterofrisingsun