Here's chapter 81!
Thanks to SuperSaiyanKnight, Dragon1157,Diosa dela muerte, Dark Domination, UltimateGoham, Ryo-chan wolfgirl, icewolf, ceciliamarianamenezes, Heseltine, Canine Lupus, Hoshi124 and 15songoku for all the reviews on chapter 80. And thanks to SuperSaiyanKnight for being my 900th reviewer!
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!
…
A/N: WOW! 912 reviews! Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has took the time to read this fic especially those who cared to enough to review!
...
Markelia was thoroughly enjoying the ride away from the village. Now that she'd be free of Agalaki, she looked forward to the adventure of her life.
Daiz was relieved that they had no pursuers. Hopefully it would be dawn before anyone discovered the granddaughter of Cronos was missing. The Kabochan's face flushed as the Dayogien female gave a dreamy sigh and pressed in closer to him. She was enjoying their close proximity a bit too much in the pirate's opinion.
Pulling the Zlasskew to a halt, Daiz slid down from the weary reptile. He didn't miss the look of disappointment on his golden-skinned companion's face as she was forced to release him.
"We're gonna have to give this fella some rest for a bit. I've been pushing him pretty hard," the dark green-haired male informed Markelia.
As if on cue, the green reptile sank to the ground on scaly knees and rested its large head on the ground.
"I had hoped the world outside my village was more than mountains and sand," the Dayogien said wistfully as she scanned the horizon.
Daiz burst into laughter "There's much more than that! We just haven't got to it yet!"
Markelia was startled hearing the sound of the Kabochan's laugh as she'd never heard it before. The raven-haired female decided she liked the sound of it.
"I hope I'm doing the right thing, taking you away from your grandfather, your people….everything you've ever known," the former prince mused aloud.
"Daiz, you saved my life. I would have gladly taken it than to endure what my life would have been had I stayed," Markelia replied.
"Do you really think you could have done that?" Daiz asked.
"My life would have been nothing but wretched servitude to Agalaki's mother and I would be subject to his cruelty. I've seen how brutally he treats his servants. I can only imagine how he would be to his mate. By my people's traditions I would be forced to obey his every order without question. He would decide where I was allowed to come and go, how many children I would bear and how we would raise them. I could not have chosen a single child's name Agalaki would determine those also. And should another catch his eye I would simply be forced to accept it," Markelia declared.
"Whew! I see your point."
Markelia said no more. They sat quietly staring out at the stars. The Dayogien female felt a twinge of sadness as she caught the faraway look in the eyes of the man beside her. He was thinking about her!
She tried not to be resentful of the way the Kabochan's entire face lit up as his thoughts turned to the woman he was separated from. How could she not be? Daiz was everything the men of Markelia's village were not. But all was not lost the woman in question wasn't his mate. There might be some hope for her after all…
….
Gartoas muttered under his breath as Gohan plopped into the seat across from him eagerly waiting for him to continue his tale.
'What wuz Ah thinkin?'
…
(Flashback)
Gartoas opened his eyes and tried to focus. His body felt as if a herd of Braysador antelope had galloped over it….repeatedly. He couldn't move his arms or legs and the thief quickly discovered he was bound hand and foot with ki-controllers. The Kardanagan looked up to find the pretty female he'd attempted to charm staring down at him with a look of utter contempt. To the bearded bandit's chagrin she was now clothed in the red and blue uniform of the Galactic Police.
"Great job Captain Lashana! We've been after this one for six years now!" a highly decorated blue male avian officer congratulated her.
Lieutenant Varcoy grit his teeth as the female officer looked him over and proclaimed "Never send boys to do a woman's job!"
Gartoas snorted with utter annoyance," Aw, git offa yer igh-orse, Wench!"
"You will address an officer of the Galactic Police with respect!" the silver-haired woman growled.
"An ifn' Ah don'? Whatta ya gonna do? Poiz'n me wi' thet stench ya be callin' perfum'?"
A swift right hook delivered by the Aorlite gave Gartoas his answer.
"Aw, nuts!" the Kardanagan mumbled.
"Oh how very ironic!" Captain Lashana purred. "That's just where you're going….. to Shildar Prison on planet Nutts!"
….
Gartoas stared glumly out at the barren wasteland of the Colospian desert. Shildar prison was completely surrounded by nothing but blistering sand. There was no vegetation of any kind to be seen. The high security cell he was currently housed within would be his home for the next twenty years according to his sentence.
The Kardanagan had no intention of serving said sentence if he could help it. But escaping Shildar prison was going to take some doing. The window he gazed out of hummed with a current that delivered a nasty jolt if one dared to get too close. Shimmering lines of energy composed the "bars" of his cell rather than a form of metal.
A metal device was attached to the bearded bandit's left ankle which kept him from powering up. It would also send him to the floor writhing in agony if he annoyed the guards. And sometimes they employed it just for their entertainment. Gartoas had learned that shortly after his arrival at his place of confinement.
The burly thief noticed he was not in alone in his small cell a blue and yellow spotted reptilian being was snoring away on the upper bunk. He wore a dingy gray garment that appeared to have once been white.
"Great! Ah getta listn' thet racket!" Gartoas grumbled.
Something in the cell just across the small aisle between the cells caught his eye. An enormous life-form was sprawled out on the floor. The Kardanagan figured he wouldn't quite make the span of its shoulders even with both of his arms outstretched. Massive orange-skinned arms protruded from a great white chest- plate. A thick braid of black hair hung to the small of the humanoid 's back. Legs as thick as tree trunks were clad in crimson. Metal control devices were attached to each of his limbs and his feet were bare.
Gartoas noticed that his cell-mate had awakened and seemed to take great interest in the inert form across the way.
"So they finally got 'im!"
From the cell bordering the unconscious inmate, a purple simian-like creature from planet Lateros added his thoughts on the matter," Yep, it took six men to put him in there. Only three walked away with their lives still intact."
"Well that's Amond for ya," the blue and yellow spotted reptile mused.
"Shoulda' be shakin' in muh boots?" Gartos scoffed.
"Ya haven't HEARD of Amond?" his cell-mate queried in disbelief.
"Where have you been?" the purple ape-ling wondered aloud.
"Guess Ah don' be keepin' up wi' celebrities," the beefy bandit snorted.
"Amond 's the most wanted criminal in the Four Sectors. It's said he kills just for the sheer joy of killin'. Before he broke outta Girlansan prison Amond wiped out his cell-mate. Poor Delastian was falsely accused of theft and before the guards could intervene…" the reptilian began.
"Amond left nothing of the poor wretch but blood and feathers," the Laterosian finished.
"Don't forget what happened to that frog-lookin' fella from planet Trildor," the blue and yellow male added.
"Oh yeah, Amond ate him," the simian declared.
"Least e' went quick Ah guess," Gartoas growled.
"He ate him ALIVE," the two prisoners chorused.
The Kardanagan did his best to suppress a shudder.
"By the way I'm Qarlis and the purple baboon over yonder's Gadepp," the reptile informed Gartoas.
"Don't be calling me a baboon you fly-catcher!"
"Fly-catcher? Shut up before i belt ya with a banana!"...
(End of Flashback)
Gohan sat staring at Gartoas with eyes as wide as saucers.
"You'll give him nightmares with stories like that, you over-fed oaf!" Zailora scolded as she walked into the bridge area.
"Min' yer' own business, ya mother hen!" Gartoas shot back.
"Zailora! You're back!" Gohan squealed.
"Back from…?" the confused Kabochan stammered.
"Yer back from yer walk ya took las' night. Gohan wuz lookin' fer ya," the black bearded pirate cut in.
"Oh! Right! Yes I went for a long walk, Gohan, " Zailora agreed quickly blushing furiously.
"Musta bin some walk,"Gartoas pressed.
"Look you….," the she-pirate suddenly went silent and a bitter expression came over her face.
Turles swept into the room, "I have business to attend to."
The Saiyan headed for the exit without so much as glancing at his crew.
"Master Turles, aren't we having breakfast?" the little demi-Saiyan called out.
"Can't you fend for yourselves?" Turles snarled.
"Yes, Commander," Gohan said softly. He hung his head so his chin touched his breast-plate.
Gartoas was completely taken aback by Turles's response.
"I'll be back for the noon meal, Gohan," the pirate commander stated as he strode over and ruffled the youngster's hair. The son of Goku grinned now that he was assured Turles was not cross with him.
Zailora aimed a rude gesture at Turles's retreating figure. It didn't escape the attention of Gartoas.
"Tha two o'ya squabblin' or did ya wake up on tha wrong side o' somin' else's bed?" the burly pirate taunted.
A second later Gartoaswas spitting out a tooth.
"Ay now! Ah can' be sparin'mucha muh teeth ya know!"
"I'm surprised they haven't all turned black and fallen out yet. Of course with that breath of yours they might just pack up and leave!" Zailora quipped.
Gartoas gave her an indignant look.
"Hmph! Ahm gettin' somethin' ta' eat! Ya comin', Brat?"
Gohan fell in step with the massive pirate but noticed Zailora was not following them.
"Zailora, aren't you coming too?"
"No, Gohan. I'm just not hungry this morning," the dark green-haired female replied.
"She looks so sad. I'll bet she's thinking about Daiz again," the little half-blood sighed.
'Ah kinda dout that muhself,' Gartoas thought.
…
The ship was now empty except for Zailora. She could no longer hold back the flood of tears she had stubbornly suppressed until now. If only this morning had been just another bad dream….
Zailora awoke and found herself alone in the enormous bed that took up one whole side of Turles's room. She got a sinking feeling as she caught sight of the Saiyan pirate standing fully clothed at the other side of the room with his back to her.
"It would be for the best if last night's..events were not repeated," the Saiyan informed her coldly.
WHAT?
"Is that understood, Zailora?" Turles demanded.
The stunned Kabohan female struggled to speak but it seemed as if her tongue refused to respond, her throat felt like it contained a lump she couldn't possibly swallow. Was this the man who had left her breathless with his fiery kisses? The man whose arms she had fallen asleep in lulled by the sound of his heartbeat?
"IS THAT UNDERSTOOD, ZAILORA?" the pirate commander thundered.
"I…I..I ,,,yes, I understand, Commander," Zailora choked out.
"Good. Well you know your way out," Turles said icily. He walked out without giving her so much as a second glance.
The dark green-haired female vainly fought to keep back the tears that began to well up in her eyes. She'd been sadly mistaken….Turles didn't have a heart!
….
Daiz unfastened the leather straps that had enabled him to control the Zlaaskew during the trek across the desert. He gave the beast a gentle slap to its flank and watched as it began to lumber away in the direction from whence they had come.
"You're sure he'll find his way back to the village?" the Kabochan asked.
"Yes, each of our mounts know where they are fed," Markelia said brightly. It touched her that Daiz had concern for the animal's welfare. He had to have a good heart to worry so over a simple beast.
The Zlaaskew broke into a gallop, its three-toed feet churned up the desert sand as it raced away.
"Guess he's in a hurry to get home!" Daiz chuckled.
"He must be hungry!" the Dayogien female giggled.
"I 'm getting rather hungry myself, we'd best get going," the dark green-haired pirate stated.
Markelia gave a squeal of surprise as the former prince swung her up into his arms and took to the sky. She soon found she didn't mind at all. After all being securely held by his powerful arms and being able to look up at his handsome face as much as she pleased suited her just fine.
The granddaughter of Cronos gasped as she looked out over the purple and blue mountain range they were currently passing over. Daiz was relieved that something other than him finally got her attention. It was quite embarrassing to have Markelia continually gazing up at him with a rather blissful smile on her face.
Soon the small town that the Dayogien were allowed to barter with slowly came into view. When they touched down on the solid earth once more, the golden-skinned female walked close behind the male pirate. She was leery of the crowd that roamed the dusty streets. Daiz kept a watchful eye out in case someone attempted to seize Markelia in order to force her to return to her former home.
The Kabochan couldn't help but be highly amused at Markelia's reactions to the simplest of things. An assortment of several varieties of fruits offered for sale had her clapping her hands in delight. The diminutive Kala fruit of her village was the only kind she had ever known. A jeweler's stand made the Dayogien female's jaw drop in astonishment. She was certain only royalty could purchase such finery.
"Let's get something to eat," Daiz suggested.
"Yes, of course. Where do I go to prepare your meal?" Markelia asked.
The pirate convulsed with laughter at her innocent request. Markelia appeared insulted and quite upset.
"Is my cooking not suitable for you anymore?"
"C'mon, I can show you better than I can explain it," Daiz informed her.
Taking her arm, the former royal led her to a small restaurant. It was quite crowded making it obvious that the food was palatable at least. The young Dayogien was completely stunned when Daiz seated her at a table and sat down across from her.
"This is not proper…." She began.
"Humor me," Daiz interrupted as he tried not to laugh.
Though clearly uncomfortable, Markelia kept her seat but looked about nervously.
The small eatery Daiz had chosen wasn't much in appearance. Some sort of pale green bricks composed the walls that had a sparse amount of windows peeking out every three feet or so. The floor was fashioned out of drab gray tiles. There were no decorative treatments on the walls. Tables and chairs were constructed of simple unpainted wood. While ambiance was sorely lacking, absolutely heavenly aromas wafted from the food preparation area.
Daiz took the liberty of ordering for the both of them. Markelia watched in utter disbelief as a squat purple feline set several plates and eating utensils out for them. He was followed by a green reptile that placed heaping plates of steaming food before them. Succulent meat, a rice-like grain dish and a plate of various breads now covered the table.
"You must be of great importance to have servants to do your bidding," the ebony haired female marveled.
"They are paid to serve anyone who wishes to eat here", the Kabochan spoke up.
"Only the wealthy are treated so in my village," Markelia sighed.
"Well you are free of their rules now," Daiz declared.
He insisted she help herself to some of each of the dishes he had ordered. She started to protest but gave up when he simply insisted and soon found that she was thoroughly enjoying her meal.
The former prince had noticed that onlookers were observing Markelia's shabby clothing and frequently giving him stern looks.
'They probably think she's a mistreated slave or something,' Daiz thought.
"You're going to have to get rid of that dress…."
A stinging slap connected with the pirate's cheek before he could finish. The now scarlet-faced Dayogien female shook her index finger at him as she expressed her complete outrage.
"I don't know how women of the outside world conduct themselves but the women of my people DO NOT WALK ABOUT NAKED!"
Daiz exploded with laughter even as he was rubbing the right side of his face. For such a little thing she struck pretty hard!
"I meant you need some decent clothing!"
Markelia hung her head in embarrassment, "I would not blame you if you took me back. I am unworthy of your kindness."
"Nonsense, would you like some dessert?" the pirate queried.
"What is this 'dessert'?"
Daiz grinned "YOU are in for a treat!"
…
Gohan picked morosely at his food it did not go unnoticed by the Saiyan pirate.
"Is something wrong with the food you've chosen, Gohan?"
"No, Master Turles. I'm worried about Zailora. She didn't eat breakfast with us and she isn't eating now," the Earth-raised child mused.
"Zailora is capable of taking care of herself," Turles said flatly.
"I know, Commander. But she seems so sad. Maybe you could talk to her a little and she'll feel better and eat with us tonight," Gohan suggested.
The Saiyan's face was an unreadable mask but Gartoas noted how his fingers practically whitened as he suddenly held his eating utensil in a crushing grip.
'Ahm guessin' e' ain't wantin' ta do any 'talkin', 'the Kardanagan thought.
Turles had been aware that the Kabochan female had not joined them for the noon meal but he had made no comment.
"Zailora will deal with matters in time."
With that Turles rose from his seat, "Feel free to complete your meals. "
He walked away with no further instruction or explanation.
"Great! Now even the commander's acting weird!" Gohan groaned.
…
Turles had not yet returned to the ship. Zailora had holed up in her quarters and refused to come out despite several pleas from Gohan. The little demi-Saiyan sat forlornly staring at the ship's entrance.
'Ahm getting' sof' in muh ol' age,' Gartoas thought.
"Stead' o' sittin ther poutin' ya wanna ear' ow' Ah ahscap'd from Shildar prison, Brat?"
Gohan sat up immediately "Yes, please!"
….
(Flashback)
The burly thief pulled the flimsy excuse for a pillow tightly over his ears but he could still hear his cell-mate's incessant snoring. Gartoas got up from his bunk and reached over to yank the reptile from the top bunk….
A violent tremor suddenly shook the floor of the Kardangan's cell . The lights flickered on and off and the "bars" sparked wildly. Prison guards were shouting and desperately trying to restore order as sheer chaos descended on the once secure institution.
Qarlis was now fully awake as he had fallen headfirst onto the floor as the bunks tumbled to the floor as well.
"What in Kami's name is going on?" he barked.
"Ah dunno, all Hell's breakin' loose Ah 'm guessin'" Gartoas answered.
Great cracks appeared in the prison floors. Sparks flew about as the energy bars surged with power and then fizzled out. Screams rent the air as Amond stepped out of his cell and began to slaughter the guards as fast as he could seize them. He was no longer wearing the metal control devices.
"THE POWER CORE'S FAILED! THE RESTRAINTS ARE INOPERABLE!" one of the guards cried out.
Gartoas watched in amazement as the control device on his left ankle clicked and fell to the floor. The energy bars to his cell no longer existed. The bearded bandit was totally unprepared for what happened next…
The floor trembled and literally rolled beneath his boots. Something snaked out from the tiles. Gigantic roots that could only belong to a tree from Hell itself began to crash through the floors….
….
To avoid confusion I deleted part one and two and simply labeled chapters as usual. Please review!
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