Here's Chapter 82!
Thanks to Ryo-chan wolfgirl, Dragon1157, LostHero171, SuperSaiyanKnight, Diosa de la muerte, Richardc269, icewolf, Dark Domination, ceciliamarianamenezes and UltimateGoham for all the reviews on Chapter 81 Part One.
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!
….
Gohan was holding his sides as Zailora told him an amusing story about a prank she had pulled on one of the nobles of the Kabochan court when she was his age.
"I'll bet you really got in trouble!" the little half-Saiyan snickered.
"Did I ever!" Zailora chuckled.
The Kabochan female had made Gohan the focus of her complete attention during the evening meal. She regarded Gartoas only when absolutely necessary and completely ignored Turles. At the end of the meal she walked out. Turles paid a jovial pink elephantine being from planet Bergis for the meal.
"I trust you and your family found the meal satisfactory, sir?" the Bergisite chortled.
"MY WHAT?" Turles barked.
"The lovely young lady and your handsome son. I daresay he looks just like..." the pink-hued life-form grew quiet at the malevolent stare the Saiyan was giving him.
"G-Good day, sir!" the Bergisite stammered before he raced to the kitchen as fast as his hefty form could carry him.
...
"Ain't ya jus' ah ray o' sunshine as ah late," Gartoas grumbled as they reached the ship.
"Aw, go trim your nose hair it's long enough to braid!" Zailora teased.
"Woman, ya don' wanna know why Ahm feared thru out…." the Kardanagan began.
"I already know! It's because of your ugly face and horrendous body odor!" the Kabochan female finished for him.
"AH AIN'T UGLY WENCH!" Gartoas bellowed.
"At least you know you reek!" Zailora chortled.
Gohan couldn't help but burst into giggles. Turles appeared to be fighting back a snicker or two.
"Damn women er good fer' nothin'!" the bearded pirate growled.
…
Daiz sighed with relief as Markelia looked about a small shop that offered women's apparel for sale. She needed to replace her ragged clothing and he needed to get his hands on some serious funds. He would rather she didn't see how he managed to come about them. He chuckled as thoughts of Gohan came to mind. The little demi-Saiyan had never differentiated between 'acquiring' and outright theft. Turles's second-in –command surveyed the crowd and swiftly chose his victims….
A short while later Daiz came back to the shop to fetch Markelia and pay for anything she wished to purchase. The crowd hadn't been particularly affluent but he was sure he had 'acquired' enough to purchase a shuttle and buy Markelia a few things. He knew poor Markelia was trying so hard to catch his eye. She was going to have to realize that someone already had his interest. And besides she was just a kid.
Daiz was totally unprepared for the Dayogien's appearance when she stepped out of the shop. His jaw dropped, his eyes bulged…there was no way that was the granddaughter of Cronos! Markelia's golden skin seemed to glow against the pristine white dress she wore. It emphasized her tiny waist and curves that were hidden under the shapeless garments she had always worn. Her raven tresses were pulled back from her face and arranged in delicate ringlets that hung down one shoulder. Long shapely golden legs were evident from the garment's mid-thigh length. A lovely young woman stood before him not a child.
Observing the former prince's reaction, Markeli grinned. There was definitely hope for her.
…
Turles snarled at the black silk coverlet as if it were to blame for the presence of the Kabochan female's scent that permeated the fabric. He angrily flung a pillow across his room as it was also suffused with the unique floral/citrusy scent that belonged to a certain woman with hair of forest green.
The Saiyan was furious with himself for waking and reaching for Zailora when he should be quite aware that there was no reason to be doing so. His decision had been made and the woman would not enter his quarters ever again. The chase had been highly entertaining but he never should have acted on the attraction that had developed for the nobleman's daughter.
Turles was thoroughly annoyed by the fact he was going to have to sleep elsewhere until he sent out his bed-coverings to be cleaned and made rid of the scent that he was currently breathing in from the sheet he was lying on. What had he been thinking? Cursing under his breath the pirate commander forced himself to leave his luxurious accommodations.
…
Someone was in the training room. Turles vainly hoped it was Gartoas but it was almost assuredly the Kabochan female. The Saiyan pirate had attempted to spend the night in one of the spare rooms added for possible expansion of the crew but he detested the room's musty smell and what he considered substandard ill- equipped sleeping quarters. With his usual posh surroundings how could he tolerate a mere crewman's room?
Since it was apparent sleep was going to evade him he quietly made his way to the training room. Sure enough the she-pirate was there. If she had noticed his presence she gave no outward sign. Fully intent on her training Zailora totally ignored him. Turles narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. She knew he was there! Zailora practiced a sweeping kick and then went into a series of graceful handsprings. Twisting in mid-air the Kabochan landed on her feet and began punching and kicking an imaginary opponent.
The Saiyan couldn't deny he enjoyed watching Zailora executing her perfect movements. Suddenly it occurred to the pirate commander that he no longer wished to be ignored.
"You know your eyes turn almost blue when you're angry," Turles mused. "I prefer the green."
The female warrior slammed her fist into the wall causing a considerable dent.
"Temper, temper!" Turles scolded.
"Commander I'm not in the mood for your games!" Zailora huffed.
"Come now, I'm sure I knew a few games you'd enjoy quite well," the dark-skinned Saiyan pressed.
Turles easily ducked the punch she aimed in his direction. Zailora tried a kick but he took her feet out from under her. She was mortified when she found herself flat on her back pinned down by a grinning Saiyan.
"Hello!" the black and silver armored warrior quipped as he leaned forward and nipped her nose.
The furious Kabochan fought to free herself. Turles allowed her to almost break free and then he pinned her again. He inhaled the scent of her hair and was momentarily distracted. It was long enough for Zailora to catch him under the chin with an upper-cut.
"Surely you can do better than that little love tap! You'll have me getting the wrong idea," the Saiyan taunted.
"ENOUGH! I made my mistake I WON'T do it again!" Zailora snarled.
"Perhaps I made the mistake."
The nobleman's daughter stared at the Saiyan in stunned silence.
"I'm not Daiz. Do not expect me to be. But perhaps we both need something from the other and we could give that for now," Turles offered.
"B-but y-you said it was for the best..."
"To Hell with what's for the best!" Turles growled.
Zailora gasped as she felt the Saiyan's arms tighten around her. Feather-light kisses brushed her eyelids, her cheeks and her throat. The fiery kiss that claimed her lips made the decision for her.
"For now," she whispered as she returned the embrace...
...
Daiz was pleased to find a small shuttle that would transport him and Markelia to Dalicor. There he should be able to find a finance center and procure funds to purchase a small ship to finally leave the planet. Then he could find Turles. Did the Saiyan pirate believe he had been killed by Zarbon or did Turles think he had simply grown tired of his life as part of his crew? He certainly hoped it wasn't the latter. Of course it would grieve Zailora to think he had been slain by the changeling but at least she wouldn't think he had abandoned her. He wanted out of this primitive town as quickly as possible he couldn't wait to see Zailora!
Markelia nervously looked at the craft but willingly followed Daiz inside. When the shuttle left the ground she dug her fingers into the armrests of her seat. The Kabochan gave her a reassuring smile.
"I won't let anything happen to you so relax. This is almost over, Markelia."
The Dayogien female couldn't help but smile at his thoughtful words. Before long she was slumped in her seat fast asleep. A small bundle by her feet caused the dark green-haired pirate to shake his head. Markelia had chosen only three garments at the most paltry sum she could find. Somehow it seemed as if it would be fun to spoil her.
'Poor thing's probably exhausted I need some rest too when we get to Delicor,' Daiz thought.
…
Markelia was frightened when Daiz woke her but she quickly calmed when she realized she was safe. When she exited the shuttle, the golden-skinned female let out a little cry of amazement when she took in her first sight of the city of Delicor. Great buildings and other structures that glittered in the pale moonlight had the young Dayogien staring wide-eyed in complete awe.
"How can such things be?" Markelia gasped.
"All of this was created by mere mortals like us," Daiz informed her.
"It does not seem possible, such wonders…."
'I can't wait to see her reaction to space travel!' the former royal thought.
…
Akali had an uneasy feeling that wouldn't let her rest. Perhaps it was the annoying fact that her son was determined to undergo the bonding ceremony with the granddaughter of Cronos in one day's time. She was proud and willful, certainly not desirable qualities for a mate. Or perhaps it was because Akali was certain she had heard a noise outside earlier and Agalaki had simply dismissed it as one of the desert's night creatures on the prowl. Something was wrong…she just knew it!
Light began to slowly stream into her room. Dawn was approaching, time to get that lazy girl to work. If she expected to be fed today then she'd best get her assigned chores done in a timely order. Of course it wasn't as if the spoiled brat would waste away if she spent two days without meals. That might be just the thing to make her compliant. Akali unlocked the door to the room she had forced Markelia to stay in. Walking into the room she found nothing but an empty floor. Markelia was gone!
…
Gartoas was in a surly mood being sent out at dawn to procure an item Turles had a sudden taste for. The bearded pirate wanted breakfast not a journey to planet Tilcos and to beat it all he had to drag the brat along. Alshaton Market's bustling crowd did nothing to improve his mood.
"Ah jus wuz' askin' fer ah jar not ah bloomin' case!" Gartoas fumed.
"Sir that is the price for one jar!" the green rodent-like female merchant insisted.
Gohan watched as the burly pirate grudgingly paid for the item Turles had sent them for.
"Ah swear Turles mus' think e's royalty er' somethin'. Avin' ta ave' somethin' s'pricey!" the Kardanagan grumbled.
The little half-blood sniffed appreciatively at the crystal jar that appeared to contain a blood-red tinted fruit.
"E's gonna be passin' is' spensive' abits' on ta ya most likely," Gartoas snorted.
Gohan simply shrugged.
"Flyin'all tha' way out er' jus fer som' blasted fruit Ah guess thet's Turles fer ya!" his massive crew-mate continued to complain.
The demi-Saiyan's stomach began to rumble.
"Ah'm supposin' yer needin' somethin' ta eat, Brat. Ah'm needin' ah meal muhself," Gartoas sighed. "Turles musta foun' somethin' ta keep im busy."
"Are you going to finish your story?" Gohan asked eagerly.
"Can't ya get tha woman ta be tellin' ya stories?" the Kardangan huffed.
"I tried to talk to Zailora earlier but she was out for a walk again!"
'Aw, fer Kami's sake!' Gartoas thought.
...
Daiz couldn't prevent himself from smiling as he watched Markelia stare out of the observation window of the small ship he had purchased to finally leave planet Daznicos. The young Dayogien female was looking out at the vastness of space. Her lips formed the shape of an o as planets and millions of stars whizzed by.
The former prince was wracking his brain trying to think of where he could possibly meet up with Turles. Of course the Saiyan had changed his communications frequency once again. That was a necessary precaution to prevent Frieza's ilk from listening in on conversations. Daiz was relieved that Turles had not closed his account. When the Kabochan had entered his personal code in at the commerce center he was pleasantly surprised to find a considerable amount of currency available.
Daiz was able to purchase a small ship, provide two extravagant meals and he had insisted on the most luxurious accommodations that were available in Delicor for the night. Markelia had literally burst into tears when she walked into the opulent room Daiz had chosen for her. She had insisted that such finery was to be reserved for royalty.
A shooting star caused Markelia to squeal in delight. Daiz grinned as she clapped her hands like a small child. He was thoroughly enjoying spoiling her even though she scolded him when he did so. Taking in her innocent joy the dark green-haired pirate wondered if it was wise to even expose her to Turles. He'd hate to see her sweet nature be changed by the pirate commander.
Diaz sighed, Turles was going to be none too pleased when he learned of Atruay's activities. No doubt the reptile's days were numbered...
...
Agalaki was furious when he discovered that Markelia had escaped. He immediately dispatched two men to go in search of her. To add insult to injury Daiz had left a message for him in Delicor informing him that Markelia was no longer on the planet. Cronos could only shake his head at the news of his granddaughter.
"Trusting old fool! I blame YOU for this! You allowed the outsider to stay here and there's no telling what he's done to Markelia!" Agalaki raged.
"Actually I think she's better off than being stuck with you. I have been told of the treatment she received at the hands of you and your mother. I was indeed a fool... to listen to you instead of my own flesh and blood. Now please leave my property and do NOT sent foot on it again!" the elderly Dayogien informed the sputtering young guard.
"Kami please watch over my adventure-loving granddaughter," Cronos whispered.
...
'How can tha runt be puttin' so much food away?' Gartoas wondered as he gaped at the pile of plates and bowls Gohan had stacked before him.
"I'm a growing boy!" Gohan chortled.
"Wait'll ya start growin'East ta' West!" the Kardanagan warned.
The youngster merely grinned.
(Flashback)
Gartoas stared in disbelief at the enormous roots that seemed to erupt from the ground. Surely the tree from whence they sprang must be a former denizen of Hell that somehow managed to escape to the world above. Amond was oblivious to the destruction progressing around him as he was finishing off the final guard he had been able to seize. The Kardanagan wasn't going to wait around to see if Amond would attack him as well. With no restraints to hold him the brawny thief escaped through the ruined prison roof.
Flying above the prison he saw it...Gartoas rubbed his eyes and looked again. A great tree towered high above what was once Shildar prison. Its massive trunk sprouted thick limbs that were laden with lush green leaves and a strange red-orange fruit. Roots curled out from the gargantuan trunk as far as the eye could see.
Gartoas touched down onto the planet's surface to observe the obviously demonic vegetation at a closer distance.
"Come to steal the fruit of the Tree of Might?" a high-pitched voice uttered behind him.
"We cannot allow it! Master Turles would be most displeased!" a second voice rang out.
The bearded bandit whirled around and faced two diminutive purple bulbous headed life-forms hovering in the air.
"Ah don' want any ah yer stinkin' fruit, ya two dried up prunes!" Gartoas barked.
"Easy, Rasin, Lakasei! I'm sure our friend is just admiring the beauty of the tree," a humanoid being cut in.
The newcomer had dark green hair, pale skin and was dressed in dark green and black armor. His hair was cropped short on top and some length was left to be tied
behind his neck. Silver earrings hung from his ears and some sort of necklace at his throat.
"If he were here to steal, the tree wouldn't have a morsel of fruit left by now," a great voice boomed out.
Amond stood grinning back at him. Gartoas wasn't sure if that was a good sign or not.
"Gartoas here is a master thief. He's spent six years making fools of the Galactic Police pulling off one heist after another right under their noses..."
"Well he sounds like someone that could be a useful part of our team," a cold voice interrupted.
The Kardanagan steeled himself to give no sign of the twinge of fear that tugged at him.
Soulless obsidian eyes regarded him from a dark-skinned warrior in black and silver armor. The muscular build, spiky hair and the brownish-black tail wrapped around his waist made it clear to the bandit that he faced a Saiyan.
"So ya be Turles then," Gartoas choked out.
The cruel smirk that appeared on the Saiyan's face made the hefty thief wonder if he suddenly had developed ice in his veins.
"I see my reputation has preceded me," the pirate commander simpered.
"Whadda ya want wi' me?"
"With your particular 'talents' you could be a valuable addition to my crew. Or you can stay here and die as the Tree drains all life from this planet," Turles replied.
"Not mucha ah choice!" Gartoas growled.
"Take it or leave it. As part of my crew you're entitled to the best food, women and wine in the quadrants, a decent wage and a fair cut of whatever plunder we might seize," the Saiyan continued. "And of course you would have your own private quarters on my ship."
"Sound's kinda appealin' puttin' it thet way. ..."
(End of Flashback)
"So that's how you got to be with Turles. But what about Amond?" Gohan asked.
"Thet's ah tale fer another time. Turles won' be toleratin' us laggin' about. Best be gettin back ta tha ship," Gartoas insisted.
...
Zailora snuggled into a dark-skinned shoulder smiling as warm lips brushed her left cheek. Horrific dreams no longer disturbed her sleep. The awful emptiness that plagued her no longer existed. She would always have a place in her heart for Daiz but the once prince of Kabocha was no more. Powerful arms that belonged to a Saiyan pirate were wrapped around her along with a velvety furred tail. To compare the two warriors, Daiz had been like a campfire comfortable and predictable. Turles was simply a raging wildfire. She wasn't sure how long she'd be the recipient of the volatile Saiyan's attention but for now she relished it. From the soft rumbling purr that tickled her ear it seemed that Turles returned the sentiment...
...
Daiz cursed as he discovered he'd just missed Turles's ship on Talicos. How was he supposed to know where the Saiyan's next destination would be? He pored over his charts in almost desperation. A grin came over the former royal's face. Planet Kregistor was the supplier of the pirate commander's favorite wine. Surely he'd stop by if he were in this sector! It was a week's journey but worth the trip if he'd succeed in meeting up with the elusive Saiyan. He'd be reunited with his Zailora in just a few more days!
Markelia felt a stab of sadness as she watched the Kabochan's face light up. He was thinking about her!
...
Gohan wasn't sure what had brought the change about but he was thrilled that Zailora no longer moped about in misery. Gartoas had quickly noticed that Turles had ended his lonely vigils at the observation window.
'O' long til' ya git bored an' send er' on er ' way, Turles?' the Kardanagan wondered.
The woman could count on having her heart broken when it came to Turles.
Well he'd warned her often enough. She was on her own...
...
Planet Kregistor:
Gartoas stopped to wipe his brow as he stacked heavy crates of Trililsium wine into the storage area of Turles's ship. From here Turles planned on a little surprise visit to planet Arturay to deal with a certain reptile.
Gohan gave Ember a treat and laughed as she danced around on her hind legs in an obvious attempt to persuade him to give her another. He tossed her one more and went about his assigned duties. The youngster typed in the necessary coordinates and waited for Turles's order to start up the ship's engines. The ship's entrance began to slowly slide open...Leaping to his feet, Gohan cautiously began to charge a blast...
The little demi-Saiyan squealed with delight as a familiar smiling face came into view.
"It's Daiz!" the son of Goku whooped at the top of his lungs. He raced across the floor and leapt into the former prince's arms. Markelia smiled as Daiz spun the boy about and ruffled his hair before setting him down.
WHAT THA HELL? Gartoas dropped a crate on his right foot causing him to curse loudly. Surely he hadn't heard the brat correctly had he?
Zailora rushed out into the bridge area to see what the commotion was about, Turles right at her heels. Daiz stood before her with a smile and his arms open wide.
The Kabochan female covered her mouth with her hands and backed away with a shriek. She collapsed and was caught by the Saiyan pirate just before she fell to the floor. Turles narrowed his eyes and gave a low feral growl, his tail lashed about.
Daiz shook his head at the actions of the Saiyan and his woman.
"Can SOMEBODY tell me what the Hell is going on?" Daiz demanded...
...
Until the next installation of '"Turles's Triumph"! Please read and review!
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