Here's Chapter 85! Thanks to UltimateGoham, Diosa de la muerte, Dark Domination, SuperSaiyanKnight, 15songoku, Ryo-chan wolfgirl, Dragon1157, peanutbuttergurl6, icewolf, Richardc289, vjaymunoz90, Cadeus Vitiate, The ItchyCocoon and gogettossj for all the reviews on chapter 84. Thanks also to Lumaking for the review on chapter 1 and Guest for the review on chapter 29.
A/N: SO sorry for the delay! Internet woes and bad weather have prevented updates. Here's an extra long chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!
...
Zailora stomped into the bridge area. Gartoas couldn't resist fanning the flames a bit as he could easily discern trhat the Kabohan female was furious.
"What's got ya madder'n ah wet meskir-cat, Woman?" the burly pirate pressed.
"I'M supposed to straighten out this mess!? OOOHHH! Turles and Daiz have dumped the responsibility completely on my shoulders to..." the female pirate fell silent as Gohan entered the room.
"Is something the matter, Zailora? I heard you shouting," the little demi-Saiyan asked.
"It's nothing...really Gohan. I got a bit excited for a moment. Nothing to worry about," Zailora insisted.
"If you're sure...," Gohan began.
"Why don't you meet me in the training room? We haven't had a good spar for a while," the she-pirate suggested.
The Earth-raised youngster fairly beamed at the idea as he raced off for the training room.
"E's gonna fin' out ya know. Ya won' be hidin' things fer long e's too smart fer is' own good as it is," the Kardanagan warned.
Zailora sighed," I'll protect him while I can. He doesn't need to be dragged into this."
A groaning Daiz shuffled into the room. The nobleman's daughter shook her head. Gartoas smirked at the other male pirate's misery.
'What was I thinking trying to go drink for drink with Turles?' the former prince thought to himself.
His head felt as if some giant being had seized it in its great fist and was steadily delivering blow after blow to his skull.
"Yer lookin' ah bit green bout' tha gills, Daiz," Gartoas snickered.
"I feel like a herd of Sqanari-antelope ran over my head and gave me a few swift kicks for good measure," the Kabochan male complained.
"You know better than going off and getting totally soused!" Zailora scolded.
"Not SO loud!" Daiz moaned.
"I'M going to go spar with Gohan. I'll leave his inebriated highness to you," the dark green-haired female teased.
"You're just full of them today aren't you?" an irritated Daiz said in return.
"Yep, tha wench is fulla somethin ta be sure," Gartoas cut in.
"I heard that you beached Glasa-whale!" Zailora called out.
…
To Zailora's surprise someone was already in the training room with Gohan. Folding her arms over her chest, the female pirate stood back to watch. The Dayogien female was in a somewhat awkward fighting stance awaiting an attack from the little demi-Saiyan. Zailora noticed the pair were practically equal in height. But she doubted the frail young woman was anywhere near as strong as Gohan.
"OUCH! You HIT me!" Markelia howled as Gohan struck her with a glancing blow.
"It's a spar! If you don't move or block in time you're going to get hit!" the exasperated Kabochan female declared. What was this little piece of fluff doing in the training room to begin with?
"I guess I missed that little piece of information," Markelia sighed.
Gohan looked embarrassed. Zailora rolled her eyes.
"Let's show her what a real spar consists of!" the she-pirate growled.
"I get the impression that she doesn't want me here," the ebony-haired female whispered to Gohan.
"Zailora's pretty nice once you get to know her," the little half-blood whispered back.
"IF she gives me the chance to!" Markelia replied ruefully.
The young Dayogien watched as Zailora went into a fighting stance. Her eyes widened as Gohan fired a blast of energy directly at his female crewmate. Zailora blocked the blast and the son of Goku found himself scrambling to avoid the barrage of blasts sent his way….
….
Zailora was extremely delighted when one of the servers placed a small basket of Chineara berries at the right side of her plate as she and the rest of her crew were consuming their noon meal. Markelia silently watched from Gohan's right.
Daiz shot Zailora a wide smile, "I thought you'd enjoy some of those."
"They're my favorite! You remembered!" the she-pirate squealed.
Gartoas rolled his eyes as he caught sight of Turles's utterly annoyed expression as opposed to the triumphant grin on the face of Daiz.
'Ere' we go!' the Kardanagan thought.
The former Kabochan royal ignored the sour look the dark-skinned Saiyan gave him. Things were starting to go in his favor.
When Turles and his crew stepped out of the posh eatery where they had enjoyed their meal they were not alone. The pirate commander immediately caught sight of the glint from a handheld weapon in the bright sunlight. A quick ki blast dropped a pudgy orange reptile before he could fire a single shot. Several more menacing life-forms gathered intent on taking on the Saiyan and his associates. A black-furred feline being was brought to the ground with one punch from the beefy fist of Gartoas. Zailora took out two elephantine assailants simultaneously with a blast of yellow energy from each hand.
"What's going on? Why are these people intent on harming us?" Markelia screeched.
"Get your little playmate somewhere safe and leave the fighting to the real pirates!" Zailora barked.
"Pirates? PIRATES! You never said you were a pirate!" the Dayogien female shouted at Daiz as he tried to pull her back into the restaurant.
In spite of her struggles and protests the dark green-haired pirate managed to force the angry young female back into the restaurant. Gohan followed to make sure his new friend was unharmed. Some of the bounty hunters might be in the restaurant as well.
"Stay put until I tell you it's safe!" Daiz ordered. "Gohan, keep an eye on her!"
"But I want to..," Gohan began.
"Make sure Markelia stays here! That's an order!" the dark green-haired pirate insisted.
He rushed back out of the door leaving the frightened, furious Dayogien behind along with a very disappointed Saiyan hybrid.
When Daiz stepped out of the elegant restaurant, he was totally unprepared for the sight before him. Turles and Zailora were standing back to back fending off their attackers. Then the Saiyan pirate raised his right hand and the Kabochan female lifted hers as well. Spheres of energy appeared in their hands. Daiz gaped in disbelief as he watched the unlikely pair employ the attack he and Cacao were once known for utilizing- the combined energy power wave. The resulting brilliant red explosion disposed of their remaining opposition. When had Zailora learned such a thing?
"Ya missed all tha fun," Gartoas quipped.
"Somebody had to babysit our little tag-along," Zailora needled.
"That's not funny, Zailora!" Daiz snapped.
"Touchy aren't you?" the female pirate huffed.
Turles smirked as the Kabochan male started to head back to retrieve the Dayogien.
"Yer playin' inta Turles's 'ands E's wantin ya ta be takin' swipes at one o' nother," Gartoas whispered in warning.
'Of course Turles WOULD want us being spiteful to each other. Then he could move in and turn on the charm,' Daiz thought.
"You were doing such a capable job I didn't want to get in your way. I was really impressed, Zailora" the former royal called out.
The nobleman's daughter broke into a brilliant smile at his comment. Turles gave a low growl as Daiz gave him a smirk.
Markelia was giving Daiz a baleful glare as he walked into the restaurant once more. A forlorn Gohan sat beside her.
"I missed everything didn't I?" the youngster asked.
"Just when did you plan to inform me that you were a murderous thieving pirate?" the young female demanded.
"That doesn't sound so good when you put it that way," Daiz teased.
"What could possibly be good about such an existence? But it makes sense now I thought there was something evil about that Saiyan.." Markelia started.
"That 'evil Saiyan' is willing to take you to a peaceable planet to start a new life of freedom. And that's in spite of the fact that every bounty-hunter in the Four Sectors wants to take his life. I've explained to you about Frieza before. Now you must understand that we plunder and destroy what belongs to him and sometimes we get the chance to take out some of the butchers he employs," Daiz spoke up quickly.
"I…I suppose I may have judged too quickly," the Dayogien said quietly as she bowed her head.
'I wasn't entirely truthful but it's the best explanation I can give her," the once second in line heir to Kabocha thought to himself.
…
Daiz grit his teeth in fury as Turles draped a gold necklace containing an emperor's ransom worth of exquisitely cut emeralds around Zailora's neck.
"Wh-what's this for?" Zailora choked out in surprise.
"They match your eyes that should be reason enough," the Saiyan replied.
The male Kabochan was angered further as Turles swept back a lock of hair from the she-pirate's face in a slow deliberate manner that turned the simple action into a caress. He also didn't like the way Zailora smiled up at Turles just then or the knowing look the Saiyan pirate gave him.
"Easy, Daiz E's tryin' ta goad ya," Gartoas whispered.
"And it's working!" Daiz growled back.
Markelia gave an exasperated sigh "Those two are so obvious!"
"Who's being obvious about what?" a confused Gohan asked.
"Never mind!" the ebony-haired female declared.
'Why do I get the idea that everyone is hiding something from me?' the little half-blood thought.
….
"My new home is beautiful!" Markelia exclaimed.
The young desert-raised female never would have dreamed that she would one day inhabit a world with dense green forests as far as her eyes could see. Her bare feet were cushioned by a luxurious carpet of lush green grass. Twin suns glittered on the surface of several pristine lakes which reflected a range of purple mountains in the distance.
"I believe you'll be happy here on Bernizarr, "Daiz said softly.
Suddenly Markelia's eyes filled with tears," I shall miss you terribly, Daiz. And Gohan as well you are my first true friends."
The pirate's face broke into a smile," We'll miss you too, Markelia. But this is for the best. This world is not troubled by Frieza and there is a family willing to take you in as one of their own."
A tall pale-skinned woman with golden hair gave her a shy smile and stepped forward," I am Narlisa, my mate and I were never blessed with children. We would be most honored to welcome you into our home as our daughter. You will want for nothing and will never be mistreated. Would that be acceptable to you?"
Markelia nodded too overcome with emotion to speak. She turned back to Daiz and flung her arms around his neck, "How can I ever repay you?"
The Kabochan gave her a kiss on her right cheek," I owe you my life. This is the least I can do for you. We'll visit you someday."
"We were just getting to be friends!" Gohan grumbled as he folded his arms over his small but muscular chest.
Daiz couldn't help but feel a bit aggravated at just how much the boy resembled Turles at the moment especially with the scowl he presently wore.
"It's more important to think of Markelia now than what you might want, Gohan."
"I know. Sorry, Daiz," the dejected youth mumbled.
The dark green-haired pirate gave a long sigh. It wasn't fair to take his issues with Turles out on Gohan.
"Hey, I know this isn't easy for you…"
"You will come and visit me too, right Gohan?" Markelia interrupted.
Gohan's face lit up with a grin "Of course I will!"
"We have to get back to the ship, Markelia. Take care," Daiz said warmly.
"Good-bye," the son of Goku said morosely.
"Good-bye for now!" the young Dayogien added quickly.
After a flurry of hugs and a kiss on Gohan's cheek, Markelia walked away to her new life.
…
"Ya think Turles'll be leavin' enough o' tha lizard ta make ah pair o' boots?" Gartoas quipped.
"That's really in poor taste, Gartoas," Zailora shot back.
"Naw, ifn' ya get tha nerve ta cook somethin' that ould' be inna poor taste!" the Kardanagan taunted.
"I'm an excellent cook! You could trim your jowls and make half a dozen pairs of boots!" the she-pirate snarled.
"Watch it, Wench! Er Ah kin snap those twigs ya be callin' legs!" Gartos growled.
"Nice to know things are getting back to normal, eh Gohan?" Daiz muttered.
Gohan just giggled.
…..
Zailora was in her usual seat braiding her just-past shoulder length hair. An idea occurred to Daiz, he rushed off to put it into action.
Moments later the dark green-haired male pirate smiled down at the result of his efforts. A fine- toothed comb constructed from a single polished ivory tusk of a Karlien boar. The delicate floral design carved into it made it more a piece of jewelry than a grooming tool.
Daiz walked over and set the comb in front of Zailora
"A little something for you…just because."
"You made this didn't you? It's beautiful, Daiz. Thank you!" Zailora exclaimed.
It was the warrior of Kabocha's turn to grin as Turles glowered at him from the captain's seat at the sight of his little "gift."
….
Planet Arturay was still three day's journey away. Turles and his crew landed on planet Oazethoth to indulge in their evening meal.
To her utter amazement Zailora discovered that the center of the elegantly appointed table contained her absolute favorite dishes. Turles gave a devilish smile as the female member of his crew began to load up her plate. Daiz curled up his lip in disgust.
"I think I just lost my appetite," Daiz snorted.
"Ah'll be takin' yer share then, no point inna wastin' it," Gartoas declared.
Massive amounts of food begin to disappear as Gartoas and Gohan devoured the contents of their plates. Turles was inhaling a large portion as well. Even Zailora seemed to be putting it away.
"Hey, leave somethin' for me!" Daiz protested.
"Aw, quit yer complainin'! Yer tha one not wantin' ta eat!" the burly bearded pirate huffed.
The former royal reached for a plump Trachis fish. Gartoas stretched out his huge hand for it as well.
"I saw it first!" Daiz insisted.
"No ya didn'! Ya weren't even goin' ta eat er as'yer feeble mind fergottin' ah ready," Gartoas growled.
While the pair argued Gohan reached over and helped himself to the tasty denizen of the sea. The little demi-Saiyan snickered as the two adult pirates now glared at him.
Daiz seized a succulent leg of Scela lamb just as the Kardanagan's eating utensil struck its now empty plate.
Gartoas grabbed the entire platter of Ternis oysters in retaliation.
"Gartoas, slow down or I'll stuff an apple in your mouth and shove you into the kitchen where you'll be at the mercy of the cooking staff," Turles spoke up.
"Yes, Master Turles," the former thief sighed. He gave Daiz a swift kick in the right shin.
The Kabochan gave him a blow to the ribs which resulted in a huge loud belch from his crewmate. All conversation ended as everyone in the dining area turned to stare at the now red-faced pirate.
"I believe we're done here," Turles growled in exasperation. Zailora and Gohan fought to control their laughter.
….
Zailora watched as Daiz played a game of Tarchaia with Gohan. He made a big show of each of the little half-blood's successful moves. She couldn't help but smile. The former prince was obviously very good with children and he purposely made an effort with Gohan. Soft-spoken Daiz could be a ruthless pirate one moment and then the gentlest of souls the next. He touched her as if she was made of glass and while his kisses were passionate they were given softly and gently. Her face flushed as her glance turned to the Saiyan pirate commander.
Turles was the complete opposite of Daiz. He was anything but soft-spoken. His embrace was heated and practically bruising yet his touch seemed to turn her bones to jelly. The Saiyan often communicated with a series of growls rather than speech. Zailora had quickly learned which of them meant he was cross and which meant he was pleased.
Daiz had twinkling gray eyes, Turles had those of onyx. The Kabochan would express affection by kissing her cheek or giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Turles would nuzzle her cheek or playfully nip her shoulder. And of course there was that purr that rumbled from deep in the Saiyan's chest when he actually seemed happy. Each of them had a place in her heart how was she supposed to make a choice between them?
…..
Zailora was almost at her wit's end, for two days Turles and Daiz had each constantly tried to "one up" the other where she was concerned. Gohan was mystified by their behavior and Gartoas was beginning to find the whole affair quite amusing.
Retreating to the sanctuary of her own quarters, the dark green-haired female flopped onto her bed totally exhausted. This situation was seriously getting out of hand. Her eyes grew heavy and she was soon fast asleep. She stirred for a moment had she just heard her door slide open? Surely she just imagined it.
Sometime later Zailora's eyes fluttered open, something was wrong. Her head was pressed against something hard and warm. She gasped when she realized the 'something' had a pair of steely muscular arms that wrapped around her-Turles!
"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" Zailora shouted as she pulled away from the Saiyan's embrace.
"I was sleeping before you woke me and judging by your volume you intend to wake everyone else on the ship as well," Turles growled.
"Why are you even in my room…"
"It's MY ship I'll go where I please," the Saiyan cut in. He stretched a bit but made no attempt to leave.
"OOOHHH! You think it's fine to just come in here and.."
Zailora found herself flat on her back with Turles looking down at her.
"I could have done anything I wished but I simply wanted to enjoy your presence. Your scent, the warmth of your skin, I suppose I've become accustomed to sharing this time of day with you."
Turles released her and looked away as a hint of color suffused his dark-skinned face.
The she-pirate was speechless.
"I'm certain no harm was done but I'll leave if that's what you wish," Turles continued.
Zailora found herself throwing her arms around the stubborn Saiyan and burying her face in his chest, He responded by stroking her hair and nuzzling her cheek.
"Now approaching planet Arturay, do you wish to initiate landing sequence?" the auto-pilot announced.
Turles cursed under his breath of all the timing! Well just another reason to dispose of a certain treacherous lizard…
….
Bulma was laughing at one of Bela's stories concerning one of his assignments from their mutual employer. She often dropped by the main security area to enjoy his company. The shaggy blue-haired muscular green humanoid was a master storyteller. But suddenly Artruay's personal assistant fell silent.
"N-NO! NOT HIM!" Belas gasped.
"Belas, What is it?" " the former heiress of Capsule Corps tried to peer at the screen but the Kermith's massive shoulders blocked her view.
"I must warn Master Artruay immediately…it's TURLES!"
Bulma blanched at the very mention of the notorious pirate," He's HERE?"
"Yes, he's forced his way out of the launch area. And now we've lost sight of him… I'm sure he means to cause Master Artruay harm."
"Belas, wait! If we can lure Turles to…." the azure-haired scientist began.
"There's no time!" Artruay's assistant raced from the security area. Bulma followed. If they could just implement her plan….
…..
Artruay felt a chill course down his spine. It was as if he was in the presence of evil incarnate. He tapped the communication link to his assistant but there was no reply only static. The gray reptile's eyes nearly bulged from their sockets when he took in the sight of the cloaked figure that had just entered his small posh office…..
….
Turles and his crew had no problems getting through the small force Artruay had assembled to protect his interests. Many broke away and fled. As they left the launch area, the planet's terrified citizens exhibited complete obedience to the Saiyan pirate.
…..
"I hhave grown wwweary of your promisses, Artruay. I sstill have not feassted on the blood of the hhalf-breed. Neither hasss Turlesss been turned oovvver to me," the voice of a soulless monstrosity hissed.
"L-Lord Salzar! I assure you Turles is due to arrive anytime," Artruay insisted.
"Ennough of your liesss!"the Sarhassan snarled.
"Now YOU listen here!" the gray reptilian tried to sound fierce but it came out as a squeak.
The red-eyed serpentine being laughed cruelly," Are you finally growing a spine?"
"S-surely w-we can work out something…." Artruay stopped mid-sentence as the Sarhassan began to transform….
….
Turles stopped just short of the entrance of Artruay's office. He appeared to sniff the air.
"What's E' doin?" Gartoas whispered.
"He smells blood," Gohan said flatly.
When the door to the reptile's office slid open Zailora gasped and turned away. She turned a protesting Gohan to face the opposite direction. Hardened pirates though they were, Daiz and Gartoas were taken aback by the grisly sight before them.
Artruay had been reduced to a blackened corpse that was crushed almost beyond recognition.
"What kinda blast ould' do that ta 'im, Master Turles?" the Kardanagan wanted to know.
"It was venom not a blast. He obviously was disposed of by a Sarhassan. It wasn't satisfied with merely striking him with its fangs they transformed and crushed him as well." Turles replied.
"Whatta ya mean transformed, Commander?" Gartoas questioned.
"Some Sarhassan have the ability to transform into a great serpent," the dark-skinned Saiyan explained.
"Ah'm hopin'not ta run inta any o' em!'," the burly pirate exclaimed.
"Even that treacherous lizard didn't deserve to go like this," Daiz stated.
"That's a matter of opinion," the Saiyan pirate commander said coldly.
Gartoas and Daiz gave each other incredulous looks but stayed silent.
"Well I have a few loose ends to attend to and our business is finished here," Turles announced as he turned on his heel and begin to rapidly stride to his intended destination.
"We're just going to leave him like that?" Zailora asked pointing to Artruay's remains while carefully looking away from them.
"His staff will find him eventually," Daiz informed her.
…
Belas cried out in horror as he caught his first glimpse of his erstwhile employer.
"WE'RE TOO LATE! BULMA DON'T LOOK!" the Kermith advised.
"I've seen horrible deaths before, Belas," Bulma insisted on being permitted to see what remained of her former employer.
The young genius couldn't prevent the scream that escaped her lips. Nothing could have prepared her for the sight before her. She felt her stomach lurch threatening to expel the contents of her last meal.
"Oh! Poor Artruay! How in Kami's name could Turles do such a thing?"
"He's an evil soulless Saiyan with no morals or conscience!" Belas growled.
"We've got to warn Kqarsayla! She's the next in charge of…"
"Puh! Kqarsayla practically licks Turles's boots! She's in no danger for the moment. I wouldn't be surprised to learn she was his informant," Artruay's former assistant spat.
"I really don't see Turles setting up housekeeping here. He'll have to make arrangements to keep this place running so it might buy us some time to…" Bulma began.
"Bulma, that monster is highly likely to just get off-planet and destroy us from space," Belas interrupted.
That was a terrifying concept.
"Belas, I think I have a way to stop Turles …"
"I really don't mean to be rude, Bulma. But you don't know who you are dealing with. Turles is a monster!" the green humanoid cut in.
"I'm well aware of that, Belas. But we have to try I have a device in my lab that can render his ship useless."
"Seriously Bulma, do you think you're going to able to just waltz up to Turles's ship and place something inside it?"
"I won't have to," the once darling of Capsule Corps stated with a mysterious smile. "All I need is the exact location of Turles's ship."
Belas sighed in defeat," I suppose we have nothing to lose at this point so I will agree to assist you with your insane plan."
"It's not insanity just pure genius," Bulma quipped.
"First I must respect our unfortunate employer and have Artruay tended to," Belas insisted.
"Of course," Bulma agreed.
….
Kqarsayla's immense orange form shook with undisguised terror as Turles informed her that Artruay no longer controlled the planet on which she resided.
"I would like to think you were not involved in Artruay's treacherous "activities" so I will allow you to fill in his position. You know what will be expected of you. Should I learn of any duplicity on your part then you along with this entire planet will pay the consequences as well as a certain other planet we both know of as well," Turles declared.
"That oughta be kepin' er on er' toes," Gartoas muttered.
"I should say so," Daiz whispered back.
"I still feel kind of bad for Artruay," Gohan confided in Zailora.
"He knew the risk he was taking, Gohan," the she-pirate said in reply.
The hefty four-armed female fought back her tears she knew the Saiyan pirate was referring to her small home-world. There was no telling what horrific fate Artruay must have suffered seeing as the Saiyan spoke of him in the past tense.
"Y-Y ou a-are m-most merciful, Lord Turles!," the bald pudgy life-form stammered out.
"Indeed," the Saiyan pirate commander said smugly.
"Our business is finished here," Turles informed his crew.
…..
"The prototype was a bit bigger I've streamlined it" Bulma explained. She could hardly contain her excitement as she watched her invention initiate the purpose for which it was created. The tiny device slipped into the exhaust port of Turles's ship as the blue-haired scientist watched from a computer screen in her lab.
"A tiny robot's going to disable Turles's ship? You've been working too hard, Bulma," Belas said in exasperation.
"If someone organic managed to enter the ship an alarm would undoubtedly warn Turles but this minute contraption shouldn't be picked up. It's almost to the ship's main computer…"
"You can see Turles's ship on the computer from that little bit of scraps?" the Kermith asked in disbelief.
"Now it's going to program the on-board computer to allow the ship's engines to function for only a limited time," Bulma continued.
"Bah! You're wasting your time! Turles or one of his crew will simply manually implement the reserve engines and carry on as before," Belas growled in disappointment.
A wide smile lit Bulma's face," No, they won't. The main computer has been fed information that the reserve engines have received severe battle damage and should not be utilized. They have been sealed off and can't be accessed manually. They'll manage to lift off the planet for a few thousand feet and then…that Saiyan monster is going to drop right out of the sky!"
…
Chi-Chi gave a long sigh as she headed in for another day at the elegant restaurant she had been employed at for some time now. She was a bit early so she decided to get a bit of liquid refreshment, relax and people watch for a little while. Or rather "alien watch" she thought to herself.
The Ox-King's daughter gasped in disbelief as a figure from her worst nightmares materialized right before her eyes. Black and silver armor encased the dark-skinned muscular form of Turles! His hair was immaculate as always and his black boots impeccably polished. His tail was wrapped around his waist. The arrogant Saiyan swept right past her. Chi-Chi glared at the miscreants in his crew that now paraded by. A beefy bearded fellow, a dark green-haired female and a male pirate that could almost pass for her twin. But the figure that brought up the rear made her eyes widen and her heart seem to slam against her ribs.
A Saiyan youngster in red and black armor with neatly combed hair and brilliantly polished boots walked by. A nasty scar went from his left temple, across his left eye and trailed down his left cheek. The requisite tail was curled around his waist. Was this the offspring of the detestable Saiyan pirate? She heard him laugh and watched him tilt his head as he spoke. Recognition occurred immediately. Chills went down Chi-Chi's spine as the realization hit home. It was Gohan! HER GOHAN!
Absolute joy welled up in her then disgust the way he was dressed her baby would very well pass for that scum of the universe's son. The brunette female leapt to her feet. She was going to reclaim her son! Chi-Chi bolted after Turles and his crew doing her best to move through the throng of passes-by. For a moment she lost sight of them then she was almost upon them. She dared not call his name as that would alert Turles to her presence. Surely if she grabbed him and revealed herself Gohan would cooperate right? Of course he would, he was her son!
Goku's wife had to sift through another crowd then she slammed into something that felt like a brick wall. Chi-Chi swallowed hard as she looked up at the frowning bearded face of the huge male pirate of Turles's crew.
"An' jus' whatcha doin' followin' us ah 'bout, Woman?" Gartoas barked.
"I WANT MY SON!" Chi-Chi shrieked. She plowed into the burly pirate's midsection with her right fist. Her hand felt as if it had struck a wall of steel.
"That kinda tickled!" the Kardanagan taunted.
An enraged Chi-Chi aimed a kick but Gartoas easily blocked it and seized her.
"Ah'd break yer neck, Wench an' be ridda ya fer good. But Turles wants ya ta live. Kami knows why E'd be botherin' wi' ya…"
Chi-Chi felt a blow on the back of her neck then all was darkness…..
…
Gohan, Daiz and Zailora were more than eager to be leaving planet Arturay. Gartoas shuffled in a bit later than the rest of them.
"Where have you been?" Zailora asked.
"Tendin' business!" Gartoas huffed.
"Picking your nose doesn't count!" the she-pirate shot back.
"Ya wanna be pickin' yer teeth offa tha floor?'" the burly pirate snarled.
"Start the ship, Gohan!" Turles barked.
"Yes, Master Turles!" Gohan called out as he settled behind the controls.
The rest of the crew scrambled for their seats….
…
Bulma watched with absolute glee as Turles's craft lifted off the planet on her lab computer's screen.
"Ten minutes to show-time!" she chortled.
…..
Gohan's eyes widened in concern as instruments begin to flash in warning on the ship's main computer.
"Primary engines initiating shut-down!" a metallic voice announced.
"Computer, disengage shut-down!" Gohan ordered.
"Negative, initiating initial programming. Shut- down will commence in four minutes!" the computer announced.
Gohan tried to implement the override but his code was flatly refused by the system.
"Master Turles!" the little hybrid shouted.
"Turn over the controls, Gohan!" Turles barked.
Gohan slipped from the pilot's seat and Turles took his place.
The Saiyan cursed as the ship's computer that controlled the primary engines refused to respond. He immediately attempted to manually control the reserve engines.
"Battle damage confirmed. Reserve engines sealed until repairs are completed" the computer declared.
"WHAT BATTLE DAMAGE?" Turles roared.
The pirate commander fought to engage the override in vain. Why wouldn't the ship respond?
"Primary engine shut- down in two minutes."
"Master Turles, we're going to crash aren't we?" Daiz asked quietly. He swallowed hard as the Saiyan nodded.
"PREPARE TO CRASH-LAND!" Daiz ordered.
Turles had immediately began descent procedures, hoping to lessen the altitude from which they would hurtle into the planet below when the engines shut down.
"Shut-down complete."
…..
Turles and his crew belted themselves in and braced for the impact as the ship began to descend rapidly. Ember was harnessed to one of the seats. The terrified animal tore free as the ship suddenly lurched and began to drop towards planet Arturay below.
"Ember!" Gohan yanked off his restraint and grabbed the Charladon. Turles leapt from his seat and seized Gohan.
The little demi-Saiyan felt himself being pushed to the floor, he kept his grip on Ember. Then a roar filled his ears and he could hear shattering glass…..
…..
Bulma and Belas cheered as they watched Turles's craft slam into the planet's surface and the resulting explosion. At long last the evil Saiyan had paid for his crimes.
Chi-Chi burst into the room,"Bulma, listen..!"
"Chi-Chi! You missed it! Here I'll put it on replay. Watch Turles fall right out of the sky!" Bulma crowed.
The Ox Princess turned ashen and dissolved into tears, "B-Bulma, Gohan was on that ship!"
….
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