Here's Chapter 90! Thanks to SuperSaiyanKnight, Ryo-chan wolfgirl, Diosa de la muerte, RoxaShadow, 15songoku, Richardc269, Lost Hero171, Guest, Dark Domination, The Zelos Wilder and UltimateGoham for all the reviews on chapter 89. Thanks also to PixelzOtaku for the review on chapter 1.
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Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!
...
A wistful look crossed the Kabochan female's face as she began informing her Kardanagan crewmate of her former life," Dr. Mazzim was not a medic when I met him but I'll start at the beginning…."
The sky of planet Kabocha began to flood with crimson and purple as the desert world's sun began to set. Nocturnal beasts shook the slumber from their eyes in preparation for the hunt for their next meal.
An immaculate white stone building was the scene of a flurry of activity as the household of Phateus, Captain of the Royal Guard set about preparing the evening meal.
"Zailora, dinner will commence in an hour you must be suitably dressed!" the servant complained. She shook her gray tresses in annoyance. Why did her young charge have to ignore her so?
As the elderly woman pounded in vain on the door in front of her, a young female walked up quietly behind her. A mischievous expression lit the face of the pale-skinned, dark green- haired girl of seventeen years. She dropped her hand squarely on the servant's shoulder. Her green eyes blazed with amusement as the woman screeched in surprise.
"Young lady that is not entertaining in the least! I swear the gods must be making me suffer for committing some misdeed to have allowed me to be assigned to YOU!"
"Oh lighten up, Mederaz, it's just dinner after all!" Zailora sighed.
"You never know when young men suitable for a prospective marriage might attend and…"
"Stop trying to be a matchmaker, Mederaz. I haveno intention of being a bride anytime soon."
"Of course not, you expect to spend your days cavorting about in the most unladylike fashion. Parading around in armor of all things! Sweating like a commoner! You are Kabochan nobility and yet you smell like a foot soldier. I'll get your bath drawn immediately! Just what am I supposed to do with that hair…"
Zailora rolled her eyes as she tried to tune out the elderly servant while she tugged off the armor and sweaty clothing that she had worn during training the last few hours. Mederaz had been her caretaker since the death of her mother twelve years ago. If only the disease that had ravaged the planet hadn't taken her away…
The only child of Phateus, Captain of the Royal Guard, Zailora had been in the company of warriors since she could walk. She could handle weapons of the old traditions-the sword and the short blade as well as the modern techniques that involved the use of ki. Mederaz heartily disapproved of the captain allowing his daughter to be brought up in such a way. Her young charge could never hope to be highly favored by the royal court if such behavior was permitted to continue.
"Are you quite finished now, Mederaz? I'm sure there isn't an inch of me you haven't scrubbed, primped and polished," Zailora teased.
The young female glared at the pale green constricting gown she was expected to wear. Her long hair had been fashioned into an up-do that surely violated the laws of nature. How she wished her feet were still encased in her soft well-worn boots not the stiff pointed-toed, heeled contraptions she was going to totter to the dining hall in.
"Hmph! Every inch of you looks like a proper lady if only you possessed the refinement as well. I suppose I should have you wear the emerald jewelry instead of the pearls. Such a shame you didn't inherit your mother's lovely gray eyes…."
The elderly servant fell silent as brilliant green eyes flashed in a warning glance. Zailora had inherited the hue of her eyes from her sire. Green eyes were a recessive trait for Kabochans, a soft gray was the predominant color….
"We had most unexpected 'guest' attend our evening meal that day…" Zailora ceased telling the Kardanagan of her past when Gohan burst into the room looking very distraught.
"Gohan, is something wrong?" the she-pirate asked.
"I'd rather not talk about it," the youngster sighed.
The Kabochan female's eyes narrowed as she took in the red imprint on Gohan's cheek. Someone had struck him hard enough to leave a mark.
"Is…is Turles doing any better?" Gohan asked, worry was evident in the child's voice.
"Well he's agreed to allow the surgery…," Zailora began.
Gohan interrupted her in his excitement at this news, "He's going to get better! I know he is! Where's Daiz?"
"I'm not sure," the she-pirate said.
"Zailora, is something going on with you and Daiz?" the demi-Saiyan asked.
"Let's be seein' ifn' Daiz got back from 'is errands," Gartoas suggested. Zailora gave the former thief a look of gratitude as he pulled Gohan along with him.
'Why do I get the feeling everyone's hiding things from me?' Gohan wondered.
…
Daiz couldn't help but tap his boot along to the merry tune that was being played as he sat in the dive he'd come to frequent quite often as of late. The sight of a certain dark green-haired female and her cheerful disposition drew him like a moth to a flame. It was difficult to linger at the facility where Turles lay practically helpless. He was concerned for the Saiyan's welfare and yet watching Zailora openly express her affection for Turles was still hard to take. A smile or two from the attractive female bar-keep always seemed to lift his spirits.
"Hey there, my shift just ended!" a pale-skinned female with hair of forest green called out.
"That's good, I could use a bit of company that's easy on the eyes," Daiz said in return.
"You're a shameless flirt," the woman known as Taimaz seemed to accuse.
"I didn't mean to offend…" the former prince began.
"I was teasing! Besides it's a refreshing change to have a handsome fellow paying me attention instead of the usual hideous bunch I have to contend with," the Kabochan female interrupted.
She took the seat across from the male pirate," I couldn't help but notice the bit of toe-tapping you've been doing. Care to dance?"
Daiz shook his head vigorously, "I DON'T DANCE!"
"Liar, if you were royalty it would have been expected," Taimaz shot back.
"Well it's NOT anymore!" the gray-eyed warrior snapped.
He regretted his response immediately as the smile faded from the pretty woman's face.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so rude…"
"You look so miserable. A dance would probably do you some good. C'mon, one dance won't kill you," the female bar-keep pressed.
"It's been years I'll just make a fool out of myself!"
"Then I'll be a fool along with you!" Taimaz giggled as she stood up and grabbed his uninjured arm and tugged him to his feet.
With a sigh of sheer exasperation Daiz allowed the woman to lead him to the area that served as a dance floor. Evidently all Kabochon females were stubborn!
One dance quickly turned into three. When the music slowed, Daiz found it quite easy to allow Taimaz to slip her arms around his shoulders and put her head on his right shoulder. It felt good to feel the woman's soft warmth and to breathe in the sweet scent of the perfume she wore. His eyes nearly popped out of his head when he felt the female brush his right cheek with her lips.
"I have to be going, Handsome. Maybe we can get together again sometime," Taimaz suggested as she smiled up at him.
"I…I'd like t-that a lot," Daiz stammered.
The Kabochan female blew a kiss in his direction as she hurried off. Suddenly Daiz didn't feel so empty anymore…..
….
Chi-Chi couldn't help but feel sheer hatred for the dark-skinned being that lay in the bed across from where she stood. It was truly unsettling how much he resembled her slain husband. But the ebony-haired woman knew his appearance was the only thing the soulless monster shared with her beloved Goku.
The Ox-King's daughter gasped as the Saiyan stirred and opened his eyes. He seemed to be staring right at her.
"Who is there? I can hear you breathing. Make yourself known before I send a blast and dispense with introductions," the Saiyan growled.
No wonder his crew weren't concerned with guarding him, Turles was still a threat even being impaired Chi-Chi thought.
"I'm the wife of Goku and Gohan's mother!"
"Ah, Kakarott's mate, and what has prompted the honor of your presence?" Turles questioned with a hint of amusement in his voice.
The Saiyan could actually feel the waves of anger radiating from the diminutive human woman.
"I hope you're proud of yourself! You've taken my sweet- natured obedient boy and turned him into a mutilated muscle-bound thug! " Goku's widow railed.
"Is that what you think Gohan has become?"
"I know for a fact he's not the boy I raised!" Chi-Chi hissed.
"Indeed. He's not the whiny pathetic child I discovered. He has become a true Saiyan."
"You have no idea how detrimental a lack of educating will…."
"Do you seriously believe I would allow him to be ignorant? Gohan speaks Standard as well as four of the common trade languages. He is also fluent in Saiyajin. The boy is capable of piloting a starship and well versed in evasive tactics," Turles cut in.
For a moment Chi-Chi was startled into silence then her temper flared up once again "Those are skills for a pirate not a scholar!"
"And Gohan is a pirate. So glad that's settled. Now DO make yourself useful and get back to the kitchen and get the evening meal started," the Saiyan ordered.
"OOOHHH! You are….are…"
"It's very flattering that you're so tongue-tied over me but Saiyans mate for life so there's no future even remotely possible for us," Turles taunted.
"GAAAAHHHHH!" Chi-Chi tore from the room in absolute fury.
"Lord Turles, do you find genuine amusement in torturing others or is that just my perception of things?" Dr, Mazzim sighed as he entered the room.
"Everyone needs a hobby wouldn't you agree?" Turles chortled.
"I'm glad you're in such a pleasant mood but what I have to say that may change that," the mantis-being warned.
"Go on," the Saiyan replied.
"Lord Turles, the news that you've been incapacitated is spreading rapidly, there are those who will seek to take advantage," the medic warned.
"Let them come!" Turles snarled.
"Spoken like a Saiyan but your crew should practice vigilance until you regain your facilities," the insectoid continued.
"I refuse to be coddled! I do not need a guard to stand over me!" the pirate commander barked.
"I haven't forgotten how easily a life can be taken…." Dr Mazzim started.
"Indeed. You would be quite familiar with such a thing," Turles interrupted.
"That portion of my life has no bearing on the present. I've left those ways behind. I made the decision to preserve life not end it," the healer said softly.
"But you were quite the gifted assassin," the former leader of the Crusher Corps pressed.
"That may be but I'm not the same being I was back then, Lord Turles."
"So you'll not defend yourself if it becomes necessary?" Turles questioned.
The insectoid sighed once again, "If a situation warrants it I will only seek to preserve my existence but I will not purposely injure another."
"You might be forced to do more than inflict injuries," the Saiyan pirate warned.
"Only if it cannot possibly be avoided," Dr. Mazzim confirmed.
"I'm sure you didn't come here simply to discuss your sordid past so what concerns do you wish to speak of?" the dark-skinned Saiyan queried.
"I wish to schedule your surgery for early tomorrow morning. I feel it only fair to inform you that I would like the human female to assist. Zailora does not have the necessary technical skill and Bulma…"
"NO!" Turles barked.
"But Lord Turles, I must have someone to assist me and I can't take the risk of losing a patient employing someone without the proper training…."
Zailora entered the room," I can hear you two shouting all the way down the hall!"
"Lord Turles is being difficult!" Dr. Mazzim huffed.
"He wants to let BULMA go digging around in my skull! I WON'T ALLOW IT!" Turles practically roared.
"I MUST have someone who is qualified to assist me or I cannot perform the surgery," the mantis-being insisted.
"So be it then, cancel the surgery!" Turles snapped.
"You won't last another twenty-four hours without it," the alien medic affirmed.
"Let me speak to him for a moment," Zailora told the frustrated physician.
Dr. Mazzim left the room after scolding Turles once more for his stubbornness.
"Master Turles. If Bulma is the only one qualified…"
"NO!" the Saiyan pirate thundered.
"So that's it? You're just going to lie here and wait to die without any attempt whatsoever to prevent it?" Zailora demanded.
"Watch your tone, Woman! Am I seriously supposed to trust the very one who almost destroyed all of us?" Turles raged.
The Kabochan female leaned in and rubbed her forehead against that of the Saiyan's. His face flushed as he almost immediately responded in the same manner. A low growl rumbled from his chest.
"I don't trust Bulma but I do believe that she fears for her life and that of Kakarot's mate. If it takes threatening to end their existence in the most painful, lingering manner possible then I'm certain that she will do her best to ensure that the procedure is performed to the best of her abilities," the she-pirate declared.
That drew a chuckle from the pirate commander. "You sound like a female Saiyan, I suppose you intend on standing guard during the surgery as well?"
"Precisely Commander, I don't want to lose you!" Zailora choked out as she buried her face into the Saiyan's right shoulder.
"I allow you far too many liberties," Turles snorted. "But I will permit Bulma to assist with the surgery."
The Kabochan female let out the breath she'd been holding. She tried to embrace the Saiyan but he held up his hand.
"I'll inform Dr. Mazzim of your decision," the female member of Turles's crew stated.
"Very well and see what is taking Kakarot's woman with the meal. Must I hunt down something in order to procure some nourishment before sunrise?" the pirate commander complained.
"I'll see to it, Master Turles."
Zailora smiled to herself, someone was finally beginning to act like his persona before the crash.
…..
A whistling Daiz strolled into the medical facility that currently housed Turles and his fellow teammates.
"An' jus' whatta ya got ta be so happy about?" Gartoas huffed.
"None of your business!" the Kabochan announced with a smirk.
"Ya bin' out cattin' aroun'!" the burly pirate accused.
"Daiz isn't a cat! What do you mean 'catting around'?" a confused Gohan blurted out.
The former prince grinned as Gartoas turned crimson and began to sputter.
"Ah mean es' bin upta no good!" the once thief bellowed as he stomped from the room.
Daiz couldn't help but burst into laughter at his totally embarrassed crewmate's behavior.
"I've been out getting a little fresh air. Have there been any changes?"
"Master Turles has agreed to allow the surgery," the youngster answered.
"That's good, at least he'll have a fighting chance," the dark green-haired pirate mused.
"I think YOU could use a little change of scenery why don't we see what kind of food is offered around here and maybe get some dessert to top it off. What do you say, Gohan?" Daiz suggested.
"Let's go!" the little half-blood happily agreed.
...
On planet Alazon, two mercenaries were imbibing the cheapest intoxicating beverages they could manage to get their hands on.
"I dunno, Zefis. Goin' up against a Saiyan aint' exactly a wise choice," the hefty green boar-like lifeform stated as he drained the last drop of Kaerjis wine from his glass.
"Well the price is right, Gerdo. Seven hundred thousand zeni to finish the job," an orange-skinned, yellow-haired humanoid male in a stained leather garment cut in as he leaned in across the table at which the pair were seated.
"Now I know it's risky business with that kinda loot bein put up," Gerdo huffed.
"Naw. Lord Salzar was aiming to dispose of Turles himself but…." Zefis started.
"Turles? TURLES! Are you out of your mind? There's NO WAY I'd take on that monster!" the blue armored porker shouted.
"Calm down! That pirate scum is beneath Salzar's notice."
"How convenient for his lordship," Gerdo grumbled.
Zefis smiled widely, displaying his array of rotten teeth, "Turles has been rendered bedridden and blind. That's no worthy challenge for the likes of Lord Salzar. BUT….."
"It's easy pickin's for the two of us," the boar-being snickered evilly.
…..
Dr. Mazzim sighed with relief when Zailora informed him of Turles's decision.
"I'm not sure it's wise for you to be present at the time, Zailora."
"You expect me to let her put her hands on Turles without being watched?" Zailora fumed.
The mantis-being gave her a long look, "You're most concerned about Lord Turles. Is there a personal reason for this?"
"That's none of your concern," the she-pirate spoke up quickly.
"By that lovely shade of pink your face has become I would say I'm right on the mark," the medic went on.
"Let it be," the nobleman's daughter said irritably.
"Getting involved with any Saiyan would be a difficult thing to manage. Turles opens up the possibility for difficulties that will be on a legendary scale," Dr. Mazzim declared.
"I can handle things just fine. I'm an adult now in case you haven't noticed!" Zailora snapped.
"I'm sorry, my dear. I suppose I will always be overprotective over you," the insectoid said softly.
"You were the best soldier in my father's employ…." The Kabochan woman's words seemed to catch in her throat.
"I most enjoyed serving your sire until that awful day…"
Gartoas shuffled into the room "Am Ah interruptin' somethin'?"
The alien physician coughed lightly as he removed the appendage that he had wrapped around Zailora'a waist.
"Not in the least I must begin preparations for tomorrow morning," Dr. Mazzim stated as he quickly exited the room.
"Why wuz tha oer' grown insect pawin' on ya?" the bearded pirate scowled.
"He was not pawing me! Just trying to offer some comfort to me, I might as well tell you since I promised to tell you of my previous life…"
…
"I can't believe that the prince has already been declared king!" Captain Phateus shouted.
"Prince Gazaiz felt that…." Commander Quanos began.
"He felt his coronation was far more important than to tend to his sire's passing with honor and respect. Gazaiz shouldn't have even been crowned without a decent mourning period!" the commanding officer of the Royal Guard interrupted.
"King Gazaiz is likely to view your attitude towards his choices as high treason. I would advise you to accept them without question," Quanos warned.
"You approve of that overfed spoiled brat's behavior?"
"I am bound to uphold the king's decision. As Crown Prince he could choose when to ascend the throne as ruler," the commander of the Kabochan Army growled.
"And just what does Prince Daiz say to all of this?" Phateus queried.
"He has not yet been informed. Daiz was NOT the chosen heir so he has no right to say anything! Phateus, you'd best mind your tongue and proclaim your loyalty to the new monarch of Kabocha as soon as possible. It could be quite detrimental to your health to do otherwise. And let's not forget about that lovely daughter of yours…."
"Commander Quanos, are you threatening me and my daughter?" the captain demanded.
"You had better learn to fear those who have the power in this kingdom," the commander stated coldly.
"I fear no one!" Captain Phateus snapped.
"That may prove your undoing…"
Zailora's face was streaked with tears as she struggled to continue the story of her past.
"Commander Quanos joined us for our evening meal that night. He took my father's life and informed me I would immediately be forced to become the mate of Asdespas. He was a disgusting fat pompous toad old enough to be my grandfather but fiercely loyal and highly favored by our new king. I cut his throat just before the ceremony was to occur and Mazzim spirited me away in the night. He gave up his position as a royal guard and became an assassin. Mazzim finally grew tired of the bloodshed and became a physician and here I am," the Kabochan female sighed.
"Quite ah tale, lass," Gartoas whistled.
…
Until the next chapter….
daughterofrisingsun