Here's chapter 98! Thanks to Uub God Of Destructuon, Molotov And Arsonist, Dark Domination, SuperSaiyanKnight, The ItchyCocoon and Crimson Alchemist for reviewing on chapter 97. Thanks also to Diosa de la muerte for reviewing chapter 95 and 96. A very SPECIAL THANK YOU to Blake2020 who took the time to read and REVIEW chapters 1 thru 97
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!
...
As soon as they stepped out of the hole in the wall that Taimaz had suggested for an evening meal, Daiz wrapped an arm around the gray-eyed Kabochan female. After a surprisingly fine meal and earnest conversation, the former prince hoped to extend the time he spent with the attractive bar-keep. Unfortunately for him Taimaz decided she was tired and simply wanted turn in for the night. But she had readily agreed to allow him to escort her during the short walk back to the small outbuilding behind the tavern where she was employed. A wicked thought crossed the dark green-haired pirate's mind.
'Maybe turning in for the night ISN'T such a bad idea after all,' Daiz grinned.
Once they arrived at Taimaz's small excuse for a home, Turles's second-in -command took advantage of their close proximity and he leaned in for a kiss. To his utter delight Daiz received a positive response in the form of a kiss in return. He tried to pull her close and was completely stunned at how swiftly she bid him good-night and left him standing outside staring at a closed door. Not exactly the way Daiz had hoped to spend the remainder of the night.
…
Bulma raced towards the kitchen as she heard an angry roar and the sound of Chi-Chi screaming at someone. Her blood ran cold as she realized that someone else had heard the commotion and he had decided to investigate….
From the smirk on his handsome evil face to the mocking dramatic bow he gave, the former darling of Capsule Corps realized that the Saiyan monster had fully regained his sight.
"Gartoas, did you decide to entertain everyone with dinner and a show?" the pirate commander thundered.
The massive pirate stood in the middle of the kitchen with thick hot broth, meat and assorted vegetables streaming from his bushy black hair and beard to the floor.
"Ah jus 'tol tha damned woman to fix ah meal an' tha wench tries ta boil me ta death! Permission ta blast 'er, Master Turles!" Gartoas barked.
The dark-skinned Saiyan fixed his gaze on Chi-Chi as a malevolent smile crossed his face. She shrank back in fear and Bulma held her breath. Surely this was the end for the fiery mate of Goku.
A booming laugh came from the nefarious rogue," Permission denied, Gartoas. You will NOT bring harm to the mother of Gohan. One must ASK a lovely lady NOT DEMAND. Now DO clean yourself up immediately!"
The enraged pirate slunk away glaring daggers at Chi-Chi. While the pirate was still in earshot Turles couldn't resist adding insult to injury.
"For future reference, I would recommend roasting Gartoas rather than attempting to boil him. Otherwise the meat would be so tough!"
The onyx-eyed Saiyan was amused by the shocked expressions of the Earth women in response to his 'advice.' He walked up to the terrified raven-haired female and bared his fangs momentarily.
"Now won't you be a dear and satisfy my sudden raging sweet tooth? Something chocolate with Quidari fruit…you don't mind do you? After all I DID ask nicely DID'NT I?" Turles implored.
Chi-Chi gulped and nodded quickly she knew that wasn't a request. The Saiyan's laughter rang in their ears as he sauntered off.
…
Gartoas bellowed in absolute fury as he stomped into Dr. Mazzim's treatment room demanding that the insectoid medic attend to his blistered face.
The mantis-being took in the sight of the livid pirate with what appeared to be some sort of gravy and bits of meat and vegetables in his unruly hair and beard. Chuckling under his breath, he couldn't help but tease the irate Kardanagan.
"I've heard that you were a messy eater, Gartoas. But this is really too much!"
"Stow it yah over-sized cricket! Blasted woman done tried ta boil me ta death!"
"Seriously now, she couldn't possibly have a pot that could contain YOU!" the doctor pressed.
"Do Ah gotta step on ya er' are yah gonna do yer job?" Gartoas raged.
"There's no need to be crass about it!" Mazzim snorted.
A soothing salve quickly restored the angry red portions of the burly pirate's face to its normal coloring.
"Ifn' tha witch wasn' unner Turles's protection cause o' tha brat Ah'd blast 'er ta nothin!" the bearded behemoth grumbled.
"Is that so?" the alien medic asked in surprise.
"Ah think et's jus' cause e' likes stuffin' imself with'er cookin!" Gartoas snapped.
…
"That was really pushing it, Chi-Chi!" Bulma scolded. "If Turles didn't have a very warped sense of humor you'd be done for!"
"I couldn't help it, Bulma! I finally got sick and tired of being ordered about like a slave by those pirates!" Chi-Chi huffed.
"And NOW you have to make a dessert for Turles in the middle of the night!" the blue-haired scientist shot back.
"Maybe so, but it was WORTH IT to see that over-fed oaf squirm and scream!" the Ox-King's daughter snickered.
"That was kind of funny," Bulma tittered.
….
'Why do I smell chocolate at THIS hour?' Daiz wondered. A few seconds later he rolled his eyes when he observed Turles devouring a luscious looking confection that was the source of the heavenly scent. The Saiyan had a well-known penchant for sweets.
"Are you considering sharing some of that, Commander?" the dark-green haired pirate quipped. A low animalistic sound was the only reply. Daiz merely shook his head as he made his way to his private quarters.
…..
Gohan tossed about unable to sleep. He had initially been furious that Turles had purposely kept it from him that his mother had survived Earth's destruction. Now he was confused because he couldn't stay angry. What was it about the Saiyan pirate that caused such an emotional turmoil? Deep down the little half-blood knew he wasn't the same anymore. The innocent son of Goku no longer existed. In spite of everything he felt a fierce loyalty to Turles. But he did have questions. Now if he could work up the nerve to ask them. Sheer exhaustion eventually won out and the young demi-Saiyan drifted off.
…
When Turles returned to his room Zailora was sitting up waiting for him.
"I suppose you've been out tormenting some unfortunate soul that happened to cross your path," the Kabohan murmured.
"Of course, I'm so good at it I can't help doing so. Now enough about my devastatingly handsome self…."
Zailora squealed as the Saiyan suddenly pounced almost sending her off the edge of the bed. He pulled her back laughing at the indignant look she shot him. The emerald-eyed female suddenly shuddered. Two powerful arms and a warm furry tail wrapped around her instantly.
"Zailora, what's wrong?"
"I had an awful dream while you were gone. It was about Zarbon, I think he's still alive somehow."
"Fickle female! I leave for just a few moments and you start dreaming about Zarbon?" Turles sneered.
"You're the most irritating, egotistical man I've ever known!" the she-pirate muttered.
"Now you know you relish every moment you spend in my presence," the Terror of the North Sector taunted.
Turles effortlessly blocked the punch she sent his way and commenced to nibble at her fingers. A laugh rumbled from his chest as he quickly pinned her leg as she aimed a kick that failed to connect.
"Don't stop now, things were just getting interesting," the pirate commander teased as he grinned down at the woman who simply glowered at him.
"Why do I put up with you?" Zailora groaned.
Turles's midnight eyes danced with predatory amusement, "How could you resist my sheer perfection?"
A scorching embrace prevented the scathing retort from exiting her lips. He nuzzled the silken skin of her face and breathed in the scent of her hair. Her unique fragrance had changed a bit more. The sweetness of it was almost intoxicating.
"If by some means Zarbon has survived after all, put him out of your mind. Frieza's lap-dog isn't worth a second of your thoughts. I'll rip out his heart if he tries to harm you" the Saiyan growled fiercely.
Turles cupped her chin in his right hand, "There are shadows under your eyes, Woman. You need to sleep."
The pirate stretched out taking her along. Zailora buried her face into his shoulder as his arms gently tightened around her.
…
"Foolsss! Ahhlll of them! I will rid the universssse of the one called Turles! Yessss, it will be ssso and the hhhaaalf-breed! Father mussst be avenged!" the black-cloaked being hissed.
A forked tongue flicked about as the creature spoke. Its red eyes burned in self-righteous fury. The cursed Saiyan and the misbegotten brat he coddled would meet their death very soon.
"Dilossss, ready my sshhip. It issss time to ssseal the fate of thossse filthy apes!" the Sarhassan declared.
"Yes, Lord Salzar!" the blue frog-like servant replied bowing quickly.
…
"I don't know why Turles insisted that I see you this morning I feel perfectly fine," Zailora grumbled.
"Actually you look a bit peaked," Dr. Mazzim commented.
"Not a word to Turles! He's already acting overprotective just out of the blue. It's really weird."
"Mmhmm, how is your appetite at the moment?" the alien medic questioned.
"Don't even mention food this early!" the she-pirate moaned.
"Zailora!"
The dark-green haired woman had rushed over to the waste disposal unit. Most unappetizing noises were coming from her direction.
"I believe we need to run a few tests you look almost as green as your hair!" the mantis-being scolded.
…
A mischievous smile lit Bulma's face as she entered the plans for Turles's ship into her computer. The obnoxious Saiyan might have forced her into constructing a replacement ship for the one that she destroyed. But he also gave her the opportunity to improve on the primitive craft that had taken her and Chi-Chi away from their doomed home planet. She shuddered to think of what might have become of them if they hadn't happened to be fortunate in finding this small planet and a kind benefactor in the form of the reptilian being known as Artruay. A most undeserved horrible fate had befallen their friendly host.
Hopefully Turles would leave them in peace soon. Though she knew Gohan's misplaced loyalty was going to tear Chi-Chi apart if he decided to go with Turles rather than to remain with his mother.
'Maybe Gohan will come to his senses and realize that he's better off without Turles' Bulma thought pensively.
A long sigh came from the young genius. So far things didn't look promising. The son of Goku seemed to idolize the arrogant Saiyan and the evil pirate took full advantage of the fact.
Typing in a few more crucial details, the bluenette realized she'd best get back to work on Turles's ship. Any unnecessary delay could prove to be a fatal error in judgment on her part.
It was going to be a long day and the morning had just begun…..
…
Chi-Chi resentfully served the morning meal for the despicable Saiyan and his crew. At least she didn't have to hand deliver Turles's portion any longer. Now the beast lounged in the dining area with the rest of the group of space faring hooligans. Goku's widow tried to ignore the fact that her own son sat to the right of the ape from Hell. It was quite unnerving to see the similarities between the pair. She was pleased to see that Gohan had impeccable table manners but she knew he didn't learn them from Goku.
The boorish Kardanagan and the soft-spoken Kabochan sat across from their leader and crewmate. For some reason the lone female of the team was absent. Chi-Chi didn't care at all for the woman who was always one step behind the black-hearted Saiyan.
Malako pursed his lips as he watched Chi-Chi carry tray after tray to the table where the band of pirates sat practically inhaling it as fast as he and the Earth-born woman could prepare it. Their lives depended on placating Turles and they both knew it.
"Excellent as always, "the dark-skinned Saiyan announced. He rose from his seat quickly followed by the others.
"Appreciate the fine meal, Miss," Daiz commented.
"Thanks, Mom!" Gohan called out.
"'Et wuz good food!" Gartoas spat as he got a raised eyebrow from the pirate commander.
Chi-Chi gave a curt nod and made her way back to the kitchen. She fought back the tears that threatened to flood at any moment. It was impossible not to overhear the pirates' conversation as they gorged themselves. Turles was leaving the planet soon and her Gohan had decided he was going with them!
…..
Zailora clapped her hand over her mouth. She sat down as her legs threatened to buckle beneath her. Her already pale skin seemed to grow paler still. The physician's words seemed to echo in her ears. It just couldn't be!
"Run the test AGAIN!" she practically screamed at the insectoid.
"I've quadruple checked the results. There is no possible mistake," Dr. Mazzim replied.
"What am I going to do? What is TURLES going to do?" the female pirate moaned.
"I take it this isn't welcome news. Did you ever consider the consequences of….er..getting involved in such a way with the Saiyan?" the alien doctor pressed.
The nobleman's daughter collapsed just as Daiz happened to step into the room. A warrior's reflexes allowed him to catch her just in time.
"What's going on?" the former prince demanded…..
…
Zarbon looked about in utter disgust. He had truly hit rock bottom having to frequent such a place. The 'establishment' if one could even call it that simply reeked with the putrid scent of cheap liquor and bodies that most likely were complete strangers to the concept of bathing. Large cracks were evident in the fabric of his seat. Revolting insects of varying species freely strolled about the floor as if they were customers themselves. Frieza's elite soldier didn't care to know what had left the dark stain in the scrap of faded material that covered the flimsy excuse for a table that was set before him. Loud curses and drunken laughter regaled the emerald-haired PTO officer.
Anger suffused the teal-skinned being as he remembered just why he was in such a forsaken dive. His forearms were composed entirely of metal and cybernetic components. Due to horrific damage his handsome visage no longer existed. Cold metal replaced the chiseled brow and sculpted cheekbones he once possessed. It had taken weeks for the rejuvenation tank to regrow his hair. Amber eyes no longer stared out from his skull. Icy blue opto-bionic material now viewed his surroundings. He had gone from an image of great beauty to something out of a nightmare.
Damned Dodoria and his squad! He would have rather been left for dead than be 'rescued' and turned into a monstrosity that was permanent not self-controlled as his bestial transformation had been. But at least the one responsible would pay and pay most dearly.
A thin yellow rat-faced life-form in a filthy brown robe staggered up to Zarbon," Ya tha one lookin' ta find Turles?"
"Indeed."
"Well it's gonna cost ya. That kinda info don' cheap ya know.
"Name your price," Zarbon said cooly.
"NOW yer talkin!" the rat-being guffawed….
….
Old and new enemies converge in the next chapter! Til next I write again…!
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