Here's Chapter 99! Thanks to SuperSaiyanKnight, dani-curtis16, Molotov And Arsonist, Perfect Carnage, TheItchyCocoon, Blake2020, Ryo-chan wolfgirl and Guest for all the reviews on chapter 98!
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!
...
Bulma rubbed at the small of her back wincing as she stood upright. She'd been working for hours on end it was time for a break. The azure-haired young scientist sighed with relief as she took a seat in a comfortable chair and propped her feet up on the small table that set before it.
A feeling of absolute dread suddenly enveloped her. She literally felt the evil Saiyan's presence before he walked into the launching bay.
"So this is why constructing my ship is taking such a long period of time. You've been sitting around lazing about," Turles needled.
Bulma bristled at the wholly unfounded comment. She bit her lip to prevent herself from giving the space pirate a piece of her mind. If only she didn't have to fear for her and Chi-Chi's safety.
"Ah, it's so flattering to realize that I can still render you speechless, Bulma, dear. But let's keep this a business relationship shall we?" the dark-skinned Saiyan remarked airily.
The former heiress dug her nails into her palms in fury. As the pirate commander leisurely walked along observing her handiwork. Bulma couldn't help noticing just how much the hellish simian resembled her dear departed Goku. Swarthy skin and the arrogant demeanor were the only discernable differences between the two sans the armor he wore.
Turles noticed the blue-haired woman's scrutiny causing him to smirk impishly," Why Bulma, your staring so is practically making me blush. Not that I blame you of course!"
The Earth-raised genius felt her face flame with embarrassment. How could she have allowed Turles catch her staring?
"Since the ship's construction is almost completed I suppose I can afford to be benevolent and forgive your dalliance," the Saiyan full-blood declared imperiously.
"OOOHHHH! YOU RUDE POMPOUS INGRATE!" Bulma shouted as she leapt from her seat.
"Perhaps I've changed my mind," Turles replied as he raised his right hand and began to power up a blast….
"G-Getting b-back to work!" the weary cerulean-eyed woman squeaked.
A cruel smile lit the Saiyan's face as he regarded the frightened Earthling.
"So glad we have an understanding. I require a special addition to the ship that Dr. Mazzim will assist you with. Now I'll leave you to finish completing my ship in short order," Turles informed her ominously. With his usual mocking grand bow, the infamous brigand swept from the launching bay.
….
Zailora collapsed and Daiz stepped in the door just in time to catch her.
"What's going on?" the former royal demanded…
"Daiz, I'm fine. Now please go!" Zailora huffed.
"Right, you felt like getting all comfy with the floor just now. No wonder you and Turles get along you're both so damned stubborn!" the male Kabochan barked as he strode out of the medical ward.
"Zailora, you're going to have to speak to Turles about this," Dr. Mazzim insisted.
The she-pirate buried her face into her hands ,"I don't know how he's going react! What if he's furious with me?"
"Perhaps he'll welcome the news or….." the alien medic's voice trailed off.
"Or what?" Zailora pressed.
"He's a full-blood Saiyan, he could order you to have the child wiped from existence ,"the insectoid said flatly.
"Surely he wouldn't!"
"Who's to say? Saiyans are very unpredictable creatures especially the one we're speaking of," Dr. Mazzim stated.
…
Daiz took a seat in the entry way no doubt the late Artruay had greeted guests in the comfortably appointed room. A fair-sized table was surrounded by six overstuffed plush chairs in assorted colors and a small shelf with a few scattered books. Gohan was already there seated with his nose buried in a large thick tome.
The little demi-Saiyan looked up and smiled when Daiz sat across from him. The former warrior of Kabocha smiled in return. Gohan thought for a moment before asking the once royal a pointed question.
"Daiz, do you mind if I ask about you and Zailora?" the half-blood asked.
A deep sigh came from Turles's second-in-command, "There's not much to say. We're not together anymore, Gohan."
"Now it makes sense," Gohan mused.
"What makes sense?"
The youngster's face flushed a bit," I saw Turles and Zailora kissing."
"Yeah, they've been together for a while now, "the dark green-haired pirate said softly.
"Sorry, Daiz," the Earth-raised child responded,
"It's alright, Gohan. I'm moving on myself,"Daiz announced.
'At least I THINK I've got a real shot with Taimaz' the Kabochan thought.
…
Chi-Chi looked dismally at the plate in front of her. She had no interest in consuming her simple breakfast of some kind of boiled grains and multi-colored fruit. Her thoughts were preoccupied with recalling her conversation with Gohan when he came to put in the order for Turles's morning meal.
"Mom, you probably won't understand but I have to stick with Turles. He needs me around I just know he does and there's so much more I need to learn about being a Saiyan that only he can teach me,"Gohan tried to reason.
The Ox-Princess steeled herself from erupting into a blistering tirade but she was still adamant that Gohan was to remain behind and leave Turles and his band of cutthroats and thieves to wreak havoc throughout the galaxy on their own.
"Your parents should be the ones instructing you and raising you to be a productive member of society. Not that monster Turles and his thugs! If it wasn't for him, you'd be safe on Earth with your family and friends. You were born on Earth and you don't NEED to learn about being a savage bloodthirsty Saiyan!"
"Mom, the Earth no longer exists as it used to be," the demi-Saiyan sighed.
"IT'S ALL TURLES'S FAULT!" Chi-Chi screeched.
"That may be but I've made my decision. I'll be leaving with Turles and the crew," Gohan declared.
"You're still too innocent to realize that…."
Goku's widow widened her eyes in horror as she took in the chilling words her son used to cut her off mid-sentence.
"I'm NOT innocent, Mom. I've killed more beings than I could possibly count."
The brunette felt her heart shatter as she watched her own child stare back at her with eyes as cold and emotionless as those of the pirate lord himself. She silently bowed her head and vainly fought back her tears as she came to realize that her baby, the son of Goku the pure-hearted Saiyan no longer existed…..
….
Bulma watched in fascination as the insectoid medic keyed in instructions into her computer. The prospect of an enclosed chamber that filled with liquid containing properties that healed injuries was beyond rational scientific theory.
"All right, Miss Bulma. You have the necessary written information to construct a rejuvenation tank," Dr. Mazzim declared.
"This is simply amazing!" the former heiress gushed.
"Actually it's quite commonplace except for this insignificant planet," the mantis-being muttered.
"Now I must leave you to your task as I have some pressing matters to attend to. Good day to you, Miss Bulma," the alien physician sighed.
The azure-haired young scientist was eager to get started on her latest project…..
…
Turles snapped his head back just before Gohan's small fist connected. The scissor-kick that followed met its mark. Disappointment filled the half-ling as the Saiyan warrior effortlessly shook off his attack. A quick sweep took the demi-Saiyan off his feet as the pirate commander grinned in approval at the same time. It wasn't easy to land a strike of any kind on Turles. Gohan's speed was increasing.
It was also good to be out sparring with his crew. Being bedridden was unheard of for a Saiyan. Turles had insisted on a rejuvenation tank for his new ship so he could avoid such a situation occurring again.
Daiz was startled when Gohan suddenly phased in front of him. He growled in disgust as his fist passed through an after-image leaving the warrior of Kabocha wide open for a roundhouse kick. The smallest member of Turles's crew spun around as he felt a presence behind him.
Gartoas staggered as the youngster aimed a vicious punch to his middle. The Kardanagan never imagined that the part Saiyan child could hit so hard! An upper-cut from out of nowhere put the hefty pirate flat on his back.
It was hard for Turles to conceal his amusement as the massive Gartoas struggled to his feet only to be brought down again by a nasty kick to the groin. Gohan merely snickered in response to the plethora of curses that erupted from the former thief.
"Should you be spouting off such filth in a child's presence, Gartoas?" the black and silver armored Saiyan taunted.
"With all that CUSHION you shouldn't feel anything at all!" Daiz chortled.
"Get yer worthless hide oer' ere an Ah'll give ya some missin' teeth," Gartoas growled.
"Yeah?" the once denizen of a desert planet flew at the shaggy haired behemoth.
Daiz was sent crashing into the far wall. He really should have watched out for that right hook.
"Ya ready fer some more?" the beefy pirate jeered.
"What are you going to do….SIT on me? I'll be crushed for sure!" Daiz teased.
Gohan couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"That's enough of your infantile squabbling! Get cleaned up for the noon meal!" Turles barked.
"Hmm, is the sewage system leaking? Nope, that horrible smell is coming from….YOU!" the gray-eyed Kabochan called out as he pointed in his burly crew-mate's direction.
"Ah be smellin' like roses 'pared to you!" the bushy bearded Kardangan huffed.
"We need to eradicate THAT species of roses!" Turles cut in.
Gartoas reddened at the Saiyan's jibe and stomped out of the training room.
"The air's fresher already!" Daiz quipped.
Gohan giggled and with a baleful glare Turles sent his remaining crew scrambling for the exit and the cleansing area.
…..
Bulma stepped back and admired her latest accomplishment. The 'rejuvenation tank' as Dr. Mazzim called it was now complete. It was still hard to believe that such an item was actually possible. Such an astounding technologic achievement must have been brought into existence by a truly advanced civilization. Now if she completed the bridge area the entire construction of the despicable Saiyan's ship would be finalized. Then it would be good riddance as far as she was concerned.
Of course there was the matter of little Gohan. It was going to be heartbreaking for Chi-Chi to watch her only child walk away from her. If only they could convince the son of Goku to remain with them.
"Kami, please help Gohan realize he's making a big mistake," Bulma whispered.
…
Zailora glared with open hostility at the pretty yellow-haired waitress that brazenly flirted with Turles. The brief tan leathern garment the lavender- skinned beauty wore didn't leave very much to the imagination. No wonder this establishment was so popular with her male crewmates.
When the Tarznite tossed her long hair and coquettishly batted her eyelashes at the Saiyan pirate commander as she took orders the Kabochan female shattered the wine glass in her hand. Turles immediately demanded that it be replaced. The waitress scurried off with a frightened glance in Zailora's direction.
"Settle down, woman," Turles scolded.
"That strumpet was purposely flirting with you!" the nobleman's daughter hissed.
"Perhaps, but pull your horns in. I have no desire to undertake the arduous task of training another woman to suit my exact specifications. I've grown far too accustomed to you," the onyx-eyed Saiyan declared.
Daiz stuck the tines of his fork into the roof of his mouth as he overheard the conversation. Gartoas went into a fit of coughing. Gohan looked up from his plate wondering what all the commotion was about. Shrugging his small muscular shoulders, he happily went back to stuffing himself. A small smile lit the she-pirate's face.
…
In the former reptilian business owner's small but well-equipped kitchen a most unlikely pair were having their own discussion.
"Well it seems we have a break this evening, Chi-Chi," Makalo said as he stretched his tall lean frame before seating himself across from the Ox-King's daughter.
"Turles has informed me that there was no need to prepare evening meals as he and his crew shall be dining out."
"Hmmph! Turles and his band of ruffians are out celebrating their future misdeeds!" Chi-Chi snorted.
"We'll be rid of them soon," Bulma stated as she took a seat next to the irritated brunette.
"What do you mean, Bulma?" Chi-Chi asked.
"I just finished constructing Turles's ship. He plans to leave this planet as soon as he learns of its completion," the former darling of Capsule Corps announced.
"OH NO! GOHAN! "Chi-Chi cried out as she burst into tears….
….
Salzar ran his forked tongue over his fangs in perverse delight as he surveyed the results of his attack on his latest victim. The expression of abject horror in the fish-being's glassy eyes amused him. A sickening vermillion color to the hapless life-form's complexion revealed its cause of death to have been brought about by the Sarhassan's potent venom.
"Foolsssss!" the serpentine being cackled. It was all too easy to break through the pitiful assemblage that Turles had guarding the medical area. Now he was free to hunt for the two that would all too soon suffer his vengeance for his fallen sire. The despicable Saiyan and the misbegotten half-breed were going to pay in full measure for daring to humiliate and take the life of a member of his magnificent race.
Salzar could hardly wait to hear the blood-curdling screams that would emanate from the filthy child that had no just reason to exist. It was a vile creature with tainted blood from the unnatural combination of two distinctly different races. An abomination to be sure!
Someone was approaching. A cruel smile crossed the snake-ling's face. Well whoever it was they would meet their death momentarily….
…
Zarbon shook his head. It had cost him a literal fortune to discover Turles's whereabouts. But it was worth it. Now the little green-haired witch employed by the Saiyan would pay! It was going to be so satisfying to snap her neck. No he would devise something special for her. The female pirate would suffer inconceivable agony until she begged for death to release her from torment. She had caused him to be the monstrosity he now faced every time he observed his reflection. And if Turles got in his way then he'd end that pirate scum's life as well.
Settling into his ship, the emerald-haired changeling set his course for planet Arturay…
…..
Dr. Mazzim couldn't quite shake the uneasy feeling that plagued him. Perhaps he was simply concerned for his former charge as she was in quite a predicament. How would Turles take the news that the Kabochan woman carried a half-Saiyan child? The mantis-being ended his musings and stopped short. A creature from some horrific nightmare, no a foul beast from the very bowels of Hell stood before him.
A gargantuan red and green hooded serpent with great fangs dripping pale green venom observed him with its unnerving red eyes. The insectoid sank into a fighting stance knowing full well he hadn't a prayer against the slavering monster…
…..
Zailora fought against the rising panic she felt. What was she going to do if Turles didn't accept the child she carried? Had common sense prevailed, she never would have allowed herself to fall for the cold-hearted Saiyan. But she'd foolishly fallen head over heels for the brooding pirate. Surely he felt some sort of affection for her or he wouldn't have tolerated her presence for long. At times she actually felt cherished and at other times she wasn't so sure.
The handsome Saiyan was a volatile being with a quick temper and the strength to literally crush her if he chose to do so. Were his fiery kisses merely a ruse to get her attention until he grew bored? Would he tire of her and send her on her way?
Would Turles be furious with her for bearing a mixed-blood child? As much as he appeared to be devoted to Gohan, wouldn't he want a child of his own? Zailora fought back the tears that threatened to well up in her eyes. She squared back her shoulders and decided she had to tell Turles of the small life she carried under her heart. What ever became of her she would face it as a true Kabochan should.
Before she confronted Turles she wanted to confer with Dr. Mazzim about a few details. The she-pirate's steps came to an abrupt halt as she sniffed the air and caught the scent of…..blood.
The dark-green haired female gasped in horror as she came to the entrance of the medical bay. The insectoid physician was lying just in front of the lab door. Mazzim's body was grotesquely contorted and two large holes in his chest/thorax seeped out a literal blue pool of his life-fluid.
She rushed over to see if there was any way to save him. Zailora knelt next to the medic. A chill went through her as she heard an evil hiss…..
…..
Daiz was whistling merrily as he entered the medical station. He had the assurance that Taimaz would be waiting for him when he returned back to this small planet. Spending a pleasant evening in the pretty bar-keep's company had certainly improved his mood.
The Kabochan warrior broke into a run at the ghastly sight that greeted his eyes as he entered the hall. Dr. Mazzim's body lay in front of the lab door and to his right was…Zailora!
He dropped to his knees as he reached her. Blood flecked foam was dribbling from her lips. Her pale skin bore a strange green cast. Her deep green eyes fluttered open just long enough for him to watch them turn lifeless.
"Aw, sweet Kami…NO! ZAILORA!" the former prince shouted.
Daiz looked up only to be staring up into the obsidian eyes of Turles.
His hoarse voice could barely form the words, "Master Turles….she's gone…Zailora is gone!"
…
Until the next chapter!...
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