Here's Chapter 106! Thanks to Zaliz 101, Saiyaness of Destruction, SuperSaiyanKnight, Uub God of Destruction, Nimarin Drigger and Diosa de la muerte for all the reviews on chapter 105. Thanks also to Lone Warrior Ersh and Guest for the reviews on Chapter 1.
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of its charaters, Akira Toriyama does!
A/N: Apologies for the LONG wait for an update! Between an unexpected lengthy hospital stay, crazy weather affecting my Internet and family members HOGGING the computer...ANYWAY here is the latest update! Also wishing all those in the path of Hurricane Florence to remain safe.
...
Bulma sighed wistfully as she stared out one of the bridge area's viewing windows watching stars and planets whiz by. They were back on the Saiyan's ship and headed to heaven only knew where.
It seemed that Turles had forgotten about the Dragon Balls for the moment but when would he bring up the subject again and demand her to discover their location?
The former heiress whipped around as she felt a presence behind her. She was relieved to find out it was only Daiz.
"After what happened yesterday at the marketplace..." Daiz began.
"That was hardly my fault!" Bulma interrupted.
"That's beside the point. You need to learn how to defend yourself. The next time something like that occurs one of us may not be close by to assist you."
"I'm not a fighter. I prefer to use my intelligence to get out of bad situations," Dr. Brief's' daughter declared.
"An' watcha gonna do when ya git yer perty brains smacked outta ya?" Gartoas challenged.
"I….um..well.." Bulma stammered.
"Sounds like an excuse from a weakling to me!" Taimaz snapped.
The Kabochan female curled her lip in evident disdain as she gave Bulma an icy glare. Her words and facial expression earned her a startled look from the male pirate who shared her planet of origin. Ever since she'd boarded Turles's ship Taimaz had been a far cry from the bubbly, pleasant woman he'd known on Artruay. Had something happened that he was unaware of? As he shook his head in disapproval Daiz was taken aback as she seemed to bristle at him as well.
"There's no need to be rude,Taimaz. Not everyone is cut out for fighting..."
"If she can't fight she's useless!" Taimaz interupted.
"That settles it. We'll get started with your instruction right after the morning meal," Daiz insisted.
"Now that oughta be fun ta watch," the burly Kardanagan chortled.
"And just who said you were going to be watching?" the former prince challenged.
"Aw, ya take tha fun outta everythin'," the burly bearded pirate snorted.
As Gartoas stomped away Bulma looked nervously at Daiz. What exactly did he have in mind?
"Go ahead, waste your time. See if I care!" Taimaz hissed as she tore out of the bridge area.
Gohan kept silent as he piloted the ship but he couldn't help wondering what was the matter with Taimaz?
…..
When Bulma entered the room Daiz had selected for her to receive instruction in self-defense she instantly remembered constructing it. So this is why she was ordered to design a space that was completely empty save for a padded floor and a cleansing unit on the far side of the room. The young scientist couldn't help but snicker as she caught the expression on the Kabochan's face as he took in the sight of her in the rather form fitting garment that was meant to be worn under the armor Turles's crew typically wore. But what else could she have worn to train in?
Clearing his throat Daiz was determined to regain his composure and proceed to the task at hand.
"We'll start with something easy. Let me see you throw a punch."
Bulma swung her arm in a half-hearted flail.
Daiz shook his head," That's not going to cut it! First of all you don't curl your thumb up in your fist you're liable to break it if you manage any real impact."
"Now put your arm at your waist. Push from the ball of your right foot, thrust out your hip and bring your fist forward. Put as force as you can behind it. Go for the nose or the throat," the pirate instructed.
"That's horrible!" the Earth-born woman shouted in protest.
"You'll be defending your life and well-being not participating in a competition. Now let's try it again."
"Almost now do it again! Much better!"
"Can we take a break?" Bulma huffed.
"Nope we just got started. Now imagine someone you absolutely despise and imagine striking them in the face," the dark green-haired warrior suggested.
Her blue eyes flashed as Bulma imagined the insolent pirate commander's face smirking at her.
She balled up her fist in the correct fashion this time and demonstrated a particularly vicious punch.
"Excellent! I probably shouldn't ask who you imagined," Daiz chuckled at the bluenette's frenzied response.
Turles's second-in-command instructed Bulma on how to free herself if she were suddenly seized from behind. Then he demonstrated how to break a choke-hold.
Bumla was growing weary and sweating profusely. She wasn't at all used to such strenuous activity.
"Now let's try…."
"This is a waste of time and I refuse to continue!" the young genius huffed.
"Stop being so stubborn, I'm only trying to enable you to defend yourself," the annoyed Kabochan pressed.
Bulma's eyes widened in shock and fear as she was suddenly seized in an iron grip; one powerful arm was around her waist and a hand gripped her throat.
"Since yer jus' wastin' time 'ere let's put it ta better use," a gruff voice growled into her ear.
The aquamarine-haired female recognized the voice immediately as belonging to the burly Kardanagan Gartoas. His scraggly black beard scratched the back of her neck and his breath made her eyes water.
"Run along, Daiz. Ah'll entertain 'er ladyship 'ere 'til Ah get tired 'er bored…."
Bulma let out an enraged screech and stomped hard on the beefy pirate's booted foot while simultaneously thrusting her head back into his face with all the force she could muster. A cry came from the behemoth as he seized his nose with both hands. As soon as she was free from his grip, Bulma brought her knee up causing the massive brigand to drop to his.
"Yah Witch! Ah waz jus' tryin' ta help! Ya didn' 'ave ta break muh nose!" Gartoas bellowed.
"That's more like it! You applied everything I've shown you so far," Daiz declared approvingly.
A sudden burst of applause behind them caused Daiz and Bulma to rapidly spin about.
There stood Turles with his trademark smirk.
"I believe I've had my entertainment for today."
"WHATTA 'BOUT MUH NOSE?" Garotas howled.
"Go clean yourself up before I give you a matching pair of legs!" the Saiyan pirate commander barked.
The former bandit blanched and hurriedly rose to his feet and scurried from the training room.
"I suggest the two of you clean up as well and report to the bridge I've an assignment for both of you," Turles advised.
Bulma was about to give an angry response but she caught the warning glance from Daiz and kept silent.
…
A startled Bulma entered the room she had been assigned to when she first entered Turles's ship. There was a small green-skinned female with brilliant pink hair in a white dress that bowed before her as she walked in.
"I'm Alynnia and I'm here to help you prepare for this evening."
"P-Prepare for this evening?" curiosity as well as fear suddenly engulfed Yamcha's former sweetheart.
"Yes, to help with your hair and…"
Bulma gave a gasp of utter astonishment that made Alynnia stop speaking mid-sentence.
A white gown that appeared to be made of thousands of tiny crystals lay draped across the crude bunk that served as her bed for the time being. It was feather-light when Bulma picked it up.
The diminutive being laughed softly, "The gown is lovely. Master Turles has excellent taste."
With a growl of disgust the bluenette flung the now offending garment into a glittering heap to the floor.
Alynnia gave a little cry and rushed forward "Please mistress! Master Turles will be furious if the dress is damaged!"
"I don't care WHAT HE THINKS…" the irate once heiress began.
"He's been known to destroy entire worlds because someone annoyed him. It's best not to anger him," the tiny female warned.
"WHY am I supposed to wear that?" Bulma demanded.
"There is a celebration the commander wishes to attend and he intends for you to accompany him…" Alyynnia stopped mid-sentence her eyes wide with fright.
She could feel the gaze of the Saiyan upon her before she even turned around to face him.
"I would suggest you not be difficult about preparing for our brief outing this evening. It might be in the best interest for the lovely mate of Kakarot for you to do so. As for the Namekian…..my old friend Grainos might find it pleasing to feed him to his favorite pet," Turles stated.
A horrific image of a slavering reptilian beast formed in Bulma's mind.
H-how d-did you make me see that?" the now frightened daughter of Earth queried.
"Mere child's play for one such as me," the pirate commander simpered.
"T'would be a shame for you to abandon him to such a demise. But then who knows? The Namek is green perhaps there will be a nutritional benefit for the beast," Turles remarked flippantly.
"You heartless monster!" Bulma snapped.
"Now , now flattery will get you nowhere," the Saiyan needled.
"Obey my EVERY order without question this evening the lives of your friends depend on it. Fail to do so and Gartoas will carry out his orders immediately," Turles advised.
No human eyes could be as cold as the obsidian orbs the bluenette stared into.
"You son of a …" although she said the words under her breath there was no mistaking that space mercenary had heard her.
"Considering my parentage I'm not all insulted. I would wholeheartedly agree," Turles chuckled.
Alynnia gave her hand a little squeeze as Bulma lowered her head in defeat. She didn't want to obey her callous captor but how could she risk the lives of her friends?
…
Bulma stared at her reflection in amazement. No one would believe she was Bulma Brief with the resplendent array of curls and waves her hair had been coaxed into by the small denizen of planet Kthyos. With the added effect given by the sparkling gown she looked like some sort of alien nobility.
"Lovely, my dear, but something is missing," Turles mused as he caught sight of her when he entered the room.
Staring straight ahead Bulma tried to ignore the arrogant Saiyan. But she couldn't help but be curious about the container he held in his hands. Her eyes almost popped from their sockets when the pirate rogue opened said container. A necklace consisting of a king's ransom in diamonds framing glittering blue sapphires lay within it. And of course the pair of matching earrings was included as well.
Alynnia dutifully took the container as Turles held it out. In no time at all the Kythosian had draped Bulma with the extravagant jewels. She gave a low bow and scurried from the room.
Bulma's jaw dropped when she actually looked in Turles's direction. Instead of his usual armor of black and silver, he wore a breastplate of silver with a cape of sapphire blue. The remainder of his armor was silver and the same deep blue. An enormous sapphire was at his throat which somehow kept the cape about his shoulders. Turles looked more like royalty than brigand in such apparel.
"What are you up to, Turles?' Bulma wondered.
"Our shuttle is ready. We mustn't be late."
She stiffened as the Saiyan took her arm and propelled her from the room.
"Your only task is to look beautiful. I believe you can manage that," Turles declared.
It took everything in her to avoid uttering the angry torrent of epithets that were on the tip of her tongue. The obnoxious pirate had both complimented and insulted her at the same time.
….
Daiz shook his head as he observed the sheer number of guards that surrounded the crown jewels of Karzathian royal family. Obviously Turles's sources had left out that crucial detail.
'So much for the sneak approach, NOW what are we going to do?' the Kabochan wondered.
Gohan looked out from the place of concealment he shared with his dark green-haired teammate. The odds weren't in favor for him and Daiz to simply snatch the treasure they had come for. Getting back to the ship alone from the sprawling palace would be quite the undertaking.
'What's that noise? It sounds like Ember when she's hungry,' the demi-Saiyan was curious if there were more of his faithful pet's species about the Karzathian palace. He should stay with Daiz. But the son of Goku really wanted to see if there were more of Ember's kind around…..
...
Bulma's jaw dropped as she took in the enormous palace that loomed before the craft she and Turles were aboard. Strangely the Saiyan didn't pilot the shuttle himself nor was Gohan anywhere to be seen. A blue toad-like creature manned the controls. The pirate commander barked a command in a language the young female couldn't understand. The shuttle's pilot landed immediately and dropped to the floor on one knee bowing before the Saiyan. Another sharp order was declared and the toadling scrambled back to his seat keeping his eyes on the controls.
The shimmering palace seemed to shift in color from creamy white to pink then a lustrous blue. Shifting its hue again it appeared to be made of spun gold. There could be no plausible scientific explanation for the constantly changing colors. A million questions popped in the young scientist's mind as she struggled to account for the incredible sight before her.
"It's constructed of Montera stone, the rays from this planet's four suns cause the material to display the effect you see," Turles explained in a bored tone.
"Not all of us have extensively traveled the galaxy enough to know everything!" Bulma snapped in annoyance.
"Amusing as always I see. When we enter the palace you are NOT to utter a single syllable is that understood?" the nefarious pirate demanded.
"I can't speak the whole time we're here? That isn't..." the former darling of Capsule Corps fell silent in response to the Saiyan's sudden malevolent glare.
"Speak and suffer the consequences," Turles whispered in her ear as a great door opened before them.
Bulma sucked in her breath as the horrid being beside her insolently wrapped his arm around her waist. She imagined the obstinate Saiyan's demise in several excruciating ways. The young genius grit her teeth as Turles merely chuckled.
"Your thoughts are plainly written on your face. Replace that grimace with a lovely smile or I can snap that delectable neck of yours," the cruel planet raider growled.
Bitterly pasting a fake smile on her face, Bulma stepped through the doorway.
"Prince Klorn and Princess Arlayia of Tarkeldia!" a voice declared loudly.
Was it just her or had Turles just breathed a sigh of relief?
Before Bulma could react a rather plump figure in azure robes rushed up. The bovine creature seemed quite pleased at their arrival
"Welcome to Karzathia! It is such an honor to have you and your lovely bride attend our festivities..."
'Bride? Does this creature seriously think I would MARRY...' the bluenette's stomach lurched as the very notion sickened her.
"My lovely mate has only recently recovered from illness. She is still unable to speak clearly. I fear the journey here may have been a bit taxing for her," Turles spoke up quickly.
"My sincere apologies. Do have a seat, my dear. I hope the two of you can remain for our celebration," the blue- horned being seemed actually concerned for Bulma's well-being.
The Saiyan gave a graceful bow, "You are most gracious, King Agailius. We will do our best to stay."
Tears threatened as Bulma felt her right hand cruelly squeezed in a crushing grip.
"It would be best to compose yourself," Turles warned.
Bulma struggled to smile at the alien beings who bowed before them as the unlikely pair made their way to a large table at the center of the room. To her surprise Turles actually pulled out a seat for her. She stiffened as the arrogant Saiyan momentarily draped an arm around her shoulders when he took the seat beside her.
Several aliens that seemed to be of great importance greeted Turles and congratulated him on winning the hand of such a lovely bride.
'I always wanted to be a princess as a child. Maybe I can keep my sanity by pretending to actually BE one' Bulma reasoned.
Bulma straightened her posture and gave a dazzling smile to a pink feline female who gave fervent well wishes for her health.
Turles gave a nod of approval.
Observing Turles from the corner of her eye, the Earthling female was suddenly struck by how regal a figure Turles presented himself as. No wonder those attending this gathering believed him to be a prince...
...
"It's not safe to wander off Gohan," Daiz scolded as he caught up with the young half-blood.
"What are those?" Gohan questioned as he pointed to several rows of cages that held fierce looking four-legged furry creatures that whined and howled as they scratched and tugged at the doors to their prison.
"Ah, they're Keira hounds. I've seen this before. They're being starved in preparation for a hunt. No telling when they've been fed last," the Kabochan replied.
Suddenly a wicked plan occurred to Turles's second-in-command...
...
'I used to put on a smile and act as if I were having the time of my life during Dad's stuffy corporate banquets. This shouldn't be much more difficult except for the fact that I'm forced to make it seem as if I'm actually married to this obnoxious Saiyan' Bulma thought to herself.
Turles raised an eyebrow as 'the princess' batted her lashes coquettishly at him and lay her head on his shoulder gazing up at him with a look of utter adoration.
'So she wants to play does she?' the Saiyan mused.
The pirate commander leaned forward and slid his right hand from Bulma's right calf to the top of her thigh giving a suggestive squeeze through the slit in her gown.
The once heiress turned pale as she wondered if any of those assembled around her had noticed the salacious behavior.
"Are you alright, your Highness?' King Agailius questioned her kindly.
"Your majesty, my mate is to be expected to be a bit out of sorts due to her delicate condition at this time..." Turles began.
"Delicate condition?" the bovine monarch repeated.
Bulma bit her lip to keep from responding with a blistering tirade. Surely Turles was NOT suggesting...
"I confess we were guilty of celebrating our affections for each other before the binding ceremony," the insufferable planet pirate finished.
King Agailius coughed and cleared his throat as Turles proceeded to give a seemingly affectionate pat to Bulma's midsection.
"Well then further congratulations are in order" the king raised his chalice in a salute to the couple as did everyone seated at the banquet table.
Turles glanced at the bluenette and was thoroughly amused by the sight of her digging her nails into her palms.
...
Chi-Chi tried to stay occupied but she was beside herself with worry. Gohan had accompanied Daiz on one of Turles's 'assignments.' That could only mean her son was willfully engaging in some unlawful activity. What if he was seized by some alien law enforcement faction and sent to some outlying prison to languish there for the rest of his days?
"Chi-Chi, he'll be back. Turles wouldn't allow anything to happen to Gohan," Malako said reassuringly.
"That monster would do anything if it served his purpose!" the Ox-king's daughter snapped.
The Earth-born female made a valid point but the Namek wasn't going to point that out.
He was more concerned about Bulma. What was the cruel Saiyan putting her through?
...
Daiz tied several small bundles of naera-deer hide into small balls. When Gohan picked one up it felt squishy and warm to the touch.
"What's in these, Daiz?" the youngster asked.
"Blood" was the Kabochan's answer.
The dark green-haired pirate made a bundle that contained the grisly items.
"When I give the order throw the switch I've shown you," Daiz commanded.
"Stay on top of the cages. Do NOT set foot on the ground until I tell you to do so."
"But what about the guards?" Gohan wanted to know.
"Leave them to me."
A shiver went through the half-ling. He suddenly had a very uneasy feeling about what he was about to do. The switch Gohan had been instructed to throw would ensure the release of all the Keira-hounds...
...
Taimaz growled in frustration as she stared at the complex contraption that held the lifeless form of the woman Turles held in the utmost regard. Somehow the fluid-filled tank preserved the life of the misbegotten spawn of the detestable pirate. She couldn't figure out how the controls worked. Obviously the human female who created it had to have some respectable intelligence even if she was worthless otherwise. The greatest pain she could inflict on the marauder who destroyed her home planet would be to end the life of the unborn brat who had no right to exist. There was a chance an alarm could be in place and that was a risk she wasn't prepared to take. A malicious smile lit her face. The blue-haired woman prided herself on her intellect so surely she would welcome the opportunity to show off her scientific prowess by explaining how her life-preserving creation operated. Yes, she would wait until Turles returned to the ship...
...
Daiz methodically blasted away the bodies of the guards who'd had no chance against the Keira-hounds once he had thrown the small blood-containing missiles of deer hide at them. The smell of blood was too much for the starving beasts to bear. The Kabochan thought it was best that Gohan didn't see what was left of the corpses that were rent to shreds and partially eaten. He'd already disposed of the canine nightmares, no sense in allowing them to live after the carnage was complete.
"Gohan, let's get this assignment over with," Daiz spoke into his scouter.
"What about the guards?" Gohan wanted to know.
"They're not a problem anymore."
...
Bulma was just finishing the last bite of a luscious confection with an exotic red fruit that reminded her of Earth's strawberries. She noticed the blue toad-ling that had piloted Turles's shuttle standing before the Saiyan. Not a word was exchanged but an evil smile crossed Turles's face. Bulma sucked in her breath to keep from shouting her disgust as the pirate draped his arm around her shoulders once more. There was a sudden pressure at her neck and everything went black...
King Agailius leapt from his seat as Bulma seemed to collapse. Turles swiftly gathered the unconscious woman in his arms.
"No need for concern, your Majesty. The princess is merely exhausted. If you'll excuse us I'll take her to rest a bit and perhaps we can rejoin the festivities later," Turles smoothly explained.
"Yes, of course. I do hope the lovely girl will be alright, " the bovine ruler mused.
...
Bulma sat up and looked about in utter amazement as she realized she was back in her quarters on Turles's ship. She gave a squeak as she realized she no longer wore the crystal gown but one of the garments she'd been given some time ago.
"Wondered when you were going to wake up," Daiz teased.
"WHO changed my clothing?" Bulma blurted out as color suffused her face.
"Turles didn't. That little pink-haired slip of a thing did. Give us some credit now," the dark green-haired pirate snorted.
"What am I supposed to think? The last thing I remember is that I was sitting next to Turles at some sort of celebration," the bluenette huffed.
"Ah yes, King Agailius was celebrating the annual display of his planet's crown jewels. They're usually kept locked away under heavy guard and everyone at court wanted to see the new ally from planet Tarkeldia and his lovely bride. You were just the distraction Turles needed to keep the king's attention away from proceeding with the display immediately," Daiz explained.
"Distraction? WHAT DID TURLES DO?"
"The king was so delighted with your presence that Gohan and I relieved him of the annoying task of keeping up with the crown jewels. Once our prize was secure
Turles was informed in time to disappear before being discovered," the once royal informed her.
"That charming gracious fellow was being robbed and I just sat there like a bump on a log," Bulma fumed.
"Princess Arlayia can only speak Tarkeldish. If you'd uttered a word in Galactic Standard you would have been declared an impostor and slain on the spot," Daiz informed her.
Goku's childhood friend swallowed hard.
"Welcome to the crew," Daiz chortled.
"I AM NOT A PART OF THE CREW!" Bulma screeched.
She stormed out of the room ready to give that cursed Turles a piece of her mind..
...
Until the next chapter...
daughterofrisingsun