Here's chapter 119! Thanks to Uub God of Destruction, The Rocha, Rawrzx3, Agent Tex, 15songoku, the1andonlyLucian, Dark Reina and DingleberryDovah for all the reviews on chapter 118. Thanks also to Agent Tex for the review and comments on chapters 7 and 94!

Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!

Daiz gave a sigh of relief as a medical team rushed Kosho off to one of Kquaralan's famed medical facilities. Bulma had succeeded in enabling the Pergshan/Saiyan to cling to life but that hold was tenuous at best. The planet's medical expertise was unrivaled throughout the known galaxy. A sense of dread quickly followed. It was apparent that Taimaz was responsible for the bizarre events occurring aboard Turles's ship. He swallowed hard knowing there would be no reasoning with Turles to spare his fellow citizen of Kabocha. Once he'd actually hoped for a future with the former barkeep but she'd inexplicably changed once they left planet Artruay. A second craft took to the sky piquing the Kabochan's curiosity as to who could possibly be its passenger.

A high-pitched cry reached the dark-green haired pirate. It sounded like a wounded animal…..BULMA!

He'd left the Earth-born female in her quarters, Daiz broke into a run. The former prince let out the breath he was holding when he discovered the bluenette standing in the middle of her room unharmed.

"What's making that awful noise?" Bulma asked.

"DAIZ! "

Daiz stepped out in hall followed by a leery Bulma. Turles was kneeling on the floor holding onto a very frantic Charladon. EMBER! The animal let out a long piteous howl. Blood was pooling at the Saiyan's boots, a quick glance allowed Daiz to see the wound rapidly staining the bright yellow of the beast's fur.

"Hold her down, Daiz!" Turles ordered.

The Kabochan earnestly hoped Turles wouldn't destroy the injured animal but he dared not refuse the command. Daiz turned his head as the pirate commander began to power up a blast. An acrid, sickening smell of scorched fur and flesh stung his nostrils and a heartrending cry came from the suffering beast. The desert planet raised warrior grimaced. How would they possibly explain this to Gohan? It would break the youngster's heart to know what became of his beloved pet.

Soft whimpers caused Daiz to take a wary glance. A smile crossed his face as he realized Turles had merely cauterized the gaping wound at the Charladon's throat.

"You poor thing!" Bulma muttered under her breath as she cautiously reached out to stroke the brilliant crimson and yellow furred creature that curled into a ball. Gohan had previously informed her about his feisty pet.

"WHY would anyone want to hurt her?" the daughter of Dr. Brief wanted to know.

"The tray! Ember knocked my food tray over…" the words caught in his throat before Daiz could finish.

"Most likely Taimaz attempted to poison you. The pup's foolish antics prevented her from doing so," Turles reflected.

"But why is she doing all of this?"

"Some sort of vengeance perhaps?" Turles suggested.

"Revenge against a pet?" his second-in-command snorted.

"I stopped trying to fathom why women behave as they do some time ago," the Saiyan pirate declared. His remark earned him a baleful glare from a thoroughly perturbed Bulma.

"Men aren't perfect!" Bulma huffed.

"Precisely, of course that excludes yours truly," Turles stated flippantly.

A warning look from Daiz prevented a snappy retort from Yamcha's former flame.

The sudden arrival of Gartoas followed by Kakarot's mate ended the Saiyan's levity.

"Tha Namek's gone too, Master Turles!" the Kardanagan informed the pirate commander.

Bulma let out a soft moan at the news. Gartoas raised an eyebrow as his fellow crewman gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

Daiz shook his head trying to understand why Taimaz took the life of the gentle natured Namek.

'What threat could they have possibly been to her?'

Turles was strangely silent.

"GET OUT OF THE SHIP NOW!" the Saiyan roared.

"WHAT IS GO-" Chi-Chi was unable to finish as she squeaked in surprise as she was snatched off her feet by the enormous black-bearded brigand that had shuffled her from the food preparation area. She never would have imagined that the hulking behemoth could move so swiftly.

Daiz had scooped up the alien canine in one arm and Bulma in the other. He and Gartoas both knew not to dally and question Turles's order. Apparently their commander was aware of something they were not.

Bulma's eyes widened in horror as a strange mist swirled around her causing her eyes to sting.

"Shlaza gas!" Gartoas barked.

The burly pirate swiftly ripped pieces of the woolen cloak that hung from his shoulders.

Chi-Chi gagged as the smelly, itchy cloth was placed over her nose and mouth.

Bulma tried to protest as Daiz held a piece of the offending cloth to her face as well.

The dark green-haired pirate resented the sweat stained fabric as well but knew the alternative was to be rendered helpless by the gas that was rapidly filling the ship. As it thickened the poor substitute for protection would cease to be effective.

But why Shlaza gas? It wasn't deadly just incapacitating.

A loud explosion shook the ship as the entrance loomed just ahead. Now Daiz knew why...Taimaz wanted to destroy the ship with everyone aboard!

The shockwave from a massive explosion sent the pirates and their living burdens flying through the air for an impressive distance. Chi-Chi groaned as the wind was literally knocked out of her as she struck the hard ground. It seemed she could hardly catch her breath...

"GET OFF OF ME YOU BIG OAF!" the Ox-King's daughter screeched.

"AH' SHOULDA LEFT YOU ON THE SHIP!" Gartoas barked as he spit out a mouthful of dirt and rolled away from the female who simultaneously screamed and slapped at him.

Ember alternated between barking loudly and whimpering.

"AW SHUT UP YA MUTT!" the Kardanagan bellowed.

The crimson and yellow furred beast growled and bared her teeth at the pirate's tone and demeanor.

"Quiet Ember!" Daiz said softly.

Gartoas snorted as the Charladon obediently became calm and silent.

A shaken Bulma immediately fussed about the gash Daiz now sported on his forehead. His beefy teammate rolled his eyes as the Earth female tore her sleeve and proceeded to bind the wound as best as she could.

"Are you certain you'll survive such a grievous injury, Daiz?" a mocking voice taunted.

"Quite sure, Commander. I'm in excellent hands," Daiz quipped with a grin.

An annoyed snort came from the glowering Saiyan. Bulma scooted a few inches away from Daiz.

"At least everyone survived," Chi-Chi commented.

"Yes. EVERYONE SURVIVED!"

Daiz snapped his head up at the pirate commander's icy reply. His eyes went wide at the moaning form that was unceremoniously dropped hard to the ground by the livid Saiyan...TAIMAZ!...

...

Until the next chapter!

daughterofrisingsun