Here's Chapter 123! Thanks to DarkReina and the1andonlyLucian for the reviews on chapter 122. Thanks also to The Rocha for the review on chapter 121.
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!
A/N: It's been a while since the last update so here's an extra-long chapter!
...
Chi-Chi's face flamed with embarrassment each time the blue Gershaw glanced in her direction. The very idea of having any sort of relationship with the vile Saiyan she was held prisoner by was absolutely repugnant! And just where had the bane to her existence taken himself off to anyway? It appeared she'd been waiting in the...well what she supposed was the lobby of the alien facility for what seemed like hours!
The Ox-king's daughter felt a combination of loathing and relief as Turles made his way to the seating area as if he had arrived for his royal coronation. Oh the smug air of superiority the Saiyan always seemed to display so effortlessly. What she wouldn't give to able to take him down a notch or two. Chi-Chi couldn't help but be curious about the small white bundle tucked under the pirate's right arm. To her surprise he dropped it into her lap with no explanation. It was a sack of some flimsy material not much different than a paper bag. She cautiously pulled out the contents which caused her to gape in amazement. A pair of exquisitely crafted boots in caramel toned leather slid into her hands. The footwear felt buttery-soft in her grip she could only imagine how the obviously expensive boots would feel to wear.
"Well? PUT THEM ON!" Turles scolded.
"How rude! As if he actually KNEW my size!' Chi-Chi huffed inwardly.
The brunette was utterly speechless as the boots encased her feet in a perfect fit.
"You've wasted enough of this day as it is. Now get moving!" the spiky-haired warrior growled.
Chi-Chi stood and awkwardly held the sack that once contained the boots she now wore. She had no idea what to do with it.
Turles snatched the parcel away from her with a sigh of exasperation and tossed it into a nearby container.
"Surely Earth had receptacles for refuse?"
Chi-Chi balled up her fists in anger but said nothing as she broke into a jog keep pace with the Saiyan who had turned on his heel and strode quickly away.
The twin suns of Kquaralan hung low in the sky as the unlikely pair exited the medical facility. Turles scowled as he looked to the horizon there'd be no search for the elusive Gohan today. As fate would have it Chi-Chi's stomach chose that exact moment to loudly protest its lack of nourishment.
"First you require medical attention NOW I suppose you expect me to delay my efforts by procuring a meal for you. Aren't YOU being rather demanding? Would you have me buff your nails and style your hair as well? "
Before the irate former denizen of Earth could respond the brazen Saiyan gave a exaggerated grimace and declared, "I suppose I could manage your hair better than you have."
It took every ounce of Chi-Chi's resolve not to deliver a stinging, well-deserved slap across the obnoxious pirate's face.
"I suppose I can indulge you since..." An even louder growl resounded from the mortified female's midsection.
"Since you're going to be annoying about it!" Turles finished with a sneer...
...
In Otherworld:
Yamcha gaped in shock as he watched Bulma accept the attentions of Turles's crewman. How could she possibly feel affection for one of Turles's minions who assisted in bringing about the destruction of the planet Earth? Didn't she remember the loss of her parents, her friends...DIDN'T SHE CARE WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO HIM? The scar-faced warrior sank to the ground with his head in his hands. Krillin gave his friend a pat on the shoulder. He couldn't imagine the heartache Yamcha was going through.
"M-Maybe it's like Stockholm Syndrome and Bulma's just coping the best way she can," the one-time monk suggested.
"Yeah, she found a way to cope alright!" Yamcha snapped bitterly.
"I'm sure everything's gonna work out somehow, Yamcha," Goku spoke up.
"Doesn't look so good to me, Goku!" Tien huffed.
Chiatzou silently nodded in agreement.
'I HOPE Turles finds Gohan. I don't like him being under Turles's control but I can't help but feel he's in danger wandering around alone on that strange planet,' Piccolo thought.
...
Chi-Chi sucked in her breath at the sight of the palatial room Turles had selected for the night. It contained emerald green walls and heavy drapes made of cloth-of-gold. Alternating tiles of green and gold comprised the floors. The enormous ceiling to floor windows displayed a glorious sunset of twin suns. Two plush green chairs framed in gold were set near the entrance. Just a few feet away stood a polished mahogany table which bore the image of a leaping stag carved into its surface. Four matching chairs sat about it with carvings on their backs mirroring that of the table. And at the far wall was an enormous bed covered in a resplendent emerald green and gold damask spread. A pile of assorted pillows of the dominant color and gold rested against an ornate golden headboard decorated with dancing fawns.
There was only ONE bed? Goku's widow felt faint surely Turles didn't expect them to share...
As if picking up on her thoughts, Turles barked a command, "Go to the door on the right, get cleaned up and presentable. And do hurry before YOU expire from hunger!"
Bristling with fury Chi-Chi stomped over to the door the Saiyan directed. As she stepped into the room the Ox-princess gasped in delight. The room was a study in royal blue and silver. Instead of stags the elegant room was decorated with swans. And to her immense relief there was a bed set with a beautiful coverlet of blue and silver embroidered with swimming swans. The bed's white marble headboard had been carved into the form of a swan. An impressive display of blue and silver pillows were neatly arranged before it. Just past the bed was a cleansing area in royal blue and cream. Chi-Chi looked longingly at the enormous tub it contained wishing she had time to treat her sore muscles to a long, luxurious soak but the brutish pirate had insisted she hurry.
It hadn't taken long to figure out the fixtures for a quick shower. As Chi-Chi rapidly rubbed a drying cloth over her dripping hair. She realized her clothing was no longer thrown over a small bench behind the wall before the bathing area. Where were her clothes? Only the boots remained. Then she saw a garment hanging from a small peg in the wall. It was a dress of silky deep purple material and just below it lay a pair of silver sandals. Turles had to be behind this what was the devious Saiyan up to now? With a sigh of resignation Goku's widow slipped on the dress and put her hair up into a quick up-do. And of course the sandals fit perfectly. Taking a deep breath Chi-Chi pulled the heavy door open.
Turles was seated in one of the plush chairs a smile actually lit his face when he looked up. She noticed his hair was still damp and he wore a set of black and silver armor that was obviously new.
"Much better. I can now tolerate being seen with you."
Chi-Chi bit down on her lip before she fired back a snappy retort to the Saiyan's rude comment.
The Earth-born female had to steel herself not to snicker as Turles's own stomach made its displeasure known at that very moment. Color suffused the brigand's face before he rapidly turned and headed for the door.
...
"Turles is going to be delayed in returning to the ship. So we'll have time to explore a place I think you'll enjoy," Daiz said with a mischievous grin.
"Sounds interesting," Bulma spoke up eagerly. She was up for practically anything to get away from Turles's ship.
Gartoas simply glowered while shaking his head. It was just like Daiz to seize the opportunity to have another escapade with the blasted know-it-all.
The once royal ignored his crewmate's obvious disproval. Daiz had researched the planet's geography to pass the time and he was excited for the chance to share an exotic locale he was certain that Bulma would find fascinating.
"We'll leave at dawn and be sure to bring a change of clothing!" the Kabochan called out.
"Plannin' on some oer 'night shenanigans?" Gartoas huffed.
"Grab an ear in each hand and pull your empty head out of the gutter, you overfed oaf!" the dark green-haired pirate growled.
A curious Bulma went to her room to pack an extra garment for the following day. It would be a while for sleep to come tonight as she was brimming with curiosity. What was Daiz up to?
...
Chi-Chi pushed away her plate and fought the impulse to give a sigh of contentment. The roasted fowl she had enjoyed was cooked to golden perfection and the alien vegetable served alongside it was a savory delight. A confection made of blue fruit and feather-light cake had concluded the meal. She and Turles had been ushered into a room at the elegant eatery he'd chosen that was composed entirely of glass. Everything from the walls surrounding them to the tables and chairs. A master craftsman had to have made the delicate blown glass cutlery that was set beside the gleaming plates on each table. The spectacular night sky was visible through the glass walls and the display was made all the more grand as the entire room would gently shift its position in a circular motion at given times. Were she not in the company of the detested Turles this would have been an absolutely delightful outing.
Turles dropped some jingling currency into an eager purple feline-looking alien's appendage and rose to his feet. Chi-Chi regretfully stood as well as she surmised the pirate was ready to depart their pleasant surroundings. The Ox-king's daughter seemed surprised that the Saiyan seemed in no hurry to traverse the short distance to their lodging for the night. A long sigh escaped the pirate commander as he sank into the same seat he had occupied earlier. Sensing she'd best wait to be dismissed Chi-Chi cautiously seated herself in the opposite chair.
When Turles snapped his head in her direction she expected to hear some disparaging comment or harsh command. Chi-Chi was completely taken aback by his simple question, "How did you first meet Kakarot?"
It annoyed her to hear the Saiyan term for her slain husband but Chi-Chi knew better than to maker her disdain apparent.
"He wandered into my father's kingdom while we were both still children."
Turles appeared startled at her response to his query.
'How was Earth still populated if Kakarot had arrived there as a child? He had to have been sent there to purge the planet,' the PTO deserter mused.
What had prevented Kakarot from doing so?
"He promised to marry me," Chi-Chi announced proudly.
Turles snickered aloud at her comment. His eyes widened at the indignant look that appeared on the brunette's countenance over his amusement. Then he burst into laughter as he realized she'd been serious.
"I would imagine that a pledge to such a serious commitment is rarely given by a mere child," the Destroyer of Worlds chortled.
"Hmmph! He PROMISED and when I met him again years later I held him to it!" Chi-Chi exclaimed.
'Of course you did! You're a female! Once THAT trap's sprung NO female's allowing her prey to escape if she can prevent it!' Turles thought ruefully.
"I suppose Kakarot was still aimlessly roaming about your father's kingdom at the time you met once more?" the dark-skinned Saiyan implored sarcastically.
"NO! I met him at the World Tournament!" the irritated matriarch of the Son family snapped.
Curiosity was the only reason Turles ignored her vehemence.
"World Tournament?"
"The greatest fighters of the entire planet gathered to compete against each other," the mother of Gohan explained.
"Ah, so your father organized a competition of warriors to determine who was worthy to be your mate. That sounds reasonable," the space pirate declared.
"OF COURSE NOT! That would have been totally barbaric! The competition was for the title of the world's greatest fighter and a very substantial financial award," Chi-Chi fumed.
"True warriors don't engage in "prize fights"! "Turles snorted in disgust.
"Goku would have fought just for the sake of fighting!"
The Ox-princess gasped. She hadn't meant to blurt out such a statement!
To her chagrin the black-hearted planet marauder nodded in approval.
"A true Saiyan lives for the chance to battle a worthy opponent," he stated flatly.
"Well I fought him to remind him of his promise to marry me!" Chi-Chi huffed.
"Intriguing! So you were the victor and you demanded his acceptance of you as your prize?" Turles was actually a bit impressed by such a ploy.
"NO! He won the competition and did the honorable thing and kept his promise to marry me!"
"So even after he was victorious Kakarot DIDN'T insist to be freed from a childish oath?"
"GOKU thought marriage was something to EAT!" a totally embarrassed Chi-Chi clapped her hand over her mouth. She'd done it again!
Turles made no effort to conceal his amusement at such a concept. Within seconds the obnoxious space privateer was convulsed with laughter. Not the cold mocking sound she was so familiar with but genuine laughter.
"I had merely thought Kakarot was a complete imbecile.." the Saiyan warrior choked out between absolute guffaws.
"You've just confirmed the fact!" Turles crowed as he continued to continued to find the notion to be uproarious.
Chi-Chi balled up her fists in helpless outrage and utter humiliation. She hoped her face wasn't as flushed as it felt.
"Get some sleep! We leave at first light!" the brigand barked suddenly.
The raven-haired woman was both flustered and relieved that she could get away from the despicable subject of her ire. A certain tub was practically calling her name..
...
Bulma gave up trying to find out about the "surprise" Daiz had in store for her. She'd asked for a hint at least but the tight-lipped Kabochan merely smiled and shook his head. The former heiress no longer clung for dear life as she was transported in the arms of the gentle-natured pirate. She trusted his strength during the flight they shared. And now he made a habit to warn her when he was about descend or take to the sky. He had a duffel-like bag slung over his right shoulder that she supposed contained his own change of apparel. Clutching her own parcel, Bulma couldn't help be curious as to why extra clothing was necessary. She was enjoying the bird's eye view of the beautiful planet they soared high above.
"Almost there," Daiz declared. He shifted his grip so he could place one of his hands to block Bulma's view.
"What are you doing?" the bluenette protested.
"We're going to land soon and I don't want my little surprise ruined," Turles's second-in-command chuckled.
"Fine!" the young genius huffed.
Just seconds later, Bulma felt solid ground beneath her feet. When Daiz pulled back his hand she gasped in utter delight at the pink...literally PINK SAND!
She'd heard of "pink" beaches on Earth but this one was actually a bright bubble-gum pink!
"This is nothing, look out straight ahead!" the space corsair advised.
Bulma's jaw dropped in amazement at the sight of the pounding surf that was a brilliant amethyst hue. She'd never seen the like, its sheer beauty took her breath away.
"The Lavender Sea of Quaralan. I thought you'd enjoy coming here."
Bulma could only nod completely overcome by the gorgeous natural display before her.
The pirate set down both their bundles on the shore.
"There's more to see," Daiz said with that mysterious smile again. He pulled a small strange device from a pouch at his waist. Bulma was a bit apprehensive as he gently fastened it over the lower portion of her face. Daiz procured another device from his pouch and affixed it to his own face.
Then the pirate grabbed her right hand and broke into a run as he headed directly for the gleaming crashing waves. He leapt into the sea pulling her along and diving below. Bulma almost panicked until she realized she could breathe perfectly beneath the water. The sight that greeted her eyes was incredible. Myriad varieties of aquatic life swam about her. Exotic alien coral and plant life were scattered about the ocean floor. There was no telling how many incredible species there were to discover. All too soon Daiz seized her hand and guided her back to the surface. He removed each of their amazing oxygen suppling implements. With an impish grin he splashed her and headed off in this opposite direction.
Bulma caught up and surprised the pirate by dunking him.
"Oh that's how it's going to be, huh?"
The daughter of Dr. Brief sputtered in mock outrage as Daiz repeated her action.
Moments later a tired but happy Bulma sank down on the blanket the thoughtful Daiz had brought along. She'd thoroughly enjoyed swimming and romping through the surf with the Kabochan warrior. The time had just flown by.
"I'm getting a little hungry. Did you bring anything to eat in that bag of yours?"
Bulma looked hopefully at the container.
Daiz chuckled softly," I still have a few surprises in store."
He leaned over and pulled his bag up into his hands. Surprisingly he handed Bulma one of the metal plates used for meals aboard Turles's ship. And then the pirate raced off into the surf.
'NOW WHAT?' the once darling of Capsule Corps thought.
Daiz emerged a few seconds later with a large wriggling green fish. Bulma gaped in amazement as his hands swiftly cleaned the denizen of the deep allowing the tide to dispose of its innards. He then tossed it up in the air while firing a ki blast.
"Toss me the plate!" he shouted gaily.
Shaking her head, the young scientist did so. Her jaw dropped in disbelief as Daiz gracefully caught the ki-seared fish before it fell to the sand.
Bulma was still gaping as he handed her the steaming fish.
Reaching back into his bag, Daiz pulled out a bottle of wine and a few bunches of carefully wrapped blue Kenari grapes.
"I figured we'd have a little impromptu meal while we were out here. I didn't bring utensils so we'll let the fish cool a bit."
"It smells delicious!"
The daughter of Dr. Brief could hardly resist the appetizing aroma wafting before her but steam still rose from the pirate's catch for a few moments.
Finally Bulma cautiously picked up a morsel of fish with her fingers and popped it into her mouth ,"MMMM! This is heavenly! You are amazing!"
"I keep trying to convince you of that fact!" Daiz quipped.
A pleasantly stuffed Bulma snuggled up to a steely muscled shoulder enjoying the warmth of the twin suns and the breeze coming from the waves. She sighed softly as Daiz wrapped his arms around her and planted feather-light kisses starting from her temple to her cheek. The blue-eyed beauty lifted her head back and wrapped her arms around his neck as he captured her lips...
"I WON'T ask WHAT you're doing Daiz but I AM ordering you back to the ship!" Turles's voice suddenly barked over Daiz's scouter.
'OF ALL THE TIMING!' the annoyed pirate thought. No doubt his overstuffed crewmate had informed Turles of his absence.
"Yes, Master Turles!" the Kabochan replied dutifully. But truth be told he wouldn't have minded crushing the communication device right where it lay on the sand...
...
Chi-Chi found it was far easier to keep up with Turles in her boots than it was with her former footwear. But she was tiring rapidly. The extravagant breakfast Turles had insisted on hadn't helped matters. She felt like taking a nap not practically galloping through the thick vegetation of Kquaralon after the Saiyan pirate. Come to think of it she wouldn't mind another glorious soak in the spacious tub like she had experienced the night before. Unseen hands had packed away the dress she had worn in a small leathern satchel. The attire Chi-Chi had previously worn reappeared in the tote. All the items were clean and folded neatly.
A set of garments resembling those she'd worn on arrival to the planet were lying at the foot of her bed. The only difference being their colors and that they were constructed of a much sturdier fabric. A dress of royal blue and a black legging-like garment that were a perfect fit.
Fighting back a groan as her calves began to ache, Chi-Chi wondered if the ruthless Saiyan would relent in his dogged pursuit of Gohan for a short rest or if he'd berate her for asking him to do so. To her utter relief Turles paused at a small stream. When he sat on a nearby boulder she cautiously took a seat as well on the trunk of a fallen tree directly across from him.
"Gohan has been here...recently, " the pirate commander stated.
Chi-Chi grimaced at the considerable pile of skeletons from assorted small creatures that lay strewn about the bank of the small waterway. She shivered at the thought of her son devouring such things obviously raw as there was no evidence of a fire having been made. Her eyes began to grow heavy and she fought the impulse to doze but failed.
"Woman, get to your feet and move along!"
The daughter of the Ox-King looked about as she was roused from her slumber by the harsh timbre of Turles's voice. She was surprised to feel somewhat refreshed. It appeared that the Saiyan had actually allowed her to indulge in a bit of much needed respite.
"Get some water first."
Chi-Chi gratefully cupped her hands, scooped up several handfuls and drank deeply of the cold, refreshing liquid. Turles was actually being consid...
"DON'T take all day about it!"
The brunette pursed her lips in resentment. Just as she thought the boorish space ape was showing some decency he went right back to behaving like a scoundrel.
...
Appule cursed under his breath as he finally succeeded in locating Vegeta. Frieza had been none too pleased when he'd been forced to report to the Ice-jin that he had no idea of where Vegeta was at the time. The monkey prince was moving far too quickly. He must have managed to get aboard a ship during the brief period when electrical storms had prevented the scientist from utilizing the implanted tracking device. He could only discern what general system the Saiyan traversed in for the moment. But when his 'highness' landed... Appule could zero in on his exact location...
...
A pouting Bulma sat looking out the observation windows of Turles's ship wishing she were anywhere else.
"Well, it appears your friend is still alive and well. So I hope that improves your mood a bit," Daiz said softly coming up behind her.
The young scientist gave a sigh of relief at hearing that Chi-Chi hadn't met a dismal end at the hands of the volatile Saiyan. But her face gave no evidence that her mood had improved in the slightest.
"Surely there's something I can do to put a smile on your beautiful face?" the soft-spoken Kabochan asked.
"I'm just worried about what's going to happen when Turles returns and what if he doesn't find Gohan? What then?" Bulma asked.
"Kami help us all if'n e' don' find tha' brat!" Gartoas snorted.
"Turles will continue searching until he does find Gohan. And don't worry I promise I won't let anything happen to you, Bulma," Daiz declared.
'Ya' bes' not be makin' promises ya' can't be keepin,' the Kardanagan thought to himself.
The hefty pirate shook his head Daiz was going to have to realize that on his own.
...
Chi-Chi wiped the sweat from her face as she plodded after the Saiyan in the sweltering afternoon heat. Turles had his armor slung over his shoulder. No doubt he was now regretting the purchase of it. A sweet floral scent reached the brunette, it reminded her of the roses she'd planted in her small garden at her home. Home. Only tender memories were left of the home she'd once shared with her family. Even her planet no longer existed!
Her eyes narrowed as the cause of her misery sauntered just ahead of her. Turles suddenly stopped and sniffed the air. Chi-Chi was certain he wasn't admiring the floral fragrance. Dropping the armor to the ground the Saiyan bolted ahead.
The Ox-king's daughter followed in pursuit but halted quickly just before a large hedge of brilliant red flowers. Something rustled about within it. Turles plunged right into the blooms.
A blistering series of profanities filled the air as the pirate commander learned the perfumed floral wall concealed enormous thorns. His armor-less skin was riddled with deep scratches and thorns that had dug into the exposed flesh. His dripping right hand held a scrap of cloth that Chi-Chi recognized immediately. It was from a garment Gohan had worn before he'd disappeared.
"Damned scavenger was dragging this about!" Turles cursed. He let out a few more choice words.
"Must you spout off such filth?" Chi-Chi scolded. "No one asked you to jump into those thorns!"
"The scent was so prevalent..."
Goku's widow softened a bit. "You thought Gohan was there," she said softly.
"A Saiyan knows better than to be so careless..."
A small orange furry creature that closely resembled a rabbit scurried from the hedge. Huge dark eyes warily watched the pair of strange beings that stood across from it. Its front paws held the remaining fabric from Gohan's clothing.
"YOU!" Turles bellowed as he caught sight the elusive being he'd hoped was the half-ling.
The diminutive beast bared its tusk-like teeth and hissed while waving the textile about.
The furious Saiyan began to power up a blast. Chi-Chi shooed the critter away by waving her arms.
"It wasn't big enough to even bother with!" the mother of Gohan insisted.
"I would have made a satisfying snack out of it!" Turles snarled.
The annoyed pirate began to remove the thorns growling as he did so. He awkwardly tried to reach below his right shoulder blade.
"Let me do that!" Chi-Chi insisted.
Turles grumbled under his breath for a moment. Then he relented but soon complained about the Earth female's lack of speed as she removed the embedded thorns. In her irritation Chi-Chi gave one particularly stubborn thorn a fierce yank.
A series of expletives was the Saiyan's response.
"Can you not curse for five seconds?" the Ox-princess huffed.
"You did that on purpose!" Turles accused angrily.
"I did no such thing! I can't help if some of the thorns are just like you-stubborn!"
"I could blast you right here and now!" the Saiyan pirate threatened.
"Well then do it and get it over with! If you're NOT going to end my misery then hold still and let me finish!" Chi-Chi shot back.
Turles fought back a grin. Kakarot's mate was no pushover. He could respect that.
"TRY to work more efficiently!" he snapped back determined to get the last word.
...
Chi-Chi awoke and looked about wildly. Why was she sleeping in a tree? Turles slumbered just a foot away, the deep lacerations that had covered his arms were almost indiscernible now. His Saiyan genetics were responsible for their rapid healing. By morning there'd be no evidence of any injury having occurred. She still couldn't understand why the obviously addled brigand had insisted they spend the night in the fork of a tree.
Several loud snorts came from below. Chi-Chi wrapped her arms around herself in sheer terror as she took in the sight of the largest, ugliest boar she'd ever seen! To make matters even worse the enormous porker had two heads! Her mouth went dry as several of the hideous creatures lumbered out from the darkness. Each boar's pair of heads contained four long cruel tusks which tore up the earth as they rooted around.
"Tarlsans, they're meat-eaters. Not something you'd appreciate stumbling upon you in the night," Turles spoke up suddenly.
"Gohan!" Chi-Chi squeaked fearfully.
"Give him some credit, he's a Saiyan! The whole herd couldn't knock down this Gaiazaz tree so get some sleep. Our search resumes come first light."
The Ox-princess couldn't help but fret over the notion of the vile creatures harming her son. But eventually exhaustion won out...
...
Until the next chapter!
daughterofrisingsun