Here's Chapter 140! Thanks so much to Rawrzx3 for the review on chapter 139!
Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or any of its characters, Akira Toriyama does!
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Turles' Ship:
Turles was furious with himself for allowing Kosho to slip into his unguarded thoughts. The Pergashian's skills were obviously beyond what he had initially perceived. He'd be sure to shield his mind from any such intrusion in the future when she was nearby. But truth be told, it had been a balm for his soul to see Zailora if only for a few moments in his thoughts. It was beyond reasoning how a child had extracted that memory.
The Saiyan refused to contemplate just how much Kosho might have discovered in her brief foray into his mind. Her life would be in grave danger if he continued to pore over the situation. He had no desire to harm the half-ling or to wound Gohan as a result of such an action. Turles resolved to simply dismiss it as an oversight never to occur again.
...
Planent Ardash:
Markelia wiped at a tear as she thought of her encounter with Prince Alteles...
Flashback:
Markelia nervously picked at a loose thread from the sleeve of her garment. She was about to meet the prince said to be interested in her. Maybe he would be someone she could learn to care for. At least she certainly hoped so. Daiz would always hold a special place in her heart. But she had declared she no longer harbored romantic notions where he was concerned and he had seemed relieved. The Dayogien hadn't been entirely truthful concerning her feelings but it was for the best. Daiz did not return her affection so it useless to pine for what could never be.
She was seated on the low stone wall that bordered the Gradamor Gardens. They were a dreamy, romantic setting with tinkling fountains and rows upon rows of ethereal blooms. She took a deep breath and decided she would give an honest effort to a possible relationship.
A figure dressed in an immaculate white robe approached her. From the glittering silver crown resting on his head and his small entourage of blue uniformed attendants; the raven-haired female surmised him to be the prince.
Markelia rose and gave a graceful bow, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."
"Well at least you're not completely unfortunate looking. I dreaded to see just what beast Father was going to ensure I'd be saddled with, " the heir to the throne of Dasquiros declared.
Markelia gaped in shock at the sheer rudeness of the young royal. It was her understanding that the prince had expressed an interest in her. Now it was clear that his father was behind their meeting at all.
"Your Highness, I'm afraid there's been a mistake, " the young Dayogien stated.
"The KING of Dasquiros does NOT make mistakes!"
Markelia was too stunned to reply for a moment. Prince Alteles was handsome with ivory skin, dark brown hair and eyes of amethyst. But he was completely self-absorbed, arrogant.
"Eligible brides are in short supply and your family was deemed worthy of aligning with the royal line. That's all there is to it! , " Prince Alteles huffed.
"Your Highness...I mean no disrespect but I desire a match based on love. I cannot just be part of a convenient arrangement."
"How dare you? A low-ranking noble cannot refuse! Do you wish your family to be disgraced?"
Markelia slowly shook her head struggling to hold back her tears. She had escaped Agalaki only to be subjected to this?
"Excellent that you're being sensible. You will be summoned to the palace when all the arrangements have been made You are dismissed!"
End of Flashback:
Markelia shuddered then squared back her shoulders. Regardless of their status, her loving family would never allow her to be forced into being wed to the horrid prince. Surely they wouldn't...
...
Gartoas was dumbfounded that Turles had not punished the green brat. He had simply walked away from a direct invasion into his mind of all things. The Turles he knew would have blasted the little miscreant to nothing without a second thought. Was the pirate commander going soft where the brats were concerned? And to make matters worse those two good for nothing females were soon to be brought back aboard the ship. To be honest the dark-haired female could produce some tasty fare but she'd proved she was not to be trusted. But then he never trusted any female it was safer that way.
Daiz steeled himself inwardly as he knew he'd face Bulma soon. He still could not believe that he'd had a shred of affection for the woman that left him to be executed. Had she ever truly felt anything for him at all? Or was it just a ploy to plan her eventual escape? He'd never know for sure.
The thing to do was to treat Bulma as what she was-a prisoner. It would prevent any emotional involvement from occurring. He was a pirate after all and was feared for good reason.
'What would Markelia think of me being cold and indifferent again?' the former royal wondered.
He slammed his fist into the wall beside him. Luckily he'd caused no damage for Turles to scold him over.
It didn't matter what Markelia might have thought. She was out of his life and beyond his reach. The lovely Dayogien would have the fabulous life she so richly deserved. Markelia was going to be a beautiful, beloved princess. He only hoped the 'prince' realized the treasure she truly was...
...
Gartoas scratched his head in confusion. Turles suddenly appeared on the ship's bridge clad in red and black armor. A red cape rested on his shoulders. But most bewildering of all the Saiyan had seemingly sprouted a neatly trimmed goatee out of thin air.
Daiz chuckled as he caught sight of the pirate commander, "Lord Narim, so good to see you again."
Gohan was as perplexed as Gartoas. What was going on?
Turles smirked as his second-in-command immediately recognized the persona he would claim while visiting Brentarr Prison. He was adept at giving almost theatrical performances to accomplish his desires when deemed necessary. And at times he would do so just for the sheer amusement of deceit.
'Lord Narim' was a fictional entity who was rumored to be the powerful head of an intergalactic smuggling ring. However his public persona was that he was a shining example of a law-abiding citizen. The crafty Saiyan was always one step ahead of various galactic law enforcement agencies. There was never any tangible proof that he was involved in nefarious activities.
Turles gave Gohan the order to land the ship on Tardania, a small moon not far away from the planet containing the facility where Bulma and Chi-Chi were held.
"I'll be boarding a shuttle there to get to Planet Kanish. After all, a someone as respectable as myself can't be seen in the company of the likes of you!" the brigand chortled as he pointed in his crew's general direction.
"I'll explain later, " Daiz whispered as Gartoas gave him a questioning glance.
Turles looked forward to the effect his ruse would have on the two Earth females. It was most likely to be quite entertaining.
The full-blood Saiyan looked over at Gohan. Soon he would deliver the performance of his life to persuade Gohan to carry out his concealed plans. He truly did not wish to deceive or endanger the youngster but he would accomplish his goals even if the half-blood's life was the price...
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Until the next chapter!
daughterofrisingsu
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