Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z, Akira Toriyama does and created it. My fan character Tomic, and any others not part of the series belong to me. This story means no harm to the anime or manga
Second Chances for Bardock's Sons
By Trynia Merin
Beta read by Sarah Slutz January 2008
Slowly Tomic stirred, hearing the low voices echoing in her ear. Reaching up she grasped frantically for her scouter, and then sat upright. A low voice boomed, "Don't bother, it's gone."
"Where in the Galaxy am I?" she growled, fighting her way to a semi reclining position. Her Saiyan eyesight adapted to the scant light, revealing the shape of her fellow captor in the cell next to hers. Old-fashioned bars separated them in two cages. He sat lotus style in one corner of his cell, his arms folded across his chest.
All around them loomed open space. On all but one side, metal bars spaced two inches apart rose in a ten-foot grillwork. The fourth wall was sheer cold stone, great blocks mortared together. Tomic dragged the rest of her body on two hands toward the wall to touch it. Extreme cold seeped through her palm, indicating the possible thickness of the wall. A low wind whistled, while small white flakes fluttered down. Any light came from a small square twenty feet up, scarcely large enough to thrust one hand through. At least two other windows covered in bars were every five feet spacing from one another. The closer she approached the bars, the more she smelled ozone. A quick touch sent a tingling snap up her arm.
"Great, electrical bars. Medieval," she laughed.
"The zoo, where else?" Ma-Junior grunted.
"Primitive to beings capable of capturing beings as powerful as we are," she commented.
"You took damn long enough to wake up," Ma-Junior answered.
She reached up to touch the collar around her neck. Sliding her fingers under it, she wrenched at it. Immediately hot knives of searing pain shot all over her body. Violent shocks of energy that rendered her muscles with a paralyzing jolt. They fired spasmodically causing her muscles to lose tension.
"I wouldn't try that. It has some foolproof feature. Taking off the collars only causes you a migraine. Looks like it's worse for your kind, woman," Ma-Junior said.
"Thanks for caring," she mumbled.
"And in case you already noticed the bars are electrified too. That's why these idiots didn't bother shackling us to the walls. They may be primitive, but at least two feet of solid stone exists between the outside and us. Not to mention there are electronic surveillance devices," he said.
"You probably pretended to be asleep right and noticed all of this?"
"You're not so stupid after all."
"Please how could I be stupid if I came from outer space?"
"You were stupid enough to get caught," he pointed out.
"So were you," she retorted. Swinging her torso around to face him, she drew her knees up into her armored chest, wrapping her arms around them. Judging from the temperature around them, it was quite cold. Gratefully she felt hardly fazed by the extreme cold. Her breath misted out from her mouth, gleaming slightly in the silver light from far above.
"I'm... starving," she commented.
Ma-Junior glared at her through the bars from under his white turban. He said, "Don't look at me. I may be based on a plant but that doesn't' mean I'm any good for eating."
"Please, I'm carnivorous. I don't eat Namekians," she answered.
"I'm relieved. But what the hell were you doing interrupting my business for one, and secondly who the HELL are you and WHAT are you doing on this planet, if you ARE from outer space that is," said Ma-Junior.
"You've got lots of questions. Well I guess I can tell you since we're both prisoners here. What do you want to know?" she asked.
"We've got plenty of time, and I'm bored. I might as well get some information from you, since you're willing to talk. But I warn you, if you lie to me," he said.
"We're both at a disadvantage," she said.
"Fine. Tell me how you know Goku," said Ma-Junior.
"You're not the best of friends. I recall you said he killed your father?" she said.
"That's right. And if it's any of your business I plan to avenge him, and take over this planet," said Ma-Junior.
"Interesting, because we could help each other out," she mumbled.
Ma-Junior smirked at her, arms folded over his chest as he sat lotus position opposite her. His dark eyes glared directly at hers, and he asked, "Why should I let you help me?"
"Because we both want Kakkarot… I mean Goku. You want him dead, and I want to take him away from this planet. What you do to it after we're going is your business," she answered.
"Strange since you sympathize with those humans," he snorted.
"I'm a Saiyan warrior. I study other planets," she said.
"What for?" Ma-Junior then asked. "You've got a hard time convincing ME that you're just some field scientist. You're a fighter in that sort of armor. So don't bullshit me."
"If you must know, we're… um… planet brokers."
"And what's THAT supposed to mean?" Ma-Junior glared at her, his eyes boring holes into her.
"Simple, Namekian," she answered, clearing her throat. "We buy and sell planets for more 'advanced' species."
"Terrific. Don't give me that greater being shit," said Ma-Junior angrily.
"You wished to know, let me finish," said Tomic. "I didn't say we did it by CHOICE."
"Everyone HAS a choice, female," said Ma-Junior.
"True, but listen or leave me be. We are in the employ of a powerful leader who forces us to use our skills to conquer planets for their natural resources," she said.
"Oh and you thought you'd conquer Chikyuu?" Ma-Junior stared at her, his lips curling back to reveal teeth as sharp and white as a Saiyan's were.
"Please Namekian! I don't want this planet myself. Besides, it's not worth our notice. The beings here are too weak to make a slave labor force. In addition, the planet's not in a convenient location to be of any strategic use to a customer. I'm only here because I'm looking for something that I've lost," she said.
"So you're pirates. Mercenaries?" asked Ma-Junior.
"Yes we are. Pirates with no home world. A monster named Freeza blew up our own home world. So we did what we had to, in order to survive," she said quietly, hugging her knees.
"Humph, go on," Ma-Junior grunted.
"The Master of All Saiyans killed him. Unfortunately for us that angered his brother and sister, who swore revenge? The Master who's named Brolli promised to protect us with his incredible powers."
"How is he so damn powerful?"
"He's what's called a Legendary Super Saiyan. Many of my race worships him like a god. However, he's no god. Merely a Saiyan who's achieved a very powerful level capable of destroying whole civilizations. Freeza is the same, before he was destroyed."
"So why are you here?" asked Ma-Junior.
"I'm getting to it. Brolli's going crazy. He could destroy the entire Saiyan race. Great Father Oozaru knows what could set him off. The only chance to get rid of him before that happens is to find the true ruler of our people, the last surviving Prince of All Saiyans. So he can get rid of Brolli and we can defeat Freeza's clan who still threatens us."
"Why should I care? What's to stop this Prince from being as much a tyrant as this Brolli?"
"Prince Vegeta is sane. He lusts to be the strongest fighter, and perhaps to be immortal. However, we'd rather serve him then Brolli. A tyrant is a tyrant, but a madman is far worse," she said.
"You've got a point," Ma-Junior grunted, nodding slowly.
"Prince Vegeta wishes only to preserve the Saiyan Race. What others do is no concern of his, provided they stay out of our way. Freeza's ilk still brokers in planets. We were getting out of the business of hostile takeovers," she said.
"What's to stop him from conquering Chikyuu?"
"He's not unreasonable. You say you want to rule this world. I'm sure I can convince him to let you rule this planet for your own, provided you don't stray past its boarders. Besides, Chikyuu is too puny of a world to be much use. All we need are a few slaves from this world, and we will leave it be,' she said.
"Chikyuujins?"
"Human slaves. Namekians have no inherent value commercially," she said.
"Huh, that remains to be seen," Ma-Junior coughed. "But what are you looking for besides merchandise?"
"To find our rightful leader we need all available Saiyan warriors. My mate's younger brother was dispatched here, but we need him back in the fold with the rest of us."
"Goku's one of you. And you called him Kaka… whatever," he snorted. "Why should I believe you?"
"You don't have to. Just know that if I fail, then my mate will come. Moreover, he's TWICE as powerful as I am. If he finds me dead, then he'll obliterate ALL life on this planet. Keep me alive you stand a chance of convincing us to leave Chikyuu alone," she said.
"I won't let him," Ma-Junior laughed. "Besides why was he sent here in the FIRST place?"
"Back when Freeza ruled us, before Brolli came to power, we were forced to find planets, and destroy all life on them, or else be killed ourselves. So great was his thirst for worlds to sell that we were forced to send even our children to planets. Warriors like me are sent to worlds of reasonably high civilization, while children and youth are sent to weak worlds. Nevertheless, this practice was thankfully abolished under Brolli. Now I am trying to find Kakkarot and return him home."
"How touching. But that still doesn't' explain why I should let you find him," Ma-Junior snorted, unimpressed.
"If you help me, I give my word that I'll help get rid of Goku. And if the Prince shows interest in this paltry planet, I'll convince him to leave it be, and go elsewhere," She said.
"I want him dead."
"You can kill him. I can revive him when I leave this world with my mate," she suggested.
"So, we help each other, huh?" Ma-Junior asked. "I don't trust you."
"I don't either. But do you want to become this idiot's science fair project?" she asked.
"No. However, as long as these devices stay on us, they suppress our ki. And yours is already low," he snorted.
"I need food," she murmured, rubbing her stomach. "And those bastards took my scouter."
"The human blue hair took it, since you let her friends get away," said Ma-Junior.
"I… wait… yes that's right…"
"What does that thing do? And why were you hiding in waiting if you have such power?" asked Ma Junior.
"I've been studying them. Trying to draw Kakkarot out so I can assess his strengths and see if he's still worthy of being a Saiyan warrior," she said quietly. "It might be too much trouble. But I still want to take him away from this planet."
"Humph he's second most powerful fighter on this world," said Ma-Junior.
"You are right," she said. "You are more powerful. But not by much."
"That device senses ki, I take it?" Ma-Junior asked.
"Yes. In addition, it's a trans galactic communicator. My Prince is hearing every word. And if he doesn't like what he hears, you could be in great danger," she said.
"Great. So you're saying that all we have to do is get cozy and kick their asses, and you'll help me conquer this planet?"
"Yes," she said.
"No deal. I can take this planet over myself. I don't need help from any space monkeys," he snorted.
"Then you're a fool. You think I'm powerful, but I'm the weakest of Saiyan warriors," she admitted.
"Huh, you're joking," Ma-Junior shook his head.
"My mate is far more powerful then me. Moreover, there are two others that are twenty times my strength. They could destroy this planet with a simple blast," she said.
"Great. So you're saying that if you don't help me, they'll blow up Chikyuu?"
"If you don't' help me, my mate will come after me. And if he fails, then the Prince will come here. Even now, he's probably been freed. And believe me he WILL come even after a third class such as myself," she said.
"Pretty loyal isn't he," Ma-Junior glared at her.
"He values the Saiyan race as much as his own life, even if he doesn't have much use for others. We're an important asset to him. What is a Prince without a kingdom to rule?" she smirked.
"True. But even so, what's in it for me?"
"You live, and you conquer Chikyuu for your own. Without Kakkarot, you'll be able to do what you wish. Provided that you give me one thousand slaves, human slaves, and ten of the best females on this world as a gift for the Prince."
"Small price to pay," he chuffed. "So, this mate of yours, why does he care so much about Goku?"
"Kakkarot… the one you call Goku is my mate's brother," she said.
"Then he messed up his mission," snorted Ma-Junior with a grunting laugh.
"I take it you don't consider Kakkarot, I mean Goku much of an adversary?" she raised a brow.
"He's powerful, but he isn't the brightest crayon in the box," said Ma-Junior with a sly smile. "It's been said he's good at fighting, but not much else. Thinking's not something he does well."
"I suppose that's the case," she said. "Tell me, does he still have his tail?"
"I wouldn't know. I've never met him face to face," Ma-Junior snorted. "Why?"
"It matters not," she said, glancing up at the window. A silver sliver of light slowly peeked in through the window.
"Considerate of our captors to give us a room with a view," Ma-Junior snorted, glancing at the high placed windows. He rose to his feet, slowly running his fingers around the cell.
"It's night already?" she wondered, slowly standing up.
"Yeah, why?"
"How long have I been unconscious?" she asked.
"Two days," said Ma-Junior. "If you want to make yourself useful, try and find a weakness. I've been gathering energy little by little, and I'm hoping I can make a blast somewhere in the wall…"
"But these are ki suppression devices."
"They only draw ki off if it's above a certain level. If you build it up slowly you can get your ki to a level that is high enough that it won't draw it off," Ma-Junior explained. "It's geared for mammals. And since I'm a living plant…"
"You're not affected in the same way," she nodded.
"But I need your help to get out of here like it or not," he mumbled.
"You could free my collar," she said.
"What, and have you leave me here? No thanks. When these come off, they come off together," he said. "Besides I'm sure you're strong enough without your powers to help me punch a hole."
"Fair enough," she said. "I think this is a weak spot, at the base of the grate. If we both pull on it we can get rid of the grillwork."
"What good will that do us?" he asked.
"We try out the front, they'll suspect us," she said.
"Well there ARE motion detectors," he nodded.
Grabbing the side of the bars, he struggled to pry them away from the wall. Tomic seized the other side, wrenching hard. Slowly the metal bent away, dust falling from the rocks into which the bars had been hammered. The entire grill was driven into the massive stone of the fortress walls. Other cages were opposite, the grillwork continuing on all other three sides.
"It's either out the back, or that tiny window," she said, glancing up. Suddenly her body went rigid. A silvery glow slowly spread across the hillside, riveting her to the spot.
"What now?" Ma-Junior huffed.
"What was the last phase of the moon you remember?" she asked him cautiously.
"Why should you care? You into watching the moon or something?" he asked suspiciously.
"Just answer me," she said.
"I don't make a habit of caring," Ma-Junior said. "I'm more worried about the sun."
"Figures," she grunted.
"You might want to think of trying to get us out of here if you're going to talk. Otherwise shut up," he snorted. Tomic chose to ignore this, and instead probed the metal of the band constricting her throat. Tiny wires seemed threaded into her flesh, just far enough to reach the pain receptors under her top few layers of skin.
"Come over here and let me look at that collar," she said.
"It's the same as yours. Why? Do you have some plan for getting it off? Otherwise stop wasting my time," he said, turning his back to her. His white cape glowed white in the scant light beaming from a window high up in the massive stone wall.
"I think we've an answer to our problems," she said. "I'm going to try and take off your collar as you take off mine. We've bent the bars away enough…"
"What are you suggesting?"
"If I can bend a bar I can rip off your ki dampener collar," she said. "And you can use your power to overload mine."
"Huh as if I'd trust you. But I'd rather not have this thing on me," he snorted.
"Here, you first," she said, reaching through the bars to seize his collar. "Now at the same time, start feeding your power, just a bit into mine."
"I'll waste my energy then," he said.
"If we don't get these collars off, we won't have a chance, Namekian. I'm still far weaker then you are, since I've not eaten in two days," she growled.
"Fine, but anything funny and you're dead," he said. "I've been working on some new techniques that will drill a hole in that armor of yours."
"Fair enough," she nodded. Reaching through the bars, he grasped her collar by its sides. Tomic slowly ripped at the metal band with her hands, causing Ma-Junior to gasp in pain. Simultaneously he surged purple ki through hers, building up the energy slowly.
"It's… giving…" she gasped. Lancing shards of blue heat sliced through her nerves, radiating down her arms. Ma-Junior grunted, gritting his teeth in agony. However bad it was for him, it was infinitely worse for her he realized, sensing her ki flickering dangerously low. With a sudden scream, she tore the metal apart, causing a huge spark to fly from Ma-Junior's fingers. Energy sizzled, knocking them both to the middle of their respective cells. Smoking hair sent an acrid smell across the stilled air. Ma-Junior reached up, feeling the absence of his collar. Slowly Tomic heaved great breaths in and out, curled up in agony.
"You did it, female," Ma-Junior mumbled.
"Give me a moment," she shivered.
"Now, let's get the hell out of here," Ma-Junior grunted. "My power's returning."
"I have hardly enough strength to move, let alone generate any power," she panted.
"Humph great. But that suits me fine," he said with a laugh.
"So you're just going to leave me here?"
"No, I still need your power to escape," Ma-Junior said, raising his hand to blast open the wall. "I'm taking you with me."
Heading in the location of the very fortress were two unlikely rescuers. Sometimes she wondered if she had ever grown up, or was just pretending. Bulma then closed her journal entry, and turned to Yamcha who was driving a cherry red hydro jet, the newest of vehicles of Capsule. He had tied back his long hair that hung at the nape of his neck. Clad in a fine suit, the Desert Bandit was now a gentleman. Next to him, Bulma typed on her laptop, wearing thick glasses and her hair up in a conservative bun. She wore a pencil skirt that coordinated with a powder gray blazer and frilly blouse. Black stiletto heels completed the executive look, adding at least ten years to her age. Glancing at her compact, she nodded in self-satisfaction, knowing she exuded nerd. Gone was the Capsule Corps Princess, replaced with a nerdy scientist type.
"What was that about Prince Charming?" Yamcha joked.
"Nothing," Bulma said as she fiddled with the scouter. Placing it on her face, she beamed the focus in the general vicinity the largest source. So far, the small program had computed the basics of the symbols, translating them into relative numbers. She used Yamcha and Krillin's kis as a baseline through the scouter. Then Goku's marked the maximum. Whatever Tomic's reading was had to be at least double Goku's or triple.
"To the east. The Rock Mountains," Bulma directed. Snow whirled around the hydro jet, flickering against the windshield. Bulma grabbed the controls from Yamcha, much to his dismay.
"Hey!"
"You're going too damn slow," Bulma complained. Yamcha held his stomach, groaning as she gunned the accelerator. With a roar the engines flicked into afterburner, blowing the craft forward. Soon they flew over open ocean, approaching distant mountains shrouded in white. Narrowing his eyes, Yamcha saw craggy snow covered slopes, complete with dark clouds billowing around them. Bulma navigated through the heart of the blizzard that suddenly swirled around them. Winds buffeted the cruiser.
"Bulma take it easy!"
"Hang on you wimpazoid, it's not THAT bad!" she glared at him.
"Tell that to my stomach!" Yamcha grimaced, his face turning green. He clung to the edge of the control panel, praying to Kami that she would land soon.
"Up ahead, does that look familiar?" Bulma pointed.
"That tower looks a hell of a lot like the one you and Goku described, but that's the one that got blown up! Surely, they aren't stupid enough to…" he gasped. Suddenly Bulma's scouter bleeped, indicating two huge power readings. Simultaneously Yamcha's eyes widened in horror.
"They're there, but what's THAT?" she gasped. Close up loomed a huge fortress surrounded by thirty-foot walls. Smoke billowed up from one of the huge eight towers further in. Explosions blossomed in the snowfall, lighting up the sheets of white in crimson.
"Look OUT!" Yamcha gasped, as explosions buffeted around them.
"They SHOT at me! Those jerks! I can't believe it…"
"It's not US they're shooting at!" Yamcha pointed. "He's HERE!"
"Who?"
"Ma-Junior!" pointed Yamcha. A green figure streaked at them; narrowly colliding as Bulma whirled the control stick then yanked up. Yamcha tugged against his seatbelt, gasping and hoping it wouldn't tear.
Suddenly another explosion slammed into the wing. Bulma shrieked, struggling to regain control as they spun repeatedly. Sky became ground in a blurring spiral. Yamcha tore open his seat belt, grabbed Bulma around the waist, and hit the canopy button. Shrieking, she clung to him for dear life as he levitated out of the craft. Far below them, it crashed into a snow bank, exploding spectacularly against the wall.
"Man that was close," he gasped.
"Don't EVER do that again without WARNING me!" Bulma complained, panting as she clung to his neck with a stranglehold.
"Bulma… I can't… breathe," Yamcha gasped. She eased up, glaring at him.
"What the hell was that?"
"Three guesses and the first two don't count," Yamcha pointed, as the green figure circled back around, hovering just before them. He carried a figure over his shoulders, which was struggling against him.
"Kami," Bulma yelped, hugging Yamcha tightly.
"I'm going to put you down. Stay hidden. I'll handle him," Yamcha said.
"No way!" Bulma said angrily. She reached for a capsule, clicking it open. It exploded into an air bike, which she quickly fired up, and leaped onto so Yamcha could release her.
"Get away!" Yamcha yelled.
"Put her down!" Bulma yelled. "Yamcha, help her! He has the monkey woman! Get her to drop him, and then distract him."
"You got it babe," said Yamcha. He aimed a spirit ball in the direction of Ma-Junior. It slammed right into his shoulder, knocking him into a dive. As the bandit hoped, Ma-Junior released the armored figure, which dropped to the snow. Slowly she pushed up, shaking snow off her.
"YOU!" Ma-Junior shouted, catching sight of Yamcha hovering there.
"That's right, jerk! You and I have unfinished business!" Yamcha shouted, placing his hands at his size. Slowly he gathered his energy, surging it into a kamehameha blast.
"You're a waste of my time, human," Ma-Junior grunted. "I've got better things to do, now that I'm free! Now get the HELL out of my way!"
"KA me ha me HA!" Yamcha bellowed, hurling a stream of blue ki hurtling near Ma-Junior. Caught off guard, the Namek barely crossed his wrists in time. HE had expected this from Goku, not from a mere human. To his shock, Yamcha's ki jumped to nearly double what he had sensed before.
Meanwhile Bulma gunned her air bike toward the armored figure. Tomic spat out snow, standing shakily up. Bulma landed next to her, slowly pulling her shoulder under Tomic to lever her up. "Hey, easy there!"
"Woman…" gasped Tomic, blinking at her. "What are YOU doing here?"
"Here to save you, silly!" Bulma said brightly. "Just get onto my air bike. You look awful!"
"You shouldn't get involved, human. It's TOO dangerous," Tomic rasped. Blood dripped from her arm, while she staggered weakly. Bulma pulled her onto the bike, getting her to sit down.
"What's wrong? Are you hungry or something? You look like hell…"
"I'm starving," she gasped, holding her stomach. "Ma-Junior knocked me out. You mustn't…"
"Shut up and GET on the damn bike!" Bulma snapped. Tomic blinked at the human, and realized she was going to be stupidly stubborn. Yamcha and Ma-Junior faced off, landing opposite one another in the snow. Quickly they attacked with a flurry of punches, distracting one another's attention. Dizzily Tomic climbed up behind Bulma, holding her around the waist as she gunned the engine.
"Now let's get the HELL out of here, hang on!" Bulma yelled. Shaking her head, the Saiyan female tried not crushing the fragile human female's ribs. They shout out through the snow, in the cover of one of the fortress walls.
"Here, let's get you some food, and some shelter. Yamcha's gonna keep Ma-Junior occupied," Bulma said, stopping the air bike just beside one of the larger blocks that had tumbled down. She tossed down a capsule that exploded into a small fridge. Tomic remained seated on the bike, letting go of Bulma so she could open up the fridge and pull out portions of food, such as sandwiches and other ready made things. Hastily the Saiyan female devoured at least ten before the ground vibrated with more rumbling explosions.
"This is yours, I believe," said Bulma, handing the scouter to her.
"You are very trusting, human," said Tomic. "Why did you save me?"
"Cause you saved me, dummy! What do you think?" Bulma glared at her. "Duh!"
"My thanks," she said, feeling her strength returning. "But you should get away."
"Don't start with that crap again, okay! I'm rescuing you and that's final. So just shut up, and eat so you can get your strength back and beat Ma-Junior's ass!" Bulma ordered.
"As you command," Tomic laughed in amusement. No matter the world, this Bulma was just as authoritative as the one she recalled from what seemed another existence.
"Better?" she asked.
"Much. Now let's help that paramour of yours," said Tomic, feeling far better then she had in hours. "He's over there, and his battle power is dropping."
"I'm right by you, lady," said Bulma, leaping onto her air bike. "I've got the latest in ray guns right HERE!"
"Stay alive, will you, and let me do the rescuing, please… don't take any unnecessary risks, please?" Tomic cautioned.
"I don't usually do what anybody says but I'll try," Bulma laughed. "Let's get his ass!"
Tomic blasted off, followed by Bulma. They rounded the fortress, picking off red Ribbon troops that were firing on them as well. Two figures, one purple, the other in silver lame shout out near them. Bulma opened fire, peppering the female figure with her newest gun mounted laser, while Tomic generated three small spheres. They spun around her like electrons in an orbital, blocking the beams that the Frankenstein hurled her way.
"Give up! Don't make us hurt you!" he urged.
"You're a naughty monkey. Get back in your cage, and we won't kill you or your little friend!" the female android laughed.
"Shut the hell up!" Bulma yelled, whirling her bike around and firing rapid pulses. She avoided each crimson blast hurled to her by the silver suited female android.
One of the small spheres orbiting the Saiyan veered off, exploding right in the Frankenstein's face. The second and third slammed right into the female android, knocking her head over heels. A final blast from Bulma's gun sent her hurtling into the snow bank.
"ALL RIGHT!" Bulma laughed.
"Nice shooting," Tomic nodded. She rammed no 8 with her shoulder, knocking him flat. He grasped her ankle, puling her down on top of him. They rolled over, snow flying as she pushed up, and her fingers locking with his. Bulma watched as she saw the female Saiyan shoving hard against the Frankenstein, barely breaking a sweat.
"Yield, please!" 8 urged.
"I'm sorry but I chose not to!" Tomic said. "Since you're so hell bent on being benevolent I'm ending this now."
She thrust up, sending him flying. He crashed dazed into a nearby wall. Tomic blurred out then appeared before him. Raising her fist, she brought it down on the back of his skull. Groaning, he blissfully plummeted into unconsciousness. Bulma laughed, not noticing the swirl of snow behind her. A silver figure moved up, grasping Bulma from behind.
"Not so fast, dear, you're MINE!" she laughed.
"Let me GO!" Bulma yelled.
"Bulma!" Tomic shouted. She hurled a blast toward the female, knocking the arm that held Bulma's neck in a choke hold. With a look of horror, 6 saw her arm break in two pieces while Bulma collapsed into the snow. Tomic rushed forward, standing over the blue haired human.
"You will SO pay for that, monkey bitch!" 6 shrilled. Her other hand blazed with crimson power, as she held her stump of a wrist close. It didn't even bleed. Hydraulic fluid dripped down into the white snow.
Ma-Junior stood there, his mouth open wide. Yamcha landed before him, facing off with his scimitar drawn. "You stay AWAY from Bulma, you hear?"
"What are YOU looking at? You should be thankful your miserable life was spared. Now step BACK from her or I'll end your life MYSELF! You'd better not stop me!" Ma-Junior yelled.
"You…"
"Tell me WHERE the female is now, or I'll destroy you with some new moves I guarantee will leave you full of holes," Ma-Junior snapped.
"No can do!" Yamcha laughed, circling his arms. "Wolf fang FIST!"
A rapid flurry of punches slammed into Ma-Junior, far faster than he could anticipate. Each swipe scraped across his chest. Unfortunately, he didn't account for the sudden ki blast that slammed into Yamcha at point blank range, knocking him back.
"Out of my way, runt," Ma-Junior grunted. "You'd better tell Goku that I plan on kicking his ass for what he did. You're lucky I'm making YOU the messenger. He's not to seek me out until the Tournament. We'll settle things THERE!"
Tomic generated a ki ball, holding it steadily near No. 6. The two females exchanged death ray stares. So intent was Tomic on covering Bulma that she failed to notice Dr. Gero shaking snow off of him. He bounded up quickly, firing a crossbow bolt. Bulma heard a putt of compressed air, and then something landed right at the base of Tomic's tail. She bellowed, dropping to her knees.
"Not so tough are you, animal," laughed Dr. Gero, firing another bolt at her.
"Rot in hell," she gasped, woozy from the tranquilizer darts. Bulma gasped in horror to see more whizzing right at her, some hitting her bare arms, while others lodged in her legs. Howling, the Saiyan grabbed Bulma's waist, trying to levitate up. Six bounded over, and hurled a blast of energy toward the woozy female veering out of control.
Her vision blurred as Tomic crumpled into the snow again. Bulma landed on a hard armored surface, realizing Tomic had twisted herself so she broke the girl's fall. "Hey… are you OK?" she gasped.
"You may be, but she's not," Dr. Gero cackled, moving close on one side as Six moved up.
"You… I know you… it' can't be," Bulma gasped. "You sick bastard!"
"Miss Briefs, it's been a while. You've become quite a pretty woman," he laughed, reaching out his hand. Tomic groaned, unable to move. Six grabbed the object Gero tossed her, clapping a ki-dampening collar around Tomic's neck again. Groaning she tried to power up, but her strength fizzled. Gero pulled Bulma out of the Saiyan's arms.
"Let me go you asshole!" Bulma yelped, kicking and spitting like a cat. Gero held her easily, snapping a pair of cuffs on her hands to stop her.
"Oh no, I can't do that. You're far too valuable a hostage. In fact, you're a bonus I didn't' anticipate," he laughed.
"Yamcha!" Bulma screamed. "Help!"
Both Ma-Junior and Yamcha stared in the direction of the scream. "Oh hell…" Yamcha gasped.
"Looks like you have a problem fool," Ma-Junior said. He punched Yamcha in the gut, knocking him flat.
"You…" Yamcha wheezed, sinking like a lead balloon.
Ma-Junior turned away, aiming a series of ki blasts. One slammed into six first, exploding right into her head. It rolled off her neck into the snow, bouncing a few times to land near Bulma's feet. Another blast from Ma-Junior hit Dr. Gero in the chest. Caught off guard, Gero crashed into the snow. Taking off, Ma-Junior rocketed over and grabbed both Bulma under one arm, then Tomic.
"What are you doing," gasped Bulma. "Let me GO!"
"I'm doing you a favor. So SHUT up!" Ma-Junior snapped. He rocketed away at top speed, carrying a screaming Bulma and an unconscious Saiyan.
"YAMUCHA Help!" she screamed.
Groaning, Yamcha lifted his head to see Ma-Junior rocketing off into the distance carrying his girlfriend and the alien who had saved him. The Namekian soon shrank to a small glimmer on the far horizon. Sluggishly Yamcha dragged himself on his hands toward the direction in where they'd gone. He groaned, "Bulma… no…"
Slowly he pushed himself up to stand. Pain racked his gut. Rolling over he managed to sit up, spitting out snow. Carefully he gathered some to thrust into his jacket and act as a cold pack to keep the bruising down. After a minute he staggered to his feet, stumbling in the direction of the two figures that Ma-Junior had felled. By the time he reached them, both were nothing but imprints in the snow. How had Dr. Gero and Six moved so fast? Thankfully, he spotted Bulma's air bike. He dashed to it, climbing on top of the vehicle and firing it up. As other Red Ribbon troops came around to pick up the pieces, Yamcha had put considerable distance between him and the fortress.
"Shut up!" Ma-Junior hollered at Bulma.
"You let me GO!" she shrilled.
"I'm only going to say this once! I could have left you to ROT back there, so be GLAD you're alive!" Ma-Junior bellow in her ear.
"Goku will come after you, and you'll be SORRY!" Bulma shrilled.
"That's what I hope happens. Because I have you as a hostage, Goku has no choice but to enter the World Tournament. He and I are going to settle the score. If he does this, I promise to leave the rest of you weaklings alone. But if he turns me down, you'll ALL suffer!"
"Not if Yamcha and the Z warriors stop you first!" Bulma snapped. She yelped as Ma-Junior released his grip on her.
"Don't tempt me to drop you!" Ma-Junior warned.
"Damn!" she screamed, clinging to his arm.
"Shut up or I'll drop you and the monkey woman," Ma-Junior warned.
"OK, you win, but you can't expect Goku to go along with this!" she panted, feeling her stomach squirming at the sight of nothing but open air between her and the rushing ground. Ma-Junior held her around the waist, at one hip.
"If he defeats me, then you won't have to worry. However, if I win, I still take over the world, but you'll all be spared as long as you stay out of my way. West City won't suffer the fate of the others," Ma-Junior said. "Either way you can't refuse, because it's between Goku and me. And for extra insurance, I've got you."
"Oh GREAT," she snorted. "Are you going to kill me?"
"No. You're no use to me dead. So far, you'll be comfortable. However, I can't guarantee you'll STAY that way if Goku doesn't enter the tournament. Therefore, you're going to call him, and tell him what's going on. Moreover, you might suggest asking your other Z warrior friends to enter to make things more interesting. If you do that, I promise that I won't hurt Goku till the 23rd Budokai."
"How can I trust you'll keep your word?"
"You can't. Nevertheless, I'm not a monster like the Red Ribbon army. In fact I'll make sure they don't harm anyone till the tournament," Ma-Junior said.
"I'm surprised you're not working for them," she grunted.
"Please, they're only a means to an end. Once they've served their purpose I've no more use for them," said Ma-Junior. "You think I'd let humans do what I could do myself?"
"But you have your army too!"
"These guys are just mercenaries. They serve me because I pay them well enough," Ma-Junior snorted.
He rocketed in the vicinity of the rocky mountainous region, having crossed over the sea and left the north frozen wastes far behind. Up ahead she saw the looming shape of another fortress, a castle this time. It in some ways resembled that of Chiautzu's place, but with more touches that are personal. On the battlements, large mortars and guns were positioned. Missile launchers trained their ammunition in every possible direction. Ma-Junior surged toward them, his purple ki forming a protective shell against the slashing wind. Unmolested they landed safely inside the large courtyard behind twenty-foot rock walls. Mercenaries wearing white turbans and blue uniforms rushed up. Bulma pressed her lips shut when Ma-Junior shot her a warning glare that clearly meant to keep silent. He barked orders to his men, who grabbed Bulma and Tomic.
"Take our guest to a suite of rooms. She'll be here for a while. Make her comfortable. Put the other female in the holding cell. I'll see her later. Provide her with food when she wakes. Go with Captain Scarlet, Miss Briefs and you'll have a change of clothes and food. But don't' try anything stupid."
"You're awfully hospitable to an enemy," she snorted, glaring at him.
"I promised that you'd be comfortable. Cooperate, and you and your alien friend will be fine. But disobey and you'll be treated far less hospitably, I guarantee it!" Ma-Junior glared at her. "Now GO!"
"This way, Miss," Captain Scarlet said politely. "Lieutenant Charlene, take our guest to the visitors' quarters. You'll have all you need, Miss."
"Thank you," Bulma mumbled, letting the female officer take her arm. She stumbled after, glaring over her shoulder at Ma-Junior.
"I'm not as bad as you think, human," Ma-Junior snorted. Turning, he flared his white cape and followed the group loading Tomic into a large cage on the back of a truck.