A/N: Thanks everyone for reviewing! I decided to respond to any questions that you may have. I really love reviews, and they my fingers itch to write more. So, please don't hesitate to leave me a review. I love constructive critisim, and anything that you have to say. This story is coming to a close. And this is probably going to be my last fanfiction. I want to say I enjoy all the reviews, and supports through all my stories.
Mysterious Anon: I thought it would be good to do a little back drop on ChiChi's character. In the beginning of the story, a lot of servants and individuals thought she was promiscuous. Which isn't true, and I knew the back drop with Caleb with explain that. (Keep in mind that, I thought on when ChiChi was a kid and teen in the DBZ show, she was a flirt. That was my opinion.) And in this chapter you will see alittle bit more about Maron.
Isha: So yes ChiChi and Caleb have a little history, but it's all innocent. (Well it stay innocent because of Caleb's part) However, ChiChi's mother isn't from the clan/ tribe/people as Gokus. They're from separate areas. I may give background to ChiChi's mother's people, but I'm not entirely certain if it's necessary. (Also, I'm not sure if its needs to be added, but if it does I will include it.)
Nicole Bro: Thank you, and I can't believe you read it all in one day. You're amazing. Thanks so much for your review.
Thanks to foxsqueen!
Let The War Begin Part 2
"Why are you the only one with the antidote?"
"My mother's people grew that very flower, and we're the only ones with the antidote. All her people were murder, and she alone survived." ChiChi needed to get her to agree, no matter the cost. "If you do this I promise, you will have more to live for when you stand before Absalom."
"Why is that?"
"You will only know if you do as I ask."
Yourichi couldn't bargain. Yet she was smart enough to know that if she didn't, she'd die. She glanced over her shoulder at Goku who stood cornered by the men, and then back to paralyze ChiChi. "I don't bargain" said Yourichi, exasperated.
ChiChi confidence faded, and now more than ever she was grateful for her mask. Yourichi grabbed ChiChi by the hair, pulling her up. And she yelped in pain, as Yourichi moved deadly close to her.
ChiChi didn't know what to do, but pray.
Everything fell silent around Goku, except for the pounding of his heart. He needed to find a way to help Raven, but his current restraints hindered him. Also, Goku was still puzzled by the turn of events. One moment Raven had the upper hand, and then strangely she fell.
Another cry from Raven, open the flood gates of sound for Goku. He watched in horror as Yourichi leaned towards Raven, and whisper something he couldn't hear. The venomous woman pull out a dagger from a small sheath on her hip, and Goku couldn't contain himself any longer.
"Leave her alone!" shouted Goku, furiously.
"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk." Yourichi shifted her gaze to Goku, and then the soldiers restraining him. Her lips curled into a sardonic smile, and her eyes twinkled with mischief. She wore an evil, that could drive a chill down anyone's spine. "I'm letting you go, lover boy! You just make sure that you don't follow us, and this girl of yours', will live. Also, you will have your life…alittle longer."
Goku had no intention of leaving. The four soldiers pulled back their swords, and Goku waited till they buried them back into their sheath. His eyes never left Yourichi and Raven. Yourichi loosen her grip on Raven, letting her fall back to the ground, whimpering in pain. He glanced at the men beside him, from the corner of his eyes, before glancing back at Yourichi and Raven.
Yourichi's tall slender fingers waved over Raven's body, as she whispered something. Goku jetted forward, he closed the gap between Raven, Yourichi, and he. Suddenly, as he prepared to connect a blow to Yourichi, Raven was on her feet blocking his attack.
"Goku, don't!" shouted Raven. The four soldiers withdrew their swords, and made their way to apprehend Goku.
"I'll have him ki-"
"Shut up! Tell them to stand down" interjected Raven. Yourichi snarled, at the command, but with a hand signal motioned for the soldiers to comply. Raven shifted her gaze back to Goku. "Please, leave."
"What do you mean? Are you okay?" Goku stared baffled at Raven. He couldn't leave her, he couldn't bare too. "I won't, they'll have to kill me. I won't let them take you."
Raven stood uneased at Goku's word. She wanted to be happy to hear them, but a piece of her burned. She could see in the earnest look in his eyes, which Goku was doing the one thing she both wished he had and hadn't done. Goku was falling in love with Raven. She needed a way to make him leave, and away to make him stop.
"Goku, I lied to you. I've lied to you." Raven took a step forward, closing the gap between them.
"What do you mean?" Goku looked bewildered at her words.
"I wasn't selected to be the seamstress by the king, but the princess. I was supposed to tell you a message. I was supposed to tell you something, from the princess." Raven watched as Goku's face distorted with pain, confusion, and shock. "She wanted me to tell you, that she figured a name for your first child; Gohan. She said she wanted to name him after your grandpa. Also, that she'd wait for you."
"What are you saying?" asked Goku, incredulously.
Raven could feel the inside of her stomach flopping, and her heart pounding. She had so much to say, but she knew time wouldn't permit. Also, the constant scratch at the back of her throat, and the fear of what would follow. "She said…She said…she never got the chance to say how she really felt. She wanted so badly to tell you, but... she was afraid. She isn't anymore. She said to tell you, that she'd wait for you. She'd wait forever for you…and….and that she loves you."
"Why are you telling me this now?" questioned Goku, his bottom lip quivering. "I c…don't"
Raven knew this would be the moment to get Goku to back off, and regardless to how it would hurt now- she needed, too. "I didn't tell you because I thought you weren't worthy enough for the princess. A lowly servant boy, why I wouldn't have anything to do with you, either. So, I kept it from you. Now, why don't you go! That should make it easier on your conscience. Go, please. I choose to go with her. Don't worry, everything will be fine."
Yourichi rolled her eyes. She was becoming bored and impatience. "Come on, these hives aren't feeling any more pleasant."
Goku clenched his jaw, and he tighten his fist till his knuckles turned white. He didn't know how to feel, or what to do. Even with hearing Raven belittle his character, still he couldn't dislike her, and that wouldn't be enough to have him leave. Yet, he would listen to her request. He took a few steps backward, his eyes never leaving Raven's. It wasn't until he notice a pleading in her eyes, one in which was strikingly familiar. Why was it so familiar?
Goku nodded, then shifted directions and fled. He needed to come up with a plan, and he needed to get Raven back. He ran, pushing aside branches, and anything that would get in his way. Raven's life counted on him!
Everything around him was blurring together, but Goku was lost to it all. He was busy trying to figure out a way to get Raven back, and make it to the field of Teriok by night fall. Suddenly, he fell over an unknown item. A snarling grunt followed, and Goku struggled to get to his feet when he realized what tripped him.
"Goku.." managed David, exasperated.
"David, what happened? Are you okay?"
David, cleared his throat. With Goku's help he managed upon his feet, shaking. "They came out of nowhere, and the woman she used a dark magic."
"Dark magic?" inquired Goku.
"Yes, there have been a few clans that dabble in such practices. There were five clans that practiced such a dark art, and four of those clans were murdered by the Teriok. She used her magic." David rubbed his head. "Where's Raven?"
Goku's jaw clenched at the memory, and he felt ashamed. "They have her."
"No, no, this is horrible they can't have her…." Exclaimed David, panic-struck.
…."She isn't anymore"…
It was peculiar how Raven's words flashed through Goku's mind at that exact moment, but it made sense. Also, the look in her eyes, and the way she made him feel. Finally, he knew exactly who Raven was, and he wouldn't allow a thing to happen to her. "We have to get her back."
"We will, and I know where they'll be headed to," said David.
"Teriok fields."
"For the last time, I'm not Marron!" shouted Bulma, as she took another drink of water.
"Ar…Are you sure? You look exactly like her, even down to the blue hair." Krillen was certain he was either seeing a ghost, dreaming, or mirage. Because woman before him was an exact copy of Maron.
"You're mistaken. I'm the first girl to invent a blue dye, which the hair is capable of permanently retaining. I've sold it to a few a buyers, but it was only a few."
"This can't be, my fiancé was the only girl with blue hair, and she had it a birth" informed Krillen, flabbergasted.
"Well I hate to break it to you, but your fiancé lied to you. Maybe that is why you're out here searching for her? No one is born with blue hair" tiff Bulma, handing Krillen back his canteen.
"She didn't lie to me, her hair was blue- is blue! Why are you pretending to be someone else?" Krillen slunk the strap of his flask over his shoulder, and crossed his arms over his chest.
"My name is BULMA….B-U-L-M-A, and I'm not Maron." Bulma rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time, and finally stood to her feet.
Krillen's eyes narrowed, and his anger heighten. He should have just left this unappreciative woman to die! After hours of sitting with her, and sheltering her from the heat of the sun she insults him. He even gave her water, food, and the coat off his back. "You are so ungrateful" huffed Krillen, pushing his foot into his horses' stirrup.
"Can you actual even get on that horse without help?" teased Bulma, daringly.
Krillen snarled, rolled his eyes, and struggled onto his horse. "You don't make helping you easy. While, I'm sure arguing with you may be a great sport, I have to get to OX Kingdom. I have important things to do, like seeing a king. Hope you get to-"
"Ox King? You're going to see Ox King?" interrupted Bulma.
"Yes, I am."
"I'm a personal friend to the princess of Ox Kingdom. In fact, she is the reason, why I'm out here right now."
Krillen arched a brow, and frown. He nearly felt empathy for Bulma. "Although, you've been a pain in my side since the moment you woke up. I have to inform you, that the princess is dead."
Bulma stumbled back a few feet, her heart pounding at the words. It couldn't be. " What…when? Was it in the battle?"
"No, she died at home of an illness."
Bulma let go of a breath of air, she never knew she held, and smiled at the realization. "How about I do two things for you, if you will reconsider my behavior and give me a ride."
"What two things will that be?" asked Krillen, bewildered. Bulma's reaction to her friend's death, didn't prove to be the norm.
"One, I won't make any more short jokes, and two I tell you something interesting about the princess." Bulma grabbed her bow, and quiver with her single arrow. Then she stood assuredly before Krillen, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I think I can work with that. What information do you have about the princess?" asked Krillen, curiously.
"The princess isn't dead, and in fact she is on her way to battle right now. I've come to help" said Bulma, coolly.
Krillen stared down at the confident woman, but regardless to her composure he could shake his doubt. From the pits of his stomach Krillen erupted in a fit of laughter, despite Bulma's annoyance. "Wow, you nearly had me there for a second."
Bulma rolled her eyes. "You are very dense. Now, listen closely. I've not fed you any incorrect information. All I've said is true."
"No, no, stop please, no! You're too much! So did you plan to make it to battle with one arrow? Wait, wait! I know your one arrow can split into a million arrows."
Bulma's entire face was as red as a tomato, and smoke blew from both ears. "You stop that right now. I'll have you know, I'm an extraordinary inventor. I've invent weapons you couldn't even begin to imagine."
Krillen only laughed more, and grabbed his stomach, trying to ease the constant tightening. "Oooh, let me guess those invented weapons-" Krillen hooked his index and middle finger together, and raised them up and down- "are invisible. And there may be a mine field of them, right here!"
Bulma pulled out her single arrow, and swiftly she sent the arrow flying through the air. Krillen's turban was knocked off his head, and instantly he stop laughing. "Knock it off. I need you to take me to the Teriok fields, the princess is waiting there for me."
"Wait, wait. I have to get to Ox Kingdom to give the king a message. I'm sorry I can't help you with this."
"Where is the message? I promise you, that I am who I've told you. My father was great friends with the King, and trust me I can get the message to the king."
"And how exactly would you plan to do that?"
"Bird carriers." Bulma raked her hands through her hair. "How about we see, first what's in the letter. If it's important we will go their first, if not we go to Teriok fields."
Krillen was now certain that Bulma was insane. "You are insane, completely insane. That will result in my head."
"Yes that's would be true, if you didn't have me. Recreating a seal is a jiffy, and if that fails I have lavage with the king and princess. My proof is my original surname Briefs, and I'm sure you must know of my father."
"You're the daughter of the great inventor, Briefs."
"In the flesh, now hand me that letter." Bulma extended her hand, and Krillen obliged her. Carefully Bulma inspected the letter, her eyes tracing every detail. Then prudently she detached the seal of the letter, and rolled it open. Her eyes darting across the paper, and slowly her lips curled into a frown as she read.
We've arrived at the camp, and have apprehended the traitor. You're Highness and Faithful King, the man that delivers this letter is that traitor. We will push forward to war by morning, and will return with victory.
General Caleb
Bulma rolled the letter back up, and looked to Krillen suspiciously. She examined the short man with careful eyes. "Was there a traitor in your camp?"
Krillen arched a brow, but decided to enlighten Bulma. "Yes, there was. However, our general found the spy to be a cloaked seamstress. Why?"
Bulma shook her head, and then swiftly climb onto the back of the horse. She discarded the letter into the wind. "I think you need to thank me, for saving your life."
"Huh? What?"
"That letter was your execution, but I'm going trust that you aren't what it said you were."
"What? Are you kidding me? Why do you believe me?"
"Three reasons that seal wasn't securely place. A general should know the importance of a securely placed seal. Also, when you answer me you didn't hesitate. Lastly, you don't move to a camp full of bandits, and outcasts and not pick up a few tricks. Shall we go?"
"We Shall."
Caleb sat on his horse, at the forefront of the soldiers. The morning sun hadn't yet rose, and everyone was anxious for the battle to begin. Caleb signaled his men to advance, and then glanced over to the two men one on each side.
Both men pulled out an arrow, wrapped with swaddling cloth, and oil. With a torch from men adjacent to them they lit the arrow.
"We will go to war, men, prepare yourself. When I signal you, then and only then will you reveal the alterations to the uniform. If we die here, remember it is for Ox Kingdom." Caleb glanced back up to the tower, and gripped his horses' reigns. "Shoot."
Capitulating through the morning sky, soaring, the blazing arrows made their statement. Within minutes of its display horns were sound, and the gate to Teriok begun to lower. Caleb waited silently, remembering the death of his friend.
Soon men came through the open gates of Teriok, and over lined the top of the walls. The soldiers of Teriok were like sand on the beach compared to their handful of Ox soldiers. Caleb didn't know what to expect, but he was hopeful for victory. Another Horn blew.
"Let the war begin!"
A/N: Did you like this chapter? Was there anything that caught you more? Does the background of the OOC bother you? What questions, input, opinions, or criticism you may have leave them in a review. Thanks!