Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Holding On ❯ Protection ( Chapter 6 )

Disclaimer:

DBZ… Akira Toriyama (that means not me)

Arashino miko©, Abouri© (pronounced Avori©) is a character of my own design that I have been developing since 1997. (That's way before I even knew DBZ existed). Please don't try and steal her because I have documentation that dates way back to show she's mine and I'm a comic artist and animator, and I'm using her in commercial works. Thank you so much for listening.

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Chapter Six- Protection

"You can't be serious."

Abouri frowned at her bedmate's reaction to her announcement.

"The notion is laughable at best." She glared at him for a moment before sitting up on the bed. "I'm only telling the truth. There is no way in hell you're going on that mission," he said forcefully, keeping his hold on her waist as she tried to leave.

"Release me." He did so reluctantly, an aggravated sigh escaping his lips. "I am not some doll to be locked in a chest until it's time to play. Besides, I am to accompany the next purge in order to prove myself to Furiizaa. I have to. If he doesn't think me worthy of staying here as a warrior, he will keep me here for reasons I do not wish to even think about." Bejiita was silent. She had a point; although he'd be damned before he'd admit that. She sighed. "It is too costly for me to wait until the warriors return and my powers aren't nearly effective enough remotely. He's not impressed at all. I'm certain he fears I will flee him at the first opportunity if he sends me down on my own. He's correct in assuming that you know." She began to trace a finger across his chest. Taking that for an affirmative, he recaptured her.

"I can't protect you if you're not assigned to my unit. I can't have that." She smiled slightly. That was the closest he's ever gotten to saying it. Of course she understood what he was trying to say was deeper than that.

"I can protect myself and if you wish to continue this, you would see fit to keep your comments regarding this subject to yourself." Bejiita hated to lose a rare moment of intimacy as it had taken two years to convince her to allow him to engage in any form of `sexual' activity. While he was allowed to touch her intimately, careful not to go to far as to actually penetrate her body in any way, he had never been allowed to touch her without clothes until the previous week. This time, however, he needed to prioritize.

"Abouri, I-" he began, but was silenced as she pulled away and stood before him. His eyebrows lowered into a scowl. "Miko…" She shot him an angry glare in response to the warning in his tone, as she began to pull on her outer gown. He growled and was in front of her before she could blink. "Now you listen to me! I will not have you running around the galaxy, playing warrior. I don't care how well you think you can protect yourself. I will not allow it."

"Your permission is not required." She hissed, presenting him with her back.

"The hell it isn't!" She spun to rebut, noticing his advanced state of undress. Soft pink spread across her cheeks, despite her angry look.

"Bejiitasama," she said softly, looking away. "I do not wish to continue this pointless quarrel. I understand your need to protect me. However-"

"Fuck `however'. You listen to me miko-"

"Your capacity to be utterly phallic astounds even me," she sighed shaking her head.

"Watch your mouth wench. You better remember who you're talking to."

"I know exactly who I'm talking to." She smiled lightly, still averting her eyes. "Please dress yourself. It's hard to take you seriously when you're…" He smirked, crossing his arms. Her modesty never ceased to amuse him.

"When I'm…?"

`Exposed,' she said softly in his mind.

"I thought you liked me `exposed'?" Abouri turned pinker than she had in a long while and covered her face with her hands. "I'll take that as a `yes'." He moved to slip the material of her outer gown over her shoulders. She allowed it. "Come back to bed," he said against her shoulder. His arms slipped around her waist. "We can argue later."

"Bejiitasama," she said ignoring his growl of frustration. "We need to discuss this and reach some sort of compromise." He threw his hands up in defeat with a snarl, and dropped himself onto the bed. "I understand you are merely seeking to keep me safe, but-" She blinked and swiftly turned her back on him, practically shaking with seething embarrassment. "BEJIITA!! Just what do you think you are doing?!"

"You have eyes. You see what I'm doing." He couldn't repress the wicked grin that spread across his face.

"Stop that at once! I can't believe you! The depths you to which you-"

"Well if you're not going to do it someone has to."

"You repulsive, vile, perverted-"

"Yeah, yeah. Cry me a river of blood," he sighed, leaning his head back and closing his eyes for effect, waving his free hand in dismissal. He'd learned that there were few ways to aggravate the telepath and dismissal worked better than any insult. Naturally continuing their previous intimacy without her would work her nerves quite nicely as well. Perhaps he'd gone a little too far this time, but it would be worth the amusement hours of dirty looks and agitation emanating from her person would give him.

She pushed her arms into the sleeves of her gown rather violently and began to brush her hair in his mirror. She made it a point to never leave his chamber looking disheveled. Making eye contact with the prince in the reflection caused her to mimic his previous action, throwing her hands up with a small, yet irate, cry. He laughed after she stormed from his chamber. Winking at her like that through the mirror had definitely been going too far.

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"Furiizaasama, I ask that you reconsider. She is not yet properly trained. Besides that, she is not a warrior. She is too…" Bejiita paused, choosing his next words carefully.

"Innocent?" Furiizaa offered.

"Sensitive. We are talking about sending her onto a battlefield!"

"Think of her as a field medic. Besides, to be perfectly frank, she need only be a virgin for my purposes." Bejiita blinked. That statement had been totally unexpected.

"You would expose-"

"You doubt my judgment?" Bejiita blinked. The woman was driving him stupid!

"No my lord. I merely ask that if you must send her, allow me to act as her bodyguard."

"I think she is capable of handling herself. You've seen her in training."

"Furiizaasama, I have no doubt in my mind that she can defend herself in battle. I…" Bejiita paused. Is this really a good idea? Their relationship was pretty apparent to anyone with at least one functioning brain cell. That wasn't the problem. It wasn't that he thought another soldier would violate her out in the field either. That's not what he sought to protect her from.

He did not want to vilify her skills before Furiizaa. She was intelligent. She was strong. Well, not physically, but her powers were strong. Her soul was as pure as her body. Well… a little purer than her body. Her power seems to come endlessly from that. She was… untainted. Would the battlefield take that away from her?

"I would rather not have her witness what goes on during a purge. We both know what the men do to sate the urges that can't be fulfilled on this ship. While she is loyal, I feel she could oppose her own to protect `innocents', as she calls them. I know how sensitive a creature she can be. She has love for every worthless thing alive. Besides, I doubt she will lift a finger against the natives in any case, unless she is in mortal danger. That type of behavior will only hinder the mission." Furiizaa smiled. THAT's why this was a bad idea.

"Perhaps we should discuss this with her." Bejiita glanced at Zaabon. He stood on Furiizaa's right side. The bumpy pink creature stood on his right. "Furiizaasama, shall I escort her here?"

This was expectedly unfortunate, as Bejiita had decidedly `neglected' to inform her of his meeting with Furiizaa. The fact that he refused to apologize for his behavior several nights ago was no help either. He found it somewhat enjoyable to have her shun him as he smiled and kissed her cheek. She'd smile but quickly catch herself. She seemed determined not to forgive him until he requested it.

`Miko?'

No Answer.

`Abouri!'

`Even my infinite patience has its limits...'

`Not now. Zaabon is on his way to bring you to Furiizaa.'

`Hmm. I can feel him approaching. Do you know why he seeks me?'

`They want to discuss your upcoming mission. I asked to be assigned as your bodyguard.'

`You asked him to take me off the assignment.'

`Abouri, please, we don't have time for this.'

Silence.

`Abouri?'

`He is here. I can see him watching me from the surface. Why him and not you?'

`His suggestion.'

Silence.

`Miko?'

`As my friend, you are still in trouble. As my prince however, I will support you and stand proud at your side before Furiizaa.' Bejiita could feel her warm smile. Sometimes she really could be revoltingly sweet.

`I am honored Mikosama.'

`As am I Oujisama.'

"Miko?" Zaabon smiled as he watched her head break the surface of the pool. This was the first time he was fortunate enough to see this spectacle. Several men had witnessed it; all telling about it like it was a dream. There she was, rising out of the water, her small white dress clinging to her breasts. The thin, wet material left nothing to the imagination, just as he wanted it. He'd been imagining for far too long.

"Zaabon."

"Well hello…" She was absolutely divine. She'd retained her ethereal slightness, although she had been training. Her hair was loose and flowing around her body, clutching her, as she rose, just as he wanted to. His eyes traveled down to a most interesting patch of blue. He smiled to himself before attempting to look at her face. His gaze didn't make it that far up. He really didn't know if he cared if she could see his obvious arousal or not.

"Greet me and not my breasts." Her tone was indignant, although her cheeks stained pink. "If you will allow me to make myself presentable, I will go with you." She gave him a sidelong gaze as she turned and flew where her clothing waited.

"How do you know I want to take you somewhere?" She rolled her eyes from her platform. He at least turned to allow her to dress. "Perhaps I wanted to spend some time with you here."

"I am a telepath Zaabon. Besides, the only reason anyone comes here is to escort me or have me treat an injury. You are not injured." After braiding her hair into one long braid, she pulled an outer robe over her wet slipdress, not wanting to wet her gown. She folded the braid several times behind her head, tying it into place with a ribbon. "I am ready," she said after slipping her small white feet into a pair of flat white shoes.

"Is that the only color you wear?"

"The gowns I received as gifts are different colors, although, I prefer white."

"I think you'd look lovely wrapped in blue and green." She sighed mentally. You'd think they'd not waste their pathetic lines on me by now.

"I prefer white. It reminds people of what I am."

"Hmm, too virginal."

"I am virginal." Zaabon gave her a sly smile.

"Well, with the way Bejiita carries on about you, I could easily assume otherwise." She gave him sidelong glance without breaking her stride.

"He is far too secretive to do such a thing." She smiled in victory, easily killing his pathetic attempt to sully her prince's name. "At any rate, you would do well to remember to whom you speak. I am not a trophy to be exhibited about the ship. Remember to contact me before you enter my domain. I am here on Furiizaa's order and my continued virginity is what he seeks. He may be upset to know that you not only ravaged me with your eyes, but propositioned me as well." Zaabon stopped and grabbed her arm.

"You would do well to remember that I am Furiizaasama's right hand. If it came to pass that some foolish warrior came to your `domain' while you slept, plucked you out of bed, and raped the shit out of you, making you totally useless, I would be the first one that gets to play with your worthless hide once Furiizaasama's done with you. Provided you survive him. I can assure you, you won't survive me for long." She glared at him, but remained silent. As many times as she'd been threatened, it was always a shock to hear the words. "That's better. Know your place before I have to teach you."

"I could burn you beyond recognition and you wouldn't be able to touch me. Right hand or not, if you are injured attempting to violate me, Furiizaa will execute you where you stand." He drew her close to his face. She turned her face away to avoid contact, making sure it conveyed her disgust. "You have been warned."

"You spend too much time with the monkey prince. You sound just as delusional as he does. You are not as important to Furiizaasama as you would like to believe. He would have fucked you to death years ago if he didn't think he could control the Saiyajin easily through you." She attempted to pull away, causing his to tighten his grip. She released a small cry of pain.

"Simpleton. You fail to remember; I am telepathic. You can't lie to me!"

"You know it's not a lie or you wouldn't be afraid of me."

"Release me this instant!" Her struggles only frustrated his already painful arousal. With a growl, he pushed her away. She was right in saying that if he were hurt forcing himself on her, Furiizaa would be less than pleased with him. Her eyes narrowed as she glared at him from the floor. He knew that look. She was going to run. Probably run to Furiizaa and cry, making Zaabon look totally discreditable. He'd seen her in training and she was fast, on top of which, her small lithe body made her hard to catch. As she made her move, he grabbed her, attempting to stifle her scream with his hand. He tossed her over his shoulder with no effort and proceeded to Furiizaa's throne room.

Abouri did not scream more than that once. She had no desire to draw attention to herself. She thanked The Creator that she had put on her outer robe. Had she opted for the gown, the wet material would definitely have made things worse. Her braid had fallen loose during the struggle, leaving wet tresses clinging to the robe. Her gown was much too form fitting to be worn wet and with her hair loose.

"Zaabon! You depraved heathen! Unhand me! I will not be manhandled like this!"

"Like hell. This will teach you your place here." He set her harshly on her feet and grabbed her arm near the shoulder, effectively dragging her through the doors. All eyes were on her as he tossed her before Furiizaa's throne. She pulled her legs close to her, sitting on one hip, supporting her torso with her arms. Finally the tears she had fought so hard to control, rolled down her cheeks. The indignity she suffered today was like nothing she'd ever known. Not only had she been thrown in wet and disheveled, but she'd been tossed like rubbish at the feet of her hated despot and her beloved prince. She wiped her face with her hand before looking up.

"Zaabon, explain yourself. I do recall asking you to handle my miko respectfully." Furiizaa said, eyeing Bejiita for reactions. There were none. He just stood there, waiting for Zaabon's excuse.

"It seems she has a bit of a behavioral problem today my lord. She refused to acknowledge your summons." Furiizaa turned his head to fix his gaze on the miko. She was sopping wet, her hair still dripping and loose.

"Miko, open your robe." Her wide-eyed gasp told him she considered herself indecent beneath it. She collected herself and returned to her feet.

"Do as Furiizaasama commands miko." Bejiita barked. She looked to him. `It's alright.'

She gave him a nod and opened her robe, allowing it to fall to her feet. With her chin held high, she shot Zaabon a glare.

"Furiizaasama, apparently Zaabon may be at fault in this situation. Arashino miko is not one to be seen in such a state and even if she had to be brought here forcibly, she would have been dressed more appropriately." Furizaa nodded slowly, seeming to agree with Bejiita.

"Are you accusing me of lying to Furiizaasama?" Zaabon hissed. "I've killed more worthy warriors for less."

"Miko…" Furiizaa said finishing his evaluation of her. True he'd seen her like this many times, but the site had yet to lose its novelty.

"Yes my lord?" He gave Bejiita a nod. The prince knelt before her, retrieving her robe from the floor. She smiled slightly as he slipped it onto her shoulders.

"Furiizaasama, Zaabon did not force me out of my garden. He was however rather suggestive in his dialogue with me and I told him to stop. He took it upon himself to `remind me of my place as a female amongst warriors'." She shot him a glare. "I am uninjured."

"That's quite an accusation." He gave the green haired warrior a sidelong glance. "Well, whom should I believe? My most loyal warrior, or my innocent little miko?"

"She is more than worthy of your trust my lord." Bejiita stated. "She could have easily lied to you and told you that Zaabon tried to force himself on her."

"He merely threatened to," she added.

"Zaabon…" Zaabon dropped onto one knee before his lord. This could very well be his last moment to live. He gave the miko a quick glare. Bejiita was scowling at him, standing protectively close to the girl.

"Yes Furiizaasama?"

"Let's not have a repeat of this. I do not want to see her flesh damaged in any way. Understand?"

"Yes my lord. It will not happen again."

"Hmm, yes. See that it does not." Zuriizaa's eyes focused on the miko who was trying to braid her matted hair. "You never struck me as one to be vain."

"Vanity and decency are two different creatures my lord. I wish to remain respectfully presentable in your company." Furiizaa smiled. "Why was I summoned my lord?"

"Bejiita seems to think you should not be on the battlefield. What do you think?"

"I think he has good reasons to want me to stay behind."

"I am sending you. Bejiita seems to feel responsible for your well being and has asked to act as your bodyguard."

"I accept both decisions."

"Very well." To Bejiita, "You're delusional if you think you can protect her from everything." Bejiita chose not to reply. He gave Furiizaa a curt bow. "Miko, I apologize for the way you were handled today. It will not happen again."

"You are most gracious my lord. You need not apologize." She bowed and allowed Bejiita to escort her out.

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The moment he got her into his room, he began looking her over for injury. Abouri remained silent. Bejiita released a wary sigh.

"There. Compromise. Happy?" He crossed his arms and dropped himself into a cross-legged position on the floor. "Sit. We need to talk." Her gaze told him he had her full attention. Unsatisfied, he answered her gaze with a glare. With a roll of her eyes, she complied. "While Zaabon was off fetching you, I requested that Furiizaa allow me to hold myself responsible for your actions while on the planet. That means that should you do anything in order to get yourself disciplined, I will have to discipline you and I will in turn be disciplined severely."

"I understand. I will do as the other warriors do. You won't be able to tell us apart," she said with a reassuring smile.

He sighed. "Hardly." How is it she manages to smile, regardless of what they do to her, he thought. "Abouri, I'm warning you, you are going to see and do things that you will regret for the rest or your days. I know you and your damn bleeding heart. You feel too much."

"I… feel. I am sorry. I cannot afford the luxury of closing myself to emotion as you have been able too." His eyebrow twitched in annoyance. He didn't need to be a telepath to know those words had nothing to do with the purge.

"Shit miko. You are a fool."

"I agree." She leaned forward and brushed her lips against his. "I am a fool, but not for reasons you have in mind." She sighed and sat back. After a moment of silence, she shook her head as if to clear her mind. "I know. I know what they'll do to the natives. The women. The children. I will not lift a finger against your men, but I cannot promise I won't protect the children."

"You ARE one of my men. We are there to purge the planet. End of story. You will follow orders."

"I…" She released a ragged sigh as she stood. "It is against my nature to harm the innocent."

Bejiita's head tilted in concern as she presented him with her back. This was one of the times he wished that he too was telepathic. She was so cryptic at times, that he didn't know what to make of her words. Over the years, he did learn to decipher her `code'. He stood behind her, purposely breathing onto her neck.

"What other reasons could you possibly be a fool for other than getting us both into trouble over and over?"

"I think I should head back to my garden now. I must begin to prepare for our mission. It is only a few weeks away." Bejiita sighed and gathered her into his arms. "Bejiita… no. Not now, please."

"There is something you want to tell me, but you refuse. I want to know what it is." He held her away from him when he realized she was trembling. Tears were running down her face. "Sniveling female… What's the problem now?" She ignored his insult.

"It hurts."

"What's wrong? What's hurting you?" He growled softly, thinking of ways to make Zaabon pay for harming her.

"All of it! The isolation. The leers. The threats. Do you know what it is like to have men constantly threaten to rape the last breath from your lungs!" She was shrieking now. "Each breath I draw is full of the fear. Demons walk into my sanctum and they… touch me. They threaten the only thing that makes me useful and keeps me alive. I am too vulnerable." Bejiita's hands fell to his side. She was sobbing now, her words incoherent. He swallowed with some difficulty as she dropped to the floor, burying her face in her arms.

"Of course I know. I was a child on this ship." He sighed and gently nudged her with his boot. "You're a fool for letting those things they say get to you. You're a warrior now. Others will always try to intimidate you to have power over you."

"Bejiita tonight, help me forget it all."

He remained silent as he ran his fingers through her still damp hair. "You're serious?" She nodded, wiping her face with her hands. A particularly evil grin began to spread across his face.

"Training room 23."

"You want to train?" She gave him a look that clearly said `pervert'.

"I am a warrior, remember? I will forget through combat the way you do."

"And here I thought you finally wanted to fuck me." There was more truth than sarcasm in his grumbling. She smiled sweetly, turning to look at him before exiting his room.