Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Saiyazon Origins ❯ The enigma of Turles ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter 7

 

Over the next few weeks as my training progressed I became more comfortable being myself with my fellow saiyans. Dare say they even accepted me as one of their own. I trained with them all at the barracks, on the field, at Capsule Corp, and sometimes even the non saiyan Z fighters came to watch or train with us.

 

They were all quickly becoming my second family. I often visited Capsule Corp and Vegeta basked in the respect I showed him. I thought it best to ere on the side of respect with the arrogant easily angered Prince. He treated me like a loyal subject and took great interest in the progression of my training.

 

Bulma, Videl, and 18 liked me because I was willing to take the time out of training to play with Bra, Pan, and Marron; something the other saiyans (and krillin) did not often do.

 

Chi chi however seemed to know that I harbored a great affection for her husband and was always weary of me, she and I often stared each other down when we were near each other. It was an unspoken rivalry between the two of us that neither one dared to bring into actual existence.

 

However, it looked like my attraction to the large naïve saiyan was for not as he treated me more like a sister or a daughter than a prospective mate. It left me feeling slightly hollow, but deep down I had always known it wouldn't work, I had known before when he was only in my imagination, but I couldn't help, but like the silly hero.

 

Gohan respected me when I told him I was educated as well. In me he found someone he could sympathize with another saiyan with cultivated intelligence instead of just battle wit.

 

Trunks and Goten were loads of fun to be around as they were about my age and they were ecstatic to have another saiyan their age. Someone who would blow off training to go to an arcade or the movies with; someone they could be themselves with and still have fun. As for me I had several guy friends in my world so hanging out with them was like being back in high school. It was good to feel carefree again.

 

The non saiyan Z fighters also seemed slightly weary of me, saiyans were powerful, but a female saiyan was just dangerous in more ways than one. ^_^ Piccolo especially seemed to watch me like a hawk, interested and yet afraid of my abilities and personality.

 

As for my roommates, Nappa avoided me like the plague as it's seemed I humiliated the large saiyan every time we crossed paths. Radditz and I basically ignored each other although when forced into a situation where we had to interact the scene was usually casual.

 

And Turles….well I wasn't quite sure what to think of the man. One minute he was nice to me and we got along famously, the next he was doing everything he could to step on my last nerve. He was by far the most annoying. If it was just him and me he was a pretty cool guy to be around, funny, random, and a flirt. Not that I noticed, I was almost oblivious to that sort of thing Besides training he and I both enjoyed the forest so much that we spent a lot of time their just talking. Well I did most of the talking he just listened intently. It was rather nice. But then he started to either ignore me or treat me like crap when the others were around.

 

I knew all to well about that sort of behavior and had often been subject to players; people who were your friend until they had to be seen in public with you. I couldn't stand those types so after two weeks of his crap I stopped talking to him altogether.

 

It was a new morning and Turles was already in the kitchen cooking eggs on the stove when I trudged down half asleep to find some nourishment to bring be back from the sleeping dead. He chuckled smugly. “Whoa! Someone call Frankenstein and tell him they found his missing face.” He teased with a chuckle.

 

I glared at him and went about finding some breakfast. “So you up for a race in the woods today?” He asked.

 

I refused to answer him.

 

“Come on it'll build up your speed.” He said turning his full attention away from the frying pan to me; I had my head in the fridge, but when I felt his eyes on me I just looked up at him, still glaring, and set my orange juice down to search the cupboards for a glass.

 

Turles was puzzled by my behavior. He cocked an eyebrow at me. “What's your deal this morning?” He asked.

 

I had to clamp my jaw closed tightly as I had the urge to tell him exactly what my deal was, but I just kept on doing what I was doing never even looking up.

 

After several more seconds of silence, Turles got peeved. “You know I've had about enough of this silent treatment.”

 

I still refused to acknowledge him so he stepped right in my path and held fast staring down at me. “Speak damnit.” Turles didn't know why, but my not talking bothered him greatly.

 

I looked up at him with an empty expression before I stomped on his foot, as hard as I could, and with saiyan strength it was enough forcing him to move.

 

“What the hell?” He shouted. I continued to ignore him. Finally he growled grabbed his breakfast and stormed out of the kitchen loathe to interact with me anymore and confused as to what to do.

 

He ate his breakfast and flew off to the forest where he found the biggest tree and began to pummel the shit out of it taking out his rage. `What is her problem? Why won't she speak to me?' Turles racked his brain and the tree, but he could not come up with why. Finally the tree fell to the ground in several small pieces. Turles sat down hard on the ground sweating and his breathing heavy from his exertion. “Why do I even care?” He said out loud holding his head as he had developed a rather large head ache. After a few moments more of contemplation he growled. “Fine. I don't care if she stops talking.” Yet as much as Turles tried to make himself believe it he knew that he wanted to hear her voice. It was a unique sound deep and high at the same time like the melody of a song. And when she spoke she always said something interesting. He sighed bewildered at his confusing train of thought so he proceeded to try and stop his thoughts to make his head ache go away.

 

 

A week went by and I didn't talk to Turles unless it was absolutely necessary. The first thing I said to him all week was, “I need a sparring partner and you're the only one available.” Turles couldn't fathom the amount of joy he received when he finally heard my voice. He hid the feeling and just gave me an angry scowl and nodded the affirmative that he would train with me.

 

By the middle of the second week Turles was pissed as anything; he had realized that I was talking to everyone, but him in my normal fashion. He was half tempted to throttle me to know why I was just ignoring him.

 

This particular day I was taking care of Pan and Bra so Gohan and Vegeta could have some alone time with their mates. Of course, the resident saiyan bachelors were not happy to have `brats' in their house.

 

“Why do you have to take care of them here?” Nappa groaned as he sat down hard in a chair in the living room.

 

“Where else would I take them?” I said putting my hands on my hips. “Besides you know saiyans need time with their mates so wouldn't you want to sacrifice your space so they could have that luxury? Wouldn't you want the same concession if it were you?” I stated diplomatically.

 

“Yeah, but I ain't mated so it ain't my problem.” I puffed out my cheeks in frustration. Nappa could be such a pain! Radditz sat on the couch next to Nappa's chair glaring at me and Turles sat behind me.

 

“I don't want them upsetting my training.” Radditz said straight forwardly.

 

I sighed. “Don't worry I will do my best to keep them out of your hair or lack there of.” I said pointedly smirking as I raised an eyebrow suggestively at Nappa. I heard the doorbell ring and headed to answer it.

 

Gohan was at the door with Pan and Bra and two large bags of stuff as they were to stay overnight. “Hello.” He said a second before Bra and Pan grabbed my legs excitedly.

 

“HOLLY!” They shouted happily. I giggled at there excitement and took the bags from Gohan.

 

“That should be anything and everything they need for today and tonight.” Gohan said.

 

“Alright. We'll see you tomorrow then.” *Ok in real life a babysitting job never goes that smoothly at the start. Trust me!*

 

Gohan left and I set the bags down in the kitchen before turning to my two young charges. “So what shall we do first?”

 

Pan and Bra grinned at me before Bra hurriedly slapped my arm and they both ran away shouting, “You're it!”

 

I rubbed the spot she had slapped me. I knew it would bruise, those two little saiyans didn't know their own strength. I laughed and ran after them hurriedly. “No fair!” I shouted through a giggle as I turned the corner to race past the living room and up the stairs after them. At the sight of the three of us running past Radditz and Nappa stood to retreat to the gravity chamber. Turles remained in his chair and Radditz shot him a look over his shoulder. “Want to come train?”

 

Turles was seemingly distracted. “What...a no thanks; I think I will go out to train.” Radditz shrugged and they headed off.

 

Turles didn't really mind the little ones being around it meant that he would be able to hear Holly's voice and her melodic laughter.

 

After a rip roaring game of tag the three of us sat down at the kitchen table to color. Soon it was lunch time. “You guys keep coloring and I will make us something to eat.

 

I went to the cupboard and started taking ingredients out. Turles meandered into the kitchen at that point, as his stomach knew it was lunch time as well. He saw me fidgeting with the stove and the ingredients and chuckled. I heard and shot him a glare.

 

He walked in and Pan and Bra greeted him, “Hi Turtles.” Turles smiled at his nickname, it was easier for the toddlers to say Turtles and he didn't really mind.

 

“Hello ladies.”

 

He walked over to me and put his hand over mine to stop my motions. “Look, if you expect to feed hungry saiyan toddlers with your cooking skills I had best do it.”

 

I glared at him, but he was right, I wasn't the best cook, I could make simple stuff, but that was it. So I stepped back and allowed him to cook. In a short time he had made a lunch for all of us and even sat down to eat with us. I was grateful for his help and was impressed by the way he interacted with the children though I refused to show it.

 

After lunch the girls finished up their drawings while we did dishes. When we finished I turned to them and asked, “So shall we go outside now girls?”

 

“Yeah!” They shouted in unison. “Turtles! You gotta come too!” Bra insisted.

 

I frowned slightly at the idea, but when he smiled, grabbed her hand and said, “Of course Princess.” My resolve melted and I too smiled at him. We took them out to a clearing in the forest and we played all afternoon.

 

We climbed trees, explored for animal life, and played make believe. Turles was so good with the children and was being so fun I couldn't help, but to break my vow of silence.

 

We returned home for dinner and once again Turles cooked while the girls and I chattered about the fun had that day. “When that squirrel jumped on Turtles it was so funny!” Pan giggled holding her sides. Bra soon joined in covering her mouth to stifle her hysterics. I chuckled along.

 

“Yeah, Turtles.” I kidded. “I don't think he wanted you in his tree.”

 

The girls laughed harder and Turles just smiled and shook his head.

 

Radditz and Nappa walked in at that moment and Turles's smile disappeared. The girls and I continued our laughter and conversation oblivious. “Hey Turtles, will you play with us some more after dinner?” Pan asked innocently.

 

Radditz and Nappa had sat down at the table by now knowing that Turles had made enough to feed them as well.

 

“No.” Turles said curtly as he brought out the food and sat down at the far end away from us and nearer to Radditz and Nappa. The three of them began to eat in silence and Pan's face fell, I could see her disappointment in her eyes. So I chimed in, “Hey why don't we watch a movie in the game room after dinner!?”

 

That seemed to be enough of a distraction that they started to chatter about what they wanted to watch. After dinner I took the girls to the game room not even bothering to help Turles with the dishes. I berated myself all the while about ever breaking my vow when I knew he was still a two face.

 

We watched the movie and had tickle fights and little did I know that Turles watched us from the hallway with a smile. He knew when I didn't help with the dishes that I was again upset with him and he being a saiyan was still to dense to understand why.

 

“Ok, movie over, time for bed.” I said turning the TV off.

 

“Oh!” They moaned and groaned, though I could see them rubbing their eyes.

 

I smirked to myself. `Time for bribery.' “How bout if you go get your pjs and stuff out of your bag and hurry up to my room then I will tell you a story before bed?”

 

At the promise of a story and a reason to stay awake they jumped up and ran to the kitchen almost knocking Turles over in the process.

 

I chuckled softly to myself and walked out after them. When I saw Turles I clenched my fists in anger and clenched my jaw raising my chin up and walking by him as if he were not there. Turles watched me head toward the stairs and decided he had had enough. He grabbed my arm and pulled me around to look at him.

 

“This silent treatment is getting old.” He said stiffly.

 

I tried to pull my arm from his grasp, but he held fast. “I'm not letting you go till you tell me what's wrong.”

 

I raised my lip to bare my teeth at him in a growl and pulled more on my arm. When I couldn't wrench it free I spoke, “Would you let me go? The girls are waiting for me upstairs.”

 

“Ah she speaks. No, I want to know what your problem with me is and how I can fix it.”

 

“You really want to fix it?” I asked.

 

“Yes I would like to try.”

 

“No if I told you that it is a very simple problem easily solved would you promise to fix it?”

“It depends on what it is?”

 

“No swear to me you will!” I said sternly getting in his face.

 

“Fine, I promise.” He said confusedly releasing my arm.

 

“My problem with you Turles….is you are a two face!” I said pointing a finger at his nose.

 

“A what?”

 

“When it's just you and me you are a great friend, but when we are with any of the others you treat me like crap or ignore me. I can't stand that. I don't care which emotion is your true one Turles, but pick one and stick with it!” I turned to head up the stairs when I heard his snort of indignation.

 

“Wait, you mean you are mad at me cause I tease you?” He said with a raised eyebrow.

 

“I wouldn't call insults and humiliation teasing Turles and you are missing the point.”

 

“You're right I am.”

 

I stomped back down and stepped up to him toe to toe and looked up into his eyes. “Look, you were awesome with those kids today and then you snubbed Pan like she meant nothing to you!”

 

I could see his eyes soften a little, and waited for the guilt to sink in. “I don't care if you insult me, but for god's sake don't do this to them.” I hissed pointing up the stairs.

 

Inside Turles was feeling his heart constrict with guilt an emotion he did not often feel, but immediately his wounded pride took over. “What makes you think you know anything about me? Maybe this is who I am?” He growled out his face turning stoic and hard.

 

“No, I think you just don't want the other saiyans to know you have feelings, emotions, like you do with me.”

 

“Or maybe I'm just a good actor.”

 

His words cut me deep. I didn't want to believe that he was really cold and unfeeling. I wanted to believe that he cared. Most of all deep down in a place beyond my own recognition I didn't want to believe that he didn't care for me. “Then you're an asshole!” I snapped tears forming in my eyes. “And either way I won't speak to you again.” I said with finality racing upstairs wiping my eyes to put the girls to bed.

 

Turles stood staring blankly at where she had been standing his face still shrouded in anger, but inside his heart was twisting in anguish. His pride warred with it. `You made her cry! You made a saiyan female cry!'

 

`So she had no right to question me.'

 

`She's right and you know it!' He growled as realization hit him and he shook his head stomping up the stairs to his room to escape the thoughts that plagued him with sleep. He tore off his armor and fell into his bed pulling the covers up roughly to cover his head, but as he lay there trying to force himself into unconsciousness he heard words wafting in his window with the night breeze. It was Holly's voice. He realized her window must have been open and that she was telling the children a story. His ears honed in on the sound easily. It was so unique and melodic his entire being relaxed at the sound. She was telling a story about a great Queen who needed no man to rule. Her words weaved around him like a quilt and he felt himself drift into the comforting darkness of sleep.

 

My story about Queen Elizabeth I *one of my idols* seemed to work as the little ones fell asleep by the time I finished. I covered them up and wished them good night before I went to the bathroom to get ready for bed. As I came back out I saw my laptop screen alight on the desk. `Odd?' I thought walking over to it. `I swear this was closed earlier.' I looked at the screen and saw yet another of the mysterious questions.

 

`It seems there is a clash between you and a friend? Do you really wish the friendship to end?' A. Yes B. No

 

I stared at the question hard remembering my argument with Turles. I didn't want our friendship to end, no, but it seemed that he was in denial and there was no way around it. As much as I wanted to stay mad at him I wanted him to talk with him again more. I clicked B and the screen went black, along with my heart. I sighed and closed the lid crawling into bed beside the little ones and slowly fell asleep.