Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Hybrid ❯ A Nightmare's Foundation ( Chapter 18 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Ravenreux 
What haunts Vegeta and how does Chichi escape?
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 02.22.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 6.0K | Visits: 488 | Status: Completed
What haunts Vegeta and how does Chichi escape?
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 02.22.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 6.0K | Visits: 488 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ...Akira Toriyama does...and that's not my name...so bad luck for me.
Previously on 'The Hybrid'-
The primitively animalistic desire clouding his obsidian gaze made her heart gallop madly. He's going to hate me after this. Grasping his harshly scowling face between her hands, she steadied her breathing and managed to not soften her expression. "I know what happened to you. He told me everything." His eyes narrowed accusingly and she forced herself not to wilt. Don't break, that would ruin it all! Steeling herself, she leaned her forehead against his, locking their gazes. "I know about the tails."
Chapter 18
Training Room 1
Bulma felt his entire body stiffen eventhough he didn't move. His dark eyes hardened and she had to fight desperately to stop the tears that threatened to flow at the sight of such raw pain. Before he physically moved she felt him start to withdraw, pulling away from her and retreating to much less vulnerable position. Bulma bit her lip and framed his strong jaw in her hands, her vision blurring. "Please.." Her voice was a whispered plea as he very gently unlocked her legs from around his waist. To gently. "Please don't pull away from me." But the deadened look in his eye told her what she already knew. He's gone. Silently, she returned to her feet and bowed her head as her long tail unwound from his thigh. "Don't do this."
Vegeta felt his breath finally return to his lungs and breathed deeply. He blinked and stared at the slumped female before him, her tail sagging in dejection. His lip lifted in instinctual disgust. "Don't delude yourself into thinking that I'll obey after that."
Her head snapped up, her blue eyes twinkling with rage. So he's in denial...just like the rest of us. "If you think you can hurt me by disregarding our littly tryst-" She stepped forward and crossed her arms, chin tipped up to glare at him. "-think again." He won't take that away from me. He may degrade me, but he can't that moment away from me. She squared her elegant shoulders and snorted. "You're just bitter that I know your darkest secrets-" The blow came from nowhere and snapped her head to the left so hard it nearly made her spin. Coppery blood filled her mouth as she blinked with realization. The bastard just backhanded me! Regaining her composure, she turned back to look at him. His smug smirk made her shake her head. She spit the blood out on the tile and used the back of her hand to wipe her chin. "I'm not going to fight you." She closed her eyes and tried to forget the pain she'd seen in his eyes. "I'm not the one for to take your anger and pain out on."
"Ha!" He laughed maliciously, despite the unusual rolling of his stomach. I've never felt physically ill after striking someone before. His lips curled back as he growled deeply. "Then enlighten me. Who?"
She lifted her head just enough to stare at him from behind a curtain of teal bangs. "The ones that made you watch." She couldn't help the tears that welled. "The ones that forced you to watch as your fellow Saiyans were tortured and killed, all the while telling you that you could actually save them by removing the one thing that made them a Saiyan." Bulma's voice was remarkeably steady and clear, even as the atrocities played out inside her head. It pained her deeply to envision a young boy subject to such horror. He's so scarred inside...
The only movement coming from him was the bob of his Adam's apple as he swallowed. His gaze had hardened and darkened, no doubt remembering. His deep timbre resonated throughout the room. "You speak of what you do not know." His left eye twitched almost painfully as he whirled for the door.
"I know that they beat you within an inch of your life when you refused!" She jumped forward a step, her hand reaching out to lightly lay on his shoulder. She spoke in a delicate whisper. "I know that when you couldn't take it anymore you gave in and cut of their tails," Bulma pulled him until he reluctantly turned around, eyes staring unfocused. "but it didn't do any good because Frieza killed them anyway."
Grotesque scenes of gore and death flashed through his head, along with piercing screams of the dying. His eyes slid shut as he revisited the dank dungeons that Dodoria had prowled. He fought a small mental battle until the black curtain returned to bury those memories. He felt her slender fingers tight on his shoulder and opened his onyx gaze to stare into her watering sapphires. "That doesn't even scratch the surface woman, Raditz was never was one of Frieza's 'honored' guests." He watched her wince at his cynicism. "That lizard took great pleasure in dismembering and mutilating the flesh of my people, but they all managed to survive that." His voice dropped down as his mind returned inward.
Bulma held her breath. Oh Kami... "It's ok..keep going."
Vegeta sneered at her placating tone. "Oh, so you want to know all the juicy details?" He advanced on her before she had a chance to speak. "Frieza would allow Zarbon and Dodoria the fun of torture, but it was always him the delivered the fatal blow. A Saiyan's tail has always fascinated him, so he'd take the severed limb and strangle them to death with it. Their own tails were the instruments of their deaths." He was breathing heavy now, his teeth gritted with suppressed rage. "I don't want any of your fucking pity!"
She'd backed into the wall and looked up into his eyes, all trace of tears gone. "You can't shock me into backing down, I refuse to let you." She pressed forward again until they were inches apart. "Stop letting the memory of your people's death eat away at you." She didn't dare touch him. He's holding on by a very thin wire and one touch may snap him. "Use it against him. He should pay for his sins."
"And what about my sins?" He cocked his head to the side, his sight unseeing and utterly frightning. "I have not been innocent of murder." She snorted softly and it made him blink, returning to the present.
Bulma ran her tongue over her lips. "It seems my humanly female appearance makes it hard to believe, but I'm just as guilty as you. I may only be half the Saiyan that you are, but can kill like the best of them. You've seen my handiwork."
He regarded her silently for a moment before turning for the door. "Yes, but somehow I doubt that the blood of a child has ever stained your hands." He strode through the door, leaving her alone.
Chikyuu
Chichi jumped into action, swinging her right foot high and slamming the gun away. A sharp blast of ki exploded within inches of her head. No conscious thought moved through her mind as she gained her footing and slammed both of her fists into his midsection. The guard stumbled back, clutching his stomach giving her time to escape. Tired legs pumping, she trained her sights on the next rooftop. I need to get to more advantageous ground. A flash of color sprang up in her peripheral, but she paid it no heed as she charged for the ledge. Despite the raging blood in her ear's, she could still make out the distinctive sound of a ki gun's discharge. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize that she was the target. Move it Chi! Arms swinging in unison with her legs, she tunneled her vision on the leap she needed to make in order to reach the other roof. Bright red blasts of artificial ki slashed black scorch marks into the beige roof tiles as she leapt up onto the ledge and prepared to jump.
Bending her knees, she took a single stride forward and planted her right leg to push herself off the ledge. Contracting the powerful muscles of her legs, she pushed off just a sharp, burning pain streaked across her calf. A knife of panic swept through her as all the strength left her driving leg and she dove for the opposite building. Shit! I'm hit! Using what little power she had, she reached out and grasped the edge of the morter ledge and clung desperately. I refuse to die by falling five stories! Willing her burning biceps into action, she grimaced as she dragged herself up and over the ledge to lay flat on her back on the warm roof. Even as she lay gasping air into her lungs, she knew that her attacker was only moments away from finding her. Got....to get...up. Exhaustion started to pull on her senses, her movements sluggish as she scrambled to her feet and turned to run toward the safety of the building. Legs quivering, she wobbled and was sent rolling as a foot collided with her back, pulling a pained cry from her lips. "Ah!"
She flopped about and skidded across the tiles. Guns, Chi...get your guns.. She stopped rolling on her back, drawing her twin weapons as she did so. The guard was right behind her and took the head on assualt. The old-fashioned bullets surprised him, eyes widening in shock as they ripped through his flesh and sent him to his knees. Chichi panted as the she witnessed the life flit out of his dark eyes, her stomach rolling in protest. His body rocked for a moment before pitching forward to land heavily on her legs. "Ah!" Tears of pain leaked out of her eyes. "You asshole." She gritted her teeth and groaned as she slipped herself free, inch by painful inch. Once free, she slipped her guns back into their holsters and leaned over to examine her wound. "Fuck." The blast had hit the fleshy part of her calf, leaving the flesh charred and ragged with little blood. She slapped her palm on the roof in frustration and struggled to her feet, finding that any weight on her wounded leg sent needling pain shooting up to her hip. A series of angry shouts made her whirl around and two more guards appeared on the other roof. "Why me?"
Growling against the pain, she dragged her weakened limb and dropped down behind a scaldingly hot exit vent, steam billowing from the top. Sagging onto her haunches, she dropped her head back and said a silent prayer. Somebody help me...Kakarrot..you were right.. Checking her guns, she found the clips half empty and felt like throwing them. "It's not enough to drop both of them!" Tears of frustration spilled from her eyes as she stared down at her bloodstained clothes and battered body. I thought I could take them... Shoulders sagging, she let the weight of the situation fully hit her as the shocked shouts of her hunters echoes behind her. A wry smile crossed her bloodied lips. So they found their dead little buddy...too bad for you. Sniffing, she swiped away her tears and took a deep, cleansing breath. Ok girl, it's now or never.. Pulling the guns close, she started to swing around the vent when the loud smack of skin on skin stopped her.
Ducking back, she pressed close and listened as the grunts and thuds subsided. "What the...?" The following silence sent more fear running through her than the fight she'd been ready to engage in. Heavy footsteps vibrated the metal of the vent against her back and she shut her eyes to find it's location. It's... A few of them thrummed through her. ..coming toward's me! Her heart jumped into overdrive as the sweat cascaded down her back. Apparently one of them is still alive. Resigning herself, she could feel the sudden pull of unconsciousness dragging at the edges of her mind. Lost...too much blood... The footsteps echoed closer and she groaned her way upright. I guess I'll go out fighting. Steadying her arms, she held up the guns and thought of Kakarrot as she whirled out of hiding. I'll miss you..
Jumping out, she leveled her guns on her target despite the blurring of her vision. Before she could pull the triggers, strong hands gripped her wrists tightly and sent the semi-automatics clattering to the ground. "Let go!" She twisted and squirmed against the restraints.
"Chichi! Stop!" The grip tightened and yanked her forward into a powerful embrace. "It's me, Kakarrot."
The words cut through the fog clouding her mind and she blinked up at his face. "It's..you." She smiled weakly as she brushed her bloodied hand against his face. "You came.." The remnants of strength left her sagging in his arms unconscious.
He swept her up into his arms and held her close. "Yes," He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead and leapt into the air. "I came."
Vegeta's ship
Celipa let the light from ceiling shine over the blade she was polishing. I have no idea why I'm doing this for her...not like she's ever done anything for me. She shook her head and continued to slide the thick cloth over the steel, pulling out the minute scratches with each stroke. It took her moment to realize that the metal had started to turn a light pale blue, a sign that it's owner was near. Her ears twitched as they caught the sound of approaching footsteps. Lifting the blade, she stared at the faint glow around it. "So it does glow." Setting it down beside her, she leaned back against the wall and waited. A few moments later Bulma swept in through the door and strode directly for her cot on the opposite side of the room, not once even glancing in her direction. The blue-haired DemiSaiyan curled up on the small bed facing away from her, tail hanging limply over the side to brush the floor. Celipa's brow furrowed and she took a discreet smell of the air, finding something that made her blink twice. "Why are you skulking about?" She raises a eyebrow when she doesn't respond. Time to really dig in. "Not like I don't know anyway, you didn't even bother to wash away his scent." That, at least, elicited a reaction in the other female rolling over to stare at her. Celipa smirked. "What'd he do? Reject you?"
There was a momentary hardening of her gaze, but Bulma quickly returned to the annoyed stare she'd worn since arriving. "I don't believe that it's any of your business."
"Oh, I think it is." She stood up and walked over to the small table near the door and poured herself a glass of water. "We may hate each other on a basic level, but we're still captives here." She took a long draught and set down the empty glass. "We're on opposite sides from them, but we're on the same one when it comes to each other."
Bulma eyed her a moment before sitting up. "So, you're saying that I should be open with you eventhough I thoroughly despise you?"
Celipa's cropped hair bounced as she gave a small nod. "Yes."
"Then you must be just as honest. No hiding." Bulma crossed her arms over her chest. If she wants to play it has to work both ways.
"Of course." The easily said agreement actually had her squirming inside. Kami-damn that Saiyan! She turned away from the table and crossed her bunk, lifting a set of clothes from the end. "Raditz brought these by, on orders from the Prince." She strode over and plopped them down on the half-Saiyan's lap.
Bulma couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "My clothes." It hadn't ocurred to her until a full day after she'd fled from his room that she'd left her clothes behind. She'd been stuck wearing his for the past week and a half.
"That wasn't all he brought." Celipa crossed back to the bed and lifted a slim katana from the linens.
Bulma shot to her feet and threw the clothes aside. "I thought he left that back on Station 12!" Dashing across the room, she swiped the blade from the bemused Saiyan holding it and whirled it in her grasp. "I thought I'd never see this again." It also dampened the idea of them being Vegeta's captives. He wouldn't have returned this if I were still his prisoner. She slid her fingers down the polished blade and turned an eye on Celipa. "What do you want to know?"
Celipa settled down on her cot and yawned. "Why you stink of him." It wasn't a question.
She mulled over her answer a moment before doing a few practiced swings in the open space. "We sparred and things got a little-" She cut the blade downward and stayed crouching. "Heated."
Celipa snorted. "Ha! More happened, but you can spare me the details. I don't want those images to scar my brain."
Bulma stood up straight and pulled her katana to her side. Of course more happened, but I'm not about to tell you what transpired. "Your turn."
"I ferreted around in the computer system and found out that we're headed for a remote desert planet." She leaned back onto her elbows.
"Like that counts for anything." Bulma tossed her katana onto her bed. "I could have found that out just by wandering about." She turned and fully faced her, hands planted on her boyish hips. "Tell why you blasted past me the other day, running away from the training rooms."
Her mouth gaped open for a moment before quickly snapping shut. "Of all things, why that?"
Bulma cocked her head to the side. "You just asked me the same question." She closed her eyes. "And I told you that I sparred with Vegeta and that we had a..er..close encounter which ended in a verbal battle." Her blue eyes flashed as she stared down at her. "A battle I lost."
Celipa blinked. "He beat you at your own game?" She laughed. "I think I need to view him in a better light."
"Yes, you should." You're the worst when it comes to calling him a traitor...the one thing he is not. "It's time to pay up."
Glaring, she flopped down completely onto her back and sighed. "Fine. Raditz and I had a..close encounter...as you call it."
It was Bulma's turn to blink in surprise. "You...and he...had...oh." She noticed the utterly miserable look on her face. It must have been spontaneous and the loss of control panicked her. "It scared you."
"Damn you, I wasn't scared!" She reared up off the bed and got into her face. "I just....had an uncharacteristic lapse of control." Her raging shout had dropped into a saddened whisper.
Bulma smiled. "I guess we're not so different after all."
Celipa managed a weak smile before whirling toward the slamming on the door. "It's him."
Bulma strode over and released the lock. Raditz's hulking frame filled the small doorway and she watched as his eyes immediately turned to stare at Celipa's back. Oh yeah...definitely some tension there. "Raditz."
He glanced at her fleetingly. "You're wanted on the bridge." His hard dark gaze moved back to the female of his attention. "Both of you."
The words had the desired effect and it made Celipa turn and face the object of her troubles. "Why?" It was spoken in a calmly focused manner that hid all trace of the inner turmoil she was enduring.
Bulma swallowed as they stared each other down. Ok...this is not the time and place. She slipped in front of Raditz and pushed him back out the door. "Go. We'll be there momentarily." She slapped the lock and jumped back inside before he had a chance to react. "Just relax. I highly doubt that whatever we're needed for is dire." She slipped across the room and picked up the clothes. "Just let me clean up a bit and change, then we'll go.''
Celipa sagged down onto the bed and nodded. "Ok."
Bulma hesistated at the utterly lost look on her face. Wow...I never thought I'd ever see her like this. He must have really done something to her. Shaking her head, she dashed into the bathroom and cleaned the sweat from her little sparring session down the drain. Along with his damn scent. The thought made her pause and she stared at the soap in her hands. "Ah, dammit!" He may have been focused on Celipa, but he couldn't miss Vegeta's smell all over me! She started laughing as she rinsed off and jumped out of the shower. Bulma Briefs...loose woman! She swiftly pulled on her comfortingly familiar clothes and slung her hair up into a high ponytail as she exited the room. "Let's go."
The full-blooded Saiyan gave her a curious glance as they exited the room. "What was so funny?"
Bulma squeegied some water from her hair. "Oh, that was nothing." The matter didn't seem to bother her and they continued the rest of the way to the bridge in silence. The sense of urgency that Raditz had displayed made her except bustling activity, but what they found were calm and controlled behavior. Celipa hung back by the door, always allowing Bulma to speak up and possibly dig herself into a hole that she couldn't get out of. Bulma's curious gaze landed on each of the males in the room and she lifted a brow in question. "What's all the hubbub?"
Nappa was the only one that seemed to hear her and he pointed with his head in Vegeta's direction. "Ask him."
The Saiyan no Ouji was standing in front of one of the consoles used for trans-communication, his back to her. Bulma's tail swung behind her lazily as she sauntered over and perched on a connecting console. "Something you wish to share?"
His eyes swung over to glance at her and then swiveled back to whatever seemed to be coming from the read-out. "I just recieved a transmission from someone I think will interest you."
Bulma caught Celipa's snap to attention and leaned closer to him. "Who?"
This time he turned to face her. "Your Tousan."
"My...Otousan?" She slipped down from the console and slipped in front of him to read the transmission. 'Commander, the squadron has been reassigned to Chikyuu. They will be reporting to the Captain based there.' She frowned. "How can that be?"
Vegeta smirked and stepped closer to press against her back and turned his head to speak into her ear. "Commander, meaning me..the squadron being your little crew. He sent them to Chikyuu."
The blood rushed to her cheeks as his warm breath tickled her neck. "Who's the Captain?" I know Papa had been the one feeding us information, but I never thought he'd be responsible for this kind of organization. She smiled at the purposely vague message. Well, then again, he is a genius.
"Your Tousan is a smarter man than I ever gave the human credit for." He gently nipped the tender skin behind her ear before stepping away and gesturing to Raditz. "Make yourself useful and explain." Vegeta apparently hadn't forgotten the trespass against him.
The Saiyan eyed the Prince before sitting back and propping his feet on the console, as if to say 'too bad'. "Dr. Briefs was very crafty when it came to recruiting followers out from under Frieza's nose. A master at decieving his master. I spent a great deal of time working in his lab before being assigned to Vegeta's crew." He dropped his feet down and stood up. "He always followed orders, but when the bosses left the room all he did was undermine their authority."
Celipa stepped forward to listen better. "Sounds like someone else I know." She sent Bulma knowing glance.
All eyes turned to the blue-haired beauty in question. She glanced up from the console and threw out her hands in exasperation. "It runs in the family."
Raditz started to pace. "It wasn't for a few years, but during our...ah..travels...we started to get these cryptic messages. At first we figured them for galactic overflow."
Bulma nodded her agreement. Often times the trans-communication would spit out indechiperable jargon sent out to any available communicators. Annoying, but harmless. "He never identified himself, but he left small anecdotes imbedded in the messages. I never told anyone, but I knew it was him. I recognized the speech patterns immediately."
"Are you serious?" Celipa strode over and jerked her arm. "Why didn't you ever say anything?"
She wrenched her arm free and glared back at her accusitory gaze defensively. "I didn't fully the trust the others yet. You included. I wouldn't dare risk his discovery." She noted how hurt she was and shrugged. "I never told anyone...not even Kakarrot. It was all or none." Celipa seemed satisfied for the moment, but the anger pulsed off her in waves. Bulma turned back to the others and found Vegeta smirking at her. "I managed to convince the others he was legit and they believed me."
Vegeta eyed Celipa as she growled. Somebody's a bit touchy. Apparently being bested by the half-Saiyan girl infuriated her. "He made his influence known a different way. We were summoned to a military function, seemingly by the exalted Emperor himself, but it turned out that the good Doctor is skilled at forging." His tail looped loosely around a glass on a nearby counter and brought it to his lips. "It seems that being a subject of Frieza's court had hardened the meek scientist I knew from back on Vejitasei. We spoke at length and I agreed to help his cause."
Bulma's eyes narrowed. "You don't do anything for nothing. What'd you get?" She set her shoulders and spoke silently. "And don't even think of lying."
He lifted a single brow. "Careful Onna." His tail twitched and set down the glass. "Very astute. He told me that in return for our cooperation, he would make the last of our people disappear. His previous work had impressed me enough to agree." He smiled. "There's hasn't been a single trace of a Saiyan since."
"What's your whole part is this?" Bulma was still stuggling to figure this all out.
Raditz stretched his arms over his head and yawned. "Our role is just beginning."
Chikyuu
Juunana spied a cursory glance toward the group he was leading, alone, to the base in the desert. It was bewildering to have any nagging feelings as an Android, but he couldn't ignore the slight worry he felt at his partner's condition. It's an uncharacteristic display of disregard. The Chichi I've been with for years doesn't make miscalculations of this magnitude. Very unsettling. The young Saiyan cradling her battered body met his gaze and scowled. Without expression, he turned back to his task and dropped his altitude. It's all that Saiyan. His influence has altered her pattern of behavior. He trained his vision on the faint trail left in the dark desert sand and followed it like a map. He hadn't spoken a single word since their small group had rejoined outside the city limits, but he did so now to get their attention. "The base is just ahead. I'd reduce your speed unless you wish to be flattened by it."
The others listened to his actions rather than his words, and he dropped even lower as the enormous rockface blossomed into view. He surged forward and stopped dead in mid-air, allowing gravity to pull him down to the ground. His Saiyan companions followed suit and landed softly all around him. He ran a hand through his thick black hair. "Home sweet home."
"Could we hurry this up? She needs medical attention." Kakarrot came to his side, his voice agitated.
Juunana regarded him a moment before sighing and striding into the crevice. "This way." He weaved through the rocky craggs and came to a stop on the familiar lift that was the only entrance to the underground base. "Step right up." He gestured to the platform and waited. Kakarrot eyed it a moment before stepping on, followed closely by Toma and Turles.
Bardock noted everything he could about the structure before finally stepping on board. "Not very technologically advanced."
The android snorted. "The most complex piece of technology here is standing before you, with the possible exception of my sister." He started the lift's descent.
Toma's eyes widened. "There's another one? A female?"
"Yes."
Turles threw his hands up in the air. "Great. Just wonderful." He shook his head in annoyance. "Surrounded by Kami-damn robots."
"Androids" Bardock and Juunana said in unison.
"What the hell is the difference?" He rolled his eyes as Bardock started to talk. "Spare me the exciting details." He shifted toward Juunana. "Is she as friendly as you?"
"More." The machine smiled.
Apparently sarcasm hasn't escaped their little wired world. "Tell me, who exactly are we coming to meet?"
Juunana's emotionless blue eyes moved about each warrior, stopping briefly on every one. "The few people of our Order and the key to defeating the enemy."
"I'm curious as to how a bunch of weak little humans can possibly be of any help." Turles skepticism made even his fellow Saiyans scowl.
"There is always more than meets the eye." The lift rattled to a stop in the wide cavern and Juunana leapt off and strode to the lone door. "Right this way." He held up his right index finger and it slowly broke apart to reveal a small key inside.
"Very handy." Turles muttered from the back of the group.
He inserted the key and the door's lock released, swinging it inward on it's hinges. "Here is where you hold your tongues. I know it must be very hard to suppress all those primitive instincts." He smirked and slipped through the dark doorway.
Bardock turned and held up his hand, stopping Turles' tirade before it even commenced. His nichan gritted his teeth, but did as he was told. He'll be the death of me. He returned his attention to what was coming and crossed the threshold and into a dimly lit room filled with large screens and computers. Old computers, from decades past, lined each of the walls, only interrupted by the occasional door to other sections of the base. His persusal of the room stopped when he set his eyes on the tall blonde standing beside Juunana. "The sister?"
She didn't flash a smile or even blink, her eyes darting to the limp form hanging in his son's arms as he entered the room. "What happened to her?"
Kakarrot stepped forward. "Port Guards. She been unconscious for nearly an hour."
The statuesque blonde reached out and touched a hand to her dirt-marred forehead. "Come with me." She started off for one of the wings off to the left.
Bardock nodded for his son to go and glanced back at the Android. "Who's in charge here?"
Juunana stepped aside and gestured to a high-backed chair positioned in front of the largest screen. The chair swiveled around to reveal a diminuitve man with a balding head. The small man set down a small remote from his right hand and slipped down from his seat. "You must forgive my wife. She's not one for small talk or introductions I'm afraid." He strode forward and his head just barely passed Bardock's belt. "My name is Krillin and I've been looking forward this moment for many years."
A/N: Woo..*wipes forehead*..I think that was the longest chapter I've written since I started Part Two. Some more of the mystery will be unraveled soon. I mean that though...not like the wait I've given you this time. I'm really hoping the cold I just came down with doesn't slow me down too much. I know I mentioned a lemon and when the response I recieved there will be one in the future...I promise. It'll come up in the next chapter or two. This chapter was a bit more action geared, so be ready for some more romance. *Just a note: I also posted Chapter 3 of A Beautiful Lie...in case you were interested.* 'Til next time!!
Thanx:
Required Name: Hope that helped..hehe. I really appreciate all the nice compliments about my intimate scenes...I can't stand chessy cliches either. I'm glad I portray the characters so well too...I'd hate to not give them the justice they deserve. I promise to update as soon as I can...and I hope that this one was such an evil way to end a chapter. Thanx! ^_^
artchic: I've been told I'm evil many, many times....twistedly evil in fact..hehe. I've read a lot of the work of the authors you listed and I loved them. I'm touched that you put me in the same caliber as them...I mean, I thought their stuff was absolutely amazing and I still have a few doubts when I whirl up a scheme...thanx ssoo much ^_^! I'm glad you enjoyed the V/B tough love- my term for it- so much...I spent a very long time putting that together. I wanted it just right. I also really like giving the female counterpart in my fics to be fighters...hence the whole Chichi scene. People always forget she was a fighter once upon a time and I thought I'd bring it back. Hope the answer about the tails lived up to your expectations! Thanx!
Previously on 'The Hybrid'-
The primitively animalistic desire clouding his obsidian gaze made her heart gallop madly. He's going to hate me after this. Grasping his harshly scowling face between her hands, she steadied her breathing and managed to not soften her expression. "I know what happened to you. He told me everything." His eyes narrowed accusingly and she forced herself not to wilt. Don't break, that would ruin it all! Steeling herself, she leaned her forehead against his, locking their gazes. "I know about the tails."
Chapter 18
Training Room 1
Bulma felt his entire body stiffen eventhough he didn't move. His dark eyes hardened and she had to fight desperately to stop the tears that threatened to flow at the sight of such raw pain. Before he physically moved she felt him start to withdraw, pulling away from her and retreating to much less vulnerable position. Bulma bit her lip and framed his strong jaw in her hands, her vision blurring. "Please.." Her voice was a whispered plea as he very gently unlocked her legs from around his waist. To gently. "Please don't pull away from me." But the deadened look in his eye told her what she already knew. He's gone. Silently, she returned to her feet and bowed her head as her long tail unwound from his thigh. "Don't do this."
Vegeta felt his breath finally return to his lungs and breathed deeply. He blinked and stared at the slumped female before him, her tail sagging in dejection. His lip lifted in instinctual disgust. "Don't delude yourself into thinking that I'll obey after that."
Her head snapped up, her blue eyes twinkling with rage. So he's in denial...just like the rest of us. "If you think you can hurt me by disregarding our littly tryst-" She stepped forward and crossed her arms, chin tipped up to glare at him. "-think again." He won't take that away from me. He may degrade me, but he can't that moment away from me. She squared her elegant shoulders and snorted. "You're just bitter that I know your darkest secrets-" The blow came from nowhere and snapped her head to the left so hard it nearly made her spin. Coppery blood filled her mouth as she blinked with realization. The bastard just backhanded me! Regaining her composure, she turned back to look at him. His smug smirk made her shake her head. She spit the blood out on the tile and used the back of her hand to wipe her chin. "I'm not going to fight you." She closed her eyes and tried to forget the pain she'd seen in his eyes. "I'm not the one for to take your anger and pain out on."
"Ha!" He laughed maliciously, despite the unusual rolling of his stomach. I've never felt physically ill after striking someone before. His lips curled back as he growled deeply. "Then enlighten me. Who?"
She lifted her head just enough to stare at him from behind a curtain of teal bangs. "The ones that made you watch." She couldn't help the tears that welled. "The ones that forced you to watch as your fellow Saiyans were tortured and killed, all the while telling you that you could actually save them by removing the one thing that made them a Saiyan." Bulma's voice was remarkeably steady and clear, even as the atrocities played out inside her head. It pained her deeply to envision a young boy subject to such horror. He's so scarred inside...
The only movement coming from him was the bob of his Adam's apple as he swallowed. His gaze had hardened and darkened, no doubt remembering. His deep timbre resonated throughout the room. "You speak of what you do not know." His left eye twitched almost painfully as he whirled for the door.
"I know that they beat you within an inch of your life when you refused!" She jumped forward a step, her hand reaching out to lightly lay on his shoulder. She spoke in a delicate whisper. "I know that when you couldn't take it anymore you gave in and cut of their tails," Bulma pulled him until he reluctantly turned around, eyes staring unfocused. "but it didn't do any good because Frieza killed them anyway."
Grotesque scenes of gore and death flashed through his head, along with piercing screams of the dying. His eyes slid shut as he revisited the dank dungeons that Dodoria had prowled. He fought a small mental battle until the black curtain returned to bury those memories. He felt her slender fingers tight on his shoulder and opened his onyx gaze to stare into her watering sapphires. "That doesn't even scratch the surface woman, Raditz was never was one of Frieza's 'honored' guests." He watched her wince at his cynicism. "That lizard took great pleasure in dismembering and mutilating the flesh of my people, but they all managed to survive that." His voice dropped down as his mind returned inward.
Bulma held her breath. Oh Kami... "It's ok..keep going."
Vegeta sneered at her placating tone. "Oh, so you want to know all the juicy details?" He advanced on her before she had a chance to speak. "Frieza would allow Zarbon and Dodoria the fun of torture, but it was always him the delivered the fatal blow. A Saiyan's tail has always fascinated him, so he'd take the severed limb and strangle them to death with it. Their own tails were the instruments of their deaths." He was breathing heavy now, his teeth gritted with suppressed rage. "I don't want any of your fucking pity!"
She'd backed into the wall and looked up into his eyes, all trace of tears gone. "You can't shock me into backing down, I refuse to let you." She pressed forward again until they were inches apart. "Stop letting the memory of your people's death eat away at you." She didn't dare touch him. He's holding on by a very thin wire and one touch may snap him. "Use it against him. He should pay for his sins."
"And what about my sins?" He cocked his head to the side, his sight unseeing and utterly frightning. "I have not been innocent of murder." She snorted softly and it made him blink, returning to the present.
Bulma ran her tongue over her lips. "It seems my humanly female appearance makes it hard to believe, but I'm just as guilty as you. I may only be half the Saiyan that you are, but can kill like the best of them. You've seen my handiwork."
He regarded her silently for a moment before turning for the door. "Yes, but somehow I doubt that the blood of a child has ever stained your hands." He strode through the door, leaving her alone.
Chikyuu
Chichi jumped into action, swinging her right foot high and slamming the gun away. A sharp blast of ki exploded within inches of her head. No conscious thought moved through her mind as she gained her footing and slammed both of her fists into his midsection. The guard stumbled back, clutching his stomach giving her time to escape. Tired legs pumping, she trained her sights on the next rooftop. I need to get to more advantageous ground. A flash of color sprang up in her peripheral, but she paid it no heed as she charged for the ledge. Despite the raging blood in her ear's, she could still make out the distinctive sound of a ki gun's discharge. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize that she was the target. Move it Chi! Arms swinging in unison with her legs, she tunneled her vision on the leap she needed to make in order to reach the other roof. Bright red blasts of artificial ki slashed black scorch marks into the beige roof tiles as she leapt up onto the ledge and prepared to jump.
Bending her knees, she took a single stride forward and planted her right leg to push herself off the ledge. Contracting the powerful muscles of her legs, she pushed off just a sharp, burning pain streaked across her calf. A knife of panic swept through her as all the strength left her driving leg and she dove for the opposite building. Shit! I'm hit! Using what little power she had, she reached out and grasped the edge of the morter ledge and clung desperately. I refuse to die by falling five stories! Willing her burning biceps into action, she grimaced as she dragged herself up and over the ledge to lay flat on her back on the warm roof. Even as she lay gasping air into her lungs, she knew that her attacker was only moments away from finding her. Got....to get...up. Exhaustion started to pull on her senses, her movements sluggish as she scrambled to her feet and turned to run toward the safety of the building. Legs quivering, she wobbled and was sent rolling as a foot collided with her back, pulling a pained cry from her lips. "Ah!"
She flopped about and skidded across the tiles. Guns, Chi...get your guns.. She stopped rolling on her back, drawing her twin weapons as she did so. The guard was right behind her and took the head on assualt. The old-fashioned bullets surprised him, eyes widening in shock as they ripped through his flesh and sent him to his knees. Chichi panted as the she witnessed the life flit out of his dark eyes, her stomach rolling in protest. His body rocked for a moment before pitching forward to land heavily on her legs. "Ah!" Tears of pain leaked out of her eyes. "You asshole." She gritted her teeth and groaned as she slipped herself free, inch by painful inch. Once free, she slipped her guns back into their holsters and leaned over to examine her wound. "Fuck." The blast had hit the fleshy part of her calf, leaving the flesh charred and ragged with little blood. She slapped her palm on the roof in frustration and struggled to her feet, finding that any weight on her wounded leg sent needling pain shooting up to her hip. A series of angry shouts made her whirl around and two more guards appeared on the other roof. "Why me?"
Growling against the pain, she dragged her weakened limb and dropped down behind a scaldingly hot exit vent, steam billowing from the top. Sagging onto her haunches, she dropped her head back and said a silent prayer. Somebody help me...Kakarrot..you were right.. Checking her guns, she found the clips half empty and felt like throwing them. "It's not enough to drop both of them!" Tears of frustration spilled from her eyes as she stared down at her bloodstained clothes and battered body. I thought I could take them... Shoulders sagging, she let the weight of the situation fully hit her as the shocked shouts of her hunters echoes behind her. A wry smile crossed her bloodied lips. So they found their dead little buddy...too bad for you. Sniffing, she swiped away her tears and took a deep, cleansing breath. Ok girl, it's now or never.. Pulling the guns close, she started to swing around the vent when the loud smack of skin on skin stopped her.
Ducking back, she pressed close and listened as the grunts and thuds subsided. "What the...?" The following silence sent more fear running through her than the fight she'd been ready to engage in. Heavy footsteps vibrated the metal of the vent against her back and she shut her eyes to find it's location. It's... A few of them thrummed through her. ..coming toward's me! Her heart jumped into overdrive as the sweat cascaded down her back. Apparently one of them is still alive. Resigning herself, she could feel the sudden pull of unconsciousness dragging at the edges of her mind. Lost...too much blood... The footsteps echoed closer and she groaned her way upright. I guess I'll go out fighting. Steadying her arms, she held up the guns and thought of Kakarrot as she whirled out of hiding. I'll miss you..
Jumping out, she leveled her guns on her target despite the blurring of her vision. Before she could pull the triggers, strong hands gripped her wrists tightly and sent the semi-automatics clattering to the ground. "Let go!" She twisted and squirmed against the restraints.
"Chichi! Stop!" The grip tightened and yanked her forward into a powerful embrace. "It's me, Kakarrot."
The words cut through the fog clouding her mind and she blinked up at his face. "It's..you." She smiled weakly as she brushed her bloodied hand against his face. "You came.." The remnants of strength left her sagging in his arms unconscious.
He swept her up into his arms and held her close. "Yes," He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead and leapt into the air. "I came."
Vegeta's ship
Celipa let the light from ceiling shine over the blade she was polishing. I have no idea why I'm doing this for her...not like she's ever done anything for me. She shook her head and continued to slide the thick cloth over the steel, pulling out the minute scratches with each stroke. It took her moment to realize that the metal had started to turn a light pale blue, a sign that it's owner was near. Her ears twitched as they caught the sound of approaching footsteps. Lifting the blade, she stared at the faint glow around it. "So it does glow." Setting it down beside her, she leaned back against the wall and waited. A few moments later Bulma swept in through the door and strode directly for her cot on the opposite side of the room, not once even glancing in her direction. The blue-haired DemiSaiyan curled up on the small bed facing away from her, tail hanging limply over the side to brush the floor. Celipa's brow furrowed and she took a discreet smell of the air, finding something that made her blink twice. "Why are you skulking about?" She raises a eyebrow when she doesn't respond. Time to really dig in. "Not like I don't know anyway, you didn't even bother to wash away his scent." That, at least, elicited a reaction in the other female rolling over to stare at her. Celipa smirked. "What'd he do? Reject you?"
There was a momentary hardening of her gaze, but Bulma quickly returned to the annoyed stare she'd worn since arriving. "I don't believe that it's any of your business."
"Oh, I think it is." She stood up and walked over to the small table near the door and poured herself a glass of water. "We may hate each other on a basic level, but we're still captives here." She took a long draught and set down the empty glass. "We're on opposite sides from them, but we're on the same one when it comes to each other."
Bulma eyed her a moment before sitting up. "So, you're saying that I should be open with you eventhough I thoroughly despise you?"
Celipa's cropped hair bounced as she gave a small nod. "Yes."
"Then you must be just as honest. No hiding." Bulma crossed her arms over her chest. If she wants to play it has to work both ways.
"Of course." The easily said agreement actually had her squirming inside. Kami-damn that Saiyan! She turned away from the table and crossed her bunk, lifting a set of clothes from the end. "Raditz brought these by, on orders from the Prince." She strode over and plopped them down on the half-Saiyan's lap.
Bulma couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "My clothes." It hadn't ocurred to her until a full day after she'd fled from his room that she'd left her clothes behind. She'd been stuck wearing his for the past week and a half.
"That wasn't all he brought." Celipa crossed back to the bed and lifted a slim katana from the linens.
Bulma shot to her feet and threw the clothes aside. "I thought he left that back on Station 12!" Dashing across the room, she swiped the blade from the bemused Saiyan holding it and whirled it in her grasp. "I thought I'd never see this again." It also dampened the idea of them being Vegeta's captives. He wouldn't have returned this if I were still his prisoner. She slid her fingers down the polished blade and turned an eye on Celipa. "What do you want to know?"
Celipa settled down on her cot and yawned. "Why you stink of him." It wasn't a question.
She mulled over her answer a moment before doing a few practiced swings in the open space. "We sparred and things got a little-" She cut the blade downward and stayed crouching. "Heated."
Celipa snorted. "Ha! More happened, but you can spare me the details. I don't want those images to scar my brain."
Bulma stood up straight and pulled her katana to her side. Of course more happened, but I'm not about to tell you what transpired. "Your turn."
"I ferreted around in the computer system and found out that we're headed for a remote desert planet." She leaned back onto her elbows.
"Like that counts for anything." Bulma tossed her katana onto her bed. "I could have found that out just by wandering about." She turned and fully faced her, hands planted on her boyish hips. "Tell why you blasted past me the other day, running away from the training rooms."
Her mouth gaped open for a moment before quickly snapping shut. "Of all things, why that?"
Bulma cocked her head to the side. "You just asked me the same question." She closed her eyes. "And I told you that I sparred with Vegeta and that we had a..er..close encounter which ended in a verbal battle." Her blue eyes flashed as she stared down at her. "A battle I lost."
Celipa blinked. "He beat you at your own game?" She laughed. "I think I need to view him in a better light."
"Yes, you should." You're the worst when it comes to calling him a traitor...the one thing he is not. "It's time to pay up."
Glaring, she flopped down completely onto her back and sighed. "Fine. Raditz and I had a..close encounter...as you call it."
It was Bulma's turn to blink in surprise. "You...and he...had...oh." She noticed the utterly miserable look on her face. It must have been spontaneous and the loss of control panicked her. "It scared you."
"Damn you, I wasn't scared!" She reared up off the bed and got into her face. "I just....had an uncharacteristic lapse of control." Her raging shout had dropped into a saddened whisper.
Bulma smiled. "I guess we're not so different after all."
Celipa managed a weak smile before whirling toward the slamming on the door. "It's him."
Bulma strode over and released the lock. Raditz's hulking frame filled the small doorway and she watched as his eyes immediately turned to stare at Celipa's back. Oh yeah...definitely some tension there. "Raditz."
He glanced at her fleetingly. "You're wanted on the bridge." His hard dark gaze moved back to the female of his attention. "Both of you."
The words had the desired effect and it made Celipa turn and face the object of her troubles. "Why?" It was spoken in a calmly focused manner that hid all trace of the inner turmoil she was enduring.
Bulma swallowed as they stared each other down. Ok...this is not the time and place. She slipped in front of Raditz and pushed him back out the door. "Go. We'll be there momentarily." She slapped the lock and jumped back inside before he had a chance to react. "Just relax. I highly doubt that whatever we're needed for is dire." She slipped across the room and picked up the clothes. "Just let me clean up a bit and change, then we'll go.''
Celipa sagged down onto the bed and nodded. "Ok."
Bulma hesistated at the utterly lost look on her face. Wow...I never thought I'd ever see her like this. He must have really done something to her. Shaking her head, she dashed into the bathroom and cleaned the sweat from her little sparring session down the drain. Along with his damn scent. The thought made her pause and she stared at the soap in her hands. "Ah, dammit!" He may have been focused on Celipa, but he couldn't miss Vegeta's smell all over me! She started laughing as she rinsed off and jumped out of the shower. Bulma Briefs...loose woman! She swiftly pulled on her comfortingly familiar clothes and slung her hair up into a high ponytail as she exited the room. "Let's go."
The full-blooded Saiyan gave her a curious glance as they exited the room. "What was so funny?"
Bulma squeegied some water from her hair. "Oh, that was nothing." The matter didn't seem to bother her and they continued the rest of the way to the bridge in silence. The sense of urgency that Raditz had displayed made her except bustling activity, but what they found were calm and controlled behavior. Celipa hung back by the door, always allowing Bulma to speak up and possibly dig herself into a hole that she couldn't get out of. Bulma's curious gaze landed on each of the males in the room and she lifted a brow in question. "What's all the hubbub?"
Nappa was the only one that seemed to hear her and he pointed with his head in Vegeta's direction. "Ask him."
The Saiyan no Ouji was standing in front of one of the consoles used for trans-communication, his back to her. Bulma's tail swung behind her lazily as she sauntered over and perched on a connecting console. "Something you wish to share?"
His eyes swung over to glance at her and then swiveled back to whatever seemed to be coming from the read-out. "I just recieved a transmission from someone I think will interest you."
Bulma caught Celipa's snap to attention and leaned closer to him. "Who?"
This time he turned to face her. "Your Tousan."
"My...Otousan?" She slipped down from the console and slipped in front of him to read the transmission. 'Commander, the squadron has been reassigned to Chikyuu. They will be reporting to the Captain based there.' She frowned. "How can that be?"
Vegeta smirked and stepped closer to press against her back and turned his head to speak into her ear. "Commander, meaning me..the squadron being your little crew. He sent them to Chikyuu."
The blood rushed to her cheeks as his warm breath tickled her neck. "Who's the Captain?" I know Papa had been the one feeding us information, but I never thought he'd be responsible for this kind of organization. She smiled at the purposely vague message. Well, then again, he is a genius.
"Your Tousan is a smarter man than I ever gave the human credit for." He gently nipped the tender skin behind her ear before stepping away and gesturing to Raditz. "Make yourself useful and explain." Vegeta apparently hadn't forgotten the trespass against him.
The Saiyan eyed the Prince before sitting back and propping his feet on the console, as if to say 'too bad'. "Dr. Briefs was very crafty when it came to recruiting followers out from under Frieza's nose. A master at decieving his master. I spent a great deal of time working in his lab before being assigned to Vegeta's crew." He dropped his feet down and stood up. "He always followed orders, but when the bosses left the room all he did was undermine their authority."
Celipa stepped forward to listen better. "Sounds like someone else I know." She sent Bulma knowing glance.
All eyes turned to the blue-haired beauty in question. She glanced up from the console and threw out her hands in exasperation. "It runs in the family."
Raditz started to pace. "It wasn't for a few years, but during our...ah..travels...we started to get these cryptic messages. At first we figured them for galactic overflow."
Bulma nodded her agreement. Often times the trans-communication would spit out indechiperable jargon sent out to any available communicators. Annoying, but harmless. "He never identified himself, but he left small anecdotes imbedded in the messages. I never told anyone, but I knew it was him. I recognized the speech patterns immediately."
"Are you serious?" Celipa strode over and jerked her arm. "Why didn't you ever say anything?"
She wrenched her arm free and glared back at her accusitory gaze defensively. "I didn't fully the trust the others yet. You included. I wouldn't dare risk his discovery." She noted how hurt she was and shrugged. "I never told anyone...not even Kakarrot. It was all or none." Celipa seemed satisfied for the moment, but the anger pulsed off her in waves. Bulma turned back to the others and found Vegeta smirking at her. "I managed to convince the others he was legit and they believed me."
Vegeta eyed Celipa as she growled. Somebody's a bit touchy. Apparently being bested by the half-Saiyan girl infuriated her. "He made his influence known a different way. We were summoned to a military function, seemingly by the exalted Emperor himself, but it turned out that the good Doctor is skilled at forging." His tail looped loosely around a glass on a nearby counter and brought it to his lips. "It seems that being a subject of Frieza's court had hardened the meek scientist I knew from back on Vejitasei. We spoke at length and I agreed to help his cause."
Bulma's eyes narrowed. "You don't do anything for nothing. What'd you get?" She set her shoulders and spoke silently. "And don't even think of lying."
He lifted a single brow. "Careful Onna." His tail twitched and set down the glass. "Very astute. He told me that in return for our cooperation, he would make the last of our people disappear. His previous work had impressed me enough to agree." He smiled. "There's hasn't been a single trace of a Saiyan since."
"What's your whole part is this?" Bulma was still stuggling to figure this all out.
Raditz stretched his arms over his head and yawned. "Our role is just beginning."
Chikyuu
Juunana spied a cursory glance toward the group he was leading, alone, to the base in the desert. It was bewildering to have any nagging feelings as an Android, but he couldn't ignore the slight worry he felt at his partner's condition. It's an uncharacteristic display of disregard. The Chichi I've been with for years doesn't make miscalculations of this magnitude. Very unsettling. The young Saiyan cradling her battered body met his gaze and scowled. Without expression, he turned back to his task and dropped his altitude. It's all that Saiyan. His influence has altered her pattern of behavior. He trained his vision on the faint trail left in the dark desert sand and followed it like a map. He hadn't spoken a single word since their small group had rejoined outside the city limits, but he did so now to get their attention. "The base is just ahead. I'd reduce your speed unless you wish to be flattened by it."
The others listened to his actions rather than his words, and he dropped even lower as the enormous rockface blossomed into view. He surged forward and stopped dead in mid-air, allowing gravity to pull him down to the ground. His Saiyan companions followed suit and landed softly all around him. He ran a hand through his thick black hair. "Home sweet home."
"Could we hurry this up? She needs medical attention." Kakarrot came to his side, his voice agitated.
Juunana regarded him a moment before sighing and striding into the crevice. "This way." He weaved through the rocky craggs and came to a stop on the familiar lift that was the only entrance to the underground base. "Step right up." He gestured to the platform and waited. Kakarrot eyed it a moment before stepping on, followed closely by Toma and Turles.
Bardock noted everything he could about the structure before finally stepping on board. "Not very technologically advanced."
The android snorted. "The most complex piece of technology here is standing before you, with the possible exception of my sister." He started the lift's descent.
Toma's eyes widened. "There's another one? A female?"
"Yes."
Turles threw his hands up in the air. "Great. Just wonderful." He shook his head in annoyance. "Surrounded by Kami-damn robots."
"Androids" Bardock and Juunana said in unison.
"What the hell is the difference?" He rolled his eyes as Bardock started to talk. "Spare me the exciting details." He shifted toward Juunana. "Is she as friendly as you?"
"More." The machine smiled.
Apparently sarcasm hasn't escaped their little wired world. "Tell me, who exactly are we coming to meet?"
Juunana's emotionless blue eyes moved about each warrior, stopping briefly on every one. "The few people of our Order and the key to defeating the enemy."
"I'm curious as to how a bunch of weak little humans can possibly be of any help." Turles skepticism made even his fellow Saiyans scowl.
"There is always more than meets the eye." The lift rattled to a stop in the wide cavern and Juunana leapt off and strode to the lone door. "Right this way." He held up his right index finger and it slowly broke apart to reveal a small key inside.
"Very handy." Turles muttered from the back of the group.
He inserted the key and the door's lock released, swinging it inward on it's hinges. "Here is where you hold your tongues. I know it must be very hard to suppress all those primitive instincts." He smirked and slipped through the dark doorway.
Bardock turned and held up his hand, stopping Turles' tirade before it even commenced. His nichan gritted his teeth, but did as he was told. He'll be the death of me. He returned his attention to what was coming and crossed the threshold and into a dimly lit room filled with large screens and computers. Old computers, from decades past, lined each of the walls, only interrupted by the occasional door to other sections of the base. His persusal of the room stopped when he set his eyes on the tall blonde standing beside Juunana. "The sister?"
She didn't flash a smile or even blink, her eyes darting to the limp form hanging in his son's arms as he entered the room. "What happened to her?"
Kakarrot stepped forward. "Port Guards. She been unconscious for nearly an hour."
The statuesque blonde reached out and touched a hand to her dirt-marred forehead. "Come with me." She started off for one of the wings off to the left.
Bardock nodded for his son to go and glanced back at the Android. "Who's in charge here?"
Juunana stepped aside and gestured to a high-backed chair positioned in front of the largest screen. The chair swiveled around to reveal a diminuitve man with a balding head. The small man set down a small remote from his right hand and slipped down from his seat. "You must forgive my wife. She's not one for small talk or introductions I'm afraid." He strode forward and his head just barely passed Bardock's belt. "My name is Krillin and I've been looking forward this moment for many years."
A/N: Woo..*wipes forehead*..I think that was the longest chapter I've written since I started Part Two. Some more of the mystery will be unraveled soon. I mean that though...not like the wait I've given you this time. I'm really hoping the cold I just came down with doesn't slow me down too much. I know I mentioned a lemon and when the response I recieved there will be one in the future...I promise. It'll come up in the next chapter or two. This chapter was a bit more action geared, so be ready for some more romance. *Just a note: I also posted Chapter 3 of A Beautiful Lie...in case you were interested.* 'Til next time!!
Thanx:
Required Name: Hope that helped..hehe. I really appreciate all the nice compliments about my intimate scenes...I can't stand chessy cliches either. I'm glad I portray the characters so well too...I'd hate to not give them the justice they deserve. I promise to update as soon as I can...and I hope that this one was such an evil way to end a chapter. Thanx! ^_^
artchic: I've been told I'm evil many, many times....twistedly evil in fact..hehe. I've read a lot of the work of the authors you listed and I loved them. I'm touched that you put me in the same caliber as them...I mean, I thought their stuff was absolutely amazing and I still have a few doubts when I whirl up a scheme...thanx ssoo much ^_^! I'm glad you enjoyed the V/B tough love- my term for it- so much...I spent a very long time putting that together. I wanted it just right. I also really like giving the female counterpart in my fics to be fighters...hence the whole Chichi scene. People always forget she was a fighter once upon a time and I thought I'd bring it back. Hope the answer about the tails lived up to your expectations! Thanx!