Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Midnight Storm ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter Two:

 

 

It was at least an hour before Balin spoke, and when he did, he seemed to not like what he was saying, but told it like a news reporter grimly reports the violence of the day.

 

“The Unseelie have never accepted your rule, but then again, I'm sure you're well aware of that aren't you, Prince Trunks?”

 

“You know who I am,” Trunks said, “but I thought you were looking for the princess.”

 

Balin nodded, speaking slowly, “I am looking for her. The princess' father, the King of the Unseelie married a woman when the Princess was a very young child. Because her mother had died in childbirth, her parents were never married as our tradition demands they should have been. He was looking for comfort when he got a woman from the court pregnant, and tradition dictates they be married. His new bride, however, was determined that Kyara not be treated as a member of the family. Her father was very fond of her, but her step-mother made her life hell. The step-mother wanted her son to rule, and that meant that Kyara had to either be exiled or killed.

 

“Kyara survived through her teenage years, but had a bad habit of running away. If I could recount the times we were sent to search for her, I would, but it doesn't matter. Kyara was popular among those of the guard, and her father was trapped with a woman he didn't love and a son who was, at his best, a spoiled brat. At his worst, he was a masochist.”

 

“So, when she disappeared this time around, you thought she had just run away again?” Gohan asked.

 

Balin sighed, “Well… that's what her step-mother and half-brother believed. Kyara's father thought something was amiss, but recognized his daughter's history. The guard, however, was skeptical. Kyara was in a relationship, a secret relationship, with a member of the guard. Those that knew about it also knew that should her step-mother find out, she would most certainly arranged Kyara's death. In order to claim the throne, Kyara would need some serious backing. And what more support do you need than being the lover of one of the Royal Guard?”

 

“You were her lover?” Gohan asked.

 

Balin smiled, shaking his head, “Not me. A Fey named Aragon.”

 

“And what happened to this Aragon?” Trunks asked, stopping.

 

Balin stopped walking and said, “He's the one who discovered your friend Radditsu's indiscretion. This is about when I was sent to try and find the princess. And of course, there was no trace of her here other than the remnants of her power.”

 

“Power?” Kakarroto asked.

 

“Like your ki-signature, we Fey leave behind remnants of our power when we use it, and when we use spells.”

 

“And just what was her power?” Kakarroto asked.

 

Balin looked back in to the woods, “She's an extremely powerful telekinetic. She can move things by thinking about it, including your energy blasts.”

 

“So that's how she got away from Radditsu,” Trunks mused, “because Radditsu would have tried to subdue her using a ki-blast.”

 

Balin nodded, “That and you must remember that the princess was on good terms with the Royal Guard, so she could defend herself. Probably not someone as strong as Radditsu, but she would have given him one hell of a fight.”

 

“So, where are we going?” Goten finally asked.

 

Balin pointed, “If Kyara went anywhere, she would have gone to her grandmother's. They were very close and news of her disappearance would have been spread by now. Kyara knows her grandmother will be worried.”

 

“Her grandmother doesn't live among the Unseelie, does she?” Trunks asked.

 

“Why would she? She's human.”

 

“So Kyara isn't full-blooded Fey?”

 

“No. Her grandfather was full-blooded, father of the current king. He fell in love with the human woman and married her, but was killed trying to fight your kind. Their son, Kyara's father, fell in love with an Unseelie noblewoman who was pure-blooded, so Kyara is three-quarters fey.”

 

“I thought you were immortal,” Goten said, looking at Balin skeptically.

 

“Not immortal. We can be killed, this is true, but we are hard to kill.”

 

 

Inside her grandmother's house, Kyara wrapped a towel around her breasts, tying it. She wiped the steam from the mirror and looked at herself; frowning at the split lip that beast had given her. She had the pure white skin that was prized among the Unseelie, and her eyes, one two shades of blue and the other, two shades of green were considered an oddity, but no less beautiful than someone with two eyes of the same color. As far as her body, it seemed to take on a more human appearance. She was short for a Fey, barely topping out at 5 foot four inches. She also had breasts and hips, adding voluptuous curves to what should have been nearly boy-like, except for the breasts, which were large for any member of the Fey. None liked to point out the flaws that made her heritage obvious than her step-mother.

 

Bitch. Kyara thought, running a brush through her black hair. If it wasn't for you, none of this would have happened. I know who it was that let Radditsu's soldiers know where I was going. You hoped they would kill me, or that he would. No. What he did was worse, and you, my lovely, Unseelie step-mother, are going to pay. Along with that monster you call a son.

 

The words themselves carried power and Balin felt that power, though diminished over the distance, and smiled.

 

“She's there. Thank the gods,” he said, and looked at the Saiyans following him, “Come,” he said, and took off at a fast jog through the woods. He moved as though he knew them, or as some sort of predator stalking it's prey. The team had no problems keeping up, but often stepped on rocks and fallen foliage that Balin missed completely, gracefully, as though he instinctually knew they were there. When they finally stopped, outside of a modest cabin, Balin told them to wait as he approached the door.

 

Respectfully, he knocked where any other would have probably kicked the door down. A few minutes later, and aged old woman answered the door, greeting Balin with an arthritic bow. Trunks whispered over his shoulder to Goten, “That's the witch my mom used to tell us about. Remember?”

 

Goten nodded, “Your father used her as a soothsayer, didn't he?”

 

Trunks nodded, “But I had no idea she was once married to the King of the Unseelie. Hell, I thought the Unseelie were just some bedtime story my mom made up.”

 

“Your friends are welcome as well, Balin. I see king Vegeta's son there. I always respected that man and won't have his son outside in the cold. Come, I will fetch Kyara and we will all talk.”

 

She disappeared inside the door and Balin waved all of them inside. Trunks looked back at the others and shrugged. They followed Balin into the woman's house and closed the door behind them. They all gathered around the kitchen table and the old woman went to the stairs and called up.

 

“Kyara,” she said, “Balin is here. He's brought some friends.”

 

“I'll be down in a minute, Grams.”

 

“Well,” she said as she came back into the kitchen, “Let's all get to know each other.”

 

“You know my father?” Trunks asked.

 

“Of course I know your father, young prince. I sometimes used to advise him when he lived here on Earth. I was his soothsayer.”

 

“His soothsayer?” Gohan asked, “As in his psychic?”

 

The woman chuckled, “Much more than a psychic, my boy. I used to advise King Vegeta on a great many things, not just on the future.”

 

When they heard footsteps on the stairs, they all turned to where they emptied out in the living room, just outside the kitchen. Balin let out a sigh of relief as she stepped into the kitchen. She was put immediately on her guard by the presence of the Saiyans. Balin spoke first, partially to reassure her and partially to prevent any trouble.

 

“These fine, strapping young men were sent by Vegeta to rescue you from Radditsu,” Balin explained, “Of course, you got yourself out of that situation.”

 

Kyara shrugged, “That man was an idiot. He should never have unbound my powers.”

 

“It's quite impressive if it allowed you to get away from Radditsu,” Gohan said, watching her as she sat on one of the chairs.

 

“So, you came to get me, did you, Balin?”

 

Balin nodded, “Yes, princess. Your father sent me.”

 

Kyara sighed, “I'm not going back there, Balin. Dogmath will kill me. He's probably already killed Aragon.”

 

“Aragon is alive and well, princess, but he is married.”

 

Kyara nodded, “That is good. At least he's not dead. I can handle married.”

 

Balin smiled, “You must come back, Kyara. Your father wants to see you.”

 

“My father loved me, but never once did he protect me from that woman or her son and their supporters. He allowed the duels that could have killed me.”

 

“He couldn't rightfully go against our law, Kyara. Those duels were lawful, even if they weren't for any good reason.”

 

Kyara sighed, “I know, Balin. I just can't believe he expects me to stay there and survive.”

Balin sighed. If it weren't for the queen and her son, Kyara would be happy. She wouldn't have to fight to survive. And her father could enjoy her company. He loves her and she knows that, but he has a duty to his people that he can't put his daughter ahead of. I don't blame her for not wanting to go back.

 

“Please,” he said, “At least come home to see him. Let him know that you're okay.”

 

Kyara sighed, “Are you going to protect me, Balin?”

 

Balin sighed, “You know that I can't promise that. Once you've accepted a duel, I can't interfere.”

 

“I know, Balin. I know. That's what I'm afraid of.”

 

“We'll protect her,” Trunks offered.

 

Balin chuckled, “You can't protect her, boy.”

 

“What Balin means to say is that once a duel is challenged, if the challenged doesn't accept the duel, he or she is called coward and is never respected. However, once a duel is accepted, no one can interfere,” the old woman explained, “if you do, then you violate their most sacred laws,” the old woman explained.

 

“Better to respect their laws, Trunks,” Gohan explained, “especially if we want to earn their respect.”

Trunks nodded, “We would like to meet with your king.”

 

Balin turned and looked at the young prince, “I think that can be arranged. Kyara, you can stay if you want. I'll inform the king that you are well. He won't be happy with me, but well, you are an adult.”

 

“I'll come Balin. I owe Aragon at least my congratulations.”

 

Her grandmother looked at her, “You be careful, child. I don't think your step-mother and brother are going to be overly pleased at your return.”

 

“Well, they can just get over it. Dogmath is too scared to challenge me openly, as is his mother. So they get their supporters to do it for them. I'm in the kind of mood that I might just challenge them to duels myself.”

“Kyara, that's not wise. Besides, you have no reason-“

 

She cut him off, “No reason? Balin, who do you think it was that told the Saiyan soldiers I was heading to Gram's? None on the guard would have done it. Even if they didn't do it themselves, they ordered someone to.”

 

Balin sighed, “You're right, Kyara, but still, don't go inviting trouble. It's not worth it.”

 

“Alright, Balin, I won't challenge them unless they give me reason to. I give you my word.”

 

“What of Radditsu?” Goten asked, “He did lie to us.”

 

Kyara spun, “He's mine.”

 

Trunks looked at her, his eyes narrowing. He wouldn't be surprised if Radditsu had raped her, but it was still a Saiyan problem. It would, and should, be handled by a Saiyan, “Radditsu will be punished. Like your laws concerning a duel, a Saiyan problem is a Saiyan problem.”

 

“Heh,” Kyara grunted, pulling on her jacket, “you had better hope it was just me he was trying to impregnate. For some insane reason, he's been trying to breed with the Unseelie women he's captured and produce what he thinks will be a new breed of super warrior.”

 

“You're kidding,” Trunks said, “what makes him think,” and then he fell silent, because he knew the answer.

 

It wasn't long ago; in fact, it was only after Gohan was born that Saiyan scientists figured out that Saiyan-Human half-breeds actually had a higher ki-signature at birth than the full-blooded. The taboo concerning inter-species mating was lifted and even his father chose a human mate to ensure high-power level children. Now, if Radditsu was mating with Fey women, hoping to create and even more powerful race, he was only doing it for one thing: to try and take the throne, eventually. But why choose the princess? And take her by force? That part, at least, didn't make sense. The princess herself didn't seem to be any stronger than any of the other Fey. That she was concerned about being challenged to a duel proved the opposite. She may be considered relatively weak compared to others of her kind. Balin treated her with utmost respect, but was that due to strength or position? Yet, she did beat Radditsu back enough to get away from him. She was an amalgam of contradictions.

 

Trunks knew that he needed to know more about their traditions, their laws, before he could make an informed decision about how to best go about forming an alliance with them. Gohan would of course, watch everything silently before telling Trunks what he has observed, and recommending how to approach them. It wasn't until he caught himself staring at her that he broke away from his thoughts. He looked away, hoping that she hadn't seen him staring. She was certainly worth staring at, but he was supposed to be above such behavior. Besides, he wasn't some inexperienced school-boy.

 

When they left, Trunks followed behind Balin and Kyara, who were speaking almost too quietly to be overheard.

 

“How far is it?” Kakarroto asked.

 

Without turning, Balin answered, “We're already near the boundaries of Unseelie land. The entrance to the Sithen isn't far.”

 

Thirty minutes later, they arrived and Balin said a few words that only Kyara seemed to understand and a door opened leading into the ground. Stairs descended into the dimly lit cavern below and Balin and Kyara disappeared down. Trunks and the others followed a few moments later. The stairs emptied out into a hall, wider than Balin was tall and dimly lit by candlelight. They were met by a man who seized Kyara, picking her up. She laughed happily, wrapping her legs around his waist.

 

“Ronan, when did you get back?”

 

“About a week ago. I've been worried.”

 

“I'm fine, Ronan. Never better, in fact.”

 

“That's too close to a lie, that,” Ronan said, setting her down and looking at Balin, “What are they doing here?”

 

Ronan's eyes were full of distrust as he surveyed each of Trunks' team. It was quite obvious that he didn't like, or at least, didn't trust the Saiyans. Balin spoke first, “My friend, they came to look or the princess. I believe they're here to help.”

 

Trunks offered his hand, “We are honored that you would invite us into your home.”

 

“Well,” Ronan said, “he's got the politics down. At least he shows respect and all that, unlike that buffoon currently claiming he rules Earth.”

 

“Radditsu does rule the Earth,” Kakarroto pointed out, “but it is agreed that perhaps a replacement should be sought.”

 

Ronan looked at him critically, “So, you're aware of what's going on?”

 

Balin shrugged, “Unless something has changed.”

 

“Wait,” Kyara said, “what is going on? I've been away for a long time, haven't I?”

 

Ronan looked at her, “The Seelie joined Radditsu.”

 

“You're kidding me,” Kyara said, “I thought that he defeated them all.”

 

“Our spies indicate that they've been working together the entire time. It's part of their plan to destroy all things Unseelie.”

“But, if they had to join Radditsu, it means that they know we're stronger,” Kyara pointed out.

 

Balin nodded, “That may be true, but if they've joined Radditsu and what the princess said about inter-breeding is true, we may have a bigger problem on our hands. A problem, that ten or so years from now, could destroy all of us.”

 

Kyara began laughing, “It is just so like him. Egomaniac that he is, he intends on taking rule of Vegeta, too.”

 

“That will never happen,” Trunks said, his fists clenching at his sides, shaking with anger.

 

“You think it won't? Imagine a species with the power of a Saiyan and the magic of the Fey, a perfect blend of raw power and even rawer magic. The Fey, unlike the humans, aren't fragile. We're a hard lot to kill, we are. Mix that with the Saiyan's regenerative power that makes them stronger after a beating they've survived.”

 

Gohan spoke first, “If this plan comes to fruition, we're going to have an inter-galactic war on our hands.”

 

“The Saiyan is right,” said a voice down the hallway, slowly emerging from the shadows into the light, his impressive stature immediately commanding the attention of all who were there.

 

“Father!” Kyara said, immediately bowing.

 

“I am glad you are safe, daughter, but there are more important things happening here. Please, all of you follow me.”

 

Without a word, everyone followed behind him, down the long hallway and into a room that appeared to be a study, an office if you will. He sat down behind his desk and regarded them all seriously.

 

“Your majesty,” Balin bowed, “may I present the prince of Vegeta, Trunks, and his team of Saiyan soldiers.”

 

The king bowed his head, “Your presence is welcome here, young prince as well as your friends. Too long have we not taken the time to try and get to know one another.”

 

Trunks bowed slightly, showing what reverence he could to a man he did not know. He seemed like his father, a hard man, but unlike his father, showed respect to all, even those who were inferior in status. Perhaps it was the years that made him hard or perhaps it was this new threat, looming over him. Whatever it was, he clearly wasn't above thinking that allying with the Saiyans might help him. Once introductions were over, the real reason for their meeting was made evident.

 

“Why kidnap the princess?” Trunks asked first.

 

“You know nothing of our law, the traditions that bind us, so I will explain it to you,” the king said amicably, looking at his daughter.

 

“I can explain it, father,” she said, looking at Trunks, “because the Fey are near immortal, we do not reproduce as often as other species, including the humans. Love doesn't count for much here, even if it is the real thing and not just lustful infatuation. In order to be married, a child must be conceived first, and even in instances of rape, if a child is conceived, the parents are married. We do not tolerate the marriage of an infertile pair.”

 

“I see,” Trunks said, “so Radditsu's plan was to get you pregnant and allow himself a venue to the Unseelie throne through you.”

 

Kyara nodded, “But what Radditsu doesn't know is that when you're Fey, the Gods don't often create a match, even through pregnancy, that isn't meant to be.”

 

“So, obviously, Radditsu wasn't meant to be your lover,” Ronan said, “thank the Gods for that.”

 

Kyara nodded, “So, you see, if Radditsu manages to impregnate a Fey, his is bound to her and no adultery would be tolerated. To the Fey, marriage is an oath and if you break your oath, you're worth less than the dirt they'll bury you in.”

 

“Is Radditsu aware of this?” Kakarroto asked.

 

“Doubtfully,” Trunks answered, “he's got some intelligence or he wouldn't have been made governor, but he's not all that bright, and he wouldn't care what Fey law is.”

 

The king nodded, “And you could remove him as governor?”

 

“My father could. But, I'd have to be able to tell him what we think Radditsu is planning.”

 

The king nodded, “Well, we of course, must do what we can to remove him from any opportunity to achieve his plans.”

 

Trunks nodded, “And what of our alliance?”

 

“That,” the king said, “I will consider. You're my honored guests and I believe that we'll be having a feast arranged by Azura to celebrate my daughter's homecoming.”

 

“I wouldn't eat the food, though,” Kyara said acidly, “it's likely to be poisoned, especially mine.”

 

The King glared at his daughter, but said nothing. Perhaps he silently agreed, but he spoke, “In any case, I will announce my decision after the feast.”

 

 

Balin made sure they were seated together, but not with other Fey at a table close to the King's table. When the others started milling inside, they were all caught off guard by their appearance. Among the Saiyan, differences in body shape and size weren't uncommon, but hair, skin, and eyes rarely changed among the pure-blooded. Hair was usually black or a light-to-dark brown, with the latter being less common and black eyes. Trunks got his lavender hair and blue eyes from his mother's human heritage, and her skin color, which wasn't the creamy brown of the Saiyan, it was paler, whiter. Goten and Gohan's parent's both had black hair, so it was no wonder they got the black hair. The spikiness, common among them, made no appearance in Trunks' long straight hair until he turned Super Saiyan, when it turned gold and radiated, along with the rest of his skin, a golden glow.

 

These Unseelie, though, they had all different skin colors, all of which seemed to glow. Their hair colors all seemed to naturally complement the skin color, but none of them were human colors, unless the human dyed their hair. They eyes were perhaps the most striking, all fiercely glowing, running the gamut from Balin's golden-amber eyes to the colors of precious gems. They were all immaculately dressed, making the Saiyan's battle suits seem inappropriate and all they could do was stare, casting glances at one another and shift uncomfortably in their seats.

 

After everyone else had settled in their seats, the royal family entered, Kyara first, followed by her brother, Dogmath, the queen, and then the king. Putting Kyara first determined her rank as far as the throne went- Dogmath was probably heir apparent. He walked with an arrogant cockiness that Trunks saw his father use, especially when he wanted to seem intimidating. They were all dressed formally, Kyara looking notably uncomfortable in the floor length gown, which hung off her shoulders and bared an obscene amount of cleavage. Once they all took their seats, servants crowded the hall, serving the food and drinks. When you were a guest at another ruler's court, it was always polite to wait until your host started eating before you took the first bite. Of course, they were always served first, and it was considered impolite if they ate before their guests had all been served.

 

The dinner over, the king stood and waited for the hall to fall into silence before speaking, “If there is any business that needs settling before I make a few brief announcements, please present it now.”

 

A woman stood, Aragon beside her, trying to get her to sit down, but to no avail, “I'm doing this for my sister, Aragon. I don't trust you any more than I trust that half-breed piece of trash you used to be with.”

 

“What is it, Siobhan?”

 

“I challenge Princess Kyara to a duel,” she said, her blue eyes settling on Kyara with a maliciousness that only confirmed her desire.

 

The entire hall fell silent and Kyara stood to answer the challenge. Balin shook his head, and Aragon, Ronan, and another guard stood. The king sighed deeply and nodded, looking at his wife and her son, who looked entirely too pleased with the situation.