Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Tortured Soul ❯ chapter four ( Chapter 4 )

Buu watched as Alysa ran back upstairs. He was assumed she wanted to change her shirt again. She didn't seem to like to be covered in blood. He would have to remember that and try to keep their victims blood from shattering on her.

Buu watched until she turned the corner and was out of sight. He then jumped off the counter and walked back into the living room. He picked up the body of the woman to dispose of her.

She was barely dead yet already Buu could smell the beginning of decay.

He liked killing, but that didn't mean he liked the stench of the dead.

He opened a sliding glass door that lead to the back yard. It was a large yard with a nice view of the river. Personally Buu didn't care and wouldn't have given a shit if this house overlooked a graveyard. But Alysa seemed to like it.

Buu threw the body on a burnt patch of grass. Telltale signs of previous use.

Without a word he ki blasted the body to hell.

When the smoke cleared nothing of that woman remained. Not even ash.

Buu stretched his arms raising them high above his head. His back and shoulders popped loudly. He stood silent for a moment as he watched the sun. The sun was the only way he knew how to tell time. It was still high in the sky. He had a lot of time left.

He turned slightly as noises came from the kitchen. Alysa must have returned from upstairs.

It was then he smelled the aromas of her cooking. His stomach growled.

Damn he was hungry. Maybe he should have turned the policewoman into a chocolate bar or something. He hadn't thought about it…he had been too angry with her. So he just killed her.

Buu wondered at that. He had become angry when Alysa had been hurt.

Well in a way that made sense. He had put a lot of time and effort into her. He didn't want his challenge to die before his wait was over. Besides she wasn't that bad, considering she was a human.

She was quiet. That was the biggest plus. That seemed to be a rare thing on this planet.

Kami did he hate talking.

Another big plus was apparently she could cook!! Hmmm that smelled good.

Buu turned and entered the house again. As he walked back to the kitchen his mind returned to the subject he had been thinking about.

Another thing good about her was that she was weak and knew it. Hercule had the annoying habit of thinking he was the strongest in the world. She on the other hand seemed to know her place…even if she did seem confused about everything else. She seemed to be the type unable to make their own decisions. Of course that was wonderful for his purposes.

But other than that he didn't know much about her. Maybe he should ask her?

He did after all have a goal to reach. It might help if she thought he knew her, or pretended to understand her completely.

Not that he wanted to understand a human…that just sounded disgusting to him. He wouldn't do that to his intelligence.

But it might give him some leverage on making her like killing. He smirked…he had noticed how she looked at the body of that cop. There had been no horror or pity in her eyes then.

One step closer.

Piccolo watched the earth from the Lookout.

He didn't like this. Buu didn't seem to be doing anything. One would think he would be out killing cities and murdering millions of people by now. Not that Piccolo wanted him to do that. It just made him uneasy that Buu was doing something unexpected. An enemy that was unpredictable was far more dangerous than one that was.

Piccolo stretched his senses closer to Buu. He did this at great risk.

If Buu were to feel him prying who knew what he might do. But Piccolo had to know what he was doing.

Dende: Can you see anything?

Piccolo closed his eyes, and allowed his sixth sense so to speak to create a picture in his mind.

Piccolo: he's definitely not kill en masse that's for sure. But I'm sure that he's killed at least a few. Remember that terrible wave energy we felt.

Dende: yes…you said he was torturing someone.

Piccolo nodded.

Piccolo: It's hard to tell…Buu's ki is so strong it distorts or covers up everything around him. I can't `see' much else. But I think someone is with him. Someone that doesn't seem to be afraid of him.

Dende: Could it be Hercule…

Piccolo: No…I'm not sure but I think this ki is feminine.

Dende: A woman?

Piccolo: A young one…barely out of childhood. Unless I miss my guess.

Dende: How terrible.

Piccolo grunted in agreement.

It was so hard to tell for sure. He had only sensed this supposed girl a couple of times. Whenever she got close to Buu her ki was swallowed up in his.

But what was Buu doing with a girl. One would think that he would be on a killing spree like that the world has never seen. It didn't make sense…the whole reason Buu agreed to the extra day was so he could kill the humans. So why wasn't he doing it. Was he planning something?

This was stupid! He just couldn't sit up here and wonder.

He needed to know.

Piccolo: Dende…I'm going down there to see what Buu's up to.

Dende: WHAT! Are you crazy Piccolo! We can't afford for him to get angry. Gotenks isn't ready.

Piccolo: We have to. We need to know what he's up to. For all we know he might be planning something.

Dende: But Piccolo…you can't!

Dende's moved so that he stood between Piccolo and the earth. His face was grave in worry and fear.

Dende: I know this sounds bad but send someone else if you feel we must do this. You're too important to lose! The earth needs you.

Piccolo: A lot of good I'm doing. I can't defeat Buu. I'm not strong enough.

Dende: Sometimes victory comes from the mind not the body. You're the smartest fighter we got. Do you seriously think Gotenks will come out of the time chamber perfect? He's a child. He'll need you to guide him.

Piccolo looked sharply to the side. What Dende said was true. He was needed.

And although that helped a little to boast his self-confidence, they still needed someone to go and check up on Majin Buu.

Dende: Who do you think should go?

Piccolo turned toward the palace. His sharp eyesight could barely make out several shapes moving about.

Piccolo: Yamcha wouldn't be any good. He tends to freeze under pressure.

Dende: I agree…he's a great fighter, but…

Piccolo: It's the but that could get us killed. No not Yamcha…

Dende: What about Killian? He's the strongest human.

Piccolo: That's a possibility…but Buu can sense ki's. That's what worries me. He would be able to sense anyone we send.

Piccolo clenched his fists tightly in anger.

Piccolo: We have to see what he's up to.

For a moment Dende remained silent. He looked to the ground deep in thought.

Buu being able to sense ki's was the preverbal kick in the balls. How could they get around that? Dende's eyes suddenly lit up, he smiled grimly as he looked up at Piccolo.

Dende: Well what about 18? She's an android so Buu wouldn't be able to sense her.

Piccolo slapped his hand against his face. Of course it was so simple.

Piccolo: Dende that's perfect!! Why didn't I think of that!

Dende: We all can't think of everything.

Piccolo: I'll go talk to her.

Piccolo: Number 18…can I talk to you for a second alone.

Everybody looked up in surprise from their card game at Piccolo's request.

Killian and 18 shared an intimate and silent look.

It was common knowledge while Piccolo didn't dislike the android he still kept his distance. Old grudges die hard, and he did train for 3 years just so he would be able to kick her ass. 18 wasn't to fond of the green man herself, although since they seldom around each other she never made a fuss about it.

Bulma huffed in anger and threw her cards to the ground violent.

Almost everyone there backed up warily from the enraged human mother. Something she could be as bad as Chi-Chi.

Bulma: Piccolo what's this about?

As usual Bulma almost tried to bit Piccolo's head off. She had been extremely testy since the boys had gone into the chamber.

Roshi: Now settle down Bulma, Piccolo wasn't talking to you?

Bulma: WHAT! MY SON MIGHT DIE IN LESS THAN A DAY AND YOU TELL ME TO SETTLE DOWN!!!

Bulma's high pitched raving was like murder on Piccolo's ears. So he was extremely glad that 18 finally spoke up.

18: Sure…whatever.

18 passed off a sleeping Marolin to Killian and stood up. She brushed her silky blonde hair back and put her hands in her pockets. Without another word she followed the green Namek as he left the small group.

Once he was far enough so the others couldn't hear (and he couldn't hear in return) he turned. For a moment he studied the android in front of him. He tried to asset her strength and weaknesses. While she hadn't improved any the past seven years she was still a fighter to be wary off. The fact that she couldn't get tired or lose her energy was a huge advantage. Still that wouldn't matter against Buu. He was so much stronger than her he would be able to kill her as easily as a human.

Piccolo: 18 I need to ask a favor. You don't have to do it if you don't want.

18 raised a thin and graceful eyebrow. Her ice blue eyes as always remained cold and unfeeling. Piccolo wondered how Killian could stand her. She was always so callous.

18: What is it?

Piccolo: Majin Buu is up to something. Dende and I are afraid he's planning something. We would like you to sneak in and take a look at what he's doing.

18: Just spy on him?

Piccolo: I wouldn't ask anything more.

18 turned away from Piccolo her eyes narrowing in thought.

So the green man had come to her for help. Oh how the mighty have fallen. Him the former guardian of the earth, asking her a mere android to do him a favor.

18 crossed her arms. She didn't like this…not one bit.

Why should she have to go and spy on Majin Buu? Why couldn't one of the men do it?

She had a family to look after. She didn't have the freedom to risk her life for nothing anymore.

Still despite her dislike for the Namek…she knew Piccolo. He wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. Maybe he suspected more than he said? Maybe she should go? Just to make sure it was safe for her daughter.

Not that there was anything she could do if it wasn't safe. But at least she would know what was coming.

18: Sure…I can do that. But I want something in return.

Piccolo: Huh?

Piccolo blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected this. What in the world could she possible what? 18 brushed her hair back again as she looked back toward the palace.

18: I saw this really nice necklace in the palace. It would look great around my neck.

18 titled her head toward him. She expected him to understand what she was saying without her saying it.

Piccolo sweat dropped.

Piccolo: Sure…anything you want.

18: Great…I'll be back in an hour. Oh don't tell Killian either. He would get worried.

Piccolo gave a brisk nod.

18: Right…the sooner I leave the sooner I can get back.

18 smiled and quickly left.

Alysa watch in astonishment as the last of the food (in the entire house(!)) disappeared down Buu's throat.

It was hard for her to believe but he had eaten everything in less than an hour. She had long ago stopped cooking when it became apparent he just didn't give a damn. If it were anywhere near edible he would stuff it down.

About the only thing he wouldn't touch were a can of anchovies (not that she blamed him) and a jar of pickles.

It had actually been kinda funny to watch him try a dill pickle for the first time.

One moment he was happily stuffing himself to the point where Alysa was sure he would explode, and then he reached for the little green things.

His face had consorted in the strangest way before he spit the pickle out. He had even rubbed his tongue off with his hands. It was all she could do not to burst out laughing at his expression. And well the anchovies…he took on sniff of them and that was all she wrote.

However neither of those experiences seemed to dampen his appetite.

Now there was nothing left in the house. Well except a jar of pickles and some smelly fish.

Buu wiped the side of his mouth off and smiled.

Alysa stiffened; she still didn't like it when he smiled like that.

Buu: Time to kill.

Buu jumped off the countertop easily and grinned down at her.

Alysa felt a deep sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach. So he was going to keep killing. Well at least that answered that question. But what of the others she had thought of? Did she have the guts to ask him?

Maybe she should try and keep his mind off killing. Of course she didn't know how he might take that. He might just up and kill her if she suggested something.

Buu: Where do you want to go?

He was actually asking her? Why? It didn't make sense. Nothing he did made any sense. Why was she alive anyway? What made her special?

She shrugged nervously. She was extremely close to tears. She didn't want to kill, right or no. It just wasn't in her. She didn't like seeing people in pain. It reminded her too much of her own pain.

Buu frowned at the expression on her face. For a moment his gaze seemed to turn inward. Like he was thinking really hard…it then brightened.

Buu: These are too big for you.

He tugged gently on the sleeve of the shirt she was wearing. It was true; of course, the shirt nearly swallowed her up.

Buu: we'll get you better cloths.

Buu watched carefully the look of surprise on Alysa's face. He hadn't missed the look of dread on her young face when he said `time to kill'. And while they had made some progress in his challenge that look reminded him grimly that she was a far way off from being a killer.

So he had racked his brain for a quick excuse to go into town. One that wouldn't make her freak out on him…or start crying (again). Also if he played his cards right it would be one more step toward making her trust him.

He sensed she didn't fear him, although she certainly was wary of him.

So he had thought…what in the world did she need?

The answer had been obvious. She needed something to wear. It had been the perfect thing. One…she might trust him if she thought he was doing something nice for her…two they would get to go where people were, and let the fun begin…three, he found it annoying that she wear clothing of a man he killed, they had his scent all over them and he didn't find that pleasing at all.

Alysa: Really?

Buu nodded and her face split into a wide grin.

Buu almost smiled himself then remembered she didn't like that. This was the first time that she had smiled (really smiled) at him.

He had played that hand beautifully.

Buu walked outside and was pleased to note that she followed him without question.

As he levitated slightly off the ground he had to remind himself that humans couldn't fly.

Several options ran though his mind on how to get her to the city.

But in the end he decided he would have to carry her, unless he wanted to ride on one of those stupid human machines. (not likely)

Without consulting her he reached out and grabbed her. Thankfully she didn't scream although he could sense her surprise as the unexpected move.

Easily he swung her behind him, so that she could wrap her tiny arms around his neck.

It was the easiest and most comfortable way to go about this.

She whimpered slightly but voiced no complaints as he rose further into the air. He could tell she was terrified. Did flying really scare her this much?

Human's…silly creatures.

Less than 15 minutes later Buu finally touched down in the middle of a busy sidewalk. He was feeling slightly cranky and thus was looking forward to this little `shopping' trip. The problem…he didn't like taking forever to fly somewhere that should only take a second. Hell in 15 minutes he could fly around the world…7 or 8 times.

The flight wouldn't have taken so long if his passenger were a little more hardy. However he didn't want to risk the chance of her fainting again…or worse her throwing up on his shoulder. So he took the ride slow and easy.

Still it galled him unpleasantly…Buu wasn't one to exercise patience.

Reaching behind him he plucked the small human from her death grip around his neck and placed her on the ground.

She seemed surprised as though she hadn't noticed they had landed. Then again she had been so frightened by the flight he suspected she hadn't.

Several people around him looked warily on but passed without questions. Many had seen him land (and thus fly) but since the fat Majin Buu's arrival the humans had become slightly more health conscience and thus avoided him like the plague.

That was kind of disappointing. He was hoping for maybe a brash young man or loud mouthed woman to approach and thus insure his wrath. However his `resemblance' to the fat Majin Buu must have warded them off. Because most of the people just kinda glanced at him and hurried on with lowered heads.

Humans…showing intelligence…wow miracles do happen.

Buu frowned annoyed that he wasn't given a quick excuse for killing.

Normally he didn't search for one and killed randomly and in mass. However with Alysa with him he decided that practicing restraint was probably best for the cause.

He looked at all the shops that lined the street. It had appeared from the air that this was a well-used area. He hoped that Alysa found what she needed quickly.

Buu: Take anything you want.

Buu gestured toward the shops and smiled.

He took careful noticed of her expression. For once it was bland as if his casual words of killing had little impact. She hadn't even flinched this time at his smile.

To quote the annoying and stupid human Hercule…OH YA.

Alysa turned without commenting and walked into the nearest clothing store.

Which happened to be one of the more…classy places. Alysa smiled to herself as she went about the quick business of shopping. Unlike the stereotype of woman Alysa hated shopping as much as any man. It just didn't do any good when she had no money. It became a mockery…mocking her with things she could never hope to afford.

Shopping became a thing of necessity not pleasure…besides it would be a painful death wish she was sure to annoy Buu with a long shopping trip.

He had already shown he had absolutely no patience.

She fingered a lovely blue skirt with little white flower sewn into the hem.

She sure didn't have to worry about money now. She could have the entire store if she chose. This town maybe even the world could be hers…Buu had made that clear that she controlled the fate of these people.

In those words and promise was a sense of power she had never felt before. For once she got a say in things. It felt rather…empowering, nice. Words couldn't fully explain what she felt.

Alysa glanced at the clerk though lowered eyes as she took the dress off the rack. He was watching her like a hawk. Like he was thought she might bolt out the door with the skirt at any moment.

She felt insulted, even though she knew that in the end these things would be stolen. She knew without a doubt that Buu had no need for money.

Still the clerk didn't know that. He had no right to judge her like this.

You have the right to judge him Alysa

Her inner voice was so sudden and so clear than Alysa gasped.

Quickly she covered the gasp with a cough as the clerk's head jerked her way.

Never had her inner voices sounded…so real. It sounded like someone was standing beside her.

Pushing down the fear the voice created. Alysa forced herself to consider what the voice said. It said she had the right to judge…did she? If he had treated her with the respect a fellow human being deserved then she wouldn't had noticed him. He had started it himself.

What would it be like…the voice whispered. To ask Buu to kill for us. Not for him just to do it, but to truly order a man to death.

Alysa shivered in sudden fear at the thought. She had never thought anything like that before. It scared her. She didn't like killing. It was wrong.

But the voice still whispered.

Alysa slipped into the dressing room to try on the cloths she had picked out.

Buu would kill the man anyway. She had seen it in his eyes when he said pick anything you want.

He wanted to kill badly. He was just waiting for an excuse…an excuse the clerk would give when she walked out with these cloths.

So what was the difference if she asked him to kill the clerk? The man was already dead; he just didn't know it yet.

Tears sprung up in her eyes.

Alysa pulled a long sleeved shirt over her head. It was soft and pretty. A beautiful green color. It accented her eyes nicely. Even on her best day Alysa had never dreamed she would be shopping here.

She then chose a close fitting but comfortable pair of jeans.

She would wear these out of the store.

As she tried something else on, her thoughts wondered again.

Buu loved to kill. It gave him pleasure…it was as obvious as that thing on his head.

So why hadn't he killed more people? While she was extremely glad of that he didn't, the question bothered her. He was always suggesting she do things with him. Why?

And although he really wanted to kill he restrained himself. Why?

The voice whispered.

Because he knows you don't like it. He's not killing because of you.

Alysa blinked in confusion. A sudden wave of nausea and dizziness assaulted her. She grabbed at a small chair as the room spun out of control. Her eyes were open yet she no longer could see her image in the mirror an unfocused fuzziness crept up from the edge of her vision. She was having trouble focusing on anything but the voices.

The voices that whispered to her…good and bad. They all had strength here.

You should be ashamed Alysa.

Tears swelled up in her eyes at the harsh terrible tone of the voice within.

Buu saved you twice now; he's given you beautiful house, new cloths, a new lease on life. He cares enough about you not to kill, because it upsets you.

Alysa don't you see…You're keeping him from doing what he loves. Fuck those people out there. They haven't done a damn thing to help you. Buu is your friend. He's the only one that cares. Get some Fucking guts woman!

Alysa slowly collapsed to the floor. Tears were gushing in great rivers now down her face.

Shut up shut up SHUT UP!

She didn't want to hear the voice. That voice was dark and terrible. It was wrong.

To kill was wrong.

She curled into the corner her hands over her ears. However you can't block out yourself or stop hearing words that have no sound. So she cried and tried to squeeze her head to force the voices out even as they continued to attack her and her weaknesses. She was more wrenched now than her father had ever made her.

It was wrong to kill. Killing was wrong. Those people didn't do anything wrong. They don't' deserve that.

Oh get over it. Buu has the power, thus he has the right! Who gives a fuck what's right and wrong. Nobody else does. Why do we have to be the fucking innocent?

No no no…

She cared about what was right and wrong. It was what kept her different than her father and mother. It was what kept her going when all else was dark. The knowledge that she was good…a good girl.

We could ask Buu to kill them. Think about it. For once we'll be the ones in control and father will be the one in pain. He'll feel the fear…taste it like we did.

NO! She wouldn't stoop to that level. She was better than that. Better than her father.

Excuses…he deserves it. You can't deny that.

Alysa shook from the strange feelings within. She didn't want this. Why was this happening to her? It felt like a curtain of blackness was descending on her soul.

Why ask why. Give in Alysa. We could enjoy this to. We could be like Buu. Buu's our friend. He has nothing to gain from us. So why save us? Because he's a friend, our only true friend.

Alysa could feel her resolve slip slightly. Feel insanity gain another strong hold.

NO…I can't do this. I'm to scared.

Fucking coward.

I don't want this. This is bad. No matter what Buu says or thinks. I can't give in to the darkness. People have the right to decide what's right and wrong in their own mind. Killing was wrong to her, even though it wasn't to Buu.

What about Brian? Hmmm what about our little brother. Do you think father will be kinder to him? Do you honestly think that father will love him? If so you're as stupid as you are yellow!

That was a dirty cheap trick. Alysa knew it. But she couldn't hide the truth from herself.

Even if we stole him from mother and father, do you think Buu would want a baby around? Don't think so! We could drop him off somewhere but you know the law would find him. Remember fathers best friend is on the police force. They would find him and return him. The only way for Brian's safely is to kill them. Kill them both.

Brian will be safe.

Alysa slowly dropped her hands. A strange and slightly frightening look fell across her face.

Alysa: Brian would be safe…wouldn't he?

Alysa could hardly imagine a place where she didn't have to watch the baby. To be away from the place where terrible parents screamed at her to keep him quiet or else. A place where he could grow up loved and cared for.

He could be adopted. He was young and adorable enough than many wonderful want to be parents would love him.

She wouldn't have to worry anymore.

Brian would be safe…and happy.

Somewhere in the depths of her soul and mind soft laughter echoed.

For now the voice retreated.

Alysa looked down her exposed arm. It was covered in bruises. Some were old, with yellow and green outlines. Others were a painful black with red and blue mixed in, these were the most recent.

Gentle she traced a large bruise with her finger. Her eyes were cold and sharp as steel, and her mouth terrible in its silent and slightly curved frown. Her eyes narrowed at the bruises that she had never shown anyone before.

Alysa had been careful, and for good reason.

Father had caused them, and if anyone seen them…father would have caused more.

She had been ashamed of them all this time. Ashamed of her weakness and cowardice toward her father.

She had never fought back. Never tried to escape once he found and dragged her from whatever hole she had crawled into. Even when he tried to hurt Brian, all she did was put herself between them. She never tried to stop him.

She was a fucking coward.

Bruises heal…cuts heal, but her soul never would. He had left a wound that he made a little bigger every time he raised his hand against her. Now it festered, now it poisoned her mind and body.

Now was the time.

Alysa walked out of the dressing room. She walked straight to the clerk. Her eyes unfocused and empty. She didn't feel right. It was like she was on the outside watching in. She didn't seem to be moving on her own. She felt like a puppet on a string or something.

Alysa: Can I leave these here for a moment sir? I need to talk to my friend outside.

Clerk: Is he paying for all this?!

Alysa didn't even flinch at the man's accusing and suspicious glare.

She turned rudely away and walked outside.

Buu was where she had left him. He hadn't even moved a muscle. Strange it felt like she had went in forever ago.

Buu watched her approach him. His eyes narrowed dangerously. Something had happened in the cloths shop. He had felt it.

It had to be the strangest thing he had ever felt. One moment her ki was normal, and then suddenly it started to waver. But not like the waver as if she was dieing. It was something he had never felt before.

She wasn't stronger…and she didn't look different. But something had happened. Something was different about her. He just couldn't place his finger on it.

It made him wary. Unknown things are always dangerous. However he wasn't that worried. It wasn't like she was a danger to him.

It just posed a strange and mysterious question to be answered.

Alysa: Can you help me with something Buu?

Buu nearly startled at the unexpected question. That wasn't what he had expected to hear.

Was she saying what he thought she was saying? If so that meant…meant he had succeeded.

Buu shook his head in wonderment. He knew without a single doubt that the strange feeling in her ki was the reason for this. What the hell had happened in there?

Whatever happened it seemed to had a huge effect on Alysa.

However Buu smiled anyway. What ever happened had worked in his favor.

Let the fun begin.

From her view outside of her body everything was in crystal clear focus. It was in this state she noticed a strange glint in his eyes that appeared the moments she said those words. She wondered mildly about it. But quickly wonder was replaced by the bone chilling numbness that surrounded her soul.

Alysa smiled softly and turned without comment.

Buu followed her closely behind as she approached the sales clerk again.

The man didn't look up at them as they approached.

Clerk: So who's going to pay for this?

Buu waited silently behind her.

Alysa opened her mouth to speak. The words were slow off her tongue. Filled with a foul and terrible taste. Yet still she couldn't stop herself.

Alysa: you are…

Buu attacked.