Dragonball M, Chapter 2: Lighthouse! Across the Shores of Shattered Time!

[Miburo]

Earlier:

Sarada raised an eyebrow, but said nothing when it was - perhaps inadvertently - revealed that Held had been paying Blizzar off. She could only assume it had something to do with the destruction of the planet that nearly took Held's life; a circumstance that found Held under scrutiny by the Galaxy Police. There had been nothing else in that regard for the last few months, so obviously Blizzar had something to do with that.

Interesting that Blizzar would risk his job for Held of all people, a stranger. Money talks. Hm.

Sarada wondered who else Blizzar had on his payroll. That reminded her that she needed to talk to him about the Blizz investigation. They had some downtime, so there was no better time than now. And if she just so happened to pry some information out of him about these... back-alley payments, and perhaps used that information to leverage any information he may have been hiding, then that was all the better.

She was about to say something, when Held dropped another bombshell.

"Did you say Hilda?"

Now, there was no guarantee that he was talking about the same Hilda who had made a mockery of Palace security on two separate occasions. "Yeah, that's fine," she answered when he decided to just chalk it up to a friendly favor between allies. That was fine by her.

"When you say 'Hilda'," she said as she fiddles with her PDA, "You would happen to be speaking about her?"

"I wouldn't worry about it." Held said absently, trying to change the subject, feeling unease the more the subject of an unseen--but not forgotten--specter lingered in his thoughts ."I'm talking about ancient history on my part. I mean, this wa--"

The Nevadian turned towards the object in Sarada's hand, squinting slightly as the sun's rays caused a glare, obscuring the imagine she tried to show him. Curiously, he tilted his head slightly.

His blood froze instantly, and all hints of warmth and amusement faded from his voice, his sheer anxiety painted on his face.

...That...That's her....I mean, maybe she looks slightly different, but a man never forgets an expression like that....

"....Oh...oh no." Held said wearily, trying to collect his thoughts, "You....You're acquainted with her?"

He rubbed his temple heavily, collecting his thoughts.

He took a deep breath. And another. And another. The breaths kept coming, rapidly, frequently, as the Nevadian risked hyperventalating.

He shrugged free of Sarada's embrace, placing his hands on his knees as he took deep breaths, attempting to center himself.

"I thought I was home free...."

It's okay Held, keep calm, this might be a misunderstanding. Play it cool. If she knew where you were, you would be the first to know she knew....Hopefully.

"Err...I mean..."

The Nevadian cleared his throat, attempting to summon up some facsimile, of poise.

"Hey...Sarada, why do you have a picture of that woman?"

[Sub-Zero MKA]

"I wouldn't worry about it." Held said absently, trying to change the subject, feeling unease the more the subject of an unseen--but not forgotten--specter lingered in his thoughts ."I'm talking about ancient history on my part. I mean, this wa--"

The Nevadian turned towards the object in Sarada's hand, squinting slightly as the sun's rays caused a glare, obscuring the imagine she tried to show him. Curiously, he tilted his head slightly.

His blood froze instantly, and all hints of warmth and amusement faded from his voice, his sheer anxiety painted on his face.

...That...That's her....I mean, maybe she looks slightly different, but a man never forgets an expression like that....

"....Oh...oh no." Held said wearily, trying to collect his thoughts, "You....You're acquainted with her?"

He rubbed his temple heavily, collecting his thoughts.

He took a deep breath. And another. And another. The breaths kept coming, rapidly, frequently, as the Nevadian risked hyperventalating.

He shrugged free of Sarada's embrace, placing his hands on his knees as he took deep breaths, attempting to center himself.

"I thought I was home free...."

It's okay Held, keep calm, this might be a misunderstanding. Play it cool. If she knew where you were, you would be the first to know she knew....Hopefully.

"Err...I mean..."

The Nevadian cleared his throat, attempting to summon up some facsimile, of poise.

"Hey...Sarada, why do you have a picture of that woman?"

Held's reaction to discovering that Sarada knew Hilda was... curious. He seemed on the verge of hyperventilating. He was close to panicking and could barely breath. She raised an eyebrow and watched him struggle to keep it together.

One thing was extensively clear: he was very well acquainted with Hilda, and their relationship wasn't amicable.

"It's not a picture. It's a police sketch. Her people were wiped out by the Saiyans two hundred or so years ago," she answered once he seemed calm enough to not pass out at any second. "A year ago, she infected twenty thousand people on Vocado with a virus that dropped their ki to dangerously low levels. We talked, and I managed to convince her not to move forward with her vengeance if I could keep the Saiyans from reverting back to their violent ways.

"That was the first time I encountered her. The only other time was a few weeks ago when she told me the name of the person responsible for Turrip's genocide last year." She glanced at Blizzar, and narrowed her eyes before returning her attention to Held. "The real question is how do you know her?"

[KingofPie]

"That was the first time I encountered her. The only other time was a few weeks ago when she told me the name of the person responsible for Turrip's genocide last year." She glanced at Blizzar, and narrowed her eyes before returning her attention to Held. "The real question is how do you know her?"

Blizzar had been leaning against the wall of the Lookout, sipping a cup of tea he'd made in the kitchen as he awaited their next temporal adventure. He hadn't quite been paying attention to any of the conversations going on at the lookout, though he had noticed, out of the corner of his eyes, that Sarada had given him a steely gaze.

Not betraying any possible sense of trepidation when she glanced at him, the Arcosian cheerfully raised his tea cup I'm greeting as if nothing was amiss...but of course there was now.

Sarada had been conversing with the Nevadian. Whatever were they speaking of that would cause the Saiyan Queen to stare so suspiciously? As Sarada turned back towards Held, Blizzar narrowed his own eyes directly at the Nevadian for a moment.

"Perhaps now is the time to listen more intently..." he thought to himself as he took as calm sip of tea.

[Miburo]

Held's reaction to discovering that Sarada knew Hilda was... curious. He seemed on the verge of hyperventilating. He was close to panicking and could barely breath. She raised an eyebrow and watched him struggle to keep it together.

One thing was extensively clear: he was very well acquainted with Hilda, and their relationship wasn't amicable.

"It's not a picture. It's a police sketch. Her people were wiped out by the Saiyans two hundred or so years ago," she answered once he seemed calm enough to not pass out at any second. "A year ago, she infected twenty thousand people on Vocado with a virus that dropped their ki to dangerously low levels. We talked, and I managed to convince her not to move forward with her vengeance if I could keep the Saiyans from reverting back to their violent ways.

"That was the first time I encountered her. The only other time was a few weeks ago when she told me the name of the person responsible for Turrip's genocide last year." She glanced at Blizzar, and narrowed her eyes before returning her attention to Held. "The real question is how do you know her?"

Held groaned slightly as Sarada explained the nature of her relationship with Hilda. Unsurprisingly, it was not among the most positive types.

"I'm familiar with her people." Held replied with a sigh, still struggling to catch his breath, "Although I'm not exactly sure if they'd be happy to see me, or would kill me on sight..."

I can't say I'm surprised to hear she tried something like that...Even if that wasn't her MO, the Saiyans have no shortage of enemies from the lives they've shattered... It's more surprising how effective the remnants of these races are at making the attempts, than the fact they've tried...

"I'll level with you here, Sarada. I take back that thing about not wanting a reward." Held replied, standing erect once more, his eyes meeting her own. They shone with a seriousness the Nevadian rarely showed outside of the most pressing matters.

"I get the feeling that, as you've met her, you might understand how important it is to me that you, under no circumstances mention my name. Don't mention I saved your life, don't mention the fact we've fought together, forget that I even exist if you run into her again."

Held groaned again, attempting to find the correct words.

"Since you technically asked, and I suppose it might become an issue down the line..." He continued, adjusting his collar uncomfortably, "There was technically an aragement of sorts that would have seen a member of her people, betrothed to a Nevadian, and for some reason I don't know the details to, specifically of the Unicorn Tribe..."

He sighed.

"And technically --if you consider history to be relevant ,which it was in this case for some reason-- to what would be considered the closest thing the Unicorn Clan would have to royalty, which is a blood relationship to the current chieftan of the clan, or something very close to it...."

He moved his hands nervously, as he attempted to find the most adaquate way to express the sensitivity of the issue.

"...Unfortunately the Chief is married, which would mean that the agreement would have to involve one of his sons...Which, by some considerations of the term, I would fall under the definition of."

[bruceleegreyhulk]

Before going inside goes the holding celling Turk takes out a picture and then a pen. He uses a pen to write a message on the picture and hands the picture to a GP officer . On the picture is room filled with gold surrounding by life size metal statues and a luxury chair in the middle. However there's something strange about the statues in the picture they seem almost life like too life like.


the message on the picture that Turk wrote reads " This is what the Black Sheep does to anyone who crosses him, he adds them to his collection !"

OOC: For Cleric in case this was missed

[bruceleegreyhulk]

Althena is standing next to Meagan waiting to go on this adventure. " Thank you for telling me about those parasites earlier Meagan . Now I'm glad I was frozen for so long on a dead planet since it made me able to avoid them. Hey if anyone else is hungry I'll be back some food from the kitchen , Oh Praxat when I get back I show you how to generate more power from your punches and it doesn't involve the use of K just a physical mechanism of your body , " Althena said with a sincere emoji in her pendent.


( a physical mechanism of my body ? , what in the world could Althena be talking about ?) Praxat thought to her self Qaztoh is standing next to Praxat with her arms cross ( a physical mechanism huh. Wait ancestor Althena must be referring our race's surprisingly super elasticity! I know we can compressed are legs to jump higher and further , but I guess we also should be able to compressed are arms as well. ) Qaztoh thought to herself

[Sub-Zero MKA]

Held groaned slightly as Sarada explained the nature of her relationship with Hilda. Unsurprisingly, it was not among the most positive types.

"I'm familiar with her people." Held replied with a sigh, still struggling to catch his breath, "Although I'm not exactly sure if they'd be happy to see me, or would kill me on sight..."

I can't say I'm surprised to hear she tried something like that...Even if that wasn't her MO, the Saiyans have no shortage of enemies from the lives they've shattered... It's more surprising how effective the remnants of these races are at making the attempts, than the fact they've tried...

"I'll level with you here, Sarada. I take back that thing about not wanting a reward." Held replied, standing erect once more, his eyes meeting her own. They shone with a seriousness the Nevadian rarely showed outside of the most pressing matters.

"I get the feeling that, as you've met her, you might understand how important it is to me that you, under no circumstances mention my name. Don't mention I saved your life, don't mention the fact we've fought together, forget that I even exist if you run into her again."

Held groaned again, attempting to find the correct words.

"Since you technically asked, and I suppose it might become an issue down the line..." He continued, adjusting his collar uncomfortably, "There was technically an aragement of sorts that would have seen a member of her people, betrothed to a Nevadian, and for some reason I don't know the details to, specifically of the Unicorn Tribe..."

He sighed.

"And technically --if you consider history to be relevant ,which it was in this case for some reason-- to what would be considered the closest thing the Unicorn Clan would have to royalty, which is a blood relationship to the current chieftan of the clan, or something very close to it...."

He moved his hands nervously, as he attempted to find the most adaquate way to express the sensitivity of the issue.

"...Unfortunately the Chief is married, which would mean that the agreement would have to involve one of his sons...Which, by some considerations of the term, I would fall under the definition of."

It took him some time to finally spit it out, but when he did, Sarada felt herself smirking.

He and Hilda were due to become life-mates at some point in the future. She glanced at the picture again. As far as mates went, he could have done a lot worse. At least from a pure aesthetic point of view.

"I see," she drawled. For some reason, Held requested - after reneging his refusal of her offer of a favor - that she, in no way, sharp, form or fashion mention him to Hilda. Not only was she not to acknowledge that they even knew each other, she wasn't even to mention his name. A bit extreme, but his apprehension and difficulty to even talk about the nature of their relationship gave insight into how much he disliked her.

Or, perhaps feared her.

Yeah, feared. Not that she could blame him. The way Hilda was waiting for her in her bedroom not once but twice had Sarada on edge every time she stepped inside her personal chambers for any reason. The woman didn't play around, and was likely strong and skilled enough to kill any one of them any time she wanted.

"Alright. From a purely carnal point of view, you can do a lot worse. She's a looker for sure. Nice titties, long legs. Probably a beast in the sheets." She rubbed her chin, then shrugged. "She also... concerns me, so I get it. But, lying to her isn't a good idea. She probably already knows that I know you and you saved my life. Not only that, but she's able to wipe out my entire race, so if it comes to them or you, then I have to pick them."

She shrugged again. It was a tough pill to hand out, but that was how it was.

"I won't go out of my way to reveal that I actually know you, mind. So, the best we can hope for is that she isn't as omniscient as I think she is and won't think to ask if I know the guy she wants to ride."

[Cleric of Hell’s Brigade]

“It will be a 32 person tournament, bracket style. There is a chance our four could go up against each other early, but that is a risk. It is being held at a planetary casino of some renown.”

[Cleric of Hell’s Brigade]

OOC: For Cleric in case this was missed

They nod and escort him, giving the message to the main Detective who had been questioning him.

[Sub-Zero MKA]

“It will be a 32 person tournament, bracket style. There is a chance our four could go up against each other early, but that is a risk. It is being held at a planetary casino of some renown.”

28 other fighters would be competing for the top prize. That was the same number as the Tournament of Destiny, which meant this was going to take a while, if it was paced in a manner that kept the integrity of the later fights in mind.

This was perfect! Sarada reckoned that out of the four here, she was the only one with experience fighting in a tournament of this size. There was no way any of these guys were going to beat her. The only trouble she may have had was compensating for being confined in a literal fighting ring, as opposed to having an entire planet.

"Heehee, I'm so gonna win this."

[MrSandman]

28 other fighters would be competing for the top prize. That was the same number as the Tournament of Destiny, which meant this was going to take a while, if it was paced in a manner that kept the integrity of the later fights in mind.

This was perfect! Sarada reckoned that out of the four here, she was the only one with experience fighting in a tournament of this size. There was no way any of these guys were going to beat her. The only trouble she may have had was compensating for being confined in a literal fighting ring, as opposed to having an entire planet.

"Heehee, I'm so gonna win this."

"I take it by your enthusiasm that you are more acquainted then most with tournaments." Cthylla approached Sarada quietly, radiating a feeling of curiosity. "I would like to know more....from a more personal point of view, to better facilitate how I should act. This tournament....I've observed multiple variations of organized conflict in the past, but I've had difficulty distinguishing the purposes of most. Multiple versions exist with the same end premise but different measurements to attain it.....Sparring, Duels, Match, Game, Tournament, Battle, War. Some require the elimination of ones enemy and some do not, some enforce limiting rules and some do not. If the goal was to determine who is stronger why impose limits that allow the weaker a chance to win."

[KingofPie]

“It will be a 32 person tournament, bracket style. There is a chance our four could go up against each other early, but that is a risk. It is being held at a planetary casino of some renown.”

A casino, eh? Within Blizzar's red eyes, one could practically see the zen signs slide past his pupils, though outwardly he did nothing but finish his tea. "This should be quite the interesting trip, indeed."

[Cyke]

"......Errr......Do you remember....what kind of pie we had all the way back when our group was first getting together?" Erosa put a finger on her lower lip with a contemplative look. "....That's the kind of pie I want to make....like the one I sat on....but better, way better ero. Then I'll...."

Erosa snapped from her thought, put on a confused look and then let out a devilish chuckle. "Then I'll eat it all up in front of Sarada, that'll pay her back for beating me up in that duel ero~!"

Erosa dropped her grin and quickly shook her hands. "But I'll make one for her too.....I won't use my new powers for evil, gao."

Zaofan stroked his chin thusly. "That was a long time ago, Erosa. We had all sorts of pies... raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, apple..."

But just then, a small taiyoken trapped in a glass container lit on over his head, with the finger pointing up to match. He rushed over to the fridge and opened it again. "AH HAH."

Dipping low into the shelves and compartments, he pulls out several armfuls of various fruits and dumped them onto the kitchen island. "What if I taught you how to make each type of pie?"

[Tami]

28 other fighters would be competing for the top prize. That was the same number as the Tournament of Destiny, which meant this was going to take a while, if it was paced in a manner that kept the integrity of the later fights in mind.

This was perfect! Sarada reckoned that out of the four here, she was the only one with experience fighting in a tournament of this size. There was no way any of these guys were going to beat her. The only trouble she may have had was compensating for being confined in a literal fighting ring, as opposed to having an entire planet.

"Heehee, I'm so gonna win this."

"The only way we lose is if we fail to take the Nexus. The rest is just icing on the cake." Meagan's voice came from behind her, "I prefer to win fair, but I'm not beyond cheating if necessary. "

[MrSandman]

Zaofan stroked his chin thusly. "That was a long time ago, Erosa. We had all sorts of pies... raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, apple..."

But just then, a small taiyoken trapped in a glass container lit on over his head, with the finger pointing up to match. He rushed over to the fridge and opened it again. "AH HAH."

Dipping low into the shelves and compartments, he pulls out several armfuls of various fruits and dumped them onto the kitchen island. "What if I taught you how to make each type of pie?"

"Yes! Yes~ero! But we can't stop there...!" Erosa spread her arms wide, glowing with an aura of godly epiphany. ".......We'll go even further beyond.....AND MAKE ALL THE PIES IN ONE PIE! It'll be a super pie! A PIE FLAVORED PIE! THE ERO-PIE!"

Erosa pointed triumphantly to the fridge. "And we'll put some bacon on it too......So it'll be a Bacon Ero-Pie! OHHH I'M GETTING FIRED UP! WHENDOWESTART!"