| Kaioshin returned to the fighting ring to find the Majin Yamu lying dead on the ground. He walked over to Kibito and starred at the lifeless body. “What happened?” “The Saiyan Vegeta destroyed him,” Kibito said. “Where’s the other Majin?” “He took off as soon as his partner started losing to Vegeta. Both Saiyans followed him in that direction.” Kibito pointed to the north. “We must follow him,” Kaioshin ordered. Piccolo stepped forward. “I think it would be best if you left this to us. You shouldn’t have to fight. If something were to happen to you then that’s one less god…” “Piccolo, I must fight. And if I were to die…then there wouldn’t be any other gods except for the Grand Kai and other Kais,” Kaioshin stated. “Let’s go.” The three flew into the air and headed towards the north, where they would hopefully find the Saiyans, the other Majin, and Babidi himself. Erica peaked behind the corner of the waiting hut. She didn’t see any sign of Kaioshin or the others. “Where did they all go?” Suddenly a hand was placed over her mouth and she was pulled away. Kaioshin, Kibito, and Piccolo caught up with the others to find them facing off with the other Majin. “Where’s Babidi?” Kaioshin demanded. The Majin just gave an evil smile and vanished from sight. “Where did he go?” Goku asked looking around. Then Kaioshin disappeared also. “Now where did he go off to?” Vegeta asked. “Babidi must have done this,” Kibito said. “Kaioshin doesn’t know where the space ship is otherwise he would have gone there already.” Kibito was right. It was Babidi that had sent for Kaioshin. The god appeared in the middle of a large and dark room. He looked around, a little nervous and very angry. Suddenly he heard a loud, wicked laugh. “Welcome Kaioshin of the East,” said a voice. “Show yourself Babidi!” Kaioshin yelled back. Ignoring the demand, the voice continued. “You should consider yourself very lucky. You survived the fight with my Majin and now you’re the first god to step foot onto my ship.” Then a small, hunched-over, green man appeared only a few feet from his prisoner. He chucked a “he he” to himself. “Let’s make this easy on both of us, Kaioshin. Give me the Patora earrings, and I’ll spare your life.” “Not a chance,” Kaioshin said. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll see things my way.” Babidi disappeared and the room darkened. Then images of people lying on the ground appeared all around Kaioshin. Kaioshin jumped as he recognized whom these people were. He saw his father and mother before his feet, and the other Kaioshins were all around. Kaioshin made a disgusted face. He took a step back and tripped over a body. He stood back up and got a hold of himself. “Stop this now you demon! I know these aren’t real!” “It doesn’t matter that they’re real or not,” Babidi said. “But if you wish it so I’ll grant it.” The images disappeared and Kaioshin was once again confronted by the little demon. “Have you changed your mind?” “You’ll never change my mind, don’t you understand that?” Suddenly chains wrapped around Kaioshin’s waist, arms, and legs. They were pulled back and tied around a column. They tightened around Kaioshin’s body. “How would you like to spend the rest of eternity like this?” The demon asked. “So be it. If it keeps you from getting the Patora earrings then I don’t care.” Babidi narrowed his eyes. “You’re a tougher one than I took you for. But I have one more trick up my sleeve. Spopovitch, bring the girl!” He commanded. The Majin from the tournament walked out from the shadows; in his arms was a frightened Erica. “Leave her out of this!” Kaioshin yelled. “I can be just as stubborn as you, Kaioshin of the East. I’ll torture her until her death if you don’t hand over those earrings right now!” Kaioshin looked at Erica, her eyes filled with fear. He couldn’t bare to see something happen to her. He looked at the ground and closed his eyes. “Very well,” he said softly. “You may have them.” “I thought you might see it my way,” Babidi said with a smirk. He motioned for the Majin to drop Erica. The ropes around her disappeared, freeing her body. She sat on the floor and helplessly watched as the restraints on Kaioshin fell. He stepped away from the column and looked at Babidi. “The earrings,” Babidi reminded. Kaioshin held out his hand and paused before opening it. Babidi looked on, as if he was just about to receive a check for a million dollars. “Hurry up!” He yelled. Kaioshin opened his hand and the golden earrings appeared before him. Babidi snatched them away and eyed them with greed. As the demon did this, Kaioshin had slowly moved over to Erica. He put his finger to his mouth, signaling for her to remain quiet. He wrapped his arm around her waist and disappeared. The Majin took a step forward, and Babidi stopped him. “Don’t bother. He’ll be dealt with soon enough.” Kaioshin appeared before Kibito and the others with Erica at his side. “Welcome back, Kaioshin,” Kibito said. “Erica, stay here. We’ll be back.” He touched her cheek with his fingers, and then turned to the others. “Ready?” The others nodded, and Kaioshin took the fighters to Babidi’s ship. “Be careful, Kaioshin,” Erica said looking at the sky above. |