Chapter 9

The group went back to Rick’s estate, ate supper and discussed about what just happened.  “This
is just great.  We went there for nothing.  How are we going to find out where the main base is
now?” Cloud said worriedly.

“I believe I have an answer,” Vegeta chuckled.  He took out a piece of paper from his pocket and
showed it to the others.  “It’s the map that would lead us to the main base.  I printed it out before
I made my get away.”

“Good going Vegeta!” Chunli cried and slapped him on the shoulder.

“Watch it,” he growled.

“Ooops sorry,” Chunli squeaked.

“So any plans?” Dennis asked.

“We’ll figure those out tomorrow,” Rick answered.

“I’m going to bed,” Vincent yawned and exited the dining room with Dennis.

“I’m going out for some fresh air,” Chunli said and went outside.

“You know, this is your chance to make a move on her,” Cloud told Rick.

“What are you talking about?” Rick asked defensively, starting to blush.

“I see the way you look at her.  Come on, this is your chance,” Cloud chuckled.

“Okay, I’ll try,” Rick gave in and went after Chunli.

Cloud turned around and saw Vegeta exiting the room with Arbok.  Cloud followed Vegeta all
the way to the garden.

Vegeta sat under a tree in the estate’s garden, sighing to himself.

“Char?” Arbok hissed softly at his master’s father.

“I know, I miss them too.  I wish, I just wish I shouldn’t have gone sparring with Kakarott on that
day so I was there to protect them.  I just hope they’re safe,” Vegeta said gently while rubbing
Arbok’s head.

“You miss your family don’t you?” Cloud asked.

“What are you doing here?” Vegeta growled.

“I know how you feel, I already lost my family.  Well, at least in your case you have the chance to
get them back.  Don’t worry Vegeta, we’ll get them back.  You’re not alone, you have us,” Cloud
said with a smile.

“Yeah, thanks,” Vegeta answered.

“Come on, let’s go back inside and leave the love birds alone,” Cloud chuckled sinisterly.

“What are you talking about?”

“I’ll explain along the way,” Cloud replied and walked back to the mansion with Vegeta and
Arbok.

***

“Don’t worry father, we now know where the last member of Shadowloo is.  Your soul will fully
rest in peace soon,” Chunli said, looking at the sky while walking in a garden of roses.  “It sure is
fragrant here, Rick must have spent a lot of money on this garden alone,” she thought while
smelling some flowers.  “Huh?” she gasped as she smelled something more fragrant.  She turned
around and saw Rick holding a white rose.  “Where did you get that?  It smells nicer than the red
ones,” she said with a smile.

“This one came from the other garden,” Rick answered.  “Here, you can have it,” he smirked,
handing the rose over.

“Thanks.”

“Say, do you want to walk with me around the estate?”

“Sure, I’m not sleepy yet anyway.”  The two headed to a forested area and the place was filled
with all sorts of noises.  There were squirrels chattering, owls hooting, and ravens cawing.  “It’s
sure is creepy out here,” Chunli shuddered.  Then, they heard a howling noise.  “What was
that?!!” she panicked, not realizing that she was holding onto Rick’s muscular body tightly.

“Don’t worry, it’s just probably a coyote,” Rick chuckled.

“Oh, he he he, sorry about that,” she laughed embarrassingly and let go of Rick.

“It’s okay.”

“Rick?”

“Yes?”

“Do you ever take off your shades?”

“My shades?  Well, I do... sometimes.”

“Is it okay if you take them off?”

“Yeah sure,” he answered took off the red shades.  His eyes were blue-green and they seemed to
sparkle under the moonlight.

“Nice eyes.”

“Thanks,” he smirked and pulled Chunli closer to him.  He took off his glove on his right hand
and reached for Chunli’s face.  Chunli could feel the softness of his hand and she liked it.  She
hasn’t felt something like this in a long time.  Rick traced her chin and slowly slanted his face to
hers for a kiss.  Chunli followed her instincts and wrapped his neck with her arms and returned the
kiss.

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