Chapter 5: The Pilaf Plot – Trapped with Trouble!
The early morning sun peeked over the desert horizon as the group set off again. With Yamcha now part of the crew, the energy felt different—more chaotic, more comical… and definitely more lovestruck on his end.
Aera still didn't notice.
"Radar shows the last few Dragon Balls are close together," Goku said excitedly, bouncing in the front seat of the buggy.
"Looks like someone else is collecting them," Yamcha muttered, eyeing the signal cluster on the radar. "If they've got that many in one place, it could be dangerous."
"Dangerous?" Aera perked up. "Do you think they're strong?"
Yamcha sighed dreamily. "Even your idea of danger is adorable."
Puar whispered, "You're hopeless."
---
Elsewhere, deep in the heart of a dark, hidden fortress, Emperor Pilaf cackled with joy.
"With the final Dragon Balls almost in my grasp, I'll finally be the ruler of the world!"
His two loyal (and long-suffering) henchmen, Mai and Shu, stood by with deadpan expressions.
"Uh, sir," Mai said, adjusting her glasses, "We've picked up a group heading this way fast. One of them has the radar."
Pilaf narrowed his eyes. "Then we must set the trap. Let's welcome them to my empire."
---
Back with the group, the radar's signal stopped at a massive cliffside.
"Looks like a dead end," Yamcha muttered.
"But the signal's right here," Goku pointed.
Aera sniffed the air. "It smells like… metal?"
Before anyone could react, the ground opened beneath them. A trapdoor swallowed the entire group whole, and they fell into a pitch-black shaft.
WHAM!
They landed in a large steel chamber.
"Ow! My tail!" Oolong groaned.
A spotlight flicked on. A large screen lit up above them, displaying Pilaf's grinning face.
"Welcome, intruders! I am Emperor Pilaf! You've kindly brought me the last Dragon Ball. Now hand over the radar and surrender!"
Goku stood. "We don't even know who you are!"
Aera blinked. "You look funny."
Pilaf fumed. "*Funny?!* I'm terrifying!"
She tilted her head. "No, you're small and squeaky. Like a toy."
Yamcha burst out laughing. Even Mai had to turn away to hide a smile.
Pilaf screeched, "LOCK THEM IN!"
Thick steel doors slammed shut.
"We have to break out of here," Yamcha said, pacing. "They'll try to steal the radar!"
"I'll break the wall!" Goku shouted.
He powered up and slammed his fist into the steel—only to bounce off with a loud *thud*.
"Ow…"
"It's reinforced," Yamcha said grimly.
"I'll try!" Aera said, skipping forward.
She placed a hand on the wall, cocked her head, then punched. The entire room shook.
A long crack spiderwebbed across the metal.
Everyone gawked.
"Whoa…" Goku grinned. "You're the best!"
Yamcha just stared in awe. "She… she's unreal."
Suddenly, sleeping gas began pouring into the room.
"Don't breathe!" Oolong shouted.
Too late. Within seconds, everyone slumped to the ground.
---
They woke up in a different room. This time, the Dragon Balls were gone.
"Pilaf must've taken them!" Goku growled.
Aera rubbed her eyes. "My head feels fuzzy."
Pilaf's voice came from overhead. "Now that I have all seven Dragon Balls, my wish shall be granted! Rise, Shenron!"
"No!" Goku shouted. "We have to stop him!"
Aera stood up. Her power flared briefly, rattling the room.
"Then let's break out."
She punched the wall again—this time with both fists. With a *deafening crash*, the wall crumbled.
The group ran through the corridors. Alarms blared.
Shu and Mai tried to intercept, but Aera leapt into the air and kicked them both into the walls with adorable ease.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to hit that hard!"
Pilaf was already outside, standing in front of the glowing Dragon Balls.
"Eternal Dragon, arise and grant my wish!"
Lightning cracked across the sky. Wind howled. The sky darkened.
Aera burst from the building just as the massive form of Shenron erupted from the balls.
"WHO SUMMONS ME?"
Pilaf screamed in joy, "I wish to—"
Goku tackled him. "Not today, shrimp!"
Pilaf flew back, groaning.
Aera stared in awe at Shenron. "He's so… shiny."
Yamcha grabbed the radar and tossed it to her. "We gotta stop the wish!"
But it was too late.
Pilaf stood again. "I wish… for the world to fear me!"
Shenron paused. "THAT IS NOT A VALID WISH."
"Wha—what?! Then… I wish for—!"
Oolong screamed, "I WISH FOR A PAIR OF PANTIES!"
Everyone froze.
Shenron blinked.
"So be it."
A frilly pair of pink panties appeared, floating down.
Pilaf screamed in rage. "NOOOO!!"
The Dragon Balls scattered across the sky in a burst of light.
Aera giggled. "That was weird. But kind of fun."
Yamcha slumped down. "That was the most bizarre day of my life."
Puar sighed. "Only the beginning, buddy."
---
Later that night, the group camped near a peaceful river.
Goku snored loudly. Oolong mumbled in his sleep. Puar kept watch.
Yamcha sat next to Aera by the fire.
"You were amazing today," he said.
She blinked. "You think so?"
"Yeah… you saved all of us. Again."
Aera smiled, eyes gleaming in the firelight. "Thanks. I just like helping my friends."
Yamcha's heart skipped again. "Well… I'll always be one of those."
She nodded happily. "Good! Then we can train together forever!"
And Yamcha, blushing to the roots, said nothing else.
---
End of Chapter 5