Author's Note: Hey hey, this is my first real attempt at a fan fiction, though I've had ideas floating in my head for years. I love this pairing and this is an AU take that I know has been seen similarly before, but I'm hoping I can throw in a few twists. In the end, as long as it's enjoyable, we're good, right? I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: All credit goes to Akira Toriyama for a great universe, better characters, and wonderful childhood memories!
All's Fair
Chapter 1
Bulma floated above the capital, staring down at the city and the massive fortress at its heart glowing in the early morning light. The sun's of Vegeta-sei were beginning to peek over the horizon, sending an auburn glow on to the walls of the clay colored palace.
'The city has its war paint on,' Bulma thought, smirking to herself. A stiff wind pushed away from the city. It rustled her turquoise hair and cooled her sweat soaked clothes and skin. The smells of the city carried up to her and she smiled. It was time to get back to the science wing to prepare for the day but she wanted one more moment to admire her capital and home with the adrenaline of her morning training still pumping through her veins. Another moment, and she sighed.
'Time to go before Father decides to come looking for me.' Bulma pushed her ki out behind her and flew down to the city, heading directly towards the palace. The Science Wing of the palace wasn't located strictly in the palace, most Saiyans seeing science more as a necessary evil than an asset, however it was on the grounds and was where Bulma's quarters were located at the moment. She made her way there quickly, noting the increased activity in the palace.
'I CANNOT be late again!' Bulma picked up speed and made it to her quarters in record time. She immediately stripped and showered the grime and sweat from her earlier workout off, barely registering the cold water. Just as the water was beginning to warm, she stepped out and dressed in her uniform and pulled back her hair into a low ponytail. She was dressed for work in the workshop. The leather jump suit, utility belt, boots and fingerless gloves provided minimal protection, functionality, and ease of movement. It also identified her designation as a Science official. Bulma secured her scouter to her head, curled her tail around her waist and headed down the hall to the workshop.
The halls here had become crowded in the limited time Bulma had needed to get ready. She noted that many of the visiting officials had already begun circulating, trying to get a glimpse of the next Saiyan advancement. Bulma smirked. Since her father, Bardock, had taken over the division, Saiyan technology had gone from purely destructive to highly profitable. While they still pumped out war machines and gadgets to satisfy any Saiyan's lust for battle, Vegeta-sei now played a crucial part in technology trade in the galaxy giving power both technologically, politically, and physically. Needless to say, Bulma was infinitely proud of her father.
'Especially considering the lack of respect he's shown for turning our trade around and providing us with a leg to stand on at negotiation tables,' Bulma thought bitterly, arriving at her station. Her latest project lay in pieces on her workbench. She cleared the thought from her head, knowing it was an old and unwinnable battle. She had honored her father in the only way she had known how by proudly following in his footsteps and, in fact, she had outpaced him knowledge wise. At 16 years old, Bulma now lead the design team and had a hand in the production of most of the technology passing through the workshop. Bardock still oversaw the shop and dealt with diplomats and directly communicated with the King, but the shop was her responsibility.
Bulma began tinkering at her desk with the ki disrupter she had begun designing, lost in thought and deed, when she felt a presence hovering behind her.
"You know it's not polite to hover," she commented without looking up or halting her work. She heard her father chuckle behind her.
"So, I've been told. Manners were never my strong point," Bardock said in a tone that barely hinted at the humor in his words. Bulma heard it though and smiled at her project.
"Considering that you're the most polite Saiyan ever, that is a frightening prospect." She turned then to look at her father. Bardock stood in the doorway to her workspace, leaning against the frame with his arms folded across his chest. He had never completely adjusted to the life of a Science official and still wore his armor, however, a utility belt had been added to the outfit somewhere in the intervening years. She looked little like him, though her brother, Kakarot, swore she had his eyes, minus the color, and shared his stern look. Kakarot on the other hand, was almost identical in looks to their father, and her other brother, Raditz, shared many of their physical traits as well. Many an insult had been thrown at her about the Saiyan "breeding true" in them. Bulma shook the thought away. She had long ago resigned herself to being different. She looked at her father again. "What's on your mind to darken my door this early in the day, Father?" Bardock stepped into the room.
"There is the Grand Tournament coming up in a few months," he said, in no apparent rush or distress. He picked up a broken scouter and began fiddling with it. Bulma frowned.
"Yes, that's pretty common knowledge. Kakarot and Raditz are both entered. What's your point?" she asked, hands going to her hips. He turned and looked sternly at her.
"Don't sass me, girl. My point is, I know you've been training. I've noticed your hours and your physical improvement. Are you planning on entering?" he asked looking straight into her eyes. Bulma winced. She had hoped to avoid this conversation untill she had already entered and it was too late.
"Yes, I am," she stated simply. Bardock raised an eyebrow, but otherwise his face remained neutral.
"You didn't think to discuss that with me?"
"No. I meet the eligibility requirements for a non-Elite and I want the chance to prove myself in combat." She looked directly back into Bardock's eyes, meeting the challenge. She felt her temper flare. 'I'm not a child anymore! He can't keep me in a gilded cage forever. The moment lasted for quite a while, neither giving ground. And then, Bardock gave in, looking away with a sigh.
"I'm getting too old for this. You know my reservations about this...but I understand the thirst to be more than what we are," he said, rubbing his eyes with one hand. Bulma noted the shame in his voice and her expression softened.
"Father, you know I have no regrets about my life. I enjoy my work and the time it affords me with you. And I'm good at it for Kami's sake! But I'm tired of hiding behind my work. I'm tired of being looked down on because I can't fight when really, I just don't to avoid the attention." She placed a hand on Bardock shoulder and he regarded her tenderly. Only she was privileged enough to see that face on him; that weakness. He nodded his assent then.
"Alright then, but I want you to train with your brothers and I. You need sparring partners if you are going to prepare for an organized tournament." Bulma stepped back and beamed, nodding her agreement. "And you'll have to relinquish some of your duties here to free up some extra training time. "
As Bardock began discussing training and schedules, Bulma began to think that maybe she might be able to surprise even herself.
-Later that day-
Bulma and Bardock had spent the morning adjusting her schedule and reassigning less valuable assignments to others in the workshop. With most of those details handled, Bulma went in search of her brothers. 'Definitely going to need a sparring partner' she thought, immediately heading toward Kakarot's barracks room. She knocked on the door with no answer. Peeking in, she noted that he wasn't there before seeking out his familiar energy.
It wasn't something that many Saiyans did routinely, not with the advent of the scouter. It was also something most Saiyans found difficult to do with any not in their inner circle; however, Bulma was pretty adept at finding her brothers and father by their energy signature. It was just something she had lucked upon and found useful when a scouter's precision or accuracy were in doubt. A local search didn't find him so she broadened her reach. 'There!' It seemed Kakarot was already in training. His energy was spiking at regular intervals, showing his own manipulation of it. 'Off we go back to the palace then.'
Bulma entered the palace, careful to ignore the staring. Her coloring had a tendency to attract a lot of attention and there were still plenty of people who had never or rarely seen her thanks to her father's sheltering lifestyle. She quickly headed down into the training yard and felt relief flood her. It was practically empty. 'No more eyes.' Her relief quickly dissipated, however, when she noticed who her brother was currently sparring with.
Kakarot and Prince Vegeta were engaged in a knock out, drag out fight. Both men were sweating and bruised, though admittedly Kakarot looked the worse for wear with an obviously broken nose. Nappa, Tora, and Raditz stood on the sidelines observing. Raditz had become an apprentice of sorts to Nappa at the age of 12. Eleven years later, Raditz still looked on the man as a mentor and was often placed on purges and missions with Nappa, per the older Saiyan's request. Tora was an old comrade of Bardocks, from his purge days, and was uncommonly witty for a Saiyan. Bardock complained about him being as chatty as an old woman, but always with a quality to his voice that seemed to indicate that wasn't a true criticism. Bulma also had always thought he was rather cute.
As if on cue, Tora turned to glance in her direction and beamed a toothy, almost feral grin. Tora was tall and traditionally colored, with tan skin and dark hair. His hair he always kept close cropped, a style not adopted by many Saiyans. He learned it long ago from the inhabitants of a planet set for purge. He said their military used the hairstyle and he found it useful in combat with less honorable combatants not afraid of pulling hair for leverage.
"I also think it compliments my rugged good looks," he would always boast. Tora was notoriously vain and in many ways, very different from many of his Saiyan comrades...except when it came to a good fight. The proof of the pudding was in the look Tora was aiming at Bulma with just the excitement of a fight close by. And Bulma had to admit, the energy was absolutely palpable. The two combatants were ravaging their bodies for every last ounce of power trying to find the edge, slowly raising the bar at each new milestone.
This wasn't an uncommon occurrence as fairly early on, Kakarot had been given the privilege of becoming one of Prince Vegeta's sparring partners. His natural aptitude had intrigued the Prince, as Kakarot rarely went for the obvious tactical advantage, and so their arrangement had been in place for as long as Bulma could remember. 'The prince would never admit as much though,' Bulma thought with only a slight bit of venom. Prince Vegeta always seemed to be belittling her brother, despite the fact that he was one of a handful of soldier who could even keep up with him at this point, let alone best him. It was rare. The Prince of all Saiyans had only been defeated by three opponents since coming of age. 'And Kakarot was one,' Bulma swelled with pride. Just then, Kakarot came flying into the ground with a force that cracked the floor of the training arena. Bulma winced with the impact and walked directly next to Tora. Raditz acknowledged her with a nod.
The Prince landed on the ground directly above Kakarot, who had only been able to lift himself onto one elbow. The Prince smirked.
"You're done, Kakarot. Get yourself together. I expect you in fighting shape tomorrow morning."
"Yes, sire," Kakarot responded quietly, evidence of at least one broken rib in his strained air. The prince backed away and began to gather his things at the edge of the arena when Bulma stepped over to Kakarot's side and kneeled. Out of the heat of battle, he finally noticed the new presence and sneered. 'Right back at you,' Bulma thought but quickly stifled the emotion to keep from conveying it on her face. She brought her attention to Kakarot who had smiled lopsidedly at her.
"I think you took quite a beating today, brother," Bulma said softly. Again, he grinned.
"Nothing that a little sleep won't fix, honest Bulma," Kakarot sat up the rest of the way and wiped his face with the back of his palm. He then stood slowly and then faced the Prince, whose back was still turned, and bowed. "It is an honor, as always, Prince Vegeta." The Prince turned, and with no emotion on his face, nodded his dismissal. Nappa, with Raditz in tow, had already begun discussing details of something important with the Prince. Bulma didn't care to try to listen as she joined Kakarot in his slow walk out of the arena. Tora fell into step as well.
"Quite a fight, kid. Not many who can step toe to toe with the Prince and live through it," Tora said jovially. He seemed to still be riding the adrenaline from the fight. Kakarot stretched and winced with a chuckle.
"He goes easy on me, I think. The Prince says he's interested in my...'apparent lack of self preservation and suicidal tactics', whatever that means so I'm pretty sure he doesn't want to completely overpower me." Bulma huffed.
"Could have fooled me," she said indignantly, at which point both men laughed. They continued the light banter until they reached Kakarot's barracks at which point Tora caught Bulma's attention.
"Your father mentioned that you plan to enter the tournament and I thought to offer my services as a sparring partner. I know you plan to ask Kakarot to help but he's often occupied elsewhere as is your brother and father. I on the other hand am on purge hiatus until after the tournament," he said with another toothy grin. Bulma smiled.
"So you're planning on entering?" Tora nodded. "Well, then I accept your offer. I'm grateful that you'd take the time to help me hone my skills." Tora shrugged.
"It's a new challenge," he said simply. He then casually saluted both Bulma and Kakarot and headed off. Kakarot regarded his back then turned to Bulma, seriously.
"Be careful, Bulma," he warned softly. Bulma turned to look at him sharply.
"What are you talking about? You don't think I can handle myself!?" He shook his head softly.
"No, Bulma, I just mean...you're getting older and, you know, men talk...and..," Kakarot stumbled over his words then sighed heavily. "You are beautiful, Bulma."
"You mean for a freak," she said matter-of-factly. He looked at her sternly then, doing a fair impression of their father.
"You are not a freak!" he said as she closed his door. She didn't look at him. Kakarot took a step towards her and placed a hand on her shoulder. The other he used to lift her chin. Her face remained neutral but Kakarot could always see the emotion brewing within her. And he knew this argument well. "You are a Saiyan, born and bred, and better in so many ways. One day, you'll see what father and I see. And when you believe it, so will everyone else." Bulma smiled at her brother then. He was so often goofy and energetic that she could forget how insightful he was. "So," he continued with a smile, "you want to enter the tournament? I can train with you early morning before my sets with the Prince, if you like?"
"Thank you Kakarot! I wanted to test myself against a more skilled opponent and who better than you right?" she asked rhetorically.
"The Prince but that isn't likely or advisable," Kakarot said. Bulma frowned.
"I think I'll just wait for the tournament for that...pleasure." Kakarot laughed.
"I know you aren't fond of his company but really, he isn't so bad as all that. It's pride and bravado...and it's not like he isn't the most powerful Saiyan, excluding the King."
"So you say," Bulma said, brushing off the subject. "He has my loyalty which is all that matters...however, you have my undying love and devotion for this. Can we start tomorrow morning after you rest?" Kakarot nodded and smiled as Bulma beamed at him. They spent the next few hours excitedly discussing training and the tournament until Kakarot's stomach rumbled, interrupting Bulma's thought. "Guess you're hungry huh?"
"Yea, guess I am," Kakarot laughed. "Time for dinner. You want to see if father is hungry?" Bulma nodded and they headed out to the Science wing. Sure enough, Bardock was still there discussing the latest updates with one of the engineers. He dismissed the engineer as Bulma and Kakarot approached, acknowledging them both with a nod.
"What are you both doing here?" he asked, little emotion in his voice, his proud Saiyan mask firmly in place. Bulma sat on the edge of the desk her father was standing in front of and Kakarot stopped at her shoulder, waiting for her to broach the subject of dinner.
"We wanted to know if you had eaten yet? We were on our way to get some food." Bardock thought for a moment before he spoke.
"Let me finish here and I'll join you. We need to discuss training," he said turning away to his papers. After a moment, they headed out to the mess hall. They talked very little on the way, Kakarot and Bulma a step behind Bardock, who greeted familiar faces gruffly as they walked. Once they got their food and sat down, Bardock began talking strategy.
"Alright, you both need to focus on training for a while. No distractions! I know sparring with the Prince takes up most of your time, Kakarot, but you need to put in some personal hours as well to hone your technique. The Prince is, of course, entering and you'll need to pull out something unfamiliar to have even a remote chance of catching him off guard."
"Not likely," Kakarot muttered, between bites, but he nodded in understanding. Bardock then looked at Bulma.
"I know Kakarot has agreed to spar with you in the mornings and I mentioned to Tora you were interested in finding a few sparring partners. He said he'd be interested. Did you see him yet?" Bulma nodded. "Good, Tora is an unconventional fighter...he'll give you experience that even Kakarot cannot give you. And for the rest, you'll come to me." Bardock sat back and began to dig into his food. Bulma smiled excitedly.
"I can't wait to start!" she said, almost bouncing in her seat. They spent the rest of the meal discussing mundane things, which was good, because Bulma could hardly concentrate on anything but the prospect of training tomorrow. Sleep was hard to come by with her excitement but Bulma finally drifted off, thoughts of victory floating through her brain.
Ok so that's the first chapter down. Do let me know what you think, though it's early and I'm starting the action slow. Training starts next chapter and hopefully we'll get a little more V/B action (still working out exact timeline and events). Stay tuned!