Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball Z

Author's Note: Hello everyone! I've decided to go back to writing after taking a 4 year break. I know I've said this before but I really have a good plan with this story and I'm hoping to continue it AND hopefully have some sequels and stuff. I would like to dedicate this story to my good friend who passed away 4 years ago and to my roommate who rekindled my love of Dragonball Z. Enjoy!

Set Me Free

Prologue


He slowly let out a long and heavy sigh as he ran his calloused hand through his ebony hair. Looking at the marble floor, the young prince could hear his father's voice starting to rise slightly behind the double oak doors leading into his private office. His father, the King of Vegetasei, was holding a meeting about the status of the planet he and his army had just conquered.

Within minutes, the king's voice became quiet and a mumbled goodbye made the prince look up at the double doors. After several seconds, 2 correspondents made their way past the prince, a slight nod as they departed. Vegeta stood up and stretched out his body, resulting in several cracks. The stiff chair he sat in truly made him feel old. He quickly strolled into his father's office, pushing the oak doors shut.

"I'm sure you know why you're here…" King Vegeta mumbled, not looking up from his paperwork.

Vegeta nodded and took a seat across from his father, taking in his surroundings. He rarely had a chance to come into his father's office but enjoyed his time whenever possible. Gazing around the large room, Vegeta secretly marveled at the style of his father's office. The walls were lined with rows upon rows of books, passed down through the family generations and dating back centuries. A large portrait of his father hung upon the wall above an extravagant stone fireplace. His father was dressed in his finest royal attire, sporting the colors of reds, blacks, and gold. Next Vegeta's eyes traveled to the various forms of furniture spread about the office, including black leather couches and matching chairs placed in a uniform fashion around the fireplace and strewn throughout the room. And finally, the prince rested his eyes on the dark marble desk that his father sat behind. It was by far the most gorgeous piece of furniture within the room. It was very large and held stacks of papers and various books that were arranged in an unorganized manner.

"There is one more thing…" His father stated, still scribbling away on a piece of paper. The statement caused Vegeta to snap out of his "trance" and give the king his full attention. The younger man folded his arms across his chest, signaling the king to continue. Finally, after what seemed liked hours, the king stopped and made eye contact with his only son. "I need you to go to the Planet Xersei. Their head in command just stopped by, asking for our aid in a war they are in."

Vegeta nodded, never breaking the eye contact with his father. He saw the men leave and assumed it was the commander. That is also the reason why his father summoned him in the first place and Vegeta had a feeling of what was coming next from the king's mouth.

"I need you and your top men to go over there and settle this little 'dispute' they are having."

Once again, the prince said nothing. He knew that this was his "job" and he always seemed to do the king's dirty little missions. Vegeta had no choice and an argument would only result in some form of punishment. Besides, after years and years of this, the prince liked the idea of leaving his home planet as much as he could to perform the act he loved the most: killing.

The prince promptly stood up to leave before the king halted him. "There is one more thing…" Vegeta completely forgot about this statement his father made before to him when he first entered the office. Not moving a muscle, the prince stood with his back facing his father, waiting for him to continue until finally his coarse voice said:

"Pick up your wife on your way back."


The click of Vegeta's black boots against the marble floor echoed throughout the palace walls. As soon as Vegeta had the brief meeting with his father, he made his way back to his private chambers located in the west part of the castle. Completely immersed within his thoughts, the prince nearly tripped down a flight of stairs and managed to knock over a butler. He emitted a growl and continued on his way until he reached his part of the palace. He was still in shock about the news of obtaining a wife. Sure, he was 20 years old, going to be turning 21 soon – which means he should have claimed a wife years ago – but his father of all people should know that women just tend to get in the way of everything.

Vegeta let out another growl as he quickly began to pack his things for the upcoming battle. Throwing his battle armor into the duffel, along with other bits of clothes and a few weapons, he zipped up the bag and called in a servant to inform his men of the departure.

Within minutes a servant, who was a young girl about the age of 15, knocked at the door. Vegeta ripped open the door and startled the girl so much she nearly jumped in fear. He noticed the scared look on her face but ignored it and proceeded to give her directions.

"Inform Kakarott, Radditz, and Bardock to meet me at the ship at sundown. I will be waiting for them there." The girl nodded feverishly and took off in the direction of his generals.

The young prince looked at his watch then gazed out the window. About an hour till sundown, which meant he better hurry and leave soon to make it in time. Glancing around his large and dimly lit room, he grabbed the duffel and swung it over his shoulder as he walked out the door and strolled down the hallway, heading towards the kitchen to get something quick to eat before his departure.


Within the hour, Vegeta had managed to have a quick dinner and make it to the ship. He was early (which he preferred) and he began to perform some final checks on the ship to make sure it would be running "smooth" while in flight.

The crew showed up shortly after Vegeta had finished his inspection and they boarded the moderate-sized vessel. The ship was a perfect size for Vegeta and his men; there were two bedrooms with connecting bathrooms, a small kitchen with dinning area, and the captain area, complete with two designated pilot seats to navigate the ship.

Vegeta was currently in his private bedroom when he heard the others board. It sounded as though they were excited about this little mission and he casually strolled out of his bedroom to greet his men.

Kakarott and Radditz took their places at the piloting stations while Bardock stared over their shoulders. They all turned when they heard the sound of footsteps. Rotating in their seats, all three faced their captain and waited for his instructions.

"What's the plan, chief?" Kakarott asked, a dumb grin plastered onto his face.

Vegeta frowned slightly but ignored the comment and delivered his instructions to the crew. "My father wants us to go to the Planet of Xersei and aid them in a war they are having. They are considered our allies and he wishes to remain on good terms with them. I believe this is a small mission, so we will be back shortly with no problems." With that, Vegeta left and made his way back to his bedroom to retire for the rest of the night.


As he laid on his bed, he laced his fingers together and continued to put them behind his head, giving slight support. Again, deep thoughts crossed his mind and he pondered over whether or not he should tell his crew that they would have to make a slight detour on the way back in order for him to get his wife. His men had no idea of this arranged marriage; it had been a secret and only known by those involved.

Earth. This is the planet that his soon-to-be wife lived and resided. He had never met the woman, nor did he care to. He had absolutely no interest with this business of marriage and felt he was too occupied to even care for a wife. The only reason he was to be betrothed to this lady was to form an alliance between Earth and Vegetasei. Yes, he agreed this was a good enough reason, but again he thought it was too soon. He thought he was doing a good job of putting it off, and truth be told, he was, until now.

The frustrated prince rolled onto his side and stared out the window, taking in the universe and space, which was sprinkled with bright stars. Little planets managed to creep into sight here and there but Vegeta did not pay any attention as he continued on with his thoughts.

Well, maybe a wife would not be so bad, he pondered. She could be waiting for him to return from his hard and exhausting day and begin to wait on him hand and foot. He smirked at this sight but quickly dismissed it with "that's what servants are for…" No, having a wife is not a good idea at all.

Finally giving into his aching eyes deprived from sleep, the young prince drifted off into his dreamless sleep.


Author's Note: I hope you like it! Please review and tell me what you think.