Clouded Eyes
Chapter 4
Understanding and a Painful Past
I don't own Dragonball Z at all!
It had been two weeks of living with Goku, Chichi and Dende. Since the first day it was mostly train after every meal, shower, study and sleep. Not much else was happening. Hybrid had always lost every match against Goku. He would let himself be defeated instead of using his secret powers to make the fights more interesting. His mind would always wonder if he would find out that the reason why he was so strong was because of Frieza. He did not want to have to explain to everyone that he was a murderer just yet. Personally he never wanted to, but the closer he got with everyone the harder it was to admit.
Chichi liked him, she saw him as a young boy with potential to expand not only his physical power but his mental strength. He liked to study certain things, but that was because he loved knowledge but fighting was something that brought him joy too. So his long days with Goku were always something he looked forward to.
Goku would talk about old stories of his childhood, and his experiences in the World Martial Arts Tournaments. He talked when he got his license and when he first met Bulma and Chichi. Goku was always the one lighting up the day with his stories. All Hybrid would do was listen. That was what he liked to do, because he had no stories of his past that were funny, or inspiring. All he held was grim tales of a boy who lost all hope, and became submissive to an evil force like a coward.
He had not realized until he met Goku that he was so afraid. He wished he could have been brave like all of Goku's stories. He wished that instead of killing people because he was told to, instead he would do it to save the world and protect the innocent. He hated the fact that no matter what good he would do, that he could never wash away his blood stained hands.
He woke up that morning, and he was going to get ready to go train with Vegeta for the first time. He was nervous, but excited at the same time. Vegeta was a prince he had heard of, he thought that him being alive was only a painfully inaccurate rumor. Hybrid was even more shocked to see that he had settled down with a human woman and had a child from their union. He was always told that his kind- the half breed type, was dirty blood and frowned upon, no matter the situation. It gave him a little comfort to know that his prince would not hate him entirely. At least he hoped.
Hybrid was lying in bed thinking still, his shirt was off and his hands were behind his head. He looked over at the clock and he sighed, it was time to get up and get ready.
Hybrid packed a pair of clean plaid pajama bottoms; he also brought his hygiene items. He grabbed one book just in case he needed one and he was out the door with training clothes in hand. He showered, got dressed and went down stairs to eat breakfast.
.oOo.
Hybrid and the group ate together as they normally did, but when Hybrid was about ready to get on his way he was shocked to see Chichi's reaction. She was about in tears when she said, "Now, don't let Vegeta hurt you ok? He was under Frieza's rule for many years and he has killed in cold blood. I know he is helping and I should trust him, but I don't." Chichi began. "I will not have him hurt anyone else, and so if training is too ruthless, just fly on back."
"Oh Chichi, he's not as bad as you think. Bulma loves him right? That has to mean something!" Goku said. "Vegeta is known to train a little less laid back than I do. I am sure you can handle it though, you're tough." Goku said.
"Have fun, and don't get on Vegeta's bad side. Or Bulma's... she is terrifying when she is mad." Dende said.
"That makes me feel so much less nervous, Dende. Thank you- you ass." Hybrid said.
"What your mouth, that is not any language you should be using at your age." Chichi said.
"Yes Chichi!" Hybrid blushed.
"Are you sure you don't want me to fly you there?" Goku asked.
Hybrid nodded, "Yea I am sure, I have this. I will be back tomorrow morning at about 9:00."
Everyone smiled and waved him goodbye as he jumped into the air and began to fly his way over to Capsule Corps.
As soon as Hybrid was away from everyone he let Chichi's words really sink in.
'Now, don't let Vegeta hurt you ok? He was under Frieza's rule for many years and he has killed in cold blood. I know he is helping and I should trust him, but I don't.'
It was at that moment that he realized that he couldn't tell them about his past. He was under Frieza's rule, just as Vegeta was. Vegeta was helping with a goal to save the planet, and even made a family while training here- and he was still not trusted.
How could he prove that he had changed, if Vegeta's actions were not enough to ensure their trust? It was hard to accept, but he knew that he was a monster. He may not be welcome if the truth ever came out. Hybrid had grown attached to the Son family. He really liked the atmosphere of the house and the chemistry he had with the family, he truly did not want that to change because of his evil past.
Hybrid was flying over a city when he heard an ear shattering scream. Hybrid stopped immediately and began to fly down into the city. He followed the scream and soon found a group of three men trying to take a young girl into their car. She was trying to fight their hold but she looked to be only about ten years old. Despite her age, she was not going easily. She was short and thin, she had long black hair and blue eyes.
He cursed him predicament, he did not want to be seen as a non-human so soon. He looked around. Capsule Corps was not terribly far away but he thought maybe they wouldn't notice if he decided to use what he had been hiding for 2 whole weeks. He was not going to have others ask questions. Not if they couldn't find him anyways.
Hybrid quickly powered up into a super saiyan without much effort at all, which at the time he did not know that it was a rather unnatural transformation. His hair was blonde and spiked out more, and his eyes had turned green. Mass amounts of energy surrounded him.
He flew out towards the guards and attacked the one that was holding her arms and mouth. He did not want that guy getting any ideas to try to snap her neck while he took out the first guy. He gave the man a good punch to the chest. As soon as the girl was free she swung herself up to the other man who was holding her and punched him in the face hard. Hybrid was rather shocked with her skill she had for being such a young girl.
Then man was cowering when she got up and got into a fighters stance. "Why do you idiots think you can get everything you want from my dad by capturing me?" She asked without fear. The man was a good 260 pounds and about 6'2'. She did not care, and he was being submissive to the girl. It was shocking to Hybrid.
He looked in the other direction and noticed he had in fact knocked out the other man. He smirked and walked over to the young girl. She wore an Orange Star Middle School button on her shirt.
"Wow, I see you didn't need that much help after all." Hybrid said as he walked up to her. She smiled, "Nahh, I was just going to get them when you showed up. I had a full proof plan. This is fine though. Thank you for helping me. I have never met someone my age that can fight." She said.
Hybrid blushed, he was just about to say the same thing to her. He looked at the man who was on the ground. "What were you trying to accomplish?" Hybrid asked. He was unsure of the whole situation. I mean for him it was normal to kick some serious ass, but this girl was young. All of the Earthlings he had met were very weak, and she was not strong for say, but she socked him with her confidence.
"Leave you idiot! Come back for me again, and you will leave in a casket!" The girl said coldly. The man looked at his unconscious partner and then went and ran to the driver's side of the van. He quickly drove away.
She smiled a big and innocent smiled, and looked at the boy next to her. "My name is Videl, this happens to me all the time. I assure you I can handle this. My father is the World Martial Arts Champion, and has owned a very popular dojo for many years now. People are always trying to get money from him. For example, attempting to kidnap me on my way home from school. What morons!" Videl said.
"That's good that you know what you're doing." Hybrid said. "I guess if you're safe I can take off, unless you would like me to walk you to your house?" Hybrid asked.
Videl shook her head, "No, I think I am good for now. Thank you so much for helping me today. What was your name?" Videl asked. She was staring at Hybrid's eyes and hair. She may or may not have thought it was dyed.
"H-hybrid." He said suddenly feeling shy.
"Hmm… Hybrid, that's an interesting name! So… why are you glowing?" Videl asked.
Hybrid blushed. He did not know what to say. Hybrid looked at himself and shrugged. "I have no idea." He said, he hoped that would be enough.
Videl shrugged, she held out her hand. Hybrid just looked at it, confused.
"Well then, I guess I won't get that question answered." Videl laughed, she looked at Hybrid and shook his hand. "I hope to see you around."
Hybrid looked as she shook her hand. She had just grabbed his hand and started shaking it. He was not sure what she was trying to imply. He was just ready for it to be over with.
Videl started walking towards the road and turned back and looked at him. She smiled and waved. Hybrid copied her movements a little less confidently. As soon as she was out of sight he powered down and jumped into the air.
He cursed himself for allowing her to see his powered up form when he had been sparing on Earth for the last two weeks and he had refused to show Goku and Piccolo. He just did not want to be recognized.
.oOo.
Hybrid did not have to be in the sky for too long before he arrived at Capsule Corp. He flew over the gate without any hesitation; after all he had done it with the Son family before. Hybrid stopped near the door and walked up to it slowly. The closer he got the more nervous he became. He then knocked on the door very gently.
Bulma came to the door with her hair up in a messy pony tail and a t shirt with sweats on. She had little Trunks in her arms, and she looked tired. Even though she was obviously exhausted she smiled tenderly at Hybrid and walked out with him. "Vegeta is already training. He gets up earlier on days when he knows he is going to have company and warms up." Bulma said. She led him the back yard.
Hybrid watched baby Trunks looking over Bulma's shoulders at him, the baby had big blue eyes just like his mother. Hybrid smiled when he saw the baby notice his tail and grab it. He looked so happy. He wondered if he made his own mother as tired as Bulma when he was a baby. He quickly shook that thought from his head as he approached a huge machine like room.
"This is the gravity room. This is where you and Vegeta will be training today. I'll come out and let you know when lunch is ready." Bulma said.
Hybrid nodded and looked at the huge door. Bulma entered in a code and the door opened up exposing the large room. Vegeta was in the air, punching as fast as he could. He slowed his punches when he noticed that everyone was watching him. He floated down to the ground landing gracefully and he walked over to the group.
Hybrid went to go and bow to the ground, but Vegeta must have noticed this.
"You get on the ground and I will blast you so hard that you will be unable to do any sort of training today." Vegeta said.
Hybrid stiffened and he listened to his prince. He nodded at Vegeta in understanding. Vegeta looked at Bulma and Trunks and then back at Hybrid. He nodded to Bulma and she smiled and left. The gravity rooms' doors closed behind them.
"I will not be coy with you. I felt an energy spike recently, it was very close by." Vegeta said.
Hybrid breathed in, unsure of what he was going to say. He was not sure if he was implying that he knew it was him, or if there may be an evil nearby. Secretly he hoped that he believed an evil being was among them.
"Oh, that is interesting." Hybrid said, he kept his voice steady.
"I think you may have something to tell me." Vegeta said.
Hybrid shook his head, he was playing dumb. "No my prince, I am not sure what you want me to say."
Vegeta smirked, his eyes were narrow. If Vegeta was right, this boy had transformed into a super saiyan. He did not want it to be true, because he had only recently reached that level. Unfortunately, the power was too much to be over looked. Vegeta needed to know what this boy could do. If he was not going to tell him to his face, the boy was going to show him. Vegeta clenched his fists.
"Well boy- I'm going to make you show me." Vegeta said.
Hybrid's eyes widened, he realized what Vegeta meant. Vegeta lunged at him, and began to punch him. Hybrid dodged each attack, until one hit him right in the jaw. He flew into the wall of the gravity room. He looked around and before he could even move to get away Vegeta kneed him in the gut. Vegeta saw a small moment of shock in Hybrid and he elbowed in between his shoulder blades.
That sent Hybrid to the ground. Vegeta went to stomp on the boy when Hybrid flung himself out of the way and right in front of Vegeta. Hybrid kicked Vegeta in the left ribs. He jumped back and looked at Hybrid.
"So, you're not going to give in easy? Good, I was hoping you wouldn't." Vegeta lunged forward again.
Hybrid had to admit that Vegeta's fighting style was very different than Goku's. He was very aggressive and would attack with mass amounts of strength, doing fewer defensive moves and kicking up the power on his offense.
Hybrid put his hands up and blocked Vegeta's fast punches. Vegeta did not like that he was not fighting back, so he stopped.
When hybrid looked into Vegeta's eyes he was shocked to see an orb of energy in his hand. He smirked and let it loose on Hybrid. The attack threw him back, it knocked him into the wall on the other side of the chamber.
Hybrid got up quickly, he knew Vegeta would already be there. Hybrid was right. Vegeta was right next to him, and he began to through many energy balls at him. He tried to dodge them, but it was very hard considering they were flying everywhere.
The attacks were very simple, but they had an insane amount of energy in each orb. This made them all very dangerous.
Hybrid was hit by three of them in a row. As soon as they hit Vegeta was above him, he had charged his energy and he lashed it out on Hybrid. Hybrid crashed into the floor, leaving mass amounts of ruble around him. He got up, he knew that he was nervous to fight Vegeta. He had never been nervous to fight anyone. He knew he could do better, but something about fighting his prince made him feel sloppy.
Hybrid looked at Vegeta, who had decided it was about time to turn into a super saiyan. This was the first time he had ever seen a super saiyan other than himself before. It was amazing. He looked him over, and he saw a look of pure destruction in his eyes. Hybrid knew he would not stop until he got what he wanted from him.
Hybrid breathed in, he lunged for Vegeta this time, trying to prove himself to his prince. He began to throw punches at Vegeta. Vegeta was faster now that he was a super saiyan. This did not worry Hybrid though. In one of Hybrid's punches he had prepared an energy orb. He unleashed it on Vegeta's chest. Vegeta shot back a little, this surprised him. He then smirked and he unleashed a full body Ki unleash which threw Hybrid back. The whole gravity room seemed to shake as Vegeta made many orbs again and sent them towards Hybrid. They all hit Hybrid. He had tried to dodge, but all of them hit him at once. He flew back into the air and hit the wall of the gravity room. He slid now and hit the ground. Vegeta looked untouched, and Hybrid looked down at himself. He had blood coming from his lip and large gashes everywhere, His clothes were almost completely torn. He looked at Vegeta, he was still smirking at him. This told Hybrid that he would not stop until he was unconscious. Hybrid growled, he refused to be in that state. He did not care whether it was prince or not anymore. He refused to be beaten senseless by anyone.
Hybrid yelled out and he quickly took form into a super saiyan. The shocked look on Vegeta's face was priceless. It was obvious that Vegeta was unsure of his own accusations from earlier.
"Is this what you want prince Vegeta?" Hybrid asked coldly. He looked into his eyes as he began to expand his Ki, it was pushing Vegeta back. Vegeta watched as the boys' power grew; it shook the entire gravity room. Vegeta's eyes widened as some pieces of the roof began to fall.
"Enough." Vegeta shouted at the boy.
Hybrid stopped and he released into his normal saiyan form. Vegeta walked over to the boy and patted his back, "The more damage we do to the gravity room, the longer it takes to fix it." Vegeta said.
Hybrid looked from Vegeta to around the gravity room. From top to bottom it was destroyed. Pieces of the building were everywhere and there were many deep and huge holes. He sighed, "I am sorry prince Vegeta." Hybrid said.
"It is fine, that was the most fun I have had in a long time. It would have been less damaging to just have admitted to me the truth." Vegeta said.
"I know, I just was not sure I wanted to use that form while on earth." Hybrid said.
"Why is that, boy?" Vegeta asked, "It is not every day a boy as young as you unleash that kind of power. Besides, how do you expect to get stronger if you do not use your full potential?"
Hybrid shrugged, "I am playing it safe sir."
"Playing it safe gets you nowhere." Vegeta stated.
Hybrid looked down to the ground. He was not sure what to say.
Vegeta took a seat on the floor, Hybrid followed him. Vegeta looked at the boy. He saw a nasty scar that went from his right pectoral to right above his belly button. He noticed many other scars on the boys' arms, back and chest. He recalled he too had scars like that when he was his age.
"How did you know that I was under Frieza's rule?" Hybrid finally asked after several minutes of silence and heavy breathing from both of them.
Vegeta huffed, "I am not a fool, and I was once under Frieza's rule. I know the signs of a man who was forced to kill."
Hybrid's eyes widened. "I- I did not want anyone to know…" Hybrid admitted. "I have never even told Dende. I couldn't admit it…" Hybrid said.
"Did he have you purge for him boy?" Vegeta asked.
Hybrid shook his head, "Yes, at first I did not want to… but it slowly took over, and I followed orders. I never gave anyone any mercy, I felt like it did not have to because no one gave me that privilege." Hybrid did not look at Vegeta once, "I am ashamed that I could be so cold and ruthless when it came to taking innocent life like that."
"You were young when you were taken, you did not know much else. It was either that or receive a life threatening beating yourself." Vegeta said.
Hybrid nodded, "I wish I would have been killed. I killed so many innocent. I see them in my nightmares, and in the back of my mind I always seen different faces, different voices crying out for mercy. I would have much rather died without this fucking guilt I feel every single day." Hybrid finally looked up. "The worst part, I will never be able to make up for the lives that I have destroyed. It does not matter how many people I save- and people will always see me as I truly am." Hybrid paused.
"As a monster…" This statement was said by Vegeta and Hybrid at the same time. Hybrid looked shocked.
"I have been called a monster by everyone, even Bulma would result to saying that in our early fights." Vegeta said, "I am here trying to help save this world, and I am training to make sure this planet is not destroyed, but no one cares. The past is the thing they see, no matter how much you change."
Hybrid looked down, his prince had gone through a similar experience as him, and he was still seen as a monster, even though his son is only half saiyan.
"Then again, when I came here the first time I killed some of Goku's friends. I see why they might be afraid of me." Vegeta said.
Hybrid sighed, "But you still changed…" Hybrid said, "You could be killing off everyone that you don't like right now, but you're here with a woman and child." Hybrid said.
"No matter what happens, Chichi, Goku, Piccolo and even Dende will see me differently. They will look into my eyes and see a murderous tyrant, killing the innocent. How am I supposed to face that? How can I look them in the eyes and tell them I have changed? Even though the truth is that I can, and will kill anyone who I feel will cause harm?" Hybrid asked.
"You accept that people will fear your past, but hope they will one day accept your future." Vegeta said. "It may sound impossible now, but you will find someone who proves to you that they don't care about your past, just your future." Vegeta said.
Hybrid couldn't figure out how he could do that. Vegeta saw confusion and pain in his eyes and he sighed.
"I will not tell anyone, not even my mate until you feel like you can handle the judgments of others. I warn you though, the longer you wait the longer it is for them to accept your violent and bloody past." Vegeta said.
Vegeta was not normally this friendly, but this boy had seen things that Vegeta had seen, and done many of them too, it may have affected each one differently but there was always a similar feeling. They were both made into monsters from the same man.
Hybrid's eyes widened, he was almost certain that Vegeta would tell.
"I will also keep quiet about you being a young saiyan." Vegeta said.
"Prince Vegeta, I am not sure why you choose to protect me from the situations I find uncomfortable." Hybrid said. "I am very grateful, but why?"
"I am not much for gossip anyways. That is more of a human woman thing." Vegeta said.
Hybrid smiled and he looked at Vegeta once more. "You are a good man. Thank you for keeping my secrets." Hybrid said.
Vegeta nodded and smirked. "I don't hear that very often." Vegeta chuckled. "I will only keep your secrets if you don't tell anyone I have become soft." Vegeta said.
"You don't have to worry, I will let everyone know that you scared me but was kind enough not to kill me." Hybrid said. Vegeta laughed.
As that was said the large door to the chamber opened, and reviled a very shocked Bulma. She twitched before she glared right in Vegeta's direction. Vegeta smirked.
"Do you think this is funny Vegeta?!" Bulma yelled, "Do you know how long it will take us to fix all this damage?" Bulma asked.
"Yes, I know. Dr. Briefs should get started immediately." Vegeta got up, Hybrid followed him to his feet.
Bulma glared at Vegeta she was livid. This all changed when Vegeta gently grabbed her waist and kissed her cheek. She blushed. She was not normally shy when it came to Vegeta anymore, after all they had a child together. This however was unusual. She knew Vegeta was a very private person, and he rarely showed any affection in front of her own family, let alone a boy they barely knew.
Hybrid smiled the sweet gesture Vegeta made to his mate. It made him feel like he should let down his guard to the people he was becoming close to. Then again, that was harder said than done.
The group walked into the house to go and eat lunch.
.oOo.
The rest of the night was very quiet. Hybrid was introduced to Bulma's parents during lunch. After lunch Vegeta and Hybrid did a little bit of hand to hand combat until dinner. After dinner however, Bulma decided to get to know the kid herself. After all, this boy had obviously gotten through Vegeta's guard easier than she did. She held Trunks and showed him many rooms.
Hybrid looked into the hall way and saw a huge door, Bulma smiled and lead him into the room.
"This is my lab, I go here to get away and work on various projects." Bulma said.
"I did not know you were an inventor!" Hybrid said.
"I know, not many people expect brains and beauty." Bulma laughed.
Hybrid smiled and looked around the lab.
Bulma explained a couple of her inventions, she looked at one and began to explain in depth. She looked at Trunks and she smiled. "Do you want to hold him?" Bulma asked, she noticed he would glance at the child often.
Color left Hybrid's entire face, he shook his head quickly. "No t-thank you." He blushed. The baby was so small, he felt like just holding him could harm him.
"Ok, just wanted to know, you seem to think he is very interesting from the way you keep looking at him."
Hybrid shook his head again, "He is just so small, and interesting, I don't want to hold him. I just want to study him from afar." Hybrid said.
Bulma stared at him, "Every great scientist knows that the answers you seek will not come to you unless you jump in head first and study up close and personal." Bulma stated.
Hybrid smiled nervously. He knew where this was going.
"You asked about these inventions, you touched and studied them, now how about I show you how to hold him?" Bulma asked.
Hybrid saw the flames in her eyes, he decided it might be for the best to listen to her, and besides he wanted to see how small the baby truly was. "F-fine." Hybrid stiffened up as she came closer to him. She put his hands in the positions they were supposed to be and she slowly passed the baby. She whispered, "Keep the head up."
Hybrid did as Bulma said. He looked down at baby Trunks and smiled. "I-I have never held a baby before." Hybrid said, "He looks so fragile." Trunks' big eyes stared up at him. The small tail wrapped around Hybrid's hand. He looked up at Bulma and smiled nervously, "I think I am done studying."
Bulma laughed and took baby Trunks into her arms. Bulma smiled, "See that was not so bad." She looked at the time and had not realized it took so long to show Hybrid around. She was slower since she had her baby, but it was already 9:35 at night.
"You are probably tired. I will take you to your room." Bulma smiled, Hybrid nodded and followed her.
They got to the guest room in no time, and Bulma said goodnight. Hybrid got changed into his pajamas and he got into bed quickly, tomorrow he would go back to the Son house. He was excited to see them. Hybrid jumped into bed and she stretched out. He put his hands behind his head and he looked onto the ceiling.
The day had been very long. He sighed as his mind went from the conversation with Vegeta to turning super saiyan twice that day. He looked over to the window. He wondered at that point if he would ever see that girl again. "She seemed nice." He said out loud without realizing it. A smiled formed onto his lips and he closed his eyes. "Probably not."
Hybrid let sleep take him finally.
.oOo.
A/N: I hope this was interesting. In my mind I have always seen Vegeta as a man who is very strong and cold at times, but I believe someone cannot fall in love with someone unless they have a little bit of a soft side. Believe me, there will be a lot more 'Vegeta like moments' in the future. As for Videl, I feel like it was time. I want this story to have twists and turns and that was one of them! J I have a good plan for the next chapter but I would like some reviews! I want to see if there is anything confusing, or if it is too outrageous of twists! I would also like to know how everyone is feeling towards the story so far! Please Review because it makes me smile. J Anything really comments, or questions! Thank you for reading… until next time… J