Finally a new chapter! I don't why but it took me so long to write this… probably because sometimes I just zone out and end up looking at the computer screen for half-hour until I finally realize: Oh, right I'm writing!
Also in the original version of this story I used bits and pieces of the canon, so I decided to use a few in this version too. I wonder if anyone would actually recognize them?
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball Z.
Chapter 4: Retaliation
'Vegeta, please…' She begged again. 'Don't….'
'You foolish woman, you had let my mind wander once, I will not let myself be fooled again, I will not let myself get distracted again!' He hissed, grabbing her by her throat. Bulma could feel her feet leave the ground. Dangling in the air, useless and unable to stop him, she used both of her hands and grabbed his, scratching him, trying to stop him from suffocating her.
'Ve…' She couldn't speak anymore, there was no air in her lungs to do so. Consciousness was slipping away. He was going to kill her deliberately slow, she knew he had strength enough to simply snap her neck, yet he didn't. He wanted her to know she was going to die, making her aware that if she closed her eyes now she would never open them again.
In the corner of his eyes he saw something move, it had been from the same spot she had ran out off once she had noticed him. Turning his head, he saw a small stones crumble down the edge of the hole. Someone was there. Ah, had she made a friend during his absence? He grinned, tossing her aside, he hear her body collide with ground. She instantly pushed herself up, disoriented. Coughing, trying to catch her breath.
No! That little boy… 'Vegeta!' Her voice sounded hoarse and it came out more as a whisper. She tried again, a little louder this time, 'Vegeta!' Her voice did not stop him and he ignored her calls walking towards his new victim, whoever it was would pay for thinking they could hide from him.
'Don't!' Trying to stand up, her knees gave back in, making her fall down again. I need to stop him. I have to distract him…'Vegeta, you don't have time for this.' She shouted, crawling up again, 'I just saw Frieza, he's got five Dragonballs already!'
This made him stop abruptly and turn around, his eyes wide. 'You saw Frieza?'
'He didn't see me, but I saw him and his men were carrying five out of the seven Dragonballs!' At least I think he didn't see me. She purposely left that out, who knew how he would react to that information, besides it's not as if it mattered she was going to die anyway.
Hoping this would distract him enough to leave the boy alone, she gathered all her strength and ran forward to him. Every muscle of her body ached from the blow to the ground and every part of her was screaming out to run in the opposite direction.
'I think we should work together.' Bulma spoke softly trying to keep him focused on her. I have to use everything I got.
'Ha! What makes you think I need your help? You are nothing but a useless woman who gets herself into trouble.' He sneered, amused by her ridiculous offer.
I actually don't know myself. Bulma thought, a million useless thoughts ran through her head, frustrated that she couldn't find one smart thing to say, one reason for him to find her useful.
She almost whimpered when Vegeta growled impatiently. 'Stop playing games, woman.'
Brushing her off he walked towards the small crack in mountain again, 'Come out, come out, whoever you are.' He grinned maliciously, excited at the prospect of destroying another useless being on this planet. Bulma's feet moved on their own accord and she grabbed his hand, which somewhat startled him, he gave her a surprised look in return, staring at her.
'Please Vegeta, there is only a little boy hiding there. A little Namekian boy! Please don't hurt him, he was just hiding there too!' She pleaded, as soon as the words left her mouth, the little boy, as if on cue, appeared out of the hole, dusting himself off and shivering all over when Vegeta's stare landed on him.
Vegeta grunted, disappointed by who it was, he faced his attention back on the woman. I have to think of something, anything! Something! Come on, Bulma, think! Think! Think! Think! Vegeta isn't going to agree with anything. If you want to live you'll have to beg… Swallow all your pride…
Bulma opened her mouth to speak but then decided against it and closed it again. Uncertain what to do, she just waited. Her mind racing.
Letting herself fall on her knees, 'Vegeta please, I beg you, don't…' Swallowing a burning feel in her throat, her stomach was turning around making her nauseas. Actually her own actions were making her sick. Her pride was the one taking the biggest blow however.
'I just want to go home. I'll do whatever you want! I'm on your side… Whatever it takes, I'll do it. I'll help you grant your wish if you just let me go home…' She was nearly crawling, her hands still on his legs. 'Please…' She muttered silently, hoping he would take the bait.
He let out a low growl, she couldn't see his face, so it was hard to know if she should take it as a good sign or a bad, with Vegeta you simply never knew. She clenched her hands tighter on his legs, holding on for dear life.
'You are the most pathetic being I've ever come across.'
I couldn't agree more.
'And how, do tell, will you make yourself useful?'
'I'll look for the other Dragonball, two people are faster then one. I know I'm not strong and I know I'm not fast but I'm smart and I can work hard. It's worth a shot!' Bulma's voice sounded desperate and afraid, she could've been an actress if she wasn't so damn smart. She had to suppress a grin.
When looking up, she could see Vegeta actually considering the idea. It lifted up her hope, maybe we'll really get out of here!
She hadn't forgot about the boy, 'The boy said he knew the village of the nearest Dragonball, he could be my guide and they will easily give the Dragonball to us! I'm obviously not a part of Frieza's army and he's Namekian himself!'
Hoping that this had win him over, she took a glimpse at the boy again, who simply watched the scene. He was obviously frighten yet brave enough to go along with her plan, though he did not know her true intentions.
'If you think of ever fooling me again…' He started, making her cut him off quickly, dismissing the idea completely, 'Of course not! I won't, Vegeta, I won't.'
Bingo! Come on, I know you want to say yes! Do it!
'I normally don't give second chances, woman.' His grin widened, making Bulma's hart flutter with hope and victory.
'I don't plan on starting either.'
And just like that her heart and her hope shattered into a million pieces on the ground. Bulma simply stared with wide eyes at him, he barked a laugh and started to gather some ki in his one hand. In the background of her view, she could see Dende tremble uncontrollably, he too had thought she had him.
No… I…She simply closed her eyes, waiting.
When nothing came, she opened them again. Vegeta was gone. Her big blue eyes scanned the place, nowhere to be seen, What the hell!?
Confused she stared at the boy who was looking up, more afraid then before. When she looked up she recognized him. He was one of Frieza's men. The pink fat one. What is he doing here? And where did Vegeta go? Has this guy stopped him?
'Well, well. I guess I found what Frieza wanted. Fortunately for me, I wouldn't want his wrath.' He grinned at Bulma, who was confused by his words but remained quiet, 'I thought Vegeta was here? Where did he go off to?'
I'd like to know myself. What games are you playing, Vegeta?
Out of nowhere a small ki-beam blasted through the air, barely missing the aliens head but destroying his scouter in the progress. He looked around frantically in search of Vegeta.
'Vegeta, you coward!'
In less than a blink, the pink alien flew to the side into the water. The hit had knocked the breath out of him, and Bulma doubted he had hardly register what happened before hitting the surface. When he climbed back out, Vegeta had landed before him, just a few meters away.
'Vegeta, what do you want?' He was breathing heavy, the impact had definitely had his effect. When Vegeta barked a laugh, 'Dodoria, is that how you greet an old friend?'
The alien hissed in response, 'I'm simply here for the girl.'
'Oh?' Vegeta turned around to look at her, one eyebrow lifted, staring at her. Bulma shrugged, not know what he meant or what he could be after. He didn't say anything and his cold expression was hard to read. When he turned back around to face his opponent, Bulma ran towards the boy.
'I'm so sorry…' She whispered, the boy simply stared back at her with wide eyes and remained motionless until Vegeta spoke again.
'How unfortunate, the girl belongs to me and since you don't have Frieza around to intervene, getting rid of you will be an easy job.' He smirked, confident and proud as always. 'Are you always such a coward when you are not around Frieza and Zarbon?'
'You think you can take me on? Not in a million years, you little saiyan freak!' Dodoria shouted back, balding his fist in anger.
This also angered Vegeta, making him drop his smirk instantly. The air was filled itself with electricity, and Bulma and the boy held each other tightly, the situation had created some sort of bond between them, a bond created by the will to survive.
Vegeta's face hardened, nobody called him anything, especially not some despicable alien like Dodoria.
'You are wasting my time! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, get out of here!' Even though he was shouting, the words were less then convincing. He was obviously afraid of Vegeta.
'Oh, how generous of you.' Vegeta snickered, 'Or are you just scared? Did you overhear the battle between me and Cui?' Taking a step in his direction, 'I'm a lot stronger than before.'
'You are not stronger then me and I'll prove it!' He screamed back, a slight tremble in his voice, he created a ki-ball and threw it at Vegeta who easily dodged it, but it made the earth tremble and Bulma let out a scream. The boy grasped on to her leg, letting out a small yelp.
Vegeta flew up in the air, disappearing out of sight, leaving behind a confused Dodoria, who couldn't understand how the Saiyan Prince had become so fast.
'Not so good at finding your enemies without your scouter, huh?' Vegeta laughed, flying low above the water, creating havoc in the silent scenery, he flew up towards his opponent and kicked him in the stomach, Dodoria was too slow to stop him, making him fly several feet further, leaving a trail of destruction behind.
'A little trick I learned back on Earth.'
Vegeta knows how to do that? Then why did he-Bulma couldn't think any further because Dende was pulling her sleeve, running from the fight, she struggled, if they left now Vegeta surely would kill them.
'Unlike you, I've been training non-stop. That fight on Earth only made me stronger.' He explained, flying straight towards Dodoria, who was breathing heavily and sweating, fear was clearly taking over. His facial expression breathed agony, knowing fully well Vegeta was the better fighter of the two them.
Vegeta barely missed him, but he flew in a circle back, grabbing Dodoria by his arms, pulling them to his back, a painful grip. 'Just like Cui… You are pathetic!' Vegeta enjoyed torturing him by making his grip more painful, making Dodoria scream in pain.
'Vegeta…Ugh..' He could hardly utter a word from the pain. 'W-wait!'
Vegeta simply ignored him and laughed at his sad attempt to stop him.
'Wait! I'll tell you about your home-planet!' He screamed out, the words however made Vegeta stop. Not that his grip faltered but he did delay torturing him, listening to what he had to say. 'What about my home-planet?'
'N-no, wait, not just that! I…' Dodoria puffed from the pressure Vegeta kept on holding his arms in that position. 'What?' He barked back, 'The Saiyan freak doesn't have all day.'
Dodoria winced at the words, realizing his words were a mistake, one that could be fatal.
'You are a coward like Cui. Though it was entertaining to see him suffer, that fight could hardly count as training. I should just do you a favor and kill you now.'
Dodoria's voice trembled a little when he tried to speak again, 'About you planet…' He took a breath again, wincing in pain.
Bulma walked a little closer, she wanted to hear what he had to say. She had wondered what exactly had happen to the planet, she had simply heard from Goku that it had been destroyed. Which made no sense since every Saiyan she had met had immense power, so what could be more powerful than an entire planet of Saiyans?
'Wait! I need you to promise me not to hurt me first.'
'If you don't start speaking soon, you'll be history.' Vegeta barked back, finally letting him go out of his painful grip. Dodoria rubbed his wrist, sweat dripping off his face.
'Your planet didn't get destroyed by meteorites like Frieza said.' He grinned, obviously liking what he was about to tell him. His smirk widened, 'You see the Saiyans have worked for Frieza for several years and though he could easily defeat them, however he did also become aware of the fact that the warrior race had some extraordinary fighters, such as yourself,' he let his words hang in the air for a moment, 'And such a large group could become… problematic.'
Vegeta remained unresponsive, not even reacting when Dodoria lifted himself into the air, all Bulma could see was that he was balding his fist. She had seen him angered before, and her little stunt had pissed him off but she was sure that what she was about to witness was nothing like she had ever seen.
'A problem that should be dealt with.' His smirk widened even more, for someone who pleaded Vegeta not to hurt him he was damn arrogant. 'It was Frieza who destroyed planet Vegeta.'
Vegeta's face remained stoic while Dodoria seemed to find the whole thing very amusing. 'I'm sorry, Vegeta.' His voice could not hide the venom that dripped from his words, hateful even though he had just begged for his life a few minutes ago. He just being sarcastic… That bastard! Bulma squinted her eyes at the pitiful warrior, not that she stopped hating Vegeta or that she cared what had happen to his home-planet, no she hated Saiyans too much for that. But there was such a things as honor and respect, something Frieza and his army obviously lacked.
'No, I am.' Vegeta answered calmly, 'I'm sorry you will feel the wrath of The Saiyan Prince.' He screamed the last part, powering up immensely. Charging with full force forward, he kicked his in the stomach, the impact of the blow was more than Dodoria could handle. He tried to utter something but he flew across the fields and eventually landed with a loud thud. Vegeta created an enormous ki-ball and destroyed not just Dodoria but everything around him, creating a huge crater.
He cracked his neck, a stoic mask took over his face again. He simply stared at the sight he had just created. Bulma wondered what could be going on in his head, though just was very relieved at how calm he stayed, she would've thought he would've taken his anger out on her too. She should be dead by now, yet she here she was just looking at him.
Lowering his head at the green grass before him, Vegeta just let it all slowly sink in. He had always hated Frieza for making him doing his dirty jobs, for not treating him like the Prince he was, for always humiliating him when possible. Bastard. I wanted to get this title for myself. To proof that he simply was the strongest of the Universe. It was in his blood to be so, it was his birth given right to be so. But now it was so much more than that. He was getting revenge for his father, his race, his planet. Everything he had been entitled to as well.
He grunted loudly, feeling himself power up by the thought he was so close to killing Frieza. He needed to refocus and get back in control. Turning around abruptly, the woman let out a small scream, she stared at him with wide eyes, afraid of what he would do and yet anticipating to know so. Perhaps she could have her use. Dodoria had been searching for her, this meant Frieza had seen her… The wires in his head started turning and he couldn't stop himself when sadistic smirk spread on his face.
Bulma had to supress a shiver at the sight of Vegeta, it almost looked as if he was possessed by some evil demon, then she had to remind herself he was simply an evil sadistic bastard himself. She gritted her teeth and assumed a tall posture, defying him with her chin in the air.
He slowly walked closer to her, ignoring her sad performance of bravery. She wondered what he could be thinking and what he was planning. When he spoke, she almost jumped.
'I think you are right.'
Bulma's eyebrows shot in the air, did her ears just deceive her? What the hell was he planning? Just minutes ago he told her would kill her and he would've had if it hadn't been for Dodoria.
'Two are better than one. You go look for the other one.' He smirked, extending his hand, 'But you'll give me the Dragonball-radar.'
'But—'
'I thought you said you were smart? You'll figure this out, right?' His grin never faltering, his voice sounded awkwardly teasing.
'I am but how am I supposed to—' Bulma started to stutter, No! No! No!
'Woman,' He growled this time, 'I believe the sole reason you are here with me is because of that device. You think I'll let you have it now?' He turned his glance from her to the boy, 'Besides he's your guide to the village? You should be fine.'
No, no, no! But that was a lie! Her mind screamed yet her lips were sealed in a thin line. Chewing the inside of her cheek to stop herself from yelling in despair. She eventually, after a long pause, manage to let out a 'Right.' Slowly handing him over the Dragonball-radar.
'I'll come and find you, woman.' He smirked, grabbing her cheek, that was a promise. Bulma pulled away without hesitation, lifting her chin again in defiance and not letting any of her inner turmoil be seen by his cold eyes, wearing the same stoic mask as he had seconds ago.
'Feisty.' He laughed, not bothered by her behaviour.
Levitating, he spared her one more glanced, his eyes boring in hers. But she refused to turn away first, No, you bastard. I won't let you win!
He simply gave her one more infuriating smirk and turned around blasting off in full speed.
Bulma's hair flew back and only now she took much needed deep breath. Letting everything sink in. Vegeta had the dragonball-radar. How? How was she ever supposed to succeed?
I guess I failed… Maybe I would've been better off if he had killed me…
Sighing, she let her shoulder fall, feeling a tense feeling relieve itself from her back. Letting herself fall on her behind, she crouched up her knees, letting her elbows rest on them. Letting her forehead rest against her crosses arms, she took another breath. She needed to think. Or cry. Something. She wasn't really sure... about anything.
'Miss?'
The innocent voice took her out of her self-created abyss, Bulma instantly lifted her head and gave him a weak smile. She had forgot about him. Poor thing she had dragged him into this mess now too.
'I'm sorry, kid.' She started to sob. I'm so sorry! I'm sorry everyone, I… Big wet tears flooded out of the corners of her eyes, uncontrollably. She probably looked like a mess now. The thought only made her cry harder, more desperate. Why her!
'P-please d-don't cry, Miss!' The boy stuttered, uncertain of what to do. 'It's going to be alright!'
'No! No! No it's not!' Bulma yelled, taking a breath between her heavy sobs, 'I don't have the dragonball-radar so I can't get even one measly Dragonball! And I have to take on two super strong monstrous men! I can't win! I can't wish back my friends! I can't wish back Goku or Gohan, Chichi… Yamcha…' She started to cry again, burying her face in her hands.
'I hate Vegeta! I hate him! I hate Frieza! And I hate planet Namek! I hate everyone!'
'Please don't think like that, Miss!' the boy said, finding new strength to speak. 'I'm sure if we get to Elder Guru he'll understand! He'll help you! I know so! He knows you are not a part of them!' Referring to Frieza's men as he pointed to the recently new made grave of the pink man, 'He'll protect you and even help you wish your friends back!'
Somehow the words sunk in her head, bit by bit, piece by piece. Suddenly understanding his words she jerked her head back up and stared at the boy, who gave her a bewildered look in return, uncertain what impact the words had made on her.
'W-what did you just say?' She wiped away her tears, her heart felt suddenly less heavy. Perhaps the crying had helped too, she wanted to do that since Goku had lost the fight.
'Elder Guru is the wisest and kindest man. He leads us.' He explained, 'I know you are here unwillingly, that man took you captive. I'm sure he'll help you get back home.' Obviously having a lot of faith in the man, he took a few steps closer encouraging her to slowly get back up.
'But if Vegeta comes looking for me he'll just hurt you and Elder Guru.' She answered sadly, pausing, she added, 'Heck, he'll kill me when he sees I don't have a Dragonball. I can't find one on my own, that will take forever!'
'I'm sure Elder Guru will help you!' He repeated, his eyes had certain shine to it, it made Bulma smile, glad to find someone who still had so much faith in someone else.
'You really believe that, huh?'
'I was on my way to Elder Guru but I hid when I saw those men come.' He explained, then his eyes saddened, a great deal of grief came on his face, 'They had attacked my village earlier today… I'm the only one who survived…'
Bulma looked at the ground, not sure what to say to him. She knew the pain of loss now too, before she never knew just what to say. Now she simply understood there was simply nothing to say.
'So…' She started, a small hopeful smile graced her lips, 'We better get going then!'
He looked up, gave her a smile in return, even though the tears were still in his eyes. He brightly nodded, 'Yes!'
'You know how to get there?' Bulma asked.
A bit of a distressed look enter his face, eyebrows knitting together, 'I've been there before… I'll recognize certain things…'
In other words he wasn't sure. But when she had checked her radar, they hadn't been too far off from a Dragonball. She wondered…
'Does he have a Dragonball? I mean Elder Guru?'
He seemed to think about it for a moment, then smiled brightly, 'Yes! I'm almost certain he does!'
'Well then we are not too far off! We just have to keep going that way!' Pointing her finger, she started to walk, the little boy following behind her.
Her hope was recovered, she almost thought this was a sign, a sign from her friends, telling her not to give up just yet. She took another deep breath, feeling refreshed. She smirked, You just wait, Vegeta!'So what's your name? Mine's Bulma, not woman as Vegeta calls me.' She said the last part sardonically, but her overall voice sounded like always, happy and carefree.
'I'm Dende.' His smile mirrored hers, more confident before.
So what could Vegeta be up to?
By the way I know Namekian's don't have eyebrows but you have to admit: knitting his hairless eyebrows together… just sounds weird…
I'm going to try to update a bit faster, maybe twice a week. It's a good intention not a promise…
Don't forget to leave a review!