Disclaimer: Nope. Don't own it.

Chapter 3: Hurtful Friends

Bulma was very happy. She had a new friend, well sort of, and she was allowed to go to the lab now. Everyone was treating her family so much better. Before everyone would kind of ignore them but now, since her and her father had started working on the Gravity Room, it seemed like every Saiyan was being super nice, well, Saiyan nice.

Bulma even started to like Mr. Bardock. She was going over the plans with him and her father for an upgraded Gravity room in the lab. It took 3 weeks, but they were able to build one that went up to 100x the Gravity on Vegeta. The King declared that room as his personal one, so production began for others. But now they were expanding the possibilities of going even higher. As they were sprouting out ideas Turles came in.

"Hey Brother! Your son is back from planet 561."

"Which one?" Bardock said without looking up.

"Kakarot. He did a great job on his first mission."

Bulma's eyes widened at the conversation. "You have kids? How old are they? Is one of them a girl? Can I play with them?"

Bardock sighed with frustration. He wished he could fast-forward Bulma's life so he could deal with the genius and not the child. "Yes. Doesn't matter. No and no."

Bulma pouted. Bardock never wanted to talk to her about anything other than science. "What was Kakarot's mission? Is he a scientist too?"

Dr. Brief looked up at that one. He was very curious to know that himself. They had been on planet Vegeta for 3 months and the Saiyans had been very secretive. No one had been willing to give him any details on many topics. One in particular was why and where were they sending infants across the galaxy? And why was he only allowed to go into certain labs and not all of them? And why no one would tell him if he could ever return home. He was starting to think that if he wasn't blessed with such a brilliant daughter, then he would have never seen his family again.

Bardock just ignored the question and went back to the plans.

Bulma was annoyed, so she decided to punish Bardock by getting under his skin. "How's Colleen?" She said in her classic sing-song voice.

Turles busted out laughing while Bardock blushed. Sometimes he wished he had just left Bulma on that stupid planet.

Turles patted his brother on his back. "And that is why you never give a child your diary."

Bardock glared at his brother. "It is not a diary! Turles you are a breath away from being blasted off this planet."

Turles just smirked. "Bulma did I ever tell you how funny you are?"

Bulma giggled. "No."

"That is enough! We have work to do. So if there isn't anything else, get lost." Bardock yelled.

Turles smiled. "Actually there is something." Turles said before he walked out.

Bardock grunted then followed him out, leaving the curious earthlings in the lab. "What is it Turles?"

"The King just used one of the Kill Switches on planet 947."

Now Bardock was curious. "Did it work?"

Turles smirked. "Brother it was beautiful. He didn't destroy the planet, because there were only certain parts that were in rebellion. But it was a work of art. With the surveillance we were able to see everything. Bombs were going off from within their own planet, and the fools had no clue what was going on. Some of them were even prepared for an air attack while a bomb exploded from behind them. The looks on their faces were…magnificent."

Bardock nodded. "Good. So I assume that they realized we planted the bombs there?"

Turles seemed a little excited. "Well that's the beauty of it. They still think our surveillance equipment is only for communication. So they don't know that we can see and hear everything. Also, because only half of the planet was in rebellion, the rebels just assumed it was their own people that attacked them out of fear from us."

"That is fascinating." Then Bardock frowned. "But we must assume that not every planet will be as dumb as that one. Others will get suspicious."

"But if they do, we still have the Kill Switches and there's nothing they can do about them."

Bardock smirked. "I know, after all, I'm the one that made them."

The King's personal Chambers

The King got up from his bed and with a quick turn of his head cracked his neck. He then looked over his shoulder to the two women in his bed. "You may go now."

The women bruised, half beaten, and bloodied bowed and limped out. King Vegeta watched them out of the corner of his eye as he placed on a robe. He then grabbed a wine glass off a nearby table and poured himself something to drink. After he took a gulp he sat it down and called for his guard.

A guard immediately came in and bowed. "Yes sire?"

"Kill them." He said without even looking at the guard. The guard left out as quietly as he came in. The two women were some of the new shipment that came from Earth. Not enough for every Saiyan, just a few women with each shipment for the King alone. The King was no fool. He noticed the beauty that Bulma and her mother possessed and assumed that Earth must have been filled with women just like them. Once his suspicions were confirmed they started shipping more than just chocolate and strawberries.

The King reached for a chocolate covered strawberry from off the same tray as his new wine. He found it all quite pleasing. The women were as well. It turned out that Earth had way more women on it then it did men and they all came in different varieties. Even though they were enjoyable they had to be disposed of for 2 reasons. The first was because they are weak and bruise far too easily. The second reason was because they were genetically compatible with Saiyans and could produce children.

The last thing the King wanted was some half breed running around here looking at his throne and sharing his blood. Just the thought made him want to puke.

No, killing them was the only option. Besides, they had plenty to spare, well at least for him anyways.

He looked over to his bed and frowned. Even though he has found pleasure with many women, none of them still could not compare to her.

Kella

His beautiful Saiyan Queen. He had wanted her as soon as he saw her. He didn't even care that she was mated to another; one of his top Elites as it turned out. He would have just killed him, but the people found too much favor in him. So he did the honorable thing and let him die in battle…sure he sent him on a suicide mission, but still better than just getting his head blasted off without knowing the reason why.

But the problem was she never completely gave in to him. She was still trapped within the memories of her dead lover. The King could tell when she was thinking of him and when she was thinking of her mate. He tried to break her, but the fool wouldn't bend! After all he had done for her! Made her an Empress and gave her an heir to the throne, and he was repaid how? By her constant daydreaming, that's how.

He stared at the rumpled sheets and remembered the last time they were in this room…

They were about to mate when he noticed her looking off in the distance staring at absolutely nothing. He had had enough. He smacked her across her face hard enough to make her crash into the wall and yelled, "He's dead! You are with me! I order you to never think of him again!"

Kella wiped the blood that spilled from her mouth. "I can not! I know Vegeta! I know it was you that sent him on that mission!"

All that did was anger him. If she knew that, then she should know how much work he put in to actually getting her. She should be flattered! "So what? It's over! You are mine!"

Then she drew herself up with sheer determination and hatred then spat blood on the floor and glared into his eyes. "I will never be yours."

That was it. The King could take no more. "So you wish to be with your lover? Fine, then you shall meet him." The King ran over to her and started squeezing her neck.

The Queen tried to stop him but she couldn't. She even tried to reach for his tail but he swung it out the way. She tried moving her legs to kick him or throw him off but he had her pressed so tightly against the wall that she couldn't do anything. He was far too strong.

The King's eyes were wild with anger. Every little move she attempted just added fuel to his already burning rage. "Tell me Kella? Do you regret it yet? Do you regret not accepting my gift? Do you regret acting like a complete FOOL?" He could have ended it already, but he was letting just enough oxygen in so she could answer him, because maybe, just maybe she would realize her mistake. Part of him wanted to just rip her in half, but there was a smaller part of him that was just barely coming through, just enough for him to give her another chance if she spoke the right answer.

After a few strangle gasps, her answer came loud and clear. "Never."

The King shook his head as if to rid himself of the memories. She was a fool. And luckily Vegeta was only a babe when it happened so he had no attachments to his mother and never brought her up. Which he thought was for the better, after all, a Saiyan can grow up to be a fine warrior without such petty emotions.

Later in Bulma's Living Room

Nappa had left the room to go check to make sure the gravity room was updated to the Prince's liking, leaving Bulma and Vegeta alone. They were sitting at the table going over some theories when Bulma decided to try to have a conversation.

"What's your mom like?"

Vegeta stopped what he was doing. Once again, Bulma was trying to talk to him like he was some worthless human. He didn't understand why she kept pestering him. "She's dead."

"Oh I'm sorry."

Vegeta shrugged.

"What was she like?"

Vegeta sighed with frustration. He didn't know what was frustrating him more, Bulma herself or her questions. He didn't know much about his mother. All he knows is that she was beautiful and she was not strong enough to fight off an attacker on a mission. His father told him that she made foolish decisions and it was shameful to even speak of them. So he didn't even want to know more about his mother because he didn't want to hear about how he was birthed by a fool.

So now here was another fool trying to pry into his life and he didn't understand what her angle was. "Why do you want to know about her?"

Bulma just shrugged her shoulders. "I'm just curious."

"She died in battle." Vegeta stated, believing that would end the conversation.

Bulma just had a confused look on her face." Why was the queen fighting in battle?"

Vegeta exploded. "Because Saiyans fight! She was challenged and she died. She died because she was weak. There's nothing more to say." He said more annoyed with her question then about his mother's past.

Bulma flinched and felt not only bad for him, but she was also a little worried for him. Her mother was amazing and loved her so much. Surely every mother loved their children so she couldn't understand why Vegeta was so cold when it came to his. "But you make is sound like she deserved to die."

"When you are weak and can not protect yourself, no one can be blamed but yourself." Vegeta seethed as he quoted his father word for word of what he told to him about this same subject.

Bulma was in shock. She had never heard such a thing. "That's stupid."

Vegeta rarely got offended. But he found that highly offensive. That was the first lesson his father ever taught him and he took it to heart. What his father told him was necessary to learn how to become a great warrior. What did she know anyways?

"You are nothing but a weakling so what would you know?"

Vegeta's anger was now making Bulma angry. "I know that everyone needs someone's help at some point so what you're saying isn't even logical Vegeta!"

"I don't need anyone's help!"

"But I am helping you right now." She seethed.

Vegeta let out a growl. He could not believe how incredibly stupid this girl was. "I'm helping myself. You mean nothing to me. You are nothing but a slave, practically a tool that I use to help myself become King." Vegeta said as harsh as he could. Clearly he had become too soft with her. She had to be put into her place.

Bulma didn't take that so well. She was angry but now she was hurt. She didn't understand why he was being so mean to her. She thought they were friends. Sure he was always mean, but they were the only kids around, he had to be her friend, he just had to be! She could feel the tears build up in her eyes and her lip began to quiver and she desperately tried to wipe at her eyes before they fell down.

"Vegeta, you don't mean that."

"I do. You're a stupid girl especially if you think I would ever need or want your help." Good she's crying. She's starting to get the point. "You're a weak girl that even has to wear a stupid bracelet to survive on my planet…how pathetic."

Bulma was getting angry again. "Shut up!" She said, but she still had a whimper to her voice, she thought she would sound stronger, but Vegeta was really hurting her feelings.

"I bet if I took that off you would just simply die for being so weak!"

Bulma couldn't take it! She had to stand up to him. "I would not! I am strong! I'm stronger than you or any other stupid Saiyan!" She ended by trying to shove him.

He didn't budge but her action made him even angrier none the less so he pushed her back with enough force to knock her down flat on her back. "Well let's see how strong you are!" Vegeta yelled. And at the peak of his anger he ripped off Bulma's bracelet.

She instantly was frozen to the ground and couldn't move or even speak. It wasn't until her eyes rolled to the back of her head and blood began to drip down her nose that Vegeta realized he made a mistake.

"Oh no." He quickly moved over her and flared his energy around her to push up the gravity. He had never placed his energy around someone before and it took him a moment to concentrate. Once he did so, he wasted no time to get her to a regeneration tank. She still hadn't uttered a word and he just hoped he wasn't too late…

Later in the Infirmary

Dr. Brief had never been more upset in his life. He had thought for sure his family would be safe. He thought he made the best decisions he could. But now he realized that he should have just left them on Earth.

He looked at Bulma's readings. She was getting better, but there was still quite a bit to heal. Her lungs had started to collapse, her brain didn't get enough oxygen, her bones were broken, and that was just some of the damage that was caused.

Bunny was still crying in a chair in the corner of the room. He tried to convince her to go lie down and rest, but she didn't want to leave their daughter. He couldn't really blame her; he didn't want to leave either.

They had both rushed to the tanks as soon as they were informed. He couldn't believe that something like that happened to his little girl. He was angry. Angry at Vegeta, angry at Nappa for not being with the children, angry at the King for not letting him know about his son's temperament, but most of all he was just angry with himself. "I'm so sorry Bulma." He then heard someone come through the door and turned around to see Bardock come in.

"I informed the King of everything that has happened, and the Prince will not go unpunished. He also wanted me to inform you that you and your family must get stronger so that this will never happen again."

The Doctor shook his head. "Bardock, my daughter has to get off this planet. It is too dangerous."

Bardock just sighed. "I understand why you will say such a thing, but I assure you that the King would not allow it. He knows what your daughter is capable of, and will not let her go. You're not the only valuable member of your family to the Empire anymore. And need I remind you that you also tried to make that case to me when we first met?"

The Doctor just hung his head. He was absolutely right. There was no way out now. They were in too deep. He was briefly reminded of the mob back on Earth. Then he collected his thoughts and looked back at Bardock. "What happened today was unacceptable and it can not happen again. My family must be protected."

"The King actually already thought of that and you and your family will be assigned guards. But in the mean time, you must get strong enough so that this situation won't happen again." The Doctor just nodded. Bardock then walked up to the tank that was holding Bulma. He watched as she innocently floated in the liquid. "She will be fine." He said. Bardock was telling the Doctor that and himself. He hated to admit it, but he did not like seeing Bulma hurt, and secretly hoped that Prince got what he deserved…

Throne Room

Vegeta hesitated a little once he came inside. He knew he was in a lot of trouble and had no clue what his father was going to do.

"Come closer Vegeta." The King said.

Vegeta nervously walked until he was just a few feet from him.

"Kneel."

Before he could fully kneel his father kicked him so hard in the face that he flew into the side wall. He sat up and wiped the blood from his mouth. He had been hit worse, but it always seemed to hurt more coming from his own father. He looked up and saw that his father was absolutely livid.

The King was beyond angry. Here it was he not only found one of the smartest people in the universe, but also a protégé that he could groom to his own liking. Bulma's capability was beyond anything he could imagine. He had great plans for her. He was going to make sure that she would be raised to be completely loyal to the Empire and use her talents extensively. And now his son almost ruined his plans before they could even go into action!

"You little fool. I told you before that I was tired of your foolishness! That girl is my property. She belongs to me. And if she is no longer useful you will regret it everyday of your life. When you are King you can hurt or kill anyone you want, but until then you will do as I say. And you are not to harm one hair on her little head. Is that understood?"

Vegeta sat up. "I did not mean to..."

Before he could finish his sentence the king kicked him in his side and he slid across the floor a couple feet. "I will not tolerate your lies! Just do as you're told."

Vegeta waited a moment to get up. And when he did, he gasped with pain. He knew something was broken. "Yes Father."

"Now leave me."

Vegeta slightly bowed and then half walked and half limped out. He went straight to his room and collapsed on his bed. Vegeta didn't know what to think. He knew everything he did. He intended to do what he did, but he really didn't mean to hurt her that badly…or perhaps he did. He didn't care that she was hurt, but he just didn't want her to die. And that was just about all he knew.

He touched his side and winced. He hadn't seen his father that angry before. 'Perhaps I went too far.'

2 Days Later in the Briefs Apartment

Even though the tank healed Bulma physically, she was still hurt emotionally. Every time she thought about that day, all she could think about was how hurtful Vegeta sounded when he said they weren't friends. She was so upset and felt so alone. The thing that every kid wants most is a friend.

She was in her bed and her mother was rubbing her back as her dad watched from the side. She really hated to be crying again. Especially with her parents watching her, she felt like such a baby.

Bunny was getting upset herself so she thought of a great idea that would cheer her up. "Bulma don't be sad honey. Don't worry. Listen, whenever a man is sorry, he always gives a gift. Once he does that, then everything will be back to normal and you guys can be friends again."

Dr. Briefs frowned at that. "Darling, you should not get Bulma's hopes up like that. It is highly unlikely that Vegeta will bring her any form of a gift. Those Saiyans are very greedy. Why we were the ones that told them about the chocolates and they haven't even shared one bit of it."

"Well I can't really blame them dear, it is so yummy."

Dr. Brief just shook his head. It had been 3 months and they hadn't got one ounce of the shipment from Earth. If he ever asked about it, someone would always say, 'The Saiyans get it first." How completely rude. Bulma had even bugged Vegeta about it and he even said the same thing. So no, he did not believe for one second that Vegeta would ever give his daughter a gift.

Bulma listened to her parents. She knew her dad was probably right, but she really did hope that her mom was right in this case. "Mommy do you really think Vegeta would?"

"Of course why not? You guys are friends right?" Bulma shrugged her shoulders. She really didn't believe they were. Vegeta just made her so sad. Bunny could see the tears start to come again. "Oh Bulma, trust me, when he gives you your gift that will be his own special way of saying he's sorry and that you are friends, no matter what."

"No matter what?"

"No Matter what."

"Thanks Mom!" Bulma said as she hugged her.

"You're welcome dear."

Dr. Brief sighed and said, "Come now dear, lets let her get some rest."

Bunny kissed Bulma on her head then walked out with her husband. Once they were in the living room, Dr. Brief cleared his throat. "Bunny I love your optimistic attitude, I always have, but I don't believe this is going to happen. You are getting her hopes up."

"Nonsense! Vegeta is a good boy. He needs a friend just as badly as Bulma does."

was going to respond but there was knocking at the door. When he went to open it, to say he was a bit surprised to see the Prince at his door was an understatement. He then remembered that Vegeta was the reason his little girl was hurt and was immediately brought out of it. "Vegeta, Bulma is in bed still, she is not capable of giving you a lesson." He said kind of snippy.

Vegeta just narrowed his eyes. Usually he didn't allow such disrespect, but given the situation, he would let it slide. "I know I just want to see her."

"Oh what a nice young man." Bunny chimed in. Vegeta just rolled his eyes.' Earthling women were just plain delusional.'

The Doctor moved away from the door so Vegeta could enter. He didn't want to, but there wasn't really much he could do. They weren't on Earth, they were on Vegeta and this kid was the Prince. "Vegeta?"

The Prince stopped before he left out to go to Bulma's room.

The Doctor didn't know what to say so he just said what he could. "She's my daughter."

Vegeta just stared ahead. All he did was state a fact, but he knew what he was trying to say. She was his daughter and he didn't want to see her hurt. Vegeta just nodded and proceeded in.

When he entered Bulma's eyes widened then she quickly turned on her side away from him.

Vegeta didn't know why, but he didn't like her turning from him like that. Which was weird, because he had been on many missions where he had to kill entire races of people of all ages, but something about Bulma ignoring him...just made him upset. After all if anyone was going to ignore anyone, he was going to be the one to do it.

He didn't really know how to handle it. So he just did what he felt comfortable with. He crossed his arms and said, "Don't tell me you're afraid of me."

(Silence)

"Hn. I've been hurt a whole lot worse and I never retreated like you have."

(More silence)

Vegeta tapped his fingers on his biceps until he finally couldn't take it anymore. "For crying out loud, will you say something?"

Bulma turned over to him with a determined face, but then it quickly turned into a crying one. Bulma rubbed her eyes and then whined out,

"You're always hurting me Vegeta."

Vegeat was floored. He really didn't know how to respond. "I…didn't mean to hurt you like that."

"But you did."

"But you're fine now. You survived."

"But you're always hurting me. And I never hurt you."

Vegeta blinked at that and then got defensive. "I only hurt you twice."

"But you said we weren't friends."

"We're not." He said completely confused. All she did was cry more. 'Seriously? Words hurt humans? That was just pathetic. "Oh come on. Look I promise to never hurt you again."

Bulma sniffed. "You promise?"

Vegeta nodded. "Yes." He wasn't going to tell her that his father commanded him not to hurt her, but she didn't need to know that. Then he remembered something. He reached inside his breast plate and pulled out a capsule. "Here."

Bulma stopped crying and took the capsule out of his hand. "What is it?"

"It's chocolate and strawberries. It was the..." He was caught off by the sudden hug he was receiving.

"Oh thank you Vegeta! I knew we were friends." She ended with a kiss right on his cheek.

Vegeta jumped back 5 feet and instinctively got into a fighting crouch. "Just what do you think you're doing?"

"I gave you a hug and a kiss silly." She said smiling.

"Well don't ever do that again!" He said standing straight up and wiping his cheek with his gloved hand. "And we are not friends."

"Then what are we?" Bulma asked as if it was the silliest question in the universe.

"I am a Prince and you are my subject." He stated flatly.

Bulma wasn't convinced. "Say what you want Vegeta, but we are friends whether you like it or not." She couldn't believe it! Her mother was right. Vegeta did care, he was sorry, and more importantly they were friends. He just didn't know how to handle it. So from now she had to make sure to be extra patient with him.

Vegeta was done with the conversation and just walked out. He didn't even glance at her parents when he walked right by them. 'I can't believe that idiot put her disgusting lips on me.' He said while subconsciously touching his cheek.

"Sire, are you alright?"

Vegeta put his hand down and looked up at Nappa who he hadn't noticed was following him until he spoke. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

Nappa just raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "You're blushing."

Vegeta got defensive. "I AM NOT! I am just simply annoyed by being surrounded by so many idiots! Now come on, we have training to do." He ended by storming off.

Nappa just smirked. 'If he's like this now, puberty is gonna be tough.'

Authors note

So if you haven't guessed it already, next chapter starts them as early teens. In the upcoming chapters, Vegeta deals with puberty, Bulma's affection, and jealousy. I know some people were asking to keep them younger longer, but I am ready to move into some teenage drama. And I will take my time because this story is actually going to end with them in their 20's so don't worry I still have a lot of things to get done. There are going to be some new characters as well as Raditz and Kakarot coming into the story. Please REVIEW! The more Reviews I get, the more motivated I am to put up another