The Dungeon
Chapter 10
Fippetshock hands flew forward. He had sharp scales protruding from his forearms and they sliced through Vegeta's training suit. Vegeta recoiled from the lacerations; they burned far more than they should have. He growled through the respirator he placed back into his mouth. His eyes widened a fraction of a second.
"Did I fail to mention the poison that oozes from these scales?" Flippetshock shouted, mocking Vegeta.
He wears no respirator like the rest of us. Of course not, he is a fish race, why would he? Vegeta thought. Vegeta pulled back his arm for another punch and was caught unaware in his thoughts as Flippet kick him in the abdomen.
Hmm, no ki blocker either. I wonder if this weak race even has the ability to harness the power of ki. He created a ki ball and flung it at his opponent. Flippet crossed his arms in front of his body in an attempt to block the blast but it was ineffective and he took the brunt of the blast, singeing his arms. Flippet howled out in pain.
Grunthor floated in the distance, grateful for Vegeta's aid. He knew better than to interject himself into a battle he could not win on either side. He watched the two battle it out for a few minutes wishing he was home. So far he was lucky, but his brute strength afforded him no such luck in these conditions. Another howl of pain ripped through Flippet's throat at Vegeta hit him with another stream of ki attacks. He could tell Vegeta was being careful not to get too close to Flippet's sharp scales.
Vegeta unleashed a flow of ki, similar to his Galactic Gun but weaker, he did not want to kill the poor bastard. He heard Flippet howl again in pain and then draw quiet. He looked and saw Flippet floating to the bottom. Vegeta followed his descent and smirked in victory as his opponent lay unconscious on the stone floor. His gills still breathing for him. Deciding Flippet was in no mortal danger he returned to Grunthor.
"Let's keep moving!" Vegeta instructed.
Grunthor hesitate a minute, concerned for the wounds Vegeta endured earlier in the battle. As Vegeta turned to leave Grunthor stopped him by placing a light hand on his shoulder, "You should fix those before we go." Grunthor stated pointing to his forearms where his suit was torn.
Vegeta lifted his arms and showed the bleeding had already stopped and the wounds themselves were already starting to close. "We Saiyains heal faster than most of these pathetic races. Now move your slow, worthless ass before I leave you behind." Vegeta said agitated.
As they continued on their way they came to a space that began to narrow. A loud gong was heard by both Grunthor and Vegeta and a stone door in the distance started to close. Grunthor reached the door first and held it up long enough for Vegeta to get through.
"We made it!" Grunthor shouted.
Vegeta looked at Grunthor with a smirk, "Don't be so sure. I don't see a stopping point yet. We should keep moving."
Elsewhere, Prince Yamcha was battling Prince Sharvol. Yamcha was having a far easier time in the water versus the feline. It took a couple of well placed punches and pulling of the feline's tail and the battle was won. For extra measure Yamcha gave a swift kick to Sharvol's stomach causing him to writhe on the stone floor.
Yamcha looked up and smiled. The Game Mistress was watching and as far as he could tell she was enjoying the show. He surfaced from the water and removed his respirator.
"What's a pretty little thing like you doing in a dark and damp place like this?" He said.
The Game Mistress blushed. This was her second choice. She was not sure of the Saiyan's temperament but this Prince knew how to talk to her and was easy on the eyes. She even liked the scar on his cheek, it added character. He could handle himself so far.
"I came to check in on you." She said quietly.
"As you can see I am more than up for the challenge. I must admit whoever designed this tournament was brilliant!" He smiled brightly at her. He was hoping it was her and wanted to win her favor. He swam closer to her as she hovered on her board and smiled again when he saw her smiling back at him. He was right in his assumption. Flattery will get you everywhere, he thought.
"You best keep moving. The Saiyan is ahead of you and you still have quite a distance to go before the gong sounds!" She winked at him.
"Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint! Perhaps, a kiss for luck?" Yamcha said slyly with a smile.
She bent down carefully and went to place a chaste kiss on his cheek. Yamcha abruptly turned and her kiss landed on his lips. She blushed again. "Good luck Prince!" She said as she waved him off. He placed the respirator in his mouth and dove back into the water.
Back in the barracks the main room erupted with a bout of cheers as many watched the kiss on the monitors. The gong sounded and the roar died down. Bets were being placed and new positions were placed on the boards. Thirty minutes passed before the main monitor came to life and the Game Mistress came into view. Her appearance was more flustered than she had been during announcements the previous night. Her hair was wet and pulled up. She cleared her throat.
"We are at the closing of day two of our grand tournament. Many of you have been watching our fiercest battle it out and make their way to the finish line. So let's give you the run down: Prince Caragon survived a duel with Prince Polam and both made their way to day three. Prince Yamcha defeated Prince Sharvol and Prince Sharvol failed to make it out of water and today three. But don't worry folks; Prince Yamcha has won his place in day three's events. Prince Pepytto lagged behind Prince Polam and although he saw no battle this round, he had made his way to day three as well. Prince Grunthor and Prince Vegeta have teamed up and defeated Prince Flippetshock and had secured their standing in tomorrow's events! Well, that's it for now. Until the gong sounds tomorrow!"
The screen went blank and the game mistress turned and left the recording room. She headed back to her private chambers where she met up with her best friend.
"Bulma, what in the world were you thinking?! That Saiyan is dangerous and I think he has figured you out!" Chi Chi accosted.
Bulma grinned, "I know!" Chi Chi gasped in realization as a blush rose up Bulma's face.
"The scarred one hits your fancy too." She jested.
Bulma could only nod her head as she walked to the bathroom. Chi Chi followed. Bulma pulled a box of temporary hair dye out from under the sink.
"I'm going to have to touch up this dye before I head back out." Bulma said waving the box in front of Chi Chi.
Chi Chi shook her head back and forth as she reached for the dye. "I said it before and I will say it again, this deception of yours is going to backfire on you." She deadpanned.
"I don't know any other way to get to know the Princes without them putting on false airs in front of me. I have to be sure the alliance is formed with not only a people that will help protect us but will be honorable and treat my people well. I have no desire to get into bed with a race that will conquer us later down the road." Bulma sat on the toilet and put her head in her hands.
Just then Bulma's bracelet went off, *beep*. She pushed the button and opened the communicator screen. "Yes Captain." She answered.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your evening, Your Majesty, but our long range sensors have picked up a large spaceship approaching our borders. What are your instructions?" He asked.
Bulma thought a moment before beginning. "Any responses to our transmissions?" She asked.
"They stated they are here for the tournament, my lady." The captain offered weakly. "But I thought all invited guests were here."
"They are." Bulma said dryly. "Have escort ships meet them at the border. Minimal crew though, Sam. I don't want to risk too many lives if they should open fire. Signal me when they are an hour before landing."
Sam nodded his head on the little screen before ending the transmission. Bulma switched channels and called her father and updated him on this newest development. When she was finished she closed the small window on her bracer and turned to Chi Chi, "Perhaps you should update Goku." Chi Chi nodded and left Bulma to prepare.
Bulma slipped into the shower and washed the dye from her hair completely. When she finished she put on a blue floor length dress and braided her long hair down her back. She put some light makeup on and some jewelry, topping off the look with her tiara. With a final look in the mirror she took off down the hall to make sure her father was ready to receive their newest guests.
Back in the dungeons Vegeta and Grunthor were eating a silent meal. Recollection dawned on Vegeta and he reached inside his breast plate and withdrew a small capsule and handed it to Grunthor.
"What's this?" Grunthor said in between bites of bread.
Vegeta did not reply. Grunthor pushed the tiny button and sat the capsule down on the ground. When the smoke cleared Grunthor beamed a smile at his new friend, "Pancakes!" His gratitude evident he scarfed the pancakes down.
A tingle rode up Vegeta's spine and he stood, ready to battle. Grunthor looked up in confusion, for a second he thought he saw fear on his friend's face. What could scare this mighty warrior so much he wondered, silently.
What is He doing here? Vegeta thought as he shook off the feeling of terror that temporarily gripped him. This isn't good.
Bulma met up with her father and Goku in her father's private study. Bringing everyone up to speed.
"I think it would be wise to postpone the tournament until our company departs." Bulma said while brushing a stray azure hair from her eyes.
"We can't very well leave all of the princes in the dungeon for Kami knows how long." Goku chimed in.
"He is quite right, Bulma. But if we end the contest too soon some may complain or even declare war. We must be diplomatic in all of this." Bulma's father interjected. He was usually quiet when it came to affairs of state, preferring to stay locked up in his lab. However, it was becoming evident that Bulma would more than likely wind up off world somewhere and he would have no choice but to run the kingdom on his own.
"Don't you think I know that!?" Bulma yelled. "But at the moment we have no choice. If the intelligence reports are true we have far more to fear with the Cold Empire on our backs than with any of these other planets, with the exception of perhaps the Saiyans." She stood up and looked at Goku. "I need you to instant transmission me to Prince Vegeta. His people have had many dealings with these lizards.
Goku said nothing and nodded his head. He had a good feeling that Prince Vegeta would know how to handle this situation. Being that they were his own people was a plus. He was secretly hoping she would choose the Saiyan as her suitor. The arrival of the Cold Empire pushed her hand but he was pleased with the results just the same. He placed one hand on Bulma's shoulder and raised two fingers to his head. He reached out with his ki until it found its mark. A moment later they were gone.
Vegeta stood ready for battle when another ki tickled his senses. Before his mind could process the intrusion a petite blue haired woman stood before him. He lowered his hand and stared at her a moment.
"Demonade?" He questioned. His eyes darted from her to the large man called Goku next to her. The face was right but everything else was wrong. He took in the change in her appearance. Gone was the black hair, skin tight leather, and high heeled boots. Before him now stood the picture of a proper princess, the one he had only caught a glimpse of earlier. Her floor length gown accentuated her azure braided hair. The tiara atop her head seemed only fitting. Strange, he thought. The Game Mistress had stirred feelings of lust from him for sure but this petite picture of perfection urged stronger feelings he did not understand. He was not sure which personification he preferred. It felt like he was trying to get to know and understand two women now. As if one were not hard enough.
He bowed gracefully before her, his eyes never leaving her face. Grunthor who had stood dumbfounded in the corner mimicked the prince's behavior. Vegeta was rewarded with a feeling of triumph at the demure smile, lightening her features for a few seconds before being replaced with worry and panic. He automatically set his eyes to Goku searching for malice. When he found none he returned his heavy gaze upon her.
"What has happened?" He asked, already knowing the reason.
"You need to follow me." She said to him as she began walking towards a wall. She stopped and turned, "Prince Grunthor. Please accept my most humble of apologies. Goku will help you leave the dungeon. The contest has ended." Without further explanation she turned back to the wall in front of her and pushed in on round smooth stone near the floor. A ticking noise was heard followed by the noised of stones sliding past one another.
"Is okay. Grunthor never expected to win anyways. But Grunthor make many new friends and allies." Grunthor said, happy his new friend seemed to have won. Before he could say anything else Goku walked up to him and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"I will await further instructions, Bulma." Goku said before placing two fingers to his forehead and disappearing.
Vegeta was momentarily surprised not only by the disappearance of Goku but the jump in power level of his ki.
"He suppresses his power?!" Vegeta accused.
"Yes, can't all beings that manipulate ki do this?" Bulma replied absent mindedly.
Vegeta turned to her in disbelief. "First of all no, not all beings can manipulate ki, let alone suppress it. Second of all, where the Hell did that doorway come from?" Vegeta was near shouting at her and he hadn't meant to. The presence of Frieza was hitting a nerve.
"Just follow me!" She said, becoming annoyed at being shouted at. If not for her need of him she would have let him have it to, but she needed him on her side if they were going to make it through all of this. Vegeta sensed the tension emanating from her and decided to follow quietly. There would be time for explanations later. They walked down the hall created by the unseen door until the hall twisted and turned to reveal a stone door.
Bulma opened a panel next to the door and placed in a code. A red laser scanned her and Vegeta.
"Voice recognition requested," a computerized voice requested.
Bulma glanced quickly to Vegeta before stating, "Demonade and guest."
"Voice authorization recognized. Welcome Mistress Demonade." The computer greeted as she entered the large room, lights flickering to life. Vegeta followed.
"Computer, show me the remaining princes in the dungeon." Bulma instructed. Monitors lit up revealing the four remaining princes.
Vegeta eyed screens. Each prince sat in their respective rooms either resting or eating. Vegeta smirked at the thought that some did not think to bring food further into the dungeon. His smile only widened when he noticed a very angry looking Prince Caragon sitting in the middle of a dimly lit room with nothing before him. His smiled faded when he noticed Prince Yamcha twirling a capsule in his hand before setting it down to reveal a basket similar to the one he had in his own capsule. Why would I think myself special for her gifts and why do I care!? He thought before shaking his head. His eyes came to rest on an empty screen.
"That's the room both you and Prince Grunthor were staying in." Bulma explained noticing his eyes resting on the empty room. When he failed to acknowledge her she moved on, checking in on the remaining princes. Pepytto was eating his fill and doing well. Then her eyes flew open in surprise and anger.
"Why that little cheat!" Bulma yelled pointing to the screen.
Vegeta looked up and focused in on the screen Bulma was pointing to. There in dimly lit room sat two Prince Polams.
"At least that solves the problem on what to do with him." Bulma said with a measure of relief in her voice.
Vegeta turned to look at her and was once again pained by the worry creasing her fair features. He placed his hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him. "I think it is time, little one, you tell me what exactly is going on." He said softly.
Bulma feared the anger in his eyes by the deception she had created. There was no time to explain everything to him, not now. She knew whomever she chose to court her would deserve an explanation but she never anticipated the feeling of guilt and betrayal her ruse would cause. She took it as proof of her budding affections for the man in front of her but still found it hard to raise her eyes from the floor and look at him. It was dawning on her just how far down the rabbit hole she had gotten with no hope of finding retribution. All her hard laid plans were quickly falling in to ruin and the need for it all was now landing on her door step. Her resolve was failing as tears threatened to spill.
A gloved finger nudged gently under her chin forcing her eyes to meet his. "We are both in a heap of shit if you don't come clean with me, woman. What exactly are we looking at here? I felt Frieza's presence the moment he neared this planet!" Vegeta demanded.
His harsh words hit her like a slap across the face and the damn that walled up her tears broke. She collapsed the floor, sobbing. "It's true, the Cold Empire approaches. I do not know what to do. They stated they are here for the tournament but they were not invited." Bulma said between sobs. "I need your help. You're the only…"
"Stop your sniveling woman!" Vegeta ordered.
~ 8 ~