Author's Notes: I was feeling pretty productive so I decided to knock another chapter out. And I reckon there are just too many ghost readers on this site. Not that I don't love and appreciate ya'll but I'd REALLY like to hear from you guys too! Once again thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing. Oh and no one has seemed to be confused about the timeline yet, but I'll explain just in case any of you are. Chapter 1 is basically a glimpse into the future so to speak, 3 years after Bulma had been brought on Frieza's ship. Every other chapter after that starts from the beginning and is leading up to the events from the first chapter. Got it? Awesome.
Disclaimer: I recently bought all the seasons of DBZ to watch with the hubby, but I own absolutely no rights…unfortunately.
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What was that all about?
Bulma pondered, while she undressed in her room an hour later. She took off her bra and decided to sleep in her newly cleaned clothes. Throwing the red tank top over her bare breasts and leaving the red boy shorts on, she walked into the bathroom.
He's such a jerk, but he helped me...
Bulma splashed water onto her face, relishing the feeling of the cool liquid on her flushed skin.
Wait why am I blushing?
She stood up quickly, noticing her face was indeed glowing with a rosy hue on her cheeks. She stared for a moment and rolled her eyes at her reflection.
Good lord what is going on? He could have killed me! He almost DID…
Bulma grabbed her toothbrush, squeezed some toothpaste on it and began angrily brushing her teeth. She glared at her reflection in the mirror, gobs of toothpaste flying into the sink at the tenacity of her strokes.
This is stupid. All he did was push a freaking button…I would have figured it out eventually.
Bulma spit into the sink and rinsed her mouth out with water. As rough as she had been brushing, she was surprised her gums weren't bleeding. She stood up and grabbed one of the towels to dry her face.
For a womanizing jerk, he's not bad looking.
"Ugh!" Bulma threw the towel on the ground and stomped out of the bathroom. She crossed the room and haughtily threw herself down on the bed. Staring at the blank empty ceiling, Bulma was once again lost in her thoughts. She recalled how the Saiyan prince pressed his body against hers, practically feeling every taut muscle. His alluring smirk as he continued to lean over her, his deep ebony eyes neverleaving hers. The way his warm breath caressed her bare skin. Bulma sat up quickly.
Now is not the time NOR the place…what the hell is WRONG with me?
She got out of bed and stripped down to nothing, opting for a cold shower to erase the Saiyan prince from her mind.
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The next morning, Bulma and Merda were both hard at work in the lab. With only four more days to construct a proper weapon and have it ready to present to Lord Frieza, things were getting pretty stressful. Bulma knew that even IF they managed to complete the prototype they were currently working on, there was always a chance that it wouldn't work. What if the design completely faltered and they had to start all over? There was no way they would have time to draw up new blueprints and build a whole new weapon. There was absolutely NO time to spare. No time to even think about anything else. Bulma's usually insatiable curiosity was actually silent for the first time since she got here. The pair had even skipped breakfast, just to get in an extra thirty minutes. Bulma put a hand over her flat abdomen, the throbbing pains of hunger beginning to set it. She ignored her protesting stomach andgot back to work, holding the nearly completed weapon steady so Merda could weld the small details onto it.
We have to finish it. We just HAVE to.
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"So…my little monkeys want to take Planet Shikk for me?" Frieza mused slowly, eyeing the three Saiyans kneeling in front of him with mild curiosity. From his place at the tyrant's feet, Vegeta clenched his teeth a little harder. How he hated that word…and Frieza knew it. It was a demeaning racial slur that referred to the proud Saiyan race. Anybody else who dared call him that didn't live to see the next day. But Vegeta's power was no match for Frieza. Keeping his head down, Vegeta managed to keep a small smirk hidden.
Yet…
Vegeta raised his head to meet the cruel crimson eyes, "Yes Lord Frieza." He hated the feeling of the monster's name on his tongue. It took constant restraint to even sound remotely respectful and refer tohim as master or Lord. Frieza smiled nastily down at the Saiyan prince. Zarbon and Dodoria were standing at attention on either side of the demonic authoritarian, wearing matching sneers. The hulking figures of Nappa and Radditz were kneeling in silence, on either side of Vegeta, awaiting Frieza's decision.
For a moment, Frieza said nothing, just stared down at them in quiet amusement.
"And you wish to go alone?" that cold androgynous voice questioned.
As much as Vegeta wanted to say yes, he knew it would only raise Frieza's suspicions. Not that they were planning to flee, they would never get far, but time away from Frieza and his pathetic men was desired. The trio had already tried that once…and had paid dearly for it. All three were in regeneration tanks for a week.
We were so close…
Vegeta gritted his teeth and forced himself to say,"If you think we require extra assistance in order to capture Shikk, my Lord, then we would gladly accept it."
I will laugh at your corpse
Frieza chuckled at the prince's words, Dodoria and Zarbon joining in. "Oh I do love it when my monkeys show me the proper respect. Very well…you three may go to Planet Shikk. See if you can…persuade them to join my empire. And if they resist, eradicate them," Frieza ordered in that eerily calm tone.
I will see the light leave your eyes
"We will. Thank you Master Frieza," Vegeta responded, rising to his feet alongside Nappa and Radditz. The other two Saiyans towered over the prince in both height and mass, a fact that had always angered him.
Frieza sneered at the trio, "You shall depart in two days time. Gather your supplies and ready your ship. Do not disappoint me."
Why two days? Why not immediately?
The trio nodded and turned around to leave the vast room.
"Oh Ve-ge-ta."
He froze when he heard the tyrant whisper his name in a dangerous tone.
"Stay. We have things to discuss."
Vegeta's heart was beating faster, but his face remained calm. He looked at his fellow Saiyans and nodded for them to depart. Nappa and Radditz both shot him an apprehensive glance, before turning away from him and leaving the room. Vegeta held his head up and faced the malicious dictator. Blood red eyes were narrowed in mirth and malevolence.
What the hell does he want now?
Frieza gracefully waved his hand, silently signaling Dodoria and Zarbon to leave as well. The pair passed Vegeta, laughing quietly at his dire situation. Vegeta felt his fists clench, taking all of his restraint to not viciously beat Frieza's beloved lackeys. He wasn't quite strong enough, but he sure as hell would like to try.
Behind him, he heard the door slid open and shut. Now he was all alone with the viperous alien.
Frieza leaned back in his throne and beckoned Vegeta closer, his scarlet eyes flashing dangerously. The Saiyan prince took a few steps forward with false confidence. On the inside; however, he was very wary. When Vegeta stood a few feet before him, Frieza brought his fingertips together and looked over the Saiyan Prince.
His reptilian face held only a deadly smile.
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Bulma set the tool aside and leaned in closer to inspect her work. Except for a few minor details, the prototype was nearly complete. She shot Merda a small smile, a fraction of the stress was lifted off her shoulders. She knew the real challenge; however, would be if the weapon would deliver the desired effect.
We need to start running tests as soon as possible
"You think we'll be able to start testing this baby today?" Bulma asked, peeling her gloves off and dispensing them into the appropriate bin. Merda carefully fingered the weapon with precise hands.
"I think so…if my calculations are correct, we should be able to run full tests within the next few hours."
Well that's a relief…sort of
Bulma nodded, "Sooo does that mean we can go eat lunch?" her hunger pains had only gotten worse and ignoring them was only antagonizing them.
"Yes I believe so, but our lunch period isn't for another hour." Merda replied, placing the prototype down carefully. He stood up and crossed the lab over to the bar that held the chemistry equipment. He picked up a clean beaker and filled it up with water from the small sink. Within a nanosecond, he had gulped down the water and refilled it to the brim. The fire colored Komodo then walked over and handed it to Bulma. She raised an eyebrow at the glass beaker.
"I just know this breaks every science lab rule that was ever drilled in our heads in 7th grade," she said sarcastically. Merda looked at her quizzically for a moment. Apparently what she said didn't translate well. He then shot her a small smile and gestured to the beaker.
"It's clean if that's what you mean. Since we didn't have any proper drinking utensils, I didn't think you'd mind." He replied, turning back to the prototype. Bulma shrugged and tilted her head back, letting the cool water rush down her throat. Emptying the beaker, she walked over to the sink to refill it.
Suddenly the doors to the lab slid open and Zarbon walked in. Bulma looked up quickly and saw that someone was draped over his shoulder, seemingly unconscious. The smug alien walked over to one of the long tables that stood empty and unceremoniously threw the body off his shoulder. The attractive alien then raised his golden eyes to Bulma, then Merda.
"See to it that he's completely rejuvenated. Lord Frieza needs him in tip top shape for an assignment."
With a flip of his long emerald braid and a nasty smirk, Zarbon turnedon his heel and left the pair alone in the lab. Merda quickly went to the body for a closer inspection. Bulma followed suit. Upon closer scrutinizing, she realized that the body was Vegeta. She felt a pang in her heart at the sight of him.
What HAPPENED to him?
If it wasn't for that ebony defying gravity hair, she didn't think she would have recognized him. Both of his eyes were swollen shut with deep purple bruises. His nose was no doubt broken, completely smashed in, blood flowing over his closed mouth and had dropped down onto his uniform. His lips were busted open and swollen and his right ear looked as though it had been horribly burned. Four deep scratches were embedded into his cheek, further staining his marred face with blood. A familiar black and blue bruise in the shape of a handprint was on his neck. Bulma couldn't make out the injuries on his body, but judging by the state of his tattered and bloody uniform, she assumed they were just as bad.
What did this to you…was it Frieza?
"Normally I would remove the patient's clothes in order to see the extent of their injuries in order to estimate how long they need to be in the healing tank. But seeing his condition, we must get him set up immediately," Merda instructed, walking over quickly to one of the healing tanks and began punching in the correct codes to get the machine started up. Bulma remained silent, horrified at Vegeta's condition. She had suffered at the hands of Frieza, herself, but not like this. If not for the slightest undulation of his chest, she would have assumed that he was dead.
Merda returned to her side, "Quickly, help me get him into the tank."
After a few moments of carefully handling the battered Saiyan, the two scientists managed to get him up to the healing tank. Merda hit a button and the floor of the tank slid open and a large metal slab rose up from the ground, tilted back and complete with straps. Her and Merda carefully laid Vegeta back against the slab and locked the straps over his chest and waist. Merda proceeded to attach the electrodes to his temples and pulled the gas mask over his beaten face.
Bulma hung back, wishing she could do more.
Once Merda had Vegeta all set up, he stepped out of the tank, closed the glass door and hit the large pink button that released the green rejuvenating liquid. They both stood in silence as the substance filled up the whole tank. The Saiyan prince never moved an inch.
"D-did Frieza do that?" Bulma asked, already knowing the answer.
Merda looked solemnly ahead, not bothering to turn towards her, "This is what happens when you disobey him. Nothing good ever comes from being defiant. Vegeta here, knows that more than anybody."
My God…
Merda turned away from the healing tank, "Come. We have much work to do." He walked back over to the table where their almost finished weapon lay. Bulma shot one last look at the Saiyan Prince before joining her fellow scientist.
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"Tell me the story again!" Vegeta demanded, refusing to lie down in his bed. Queen Celeria smiled warmly down at her tiny rebellious son. He would never forget her face. Although he was cursed to resemble his wretched father, her beautiful ethereal face would forever be infused in his mind. Long ebony tresses cascaded down her elegant back. Almond shaped black eyes gazed down at him in adoration. She reached down and gently pushed him down, pulling the dark blue blanket up to his chin.
"Very well, but you're going to sleep once I'm finished," she said firmly but gently.
Vegeta crossed his undeveloped arms over his chest and grumbled under his breath. Queen Celeria shook her head, amused, and began her tale.
A hard punch to the nose sent Vegeta flying across the room. He slammed painfully into the wall and slid down to the floor.
"Long ago, a great evil plagued Vegetasei. A powerful beast demanded complete control over the planet along with all of its inhabitants. He slaughtered many of our people for refusing to pledge loyalty. Many brave warriors went up against this monster, but each met a gruesome death. His power was simply too great, even against our proud race. The monster, angered by their defiance, continued his genocide of all Saiyans. All seemed lost, until a mysterious lone warrior stood before him, challenging his power."
Vegeta threw a swift punch, only to have his fist caught effortlessly by a white hand. Red eyes shined mercilessly.
"The beast laughed at the man before him, not threatened in the least. No Saiyan recognized him. It is believed that the warrior came from the skies to serve as a guardian of our planet."
The hand clenched tighter around his throat. Even though he couldn't breathe, Vegeta managed to hold his glare. Blood was already staining his face.
"The beast, overconfident in his abilities, told the warrior he would allow him the first blow. The warrior remained silent the entire time."
Vegeta sent a powerful kick, hitting Frieza squarely in the chest. The tyrant was not fazed in the least, but released Vegeta. He smiled nastily before throwing a small ki blast at the prince's head.
"The lone fighter let out a fearsome roar that could be heard all across the universe. The skies turned black and bolts of lightning flashed all around him. Everyone, including the beast, stared in awe."
Vegeta roared in pain, his burned ear already singed and unrecognizable flesh. He lunged forward, sending a barrage of ki blasts at the sneering tyrant.
"Such a raw power surged through the warrior that rivaled even the monster that plagued our planet. It is said the warrior transformed into something else, unable to contain his new power in his present form. A yellow glow radiated off his massive body."
Black talons quickly sliced into Vegeta's cheek. The demon's hand grabbed a fistful of onyx hair. Dark, leering lips pressed against his neck.
"He was extraordinary. Not even the beast dared to fight him once he sensed his true power. The warrior threw a single powerful blast at the beast. In one fleeting moment, he who killed so many of our people was destroyed."
Vegeta never stopped struggling. He never stopped fighting as the monster's hands explored his battered body. That horrible creature laughing ruthlessly in his ears.
"Smiling over the beast's obliterated remains, the brave warrior suddenly met his limitations. It is said he was too primitive to keep that much power under his control. With a final savage yell and a bright white flash, the warrior was then consumed by his own power."
A dark purple tongue traced the shell of his ear. Vegeta let out an enraged yell and thrust his head backwards, connecting with the horned skull. Fast retaliated punches left his eyes useless as he crumbled to the floor.
"The lone warrior's name was never learned, but he became known as the legendary Super Saiyan. It is believed that every thousand years a new one will emerge, each stronger than the last," Queen Celeria said, finished her story. From his bed, Vegeta sneered and jumped up out of his blankets once more.
"I will become the Legendary Super Saiyan. No one will rival my power and strength!" The little prince said pridefully, floating a few feet above his bed. His tiny fists jabbed a few times against an invisible opponent. Queen Celeria smiled warmly and rose gracefully up to retrieve her son.
Vegeta bit back his screams as blow after blow was delivered to his already broken ribs. He coughed up a mouthful of blood as Frieza lifted his foot yet again.
Once she wrestled her son back into bed, Queen Celeria looked over him in wonder. Could he really become a Super Saiyan? Do such legends exist? Although he was very young, Vegeta had already proven himself to have immense potential. She smiled once again, brushing his hair out of his face. The little prince grunted and jerked away from her. He hated it when she did that.
He would not beg. He always promised himself that. No matter what this monster did to him, he would never see him break.
The Saiyan Queen leaned over and once again pulled the blankets up to her little boy's chin. He tried to wrestle his way out again, but she pushed him back down. "Even Super Saiyans need their sleep my prince."
Only seeing darkness, Vegeta was lifted up painfully by his hair. He felt hot breathe wash over him. The monster was whispering to him. Offering promises of mercy if he would simply give in. The prince received a harsh punch to the mouth when he answered by laughing.
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Bulma lifted her head at the sound of grunting coming from the healing tank. Although it had only been a little over 2 hours since they put Vegeta in, his wounds were already looking significantly better. She could just about make out that familiar scowl he always wore. His thick eyebrows were furrowed in frustration, and muffled grunts could be heard through his gas mask, expelling bubbles in the tank.
It looks as though he's having a nightmare. After what he just went through I don't blame him.
She heard Merda click his tongue impatiently behind her, snapping her attention back to the task at hand. Given the circumstances, she found it hard to concentrate. It seemed as though everything she had seen and experienced in the past couple of days had finally hit her full force. The cruelty, the violence, the pain, the death…all of it.
No…just get this stupid weapon done and then worry about it later. I can't afford to lose it now. My life depends on it.
Bulma shook her head lightly and picked up another tool, for the moment, ignoring the turmoil of emotions brewing inside her. She and Merda worked in silence, unless one or the other made a comment or question concerning the prototype. It wouldn't be much longer and they would be able to start running tests.
The hiss of the lab doors opening , startled both Bulma and Merda out of their fixed concentration. Two very large burly men barged in, both wearing the signature armor of Frieza. One of the men was bald and had black mustache, while the other had ridiculously long black hair that reached all the way to the back of his knees. They both had brown tails wound tightly around their waists and matching scowls.
Who are these guys? What do they want? It looks like they have the same tail as Vegeta…
They barely noticed the two scientists as the pair stomped over to the regeneration tanks, stopping in front of the one that held Vegeta.
"Dammit, I told you he would be in here!" The taller bald one said angrily. The one with the long black hair sighed, "What do you suppose he did this time, Nappa?"
The bald one turned towards the other man, "As if Frieza needs a good excuse to work him over."
Suddenly, as if they remembered they weren't alone in the room, the bulky pair turned towards Bulma and Merda. She couldn't help but notice their confusion as to why exactly she was there. But that quickly went away when they realized she was very attractive. She drew herself to her full height, fingers dangerously close to the prototype. They both towered over her and the scientists had no way to defend themselves.
We may have to start running tests sooner than we thought…
The bald one, Nappa, stepped forward, gesturing to the healing tank behind him, "How long has he been in there?" Behind her, she could feel Merda stiffen.
Well he clearly doesn't feel like speaking up
Bulma dropped her guard slightly, "He's been in there almost 3 hours. His wounds are almost completely healed. It shouldn't be too much longer."
Nappa nodded curtly and gave her a once over before turning around and heading towards the exit. The other man continued to look her over in that familiar uncomfortable way. He flashed her a devilish grin before Nappa came up behind him and clamped his hand tightly on his shoulder.
"Come on Radditz, there'll be plenty of time for that later. We have work to do." Nappa said, practically dragging Radditz out of the lab.
Bulma turned towards Merda, who finally gathered himself and turned back towards the prototype.
"Who were those guys?" she asked, grabbing a new pair of gloves from the cabinet.
Merda didn't look up from the table, hunched over the newly constructed weapon. "Saiyans," he replied curtly. No more was said on the matter.
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After a couple of hours and a heart attack later, Bulma and Merda finally got to relax. Once they had initially finished constructing the weapon an hour ago, some field tests were required in order to determine if it would serve as an adequate tool for Frieza. She and Merda had entered the testing facilities in the back of the lab where they set up several large targets and bulls eyes. Finally having everything set up, Merda carefully lined up his shot first, took a deep breath and squeezed the trigger. Nothing happened, except for a loud click. Panicked, he and Bulma quickly returned to the lab, hoping it was simply a malfunction, rather than a design flaw. After several tense moments of careful studying the device, Bulma had discovered that one piece that separated the barrel from the ray mechanism had come loose. Merda quickly corrected it and they were once again in the testing area. Thankfully this time, the weapon proved completely functional and performed the way they needed it to.
The pair finally emerged back into the lab after an additional hour of testing, the prototype and their detailed notes in tow.
"I still think we need to realign the sight. It still seemed a tad off those last few rounds," Bulma said, laying her notes on the table before her. Merda nodded in agreement, carefully placing the prototype and hitting the small button on the side, making it unable to release harmful rays. The last thing they needed was a horrible accident in the lab.
The reptilian scientist looked towards the healing tanks. "He's probably about done now."
Bulma followed his gaze and noticed that Vegeta indeed, looked perfectly normal now. With the exception of his torn and bloody uniform, you never would have guessed he was nearly beaten to death four hours before.
A loud beep from the healing tank agreed with Merda's assumption. Instantly the humming had ceased, and the green liquid began to drain quickly. Vegeta began to awaken slowly his eyes still remained closed. His newly healed body began to twitch against his binds. Quickly his ebony eyes shot open, locking with Bulma's cerellean ones. For a brief moment, he held her surprised gaze, but then it quickly turned into a scowl. He let out an angry yell as he tore through the straps binding him the metal slab. Ripping mask off his face, Vegeta stepped out of the machine. He was soaking wet, the usually tight uniform made even more so. His caramel toned muscles peaked out in between the ripped pieces. His normally flame shaped hair was weighted down and fell past his shoulders. The Saiyan prince stood before them stretching and checking his body. From where she stood, she could make out a few white scars that would remain on his body, an ugly reminder of what occurred between him and Frieza.
"How are you feeling?" she asked before she could stop herself. Vegeta shot her a haughty look, not answering her question.
"Woman, bring me a drying cloth at once." He replied disdainfully, flexing his hands. Bulma was taken aback at this.
Is he serious? He was nearly beaten to death and he's just going to walk away like an arrogant asshole?
Before Bulma could say anything to retort, Merda appeared with a towel and presented it to Vegeta, who snatched it away without so much of a thank you. He quickly toweled himself dry, completely ignoring the two scientists. That familiar scowl was once again plastered to his face.
Without another word, Vegeta tossed the towel carelessly on the floor and walked out of the lab, leaving a very perplexed Bulma.
Author's notes: Hey guys! Just a quick note to anyone who might have been confused by this passage: The scene with Queen Celeria was a memory of Vegeta's that he had been dreaming of while he was in the regeneration tank. The bold lines were snippets of what had most recently transpired with Frieza that kept interrupting like a nightmare. Make sense? Oh and I could NOT resist having Vegeta saying one of his famous lines ;) well that's all for now folks. As always please please please review!