Thanks for the reviews!
Who will be watching the Eurovision Songfestival tonight? I'm not very proud of the artist who will be singing on our behalf or the song she will be singing.. But I will cheer for her though :) (A little Dutch nationalism in here!) I like big music shows like this one. I hate those Idols/popstar etc etc etc etc contests, but I like these global events. (Even though the eurovision is not really global, I guess..)
Oh well... Let's get on with it :)
Chapter 12. Gohan's present
"Kakarot?" Vegeta asked as he looked up at the ceiling. Gohan swallowed heavily. "How can you talk to him?" Vegeta asked.
"King Kai. He is the god of the Northern quatrain." Goku explained. He really wanted to know what was going on down there right now but he could not see a thing.
Vegeta's glare was focused on Gohan, who was avoiding his eyes. Vegeta knew this meant that Gohan knew he was in trouble. "How long have you been contacting your father behind my back?" He asked.
Gohan was still looking away. He did not even see the punch coming. Gohan placed a hand on his cheek. Vegeta's hand was ready for strike two but Gohan quickly answered his question: "I've been talking to him for a while now."
"When was the first time?" Vegeta reached down to force Gohan to look up at him. The half-saiyan moved his chin out of Vegeta's grip but continued to look up at him nonetheless.
"At least three years ago." Gohan's eyes defied Vegeta's.
"Three years?" Vegeta asked, his calm mood forgotten.
Vegeta grabbed Gohan's collar and pulled him up. The man pulled back a fist, pushing it into Gohan's stomach. The half-saiyan gasped in pain while Vegeta was targeting his cheek. The half-saiyan let out a strangled growl as Vegeta punched him once more.
"Vegeta!" Goku called out. Piccolo frowned as the disturbing sounds continued.
Vegeta pulled back his fist but Gohan caught it this time. "How dare you." Vegeta started, trying to pull back his fist. Gohan tightened his grip on Vegeta's hand as he pulled back his own leg. He kicked against Vegeta's side harshly. The man dropped the half-saiyan, who landed on his feet, to rub over his wounded side. Gohan got into a fighting stance.
"I'm not going to let you beat me up for this." Gohan said. He wasn't going to initiate this fight but he would not back down either.
"You are going to regret this." Vegeta answered as he narrowed his eyes at the half-saiyan. Gohan pressed his lips together. He would accept any eventual punishment. Just not now. Not with Piccolo and his father listening.
"Next time you contact him, you will tell me. Got it?" Vegeta said.
"Yes." Gohan answered, his stance wavering slightly.
"Yes, what?" Vegeta tilted his head, his lips curling up slightly.
Gohan frowned at him. The man was enjoying this too much. "Yes master." Gohan answered, dropping his stance completely, an icy smile gracing his own lips.
"Tell me, brat." Vegeta said as he walked to the crashed desk. "How many people did you kill in the last year?"
"I don't know." Gohan answered as he crossed his arms.
"It must have been at least a million." Vegeta said thoughtfully.
"Stop it." Goku said as a frown appeared on his face. "We know what Gohan's current occupation is. We also know he's been forced into everything."
"To a certain extent. Yes." Vegeta answered. "You have to admit you are starting to enjoy it now, don't you?"
"Of course not." Gohan answered shortly.
"So you don't take pictures of the planets you have destroyed in record time. You never play games with the others regarding the purging of planets or make bets on how many you can kill in one mission." Vegeta asked, sending a mocking glance in Gohan's direction.
"I can't continue to hate myself for it." Gohan answered. "So, yes, I try to make it easier for myself. Sue me."
"What are you trying to do, Vegeta?" Piccolo asked.
"I'm showing you that your little boy isn't your little boy anymore." Vegeta answered while Gohan was grabbing his chair so he could place it back on its original place. After this he turned to his wrecked desk. "What?" Vegeta asked Gohan. "No smart retort? You won't say anything to defend your case?"
"You seem to be having a great conversation on your own." Gohan answered shortly. "No need for me."
"I am here to talk to Gohan, not to Vegeta." Piccolo answered annoyed. "So, leave the room so we can continue our conversation in private."
Vegeta laughed. "You've got some nerve." He answered. "Don't forget your precious little half-breed is in my dangerous hands." He added while Gohan was quietly putting his desk back in one piece. The injuries seemed to be minor. Vegeta crossed his arms. "I killed you, didn't I?"
Piccolo growled as answer. "You got lucky." He answered.
"Keep telling yourself that." Vegeta answered with a smirk. Gohan placed his computer back on his desk. "I did your stupid planet a favor by nicking the two biggest idiots."
Gohan scoffed, earning a glance from Vegeta. "I sense disagreement." Vegeta said as he tilted his head.
"Shouldn't be new to you." Gohan countered as he sat down at his desk. He started typing as if nothing happened.
Vegeta crossed his arms. "You can stop for today. It's time to go to bed."
"I haven't finished this report yet." Gohan answered as he looked up from the screen.
"It's fine." Vegeta answered while turning away from the half-saiyan. "I just told you to stop working but if you want to finish your report while you don't have to that's fine with me." The man walked to the door.
Gohan quickly shut off his computer and switched off the lights by clapping his hands twice. He followed Vegeta, running to keep up with the older saiyan. "Are you still there, Kakarot?" Vegeta asked curiously.
Gohan appeared next to his boss, running to keep up with him. "I'm here, Vegeta." Goku answered shortly.
"Good. I wanted to ask the Namekian how it felt that he wasn't able to protect his dear student when he needed it the most." Vegeta sneered sadistically. Gohan rolled his eyes.
"He's alive. That's all I care about." Piccolo answered, the anger in his voice telling a different story.
"Alive. It depends on what you mean with that." Vegeta answered, reaching down and placing his finger under Gohan's chin, pushing his face up. Gohan automatically pulled away, earning a smirk from his master. "Live to serve. The motto of a slave."
"Life is what you make of it, Vegeta." Goku answered. "But we wouldn't mind if you decided to set Gohan free."
Vegeta laughed. "No. I need him to kiss my boots every day. He does such a great job at it." Vegeta sneered.
"Are you two having fun together?" Gohan asked out loud. "It's not like I'm not used to others talking about me like I'm not in the room but that does not mean I like it."
Vegeta was the one who opened the door to his bedroom. Gohan followed him in, walking lightly because of the now sleeping form in the bed. The young warrior opened the door to his own small room. Vegeta gave the half-saiyan a strict glance. "Two minutes." He said before he turned away and walked back to his own bed. Gohan closed the door without replying.
Gohan sat down on his mattress. "Did he just give me permission to continue my conversation with you?" He asked out loud.
"I think he did." Goku said as a smile appeared on his face.
Piccolo shrugged when Goku gave him an expectant glance. "We'd better sign off. You need your sleep, Gohan."
"Oh, don't go." Gohan said as he looked up.
"We'll stay with you in spirit, Gohan." Goku answered. "Piccolo is right. You need to go to bed."
Gohan shed off his armor. "You're probably right." He muttered. "Good night, guys."
"Good night, Gohan." Goku answered.
"Sleep well, kid." Piccolo added.
They took their hands off King Kai's back simultaneously. Goku scratched his head. "That was interesting."
"For a moment there, I thought Vegeta was going to harm Gohan more than usual." Piccolo answered as he stepped away from them.
"He did not stop you from communicating with Gohan though." King Kai eyed the two warriors. "He even gave Gohan permission to continue the conversation without him present."
"He might be changing?" Goku suggested hopefully.
"No. Vegeta will never change. Gohan might soften him a bit though." Piccolo answered shortly. "We'll see how far that goes. For now, what do you say we have a little match of our own?" Piccolo and Goku crossed sights, a smirk present on their faces.
"I'm always in for a match." Goku answered as he followed the Namekian warrior.
**** DBZ **** DBZ ****
Gohan walked from one side of the hallway to the other side before he turned back to take the same route again. Tobney was watching the half-saiyan with interest. In the past few years their relationship had taken some interesting turns. Their first mission together was difficult, and Gohan did not want to make friends with any member of the Suta Team. Gohan and Tobney were both young warriors though, only separated by ten years of life experience, and their bond was strengthened by their hatred for Vegeta. As the years went by, the two warriors grew closer and closer, seeking each other's company more often even outside of their missions. His friendship with Gohan was something Tobney had never experienced before.
That was until THE FIGHT happened.
Tobney never understood why the others referred to those few weeks with such a stupid name. Gohan never commented on it but Tobney knew he was irritated by the name as well. The reason for their fight was stupid, as are all reasons for arguments.
There was this girl. Tobney was interested in her and Gohan, and only Gohan, knew about this. Tobney desperately wanted to keep this a secret from their comrades. Gohan, however, blew this by asking the girl if she was interested in Tobney. She was interested but Tobney was furious with Gohan for meddling with his love-life, especially when the others found out about it. Gohan refused to apologize for doing what he thought was the right thing. Thus, the fight continued. The others decided not to interfere in their little brawl.
Vegeta was the first one to take action, since the fight between his elite soldiers was bad for business, by sending them off on a duo mission. After a lot of arguing, threats from Vegeta and pleads from both Gohan and Tobney, the two left for their three month journey to the planet they had to purge. They soon found out that making up was not as hard as they thought it would be.
"Inspecting the floor for any crooked tiles?" Tobney guessed.
Gohan looked up. "Look what the cat dragged in." He sneered. "I thought you were on vacation."
"Two weeks are over before you know it." Tobney answered as he shrugged.
"Tell me about it." Gohan muttered.
"You don't get a vacation, do you?" Tobney asked curiously. He'd never heard of Gohan going off on vacation.
Gohan shook his head. "Nope. One of the many perks of being a slave." Gohan said sarcastically. "Speaking of which, Tobney, when was the last time you spoke to Vegeta?"
"You've got bad news, huh?" Tobney leaned against the wall.
"I've got bad news." Gohan answered with a sigh.
"Poor guy. I´ve never envied you for your position in this army. You get to work alongside Vegeta and receive all his anger and annoyance."
"Lucky me, huh?" Gohan complained. The half-saiyan took a deep breath. "Okay. Enough self-pity. I'm going in." Gohan clenched his fists and turned to Vegeta's door.
The half-saiyan stared at the door, pausing. Tobney raised an eyebrow as he watched Gohan stand in front of the door. "Are you going in any time soon?" He asked cheekily.
Gohan sent him a glare. "It's not that easy." He answered. The half-saiyan placed his hand in the scanner next to the door. Tobney gave him an encouraging nod before Gohan entered the room. Tobney waited until the door was closed before he chuckled.
"Poor guy." He muttered, walking away.
Gohan stepped in the large office. Vegeta was sitting behind his desk, his expression telling Gohan all he needed to know. "I was wondering when you would come in." Vegeta sneered.
"I just needed to sort out my thoughts." Gohan answered shortly.
"You just needed to gather you nerves." Vegeta answered, his lips curling up. "What is it you want to tell me?"
"It's not good news." Gohan said quickly. "Well, not really bad news. It's just not good news."
"Spill it." Vegeta answered in annoyance. He leaned back in his chair. The computer on his metal desk was screaming for his attention but he ignored it.
"That new planet team 234 purged?" Gohan said, waiting for Vegeta's acknowledgement. The man nodded. "The report just came in and it's not good. We expected the planet to make us profit but it turned out to be less valuable that we though."
Vegeta growled. "I should have known something like this would happen." He complained as he got up.
"They're requesting your attendance at a meeting." Gohan added quickly.
"I expected as much." Vegeta answered. The man reached the door in record time where he paused. He looked over his shoulder, giving Gohan an expectant glance.
Gohan gasped and followed him. While they were walking he gave his appearance a once over. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Vegeta usually did not care about appearances but he was in a bad mood and that meant he had to find something about Gohan that was wrong. Something he could complain about or even punish the young warrior for. The half-saiyan could not find any faults in his appearance though so he decided there was no need to change anything.
They arrived at the room where the meeting was held. Vegeta glanced at Gohan. "What are you trying to be, a poster boy for the neatest warrior?" He sneered.
Gohan pulled a face once Vegeta looked away. Why even bother? Vegeta would always find something to complain about. The half-saiyan decided not to answer since they needed to work together right now. Vegeta turned to Gohan, speaking the Saiyan language: "Listen to every word we say and remember every lie. I want to speak to you once we're done." Gohan nodded in response.
They entered the large room. One large table was standing in the middle of the room; many warriors were gathered, sitting in chairs around the table. A bulky warrior was frowning at them from the wall, a painting giving to Vegeta many years ago. The window on the right side of the room showed many stars, blinking in the dark universe. Vegeta sat down at the head of the metal table. Gohan stood next to him, wondering how he was going to get through the next few hours without falling asleep. He wished Vegeta would somehow let him off the hook. Meetings were not his favorite way of spending time. It mainly meant he had to stand in one place for hours and hours. He was not really needed at all. The only thing he would be doing was listening.
The meeting was over before he knew it though. Vegeta lead the young warrior back to his general office. The man sat down at his desk, leaning back in his chair. "What was the most important thing you heard?" He asked.
Gohan thought back. He bit his lip as he looked down. "Well, I just… It's nothing."
"Say it."
"I thought the price of the planet was higher." Gohan answered thoughtfully. "The planet was not worth much so we would not have made much profit, but there should have been some extra cash. That is why we lost so much money on this planet."
"Exactly. Someone is messing with my administration." Vegeta answered thoughtfully. "The question is; who is it?"
**** DBZ **** DBZ ****
There was one thing that Vegeta knew would get Gohan in a bad mood. He always used this method to push Gohan back in his place. In his opinion, the thirteen year old had the tendency to act above his level and on times like this, Vegeta needed to gently show him where he belonged.
So, here Gohan was, sitting in a chair with Vegeta's feet on his lap, massaging them. The half-saiyan frowned as he shifted on the chair.
Vegeta was reading a report. "Well done." He said. "You made this planet look like it's worth something. I would have never thought to mention that an island with deadly poisonous plants is a great place for a prison."
"Thanks."
"It's a skill I can't take away from you." Vegeta muttered as he closed the report. The man eyed the half-saiyan. He opened his mouth to say something but a knock on the door interrupted him. Vegeta pulled his feet away from the half-saiyan. "Come in." He yelled.
Two soldiers rushed inside and knelt down. Vegeta narrowed his eyes as he turned to them fully. "Lord Vegeta. We have urgent news." One of them began.
"Yes." Vegeta pushed. The soldier who had spoken was now giving Gohan a hesitant glance. "He's deaf when I tell him so." Vegeta said when he noticed this. Gohan looked up but Vegeta pushed his face down again without looking in his direction. The half-saiyan rolled his eyes.
"The last ten planets were sold but the prices weren't right. We did not make any profit on them." The man answered.
Vegeta scoffed. "And you think I did not know that already? I was hoping you would know who was meddling with my business." Vegeta answered annoyed.
The two soldiers moved back at this. A small smirk appeared on Gohan's face. Vegeta frowned at the soldiers. "Well? Any more bad news?"
The two soldiers exchanged glances, almost as if they were daring each other to tell the following information. "Today another report came in." The first soldier continued. "A planet was stolen from us."
"Stolen?" Vegeta repeated. Gohan glanced sideways.
"Yes sir." The soldier answered. Vegeta got up, slamming his hands in his desk. The two soldiers jumped back in fear.
"Do you know who did it?" Vegeta asked. His voice was very calm and soft. Gohan knew this was a bad sign.
"We don't, sir." The soldier answered shortly. "They stole it after we sold it. The buyer is expecting a planet but we can't deliver."
Gohan studied the soldiers by glancing sideways. He did not want them to notice he was listening so closely. Vegeta's finger tapped on the desk impatiently. "Leave." He told the soldiers as he sat down.
The man rubbed over his forehead, his eyes closed. "Who was the buyer of that planet?" Vegeta asked once the soldiers were gone. Gohan tapped in some information in the computer.
"Lord Dopa." Gohan answered as his eyes ran over the information on the screen.
"Crap." Vegeta complained. Lord Dopa was too valuable to disappoint. He could not afford that, especially with a potential war coming up. Dopa was master over several large armies. "We'll need to host a big dinner for him in order to please him. That's your job." Gohan nodded as answer.
Vegeta placed his feet back in Gohan's lap. "Continue."
"I thought we were done." Gohan answered as he looked up.
"Do I need to repeat myself?"
Gohan frowned and continued to massage him. Vegeta eyed Gohan curiously. "What do you know?" He asked.
"Not much. You've already heard most of it." Gohan answered thoughtfully. "They don't know who stole the planet. The attack left no trails and the detectives don't know what happened. The planet just literally disappeared but it was not destroyed. A destroyed planet leaves its traces but there was nothing." Gohan thought back to the day he had been listening to the conversation. He did this more often. Only on Vegeta's ship though. Sometimes he got in trouble but Vegeta never punished him for it. Even though Vegeta often promised angry soldiers he would punish Gohan, the man only rewarded the young warrior afterwards.
"That's no help." Vegeta growled back. "This person is ruining me."
Gohan frowned. "I just don't understand. Who would want to defy someone like you? You're the strongest warrior in the universe." Gohan closed his mouth, thinking he was boosting Vegeta's ego too much like this.
He had been studying the strongest warriors and warlords the past few years. They usually did not notice him but he sometimes got in real trouble. The warriors knew they could not touch him but they also knew he was not allowed to hurt them while he was working. So, they threatened him with 'accidental death'. Accidents do happen every day in this world. For a while Gohan refused to continue his little spy role, considering it too much trouble. However, Vegeta was not one to accept a refusal, especially from Gohan, and he eventually confronted Gohan with his lack of information.
The half-saiyan answered truthfully which made Vegeta laugh at first. "I am worse than death, you know that." He had sneered, but he reassured Gohan that he would always make sure Gohan would not be send to his death.
"It's your responsibility to take care of the entertainment. You could ask the slaves to perform a musical song. You seem to be so fond of music." Vegeta sneered. "You keep making that terrible noise on that horrible thing you stole from that planet."
"It's a guitar. And it's not horrible. And I never told you to listen to it." Gohan answered annoyed.
"I should just destroy it." Vegeta muttered as he leaned back in his chair. The man eyed the guitar that was standing in the corner of the room. He did not have any use for it but he did not want Gohan to think he owned something. He kept it in his room so Gohan would have to ask for it every time he needed it.
Gohan closed his mouth. He would only jeopardize his own chances if he would say something now. "Is it easy to learn to make that noise?"'
"Learn how to play the guitar?" Gohan asked. Vegeta nodded as answer. "It depends, I guess. I found it very difficult but Bulma was very patient with me."
"Bulma? That woman I met on planet Namek?" Vegeta asked.
"You remember her?" Gohan looked up at him.
"Vaguely." Vegeta answered shortly. "Well," Vegeta pulled back his feet. "You've got a party to plan so I'd hurry if I were you. The party is in five days."
"Five days?" Gohan asked as he got up.
The corners of Vegeta's lips curled up. "As I said; hurry up." He answered.
Gohan groaned. "You've got to be kidding me. I can't plan a party in five days." He exclaimed.
"Do I look like I care?" Vegeta turned to his desk, dismissing Gohan in the process.
"Well, it's your party." Gohan muttered under his breath as he stalked away.
**** DBZ **** DBZ ****
Gohan barely blocked a punch from his opponent. He swallowed heavily. This fight was pushing him to his limits. He didn't like that. Tobney smirked at him, his bright blue eyes catching the hesitation on Gohan's face.
Gohan blocked the next punch by grabbing Tobney's fist and pulling it closer. He used his other hand to punch in Tobney's stomach. The half-saiyan smirked when Tobney gasped in pain, relishing this little victory. Tobney sent Gohan a curious glance which made Gohan pause for a moment. "What?"
Tobney rubbed over his stomach. "There was quite some force in that punch. Are you sure you're still on level 6?"
Gohan pulled back. He did not know he was using so much power. He was supposed to be a level 6 soldier whereas Tobney was a level 8 soldier.
Vegeta made these levels to make sure the right soldiers were sent to the right missions. Most soldiers were on level 1 or 2. Gohan was one of the few higher leveled warriors. Vegeta had placed himself on level 10. Comora was content on level 9, but nobody really knew where level 9 ended and level 10 started.
"During the last checkup they told me I was on the edge of 6 and 7." Gohan answered with a shrug.
"I'd say you were level 8." Tobney answered as he crossed his arms. "I really felt that."
"I wish." Gohan turned away from Tobney to hide his face. He hoped he was getting better at lying.
Tobney frowned. "Liar." He called. The boy jumped up and landed right in front of the younger warrior. Gohan stopped walking and looked up, his eyes slightly wider than usual at this blockade.
Tobney grabbed Gohan's chin, ignoring Gohan's growl and made him look into his eyes. "Get out of my mind." Gohan snarled at him. "I know how to block you. Don't even try it!"
"What are you doing?" Tobney asked as he narrowed his eyes. "Don't try to mess with Vegeta, Gohan. That's dangerous."
Gohan punched Tobney in the stomach harshly. The boy released the half-saiyan immediately. "I don't know what you're talking about." Gohan answered. "I might not be the strongest in the room but I am too strong to be treated like this."
"Do you think you can keep secrets in here? Vegeta keeps an eye on us twenty-four hours a day. Everyone thinks we have such a good life because we're the strongest warriors in his army but that only makes Vegeta more aware of us." Tobney complained, still rubbing over his stomach.
"Vegeta is not that paranoid." Gohan answered as he placed his hands on his hips. "He does not care about my power because he thinks I'm weak."
"That's where you're wrong." Tobney answered. "Vegeta keeps an eye on all of us but especially on you. You're a saiyan, just like him. He knows the strength jumps you can make after every fight. He is following your every move. When he finds out you're trying to hide your strength from him…"
"I'm not doing anything like that." Gohan yelled at him. "Why won't you believe me?"
"I don't want to punish you again!" Tobney screamed back. "I hate that. You know I do."
Gohan looked away while Tobney placed a hand on his forehead. The two took a few calming breaths. "Gohan. I'm worried about you." Tobney muttered. Gohan looked up at him. "You work day and night and keep dangerous secrets from Vegeta. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble."
Gohan smiled up at him. "Don't worry. I know what I can and cannot do. I'm not stupid enough to test Vegeta."
"Yes. You are. You've done it before." Tobney answered as he crossed his arms. "Do I need to remind you of the Yuna punishment?"
Gohan turned away from Tobney once more, now stepping back into the room. Tobney's hand landed on his shoulder. "Nobody knows what happened on that planet but we do know that you and Vegeta stayed there for four weeks." Tobney could feel Gohan tense. "You came back a changed boy. Timid, soft speaking. Something happened on that planet but you and Vegeta refuse to tell anyone."
Gohan's body went cold as he thought back to that horrible month. "It's none of your business." Gohan felt slight annoyed at how hoarse his voice was at the moment. The half-saiyan turned back to Tobney, forcing a smile on his own face. "I guess our training session is done now?" He asked.
Tobney nodded once. "Yeah. We'll continue this conversation later."
Gohan scoffed. "Yeah right." He answered sarcastically as he walked away.
Later that day Gohan was standing in Vegeta's office. A pile of uniforms and armors was lying near them. Vegeta handed an armor to Gohan and watched as he pulled it on. The armor was decorated with golden lines and a cape was connected to it. Vegeta shook his head, signing to Gohan to pull it off again.
"How many times do I have to do this?" Gohan asked annoyed.
"Don't speak when you're not spoken to." Vegeta answered shortly. "There will be important warlords attending this event so I want to make sure I look like I care about it."
"But you don't care about your appearance. Why pretend to be someone you're not?" Gohan asked as he crossed his arms. The boy had to uncross them again to accept the armor Vegeta pushed toward him.
"I want those people to support me when it gets to a war between my empire and the empire of whoever is trying to ruin me." Vegeta answered. "Why am I answering your questions? Be quiet." He snarled after that.
Gohan's lips curled up slightly as he pulled the armor on. The half-saiyan looked down to study it carefully. The black and red colors on the armor made it look very dark. It made Gohan wonder if that was Vegeta's purpose when choosing the colors of this armor.
Vegeta tilted his head. "This looks fine." He said thoughtfully. Gohan crossed his arms defiantly. "It's a shame your hair is darker than mine. I should do something about that."
"I like the differences between us." Gohan retorted quickly.
"Do you now?" Vegeta briefly glanced at him while motioning for Gohan to undress.
The half-saiyan pulled off the armor once more. He handed it to Vegeta before attempting to remove his uniform. "No, keep that on. I can find another one for myself." Vegeta said without looking up. Gohan's hands fell to his sides.
"Are you sure?" The young warrior asked as he watched Vegeta walk to the closet. The man disappeared in the walk-in closet only to emerge with a new armor seconds later.
"You know how uncertain I am of myself." Vegeta said sarcastically.
Gohan rolled his eyes and turned to the window as Vegeta was pulling on his new clothes. The half-saiyan reached the window, placing his hand on the window sill. Vegeta clasped the band of his armor to the body of it, eying Gohan with interest. The man crossed his arms as he stepped closer. "I often catch you looking out the window." He stated.
Gohan looked at Vegeta over his shoulder without answering. Vegeta stepped closer. "Homesick?"
"After three years?" Gohan answered as he looked out the window once more. "That would have been sad." His words came out as a sigh.
Vegeta placed a hand on Gohan's shoulder. Gohan tensed slightly, wondering whether Vegeta was going to throw him through the room, but the only thing Vegeta did was squeeze his shoulder in an almost kind way. "Let's go." Vegeta said as he released the half-saiyan. Vegeta's hand disappeared and Gohan heard his footsteps move away, placing his hand on the place Vegeta's hand had just been.
Gohan wondered why Vegeta wanted to look good for their mission. It did not seem as important as some other appointments they had had in the past. Vegeta disagreed though.
They travelled to another ship. Walking through the dimly lit hallway, Gohan was quieter than usual. Vegeta was used to this kind of behavior when they went shopping. The half-saiyan opened the door for Vegeta, keeping his head down in respect; he knew all the official rules he had to oblige to. The man entered the dark room and sat down in the lonely chair. A small glass table was standing next to the soft looking chair. Gohan walked to the second table in the room on which refreshments were located. He did not have to ask what Vegeta wanted. The man had the tendency to order the same thing.
"You can grab something for yourself as well." Vegeta mentioned without looking back.
"Thank you." Gohan knew he was going to need a drink if he wanted to get through this ordeal.
The half-saiyan placed Vegeta's drink on the small table next to Vegeta's chair. The half-saiyan looked at the glass window in front of them. A dark room was seen through it. He knew that in a few minutes young girls would be pushed into that room to show their bodies and the men in the other rooms would bid on their favorite item. It made Gohan sick to his stomach. Since he was mainly referred to as an item too, he hated it when others were treated like that too.
"How many are you planning on buying?" Gohan asked curiously.
Vegeta shrugged. "I don't really have a number in mind." He answered shortly.
Gohan watched as the lights in the rooms dimmed. He leaned against the chair casually as he watched the first girl walk on the stage. "She's definitely underage." Gohan muttered.
Vegeta smirked as he let her pass. The second girl appeared on stage several minutes later. "I can see her ribs. Not a good sign." Gohan muttered.
"Be quiet." Vegeta answered shortly. "I don't need your advice on the girls I buy."
"Why do you do this?" Gohan asked tiredly.
"I need females to keep my soldiers happy. They're men and men have their needs." Vegeta answered as he pressed on the bid button. Gohan watched the number above the young girl's head rise.
"Is that a scar on her leg?" Gohan asked as he widened his eyes slightly.
"Quiet." Vegeta snarled at him.
"I don't understand why you're always taking me. You know I don't like these trips. Knowing that they will end up in slavery makes me feel terrible. Especially in the branch they are going to work in. Those poor girls." Gohan ranted as he watched a new girl walk on the stage.
"If I don't buy them someone else will." Vegeta answered shortly. "At least now you will be able to make sure they have a nice life."
Gohan shrugged. "I guess you're right." He muttered. "She's fine." He added.
Vegeta bought the girl and they watched as the lights dimmed again. A new girl walked on the stage. Her dark blue hair was treated with a sparkly hair spray which almost made it seem like a curtain of glitters was following her. Her black shorts were decorated with a silver thread and she was the only one wearing a tight shirt instead of a bikini. She smiled at all the windows but, she seemed slightly more dazed than the other participants.
Gohan's eyes were glued to her bright yellow eyes. They made him think of the cats on planet Earth… but then in a very nice way. Vegeta looked at the information on the computer screen. "She's the youngest of the bunch. Only sixteen years old." He said thoughtfully. "What do you think?" He asked curiously. "No comments?" The man glanced sideways, shifting slightly when he noticed Gohan's expression.
Vegeta was smart enough to recognize an expression like this one, especially on a young boy's face. "Boy?" Vegeta asked. Gohan did not respond so Vegeta tapped against his shoulder. Gohan flinched and looked at his master. "You're interested in her, aren't you?"
"No." Gohan answered immediately.
"I'm buying her. You're a soldier too, of course." Vegeta answered as he tapped on the bidding button. "She'll be your personal concubine."
Gohan could feel his cheeks heat up. "Please don't. The others won't let me forget that."
"Nonsense." Vegeta smirked as he continued to bid for the girl. "You're getting older. Coming of age soon. As one of the highest ranking soldiers you have to get your own toy."
"Vegeta. Come on." Gohan complained.
"Got her." Vegeta leaned back in his seat. He tilted his head at the half-saiyan. "Be thankful for this. I was the only one with a personal concubine until now." His amusement grew when he noticed Gohan's desperate expression. "Now why is my glass empty?" He asked annoyed before he turned back to the stage. Gohan groaned before he grabbed the glass to fill it again.
Once Vegeta was done buying everything he wanted, the two warriors made their way back to the ship. There a group of girls was already awaiting their arrival. Chained to each other with silver bonds, they watched apprehensively as Vegeta approached them.
The man eyed them all for a few seconds. "Good evening, ladies." He said slowly. "Don't worry. I won't hurt you. I bought you all to work for my army. Your days will be long and rough but nobody will physically hurt you. At least, you will not receive a beating from anyone's hand. That's all I can promise."
"My soldiers will escort you all to the place where you will be staying." A small group of soldiers moved forwards to lead them inside. Vegeta motioned for a soldier to come closer and whispered something in his ear. The man nodded and walked to the group of girls. He disappeared for a second only to reappear, holding the blue-haired girl by her arm. Gohan closed his eyes tiredly.
She ended up in front of Vegeta. Now Gohan noticed something he had not seen before. Her eyes were glassy. Vegeta placed a finger under her chin and she closed her eyes at the touch. "She's drugged." Vegeta stated. Gohan nodded. "Well, little princess. Meet your master." Vegeta pushed the young woman in Gohan's direction.
She tilted her head and eyed him dazedly. "You can lead her to her room. It's room 4550." Vegeta said as he crossed his arms. "Report back to me after you have brought her there. And lock the door or she will wander around the ship and I don't want that."
Gohan let out a tired sigh as he grabbed the hand the young girl was holding out. The gentle smile on her face made him feel a little sick, wondering how many men had already taken advantage of her drugged state.
He led her through the different hallways until he reached door number 4550. The name-tag on the door gave the slave number 1101. The half-saiyan frowned. "We'll have to change that." He muttered as he opened the door. He grabbed the girl's hand again and led her inside.
"So, this is your room." Gohan said as he watched her explore the room with her eyes. She immediately went for the bed and fell down there. It briefly crossed Gohan's mind that she had a better room than he did but he discarded the thought immediately. This girl probably had had a tougher life. "What's your name?" He asked curiously.
No answer.
Gohan stepped closer to look at her face. She was curled up on the bed now, her hands folded under her cheek, her legs pulled up and her eyes closed. Asleep. Gohan huffed before he turned to the door. He locked the door behind him.
Gohan reached Vegeta's office within several minutes, wondering why Vegeta wanted to speak to him. The man was sitting behind his desk, typing away on his computer. The half-saiyan knelt down in front of his desk.
"Get up." Vegeta said shortly. Gohan did as he was told and gave Vegeta an expectant look. The man told him to come back to his office straightaway. He must have had a reason for that and Gohan had always been curious.
"I have a temporary task for you." Vegeta started. "I would hire soldiers for this job but I'm afraid they'll have the wrong priorities."
"What is it?" Gohan asked curiously.
"I have a question first. Are there any slaves on our ship who have been trained in some sort of fighting art?" Vegeta asked.
Gohan scratched his head as his mind went over all the slaves he knew. "I guess there are a few. Why?"
"Who are they and how old are they?" Vegeta asked as if Gohan hadn't asked a question.
"Iopo, Kiaro and Sianne." Gohan answered. "The first two are boys and the last one is a girl. Their age is respectively thirteen, ten and sixteen."
"A sixteen year old girl?" Vegeta asked as he looked up.
"Don't even think about it. She's so sweet." Gohan answered.
"Bring them to me." Vegeta ordered. "Find them all and bring them to me." He continued.
"Why?" Gohan asked.
"Did I tell you to ask questions?" Vegeta asked annoyed.
"You can't even tell me why?" Gohan countered. "You're going to tell me anyway. Why not now?"
Vegeta was not even looking at him anymore. The man was now organizing a small bundle of papers, flipping through them in search of something. Gohan rolled his eyes before he turned away from his master. "I'll be back." He said as he walked to the door.
"Take your time." The sarcasm in Vegeta's voice was not hidden at all.
"I will." Gohan called over his shoulder. He knew he would eventually get in trouble for that comment but for now, he just did not care.
**** DBZ **** DBZ ****
Yuck, finals, essays… I hate school right now.
Please review and help me through these difficult times :)
