I've had a sudden spark and I'm going to use it before it disappears. Truthfully, this isn't what I'd originally planned, but I like where it's going so I'm going to do it. I'm going to get the next few chapters planned out before I post again. Also, for those of you who are also following The Waters Edge, there will be an update for that in the near future as well, but this story is going smoothly right now. Hope you enjoy it. Don't know how many more parts there are going to be to this story, but I will say the final battle will be coming soon.

-CP

Part 14

Vegeta huffed as he clutched his chest. "Again!"

Bulma set her stance and swung her fist at her mate, he caught it easily, but stepped back at the burning zap of electricity in his palm. She jumped in the air and landed a kick to his back. He staggered for only a moment before knocking her down with a back leg sweep just as she touched the ground.

"Good. Again!"

"Vegeta." She panted. "We've been at this for hours. I need a break, some food. I'm not a Sayian."

He sighed before shouting at the simulator. "End program."

"Thank you."

"We'll take a half-hour breather for food and a change of clothing. Then, it's back to training. We'll be testing that amulet of yours again."

"Vegeta, this is a bit excessive."

"No. I told you there would be no mercy woman. You can't call for a time out if you're staring into the cold, hard eyes of Frieza and his army."

XXXxxxxxxx

The grayish-blue ship continued on it's journey towards the resistance base. The occupant within growing frustrated with the pace, but knew if he wanted to make it in one piece he needed to be patient. He would arrive exactly one week before Frieza. Hardly time to help prepare the occupants, but it would have to do. He was told that if he arrived too early it could mess up any chances of him saving anyone at all.

He pushed his hair out of his eyes, his face contorted in an expression of pure determination. He could not fail, the fate of the galaxy depended on him. The fate of his family and friends. He would not let his last memory be of the planet he'd called home come to ruin. He wouldn't allow this to pass.

XXXXXXxxxxx

Bardock looked at the radar, his eyes growing tired with the constant focus upon the many calculations he had to run minute by minute. The radar picked up several ships following in line with the main hub to the Frieza armada. To his horror, the one ship he was hoping wouldn't be amongst them, was. His vision was going to come to pass and it ended with a white-hot flash of pain. Everyone would be dead except for Frieza and a small number of his henchmen.

This would not do in the least. In secret, he'd been training again. He wouldn't go down without a fight, he decided. His visions would not make him a pitiful excuse for a male again. Bardock clenched his fists in agitation. Sure, he enjoyed being a scientist. His mind excelled at it being one of the smarter of his species. However, a Sayian lusted for battle. He had been seeing no action since the prince had put him on building duties even before he was captured by the Cold's.

It seemed that he would follow the orders even after the prince had left their masses. Now, he felt like a betrayer, but it was necessary. He had told his daughter-in-law days before that every able bodied fighter would be needed in this war. Bardock would be deeming himself a liar if he didn't train to protect those in danger from this horrible plight. He wouldn't hold a ki weapon, he wouldn't degrade himself that way.

He was a warrior, by Kami, and he would act like one in the face of their tormentor.

XXXxxxxx

"What's our ETA, Zarbon?" Frieza hissed as he indulged in a strange purple drink one of his henchmen was holding for him.

"One week, three hours; Lord Frieza." He sighed as the chain around his neck was pulled taught causing him to momentarily gasp for air.

"Excellent." The lizard cackled wickedly. "Soon the pitiful plight of the resistance will be no more. Is our special friend ready with his precious gifts to me?"

"Everything is as it should be, sir."

"Good, good." He rubbed his hands together. "I anticipate a long, arduous battle ahead. Those little gifts will be my secret weapon in capturing our little monkey friend. He will never leave me after this and he will die when I say!"

"Yes, Lord Frieza." The crew stated in unison.

"Bring me my evening meal and don't skimp on this lovely drink. Where is it from again sweet Dodoria?"

"From F4870 your lordship. A wine crafted from their equivilent of grapes."

"Most impressive, did you order them to turn their planet into a vineyard?"

"Of course, your lordship. They will begin bottling the brew for exportation soon. Riches beyond your wildest dreams."

"Perfect." His smile grew. "What of the laborers?"

"Chained and made to work for you, as you commanded, my lord." Dodoria gulped as he watched the last of the thick substance in the glass slide into the lizards mouth.

"Fetch me more, and have a glass for yourself. I'll have use for you tonight since my other pet is still in need of training."

"Of course, Lord Frieza."

XXXXXXxxxxx

"Bulma!" He grunted as he rolled her over onto her back. They were sweaty, joined together, and in the highlights of passion.

"Vegeta …" She sighed as he continued to cover her body in kisses and love bites. It seemed the closer Frieza got, the more amorous he became. It was as if he wasn't expecting to return to her. The passion continued to stir into a fever pitch before they both fell over the edge in a mass of tangled sheets, his face buried in her neck caressing the mating mark.

"Say you'll reconsider, woman." He tried one last time. "Stay back from the battle, please."

"I can't." She sighed and pulled the blanket up to her chest. "If my dad's still alive I need to rescue him. I have to have hope. I know my mom is already gone, but my dad is still there."

"Woman ..." He sighed. "We could have our soldiers look for him."

"Think of it this way, Vegeta, If the shoe was on the other foot and you were in my position, would you hang back? Or, would you march in there determined to find your dad?"

She had him there. "Just don't put yourself in unneeded danger."

"I'm human, not stupid."

"Hmph."