Chapter 27

The Results are In

Vegeta arrived with Bulma in Bardock's lab, where the scientist was waiting very expectantly.

Bardock took one look at Bulma and gasped. "What happened, child?" He asked, more like demanded.

"I happened," Vegeta admitted.

Bardock looked at him with disgust, but Vegeta dismissed it, since he felt he deserved it.

"I just hope it isn't too late," Bardock spoke up.

"Too late for what," Bulma asked.

"All your questions will be answered in due time, Bulma, but first, let me get you to a regeneration tank. Your injuries are serious and we can heal them in no time." Bardock ushered Bulma over to the large dome-like apparatus and urged her inside. Once the top closed, the container filled with a green liquid over Bulma, who was protected by a face mask.

Vegeta could only look at her with guilt and worry.

"I don't care if you are my prince, or if you feel like killing me," Bardock started, "if you hope to be a great king, you will need to learn to think before you act. You could have killed her and after you hear what I will tell you, you will realize that that would have been one of the worst mistakes of your life." He scolded the young prince.

"Enough Bardock, I have already realized my folly and I will atone for it on my own. I don't need a lecture from you of all people." Vegeta spat.

"Well, before I tell you what you need to know, I will need a blood sample from you." He told the prince.

"What for, third class?" Vegeta questioned him.

"You're just going to have to trust me, your highness. I only have Bulma's welfare in mind right now, so if you care at all about her well being, then you will do as I say." He answered. Bardock was indeed angry with Vegeta for hurting Bulma, especially since now he knew that she deserved none of it.

"Very well then, but be quick about it." Vegeta said.

Just then, Radditz came into the room with a collection tube and a needle. Vegeta's blood was collected and Radditz rushed it over to the testing station.

The three waited in silence for a half hour until they heard a loud beep and the water in Bulma's tank started to drain.

"Already done? She is stronger than I gave her credit for," Bardock spoke.

Vegeta nodded in agreement. As the top of the chamber made a 'whoosh' noise, it opened and Bulma weakly stepped out, bruise free.

"Amazing," Bardock stated, "she looks like her old self again!"

Bulma adjusted her eyes to the light and noticed how she physically felt better now than she had in a long time.

"Thank you, Bardock." Bulma emphasized Bardock to show her anger at Vegeta for giving her a reason for the regeneration tank in the first place.

Vegeta was about to speak up when Radditz came to the trio with papers in hand.

"Here are the results, father." He remarked.

Bardock looked at them all carefully, smiling after he finished with each page and placed the papers face down on his lap.

"Well, are you two ready to hear the truth?" He asked the couple.

Meanwhile, Brolly was standing outside the lab, listening to every word.

'This isn't good,' he thought to himself.

He put his ear closer to the door so that he wouldn't miss what he was sure Bardock was going to tell them.

A/N: Sorry to cut this chapter short, but it seemed to be the perfect place to end it.