CHAPTER 36
His footsteps splashed through the runoff collecting in the muddy streets of the underground compound. His breath was short and his stride was long. From barrack to barrack he entered, and each with the same result. The collars had deactivated, and now lay in waste on the floor. It was very difficult to keep the Saiyans from leaving their barracks and flying out to lay havoc on those who enslaved them, but he managed to keep order. Of course, he had the help from Bardock in the way of muscle should he need to really get the point across.
"We have come this far, we cannot allow anyone to sabotage any further progress!"
Keeping the reins tight on 2500 super pissed off angry Saiyans that wanted revenge right now was not an easy task to accomplish, but they did it.
"So, what is the plan?" Bardock raised his eyebrow at Gavis, who turned and pursed lips together. "When the south gate breaches, we move out, together, and swarm the enemy. Take no prisoners." Bardock nodded, and left the barrack to inform the rest, as did Gavis. He looked out the window, and sighed in anticipation. It was quiet out in the main stretch of the underground compound, and the patrol of guards had increased from earlier. Apparently, King Ginn must have gotten word that Bulma was no threat, and that it was time to ready his own army to fight against King Vegeta. Bardock made his way through the shadows as quietly as he could, alerting the others of the plan so they knew what alert to watch for. That was up until a hand grabbed his shoulder form behind, and said his name, "Bardock…what do you think you're doing out here?"
Back at King Ginn's den, he paced slowly slightly concerned about the ensuing battle. His army was larger than King Vegeta's, an estimated 900 men & women in total, where King Vegeta only arrived with maybe 300 soldiers, but they were the best of the best. King Ginn left them on Planet Vegeta for a reason, and that reason was so he could create a new world order here without anyone to stop him. However, numbers don't lie, especially when they are in your favor. They could be the best 300 soldiers ever, but they weren't going to survive on this planet. "What's the latest report?"
One of his cronies came in, bowed, and began to speak, "Your Majesty, it seems that Vegeta and his wife have reunited, and they are making plans to attack the compound. We cannot tell much more than that as of now, we have had problems getting close enough to gather more intelligence." Ginn sneered, "Hmmm…and the human woman?" The soldier shook his head, "She still evades us, but not for long I am sure of it. Our best soldiers are out scouting for her as we speak." He walked to his window, and peered out towards the entrance of the underground compound's barracks, "We need to secure the prisoners. Bring me my device." The soldier nodded, and turned to the table where King Ginn often stored his handy remote that controlled the collars of the Saiyans underground. With this, he would make sure that none of the 'inmates' got any bright ideas of helping the enemy less their family would pay with their lives. The soldier pulled open the drawer only to reveal emptiness where the remote should have been. Confused, the soldier turned to Ginn, "Sire, the remote is not here." Ginn spun around on his heels with his eyes wide, and mouth parted, "Do not toy with me right now!"
The soldier bowed again as Ginn walked hurriedly to the drawer, and saw that it indeed was empty. "How is this possible?!" He closed his eyes, and remembered the last time he'd saw it. He was holding it next to that woman, when he placed it on that same table for safe keeping. Then she had vanished, and everything turned into a short-lived chaos. Ginn opened his eyes, and growled, "That woman…she has the device!" The soldier looked panicked, but had a quick solution to his King's dilemma, "Sire, I have commissioned one of the prisoners to create a device to track the human, it would be no trouble having him create a new device if we sweeten his pot." The King was furious, but nodded at the soldier to continue, "Go on." The soldier smiled, "We'll agree to set his family 'free' in exchange for a new device. He'll build it, and then we'll renegotiate our offer. We'll let them live only if he continues to serve us…they're all scum down there anyways."
The King nodded, "So be it. Let him build what I need based off the hope that his family will be set free. It's so easy to manipulate those who care for others, isn't it?" The soldier laughed as he headed out the door, and back to the barrack where he had commissioned the Saiyan to build Bulma's tracking device, "It sure is your liege."
It didn't take long before the soldier made it back to the barrack to track the Saiyan's progress on the tracker, and to commission the new build. He flung open the door, and walked in like a boss. He passed the Saiyans who all averted their gazes from him, and kept a distance best they could. He reveled in the feeling of superiority, and knowing that these Saiyans had to do his bidding made him feel like a king himself. "Where's the piece of shit I tasked to build the tracking device?" The Saiyans began to part, and in the center of the separation stood the one he had come to manipulate. He turned his head to the table, and noticed that the device he'd left to be converted wasn't even touched. His cheeks flustered at the thought of being behind schedule, he needed Bulma's tracking device finished, as well as commission the next project.
"YOU THERE! I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU TO HAVE THIS DEVICE FINISHED IN A HALF HOUR, AND HERE IT SITS UNTOUCHED?!"
The Saiyan stood up, and walked over lazily as the soldier began to ball his fists eliciting a sure confrontation. "There's been a change of plans, asshole…" The soldier's eyes grew wide at what this Saiyan had just called him. "You wanna say that again you piece of shit?!" The Saiyan walked up to him, and smiled, "…I am sorry you must not have heard me. I said there's been a change of plans…" He leaned in, "…ASSHOLE." The soldier looked as the Saiyans in the barracks began to slowly close in on him. Before he could react, they grabbed him, holding him in place as the Saiyan continued, "…I'm not building you shit." The old Saiyan then pointed to the heap of broken collars on the ground well hidden from the soldier when he entered, and that was when the pleading began, but didn't last long. His death would ensue quietly behind the closed door of barrack #16.
The rebellion had started, and damn it felt good to be free.
Vegeta flew through the pounding rain with his sights set on his destination. His heart beat strong in his chest as he flew hurriedly back to the command ship where he'd last spoken with Bulma. His fists tightened recollecting how he permanently damaged the one life-line directly to her through his fit of rage at her choosing to remain behind to free the Saiyans. The more he thought over her choice, the angrier he became with himself. How could he possibly find fault in someone so selfless as Bulma, when it was that very trait that brought them together in the first place? It doesn't matter. None of it matters now. He was somewhat correct…all that mattered to him now was that he would find her safe, and take the next steps towards some semblance of a life—with her. He wasn't sure the damage he'd done with his final communication with her, and he wasn't even sure she'd even want him back after such a heartless outburst. The only thing Vegeta could bet on was that she'd be gracious enough to hear him out. If she would take him back after all that he'd said, then he surely couldn't let her go again. She may be a sweet soul, but Bulma wasn't going to allow herself to be abused by anyone, especially if she had a choice.
He could see the compound in the distance, a long way away from the command ship, and an equally long way away from the pile of junk craft that they'd left for Noire. Vegeta gritted his teeth as his mind wandered to a recent memory with his father on board the command ship speaking to him about the location of the getaway ship. Vegeta had walked in to see the impalement of Noire against the wall, and he'd soon learn of her betrayal, as well as her plans to get away. Vegeta had immediately commandeered the small craft, and his father had no objections. It was what Vegeta and Bulma deserved after all—too bad that the spacecraft wasn't even fit for wildlife to live in it.
His hurtful words replayed in his head, and he couldn't shake them. Thankfully, he'd arrived at his destination now, and landed in front of the ship's ramp making his way inside once the shields were dropped for his entry. He stood wet on the floor meeting the collective eyes of his mother, his father, Shirazi & Malbeca. They looked at Vegeta, and none of them said a word. They knew why he came back, and they had nothing to gain by pointing it out. Instead, King Vegeta turned to his son, and briefed him.
"I have them at the south gate now. They should be entering as we speak." Before Vegeta could even inquire, his mother spoke out to him, "We sent a squad voluntarily led by Cortese to extract your companion from the inside of the compound." Vegeta turned his sight back to his father, "I will go myself to the south gate." Vegeta turned on his heel, and flew out of the ship towards the front lines of the ensuing battle. If Bulma was in there, he'd find her, not anyone else. He flew as fast as he could which was remarkably faster than any of the others could even imagine. Hold on Bulma…
There were about 175 Saiyans prepared to blow through the southernmost gate, and the other 125 staged behind them as a second wave once King Ginn's army came out to play. They knew they'd be outnumbered, but if luck was on their side, the prisoners would be freed, and they'd have the advantage. One of the Saiyan generals was tasked to lead the operation, and was moments away from ordering their infiltration when Vegeta landed at the front of the group. The general made eye contact with Vegeta, bowed his head, and voluntarily stepped back. "Take your command, Prince Vegeta." This was the Prince's moment now, and Vegeta would be lying if it didn't feel somewhat good to be leading an army into battle once again. Vegeta turned his head to the gate, held out his hand, and yelled, "IT WOULD BE RUDE OF US NOT TO KNOCK!"
In one giant explosion, the gate turned into millions of splinters and dust as Vegeta blasted it with one hand. The Saiyans yelled to rally, and entered the compound.
Meanwhile by the barracks, Gavis and the rest of the now-freed Saiyans heard the blast from the south gate. "That's our cue everyone!" They watched as a small portion of King Ginn's army began to flood the area in response to what was happening, while the freed Saiyans slowly trickled out from their captivity. They were not all fighters, many of them were better utilized in other areas of expertise, but there was a good percentage of them that did fight, and set out to break bones. King Ginn's fighters looked around at the Saiyans emerging from their confines in awe of the warriors sent by King Vegeta to deliver them from the tyrant. Their eyes watered at the thought of actual freedom from King Ginn, staring out at the events before them acknowledging that their freedom it was a reality.
"GET BACK INTO YOUR BARRACKS THIS INSTANT OR BE KILLED WHERE YOU STAND!" The voice rang out at the freed Saiyans by a member of Ginn's army, who hadn't noticed yet that they were no longer controlled by the collars around their necks. One by one the freed Saiyans picked up speed towards their aggressors, and it wasn't long before the tyrant King's goons realized that they were no longer bound by the constraints of their collars. In fact, several of the pregnant Saiyans exacted their revenge by brutally killing the rapists among the fleet with the pointed ends of the collars themselves.
Bardock emerged from the shadows alongside he female Saiyan that had 'discovered' him, and she began to yell to those under King Ginn's command to regroup with her. Somewhere deep in King Ginn's army was a small number of about 50 men & women that acted as double agents for the imprisoned Saiyans. While they couldn't free them, they would smuggle in food, blankets, toys for the children, and medicine for Gavis. They fought poverty from the inside, and tried their hardest to improve the lives of those who wore the collars by risking their own under false pretenses of serving King Ginn. Now Ginn's army was reduced, and the tide was shifting. These double agents took posts inside the barracks protecting the non-warrior Saiyans from the rest of the army, and this ensured that they would not be killed by accident from King Vegeta's forces.
It wasn't long before Ginn's soldiers began to retreat to the compound above ground, but one by one they were picked off by the warriors from Planet Vegeta, as well as the angry freed Saiyans they'd held captive. Vegeta had emerged through the gate, and not one soul did he destroy. His objective was to find Bulma, and maybe even lay a hand on the new King to see what he was all about. Now, if Vegeta had found out that this new King had even laid a finger on his Bulma, well, then that was an entirely different scenario. Vegeta did manage to snag one of Ginn's men by the collar, and dropped him to his knees with minimal effort. The Saiyan struggled in Vegeta's grasp, but there was no escaping the Saiyan Prince. Vegeta leaned down, and grinned fiercely, "I have a message for your 'King'…"
"WHERE IS HE WITH THAT DAMN DEVICE?!"
It was utter chaos underground as King Ginn scrambled in his luxurious compound above awaiting word from his soldier sent out for the device that had never returned. It was evident from the explosion, as well as the retreat of his own fighters that something had turned against him. What is going on down there?! Why are they retreating?! He was interrupted by one of his soldiers who came bursting through the doors starling Ginn. He was out of breath, panting, and looked completely pale as if he'd seen a ghost. "THEY'VE BEEN FREED! THE PRISONERS…THEY ARE FREE!" Ginn grabbed him by the collar, and shook him, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN?! FREE?!" The Saiyan nodded vigorously, "They've been freed! And…and…!" Ginn shook him again with impatience, "AND WHAT?!"
The Saiyan swallowed hard, "…Prince Vegeta leads the charge…he is here to collect his companion."
King Ginn threw the Saiyan to the ground, "Vegeta is no longer king, and he certainly isn't to be called a 'Prince' either!" The Saiyan stood up, and made his way to the door. "I wasn't referring to King Vegeta…his son…his son Prince Vegeta is here! He is alive, and he has reunited with his father!" The Saiyan was done now, and took off officially defecting from his post. King Ginn looked out the window once more to witness his soldiers falling one by one as King Vegeta's army came through from the underground compound, as well as a portion of the recently imprisoned men and women. He was in a bad situation, and his mind reeled with his next move. He watched as the Saiyans began to destroy any ship on the ground that even looked as if it might be operational. His contemplation was cut short when a few of his men came through the door, a huge grin across their faces. "King Ginn…we might have leverage if we storm their command ship, and murder Vegeta once and for all." Ginn nodded, "Do you have eyes on their location?" He nodded, "Yes, and we might even have one better, but I will explain on the way." In a dash, all of the men left the room to regroup & coordinate the rest of the army, and gather all their warriors for their major strike. It seems that King Ginn and his goons had an ace up their sleeve after all.
Vegeta's white boots splashed through the mud with each step. He walked with a purpose, but his entire composure commanded respect from all around him. The freed Saiyans were at a loss of words as they watched their begotten Prince stroll through the compound, stepping over the dead, and kicking away the filth that obstructed his way. It was clear that he had an objective, and no one got in his way, not even to pay their respects. They would have time to do that later, but for right now, they let their Prince do what they knew he was here to do—seek revenge. Barrack by barrack he entered, but with no sign of Bulma. He was becoming increasingly agitated that she had become so elusive. He stopped, and turned in the street—closing his eyes, and inhaling deep. He listened for any sign of her, or any signal that she could send to pinpoint her location to him, but it was useless. The sound of the retreating battle overhead dwarfed any sounds she could make, unless she was to set off a bomb. Vegeta opened his eyes as the mist of the rains blowing in the underground cavern settled on his cheeks.
Where are you?
"Prince Vegeta?"
His name rang out through the mixture of sounds as he turned to face a particularly tall and thin Saiyan, who looked stunned to be in the presence of King Vegeta's son. He was a few years younger than Vegeta, so he'd never met him personally even as children, but Vegeta's reputation had always remained one for the books. One of the strongest fighters at the age of 5, besting even the most elite warriors at such a young age, surely the Prince was one in a lifetime. Vegeta's cold stare bore through Gavis, and he gazed upon the Prince in admiration and fear.
"What do you want?"
Gavis swallowed, and bowed, "Forgive me…I am Gavis…" Unfortunately as soon as he revealed who he was, Vegeta had him pinned up against a barrack at blinding speed and strength. Vegeta dug his stare into the depths of Gavis' soul, "Where is she?!" Gavis stammered, but spoke quickly not to hesitate in the presence of Prince Vegeta, "She is not with us here. She remained topside, and I plan to depart to see if I can find her as well." Vegeta looked over the Saiyan, and laid his eyes on his radio. "Can you not communicate with her through your radio?" His grip on Gavis grew tighter as Gavis choked out his response, "She dismantled her radio for parts…I can lead you to the radio tower myself." Vegeta held onto the Saiyan for a short moment before releasing him to the ground. "Take me there at once." He nodded in response to the Prince's orders, and together they took off towards the building that Gavis had last seen Bulma.
King Vegeta stood in the command ship gathering intel as it came in. "Sire, the enemy has retreated for now, but I am sure they plan on another attack." King Vegeta nodded, "Yes…they retreat, but they will be back, and they will have nothing to lose. They will fight with their lives I am sure, and it is our responsibility to ensure the loss of life is strictly one-sided." The squad leaders nodded, "What are your orders?" King Vegeta crossed his arms and inquired with a tone low in his voice, "Has the human been located?" The leaders looked to one another, and shook their heads, "There has been no sight of her. It is hard to admit that we are unable to find a human female, but it seems that the weather is against us—erasing her movements, and making it harder for us to find her." King Vegeta was silent, and then a small laugh escaped from under his breath turning into a small chuckle which only confused those around him, "Sire?"
King Vegeta smiled, "She's no ordinary human. Continue your search, and lock down all the areas where we've gained control." The squad leaders nodded, "As you wish." They left to accomplish the King's command, and only a few moments after they departed did Cortese arrive back at the ship away from his squad. King Vegeta looked at him, and Cortese shook his head. "I've come to update you on our progress, unfortunately, none has been made. I will continue the search for her." Cortese bowed his head, and took off when the King dismissed him. Shirazi and Malbeca remained silent, but the concern for her whereabouts could be seen across their features.
The Queen stood a bit weary from all the commotion going on around them, and a bit reluctant to understand why such a big deal was being made over a petty human female. "She is but a mere human. Is she really this special that we have to waste manpower searching for her?" The three Saiyans turned towards the Queen who spoke softly regarding Bulma's reverence to the group. Malbeca and Shirazi then averted their gaze to the King, who answered his wife's question without hesitation, "Mind your tongue. Without her none of us would be here today, and if we don't find her I guarantee our adoring son will blow this planet apart without hesitation, and with all of us on it." Silence fell over everyone as the King's clapback to his wife was like the shot heard around the world. "I see. I am sorry if I did not fully understand her significance." She nodded, turned, and walked away to her quarters where she could rest. Clearly, she had a lot to learn about the human, and it was evident by the response of King Vegeta that Bulma was much more than "a mere human."
Cortese had volunteered to head back to the ship to update King Vegeta on his squad's status himself because he took full responsibility for her search efforts. He would do the reporting, and if needed, he would take the brunt of any reprimand the King doled out for his lack of results. He wiped the rainwater from his face as he flew back to his squad, and reorganized. "We need a new strategy." The other agreed wholeheartedly. "I say we cover ground versus air. She will be hidden underneath the brush for cover I am sure of it, and aerial observations will yield negligible results going forward." The others agreed. "So, stay low, and stay alert – two men teams in every direction leading back to the ship. That's where she will be headed I am sure of it." The Saiyans split up, but prior to their departure one of them spoke out, "Cortese, what if she doesn't know where the ship is?" They took his words to consideration, well, all except for Cortese who just smiled, "She'll figure it out. She got us here, right? Surely she can find a giant ship in the middle of a rainforest." The others agreed that they need not worry about Bulma's capability, but instead focus their energy on rescue. "I do not think she will be leaving any signs for us to discover in fear of the others discovering them first. So, this will be purely search and rescue." They took off in every direction on foot, and in the lowest altitude possible to find the human woman who rescued them from Planet Vegeta.
Bulma trudged through the mud, through the dense foliage, through the rain and across the small flooded areas away from the compound. She shivered as the cold damp elements chilled her to the bone. She was sopping wet, tired, exhausted, and her body ached from her capture and escape from the tyrant King Ginn. She could hear the ensuing battle in the far distance, but she couldn't risk being seen by anyone because she wasn't even sure who was on which King's side. Unless she found someone she could recognize she remained hidden trudging towards where she last known the command ship to be. It's so damn far…
The grey skies grew darker as the suns began to set which only made her situation worse. The temperature would drop, and she'd risk exposure if she didn't find someone in time, or if she wasn't found in time. Brrrrrrrrrr! She shivered again rubbing her hands up and down her arms to try and create some sort of heat which worked a few times, but didn't last long at all. She could barely see out through the tree tops where no one was in sight. Not one Saiyan flew above her although she could hear the muffled altercations in the distance far behind her. Even those noises grew quieter and quieter as she kept moving. I have to make sure I'm going the right way…
Carefully, and with great reserve she pulled herself into a tree climbing slowly towards the top where she could see over the dense canopy. In the distance, she saw her target—the cold metal of the command ship standing strong and unmoved by the elements. Bulma smiled, Bingo…I'm still headed the right way…except…it's so far…fuck that's far… The ship must have been at least another 12 kilometers away.
…might as well be 100 km away…fuck my life right now.
Her thoughts wandered to Vegeta as she proceeded to climb down the tree back to the squishy ground below. His response to her remaining behind crushed her, and she couldn't blame him. He didn't know about apathy, or sympathy, and any word that was synonymous with the two. All he knew was claim, conquer, destroy & carry on. She was foolish to push him so far, and she beat herself up for it. What was it going to be like when she got back? Would he forgive her, or would he forever remove her from his memory? Bulma sighed deeply as she persisted in her mission, …he probably left the planet for all I know. Step by step she inched closer to her destination keeping an eye out for allies, and an ear out for foes.
Gavis and Vegeta arrived at the radio tower disposing of a few guards on the way. Gavis didn't do much in the respect of having to battle since Vegeta had removed all threats prior to even acknowledging there was one. The Prince was no joke, and his battle savvy came in especially handy for Gavis' safe passage through the compound above the underground slums. Floor by floor they entered, just as Bulma had not long ago, until they settled on one floor that caught Vegeta's attention. It was full of computers, devices, gizmos of the like which indicated that they had arrived on the right floor. Vegeta and Gavis walked through carefully, but it wasn't long before Vegeta was summoned over by Gavis who pointed at a table nearest the window. Vegeta walked over with baited breath, and his eyes settled on Bulma's bracer, as well as her radio that was in pieces across the circuitry. Gavis had a question reserved in his throat for quite some time now, but felt that he need not bother the Prince with his absurdities, that was until Vegeta called him out, "If you have something to say, I suggest you say it." Gavis tightened a bit at the razor-sharp intuition of the Prince, but did as he was told.
"Do you think that she would have remained here not in fear of discovery?" His question lacked obvious tactical knowledge, but he was a doctor, not a soldier. Vegeta graced Gavis with an answer, "No. She would have left, but we may be able to determine in what direction she fled." Vegeta walked to the window, and peered outside at the thick forests that surrounded the compound in every direction. Any footsteps were long erased by the rain, and any hint of her scent was washed away from the elements. Vegeta slammed his fist through the console effectively destroying it, as well as giving poor Gavis a near heart-attack. Gavis didn't know what to say at this moment, but he was able to come up with a few words that he thought would help calm Vegeta, "We will find her." Vegeta turned quickly and walked past Gavis meeting his eyes with his own, his deadly stare stopping Gavis' own pulse, "No, I will find her. Go back to the ship and be of some use." Vegeta left the building leaving the doctor behind, alone, and shaking in his boots. He exhaled, and regained his composure, He's so intense…so intense. He straightened up, and fled the building towards the ship flying low through the trees to avoid detection. Maybe if I'm lucky I'll find her first…that should buy me a point with Prince Vegeta.
Vegeta stood outside and watched as Gavis left the building making his way into the foliage. He was getting nowhere, and he was getting increasingly upset with himself, and all those around him. There was no sign of this King Ginn, the enemy had retreated, and it was obvious that there was going to be a 'round 2' soon between both sides. Vegeta had a choice to make, he could either remain out here looking for a needle in a haystack the size of a rainforest, or head back to the command ship to see if she'd been discovered yet. Either way, his search would resume, but at least he'd know if she'd been found. Although his logic was conceivable there was a hesitation in his stride as the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. Something about both options felt—uneasy—or negligent. He could go through the canopy screaming her name at the top of his lungs, however, that would only bring uninvited attention his way. Any potential adversary was no match or threat for him, but if he'd came close to Bulma, that threat could inadvertently transpose onto her, which was a risk he didn't want to take on.
His mind was made up even if it didn't satisfy his ease—he would head back to the ship, regroup, and search again if she was not there.
Meanwhile…
Back at the command ship King Vegeta's army had reconvened, and awaited their next marching orders. There was no activity from King Ginn, which was a telltale signal that they were either coming to ambush them at the ship, or they had truly fled in fear of King Vegeta's army. The latter scenario had a small chance of occurrence, but one they considered as a relatively unlikely option. The leaves of the gigantic plants surrounding the ship rustled as Saiyans moved about the clearing, each sound would bring the warriors on edge preparing for a strike. It wasn't the most favorable conditions, but it was what it was.
Three hours had passed now since Gavis had found his way to the ship, and there he remained treating any injured fighters arriving from their patrols. The freed Saiyans were still protected until King Ginn and his entire threat was resolved. Everything was moving forward for everyone, except for Vegeta, who was still without his companion. Gavis sighed as he wrapped a bandage around the cut hand of a Saiyan, "You don't suppose…" He trailed off his words thinking the worst for Bulma's outcome, but dismissed by another who cut right in, "She is fine. I am sure of it." Their reunion was brief given the circumstance, but here they were together once again after so many years apart. Cortese had come back to the ship to inform the King of his progress of finding Bulma, and that is when Gavis had arrived at nearly the same time. There would be plenty of time to catch up once this whole ordeal was over, and right now it was more than satisfying just to be together again under the same moon and stars.
"…what of Prince Vegeta?" Cortese sighed at his husband's inquiry regarding the mental health of the strong-willed Prince. "He is about to leave again to scour the area for her." Cortese stood up brushing the dirt and wet mud caked on his legs to the floor. Gavis watched his actions, and rolled his eyes which brought a short grin to Cortese's lips, "Sorry for the mess. I'm going to head out and resume my search as well."
He departed the ship, and walked over to the area where Vegeta stood staring at the seemingly impenetrable forest around them. King Vegeta was also in their presence, but he remained verbally removed as he continued his strategy should they have to infiltrate the compound once more. "I will resume my search as well, Prince Vegeta." Vegeta said nothing, but the stoic expression on his face spoke volumes. He was growing tired and impatient, and each moment that Bulma went unaccounted for was just another moment that she was out there defenseless. Perhaps she'd been taken prisoner, or perhaps her fate was that much worse. Vegeta's body tensed at the thought which did not go unnoticed to Cortese. He was indebted to the Prince, and to Bulma, and only wanted to do his part in making sure that he did everything within his power to find her alive and well.
Cortese exhaled a bit uncertainly, but brought up the courage to speak to the Prince about matters that he probably should keep his nose out of.
"We will find her. She is resourceful. For all we know, any second from now she'll come pushing through those giant bushes in front of us." His words, while seemingly innocent and an attempt to reassure Vegeta, didn't quite garner the reaction he'd hoped for. King Vegeta smirked at Cortese's attempt at calming the Prince, but he knew it was an effort in futility. Vegeta slowly turned around to stare deep into Cortese's eyes.
*rustle*
*rustle* *rustle*
They both looked towards the foliage moving about roughly 100 yards on a sharp incline in front of them, as if something was struggling to come through. The Saiyans all stood guard, and waited for whatever it was to emerge from its hiding. From out the leafy greens popped a small animal making its way down the steep hill, and across the terrain with little care about the Saiyans much to their displeasure. However, there was such a large part of Vegeta that hoped it would have been Bulma pressing through, but that seemed to be a wish that would not be granted.
The thunder rumbled low and long across the sky as the rain reduced into a steady fall of tiny droplets and mist. Cortese's little pep talk didn't go forgotten when Vegeta approached him about to tune his ass up. At the same time, and in the same spot, the forest entrance began to shake and stir from where the animal had broken through. The Saiyans all turned back to the area of interest which was rustling alive again, and began to bet on what type of critter was going to come waddling through this time. Well, all except for Vegeta who had his sights back onto Cortese regarding his earlier comment about his reassurance of Bulma's well-being. "If…you…EVER…"
Cortese's eye grew wide as Vegeta neared him as if about to pummel him in the ground where he stood.
"I…I don't believe it…"
Vegeta tilted his head as he watched a look of shock creep across Cortese's face, and all Cortese could do was lift his hand up and point, "…holy shit."
Vegeta spun around to lay his eyes on the blue haired woman who had thawed his frozen heart. She stood at the top of the clearing looking down towards the Saiyans, and her eyes met with Vegeta's. She looked like Hell. She was wet, dirty, cut and bruised, but she was alive, and she was here. The relief that came over Vegeta was immense, and she could see his face let go of so much anger at the mere sight of her. His burden was vanquished, and he could finally breath again. She stood there at the top of the steep hill, as she watched Vegeta take a few short steps towards her, not blinking, or even breathing it seemed. His eyes said it all.
Forgive me.
The world seemed to stop around them as she blinked slowly, and smiled to her Prince. Her eyes were so warm and inviting, and now it wouldn't be long before she was back in his arms. He does care…such a softie. There was so much to discuss, but not now, not here, but soon. The misty rain came to an eerie halt as both Prince and companion drank from each other's tired expressions. It wasn't long before she was cradled in Vegeta's arms again…
…except…
"Looks like your luck just ran out."
A voice behind Bulma frightened her as she was spun to face the source of the ominous statement only to recognize his face mere milliseconds before he put his hand to her chest and shot a blast that would send her hurdling down the steep incline. Vegeta could only watch in panic as Bulma was spun around, her fate sealed from out of nowhere with no warning, and no time for him to get to her before she was hit with a blast in center mass.
"BULMA!"
The world slowed around him as Vegeta sped to intercept her as she took the whole blast, flinging his body underneath her falling form, catching her, and pulling her back away from the threat that now surrounded their ship. It was the ambush they were waiting for, and obviously unprepared for, as it came at a heavy price. Saiyans from every direction began to flood the area, the war ripe upon them. No sooner did King Ginn emerge from the thickets with a look of smug satisfaction across his face was it immediately removed when was he knocked back by King Vegeta who took no time to even attempt to speak with the traitor. The battle between Saiyans had resumed, but this time there would be a clear-cut winner.
Gavis was in the ship when he heard the sudden blast outside, and was barely even able to turn on his heels before he heard his name ring out across the clearing near the ship. "GAVIS!" He didn't even manage to make it to the door of the ship before Cortese came barreling through with Vegeta behind him holding a small fragile woman in his arms. It was the human woman he'd aided earlier, and she was critical. Vegeta laid her on the metal table as Gavis sped over to assess her wounds. He took no time in asserting himself in his role as physician, and using his expertise to try and save her life. Vegeta watched as he tore off her shirt, and began to apply several compresses to her chest and neck enlisting the aid of both men in the room. Bulma laid there writhing in agony, trying to breath but her lungs wouldn't fill. The burning, the pain, the agony she was in was overwhelming. Gavis lifted the compress away from her chest about halfway to assess the depth and magnitude of the wound. It was deep and severe, spreading as far down to the pericardium, and cauterizing everything in its wake. He could see the structure of her sternum, and severe damage done to her major arterial network. He did everything in his power to stabilize her, but it was of little use. Cortese looked into his husband's eyes, as Gavis looked back, and his expression was fallen. He slightly shook his head whispering, "Vegeta…"
The tone in his voice was low and calm, and it was the tone that Vegeta knew would come with an outcome that he would just not allow.
"Fix this…NOW!"
Bulma kicked in pain as she clutched Vegeta's hand, his other one by her head. She was in a state of painful euphoria, her body contradicted everything her mind tried to make it do. She was screaming in her head, but there were little words she could muster now. She had no energy left to fight, and she grew so tired now. The faces of the men in the room faded in and out, the light shining above her began to darken. She was stubborn though—she wasn't ready to go, not yet. She had so much to do, and so much to say. The firm grip on her hand was calming to her even though she was a lot of pain, and that same grip is what kept her conscious for as long as she could hold out.
Vegeta reached across the table clutching Gavis by the throat at an attempt to sway the outcome of his companion, but it was no use. "I swear I will kill you right here, right now if you don't do something to save her." Gavis didn't flinch at Vegeta's outburst because he knew that this woman meant what Cortese meant to him. He would have done the same if in Vegeta's position. Gavis lowered his eyes to Bulma, and then resigned to Vegeta, "Her injuries…" He shook his head ever so slightly, "…the damage is too critical...there is nothing I can do short of a miracle." He couldn't bring himself to say the words knowing that Bulma was still conscious, and he didn't want her to hear that this was a fatal hit, but the situation was dire and there was no sugar coating the inevitable. Vegeta released his grip on the doctor in response to Bulma coughing and flinching on the table, and his hand settled back over the wound inflicted across her porcelain frame. Amongst all the commotion the Queen had left her room to join in on the battle, but when she passed the infirmary her curiosity got the best of her. When she got closer, she could only bring herself to stand at the doorway with her hand over her mouth watching as the human female took her last breaths.
She heard as Gavis spoke to Vegeta…
"Do what you will to me later…but now…please…speak to her…"
She began to shake on the table, her body attempting to sort out all the damage at once, but to no avail. He watched as she writhed in pain, trying to fight the autonomic responses of her body in complete shock. She wanted to be brave, she wanted to go out with some sort of dignity, and her efforts to be strong were noticed by all, even when they told her to save her energy.
Vegeta was lost beyond comprehension, until he heard her voice among the deafening sound of death lurking in the air around them all, "…it's gonna…be…ok…" She choked for air in between her words as Vegeta looked upon her with horror-stricken eyes, "Woman…you are going to be fine. Save your breath." He wasn't delusional…he was trying to give her hope, and that maybe if she believed him she would come out ok. Maybe if he believed himself, he'd come out ok as well.
She began to chuckle which only turned into a violent cough, "…no…I'm not…"
Vegeta squeezed his eyes tightly as he tried to think of any way possible to save her right now, but there were none. There were no senzu beans remaining, and her salve would be ineffective for the deep swath of gruesome damage she'd accrued. Now Vegeta got to relive a horrifyingly similar situation that took place once back on Namek. Except this time, it was his hand on her face, the other over her fatal wound where he was about to watch her take her final breath, and he didn't know if he could handle it.
He opened his eyes at the sensation of her delicate fingers tracing his cheek, his own hand reaching up to touch hers against the scruff, "…hey…silver…linings…right…?" She smiled to him the best she could one last time, and then he watched as the most important piece of his life died on the operating table before him. Her hand went limp, her head listed to the side, her eyes remaining open but lifeless. He could see the spark fade from her, her life robbed, and his being destroyed. "…no…"
His hands gripped her shoulders as if about to shake her awake, but the reality was all too sobering. The Queen took a sharp breath in when she saw Bulma's hand fall from her son's face, and could only watch as the other Saiyans backed away from the table with great sadness. Not one sound was made in the room, except for the sound of Vegeta's heart shattering into millions of shards before them.
Bulma was dead.
The Queen had her hand covering her mouth at the whole turn of events before her, and her heart broke for her son. He'd come back into her life not even for a day, and here she found herself standing in a doorway watching his whole world come crashing down around him. She closed her eyes shaking her head to herself, what did my son ever do to deserve such a fate?
Cortese spun on his heels, his back turned to both Vegeta and Gavis with his hands in his hair gripping tightly. Even he couldn't comprehend the events that just transpired…it was so fucking fast, and no one saw it coming. No one could save her, and there were so many there that could have. He was brought from his seething pace by the hand of Gavis, who rested it on his shoulder, "Go." Before he could even reply, or acknowledge Gavis's request the ship began to shake and rumble. They turned to seek the source of the commotion, when it shocked them to see it was emanating from Vegeta.
His body was tense, his jaw clenched, his eyes fierce. His fists were balled tightly, but his face was so different now. He looked as if he was about to let loose in the ship, but refrained from the outburst in fear of desecrating his companion. Gavis turned to Cortese, and motioned for them to leave, "…we shouldn't be here." They walked around the table where Bulma's body lay touching her leg one last time in one last act of respect for the woman. Slowly they passed the Queen, who stood in shock as she watched her son grow increasingly unstable. Against her better judgement she moved into the room, and looked upon the lifeless blue haired woman on the table. Vegeta lifted his head just long enough to see his mother run her hand over Bulma's eyes, closing them, and then pull off the ring that he'd returned to her, and place it on Bulma's index finger.
"Her bravery will be honored this day, and for every new day that passes." She bowed slightly, and left the room with a heavy heart. She knew her presence wasn't wanted, but she had to do something—anything—to show her son that Bulma's life would not be lost in vain. He released his fist to bring his hand to the cold cheek of Bulma, stroking it once as if to say goodbye forever.
Then…something deep in him snapped…
...no…
…No…
His teeth clenched as he felt that last shard of his heart break off disappearing into the black hole that consumed him.
"…NOOOOO!"
Vegeta had come unhinged.
"WHY?! WHY DIDN'T YOU LISTEN TO ME?! WHY MUST YOU HAVE BEEN SO FUCKING STUBBORN?! LOOK WHERE IT GOT YOU! AND FOR WHAT?! POSTERITY?! BECAUSE YOU HAVE THIS RIDICULOUS NEED TO MEDDLE IN THE AFAIRS OF THOSE YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS WITH?! NOW YOU LAY HERE DEAD BECAUSE YOU COULDN'T JUST DO WHAT I SAID! I COULD'VE PROTECTED YOU, YOU STUPID WOMAN! BUT NOW LOOK AT YOU…DEAD! DEAD INSTEAD OF BY MY SIDE WHERE I WOULD'VE KEPT YOU SAFE! FOR FUCK'S SAKE, WE COULD'VE…"
His eyes began to well up as his internal dams crumbled, but he still couldn't let the tears fall.
We could've…
His outburst ended when the cold reality sunk in that there once was a time where they could have been "we." So many times he had the chance to put that option on the table, but each time he opted instead to send her far away from him. He thought she made him weak, when it was obvious now that she gave him a purpose. He looked over her one last time with crushing agony. He waited for her eyes to open, he waited for her to come back to life, he waited for this to be just one bad nightmare soon to end—but it was not. This was his life. His eyes closed shut, and his heart beating so fast that he could feel the tension of his pulse calling to claim his consciousness. His vision blurred, his stomach tightened, and his muscles tore from the incredible stress he was putting himself under. Vegeta was on the path of having a heart attack, until his vision was overcome by a blinding white light…
…and then…an epiphany.