As it turned out, first class flight on a saiyan wasn't exactly luxurious. Bulma wriggled her legs together as Vegeta held her over his shoulder, her head hanging down by his back. The blood was rushing to her face, and she'd been needing to use it for the last half hour. Vegeta had been flying over Saiyan City, systematically blasting buildings to dust that had still managed to remain standing. He wanted this entire area to be flat, no more evidence that anyone had lived there besides perhaps some blades of grass.
Bulma groaned from over his shoulder, wiggling her legs together again and clenching her pelvic muscles as hard as she could. "What the hell's your problem?" Vegeta snorted, stilling her legs by placing his hand around both ankles.
"I told you, I have to pee!" She whined, tempted to pound her fists on his perfect butt in a tantrum, but she was well past those days, not that she didn't still have urges.
"And I told you, pull your pants down and go." He shrugged, he made pit stops in mid air all the time. It was simply more convenient.
"I can't do that!" She groaned, attempting to kick her legs, but he gripped them tighter.
"Stop that. Remember your place, woman." He said seriously, and she rolled her eyes.
"Oh yeah, Prince Vegeta, can you pretty please land so I can find a bush to go in?" She asked sweetly, and he relented, lowering down from the sky.
"Fine, but that's it. We have other business to attend to." He said, and landed her in a bushy area of land that hadn't been demolished yet, letting her down from his shoulder. Bulma ran off eagerly, hiding behind the largest bush she could find that would conceal her from him. Even though he'd seen her nude once before, this was different and she felt a little embarrassed to be doing a number one in front of him.
"Can you please turn around?" She asked meekly, as he simply stared off at nothing seemingly, then glanced at her.
"I'm not watching, why would I want to watch that?" Vegeta scoffed, curling his lip distastefully.
"Please!" Bulma pleaded, and he sighed heavily, turning himself around.
"Fine, but I'll be listening to everything you do in the case you try to sneak off again." He said, almost teasing, but it was hard for her to tell. Bulma huffed and pulled her pants down, she just couldn't wait any longer. After a long moment, Bulma groaned and looked around herself anxiously.
"Are you done?" He asked, and Bulma frowned. "Well… no, I need something to wipe with. I'm afraid to use these leaves, they could be poisonous." She said softly, then jumped a little when he made an agitated growl. "Here, take this." Vegeta snarled, and tossed something white back at her.
Bulma picked it up, another glove of his.
"I have more in my ship." He supplied, and Bulma utilized the glove thankfully, leaving it on the ground as she finished and ran back to him. Vegeta turned to see her waiting for him to pick her up, a relieved expression on her so easily readable face.
"Thank you, Prince Vegeta." She said coyly, and he snorted, not giving her an answer, he picked her up by the waist and slung her over his shoulder once again.
The dust rolled along the vast plains of Ox Kingdom as there was a groan of wood, the two men grunting as they pushed the roof up off of the ground. Tien and Yamcha gave it one last push, then it landed on it's back as they let go, and rushed to kneel down by their injured friend. "Goku! Talk to us!" Krillin urged, rushing to his side and clutching him by his gi. The others fell to their knees and observed the battle battered saiyan laying bloodied in the dirt, his head turned to the side, teeth gritting in pain.
"He's alive!" Yamcha gasped in relief, looking to Tien for reassurance. He nodded, placing his hand on Yamcha's shoulder.
"He's going to be alright."
"G...Goha..n.. he took him.." Goku said in a reedy voice, his chest weakly rising in uneven breaths. He would have been hit dead on if it weren't for the roof of their house falling right in front of him just as the blast approached. Goku had been knocked down hard, but the roof had absorbed much of the blast. Blood ran from the corners of his mouth and nose as he reached up for something he thought was there, all looking on in wonder.
"Shh. Reserve your strength, Goku."
Tien said softly, and took his broken hand in his own and closed his eyes, praying for his swift recovery. Krillin sniffled, turning his face away to wipe his eyes.
"What are we supposed to do without you, Goku? You can't go.. we need you."
Goku struggled to turn his head, then gave him a weak smile.
"I'm.. ok, Krillin… I just need.. ." Goku began to say, but they were all interrupted by the sound of hooves hitting hard on the ground, and a deep voice carrying over the lands.
"Hey! You there, folks! Do y'all need assistance?" A man called, and they all turned to see who it was, besides Goku, who remained still. A tall man atop a black horse came over the hill, wearing a white ten gallon hat, and a western get up. Most of his face was concealed by a red bandana, but from what they could see, he had rich coffee colored skin, and warm, dark eyes.
"Hey! We have a hurt man over here!"
Krillin stood, and ran to the man, overjoyed to see another human so far out on the borders of the kingdom. "Oh, thank Kami! Can you help us?" He asked eagerly, Tien and Yamcha glancing back and forth at each other curiously. Krillin couldn't quite place why, but he immediately gathered a positive feeling from the man, and felt that he could trust him.
"I'll see what I can do." The man said, and stepped down from his steed, his great height diminished by a slight hunch in his gait as he swaggered slowly over.
"Make some breathing space, if you would." He said in a deep timbre, Chiaoutzu coming up and clutching to his cow print chaps. He stared at the man, his eyes unblinking as he reached one large hand out, and slowly moved it to muss the few strands of hair on his head.
Chiaoutzu backed away silently, returning to Tien with a grin on his red cheeked face, Tien looking on in question.
"It's ok. He's a nice guy." The boy said, and Tien nodded; searching the man's energy, and finding it to be oddly benevolent.
The tall, dark stranger squatted down beside Goku and pulled down his bandana, grinning. His pearly white teeth beneath a thick black mustache seemed to make the others feel slightly more anxious, Yamcha not shifting from where he sat at the ready, preparing to pounce at any sign that this man was actually trying to perhaps rob them, as his bandit getup suggested.
"The small one is correct. I did not come here to harm anyone." He said in a soft rumble, pulling a canteen from his side, and nudging Goku's face with it. Goku stirred awake with the gentle motion, blinking.
"Who...who're you?" He asked softly, before taking a drink of water from the canteen. Goku got a taste of the fresh spring water, and gulped eagerly as the man seemed to mull over this for a moment.
"My name is… Samuel Caine. I came from the outskirts, over yonder, when I heard the commotion over here." He said with a drawl, thumbing towards a ranch far off in the distance. "I understand that there's been a hostile alien takeover. I didn't realize they'd come all the way out here in the frontiers of the bushland. It's a far cry from that there, metropolis." He said, then offered his canteen to the others to pass around after Goku had his fill.
"Yeah… It's terrible, we're forced to work on the farm here… no water in days, thank Kami you're here, or Goku may not have made it." Tien said, looking to Krillin as he eagerly drank from the bottle with a puzzled expression. "Have your fill. More where that came from." The man said, reaching into a pocket in his belt, and feeling around.
Krillin handed Tien the bottle, and he took it, shaking it slightly out of curiosity.
"That there is a bottomless bladder. It can hold lots of spring water. Now, I'd like you all to look away when I do this. It may not be pretty." Samuel said, taking a small object in his hand. Yamcha shook his head stubbornly.
"I'll watch, I'm not afraid of a little blood." He challenged, the others agreeing.
"Alright, fine … just don't question how I got a hold of these magic beans." He said, and produced a small, green bean between his pale fingers with yellowed nails.
"You must use these sparingly, only when absolutely necessary." He instructed, and moved the bean to Goku's mouth as the others watched in surprise.
Goku took it gratefully and chewed, recognizing the look, and taste of a senzu bean. He didn't question the man though as he chewed, recalling that he asked them not to question how he got them. Goku was simply thankful to have one, closing his eyes as his body began to heal.
Samuel opened Goku's hand, and placed a pouch of beans in it. He gestured for them to keep the canteen as he got to his feet, helping Goku to stand. Goku stared up at the man, and tilted his head to the side and scratched it, the other hand on his hip.
"Mister Caine… If I may ask, how did you know to use the bean to heal me?" Goku asked innocently; not asking how he got them, but how he knew to use them. He thought himself rather clever as Samuel chuckled, and placed his hands behind his back as he mused on his.
"Well, aren't you the quick one, Goku. I knew how to use the bean, because it healed me." He answered, and Goku huffed. He hadn't really answered his question how he would have liked, but it was close enough.
"Now, I see there's quite a wreck, here. Perhaps, ah, Pepper and I here can help fix up the place. He's a great draft horse." Samuel motioned to the black horse with a blank looking expression on its face, and Krillin and Goku took his offer eagerly. They would have Goku, and the assistance of the horse now to lift, and rebuild their homes. It was all almost a little too good to believe for Yamcha, who hesitated to pick up a hammer, until Tien placed it in his hand, giving him an intense look with those three eyes that made a tingle go down his spine. Tien leaned close, and whispered in his ear.
"I know you're not convinced, and neither am I. But let's just take his help for now." He said seriously, and Yamcha nodded. They would keep close watch on his mysterious 'Samuel Caine', who seemed to have come out of nowhere.
Shudders ran up and down her spine as Mai left the room where Nappa and the other woman made cacophony of groans and moans, consumed by lust. She slipped out unseen just as Marron walked into the room, and tilted her head at the indecent acts she seemed to be merely curious about. Mai took this opportunity as her only chance to escape; regardless of the other women's circumstance. Perhaps in the future they would have their chance, but for now they were distracting the one saiyan guard remaining on the grounds. If she waited any longer to leave, she may never get to.
Mai took a deep, calming breath, and looked up the stairs; where her objective was. Her capture had left her stripped of her garments and belongings, which she could recall being thrown to the floor in Raditz's room when he had instructed her to strip upon inspection. Raditz told her to bend over, and had spread her legs wide to take a good look at her, his large fingers pushing aside her flesh, licking his lips as he neared closer. Mai bit into her fist and sobbed as he breathed his heated breaths onto her most private places, and chuckled.
"That's a delicious smell you have there, such a pretty little girl." He purred, the sound of his voice resonating into her nightmares, haunting her to her core when she had stood up after his examination, and saw him standing there, at full mast, a pleased grin on his face as he waited for her to appreciate his body in the same way. Her eyes raked over the foreign appendage, shock and fear going through her as she backed away, not finding his generous display desirable. Mai had ran, and ran until she found herself in a dark room. The dungeon. She remained catatonic in a corner, on the dark floor until he sent Launch down the next day to retrieve her. Ever since then, Mai had lived in terror.
She hadn't been taken by him then, and not since then. It wasn't that he didn't desire to; but that Raditz reveled in her fear of him doing so. The following days, she was ordered to dress only in lingerie, and at night, Raditz would take her to her room to watch her undress, tucking her into the bed where there was nothing but a threadbare sheet, leaving her door wide open so she would feel exposed and fear his return. Night after night, she pulled the blanket up to her chin to still her teeth's chattering as she dreaded the night when he would not tuck her in. Raditz was cruel, using such a loving gesture to breed fear within her. Mai had even feared that the holes in the walls would have peering eyes in them, and so she stuffed them with torn bits of her blanket.
The last strings of her resolve were broken when terror began to set in so deeply, that she had come to her room, and laid in the bed naked. Mai had nothing but the torn sheet to barely cover herself with as she laid and waited for her to claim her, to simply do it and get it over with. She was tired of waiting, wondering why he hadn't yet, and dreading the night he would. Delusion had begun to dig its claws into her at last, as she tossed, and rubbed between her legs in heated frustration, her body on fire with nothing to quench it. But, he had never come. Somehow, she was lucky enough for what almost happened with Nappa today to rattle her hard enough to come to terms with reality, and set her free.
Mai would wait no longer. She was determined, and crept carefully up the stairs. Raditz had left to do his rounds at the farm, as he did almost everyday. Mai knew that he would be gone for some time, but didn't rely on that for reassurance. He could return at any time, so she had to do this quickly. She made her way up to the top of the rickety old wood staircase, hanging onto the bannister tightly as she sighted his bedroom, her heart racing. A small smile curved up her lips as she pulled a hair pin from the side of her head, and used the bobby pin to pick the padlock on his door.
After a few moments of struggling, the lock came unhinged with some tugging. Elation filled her as she opened the door to Raditz's room, yet also horror. Her body was paralyzed as she stared at the spot on the floor where she had stood, the vivid memories flashing through her mind. It almost seemed like it would have been easier for her to have serviced him then, and save herself from the pain. But then, she would have been nothing but his slave. Mai shook her head, walking in the room quickly. She switched on the light and shut the door behind her, looking around the black covered bedroom.
Black walls, carpet, curtains, a bed with a leather covered mattress, and red silk sheets. Any other color besides black or red would stand out starkly. She gulped and looked up at the tall cabinet where whips hung through the glass windows, along with chains and torture devices. She took a deep breath, and opened the cabinet, her eyes widening with abhorrence as she gazed at phallic replicas, and clamps used to pinch and tease nipples. Suddenly, she felt a rush of energy to get her things and leave. Mai pulled out the bottom drawer that was filled to the top with all kinds of disgusting things, such as ball gags and cock rings. She dug through them until she reached the bottom, her heart speeding up when her hand closed around something cold and round. Mai parted the sea of sex toys and felt utter glee, seeing how her clothing had been wrapped around the two dragon balls she had in her possession.
Mai gathered them up, and shoved everything back into place, closing the cabinet just as she heard voices down below.
"Come on girl, do something!" Nappa growled, then a woman's voice.
"Get offa me, you stinkin' pig!" She heard Hasky scream, then her yelp of pain.
Heart racing, she hurried out of the room, and quickly down the corridor to find her own bedroom and dress. She would hide there and wait until either Colonel Violet arrived, or she was brave enough to leave on her own.
When Raditz had returned with the brat, he'd quickly become a burden, causing a stir amongst all the women with his arrival, who were saying how adorable he was and passing him around like a bundle of gifts. He hadn't anticipated their excitement to see the boy, he'd only expected them to do their duty and care for him, not coo and cuddle him.
"Aww, what a cutie! Coochie-coo!" Ranfan said, coming up to Chi-Chi to inspect the boy.
"What's his name?" Suno asked, coming closer to wave at the boy in his mother's arms.
"This is my son Gohan." Chi-Chi said proudly, the other woman all sighing with awe.
"Can I hold him?" Panchy asked from where she sat with Nappa, Marron also looking curious. Raditz furrowed his brow in confusion; wondering why they'd want to take turns holding a four year old boy, who was clearly able to walk.
"That's enough!" Raditz snarled, grabbing the boy from where he was being held by Panchy. The woman made a sad sound as he was taken from her arms, Nappa frowning. "Who's the kid? He's a saiyan?" He grunted, at last getting up off the couch where he'd been lazing about with the women. Raditz sniffed, scrunching his nose up. "Half a saiyan…he's from my blood. It reeks in here. What were you doing while I was away?" He asked, taking the boy under his arm. "Hey, let go of me!" The little one complained, but they just ignored him. Nappa chuckled sheepishly, putting one heavy arm around Panchy, who was blissfully smiling.
"I had some fun with the ladies while you were out. I think they actually tired me out!" He said, surprised, though he shouldn't have been. Raditz laughed, patting Launch on the ass as she wandered to the end of her leash to chat with another woman.
"Nappa. You aren't young like I am. Five women is nothing. I've rutted with most of them, besides your old woman, the shy one...Oh, and that redhead." Raditz mused, looking at Suno with an inquiring hand on his chin, the redhead blushing.
Nappa's eyes rounded, and his teeth bared, clutching Panchy closer to him.
"Well, Bunny's mine, and I don't think Vegeta is willing to share. You forgot Suno was even here, Raditz." Nappa retorted, feeling greedy.
"She looks good in those garments. A little round in the hips. But I don't particularly mind that. I bet she could take a pounding." Raditz purred, and Suno flinched a little. Nappa growled, feeling inadequate compared to the virile younger saiyan. Who has all of his hair. Nappa thought bitterly. Chi-Chi observed the men with a huff, crossing her arms. Disgusting animals.
Entertaining five women at a time was a task for even a saiyan, he had to admit felt a little drained from the task of attempting to impregnate all of them. It wasn't quite as successful as he'd intended though, because during the heat of the moment he couldn't even see straight to know which woman he was with, and not that he'd admit it to Raditz, but he was only able to do the deed four times before his reserves seemed depleted, but that didn't stop him from trying. He had yet to give the blonde her medicine, and figured he'd get back to her later. Hasky seemed a bit annoyed with him, anyway.
Launch and Hasky stood off to the side of the men chatting amicably, both blondes seemed almost identical as if they were twins, Raditz noticed with a randy grin. Plus, the bonus was Hasky didn't have Nappa's scent on her yet, besides the swollen bottom lip that signaled to him that she was feisty.
"Can I borrow the one you didn't use yet?" Raditz said, gesturing towards Hasky.
"What… the shy one? You mean the black haired one? She was just here… wait a minute." Nappa said, looking around. He saw the less mouthy blue haired one, purple, blonde, blonde, red… no black haired women, excluding the Ox Princess.
"Who, Mai?" Raditz questioned, tensing up at the sound of which particular girl was missing, the one he'd been saving for later tonight. "Damn it." Nappa growled, looking around. He remembered Mai sitting on his lap like an obedient woman just a while ago, telling him she'd mix him a tasty drink while she lit his cigar for him.
"It was her idea that started this whole thing… But then, I don't think she ever got her turn." Nappa mused, then stood up suddenly, knocking Marron off his lap, Panchy clinging around his neck with a startled squeal.
"She's missing!" Nappa snarled, and Raditz stiffened. "Fuck, Nappa! You should have been watching them, not fucking them, you let her get you distracted!" Raditz snarled, his tail lashing.
"Find Mai, now!"
"Yes, Raditz." Nappa said, and stormed towards her room.
"Here," Raditz snarled, thrusting Gohan into Chi-Chi's arms, then quickly taking off his arm cuffs to release her and Launch.
"Keep an eye on them, you two." Raditz clipped, and Puar and Oolong nodded quickly; fearing what would happen if they didn't. "Yes, Master." Both echoed.
The city beneath her was almost unrecognizable now, besides for the smatterings of untouched buildings where the saiyans hoarded their women. There were little but a few grocery shops, and essential stores that they would raid if needed within the same block on Saltwater Street. Violet pointed to the dilapidated establishment that the Saiyans made their home base, a tall brick building with neon signs flashing, advertising dancing women and a bar.
"Land here," She instructed Piper, and the creature carrying her with his talons as he flew purred in acknowledgement, flying down towards a dark alley just a house away as she scoped out the building.
Violet had figured that perhaps this was more than just a strip club, for a club to require three floors with multiple bedrooms seemed seedy. It was more than likely a brothel before the saiyans claimed it, and maybe even a sex trafficking center of operation. Mai had informed her that there was a literal dungeon downstairs, and beds in each of the rooms. She required no more evidence to come to this conclusion.
Piper set her down gently on the ground, then hovered in the air behind her. Violet signaled for him to stay put as she crept towards the building, and squatted down beside one of the windows. It was opened up just a crack so Violet would know which one was Mai's. She took a stick off the ground, then a pad of paper and wrote 'Hello, it's Violet. All clear?' on it, this was how they'd managed to communicate before, Mai would leave her letters wedged in the windowsill for her to take, and she would use the stick to push hers back in.
Violet attached the note to the stick, and wriggled it through the window. She moved so she was flat to the wall, watching around the corner to be sure that no-one had seen her. She then heard a rustling, and looked up as Mai peered through the curtain, a frightened look on her face. She pulled up the window, and swung one leg out, hurrying to get out as quickly as possible.
Violet assisted her, catching her in her arms.
"Hurry, they're onto me!" Mai whispered in a panic, and Violet grit her teeth. She could either stay and fight, or run with her tail between her legs. She glanced back and saw Piper flying over, then attaching himself to the side of the building, where as he put a large pointed ear, he could hear the Saiyans searching for Mai inside.
"Sir Piccolo entrusted me with the protection of you and the woman. Flee." Piper hissed, his cat like pupils narrowing as he urged Violet on. "But, how will I get back?" She asked, clutching Mai to herself.
"It matters not. Take her, and go back to King Castle. I will distract the saiyans." Piper hissed, and Violet nodded.
"Wait. My motorcycle!" Mai whispered, and searched through her teal trench coat for the capsule she needed. She tossed it, and Violet was eager to see the Pilaf motorcycle appear, grinning.
"Good thinking, Agent Mai."
"Colonel Violet, let's hurry." Mai said, and took a seat on the bike. Violet followed, the engine rumbling just as there was an angered shout, and the shattering of glass. Nappa burst from the side of the building just as the bike took off, surging to take flight after it. Piper flew in front of him, blocking Nappa from taking chase after the women.
"You'll have to get through me, saiyan. Sir Piccolo doesn't appreciate you dawdling with these women. So, he decided to borrow one. Hope you don't mind." Piper snarled, then flexed his claws as Nappa barreled towards him. Once Nappa had charged at him, Piper lept back, only for his long tail to be stepped on, just as Raditz came out of the house.
"What's this, another Namekian?" Raditz scoffed, eyeing the being up and down. He only resembled a Namekian because of his green skin, other than that, he looked to be the spawn of a lizard, and a cat.
"I'm no Namekian… I am demon spawn." Piper cackled, and detached his own tail, the segment popping off. His tail would regenerate later, that being the only other thing he had in common with his originator. Piper was born of malicious intent; and so he was like the ones before him, a mutant. Because Piccolo bore him out of his malicious intent; Piper was not pure enough to be a true Namekian.
"Namek, demon, whatever it is, let's kill it." Raditz scowled, and Nappa nodded in agreement.
"If they want to play like that, we'll attack right back." He sneered gruffly, and both of them surged to attack. Piper lashed out with his claws and talons, but the saiyans seemed to be unaffected by his scratches. Nappa delivered a blunt blow to the head, and Raditz kneed him hard in the gut. Piper spat up purple blood, and curled to the ground in pain. Nappa and Raditz both took one wing, grinning.
"Tell us what your lord is plotting." Nappa snickered, yanking on the leathery green wing. "Or you'll never fly again."
"Never!" Piper hissed, turning his face to attack with his long tongue, he lashed at Raditz's thigh but was met with a brown tail instead, that curled around it tight and tugged.
"You'll never talk again, either." Raditz snickered.
"Let's take 'em down to the dungeon." Nappa sneered sadistically, and Raditz nodded eagerly.
"Yes, lets."
…
Mai didn't look back as she drove, her fingers tight on the handles as Violet clung to her back. She drove against the wind, weaving in and out of traffic, the rumbling of the motorcycle making them have to stay silent, or shout over it, so in their urgency to get away, they remained quiet. Mai eventually pulled off to the side at the edge of Central City, parking her bike in a nondescript location. Violet glanced around herself curiously, then stepped off the bike after Mai.
"Where are we?" She asked, but Mai simply placed one finger on her red lips. Violet followed her to a shadowy area, where Mai knelt to begin unscrewing a large vault that was hidden beneath some brush. Violet assisted her in turning it, then they opened it.
"We can speak inside." Mai informed her, then crawled down the ladder. Violet nodded, and followed after her. Once inside the bunker, Violet's jaw dropped at what she found inside. Not only was it stockpiled with weapons, and pilaf machines, it was also plastered with candid photos of Goku and his friends as children and adults, with arrow signs pointing to their locations on a map.
Violet smirked, her hands on her hips as Mai removed her trench coat, revealing her black shirt underneath and tan trousers with combat boots. Violet watched as Mai began to fill the interior pockets of the coat with capsules, then strapped a pistol belt to her waist.
"Funny how you and I are allies now. All those years ago, you were chasing after the Dragon Balls too." Violet began, picking up a missile launcher and admiring it. Mai nodded,
"Yes, it is ironic now that you and I are now on the same side, when before we would have challenged each other." Mai said with a smile, Violet nodding. She smirked as she recalled how she'd first met Mai, back quite some time ago when she came across Mai as a Red Ribbon Army prisoner.
She recalled the time when she tormented her by knocking her baton on the bars, the woman inside clutching a shivering old man, and a whimpering dog to herself. Mai didn't seem like much of a fighter to her, with the way she cowered at the threat of a gun to her head. But, eventually Violet grew to use less threatening methods, or else she knew she'd never get an answer out of her. Once Mai felt she wasn't going to be attacked, she was able to tell her all about their quest to find the dragon balls, and the unbelievable strength of the little boy who crushed their castle by becoming a great ape.
It was when they were taken in by Colonel Silver, after failing to fool Goku with a fake dragon ball, that Mai was imprisoned. Violet was at liberty to watch over her, and interrogated her about her business with Goku and friends, and why they needed the dragon balls. Seems both of their leaders only ever wanted to rule the world, and never thought to make a wish that didn't serve themselves. Mai was a slave to Emperor Pilaf then, and her loyalty was only to him. Both foolish and young then, now both women were old enough to know better, though Mai still missed her gang dearly, and saw Shu and Pilaf as her only family.
As for Violet, her mission had come to an end when Goku had invaded Red Ribbon Headquarters. Instead of fighting Goku like the other soldiers, Colonel Violet decided instead to blow up the vault and steal all of the army's valuables–besides the dragon balls; taking the valuables as her so called "severance package", she escaped the base in a private aircraft.Violet had attempted to escape, and never return again. Not until now, when she was captured in her undercover hideout in the woods of Mt. Paozu, where with his scouter Raditz had sniffed her out, and gifted her to Piccolo as a peace treaty.
"I'm so sorry to hear what happened to your friends." Violet said softly, as Mai looked at a candid picture of the three of them on the wall; Mai unsmiling, Shu waving, and Pilaf looking regal as the picture was taken in preparation for his dominion over earth.
"We had no chance against him. I thought Goku was tough, but Raditz is tougher. He didn't hesitate to kill them just to get to me." Mai spat bitterly, loading a gun with a staccato pump of the barrel.
"Why did he attack you? Was it the Dragon Balls?" Violet questioned, taking the opportunity to load her own gun in the abundant armory.
"No. He only wanted me because I'm a woman. I don't think he cares, or knows about the Dragon Balls. I can take the global radar with me to King Piccolo's palace if necessary." Mai informed her, and clicked a button on the wall that made the map roll up, a large, dark monitor beneath it showing where the balls were by glowing pings on the radar.
"I already have two of them."
Violet looked eager, but hesitated.
"Goku and his friends are surely out there, plotting something."
"No." Mai shook her head.
"Raditz is keeping them captive. Goku's friend Bulma, Prince Vegeta has her. She's the girl whose family company makes all these capsules and the original Dragon Radar. Pilaf machines come in second best to Capsule Corp." Mai informed her, showing her a box of her own knock off dyno-caps.
"Damn. If he has her, then he has an advantage. And three of those saiyans like Goku..." Violet whispered, Mai's eyes widening. She wasn't fully sure about how she felt about Piccolo Jr. She had served the Demon King Piccolo for a time, and she couldn't help but feel a shiver of fright go through her at the thought of him.
"He isn't the same Piccolo you're thinking of. This Piccolo… he is, in his own odd way… kind. But he is formidable, and you should tread carefully when we return to the castle."
"I understand." Mai nodded, packing up a briefcase that housed the necessary parts for the global radar to attach to a monitor.
"I believe I have everything I need now." She said, and Violet nodded. The two women stared at each other for a long moment, both of their faces serious as they contemplated their arrangement. It was during Violet's time as her captor that they had formed a secret friendship, and after she had let them go; believing their involvement with the Red Ribbon Army to only be consequential to both of their mutual objectives, Mai and Violet had agreed that, if ever one of them needed help, that they would find a way to help eachother out.
Violet was the first to step forward, a blush spreading on Mai's face as she took her into her arms for a warm embrace. Mai hadn't expected the release of emotion that came out beneath her touch, but she welcomed it, and clutched her back.
"Thank you for saving me, Violet. I don't know how I can ever repay you." Mai sobbed into her shoulder, Violet stroking her black locks as she stared at the map on the wall; distant in thought. She knew of one thing she truly desired above all things, her throat closing as it tightened; holding back her own emotion.
"Don't worry about it… I know you'd have my back if I were in your situation." She reassured, and Mai stepped back, wiping her eyes, then blowing her nose in a bandana.
"Mai… when you were held captive, did you ever happen to see a girl that looked like me?" Violet asked hesitantly, pulling a piece of hair between her fingers in a nervous motion. Mai sniffled, then her eyes widened.
"Fan-Ran! No.. what was her name?"
Violet froze, "You mean FanFan?"
Mai thought, then looked sheepish.
"No… I think her name was Ran-Fan. I got it backwards. She has the same color hair as you, but that's about the only resemblance." She said lowly, and Violet nodded.
"Oh… that's alright. We should get going." She said, and Mai nodded, gathering her things. They loaded them into the side car of the motorcycle, then rode towards King Castle.
When they finally landed, Bulma was surprised to see her regal surroundings. They were at the gate of King Castle, a tall castle with pronged spikes protruding from its blue and yellow pillar, the surrounding buildings having a similar design. All around her was beautiful, green grass and tall trees, and farm lands. They could see them down below, outside the high walls of the Kingdom, where Piccolo's serfs farmed the lush land with skill and experience.
"Wow! So pretty. I wish we lived here!" Bulma said in awe, her hands to her cheeks as she gazed at the land, and then the flower gardens surrounding the castle walls. Vegeta remained silent, eyeing his surroundings silently as she did, his skeptical gaze not forthcoming. This was supposed to be all his, he was told that Piccolo was simply reserving his seat, but he looked to be thriving here.
"Come, pet. Stay quiet." He said, and pulled her leash close to his body, wrapping it around the bare skin of his hand a few times to keep her on a short chain. Bulma gasped as they walked up to the tall gate, and Vegeta stood before the two green skinned guards. One was fat, and the other thin, both covered in tiny horns and scaly skin.
Vegeta walked up to the guards, pushing her behind him slightly as the two stepped to block his entrance.
"State your business at King Castle." The large one said, and Vegeta smirked.
"I come to discuss matters with Sir Piccolo, I am the ambassador and Prince of All Saiyans." Vegeta stated, and the two guards balked at this, glancing at each other and deciding that he was telling the truth.
"..And the girl, here? Who is she?"
Vegeta answered without hesitating, "She is my slave." Bulma pouted at this, but stayed silent. The two observed how she wore a collar, and a lead that was in his hand, and the two agreed that she was indeed a slave.
The guards pushed the gate open, and they were allowed entrance onto the palace grounds. As they came down the walkway, Bulma was slightly impressed that Vegeta chose to present himself in such a professional manner, instead of slaying the guards in his way like he'd slain the two men earlier today. They came up to the front door, which they found ajar, and Vegeta pushed it open. The room before them was quite spectacular, a large, round room, made up of purple walls and spotless white tiles. They looked around, finding they were quite alone, but Vegeta moved on to the whirling spiral staircase that went up the center of the obelisk, around and around.
Bulma clung to his arm closely as they made their way to the topmost floor, her knees shaking as she stepped up to the great platform, where sunlight fell down blindingly bright, a circular sunroof open to allow in the warm rays of light. Vegeta pulled her along with him until they reached the center of the room, where Piccolo sat on a massive white throne with spiked armrests, his exposed, muscular arms lying dormant there as he wore a long purple robe that came down his front, with the Kanji symbol for demon on his chest beneath his white cape, and purple pants.
"I've been expecting you, Prince Vegeta." Piccolo said, but did not move from his throne, bowing slightly at his waist.
"Lord Piccolo, you seem quite comfortable in the throne." Vegeta said as he bowed, pressing Bulma on the back to do the same, though she felt confused as to why.
Piccolo stood up then, reaching his height of nearly several feet, and offered it to him.
"Would you like a seat?" He grinned smugly, "It's quite warm." Piccolo said, and left his throne to stand, and look down at his kingdom below. Vegeta bristled at his offer, but wouldn't take it out of his own self respect. Instead he came to stand nearby, glancing down at the vast property below.
"I was expecting Lord Raditz to arrive as well, and his entourage. Why have you come alone?" Piccolo questioned, his attention drawn to a plant that was growing in a pot on the windowsill.
"They have other business to attend to. Besides, I'm the one who calls the shots, not them." Vegeta snapped impatiently, shaking his head. Piccolo smirked, playing with a leaf on the plant as he mused on this.
"I see. As you should. Then, I expect they won't mind if we hold a conference without them?" Piccolo said, amused, and Vegeta nodded. "Not at all. I am ready when you are." He stated quickly, and Piccolo seemed pleased by this.
"Pardon me, but I am hoping to have the presence of my advisor at the table. She is making her way here now, as we speak. Would you be bothered to wait in one of our rooms in preparation? Surely you need to refresh after your long journey." Piccolo said eloquently, a vein throbbing on Vegeta's temple as he did. But, to Bulma's further shock, he nodded.
"That would be preferable." He answered, and Piccolo motioned a guard forward to show them to their room.
"Wow…" Bulma marveled, inwardly squealing. Vegeta jerked her chain, and she remained quiet after that. The guard led them to their room, and shut the door behind them. Vegeta let her chain go slack, and sat heavily on the bed, his head in his hands. Bulma hesitated to question what they were meant to do now, so she simply waited.
After a moment, he stood, and strolled over to the ensuite washroom. Looking down at his bloody clothes, he decided that now was a good time to get cleaned up. He removed his cuff, dropping it to the floor along with her chain as he peeled off his armour. Bulma stood still, her eyes wide as he stripped away his top layer, tossing it in a basket.
"Come along." He said, and Bulma nodded, hesitantly stepping into the bathroom as he continued to strip, removing his boots.
"Run the bath." He said, and Bulma nodded eagerly. She was very happy to do so, given she would be allowed to bathe too. Vegeta left the room momentarily, then she heard him make a surprised sound that was almost unrecognizable coming from him, and turned her head. Vegeta held in his hands, a clean and pressed replica of his armour, with gold embellishments. Piccolo had indeed predicted their arrival, and as so he'd made them suitable clothing to wear at dinner. Bulma smiled eagerly, wondering what she would get to wear.
Vegeta admired the suit, the gold chains that dangled from the shoulder pads, the red cape with royal blue flocking that was attached to the back, and shook his head. It was a spectacularly crafted garment; one perfect to win him over. He set the armor back down and glanced at what he assumed Bulma was to wear, and snickered, but said nothing, returning to the bathroom. Bulma had filled the tub nearly to the brim with hot water, and was fluffing the water it seemed to make more perfumed bubbles form. He removed his bloody pants, and wasn't surprised to hear them rip as he did. They'd held up for some time, and had only been removed when he slept.
"Move aside," he said, and walked past her to get into the tub, sitting back and making a rumble of pleasure as he was submerged in the bubbles. Bulma pouted, crossing her arms. "Aren't you going to save some room for me?" She huffed, and Vegeta looked at her wildly, his cheeks blushing.
"You wish to share the bath?!" He asked incredulously, Bulma's head bobbing enthusiastically with a grin.
"Yes, please! I would love a nice, warm bath." She said with an odd energy, one he simply couldn't comprehend. Vegeta grumbled, then nodded, though he was afraid he would regret it. "Fine. You can wash my back, then." He said, and turned in the tub so she could have better access to it.
"This is great! Sir Piccolo is such a generous man. I was a little creeped out of him before, but maybe now he's starting to grow on me!" She said with a happy squeal as she wriggled out of her jeans, tossing them carelessly on the floor along with the rest of her clothes.
"Tch. He's generous, alright." Vegeta remarked in a low growl.
She got into the tub behind him, and sighed heavily with pleasure.
"Aaahh!" She moaned, and began scrubbing her arm with a sponge. Vegeta cleared his throat and glanced over his shoulder at her, his tail swishing in the water. Bulma remembered her place, and began washing his back, squeezing hot water down it. She noticed how it ran over the rivets in his skin and her eyes widened, running one hand over his back to feel the scar tissue.
"W-what is this from…?" She said softly, her hand trembling as it felt the deep gouges in his skin, suddenly feeling an intense wave of sympathy wash over her.
"What happened to you?" She asked, and retracted her hand, feeling worried just touching the old wounds would hurt him.
"I said wash, not touch." Vegeta said sharply, and she nodded, taking the sponge and washing her master's back obediently, but keeping her scrubbing gentle.
When she reached to touch his hair next, Vegeta tensed, and moved away, dunking it in the water so he could scrub it himself.
"Good enough. Hurry up and get clean." He said, and Bulma nodded, reaching for the soap so that she could do the same. As she did, she couldn't help but keep glancing up at him, and wondering how he got those terrible scars. Is it possible… that Vegeta was… whipped? She thought, biting her lower lip. Bulma shook her head and continued her bath, dismissing those thoughts. She watched how his back muscles flexed as he washed his face, and resolved that there was no way he'd ever let that happen to him.