WHERE ARE YOU

WHERE ARE YOU???

CHAPTER 3

Disclaimer: If you don't already know I don't own them, go look at the Prologue.

Note: Gohan is 17, Krillin is 22, Ikala is 17, Bulma is 19, Vegeta is 25

A little more hopefully Krillin pressed the launch button once again. They had been questing for what? Two weeks? Three? Yeah, that was close. Nearly three weeks had gone by, and they had found no trace of Bulma or even Vegeta. And though every one of the inhabitants of every one of the planets they had visited on this side of the galaxy knew Vegeta, Prince of all Saiyan, and feared him, Krillin and Gohan had found no one who could tell them his present whereabouts. So they were now off to another planet, hoping to gain some information there. At least they now had some hope, after the information from the King of Mayoshi-sei gave them, they had a plan to go on with. So they just hoped they would arrive at the port soon.

In the meanwhile Gohan sat down, rested his head in his hands and stared at Krillin. Poor Krillin, he looks so worried, but really tired too. Sometimes I wonder why we go on with this quest for Bulma. I mean, what's the use? No one knows where Vegeta or Bulma are, and the galaxy's so huge, it could take us years only to find someone who has seen her, let alone knows where she is. But luckily Ikala's father could give us some information. I don't think I could convince Krillin of stopping this search anyways. He's so determined! He must really miss Bulma… Oh well, I'd better get some sleep With that Gohan walked off to his quarters to get some rest.

The next morning Gohan woke up feeling all warm and fuzzy. He still remembered his dream. It was of Ikala, the girl who he met at their last stop…

***

When they had arrived at the planet, the creatures that lived there had greeted them hospitably; they were all quite beautiful looking creatures, who all had different colors of body and black or white hair. They called themselves Mayoshi-jin, and talked a language that sounded like English, only a little changed. The Mayoshi-jin, as soon as Krillin asked them, immediately brought them to their King and Queen.

"Greetings, my alien friends, what brings you here?" The King, who had a gold type of skin and white hair, said. He had a deep intimidating voice. Next to him sat the Queen, who was purple-skinned. She had beautiful, long, black hair, and friendly, but also with a hint of sadness in her eyes, smiled down on them. But the third person was the one who stunned Gohan the most. She was obviously the princess, and she had a lightblue skin, and also beautiful long black hair. Gohan thought she was gorgeous. She sat next to the King and Queen, and smiled to Gohan, trying to hide her curiosity. Gohan smiled back at her, but quickly turned his attention back to the matter at hand as Krillin spoke: "First of all, you majesty, I would like to thank you for the kind recival, and that you could see us so quickly." "Why of course!" the King said, "We always try to help our guests as quick as possible. But, what can we do for you?" Krillin was relieved that they had landed on such a friendly planet, with such helpful inhabitants. "Well, your majesty, about a month ago, an evil Saiyan invaded our planet. His name was Vegeta and…" And with that Krillin told the whole story, he only twisted it a bit, he left out the dragonballs. The less people who knew about them, the better. As he finished, the King thought for a while and spoke: "When prince Vegeta was only a small boy, he was taken away from his parents to be raised at Freeza's ship to join his forces. Freeza does that a lot. He takes away very small children, usually at the age of four or five, and raises them to ruthless planet-purgers on his base. He…" The Queen now spoke "He took our son from us too. His name was Jeice. He was taken from us when he was five, and we haven't seen him since. All we heard was that he had joined the Ginyu Squad about five years ago. I have no doubt that he is a ruthless killer now too." It was the first time the Queen had spoken, and they could hear form the grief in her voice how hard it was for her that her son was taken away form her. "At least we still have Ikala. Luckily Freeza has no interest in girls for fighting."

"So," the King took over, "It is likely that Vegeta, since he works for Freeza, will return to Freeza's base in time. So, if you can find out what base Freeza is currently staying on, you'll be able to find Vegeta, and therefor will also be able to find the one you call Bulma."

"Thank you!" Krillin all but shouted. "And do you know where we can find out where Freeza's ship is right now?"

"Yes," the King replied, "you should go to the nearest port and ask there. They're likely to know where Freeza is. But please, stay one day with us. You could probably use the rest. I will send some guards with you to show you your rooms, and my daughter Ikala will personally show Gohan around if he'd like to." Krillin thought for a moment Oh well, what could one day matter? These people have been so kind "We'd be happy to accept, your majesty."

Gohan was really glad that Krillin had accepted, because now he had a chance to get to know Ikala better. So Krillin was showed to his quarters, and Gohan happily strolled off with Ikala, but turned normal when he asked Ikala about Jeice. "So, your brother has been taken away by Freeza? I'm so sorry for you! You must miss him very much!" Ikala sighed "Yes, I really miss him. I am his younger sister, and was only two when he was taken away, but I do remember him. He used to be so sweet to me."

"But, then, why haven't you been taken away too? I mean, not as a fighter, but I heard Freeza also has many slaves and even a harem."

"That is true, but we do have some sort of a treaty with Freeza, and if he would take the princess of the Mayoshi-jin as his slave, he would have all the Mayoshi-jins against him. And for now we are too valuable to him to loose, because we make his precious scouters for him."

"Well, I guess your lucky then" Gohan said "because I'm sure that he would otherwise immediately have taken a woman as beautiful as you." Ikala blushed "You sure know how to flatter people don't you?" Gohan smiled "What could I do else to you than flatter you?" Ikala blushed even deeper and quickly said "Come Gohan, let me show you the throne room." She took Gohan by his hand and they walked off. Together, they spent an entire afternoon, talking and laughing. As they walked the door of Gohan's quarters, Gohan kept walking slower and slower, until they stood still in front of the door. "Well," he said, "Guess this is a goodbye, since I'll be leaving again tomorrow" She sighed "Yes, I guess… Well then, goodnight Gohan." She turned to walk away, but Gohan grabbed her arm. "Ikala… Aren't you gonna give me a goodnight kiss?" Ikala just looked at him and leaned in closer. Gohan took this as a yes, and kissed her sweetly. When he was about to break loose, Ikala grabbed him firmly, and deepened the kiss. At that point Gohan couldn't control himself anymore. He kicked open the door, and pulled Ikala inside. "Do you want to do this?" Gohan asked. "Yes, Gohan, yes I really want to." So Gohan lifted her up and carried her to the bed….

The next morning they had awoken in each other's arms, and it had felt so right, that they both couldn't bring themselves to let go. But eventually they had to. Gohan went out first to take a shower, and after him Ikala took hers. When they appeared at breakfast they just heard the King say to the Queen and Krillin: "Yes, I checked her room, but she really wasn't there!" At that moment all three of them looked up to see Gohan and Ikala with their arms around each other's waists, as they faced the table. Krillins and the Kings mouths fell open and the Queen smiled happily "I knew it the moment I saw those two walk away together! They're just destined to be bonded."

"But… how could you know? And more important: How is this going to work out?" The King asked, still hardly believing what he saw, "Gohan and Krillin-san are leaving today!" Gohan smiled and looked deep into Ikala's eyes. "I will come back within half a year or maybe even sooner, to pick her up. Then I will take her with me and marry her. I promise." The Queen smiled happily "Well then, all is settled. You will come back soon to marry Ikala, and I know for sure that you will be very, very happy together."

Two hours later Krillin and Gohan were ready for takeoff. Despite her knowledge that she would see Gohan again as soon as possible, Ikala still had to cry a little. Gohan hugged her, then kissed her passionately. "Please don't cry Ikala, I will be back. I promise. I love you." Ikala smiled. "I love you too Gohan. Take care. Bye!" And Gohan and Krillin, after thanking the King and Queen of Mayoshi-sei, boarded their ship and took off once again.

***

So now they were on their way to the port. They would arrive there tomorrow, if all went well. At least the King and Ikala had been able to give Krillin and Gohan a super-speed-course of the standard language in the universe. It wasn't that hard. It actually sounded a lot like Japanese, so it was quite easy to learn for Krillin and Gohan. "Well Gohan, since there isn't much more to do, would you like a mental sparring session? It can always be useful!" Gohan was glad to. "Sure!" They both closed their eyes in meditation and the sparring match began.

***

Vegeta's ship landed on the base with a thump. They were two weeks late. The night Vegeta had gone to sleep with Bulma in his arms, he had thought that they would arrive at Freeza's base in another day. But that hadn't been true. The next day he saw that they were only half the way. The ship had automatically slowed down, and was now going as fast as Bulma's fragile body could handle. So now, a month had gone by since they had left from earth, and they were finally there, at Freeza's main base. "Now, woman, I need you to be very quiet and as unnoticed as possible, for I do not want too many people fussing about you. Because if they don't I will be able to just keep you as a personal slave in my quarters." Bulma got a little angry about this "Hey mister! I thought I wasn't your slave anymore! I am carrying your baby here you know!" Vegeta clamped his hand over her mouth "Hush! I don't plan on treating you as a slave, I'm just keeping you as one. It's sort of your disguise. Now, will you let me explain? I will act average, just as all the other men at the base. Then Freeza will think I've finally become normal, and won't pay much attention to me anymore."

"And what," Bulma demanded, "is known as normal on this base? I hope it does not involve me being screwed by every other man on the base!"

"Calm down woman, relax. It does not mean you will be treated as a whore, you will be seen as my slave, so everyone who is weaker than me, which is everyone save Freeza and his right hand Zarbon, will have nothing to do with you, and are not allowed to do anything to you. Then, as for the normal behavior, it includes me bathing with bathing girls, acting like you are my little toy, and inviting Zarbon and other high ranked Saiyans over from time to time, who will be served drinks and stuff by you, and take baths with you if they want to and I approve. I won't give my permission too often, but I will give it now and then, to prevent rising suspicion. Then, Freeza will be happy, and won't suspect a thing. I will train like mad and as soon as I am strong enough to beat him, I will kill Freeza. Till then, we'll have to keep up the comedy." Bulma sighed, and thought that there wasn't much else to do Pah! Like I can say no! If I disagree, he'll make me do it. He still is in the top position and could blast me any time. But in her heart Bulma knew Vegeta would never hurt her. But she also knew that what he had said was true. They had to try their best to stay unnoticed. And if this was the only way, then so be it. "Okay Vegeta, I agree. But please try to keep the bathings as less as possible."

"Oh, you'd rather have a smelly mate!"

"No you moron! You know very well what I mean!"

"Alright woman, alright! Stop the yelling!" Vegeta laughed and took Bulma out of the ship. "Now," Vegeta said, "I want you to scream and curse as much as possible, but also be very afraid of me. I don't think the first part would be that hard for you, now would it? You're always screaming and cursing"

"ARG! Vegeta! You're impossible! I personally think the cowering in fear part will be hard. Seeing as what a pathetic warrior you are!" Vegeta just snorted, swung Bulma over his shoulder and started walking to the check-in. Bulma took a deep breath and started yelling while pounding Vegeta's back "Why you stupid pathetic monkey prince! Put me down right now! I mean it! I…"

"Shut up, puny slave!" Vegeta said, just loud enough for the alien in the check-in to hear. "Why you! How dare you try to shut me up! Shut up yourself! I will kill you! I swear! I will poison your food, strangle you at night and put really nasty chemicals in your bath! You will not survive this! I swear I'll kill you! I'm gonna…." They had now reached the check-in. Vegeta all of the sudden took Bulma of his shoulder and tossed her to the ground. Bulma landed with a smack. Oww, Kami! Vegeta could go easy on the acting! Vegeta stood before Bulma who was still sitting on the ground. He bowed over her and with his evilest, scariest smirk he said "Now woman, listen really, really carefully. You are nothing more than a puny slave. I am the almighty prince Vegeta. I am about a million times stronger than you, so my dear sweet little slut, I strongly advise you to SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Bulma almost tumbled back at the force he shouted with. "Now, stand up! Go over there and wait there till I'm done. And don't you dare move a muscle or I'll blast you to bits." Vegeta then turned at the man in the check-in. It was Kuwi. Oh, how he hated Kuwi. Kuwi smiled a fake smile at him. "Well, well Vegeta, this is how we all know and love you. I really don't think she'll dare open her mouth again." He glared at Bulma. "Now, back to business. You've been to planet Earth right? Okay let me see… Ah, there it is! You are really late. I thought that you would arrive two weeks ago. It took you nearly a month! What happened?" Vegeta looked at Kuwi with a 'why-should-I-tell-you'-look on his face, but realized that he was trying to act normal. So he just answered normally. "I thought that we would, but my slave has a really low powerlevel, and her body is not capable to travel at such speed. So we had to fly at half of the maximum speed. That's why it took me twice as long." Kuwi nodded understanding. "Well. How many warriors were on that planet that you have defeated?" Vegeta thought for a while "I believe there were five, one was sort of rescued, but he was so injured that he probably was dead five minutes later. So that makes six." Kuwi wrote it down "Ookaay… and you have brought only one slave? This one? So the gender is: female, age and powerlevel?" Vegeta still remembered them. "Age: nineteen, powerlevel: eight." Kuwi wrote that down too. "And what do you plan on doing with the slave? Whorehouse?" The last bit sounded a bit too eager for Vegeta, but he held his anger in check and said, "No, I needed a new personal slave, since Nappa accidentally killed my last one. So I'll keep her myself. I think I'll get to like this little toy." Kuwi looked disappointed "Okay." He wrote that down too. "Well, I'll give message to Freeza that you're back, how many days do you minimally need to rest till your next assignment?" Vegeta looked at Bulma "Well, about a week, more if it is possible, but at least a week." Kuwi put his notebook away "Okay, that's all! Have fun with your new toy! If you were through with it, I'd love to take over…" Vegeta clenched his teeth and said nothing. He just grabbed Bulma by the arm and marched away.

As soon as they were in Vegeta's rooms, Bulma let herself drop on the bed. "Oww, by bottom still hurts. Vegeta, do me a favor and go easy on the acting next time." Vegeta smirked "Oh, you poor thing. Let me make that better." He jumped on the bed too and kissed her while rubbing her sore behind. "That's better?" he asked in a mocking sweet voice. "Almost…" Bulma said seductively. Vegeta knew exactly what she meant with that, and was eager to comply…

***

Krillin and Gohan walked through the lanes, searching for an information point or something. "Man, Krillin, these ports are huge! At least we can now read the signs!" Krillin nodded "Yeah, it sure was a good plan to learn the standard language. Wait! There! I believe that's the info station!" Gohan looked where Krillin pointed. "Yeah! I believe you're right! Good job! Let's go ask if they tell ship locations." They almost ran to the Information center. Behind the counter there was a tall orange alien. He looked like Piccolo, but then in orange and with spiky hair. "What can I do for you gentlemen?" He said in a low voice. "Well, actually we were wondering if you could tell the location of certain ships, or persons. Is that in your capability?" The alien nodded "Yes, of course. Which locations would you like to have?" Krillin looked at Gohan happily, and then back at the alien. "Well, we would like to know if you could tell us where Freeza is right now." The alien looked at them with more interest now. "Ah, I see, you mean Lord Freeza right? And may I ask why you need to know that?"

"We are looking for Prince Vegeta, and he is likely to be on the same base where Freeza is, so we need to find Freeza first. "Ah, yes." The alien said What the hell could they need Vegeta for? No one ever wants to go to him! "Well, I think I could help you with that. Look. This here is a scouter. It tells you what people's powerlevels are, but also is a communicator. It was once the property of one of Freeza's men. Which means that every time Freeza sends his men a message through their scouters, you will receive it as well. At this moment Freeza is at base 34'72, and as soon as he moves, this scouter will tell you where to. It is for sale for only…. 900 colews. Do you want it?" Krillin looked at Gohan and asked: "900 colews. How much is that? About 300 dollars right? Ain't that too expensive?" Gohan shook his head. "He does not look like the salesman kind of guy, so he won't make it any cheaper. If this is how to get Bulma back, we should buy It." he whispered. Krillin turned back to the alien "Okay, we'll take it. Here's the money." The alien happily took it. "Thank you. I hope you'll have much profit out of it. Goodbye!" He closed the window. Krillin and Gohan slowly walked away. "Well, I'm glad Ikala's dad gave us some intergalactic money. We needed it." Gohan said. "Yeah. It's great. Let's go find Freeza's base."

They entered their spaceship and set the coordinates. "I think it will take us about two weeks to reach the base. Let's just hope Freeza doesn't leave in the meanwhile." Krillin said. He once again walked to the window and stared out. He suddenly became sad again. Bulma's out there somewhere. I hope she's okay…

***

On earth all the Z-senshi who were left behind sat together. It had been three weeks since Krillin had left, and a month since Bulma had been taken away. Bulma's dad had found a way that might work to reach Krillin and Gohan in their spaceship, and they were all together to maybe talk to Krillin and Gohan. "Hello? Hello! HELLO! Anybody there?" Dr. Briefs shouted into the microphone. "H-hello?" came the crackling reply "Who is this?" All the people who were gathered cheered as they recognized the voice as Gohans. Chi Chi immediately pushed Dr. Briefs aside and snatched the mic. "Gohan? Gohan sweetie! Are you okay?"

"Hey mommy!" Gohan said, "Yeah, I'm fine, and so is Krillin."

"Oh! My baby! It's so good to hear from you again!"

"Yeah mom. It's great. But you know what's even better? I met this girl and we…"

Chi Chi interrupted him here. "You fell in love? You're going to marry her? I'm gonna have a daughter in law! When can we expect grandchildren?"

"Wow, wow, mom, calm down! Yes, I did fall in love, and I am going to marry her. But go easy on the grandchildren! I'm only seventeen remember?"

"Oh! This is so exciting!" Chi Chi barely listened to the 'I'm only seventeen'-comment. She was just too happy. But… wait a sec "Gohan, dear, are there Humans in space? Or, what does she look like? My, she could be a huge purple porcupine!

"No mom, you're right. She isn't a human. She is however a humanoid. She is the princess of the planet Mayoshi-sei, and she is the most beautiful girl in the world…" On the background they could muffled hear Krillin say "No she's not! Bulma is!" but Gohan ignored him and went on. "She has this beautiful, long, black hair, and a lovely, soft blue skin, and…." At this point Krillin grabbed the mike, while saying "Yeah, lover boy, dream on." He tried to talk to Goku, or Dr. Briefs or something, but when he tried to speak Chi Chi started yelling into the receiver. "You jerk! Give me my Gohan on this thing right now!!!" Krillin thought it was wiser to give it, unless he wanted some unrestorable eardamage, so he gave it back to Gohan. Gohan took it, and talked to his mother again. "Mom? I will be picking Ikala up as soon as we get Bulma back, and I will take her to earth and introduce her to you. The plan was to then take all the Z-senshi, you, Bulma and Bulma's parents with us, so we can be wedded at Mayoshi-sei. Is that okay with you?"

"Yes, sweetie, of course. I'd love to. But here is daddy, he wants to talk to you too." Chi Chi gave the receiver to Goku and happily ran of to tell Bulma's mother all about it. "You know, I'm having a daughter in law! And Grandchildren!" She yelled to her friend. "Oh Chi Chi! I'm so happy for you! Let's have some tea and plan the wedding!" Bulma's mom just as excitedly yelled. And the two of them walked back into CC chatting and smiling.

"Gohan?" Goku said, "are you still there?"

"Oh, hi dad. You know, I have some great news, on a planet called Mayoshi-sei…"

"Yes Gohan, we heard, you already said that."

"Oh…"

"But how are things going with your quest? Have you found any trace of Bulma yet?"

"Yes, we have, we are now following a guy named Freeza, who apparently rules half the universe, and are hoping to find Vegeta, and thus Bulma there. But maybe Krillin can tell you more about it. Wait a sec.."

"Hey Goku!" a happy voice said ten seconds later, "how's it hangin'?"

"Yeah, things are good down here, but how is your search coming along?"

"Great! We have finally found a clue, as to where we should search. We are gonna be on Freeza's base in two weeks. And are most likely to find Bulma and that bastard prince there."

"Wow, that's great! I really hope you will succeed. Just know that we are all supporting you guys from here!"

"Thanks Goku, It really is good to have such friends. And Gohan also is a great pal, and a huge help with all the technical stuff."

"Yeah, I know, Chi Chi makes him study a lot. But hey! I think we are running out of time, the batteries are almost done for, so I wish you much luck, and Tien and Yamcha are saying hi!"

"Okay, bye then… Oh! One more thing: Gohan says to say hi to Piccolo from him."

"Right, will do! Bye!

"Bye!" Krillin hung up. "Well Gohan, it was good to talk to Goku again. I bet you were happy to tell your mom about Ikala!" Gohan smiled dreamingly "What? Oh! Say hi to Piccolo from me!" Krillin shook his head. "Lovebird!" I only wish I had Bulma again….

***