Chapter 7 Savior

For the next couple of weeks, I had a new talking partner. Who would have thought that a person like Vegeta, so imperial and arrogant, would actually talk to me, a mere earthling? Vegeta and I would talk every morning at breakfast and every night over the evening news, sometimes longer. Naturally, he did not drop his royal guard and remained a smart-ass. But we did share our moments. I enjoyed our conversations, and I became even closer to him. We talked about everything. He told me secrets that he thought he would carry to the grave:

"I resented my father. The bastard always told me nothing would stand in my way in becoming a super saiyan. But now look at where I'm at. Stuck on this mud ball with no where to go." "You came here," I ensured him. "You came here to train, and I know you can do it." "But why, why did he have to coward in front of Frieza? If I were he at that time, I would rather die first than become his slave! He has led our Saiyan Heritage into a shameful tale of slavery." "A lot of races on Earth were slaves, and they overcame bondage, Vegeta, just like you." And he grinned. But to display his pride, but to show he enjoyed our talks, he busted out with, "Don't compare me to your pitiful Earth and its history! I am a Saiyan. I am compared to Gods, not to the life on this pathetic planet!" "Whatever, Vegeta."

He became my friend. A lot of people think that individuals like Vegeta can't discourse to others. They think that a person like a cold-blooded killer and myself have nothing possible to chat about. But judging a book by its cover is everyone's flaws. In this instance, I imagine Gohan and Piccolo. Gohan's sweet and innocent heart melted Piccolo's icy heart. He might not act or admit it in front of us before his merging with Kami, but he cared for Gohan, and I'm sure that they talked about things that did and didn't matter, like Vegeta and me. We all have to get over this prejudice. "I wanted to be a fighter," I began one morning during breakfast. I prepared pancakes and bacon (more like dozens of pancakes and a side of hog.) "I admired Chi Chi and her courageous power. If she never settled down, I'm sure she would still be a strong warrior." "You, a fighter? Don't make me laugh!" How dare he, I thought, as syrup dripped from his mouth. "And who is this Chi Chi? Sounds like some nickname that loser boyfriend of yours gave for your breasts." I was amazed he'd even say something like that. "Don't you know Chi Chi is Goku's wife? In her days, she was the strongest woman on Earth. Boy, you should have seen her fight! She had just as much heart as Goku." "Impossible! She could NEVER be at a Saiyan's level! She may have had the heart, like those other weaklings, but not the strength, especially for a woman!" I sat down with a cup of coffee. I handed him his. "Well, all I know is that Chi Chi is an amazing person, woman or not, and Goku should be grateful." "Why would he get married, anyway?" "Duh, because." "Because what? Don't tell me they wanted to do it legitimate." "Huh?" I raised my eyes from the funnies and stared at him. "I don't believe that they waited to get married before they had sex! What idiotic children!" "Now then, they were teens when they got married. Perhaps they didn't know anything about sex, particularly Goku. He grew up in the woods, for Kami's sake. Chi Chi must have had a lot of patience with him." "Hmmp." He finished off the last of the pancakes, saving me none. "Anyway, Vegeta, what would you know about sex anyway?" "What?" He blushed. "I mean, with all the fighting you've done in your life, when had you have time to, time to, well, you know." "I have you know, I've had my share of women!" "Yeah, OK." But I didn't protest. In my eyes, I thought Vegeta was very handsome, like a prince is supposed to look. I am sure some women, who weren't or were afraid of him, agreed to anything he asked. "Right, Vegeta. But have you ever been in love? Chi Chi and Goku are." He stopped chewing on the bacon to duck his head in embarrassment. "Of course not! True saiyans do not concern themselves with such frivolous interruptions!" I was interested in what I started. "Then how were you conceived? Didn't you have a mother?" His head turned to the side. "I never knew her." I felt mortified. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to--" "No need for your weak apologies. Nameless females conceive strong saiyan warriors like me. We find the best women and impregnate them, only to create one powerful warrior at a time. Kakarot was born the same way. But he was a mistake child, a low class warrior. So stop with the silly questions, stupid." "How many times?" "How can I possibly count every saiyan that has been born for the past centuries?! Stupid." I began clearing the table. "No, what I'm saying is, how many times have you had sex?" Vegeta choked on the rind of the bacon. He was totally unprepared for that one. "Dozens." "Dozens, huh?" He chuckled. "Just as much as you and that loser of a boyfriend." That shut me up. I didn't even know that. I never counted. "Left you speechless. That's how I do all of those pathetic women, all through the galaxy. You couldn't handle me." "What?! Whatever, Vegeta. Saiyan or not, I'd have you aching to kiss me from the touch of my hand on your--" Before I could finish, he appeared on the side of me at the sink, where I was finishing the last plate. "Go ahead, then." He snatched my hand from the water and aimed it toward the floor. He dared me to look back into his eyes. I found myself transfixed on his spandex shorts and the surrounding body. My Kami, I thought. He got closer, and my heart damn near jumped out of my chest. I was about to let myself fall, I was so ready to be with him. My heart, calm down please...

"Hey Bulma!"

Just then Yamcha walked in. Vegeta dropped my hand before Yamcha even noticed it was in his. He took an apple from the counter and walked out. "I would have done it, you know!" "We'll see," he muttered. He eyed Yamcha and walked out. "What an asshole," Yamcha opened. "What were you two talking about?" "Nothing, just the same old, same old." "Same old? You two talk?" I decided not to respond to that. I dried my hands and gave him a hug. "I'd missed you, Yamcha. I paged you yesterday." "Sorry, I was training at the gym, and I was majorly worn out." All that morning, I listened to his rambling about the gym, but my mind was elsewhere. Vegeta had lust in his voice. He wanted me to touch him. He wanted to tease me, like I had done to him. It was clear then, from that moment in the kitchen that we were attracted to each other. We wanted to be more than conversationalists are. We wanted more than simple friendship. We wanted each other, wanted more than just words. This didn't break my composure, though. I still spoke to him. And every now and then, he didn't want to be bothered. He would stand at his balcony, in his armor, hair blowing in the wind. When I called for dinner, and he failed to attend, I'd take his dinner to him. "Here, Vege--" "Go away." "Fine." I kept my mouth shut. But I would still stand there and become amazed at his determination. His thick hair exploring the aura he gave off, helped with the evening wind. It stroked something in my soul that I still can't describe. Pride, perhaps. I could tell this super saiyan thing was getting to him. Days on days, he would meditate like that. I just left food by his door and left. Sometimes notes. "Let's talk" or "You can do it!" Anything to try and form a smile on that smug frame of his. At times, when Yamcha wouldn't come by, I'd sneak up to the gravitron and watch Vegeta train. He'd notice me, but continued on. I even cheered him on once. His determination to become a Super Saiyan was consuming him. He honestly needed a vacation from himself.

"I will be stronger than Kakarot! Then I will rule all!" During a cold fall night on my bedroom balcony, I was explaining to him everyone else's and my own fascination with Goku. We sat, our legs daggling from the columns. "OK, sure Vegeta. But, you'll never have a pure heart like him. You'll never be innocent like Goku. That's were all his strength is, in his heart." "But he is too trustworthy, not like a true saiyan. Those feelings of his will get him killed, again." "But those feelings of his are what lead him to every victory." He made a fist. "Well, I win battles without those sappy feelings. I will never lose another battle again and you will see." "I will?" "Sure, stupid. When those androids come, I will show them the power of a real super saiyan. Ha, Ha, Ha..." And he continued to laugh, until I interrupted him. "Vegeta, why do you have such a cold heart?" He was shocked that I asked such a question. "I have a heart of a true saiyan, unlike that 'Goku' or whatever the hell you call him. The ancient blood runs through my veins like a current of pure spring water. I feel it. I am the chosen one. It is my destiny. I am the prince of all the saiyans, some or none." I saw the light of the full moon shine in his eyes. He looked so regal. "Anyhow, don't you need a princess?" I asked, smiling at him. He snickered. "Ha! I don't need some sniveling woman at my side, judging my ruling! I'll be forever a prince." "Whatever, jerk." Consequently, to his response, I nudged closer to him. His eyes still occupied the moon's direction. I used my hand to turn his head in my directions. I could see myself in his ebony eyes. "You need a princess, prince." He momentary looked at me like I told him I loved him. I chose that moment to kiss him ever so gently on the lips, as if we were teenagers on a secret date. I closed my eyes, but I felt his still looking upon me. I felt a sigh of delight leave Vegeta, but he didn't return the kiss. I broke away. He seemed embarrassed, like that was his first kiss. "...I need no one." He got up to leave. "Wait, Vegeta," I demanded. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. That was out of hand." "Don't worry, stupid. You and that kiss mean nothing to me." My heart sank, and he left me alone in my room.

I still felt bad for what I did. It wasn't that I insulted him. It's just that I was supposed to be Yamcha's. I didn't feel the same anymore. I wanted Vegeta. I had to confess to my own emotions. I wanted him. But, that night, I gave up that desire. I felt I was leading Yamcha on. And if Vegeta and I were alone again, undoubtfully, we were going to do something. Who knew? I wanted no regrets. And besides, I understood that he was more interested in fighting than loving, and who am I to take that away.

I hadn't seen Yamcha for weeks. I'd call him and no answer. I'd page him and when he return the call, he'd say he had to prepare for the upcoming season of baseball. "Aren't you more concerned about the androids than baseball?" "Fighting doesn't pay the bills, Bulma." he would reply. "Fine then. I'll see you tomorrow?" "You bet. I love you." "Yeah, me too." I hung the phone up on the receiver in my lab and got back to work. I decided to create a hologram for Vegeta to train with, since he simply refused to do so with Yamcha or Goku. It was going to be a surprise. Perhaps this would bring us closer. I worked weeks on it. I needed a break badly. My hair was in dreadful need of clipping. My nails were a wreck, and my pores were showing something terrible. "Let me get out of here." I headed to my room to change. I was going to treat myself today. And tonight, I thought, when I return as a new me, I will 'wow' Vegeta with my new invention and he will be so happy.

I walked down my hall, thinking to myself what to wear. "I know, my blue jean outfit, the one Yamcha gave me. And my heeled sandals and--" I bumped into Vegeta. "You're still talking about that loser?" I haven't seen him in a week. Nor have we talked at all. "Duh. He is my boyfriend." "Oh, that's what you call him? Should call him a fornicator, because that's what he is." I staggered off without saying anything back smart. I wasn't in the mood. He stood there for a moment, nonetheless, waiting.

At the center, I bought a new red dress and some shoes to go with it. I also got a new haircut, a layered flip. I got my nails done, since I wouldn't be working in the lab for awhile. I felt so happy. "Tomorrow, Yamcha and me will be together again. I miss him so much." On my way to the streets, I noticed a new bar that opened up not too long ago. It was a sports pub. There was a loud commotion coming from inside. Two ladies came stumbling out. They appeared drunk, young, and out of mind. "What's with all the ruckus?" I inquired. "It's Mr. Satan and his martial arts extravaganza!" "So?" "So? You must be from another planet! He's the strongest man in the world! He's taking on new students! I'm gonna get my man to sign up!" They carried each other away to the subway. "Let me see." I walked in. A huge flat screen TV was surrounded by dozens of spectators, dazed and amazed by that ridiculous man. "What a waste," I thought. And on my way out, I saw him. Two blonde haired girls bordered Yamcha; they had to be teens. One was kissing him, on the lips, the other was caressing him, getting him ready for what looked like a night of sexual frolicking. I became weak in the knees. Vegeta was right. He was cheating on me, all over again. I gathered myself and ran to his table. I stood over his table and stared at him. "Hey, wanna join in?" the green-eyed blond asked. "The more, the merrier!" Yamcha said, before he looked up to see my blue eyes tear-filled. "Bulma! This is not what, I mean, let me explain, it's not my fault." I lowered my head. And I wiped my eyes. "I'm tired of crying. Good bye, Yamcha. No hard feelings, huh?" I ran out, leaving my things inside. "Wait, Bulma! Please! They mean nothing to me!" But I didn't stop. I threw out an aircar capsule and flew away.

"Why am I such a fool? Why, Kami, why? I gave him the best fucking years of my life, the very best. I risked my life on the other side of the galaxy for him, and look how he repays me? I can't do this! I don't want to live for him anymore! I'll find better things to do with my life!" I flew home as fast as I could, with the new thoughts of living. I landed in the back yard and put my car up. "I can't stand it anymore. Goodnight, Vegeta." I waved at the gravitron, wondering if he saw me. Moments later, as I was walking toward the house, the gravitron blew up. The explosion knocked me over. "Oh no! Vegeta!" I raced to the debris and founded him, bleeding to death, unconscious. "Help! Somebody, please! Hurry!" "Bulma, what is it?" Father saw the rubbish and Vegeta outside his observatory. "Hold on! I'll get help!" As father hurried to get the medic staff on the complex, I held on. "Dear Vegeta, please, hold on." He wouldn't move. I buried my head in his chest, smothering my face in his blood. "Please. hurry."

Father and I transferred him to the ward. It was past midnight, and he still didn't move. A doctor came by to examine him. He was a frail old man, who looked about as interested in medicine as a I to Easter egg coloring. "All we can do is pray," he said. "He's holding on by sheer courage. I'll bill ya later." He left rather rudely, failed to close the door. "What went wrong, Dad?" "He exceeded the gravity too high. It became unstable. With all the ki blasts he gave off, the gravitational force went wild. Any normal man would have got caught in the blast. Saiyans, what an amazing race." He shook his head in a very confused manner. "What level did he have it on?" "Over 500." "WHAT!? That's impossible!" "Yeah, well, so is he. Come along dear. I'll call Goku and Chi Chi about some Senzu beans." "Just a minute, dad." He departed and turned the lights off. Only the full moon light lit the room. I pulled a chair to the side of the bed. The machines hummed, trying to clasp Vegeta's life. Bandages mummied his arms and chest partially. A patch was over his eye. "Lord, please." I whispered. I sat there for another hour, and he didn't move. I began to worry even more. I grabbed his bandaged hand into mine. I softly kissed it. "I'm sorry Vegeta. I was supposed to save you. But I wasn't there. In my dreams, I would come to your aid, no matter what. At first, you refused me, but then you lightened up. We were together, you and I. An angel and a demon, what a combination, you would say. And we would kiss for a long time, like lovers do. And I relaxed in your embraced. I saved you, Vegeta, from all the chaos in your heart. And you saved me, from doubt of my own worth. I know now that a new life is starting for me, especially without someone so insignificant to my calling. I have to live to protect you. That's my destiny. It has to be. I freed you from that icy prison with the warmth of my soul. You became a new man. And your fighting spirit increased. You became more than a super saiyan. You became an inspiration, to all your people, dead or alive. Even if you aren't pure, even if you crave destruction. No matter how many people you've killed, no matter how many lives you've destroyed, no matter what Hell wants you to be, you'll always be an angel to me. Heaven is with me. My unaware savior. Vegeta." I stood up and kissed his lips. To my surprise, he kissed back. "Thank you, Bulma," he broke away to say. "You are my angel, huh?" "Uh huh." "I truly appreciate it." "Please Vegeta," I moved away as he rose up. "Please stop trying so hard. It'll come natural. I know it will." "Yeah, I guess." He stretched out his arms to regain his strength. "Are you ok?" "Yeah, I can probably walk." "Good! I have a surprise for you. C'mon!" I grabbed a hold of his arm and pulled him along. "Ughh! Easy, stupid." "Ah, c'mon tough guy. Stop bitching."

I led him to my lab and presented my machine. "I created a hologram for you. Since you can't find a sparring partner because of that arrogant attitude of yours, you might as well play with yourself!" I thought that was pretty damn funny. "You think I need this?" "Maybe, maybe not. But it was fun making. So knock yourself out." Another dull joke. "I am doing just fine. I don't need this idiotic contraption. Just another stupid invention by a stupid inventor." I felt regret. "You know what, Vegeta?" But before I could say something sarcastic or utterly mean, I just stopped. "Good night. Do whatever the hell you want. I thought we were friends. I'm tired of bending over backward trying to be nice to you. Do what you want. And when the next couple pf years pass, I hope you will be prepared for the androids. Bye." He grabbed my arm as I stormed pass him. "Let go," I demanded. But he wouldn't. "Can you hear me, jerk? Or is that damn ego of yours crowding the space in that thick head?! Let go!" He pulled me in front of him, as I slightly looked up at him. "My stupid angel." He kissed me, with as much passion as I could take. I lost control of my body, and grabbed on to his arms. He led my arms to his neck, and he gathered my fragile body up. We adjourned into my room.

He laid me on my bed and began to loosen my pants. "Wait, Vegeta. I can't." But he continued. He stopped for a moment to take the bandage off his hand and eye. "I can't do this, please." His fingertips pulled my panties from my hips, and I was helpless to stop him. His hands massaged my thighs in hopes to further arouse me. "Vegeta, Vegeta, please." But he continued on. He lowered down to lick my belly button. His tongue teased me, angering me, making me become impatient. "Oh, please." He got in between my legs and unbuttoned my jacket. His strong hands cupped my breasted upon discovery. I noticed how much he was ready to enter me. But I just couldn't. Not yet. "Please, Vegeta! Please, not yet! Please." But he didn't listen. He was lowering his boxers, preparing to take me over. "No! Please stop..." And I was sobbing, as tears ran down the side of my face. That stopped him. "Bulma, you need this. You need to get him out your system. You deserve better." "Vegeta. please. You don't understand. I don't want to ruin something that has yet to begin. Just please..." He stood up, pulling his boxers back on his waste. "Stupid woman. Then go back to him. Take more abuse from him. Enjoy it. You deserve it." He left me on my bed, half-naked and alone. I wiped my tears and took off the rest of my clothes. I got under the covers and cried to myself. "He's right," I said aloud. "No one respects me, no one wants me, a loudmouth know-it-all. That's how I drove Yamcha away. And now I'll lose this man before I even have him. I'm a failure." I stared at the city from my balcony window. "Why me? I want to be in his life. I want to learn of every hardship my prince has ever faced. I want to heal him, but not the way he wanted. It reminded me too much like Yamcha and his twisted desires. I hate him, and I hate myself. I can't take it anymore. Oh, my Vegeta--" A very loud blast interrupted my single exchange, and he was gone. He took off in his spaceship creating a heart-breaking scene I witnessed through the balcony. And all I could blame was myself. I am a failure. I cried myself to sleep.