Chapter 4
Lost and Found, Loyalty of the Heart
Quote: "Uh, excuse me. Has any one seen my arm, you can't miss it, it's green." Radditz
Part 1
Veggi and Carrot scanned around what looked like a beach with red sand. Water from an ocean continued to lap at it, leaving behind sea foam and bubbles. Purple rocks formed along the shore, dotted with colorful sea plants and animals.
"This place is so relaxing," said Veggi, stretching. "I wish I had time to just sit here and get a tan."
"I know what you mean, I've been dying to go get a surf board and try out those waves," said Carrot, eying the twenty foot waves that crashed against the beach.
They stopped when they heard a female's voice giggling. Veggi and Carrot turned and crouched down into fighting stances, ready for anything; anything but what they got. Lying out on a large purple rock was a woman... no, a mermaid! She had long purple hair and a long slender tail that blended in well with the rock she sat on. Her skin had a blue tint to it and her eyes were golden.
"Hello," she said in a strange voice that reminded Veggi of a whale song.
Carrot was having a little problem looking at the creature. His eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw her. Just like the rest of this place, she was breathtaking, but what real killed him was that she was naked! Carrot spun around so fast, it looked like he'd simply appeared in the other direction. "I didn't see anything!"
The mermaid giggled, slid off the rock to her belly, and onto the red sand.
"Who might you two be?" asked the mermaid.
"I'm Veggi, and this," she said gesturing to Carrot's back," is my brother Carrot. Who are you?"
"My name is Shelly. Would you two swim with me? I'm felling so lonely all by myself." A fine tremor ran down Carrot's back at the sound of her offer.
Veggi smiled sideways at her brother. "Sorry, we're looking for some people, perhaps you know them. Their names are Nall, Vegeta, and Kakarott."
"Everyone knows those names," said the mermaid, crawling closer to the two.
"Do you know where we can find him?" asked Carrot with his back still turned.
"Yes, they would live in Nall-sama's city."
A voice interrupted them. "Looking for me? I'd be more then happy to take you to see Nall," said a voice from above.
"Kakarott-san," said the mermaid.
Veggi and Carrot looked up to see Goku, with his hands on his hips looking down at them. The mermaid quickly disappeared into the water, and Goku floated down to the fine red sand.
"Well, what have we here?" said Goku, starting a circle around the twins. "I have orders from Nall-sama to bring you in, dead or alive," said Goku. "You can guess which I prefer."
"Damn," cursed Veggi and dropped into a fighting stance. Carrot did like wise. An evil smile crossed Goku's face.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Part 2
Goshin and Bulma's mouths hung open as they looked at the city before them. All the buildings had graceful arches, balconies, woodwork; painting was done on all the borders, giving the houses a Victorian look. Plants climbed and hung on the houses in bursts of green. Beyond the houses were markets and shops; all neat and clean. Items, the like of which Bulma had never seen before, were bought and sold freely.
"This looks like a city of some king," said Goshin.
"It's incredible," breathed Bulma. "I've never seen such a culture clash."
As they walked down the streets, the buildings and shops changed, and so did the people, who were quite a mixture.
"Maybe we should ask where we are," said Goshin, walking over to a humanoid creature with red skin.
Bulma's eyes looked ahead, and before her loomed a giant castle. It reminded her of a old fashion Japanese fortress. Long stone dragons were curved in its fence, clear blue gems were set in their eyes. The roof was made up of curved clay tiles and at every corner sat a stone gargoyle. The walls were made of screens with pictures painted on them, and the area inside the fence was made into ponds with fountains, rock gardens, and lush plant beds. A few decorative birds walked gracefully along the green grass.
"That looks like a palace," whispered Bulma. If that is a palace, it must be were Nall lives, and if that's were Nall lives, then Goku and Vegeta must live there too. Bulma began walking toward the building.
Goshin had found out that they were in Nall's city and was going to tell this information to Bulma when he turned around and found she was gone. "Bulma!" he called.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Part 3
Carrot was hammered down to skidding on his side in the red sand. He jumped away as Goku launched a ki blast at him. Veggi flew up with a yell and punched out at him. Goku dodged her rapid strikes in the air, laughing as he did so. Veggi drew back both her hands to her side and ki began to glow around them. She punched both out at Goku's face. Goku let both fists whirl past his face on either side of his head. Goku smirked and went Super Saiya-jin three, blowing Veggi back with the force of his ki. Veggi and Carrot growled and turned super Saiya-jin. They glanced at each other and a silent message passed between them. Both twins raced at Goku at the same time. They moved like mirror images; kicking and punching at Goku in a synchronized fighting combo. Goku's hands and legs moved in a blur, blocking them. At the same time Carrot and Veggi raised their fists to hit his face, Carrot faked, breaking the sync and struck out with his knee. Goku was hit in the face and stomach at the same time. The twins then worked as opposites, Veggi working up high and Carrot down low, then they would switch with prefect timing.
They hit Goku again, once on the hip and shoulder. Goku roared and swung into a roundhouse kick sending Veggi flying back into a purple rock that cracked to pieces. Goku crouched low and uppercutted Carrot in the jaw, knocking the boy on his can several feet away. Goku pulled back and laughed, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "I'll give you two credit, you fight good, too bad you don't have the power to back it up. I'm feeling nice today so, I'll give you a chance to give up. Maybe Nall-sama will let you keep your lives. If you keep fighting me, I might just have to kill you, and that would be such a waste."
"Damn it, he's right, we can't beat him as we are," cursed Carrot. His and Veggi's eyes' met.
"Let's do it," said Veggi and got into the fusion pose. Carrot copied the pose and together they started the fusion dance.
"What the hell?!" said Goku.
"Fusion…ha!"
There was a flash of light and the two joined.
"I am Varrot, prepare yourself Kakarott,"
Goku stared for a moment then smiled. "How interesting, you joined just like those other boys did." He cracked his knuckles. "I do hope you fight as good as him."
"We'll see," said the doubled voice and powered up to level three.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Part 4
Piccolo and Gohan stopped their search.
"That's Veggi and Carrot!" said Gohan, turning around and looking the opposite direction he was flying.
"And Goku," said Piccolo.
"They're very far away, we'd better hurry!" Gohan's aura blazed around him and he flew toward the ki signatures; he felt Piccolo not far behind. They had been flying for about ten minutes when they both halted in mid air.
"What happened? Their ki's disappeared," said Gohan. "There's a new one and it's strong!"
"Varrot," said Piccolo. The two sped up in their haste.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Part 5
Vegeta continued to fly towards the south, but stopped when he felt several ki to the west. He focused and felt five ki. Either they were suppressing their power or, they were weak. Vegeta decided to check it out.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Part 6
"TAG!" shouted Pan, hitting Uub. Uub skidded to a halt and changed directions, chasing Pan. She laughed and ran as fast as she could, which almost broke the sound barrier. Bra jumped out from behind a tree right next to them, and Uub left Pan and started after her. Chi-Chi sighed and swept the front porch of one of the capsule houses. "You stick six boys and a Namek sei-jin into one little house and what do you get? A big mess withlots of dirty underwear," grumbled Chi-Chi. She glanced over her shoulderat the four kids playing tail tag. "Don't go too far, you guys, stay were I can see you!"
"Yes grandma!" shouted Pan, with Gogeta chasing her. They ran by Chi-Chi and nearly blew the woman away.
"Don't run so fast, you'll fall down and skin a knee!" shouted Chi-Chi. "Honestly, kids these days." She brushed herself off, and saw a shadow on the ground. She looked up and saw a figure floating in the air. She backed up against the house in fright. "It's V-Vegeta!" she shouted, clutching her broom.
Vegeta landed in the middle of the clearing and looked at Chi-Chi. He was about to say something to her, when he was knocked down by something moving at incredible speed.
"GRANDPA!!"
Vegeta opened his eyes to see a hyperactive ten year old hugging his chest.
"What the—ahhhh!" Vegeta yiped as another ten-year-old jumped on him.
"DADDY!!!"
"Get them off me!" screamed Vegeta, rolling on the ground like he was on fire. He got them off and stood up, only to have Bra wrap herself around his right leg and Gogeta wrap herself around his left leg. He was about to pull them off when he realized they both had blue hair. Which one is the one Nall-sama wants? thought Vegeta as his eyes moved between Gogeta and Bra. He frowned and decided he'd have to take them both. In a swift movement Vegeta hit both girls on the neck, knocking them unconscious before they knew what was happening. Vegeta was suddenly knocked over again. He growled and turned to his attacker to find it was a ten year old boy and an eight year old girl.
"You leave Bra-chan and Gogeta-chan alone!" said Uub, standing in a fighting stance.
Vegeta growled deeper and stood up. "Who's going to make me? Look, I don't like beating up kids, so scram and I'll forget you just did that."
Uub shook his head and powered up. Vegeta was pretty surprised the boy was at least as strong as a super Saiya-jin. "All right, kid, have it your way." said Vegeta, powering up to super Saiya-jin. The two jumped in the air and fought. Uub was small, and it gave him an advantage, but it was obvious that Vegeta was the more skilled fighter. In fact, Uub was rather sloppy, letting his guard down when attacking and falling into a pattern with his kicks and punches. Vegeta twisted his head from side to side, avoiding Uub's flying punches. "Nice try, kid," he said while still dodging. "But you'll have to do better than that." Vegeta caught movement out of the corner of his eye and without looking, hit Pan, who had been sneaking up on his backside. She was unconscious after one blow.
"Pan!" shouted Uub, taking his eyes off Vegeta; that was a big mistake.
Vegeta grabbed Uub by his face. He drew back his arm, and threw Uub to the ground. Uub landed with a crash. He groaned and tried to get up, but soon blacked out, to join Pan unconscious. Vegeta looked at the boy and girl. He realized he should kill them, but the idea sickened him. They had potential, it would be a waste to kill them. He'd have to take them all to Nall-sama and have him decide their fate. Vegeta was reaching into his shirt when something hit him on the head with a thud. Vegeta turned around to see a frying-pan wielding Chi-Chi, raise her arms up for another hit. Vegeta smacked her, sending her falling to the ground, unconscious too. He snorted, "Frail." Vegeta then fished out a communicator and pressed a button on it.
"I need a transporter," he spoke into it. A second later a hover vehicle materialized next to him. He put the communicator back down in his shirt. Vegeta picked up all four kids (and Chi-Chi) and put them in the hover vehicle. He then got in and drove off towards Nall's city.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Part 7
Varrot flipped her long golden hair back, she had been fighting with Goku for only five minutes and had to go level three to keep up with him. She ground her teeth in frustration, at this rate the fusion would wear off before the battle even started. Varrot could feel Piccolo and Gohan's ki coming, but they were very far away. She made up her mind, she was going to have to hit him hard and fast.
Varrot appeared at Goku's side, he swung out at her, but she disappeared and reappeared on his other side. Varrot rammed her elbow into Goku's side, the Saiya-jin growled in pain, and struck out with his foot. Varrot was knocked off her feet, Goku turned and lifted his foot to bring it down on Varrot's face. Varrot caught Goku's foot and twisted, toppling the Saiya-jin. She rolled on top of the winded Saiya-jin, pinning him. Her fist began a shower of punches to his face and chest. Goku managed to free his hands and wrapped them around Varrot's neck. Varrot gasped and stopped raining down her blows.
She clawed at his hands, then wrapped her own hands around his throat. The two squeezed and soon found themselves rolling around on the ground, trying to loosen the other's grip. Varrot managed to roll on top and slammed her forehead down, dazing Goku enough to break his hold and escape to a save distance. Varrot powered up a ki blast and sent it at Goku, who batted it to the side.
Varrot crouched down and powered up farther. A blazing purple-blue aura surrounded her and a serpent like dragon appeared to be wrapped around her. "Rampage!" shouted Varrot and the dragon snaked off to wrap Goku. The dragon tightened its coils and began squeezing Goku. Goku snarled and raised his power, the dragon and Varrot screamed. As the dragon's form ripped and returned to energy, exploding. Goku stood where the explosion had happened.
His clothes had been reduced to rags and he bled from several cuts, but he was otherwise okay.
"Bitch! That hurt!" roared Goku and flew at them. He rammed his fist into Varrot's chin, then hammered the back of her head. Varrot dropped to the ground and groaned, stars danced in her vision as she tried to clear her head. "Die!" screamed Goku charging up a blast in his hands. He threw it only a foot away from Varrot prone body; the blast hit and Varrot screamed.
Soon she was dragged deep into the ground by the force of the blast; bright light surrounded her.
Goku stood over the crater he had made with Varrot's body and laughed, "That was fun!" He scanned with his senses and felt Gohan and Piccolo coming, he also felt two weak ki coming from the crater. He frowned and levitated down the hole. Goku landed and looked at the two twins that lay unconscious in the crater. "Still alive," he smiled. "Tough brats you are." He began to charge up another ki blast in his hands, but stopped. It didn't seem right to finish them, for some reason. He looked at them, and noticed they looked a lot like Vegeta. "Why... Why do you look like him?" he asked outloud in a rare moment of thought. He also remembered the weird talk he had with Vegeta about them. He frowned,and then smiled. "Maybe if I bring themto Nall-sama, he can tell me who they are, and if Nall-sama doesn't likethem, I can finish them for good."
He nodded and felt for the ki in the distance. "Ha, too slow. Vegeta always said to pace yourself so the fun will last longer." Goku grabbed the twins and threw them over his shoulders. "Therefore, I will deal with you two later," he said to the approaching ki. Goku returned to normal and flew off, confident that he could lose the two. If he couldn't... it was their funeral.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Part 8
"Damn," said Piccolo as he landed on the red sand. The damage had almost been completely repaired from the fight.
"We're too late," said Gohan, landing next to his teacher. He looked off in the direction they had flown away. "If we hurry, we can catch them."
Gohan was about to take off when Piccolo grabbed his arm.
"Veggi and Carrot are still alive," said Piccolo.
Gohan blinked. "Yes, I can feel them too, but if we don't do something soon they won't be."
"No, think. If Goku wanted them dead he would have killed them already."
Gohan suddenly understood what Piccolo was getting at. "If he's not going to kill them, then he must be taking them to Nall."
Piccolo nodded, "Keep your power low." He powered up slightly so he could fly and lifted himself up into the air. Gohan followed close behind.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Part 9
Vegeta laid the two girls down in front of Crono and Nall. Nall walked over, and petted Bra's hair; he looked at Gogeta. "Who is she, Vegeta?"
"I don't know. She was with the other three I caught. Since they both had
blue hair, I wanted to make sure I had the right one."
"Ah, good work. I don't need the other one, you can get rid of her."
Vegeta nodded and bent to pick up the girl, but Crono stopped him. "Nall, don't you think you should keep this girl too?" said Crono, still in his woman form.
"Why would I do that, Crono?" said Nall, his eyes narrowed at Crono.
"Bra is just a child, she might get lonely without her friends. I don't think you made a nice impression, attacking her brother back in the woods. Keep the other girl, Bra-chan will listen better to what you have to say."
Nall grinned. "Yes, you're right. I can use this girl to make Bra-chan listen." He took hold of Gogeta's chin and looked at her sleeping face.
"Bra-chan won't want anything to happen to her."
"What about the others?" asked Vegeta, looking at the two girls.
"What about them? Kill them," said Nall, without bothering to look at Vegeta.
"Sir," said Vegeta, bowing. "I think you might want to keep them, sir. They have potential to become powerful fighters."
"Why would I need more fighters Vegeta? I have you and Kakarott," said Nall.
Crono laughed, "Nall-chan, I thought you planned better than this."
"What?!" snapped Nall. "Crono, you told me that the most powerful beings ever created would be Goku and Vegeta."
Vegeta lowered his head to hide his face. Nall had known he and Kakarott would be strong fighters, but hadn't he just found them when they were young, and taken them in? Bulma's words returned to him. Had Nall changed his true destiny? He'd called Kakarott... Goku. That was the name Bulma and her companions called him. Vegeta felt confused, he was loyal to Nall, right? He owed Nall everything right? Or, was it a lie and Nall had stolen his life? He snapped his head back up as Crono spoke.
"True, Nall, but don't you want to create many worlds? You may need more than two to keep all of them under control. If you could turn them, they would be powerful allies."
Nall thought for a moment. "You have a point, if they will turn and swear loyalty to me, they may live. But the two women called Chi-Chi and Bulma must be killed."
Vegeta jumped slightly and tried to hide it. "Nall-sama, may I ask why?"
"They have no power and are of no use to me."
"But sir, they can't hurt you either. What harm are they?" asked Vegeta.
Nall's eyes narrowed. "You forget your place, Vegeta." Vegeta bowed his head. Why? Why would he want to kill the two women, they were nothing. I shouldn't care if they live or die. Nall was hiding something and it has to do with those two. He was afraid of them, why? What could they do?
"Forgive me, Nall-sama. I was just thinking the others wouldn't take kindly to having members of their group killed. It will make it harder to convince them to join you."
Nall nodded. "Do not worry about that. I will speak to them, and if they will not swear loyalty then I will simply kill them. You may leave."
Vegeta bowed and left, his mind all confused.
Crono watched him leave and smiled secretly. He then looked down at the two girls, and smiled sweetly at them. Crono's form melted into energy, then reformed into that of a white haired boy; his staff remained tall, towering over him.
"Bra-chan," said Crono, and brushed some of her hair out of her face. "It's only a matter of time, Bra-sama."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Part 10
"I'm dead!" said Goshin, looking through all the shops and the market. "If
Veggi and Carrot find out I lost their Grandma, they'll kill me."
Goshin felt a large ki head towards the city. "Oh no! Is that Goku?" Goshin looked up in the sky and saw a power trail. It came closer to the city and the ground. Goshin smiled. "He can't find me if I keep my power down, stay out of sight." Goshin ran after the flying figure, faster than the eye could see. He came to a palace surrounded by a fence with dragons carved into it.
Goku landed and Goshin gasped. Slung over each shoulder was Veggi and Carrot.
"What?" said Goshin looking around a corner. I can't believe they got caught, now what do I do? He jerked his head back when he felt two other ki coming toward the city. "Lucky," said Goshin and took off to meet them.
Goshin ran to the out skirts of the city and watched as Gohan and Piccolo landed.
"Gohan, Piccolo. Boy, am I every glad to see you two."
"Goshin," said Gohan. "What are you doing here? Where's Bulma-san?"
"Uh," said Goshin, looking at his feet. "I kind of lost her."
"What do you mean you kind of lost her?!" shouted Gohan.
"Well you see it was like this, I was asking someone some questions and when I turned around Bulma was gone."
Gohan slapped his face with his hand. "This is just great. How are we going to find her in this city? We can't even feel Goku, Veggi, or Carrot's ki in all this."
Goshin blinked. "I know where they are."
"You do?" said Gohan, a hopeful look on his face.
Goshin nodded. "I saw Goku land by this large palace with Veggi and Carrot draped over his shoulders."
"Where?" asked Gohan.
"I'll show you." The two followed Goshin back into the city.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Part 11
Bulma was lost and she knew it. She'd entered the palace easily enough, but she had no idea the place was built like a maze. "This place is worse than my house. Where the hell am I?!" She continued to walk down the endless halls, until she came to a door she thought would lead outside. She opened it to find a hot spring. Stream drifted lazily around the water's surface, large boulders lined its edge, lush trees and plants surrounded the spaced between the spring and fence, and water continuously poured down a waterfall from a underground source. Bulma sniffed the air. It didn't smell like a hot spring. The water was fresh, no sulfur. She sighed, a hot bath sounded so good, right now.
Bulma's eyes widened when she heard foot steps coming her way. She dashed into the room and closed the door. The foot steps came closer. Bulma panicked, and dove into the plants just as the door opened. She peeked out from her hiding place and covered her mouth with her hand to muffle her cry of shock. The man that had entered the spring was Vegeta.
Vegeta entered and closed the door, a towel draped across one shoulder. He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice the weak ki close by. Were his and Kakarott's lives a lie? Did Nall change time and space to create the world he thought was his own? Vegeta gave a frustrated sigh, and unzipped the front of his suit. He tossed his towel over by the water's edge and processed to get undressed.
Bulma's heart nearly leapt out of her chest when she saw Vegeta enter the bathhouse, surely he would feel her presence. To her surprise, Vegeta didn't seem to notice. He just continued to get undressed. She almost cried out when he tossed the suit he had been wearing right on top of her. She pulled the suit off her head, and watched as Vegeta walked into the spring and sat down. Bulma watched the Saiya-jin washed himself, more than a little disappointed that she couldn't join him. Then again, he did come and see her after the fight, and he hadn't tried to harm her in any way. Gogeta had said they were bonded. She had a feeling he wouldn't harm her if he didn't have to. Bulma nodded to herself. Yep, she was just too damn beautiful. Vegeta had fallen for her at first sight, that's why he'd reacted strangely when she told him they were married. He couldn't believe he was married to such a gorgeous woman like me, thought Bulma. She sighed, can't blame him. With that thought in her head, Bulma decided to make her presence known. Hell, if she could make her Vegeta fall for her, then why not this one? She watched a moment longer with worshipful eyes as Vegeta waded over to the waterfall and ducked his head under it. Water splashed down his well muscled body. Well, thought Bulma, Vegeta wasn't half bad himself. She smiled, stood up and walked over to the water's edge. She crossed her arms, waiting for Vegeta to notice her.
Vegeta had too many thoughts on his mind. Why should I care if I was supposed to have a different life? What's wrong with the one I have now? I have a good sparing partner, Nall treats me well, I have everything I could want here. So, why does this annoy me so much? It's that woman, ever since I saw her, she's been running around in my head. What the hell did she do to me? Says she's my mate, says we have kids together, well, what if we do? Why should I care, I don't care. Vegeta got up and ducked his head under the waterfall. She is pretty, he thought. Damn it, Vegeta banged his head softly against the rock under the falls. This is driving me mad, should I listen to Nall or this insane feeling in my heart? Vegeta stepped out from under the fall, and shook his head. He turned around to see a pair of bright blue eyes looking at him.
Vegeta and Bulma just stared at each other for a long time. Time seemed to have come to a complete stop as the two stared at the other's face. Then Bulma lowered her eyes slightly and Vegeta looked down with them. The Saiya-jin Prince suddenly noticed he was standing in only thigh high water, and dropped down to his chest. He flushed a light shade of pink.
Bulma giggled, she couldn't believe it, he was blushing. Vegeta never blushed, it was so cute.
"What are you laughing at!" yelled Vegeta, regaining control of his emotions and body temperature.
"You were blushing," she teased.
"I was not! What the hell are you doing in here!"
"I got lost," she said with a shrug. "I heard someone coming and ran in here, good thing it was only you or I'd be in trouble."
"You are in trouble! I'm going to rip you limb from limb!" Vegeta started to get up, but stopped and sank back down. His eyes darted over to the towel next to Bulma's feet. Bulma didn't miss the look and picked up the towel.
"Would you be wanting this?" she asked, waving the towel at him.
Vegeta growled and waded over towards her, careful to keep the water at waist height. He tried to grab the towel from her, but she held it right out of reach. He couldn't get it without standing up farther.
"What do you think you doing, woman?! Give me that!"
Bulma's smile widened. "What's wrong? I am your wife, nothing I haven't seen." She winked at him. Vegeta blushed a deeper shade of pink. He quickly jumped up and snatched the towel, but in doing so he unbalanced Bulma, and she fell into the spring.
Bulma popped up with a gasp for air. She stood up soaking wet, her white button-down shirt and black skirt clinging to her in all the right places.
Vegeta's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He stood paralyzed looking at her. Nall-sama, she is dangerous, thought Vegeta. His hand shot up to his nose, as a small tickle of blood ran down. Bulma looked at him in concern as she saw the blood.
"Vegeta, are you all right?" she said, moving toward him. Vegeta scooted away from her until his back hit the spring's side.
"I'm fine," he said, his voice slightly muffled through his hand.
"Vegeta, you're bleeding. Let me take a look at it." Vegeta sank down farther into the water as Bulma was right in front of him. He didn't even resist when she pulled his hand away from his nose; he was having a hard time getting his eyes to move from her chest. He didn't have to worry about it much longer, as his head was snapped back to look at the ceiling.
"Tilt you head back, that should help."
"Thanks," said Vegeta, he was sure his face was a bright red now. The two stood like that for a long time, neither saying anything. An awkward silence filled the bathhouse, with only the sound of running water from the spring drifting into the air.
"Why did you come here?" asked Vegeta. "That was a stupid and foolish thing to do. What if I had been Kakarott? He wouldn't have thought twice about killing you."
Bulma smiled at the Saiya-jin, though his eyes remained fixed on the ceiling. He sounded worried about her, like he cared about what happen to her. He's more open than my Vegeta, she sighed. She already missed the dumb jerk; the sound of his constant training in the gravity room, their endless bickering, his warm strong hands holding her around the middle as they slept. Bulma shook her head to clear away her thoughts, she was getting too sentimental. "Well, you weren't Goku, Kakarott, or whatever you like to call him. I don't see why I can't come see you. After all, you came to see me."
"You came to see me?" asked Vegeta, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. His mouth turned down into a scowl. "I don't believe that. You're here for your friends."
Bulma looked at him with shock written on her face. "My friends?" She broke out into a cold sweat. "Vegeta, what about my friends? You haven't.... you haven't hurt them. Have you?"
Vegeta tilted his head back down, his nose had stopped bleeding. She looked worried. Did she not know or was it an act? "Don't play dumb."
"Vegeta," said Bulma, grabbing his arm. "Please, you didn't hurt them. They're all right?"
Vegeta looked into those blue depths, she was worried. No one was that good of an actor. A part of him ached in a way he didn't understand.His hand raised up and gently took hold of her chin, lifting her face. Her eyes sparkled with moisture, she was close to tears but, was stubbornly holding them back. "No," he said, shocked at the gentle, soft tone in his voice. "I haven't hurt them, Bulma." He inhaled sharply as she threw her arms around his chest and hugged him, hiding her face. He watched his hands move up to her back, as if they had a mind of their own, and rest on her shoulder blades.
"You big jerk," she said in a shaky voice. "You scared the crap out of me."
Vegeta looked at nothing in particular, this felt right. But, it's not! screamed his mind. He told that part of himself to shut the hell up, he didn't care right now.
"Vegeta, what happened? Please tell me."
Vegeta looked down at her, her eyes pleaded with him, concern for her children and friends showed in their blue depths. The part of him that was loyal to Nall screamed at him, telling him that Nall wanted this woman dead. Why? Why kill her? She so beautiful, she belongs here. What is Nall afraid she will do? He wanted to protect her, be with her. He didn't know it, but a part of him was loyal to Bulma, and at that moment she was the more important creature. "Your friends are fine, at least the ones that I brought here. The two blue haired girls are with Crono, and the other three are in a cell."
Bulma breathed a sigh of relief, they were okay, for now. "Vegeta, please help me. Let them go, please."
He was drowning in those eyes, he turned his head away. "I can't. I can't disobey Nall-sama."
"Vegeta," she whispered and Vegeta could feel her breath on his cheek. So close, too close, he thought. "Vegeta, one of those blue haired girls is our daughter, please..." He remembered one of the girls calling him daddy, her face looked like Bulma's, a smaller version of the woman before him. Bulma took his head in both her hands and forced him to look into her blue eyes once more. Did she know what those liquid blue pools did to him?
"Yes," he breathed. "Yes, I'll help you."
Bulma lips closed on his.