Ch 17
Vegeta stood out on the balcony in his black bodysuit, having left his armor, gloves, and heavy cloak inside on the bed, with the boots tucked neatly away on the side. He watched the dust clouds rise above the sparse vegetation surrounding the city, swirling with the air currents and creating a shroud that blocked out some of the light. Not that it really mattered, since the cloud cover of Arlia was so heavy that the sun was rarely seen anyway. The part of the planet that Zarbon and he had hidden in at the outset of their expedition was the only portion with significant vegetation, the rest of the planet being covered with dusty ruins. The winds were nearly always cold and the days grey, although the capital city was situated on the globe so that it received more sunshine than most. His features relaxed a little as he surveyed his city, which looked old and decrepit on the surface, but he knew the endless tunnels underneath the ground were teeming with life. Life he controlled. Taking a deep breath of the cold air he allowed himself a small smile. Arlia suited him well, and it was his favorite among all the planets he had conquered. It was cold, hard, and powerful, with no frilly scenery to distract from its rough angles and harsh environment. It was like him, he mused, drumming his battled-hardened hands against the marble of the balcony's railing as a few beams of sunset managed to pierce the thick cloud layer and fill the city with an eerie red glow.
I can see why Anpane didn't want to let you go, a deep voice said from behind him.
Vegeta didn't turn around, just deepened his scowl and tightened his hands into fists. The city looks like it's covered in blood, Zarbon, just the way I like it, he said, voice low as he continued to peer into the light.
Zarbon shook his head and regarded the Prince. The way the red light hit him it appeared that he was soaked in blood. The tight black bodysuit clung to his body like a second skin, leaving the bare skin of his feet and hands startlingly pale in contrast. The tint of the light gave off the impression that all the blood in his body was leaking out of his appendages, covering the pale stones on which he stood. I'd tell you that you look like you were covered in blood as well, but it would just make you too happy, Zarbon remarked, earning himself an annoyed turn of the head and an evil glance from the Saiyan.
Shut your mouth, Vegeta growled, turning his gaze back to the city below. When do we leave for Earth?
As soon as all the other logistics of your empire have been worked out, Zarbon replied, walking over and standing a few inches behind Vegeta, also turning his sight upon the city.
Take care of it, Zarbon. I don't care about the details, Vegeta replied, tone bored.
When will intergalactic emperors realize that empires don't just run themselves? Zarbon wondered aloud. You're just like Freeza.
Zarbon's eyes flew wide open as the red sunlight was replaced by flashing little pinpoints in his vision. He hit the stones with a thud and stared up openmouthed as Vegeta stood above him, gathering ki in his palm. Never compare me with that freakish monster, Vegeta hissed, eyes narrowed and furious.
Zarbon scowled. It was time that Vegeta remembered who he was dealing with. He blurred from sight and whipped to the right, watching Vegeta hurl the ki ball in the direction he appeared to be moving. At the last minute he dodged to the left and around to Vegeta's back, grabbing the tail with one hand and digging his nails into Vegeta's carotid, ready to tear if need be. Vegeta snarled and panted against him, heat rising off his skin like physical anger. Don't forget that I'm stronger than you, Zarbon whispered into Vegeta's ear, feeling a spasm of fury travel the length of the Saiyan's body.
Then train me, you bastard, Vegeta gasped, teeth bared and fists clenched.
Only if you learn how to run your damn empire as well, Zarbon replied, not loosening his grip.
Fine. But don't think I'll forget this little incident, Vegeta cautioned.
I don't care whether you do or not, Zarbon grunted, releasing the younger man roughly. But I'm not just here to do your dirty work. I don't really have anything to gain by working for you anyway.
You owe me your life, Vegeta said, raising his nose in the air as he drew violently away.
Zarbon shrugged. So what? You owe me yours, but you have a hell of a lot more to live for. It's getting to the point where I don't even care if I live or not.
Vegeta raised an eyebrow. What do you want? he asked, voice suspicious.
Zarbon's lips pressed into a tight line as he looked at the short man with the tower of hair rising crazily into the air. He cared about Vegeta, he really did, and it upset him. The little bastard didn't deserve someone to play at being his big brother. He knew that he couldn't tell Vegeta; that stupid Saiyan mentality wouldn't allow it. I don't have anywhere else to go, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to die just yet, he replied simply.
What do you mean? Vegeta said, trying to continue sounding imperious and not betray any curiosity. It would be unbecoming for a Prince to seem interested in a subordinate.
Zarbon's mouth curled into a half-snarl. Do you think you're the only one who had their people destroyed by Freeza? he said, doing his best not to snap. Your people at least were obliterated instead of...
Vegeta leaned a little forward in spite of himself. Instead of what? he asked impatiently.
Zarbon's golden eyes flashed for a moment before his features hardened. None of your business, he said coldly. Vegeta had never opened up to him, so why should he reveal everything?
Vegeta snorted. Not interested anyway, he mumbled, and turned back to look at the city. The light had faded and night was setting in. All over town little lights were blinking on inside buildings.
Zarbon shivered and watched Vegeta's back. Well, I hope you'll be interested in what else I have to say, otherwise you'll never get to Earth and instead get to die the horrible death of sleep-deprivation. May I continue? he said, patience wearing thin.
Vegeta turned around and leaned against the railing, his tail coiling around his waist after lashing in the air a few times. Vegeta said, voice hard.
The notice of your military recruitment was issued, and we have an impressive number of troops ready to serve you. You need to decide what to do with them. Secondly, you have plenty of planets that need to be dealt with. You can't just leave them unattended while you go chasing all over the universe. Thirdly, preparations to depart for Earth need to be made, such as which spacecraft you'll be taking, what sort of technicians and how many soldiers. So what do you want done?
I don't care. Just make it work, Vegeta mumbled, staring at the stones.
Zarbon's brow knitted in a stormy scowl. Dammit, Vegeta, this isn't my stinking empire! I could care less about having a kajillion planets in my possession. If I wanted to be running the show do you honestly think you'd still be alive? he said angrily. Now tell me what you want!
Vegeta narrowed his eyes but didn't lash out. His mouth remained closed, but his gaze darted here and there, and after a time it became apparent to Zarbon that Vegeta didn't have the slightest idea of what he wanted, except that he become strong and beat Freeza.
he said softly.
Vegeta's black eyes met his. he replied. Look at me, he said mentally.
Zarbon's eyebrows rose, surprised at the mental plea for mercy. Sighing, he let his arms drop loosely at his sides. Can I make suggestions? Zarbon said, knowing that if he disguised his advice that it would hurt Vegeta's pride less.
Vegeta nodded. Go ahead.
I believe that we can take care of steps one and two in a single blow. If I were an emperor, I think that if we take the troops that have enlisted and distribute them around your planets they can act as a sort of police force and guarantee that loyalty to you is maintained. As for the third, though, it's totally up to you. I don't know what sort of entrance you're expecting to make on that planet, but Earth has already claimed two Saiyans without any sort of credible technology or beings of high power levels. Caution should be exercised, Zarbon said, ticking off the points on his fingers.
Vegeta rested his chin on his chest and stared at his crossed arms. Nappa will stay here and train the troops and see that they're dispersed evenly. I don't want any males sent to Kijar, however. Only females and non-genders will be allowed to be stationed there.
Zarbon said with a nod. I hope that doesn't ban me from ever visiting there again?
Vegeta's lip curled a little at the remark but he refused to validate it with an answer. The forces should not be allowed to abuse the natives. That would be antithetical to the whole plan. If they find natives they can breed with and intermarry, however, I think that would be permissible.
Zarbon's right eyebrow raised a little. He hadn't considered that. Yes, if the soldiers were loyal their families would most likely be as well. That could work, so long as things were kept peaceful.
Vegeta nodded. He hated peace, but he needed everything to run smoothly if he was going to have the strength to take over Freeza's empire. As for Earth, bring troops if you think necessary. We'll take one of the large ships Anpane sent and two pods. Take the necessary support techs, but make certain we have the best medical technology and technicians aboard.
Zarbon nodded solemnly and bowed. I'll take care of the details, sir, he said quietly, not raising his eyes to look at the Prince.
See that you do, Vegeta answered, and turned back to the darkening sky.
Nappa bellowed.
Vegeta stared back with his customary frown. You heard me. You have to stay here.
And leave you alone with that thing to go to some planet that's defeated two Saiyans already? Nappa shrieked.
Zarbon smiled. It really was amazing to watch Vegeta toy with Nappa. He enjoyed it immensely. And what makes you think you could do anything? Zarbon asked acidly. You couldn't hope to protect Vegeta against me, and Vegeta's more able to handle anything we meet on Earth than you are.
Shut up, you prissy piece of... Nappa began, teeth gritted.
Enough, Nappa! Vegeta shouted, face a mask of impatience. Are you contesting my direct orders?
The blood flowed rapidly out of Nappa's face, his moustache twitching nervously. Of...of course not, Vegeta, he stammered.
Then do what I tell you to, Vegeta snarled. You will stay here and oversee my troops and planets. Atlia will take care of the political and economic logistics, but you'll be my military commander, he said.
I understand that, Vegeta, but I still don't...
And I don't want my forces brutalizing the natives, do you understand me? Vegeta said dangerously, eyes narrowing.
Nappa replied, defeated.
Zarbon couldn't help smiling. Then I suppose once the tech crews are ready we'll be shoving off? he asked politely.
Vegeta shot him a look, but he was really seeing a pair of bright blue eyes. he said softly.
What's the matter, Mister Piccolo? the little boy asked, brushing the hair out of his eyes as he looked at the tall green man.
Piccolo's hairless brows knitted together as he gazed up towards the sky. Incoming message from Kami, he growled. Hold tight for a minute, kid.
Gohan nodded and sat on the ground, staring at his hands. Occasionally he would glance up to get an eyeful of Piccolo's white cape flapping about in the wind like some sort of frantic bird. He was tempted to reach out and grab it, to tame it and make it his, when he looked up at Piccolo's angry face. He folded his hands in his lap resolutely and forced his attention away from the cape. Mister Piccolo wouldn't like it and call him a baby again. He didn't like it when Piccolo called him a baby. He wanted to be strong just like his dad and Mister Piccolo. Finally, when his young mind could no longer handle the tedium of waiting, he reached over gingerly and gave the blue pant leg a tug. What's happening? he whispered, unsure as to whether or not the tall man could actually hear him.
Hush, kid, Piccolo said quietly, his head cocked to one side and his teeth bared. After a few moments of tense silence he closed his eyes and sighed, sweat beading at the edge of his turban.
Mister Piccolo? Gohan asked uncertainly, clasping his hands together as his brows dipped towards his nose.
Piccolo started and looked down at the little boy as if he had forgotten the youngster had been standing there. he snapped, glancing up at the sky nervously.
What did Kami say? Gohan asked cautiously, not liking the shifty way Piccolo's eyes were moving.
Nothing, kid, Piccolo growled, reaching up and wiping the sweat from his temple. Now shut up and let me concentrate.
Gohan's frown became complete. I don't think that's very fair, he said sternly. You said you were going to train me, and that I couldn't see my mommy because it would get in the way of my strength. But how can I be ready if I don't know what to be strong against?
Piccolo stopped scanning the sky and stared down at the little boy, a small smile parting his lips and showing his white, pointed teeth. Do you think you're ready? he said dryly.
Gohan rubbed the underside of his chin with a hand and nodded. He trotted over to Piccolo's side and latched onto his leg. If you train me I can be ready for anything, Gohan answered confidently. You're my friend, and I know I can trust you.
Piccolo's brow ridge raised a little. You trust me, huh? Well, prepare yourself, kid. You're going to have to train extra hard now, and trust me even more.
I'm prepared, Piccolo, Gohan asserted, backing a few steps away and staring at him defiantly. Now please tell me what's going on.
Piccolo grunted a short laugh, amazed at the kid's spirit. Maybe they had a chance, if the kid could harness his power. Well, Kami heard from King Kai, he began.
King Kai? Who's that? Gohan interrupted.
Piccolo scowled. You're never going to know anything if you keep interrupting, he snarled. Now are you ready to let me continue?
Gohan lowered his eyes and nodded, a faint blush touching his cheeks. Yes, sir, he mumbled, drawing circles in the dust with his boot.
Piccolo nodded sharply. Good. King Kai's the guy who has been training your dad in the afterlife. He told Kami that the Saiyan is goingto be here about three weeks early. So now instead of having a month and a half left we only have a couple of weeks. Your dad's not done with his training yet, so he'll probably be late getting here. That means it's up to you and me, and I suppose your father's useless friends, to hold the Saiyan off for a while.
The new Saiyan is really strong? Gohan asked, eyes wide in astonishment.
Piccolo's lips pressed for a moment into a tight line. Very. Stronger than anyone we've ever seen, I guess, he replied curtly.
Stronger than Uncle Radditz? Gohan gasped.
About twenty times, Piccolo growled, his lip curling in frustration.
Why don't we just get Uncle Radditz to help us? Gohan blurted, his tiny body stiff in an attitude of alarm.
Piccolo scratched underneath the band of his turban. Because Radditz came on the behalf of this other guy, he snapped. We're on our own, Gohan, face it.
Tears formed in Gohan's eyes and his lower lip began to quiver. But if we don't win Mommy will get hurt! he wailed. I want my daddy!
Piccolo's face twisted in disgust. We all want your daddy right now, but you could be even stronger than him. If you give up now your mom will die for sure. Now stop sniveling and let's get to work! he bellowed, shaking a clenched fist.
Gohan flinched and stared at the green man in shock. Okay, Mister Piccolo, he said nervously. Do you think we'll be okay?
Piccolo sighed, his features softening. You'll make it through, kid, he replied gently, reaching down to tousle the child's unruly hair. Warmth spread through his chest and his insides felt at peace, the apparent side effect of being around the boy. I promise.
Mrs. Briefs stood in the doorway, watching her husband tamper with the devices hooked into the Saiyan's ruined body. He had steadily gotten weaker after the dragonball incident, but thanks to her husband's hard work Radditz had finally stabilized and seemed to be slowly improving. She entered the room and stood by the young man's bed, examining the parts of the hard body not covered by blankets, and shook her head.
Don't be getting any ideas, she heard her husband mumble from where he was tinkering with a monitor. I know he's your type.
Mrs. Briefs laughed. All the women in my line like dark men, she chortled. You just got lucky.
Dr. Briefs stood with a smile, closing his eyes as he placed his hands in the small of his back and stretched. I sure did, he said with a grunt, and peered into the top panel of another machine.
Our daughter's no different, you know, she said quietly, her usually-euphoric expression falling momentarily.
Dr. Briefs blew air through his moustache. Yes, that whole Yamcha thing was sure unfortunate, he mumbled.
Mrs. Briefs shot him a look. Darling, it's not me you need to worry about getting together with Radditz, she said gently.
That got Dr. Briefs' attention. Eh? How's that? he asked, adjusting his glasses.
She sighed. Don't you think he's a fine young man? she said, patting the Saiyan on the arm gently.
Dr. Briefs came to stand by her side, wrapping an arm around her waist and leaning his cheek against her head. I suppose. I feel sort of sorry for him, he said quietly.
Mrs. Briefs leaned into her husband. He's crazy about Bulma, but she's just shied away from him. I wish she'd just give in.
I'm sure he'd take her mind off of Yamcha, he agreed. But I don't think that's all that's bothering you.
She smiled at him, pecking him on the cheek. That's true. I didn't want to tell you this, but since Bulma's taking a nap I guess it's safe. Krillin called earlier, you see.
Dr. Brief's pale eyebrows went up and he blinked at her. Petti, what did he say?
He said that Kami sensed the other Saiyan. He's only a couple of weeks away, and Goku probably won't get here in time, she replied, closing her eyes and idly caressing the cold steel rail of the bed.
His fingers gripped her a little more tightly. That Vegeta fellow?
I guess so.
And you're worried about that?
She turned her head and looked at the floor. Silly, isn't it? I'm afraid that he'll either come and take Radditz away from us or he'll kill us all.
Dr. Briefs took her by the shoulders and turned her so that she faced him. Darling, that's not silly at all. After all the hullabaloo of this past year you have plenty to be concerned about. When this Vegeta gets here we'll have our hands full, I'm sure.
His wife looked at him and smiled, wiping her eyes with the side of her hand. You're right, dear. You have a knack for it, she murmured.
He smiled, his teeth barely showing underneath his thick moustache. Of course. Now get yourself to bed. I'll be up in a minute. Can't have this Vegeta angry at us for not keeping his soldier alive.
She laughed and nodded her head. All right. Just don't tell Bulma, okay?
You have my word, he said, kissing her on the cheek and escorting her out of the door. She smiled and waved before working her way back to the main house. He sighed, letting his shoulders slump, and turned back to the motionless Saiyan. He gasped as he realized Radditz's oil-black eyes were focused on him.
Vegeta's coming? the voice echoed in his head.
Dr. Briefs gasped. You're telepathic?
Answer my question, the voice growled.
Dr. Briefs breathed. Yes, he'll be here eventually. Hope he doesn't blow everything up before he finds you, he muttered, rushing over to the machinery to record the wavelength of Radditz's brain activity.
Radditz smiled to himself. He liked the doddering old man, and the human was the only reason he was still alive. Not to mention he was Bulma's father. He would have to find a way to make Vegeta spare them all. He was certain Bulma would be more easily persuaded if her parents were protected as well. Vegeta, hurry, he thought as hard as he could, straining to feel an answer but receiving none. Sighing and trying not to feel the ripping pain in his side, he closed his eyes and dreamed of Vegeta's arrival.
His eyes slowly focused as the golden color registered in his brain. Although the images were still fuzzy he could see that the entire room was spinning crazily, his pride the only thing preventing him from planting both hands on the floor and clinging on for dear life.
I think that's enough training for today, he heard a soft voice mutter as warm hands fastened themselves on his cold, clammy shoulders. Fingertips dug into his muscles as he was hoisted upwards, and he did his best to bat them away, but the grip was too strong and he only succeeded in tiring himself out.
Let me go, he growled, straining to look behind him at the owner of the grip.
Only when you can stand on your own.
Then let me go this instant, Vegeta replied, and felt the hands gently lower him until he felt the floor underneath his boots. The grip released and Vegeta took a triumphant step forward, turning and smiling haughtily at his rescuer. Then the call ripped through his mind again with electrocuting force and his hands flew to his head, clutching at his temples. He was not aware of his screaming as he toppled over, ricocheting off of the floor.
What? What is it? the voice asked through the haziness, fading in and out.
Radditz. We must be getting closer, Vegeta choked. He's calling me again.
Well call him back and tell him to be quiet! the voice urged, and again the warm hands were on his body. Blackness streaked with yellow flashes was threatening to swallow him up.
Don't have the reserves, he replied quietly. Have to save them for training. Now let me up.
Vegeta, Vegeta, the voice whispered. What am I going to do with you? The warm hands had fastened something to his face, something heavy and plastic that made him feel that he had a snout as long as he was tall. Was he being hooked into a rejuvenator?
Leave me alone, he tried to say, but to no avail. He only succeeded in sucking in a lungful of heavily treated air, his weak struggling suddenly ceasing altogether as his eyelids began to flutter.
Sleep now, little prince, the voice comforted. I'll wake you before we get there.
The image he knew so well by now flickered across his brain as if to reply to the soft voice. Damn blue eyes, he mumbled testily before the gas finally took effect and he slipped away into slumber.