*Please keep in mind that all chapters of this story (including newer chapters) are available at www.vejiitasei.com
Ch 21
She ran her fingers down the smooth skin of her leg, following the razor as she brought it gently across her flesh. Her brow furrowed in concentration, careful as always to be aware of the blade's relationship to her, trying not to cut herself as she had unfailingly in the past. Sighing, her hand slipped a little and the razor nicked her, a thin line of blood appearing as the water burbled in response to her movement. Bulma groaned and sank back against the side of the tub, resting the base of her skull on the rim as she let her arms fall into the scented, soapy water. No matter how hard she tried, she never seemed to manage to shave her legs without cutting herself. She pressed her mouth into an annoyed line and propped her leg up on the ledge of the bathtub, watching as the blood began to clot and harden. All she had wanted was a relaxing bath, one away from wounded men and their demands. Radditz had been a handful all by himself, and now she had to contend with Yamcha as well. That man really should have been put in a hospital, but he insisted on staying close to her in the event that Vegeta came back. She sighed again, stirring the water idly with a fingertip, eyes half closed. Not that Yamcha could do anything to save her anyway. Not that she even really wanted him to. Scooting her rear down she submerged herself to the upper lip in the warm, bubbly water, breathing forcefully through her nose when a stray bubble threatened to make her sneeze. She wanted to be away from all this, from the fear of Vegeta's return, from the intense dark stares of two men in their hospital beds, eating her alive with their eyes, away from Goku's senseless questions and his wife's demanding phone calls. Wasn't there anyone who would whisk her away from her troubles?
Somewhere far off in the house she heard a phone ring, her mother's voice muffled as she greeted the anonymous caller. Her mind drifted as she watched the myriad bubbles disintegrate before her eyes, marking the passage of instant after instant. Her brain unwrapped itself from the present, remembering the events of the days past.
She had made certain Yamcha was being attended to before abandoning him and bursting into Radditz's room, feeling full of hell and brimstone, demanding to know what was going on. Why is he trying to kill us? she had shouted at the bedridden man, shaking a fist in anger.
It's his way, Radditz had replied, his expression cold but his eyes never leaving her body.
I don't care! she had screamed, irate. It's not the way we do things here! What if everyone dies?
Radditz's eyes had devoured her, giving her the sensation of being pulled underwater. You won't die. I would give my life to protect you.
That had given her pause. She had had her hand raised as if to slap him, but lowered it then to rest on the railing of the bed. she said, voice no longer confident.
Radditz's solemn countenance studied her, his large hand covering hers suddenly, infusing her limb with heat. I will always protect you, he murmured, his massive muscles rippling as he shifted his weight in his bed.
I don't think anyone is going to be able to protect me from that monster, she said, remembering the death filling Vegeta's eyes. She had wondered if it was his own death that was consuming him. Radditz scowled and tried to rise, but she had pushed him back down, feeling uncomfortable in the extreme and not wanting him mobile just then. she had said, and scurried off to check on Yamcha once again.
It had turned out that Goku survived just fine, thanks, apparently, to the strategy of Radditz and the care of Piccolo. It had only taken him a couple of days to get back from Snake Way, and although he had had every intent of leaving a week early and returning before Vegeta's arrival, King Kai had thought it best that Goku stay and use the extra days for training. It had all worked out in the end, save for the threat of Vegeta's return hanging over their heads.
Bulma blew more bubbles and snorted into the water, realizing that all her scowling was making her brow tight and giving her headaches. She would resolve to no longer worry about Vegeta. Yamcha, on the other hand, was a different story altogether. He was wounded seriously, and yet he didn't want her out of his sight, afraid for some reason that she would find trouble from Radditz or Vegeta around every corner. They had argued then, making her thank her stars that she hadn't consented to marry him. Then she would watch his finely-tuned body move underneath the covers, and her body would remember with longing the feel of his touch and the attachment she had formed with it. She would recall how he would turn to her in the night, his soft breathing tickling the curves of her ear as he whispered words of love to her, the stars twinkling between the curtains as she blinked into the dim light. There had been warmth there, and sweetness, but too many demands, too much he needed her for. The attacks of petulance had always been the worst, his childish pouting attacks accenting whatever it was that she was already angry at. She was scowling into the bubbles, teeth bared slightly under the soapy water, when her mother came into the room.
Bulma, honey, you might want to get out of the bath, she said, surprising her daughter.
Bulma choked on the water and sat up, blinking. Uh, sure. Why?
Mrs. Briefs' thin eyebrows came down for a moment from their customary high, joyful arches. I just got a call from your father. He says one of the satellite units just got passed up by something entering our atmosphere. Something big.
Bulma's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. So soon? she blurted. Or was it late? They hadn't been back and several days had passed. What do we do?
Mrs. Briefs smiled and shrugged, coming into the bathroom and taking her daughter's robe off of the wall. Well, I've started some cookies and iced tea. I'm sure they'll be hungry when they get here.
Bulma's mouth rounded in shock as she slipped into the robe her mother offered. You have got to be kidding me. You're going to play hostess? she said, giving the knot of her belt an extra cinch in her surprise.
Her mother nodded and patted Bulma gently on the shoulder. Of course. It can't hurt, she said gently.
Bulma stared at her mother, dumbfounded. It wouldn't hurt, no, but it couldn't really change anything either. If she only knew how strong they were maybe then something could be done...but wait...If we can't beat them at least we'll have information, she mumbled to herself.
Do what you like, but please, be careful! she cautioned her mother, throwing open the door and running out of the room.
Whatever does get into that girl? her mother wondered out loud, putting a hand on the doorjamb as she watched her daughter dash down the hall.
Vegeta stood, staring at himself in the mirrored surface of the door as the ship shook slightly, its legs expanding for landing. His heart sat in the back of his throat and hammered away, nerves jangling for no reason as he tried to relax his clenched jaw. He had no reason to be nervous, he told himself, and checked his reflection once again. Zarbon stood behind him and he watched the golden eyes slide over to him, the dark green brows dropping a little with some emotion. Knowing Zarbon it was probably concern. He seemed to have a lot of useless emotions like that. Finally the ship settled, a hissing noise coming from the vents as the pressure was released, metal sighing as the door slowly opened downward, little by little letting in the color of the blue sky and the large clouds meandering across its expanse. He blinked in the light, a little startled after the endless darkness of space, and concentrated on the grass stretched before him at the end of the ramp.
Raise your head. You are a king, Zarbon's deep voice said softly from behind him, and it held, if only for an instant, the inflection of his father's.
I am the king, Vegeta whispered to himself, lips not moving. He raised his eyes slowly, not entirely surprised at the crowd he saw gathered there, gaping at the flagship. As the light warmed his face he was aware of his features settling into their customary positions of scorn and stone and he felt his stomach clench with the cold. He recognized most of the people assembled, nearly all of the warriors they had fought, and he felt a flickering of glee in his chest as he noticed the poorly-veiled fear in their eyes.
Thirty-four thousand, he heard a high voice proclaim. Not bad, as I understand things.
Vegeta focused in upon the noise, his brows plunging to a point above his noise as annoyance bubbled up inside of him. The speaker was that blue-haired woman, the one with the eyes. He snarled and was contemplating dashing down there and killing her. That idiot Kakarott, standing a little off to her side, would probably try and stop him, but there was no conceivable way that the Earth-Saiyan could defeat him. Then he saw the green lens across her eye, the silver of the earpiece glinting in the weak sunlight. A scouter! he heard Zarbon gasp, voicing his own thoughts as well. He turned his head to glance at his aide, relieved when he saw Zarbon's cool features perfectly composed, belying the tone of his voice.
We will deal with that in its own time, Vegeta thought at him, and watched in satisfaction as Zarbon blinked several times. The other man never could deal with Saiyan telepathy. Make your introductions.
Zarbon urged Vegeta forward until both of them were standing on the grass, the huge shadow of the ship darkening the ground. He waited as the troops began to spill out of the vessel, swarming across the lawn like ants as they formed solid walls of bodies behind their leader. Satisfaction threaded its way across Zarbon's face as the Earthling warriors' expressions tightened and their skin paled at the sight of the wide variety of soldiers. Nearly all sectors of Vegeta's army were represented; saurians, bug-types, large hairy mammals, all were present and staring down the Earthlings, daring them to make a move. Of course, with the scouter the Earthlings knew that none of the soldiers was comparable to their own energy levels and abilities, but several hundred fighters armed with the Arlian ki-piercing technology was no laughing matter. He watched the blue-haired woman's eyes widen as she got a good look at the soldiers' equipment, her gaze greedily sucking up the alien devices. He cleared his throat a little and all the troops snapped to attention, saluting, making several of the Earthlings twitch. I present to the peoples of Earth Emperor Vegeta of the New Saiyan Empire, Zarbon proclaimed, voice rising above the crowds and carrying his words to the winds.
Vegeta held up a hand, silencing him. I have come to retrieve Radditz, Vegeta said, tone cold as he narrowed his eyes at the crowd. Have him brought forward at once.
The woman had apparently had enough. No way, mister, she said, disconnecting the scouter from her head and striding to the front of the crowd.
someone said, and Vegeta recognized the short bald man, clutching at the woman's arm as if to slow her down. What will Yamcha say if you get yourself blasted?
The woman shook off the little man violently. I don't care what happens. I'm not going to let Radditz's healing be interrupted, she said, and continued to storm towards the base of the ramp. She stopped several feet short of Vegeta and waved a finger. Now you listen here, she growled. Radditz was seriously injured and still hasn't fully recovered. There's no way I'm going to allow you to just snatch him up and aggravate his condition!
Vegeta stared at her. Earthling, you have no say in the matter, he said quietly, heavy black brows beginning to lower even further and his tail unwinding from around his waist as he clenched his jaw, examining her carefully.
The hell I don't! she said, throwing an arm in the air as she pushed herself forward until she was right in his face. I don't care if you're an emperor or the spiritual leader of the entire free universe, you're not going to tamper with my patient!
Vegeta's arm whipped out and caught her behind the neck, squeezing hard on the pressure point behind her ear to paralyze her. He pulled her in close, his mouth by her ear, his thumb running lightly up and down the large tendon in her neck. Listen, Earthling, we have technology aboard that will take care of his injuries in a matter of hours. Are you honestly brave enough to withhold treatment from one of my subjects?
She stared at him for long moments, rage boiling in her eyes. His grip did not tighten, and he released the pressure point. She relaxed a little in his strong, gloved hand and scowled at him heartily. You have that sort of technology? she murmured after a while.
Vegeta nodded solemnly, his eyes never leaving her face. Yes. That and much more, he replied, uncurling his fingers from around her neck.
She took a step back and rubbed her neck gingerly. Fine. Under one condition, she said, the scowl not leaving her face as she fought down the fear that raked its claws across the walls of her stomach.
One of Vegeta's brows rose like a bird frightened into flight. Condition? Woman, you are in no position to make conditions, he snarled, his body tensing underneath his best armor and heavy red cape.
Zarbon quickly stepped in between them, looking down at the woman with glittering golden eyes. Miss, I do believe it is in your planet's best interests to allow us to care for Radditz, he said coldly.
Bulma swallowed. Like I said, under one condition, she said angrily. You need to share your technology.
Zarbon allowed himself an icy smile while trying to keep Vegeta from becoming further upset. I fear you overestimate Radditz's worth to the Empire, he said haughtily.
Maybe so, she said, turning to glance over her shoulder. But Earth is not without resources, she sneered, gesturing behind her at the lines of her warrior friends assembled there.
Zarbon let loose an arctic chuckle. Oh yes, I forgot about your little friends. If you look through your device you'll see just how silly that assertion is, he said, showing his canines.
Please, Bulma, I want my brother to get better, a man said at her side, and Zarbon recognized it as the new Saiyan, Kakarott.
The woman's shoulders slumped as she sighed a great sigh. Goku, I'm dealing with angry aliens right now, she said impatiently.
I know. But Radditz isn't getting healthier, Goku urged, taking her sleeve in hand, just as he used to do when he was little.
Zarbon scowled; the situation was rapidly deteriorating. He wanted this whole Earth thing to go smoothly and he thought good relations with the little blue planet would be lucrative for Vegeta's empire. He desperately wanted the scouter back- it would make communications so much easier, as well as aid him and the troops like him that couldn't read power levels with their senses as Vegeta could, and it seemed as if the woman had the technology to repair Radditz's. If she could repair them she could most likely mass-produce them. He wondered what other sorts of gadgets she could produce. My Lord, he murmured to Vegeta, the Saiyan's dark eyes immediately sliding over to him. I believe diplomacy would be in order.
He watched Vegeta raise a hand to his mouth, pressing the bent index finger to his upper lip and frowning. I am aware of your concern, Kakarott, he said sternly, his eyes only flickering across the other Saiyan before coming to rest on the woman's blue eyes. Therefore we will bring our equipment off the ship and treat Radditz in his present location. Will this be satisfactory?
She was looking back at him, eyes locked to his and unblinking. Yes, that would be acceptable, she said, voice a little less confident than before. Zarbon's eyebrows lowered fractionally in confusion; was she finally realizing what it meant to invite aliens known to exterminate entire peoples into her home? Was she afraid of him and Vegeta? He allowed the curve of a small smile to graze his mouth, for she should be afraid. Vegeta wouldn't hesitate to kill her if she got in the way...so why was he being so strange? Zarbon's golden eyes focused in on the figure of the prince, who was following Kakarott and the woman into a building. Vegeta was only a few steps behind her, his tail completely uncoiled and held stiffly behind him, the tip off of the ground and occasionally twitching from side to side, as if he were trying to control it and almost succeeding. Although Zarbon didn't understand the bit with the tail, he did understand the look on Vegeta's face as he followed her: hatred.
Sir, would you like us to disassemble the tank and take it after the Emperor? a voice said to his left.
Zarbon blinked as he was startled out of his thoughts and looked down at the soldier, an Arlian. Uh, yes, he replied blankly, still confused. See to it immediately.
The Arlian bowed and began shouting orders to the troops as Zarbon continued to watch the Earthlings. The little bald man was staring at him, sweat rolling down the side of his shiny head. The three-eyed man was there as well, with the little doll-looking thing. What was it, his pet? The third eye narrowed and he realized the man was scowling at him, but the fear was in his eyes just the same as it was written across the little bald man's features. He smiled and cast about from side to side. No sign of the little boy or the Namekian, or the scarred man for that matter. He wondered vaguely if the scarred man had died from the injuries Vegeta had inflicted, then decided he hadn't, otherwise the woman would have been much more distraught. She had seemed to have some sort of relationship with the fellow. Something tugged at the edge of Zarbon's mind at that, something he thought should be important but couldn't quite put together. As he stood mulling it over he felt a very real tug at his mind, one from an irate prince. he whispered, and floated over to the building Vegeta had disappeared into.
He stepped into the room and entered hell.
Vegeta was snarling and powering up, his red cape flapping in the wind created by his energy as he gathered it ever higher. The Earthling woman was screaming and holding her forearms in front of her face as she pushed herself in between Vegeta and one of the beds in the room. Kakarott was in front of another bed, his aura suddenly blazing to life as well as he began to move towards the woman.
A bitter, male laugh rose over it all. Don't bother, Bulma, the voice said. He's going to find a way to kill me no matter what you do.
The woman snapped her attention away from Vegeta, turning her head to look at the man on the bed. Dammit, Yamcha, I've spent too much time and effort on you to let you die now! she said, raising her voice so it could be heard over the snapping of wires and scraping of machines as they were moved across the floor by Vegeta's whirlwind. Why does he want you dead anyway? she demanded, and turned sparking blue eyes on Vegeta's rage-filled face.
Zarbon had had enough. Vegeta was no longer going to be allowed to be a loose cannon. Vegeta, stop it! he shouted, powering up instantly to his maximum with practiced ease.
Wow, you're really good! another voice crowed, and Zarbon turned his golden gaze upon Kakarott, who was smiling broadly. Isn't this fun?
Zarbon's jaw dropped. What in the hell was wrong with the man? Didn't he realize he was on the brink of destruction? His wide eyes noticed that Kakarott's aura was nearly as large as Vegeta's own, and realized the other Saiyan actually WAS having fun. Kakarott warranted watching, he thought as he fought his way to Vegeta through the swirling mass of machinery and med techs. Zarbon roared.
Vegeta cackled back, turning black eyes alit with fury on his companion. Don't worry, Zarbon, I'll just get this one, all right? he chortled, taking a step closer to the woman and the bed.
she cried, and grabbed Vegeta by the straps of his armor, giving him a good tug although his aura had to have burned her. She screamed as her arms plunged through his ki and her fingers curled around the straps. Vegeta gasped and the aura winked out of existence, watching as the woman's eyes rolled back in her head and she began to topple.
several voices rang out at once, but she was not allowed to hit the floor. Strong hands held her a foot above the tiles, cradling her gently as they eased her down to the ground. Zarbon gasped in amazement as he saw who held her, the unbelievable masses of hair spilling to the ground between the two of them.
Goku moaned, dashing to his brother's side. You shouldn't have left your bed!
Radditz didn't glance at his brother, instead fixing Vegeta's black eyes to his own. Blood slowly leaked down his abdomen, the tissue once again torn asunder. One of his large hands worked its way underneath the woman's head and gently felt around, assessing her status. The other hand went tenderly to her arm, lifting it and examining the skin, the black eyes leaving Vegeta to look her over, his gaze almost a physical caress as it traveled along her body. His tail unwound from around his waist and lay on the floor behind him, the tip rapidly waving back and forth in anxiety. When he seemed to decide she was all right he raised his eyes once again to take in Vegeta, who was standing stone still, arms crossed against his chest and face drawn in cold, hard, unforgiving lines. My lord, Radditz breathed, real relief crossing his face. Thank the stars you're well.
Vegeta raised an eyebrow, not uncrossing his arms. Absolutely no thanks to you, he growled.
Radditz began to speak but was seized by a fit of coughing, his brother dashing to his side. You need to get back into bed, Goku said as he helped the massive man to stand and stagger to his bed.
Radditz whispered.
She'll be okay, Goku reassured him. You broke her fall.
Radditz coughed again and nodded, closing his eyes for a moment. So the dragonballs worked, he croaked.
Eh? Dragonballs? Zarbon blurted. I didn't know dragons had...
Vegeta interrupted. What's this, Radditz?
The Earthlings have magic spheres that allow any one wish to be granted. I feared you dead, so I overcame the warriors here and wished for all the Saiyans killed in the past year to be resurrected, Radditz answered weakly, his hand searching out his wound and pressing against it.
So you're responsible for Nappa, Zarbon interjected, tapping the side of his face in realization.
Radditz scowled at the sight of the green-haired man. What in the hell are you doing here, assassin? he hissed.
Zarbon gasped in surprise. Assassin? What in the world are you talking about?
Radditz's snarl widened, his sharp canines glinting in the light as he pulled his lips back. You were sent to kill all of us and I wasn't about to let that happen!
Vegeta silenced them both with a wave of a gloved hand. Enough. Kakarott, go fetch medical technicians from my ship for the woman and Radditz, he commanded, and Goku stared at him in shock. Are you deaf, man? Vegeta snapped. Go to it!
Yes, Vegeta, Goku said numbly, and dashed out of the room.
Vegeta dusted his gloves against one another and sighed. Is everyone incompetent? he sighed as he knelt by the woman, fingers searching out her pulse. She groaned at his touch, her features a mask of pain and fear, but did not awake. His stomach knotted and turned cold at the sight of her, but he carefully schooled his own face and stood slowly. Radditz, I advise you to speak more respectfully to my personal aide, he cautioned.
Radditz studied his prince, taking in the sight of him cautiously. Vegeta seemed older, his frame finally the consistency of a man, his torso and thighs corded with mature muscle and the soft edges carved away from his face, leaving angular planes. I apologize, my prince.
So how did you manage to defeat all the Earthlings in your damaged state? Nappa wasn't even revived half a year ago, so you couldn't have been well when you made your wish, Vegeta continued, ignoring Radditz's apology.
I caught them by surprise and Kakarott, the strongest of them, was dead. You wouldn't believe how foolish and trusting these humans are, Radditz said scornfully. But what's this about Nappa, if I may ask, sir?
Not all of us trust you! the scarred man trumpeted from the bed. Zarbon slapped his forehead. Did the fellow have a death wish? Was he trying to get Vegeta to kill him?
Luckily Vegeta was ignoring the man. Nappa died moments after you left Arlia. He suddenly appeared when Zarbon and I were gathering planets. It's a long story and you'll have to ask Zarbon. He raised his head and watched as he was interrupted by the entrance of the med techs. You can hear about it later, he continued as the techs began to assemble the tanks. Zarbon, you grab Radditz and get him in a tank, he instructed, picking up the woman himself. Zarbon raised an eyebrow and Vegeta felt rage fill him once again. he snarled. Zarbon shrugged and went over to Radditz, bending over and gathering the huge man into his arms.
Get away from me, freak, Radditz snarled, trying to shove Zarbon away.
Vegeta cautioned, voice deadly.
Zarbon sighed. Honestly, Radditz, you can be so thick-headed. I'm trying to help, for heaven's sake, he said, rolling his eyes with exasperation and grunting as he heaved the Saiyan into the air. Radditz was extremely heavy and as tall as Zarbon himself, but he was still seriously thin, Zarbon noticed as he carried Radditz to the tank and laid him gently inside.
Vegeta placed the woman in the other tank as everyone looked on and stood, sighing. He walked over to Radditz's tank and placed a gloved hand on the glass as the contraption filled with liquid. We can talk about this when you're better, he said sternly, and Radditz's vision wavered as the fluid filled his eyes and he sank away into unconsciousness.
Zarbon and Vegeta stepped out of the room to be accosted by a smiling blonde woman who thrust a tray in their direction. she said, beaming.
Goku stepped out beside them and smiled as well. No thank you, Mrs. Briefs, he said cheerfully. We're tired, I think. He turned and gestured to Vegeta and Zarbon. This is Mrs. Briefs. She's Bulma's mother, he explained.
Pleased to meet you, she said with a little bow.
Zarbon bowed in return, still startled and annoyed. he said. I am Zarbon and this is his excellency, Emperor Vegeta.
Mrs. Briefs cocked her head, still smiling. Oh, it's been a while since an emperor has stayed here. I think the last time was six years ago, she mused. Anyway, you must be the Vegeta that Radditz has talked so much about! she chortled. He's so very loyal, you know.
We know, Zarbon replied, folding his hands behind his back and looking down at Vegeta out of the corner of his eye. She was very trusting and cheerful for someone who had nearly had her daughter blasted out of existence by the one she was offering drinks to.
she said, and reached out,patting his arm. Oooh, you're a firm one, too! she exclaimed.
Zarbon's cheeks reddened. Ah, well, thank you, he stammered, watching in shock as she flitted to Vegeta's side.
Her hand smoothed the cape over his shoulder and patted him on the bicep as well. Wow, you're fit as well, she said with a whistle. And dark, to boot. Bulma's hip-deep in dark-featured men! she giggled, winking at Vegeta. Now you two just come down to the kitchen if you feel peckish, okay?
Vegeta recoiled from her, eyes wide with horror, and nodded dumbly, mouth hanging open and cheeks flaming. She smiled wider and pranced down the hall and out of sight. Ooo, you are cute, aren't you Veggie-chan? Zarbon whispered.
Shut up, Vegeta growled, wiping his cheeks with the back of his glove as if the blushing were something he could remove.
Goku looked on in curiosity. These two were really strange; he couldn't figure out if they were friends or not. All he did know was that they were really strong. Which gave him an idea. Hey, do you guys wanna go spar? he blurted.
Zarbon and Vegeta swiveled their heads simultaneously to stare at him. Uhhh...not right now, Kakarott, Zarbon said uneasily. We just finished a long journey and we have...um...things to attend to.
Please, call me Goku, Goku replied with a smile. And I understand, I think. Just tell me if you ever get bored, he asked, and strode off down the hall.
This planet is completely cracked, Zarbon muttered to Vegeta as they walked out into the light. Most of the troops had gone back inside the ship, although there were still a few of the Earth-warriors they had fought before standing outside as if they were guards.
But they have our scouters, Vegeta replied, pushing the cape behind him as he walked back towards the ship.