Chapter 32

A month or two had passed, the chill of early spring passing into full thaw. Bulma was still working diligently on the alien technology, Radditz at her side. Yamcha came more and more frequently until he was clashing with Radditz on a daily basis, which just increased her irritability. Zarbon was hardly ever even around to distract anyone from their bickering, since he had decided he would take advantage of his vacation in earnest and was either out at social events or at clubs almost every single day of the week. So the situation stood as Bulma laid down her wrench and sighed, wiping a greasy hand across her forehead. She was starting to loathe the machinery she spent her days with, tired of the frustration it was bringing. It had been fun at first, trying to figure out what everything did, and Radditz had been a great help, but now matters were to the point that they were far beyond his knowledge and she was currently testing the limits of her genius. As she knelt on the cold floor she couldn't help but notice the toll the frustration was taking on her, feeling her bones ache and the now-habitual pain throbbing away in her skull. After the disastrous symphony outing she hadn't invited Radditz anywhere public, and the strain of all work and no play was finally getting to her. How long had it been since someone had held her last? she wondered idly. Thinking, she realized that she could take advantage of Yamcha or Radditz easily, and the thought shamed her. Still...she shook her head angrily. She just couldn't afford such distractions. However, she needed to be a little distracted right now or she would crack under the pressure. Standing, she brushed off her jeans and stretched with a yawn, glancing over to where Radditz was hunched over a chunk of metal. I think it's time for a break, she said with a smile.

All right, he mumbled, looking up from his task just long enough to blink.

Let's get a snack, she offered, waiting for him to reach her. He got more breaks than she did, come to think of it, since every time her patience wore thin she kicked him out of the lab and he would leave to watch talk shows with her mother, almost hanging his head like a sad puppy. Soon he was behind her, standing too close like he always seemed to, and the two of them traveled down the hall.

They had eaten their snack in silence, Bulma staring out the window at the warm spring rain. The winds had finally stopped being cold and summer was beginning to flavor the air. It occurred to her that she hadn't really been outside or exercised for quite a while, and the rain looked so incredibly inviting, its drops promising to be cool against her throbbing forehead. Let's go outside, she blurted, leaving her dishes where they were and planting her palms on the table as she stood up.

Radditz looked at her warily, raising an eyebrow. What for? he asked, scowling. It's raining out.

She sighed and let her hands slap against her thighs as the they dropped. Because! I want to go outside and play in the rain, she said, voice starting to whine.

Radditz grumbled something and stood up, looking at her skeptically. Okay, whatever you want, he said.

Her eyes flashed and she dashed over to him, poking him with a finger. she said and began to bolt for the door.

Tag for what? Did I leave it on again? Radditz said, twisting right and left to see where she had poked him.

Bulma nearly slapped her forehead. Her mother was such a bad influence, always buying Radditz clothes, and now he only knew tag as something fastened onto garments. Tag, you're it! she said testily. Now you have to catch me and tag me back, and no fair using your powers.

He narrowed an eye and looked at her with confusion. Um, why? he asked.

She groaned and hung her head. It's a game, silly! she said. Now come on!

So I have to, uh, tag you back? he said.

She nodded her head. That's right.

I have to touch you to tag you? he continued, expression wavering between excitement and alarm.

Yes, that's the idea, she growled. Why? Do you find touching me and unpleasant task?

His cheeks immediately flamed. Absolutely not, he replied stiffly. Okay, then, you'd better start running because ready or not, here I come.


His eyes snapped open and he stared straight ahead, the knowledge seizing him by the throat and slapping him across the face. The answer to the question- he had it. He finally had it after all this time. Now Zarbon would train him and help him to become the strongest in the universe! He felt his feet touch the ground lightly as he came down from his mid-air perch and scanned the desert around him. Most of the cliffs that had stood when he first arrived were now just piles of rubble, demolished by his training rages. One night, as he picked himself up gingerly after a piece of rock the size of a house had smacked him, he felt oddly detached from the rage bubbling up inside of him, and he wondered suddenly, could there be something more? Taken with that idea, he had immediately thrown himself completely into his meditation exercises and embraced what he saw there. All his effort had provided him with a prize: the answer. Reaching out with his mind he sought Zarbon, wading through all the millions of ki signatures until he found his. It was more difficult than he imagined it would be; for a strange signal kept tugging at his attention, calling him towards it and summoning his mind no matter how hard he tried to move around it. He let down his guard for just a moment, curious as to what it was that was hindering him, and the blue eyes flashed so brilliantly in his mind's eye that the reaction brought him to his knees, dripping with sweat and trembling. What on earth had that been? Anger rose in him anew and he stood shakily, balling his hands into fists and curling his arms furiously. Focusing his mind, he rocketed toward Zarbon's mental signature and screamed his name, calling him with all his mind. There was no answer for him to catch, only a strange barrier Vegeta hadn't encountered before. What could Zarbon be doing that would take up his attention so completely? Scowling, he tried again. No answer. Vegeta shouted, kneeling and slamming a fist down on the earth, opening a crack several meters long in the sand. Glancing at the sun's position in the sky, he decided he would just have to go find Zarbon. With a curse he gathered his energy, focused on a ki signature he knew well, and took to the skies.



Bulma stumbled across the wet grass, wiping sodden hair out of her eyes as her bare feet slipped over the turf. Radditz laughed behind her, deliberately running only a few feet behind her to give her the illusion she was on the verge of escape. She giggled and turned abruptly to the side, throwing Radditz off course as he went sliding across the slick grass on his rear. Bulma turned and put her hands on her knees, her wet clothes clinging to her shapely body as she howled with laughter. He growled and stood again, flexing his hands with an evil smile. If you think you can get away from me you're sadly mistaken! he said with a low laugh.

Bulma squealed and took off running across the lawn again, her skirt inching up and exposing more of her white thigh. He shouted a battle cry and launched himself after her, tailing her until she had a moment of weakness and glanced back to see how far away he was. He took that opportunity to tackle her, lunging through the air gracefully and grasping her waist, turning so that she landed on him and he wouldn't crush her. She giggled in glee and pounded against his broad chest with her fists playfully, his arms still around her as he rolled her to the bottom, his mane falling to the side and his sharp face softened by a smile. Her laughing began to subside and he suddenly reached up to her face, smoothing her bangs out of her eyes as the rain fell on her face. As he touched her her cheeks stained pink and she lay perfectly still, lowering her eyelids a little and looking away. Taken with her, reveling in the feel of her slight body next to his, he found his face very close to hers, close enough, in fact, to kiss her. He lowered his head, tentatively seeking her approval, and she turned her head towards him unexpectedly, placing the tips of their noses only a fraction of an inch apart. His breathing became ragged and he waited for her to make her move, not wanting to do anything that she didn't want, and she waited for the same thing, waited for his lips to touch hers.

Radditz, where in the hell is Zarbon? a deep voice shouted, and Radditz's head snapped up, ice racing down his spine and making his stomach feel like it contained a rock. He released Bulma and scrambled to his feet, staring in shock at his prince.

he breathed. When did you get back?

Bulma stood as well, nervously brushing her clothes off and blushing, shooting Radditz a disappointed look. Why hadn't he kissed her? she said softly, suddenly feeling Vegeta's angry eyes on her and feeling a little afraid.

Radditz turned his head and took a step closer to Bulma, seeing apprehension steal across her face. Just now, Vegeta snapped, walking up to them until he was only a foot away, glaring up into Radditz's eyes. Tell me, where's Zarbon?

I don't know, Radditz replied haltingly. He doesn't spend much time here and we've been busy.

Vegeta looked at Bulma, his eyes narrowing. And are you nearly through with my technology? he snarled.

She scowled. she replied defiantly. I need to understand how it works before I can mass-produce it and encapsulate it.

Anger erupted in his eyes and a low growl started in his throat. He took a step toward her, rage written across his features, and then very suddenly he was on the ground several feet away. Blinking, he looked up and saw Radditz standing there, a shocked look on his face as he stared at his raised fist. You dare strike me? Vegeta hissed, tasting the tang of blood in his mouth.

Radditz stared back at him blankly, alarm spreading in his face. he stammered, He looked over at Bulma with fear.

Get out of here, he said to her softly.

You didn't have to defend me! she said tensely. You didn't know if he was going to do anything or not!

Radditz's features fell. How can you trust him more than me? he said, voice strained.

I don't trust any of you! she replied, then recoiled as she realized what she had just said, watching the pain bloom across Radditz's face like a poisonous flower.

Vegeta's laugh brought their attention back to him, and horror filled Radditz as he realized Vegeta was powering up. I wouldn't worry about her, Vegeta snarled and lunged. Radditz barely had time to bring his fist up to block, the bone inside his forearm tingling with the impact. Vegeta launched himself into the air for a spin kick and Radditz back flipped out of the way, breathing hard with nerves. Glancing back, he saw Bulma still hadn't moved.

Bulma, go inside! he pleaded, barely dodging another of Vegeta's strikes.

I said don't worry about her! Vegeta shouted, this time landing a punch in Radditz's midsection.

Bulma stood as if paralyzed, transfixed by the graceful, lethal dance between the two warriors. Pity for Radditz overtook her as Vegeta's fine, fluid movements pummeled him. She detested violence, and yet the strong, refined, and graceful technique of Vegeta's body impressed her. She had never seen anything like it. Then she noticed for the first time that Vegeta looked different and she examined his face. Hair was growing there, dark, thick hair above his upper lip and on his chin, starting to come to a point below his jaw like a goatee. She knew with sudden clarity that Radditz stood even less of a chance, if Vegeta had come into his power. A cry cut through her consciousness and she watched as Vegeta walked over to Radditz's fallen form, placing a boot on his chest and pressing down with an evil smile. Radditz screamed in pain and grabbed at Vegeta's ankle. Zarbon, where are you? Vegeta screamed, and Bulma heard his words rip through her brain like a painful echo of what her ears had heard. Were Saiyans telepathic?

Leave him alone! a little voice shouted, and suddenly Gohan was on the ground between her and the two Saiyans, his little body hunched over and eyes blazing.

Gohan, no! she heard Goku's voice cry and looked up to see him speeding down out of the sky.

Vegeta looked at Gohan with shock as the little boy began to glow and Radditz screamed again. Gohan burst into light and head-butted Vegeta for all he was worth, knocking him flat. Bulma cried aloud and put her hands over her mouth, shocked. Gohan had just knocked Vegeta down, stunning him. Goku landed next to his brother and examined him closely. Are you okay? he asked softly.

I'll be fine, Radditz said groggily, blinking a swollen eye.

Bulma shouted as the little boy's eyes rolled back in his head and collapsed. She ran forward and gathered him up in her arms, quickly checking his pulse. He's okay, just unconscious, she shouted over to Goku, who nodded.

Another voice rang out from the sky. What in the hell is going on? Zarbon shouted, hitting the ground and dashing over to Vegeta, his long green hair unbound as he buttoned his shirt in the rain. Vegeta sat up and shook his head, blinking at Zarbon.

That kid just knocked the crap out of me, he growled softly, taking Zarbon's offered hand as he stood. He would have to remember that the boy had such power; it was the most power he had ever felt in his life. If only he could obtain such power...

Zarbon's golden eyes took in Vegeta's scruffy appearance. What are you doing here? he snapped angrily, brushing grass off of Vegeta's wet battlesuit.

I called and you didn't answer, so I came looking for you, Vegeta replied grumpily. Where were you?

Zarbon's cheeks turned red. With a friend, he mumbled. But that doesn't matter. I assume you have a good reason to be here?

Vegeta smiled slyly. Of course.

Zarbon raised an eyebrow. And what are you, then?

Vegeta glanced at Radditz being helped up by his brother and the woman cradling the boy. I am darkness, the darkness that swallows you whole and devours your very soul. I am the inflicter of death as well as its prisoner. I am hate unadulterated, the fires of hell. I am destruction, Zarbon, and I will destroy everything that stands in my way, he replied softly, resting his coal black eyes on the light blue-green skinned face.

Zarbon considered him for long moments, searching that dark gaze. Very well, he replied quietly. I will train you now. But first, we need to get you in a tank for an hour. Looks like you have some broken ribs.

Vegeta nodded and stumbled after Zarbon, passing Bulma on the way. She stood as he walked by, still holding Gohan to her chest, but found herself forgetting everything as Vegeta's dark gaze found her, taking her breath away and capturing her in its depths. Then a smile crossed his perfect mouth, his lips parted to show perfect white teeth, and although she knew the smile was devoid of warmth or goodwill she found herself suddenly unafraid of him. She would never be afraid of him again. I'll deal with you later, he said softly.

Bulma let her own smile cross her face. Not until after you bathe and shave, mister, she replied quietly, watching as his expression stiffened and he pretended he hadn't heard her, following Zarbon into the house.


Several hours had passed and Vegeta and Zarbon had left again, leaving Bulma, Gohan, and Goku to wait around for Radditz to get out of the tank. Goku rocked the sleeping Gohan in his lap, occasionally putting his finger underneath the boy's chin and gently stroking the soft skin.

Bulma sighed, resting her head on her palm, and looked longingly at Gohan. He's such a darling, she murmured. I'm jealous.

Goku looked at her, black eyes blank except for fatherly love. Then you should have a baby, Bulma, he said simply.

Easier said than done, she replied sullenly.

No, really it's pretty easy to make a baby, he confided guilelessly.

Bulma reddened. I know that, you dolt! she growled. I mean I'd have to find someone to be a father.

You could have married Yamcha, he said, touching his son's face once again. I never get over how beautiful he is, he whispered at his child.

Bulma's expression fell again. Yamcha's not right for me. He wants to coddle me and protect me and make me his pet. I don't want that- I want someone who will let me be me, someone who'll want me the way I am and the way I grow rather than keeping me under glass.

Then marry Radditz, Goku said, glancing at the form of his brother floating in the tank.

Bulma shook her head sadly. He's too much like Yamcha. They both just want to protect me from life, and that's not something I can allow.

That's too bad, he agreed. Well, how about Vegeta?

Bulma stared at him, shocked. What? How could you even say such a thing?

Goku cocked his head. You don't love Yamcha, you don't love Radditz, so why not Vegeta?

Are you out of your mind? she said flatly, unable to believe he was actually saying what he was saying.

Well, those are the three people who like you that you have to choose from, he said matter-of-factly.

Vegeta wants me dead! she shouted. Why do you think Radditz tried to defend me today?

Vegeta wasn't going to hurt you and he beat Radditz up because Radditz hit him first. I know because I saw it, Goku said calmly.

That still doesn't mean Vegeta likes me, she snarled.

Goku shrugged. Whatever. Even if he does want you dead do you know why? I mean, you don't know him well enough to say he doesn't like you.

You're crazy, Goku. You're out of your gourd.

Huh? I have a gourd? he asked blandly.

Bulma groaned and put her forehead in her hand. You are so thick, she grumbled.

All I'm saying, he continued, ignoring her, is that I didn't love ChiChi when we got married. She scared me and she yelled all the time. But then I saw that she was really good and sweet and loved me a lot. You can't always think you're going to love a person's outsides when what they use to love you is their insides.

You're scaring me right now, Goku, she admitted. This stuff isn't very like you.

He smiled boyishly and shrugged again. he said brightly, and returned his gaze to Gohan. It was just an idea.

she grumbled, parking her chin in her hands and staring at Radditz floating in the tank.


You smell like woman, Vegeta remarked as they landed knee-deep in snow.

Zarbon smiled. I really love this planet, Vegeta. The people here are remarkable. You know that scarred man actually tried to make friends with me? They'll forgive you anything! he chortled.

Vegeta curled his lip and spat. Planet of fools, he growled.

Zarbon shook his head. Well, one of those fools is going to make the technology that will be the cornerstone of your empire.

She's the worst fool of them all, Vegeta snarled.

Zarbon raised an eyebrow. You know what, that might just be true. Anyway, we're not here to talk about her, we're here to talk about you.

We're not here to talk at all, Vegeta countered. You're here to teach me.

Oh, right, Zarbon said slyly. And you're here to learn. I must admit, I thought it'd take you longer to figure yourself out.

I had an epiphany, Vegeta snapped. Now let's get on with it!

Zarbon sighed. You are simply no fun at all, he muttered. Very well, he said, this time louder. Let's start with your failings, shallwe?

Just do it already, Vegeta spat impatiently.

Rolling his eyes, Zarbon took a deep breath. Okay, fine. First of all, your arrogance allows you to underestimate your opponent. If you underestimate them, even if you are correct, you immediately increase their chances of winning by fifty percent, if for no other reason than you are unprepared for anything they might do. Got it?

Vegeta growled.

You really need to work on your technique. We're martial artists, not butchers, although that can be fun at times. You need finesse, you need your movements to flow like water. You need to focus on speed, agility, and intelligent tactics because you've already got your share of strength.

Done. Next?

What really allowed me to defeat you last time, however, was your absolutely horrible use of ki. Do you know that you're infusing your muscles with ki to make you stronger, and by doing so you wear down about ten times faster? You need to trust your native strength more and let the ki do the work for you, not with you. Your ki is five times more effective when applied outside of your body. After all, you can't use a shield when it's put in a closet, can you? Well, it's the same with ki- you can't form a shield if you have all your power locked up in your muscles.

Vegeta's scowl intensified. Then what do you suggest I do?

If you're really concerned about your strength then do other kinds of exercises, ones that will actually increase your muscular strength. Otherwise learn how to make your ki work for you. That is what the bulk of our lessons will be about.

Good. Let's begin, Vegeta said angrily, becoming tired of Zarbon's incessant rambling.

Not so fast, Zarbon interrupted. I want to warm you of something before we begin.

Warn me? Of what? Vegeta spat. What could I possibly have to worry about?

Zarbon shook his head. There's that debilitating arrogance again, he sighed. No, I want to tell you that you will not rest until you have mastered this. No sleep and only brief breaks. We're running out of time on this planet, and the heavens only know when we'll get another chance. Most likely never. We'll make sure you know what you need to, then we can go back to Capsule Corp. and we can train more together there. What is important for now is that you have the basis to improve your training.

Vegeta considered for a moment, still a little sensitive to sleep deprivation since his incident with Radditz's mental scream. Agreed. Now let's begin.

That's the spirit, Zarbon said with a smile, and lowered himself into a battle crouch.