Chapter 40

He hadn't bothered showering, knowing full well that he would be sweaty and most likely bloody when he returned later, but he changed out of his clothes and laid them on the bed, flopping down beside them naked. Stretching in the darkness he idly reached out for the shirt he had worn that evening, feeling the fabric where she had put her hands, those slender, pale hands. On impulse he raised the shirt to his face and closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. Damn her. Everything was her fault. If Radditz hadn't called out to him because of her he would've never come and never would have had to deal with her whining and bickering. He would have forgotten about Radditz and the woman could have taken Radditz for a mate, and then everyone would be happy. Radditz would be happy because he would get his desired mate, the woman would be happy because she would have her every need fulfilled by Radditz, and he would still be in the stars and be preparing himself to die in peace. But no, she and those damn eyes of hers had invaded everything, spoiled everything, spoiled him. So why couldn't he just let Radditz take her? Why was he so certain that she wouldn't just go and choose Radditz anyway? He scowled and tossed the shirt on the floor with a growl. Radditz was a model soldier, he had to admit it. Radditz had done everything properly, even risking his life to resurrect his prince. He knew that Radditz hated him for whatever reason, and he bore Radditz some sort of unnamed animosity. Oddly enough, it had faded when he met Zarbon, then picked right back up when Radditz was trying to stake claim on the woman. What did Radditz have that he, the Prince, didn't? Then it hit him: Zarbon had been saying earlier how important it was to him to have Vegeta be his friend. Zarbon wanted someone to be close to him. Radditz had people close to him- a brother, a nephew, even a woman he wanted. But Vegeta found himself alone, eternally alone, and was even planning to die alone. He was not content with letting Freeza get away with it, and he suddenly realized that Radditz was. Radditz was willing to cut his losses and get on with his life. That was why Vegeta wanted the woman, he supposed; to punish Radditz for his resiliency. Punish him he would, he decided as he tucked his arms behind his head and listening to the sounds of people leaving the party, the noises of engines starting and pulling away floating through the open window of his room. A giggling came from the hallway and he guessed that Zarbon had found another friend, leading her off to his room. Everyone was oblivious to what was to happen later that night.

He watched as the clock showed two, pulling on a pair of sweatpants. No use putting on his battle armor; it would just get ruined anyway. The armor wouldn't do him much good at any rate. No matter how far the cloth was supposed to expand it just couldn't take much abuse at all when stretched out. so it was better not to ruin it in such a trivial fight. He used his trick of reading power levels without a scouter and reached out into the night, finding Radditz there, waiting. He leapt up onto the window sill, bare chested and bare footed, and plunged out into the night.

Hope I didn't keep you waiting, Vegeta sneered mentally as he landed softly in the grass in front of Radditz.

I haven't been here long. I knew you wouldn't fail to show, Radditz replied.

The Prince never backs down, Vegeta snarled.

I would expect no less, Radditz said. Shall I do the honors?

As you wish, Vegeta said, and watched as Radditz turned his palm up and formed the little ball of light, winding up his arm and pitching it high into the air. The ball sailed overhead and Radditz clenched his fist, the light suddenly exploding and becoming an orb of pulsing, white light. Vegeta felt his blood pound more mightily in his veins as his tail uncurled from around his body and held itself straight out behind him, the hair spreading across his back as he grew in size. The fangs sprouted from his gums and he was aware of his pants ripping as his body became too massive for them to contain. His blood-red eyes looked up and saw Radditz undergoing the same transformation, his oozaru form bigger but less thick with muscle.

Radditz attacked without the usual battle roar, instead plunging in right for the throat. Vegeta pulled his giant body to the side, swiping with a big hand and knocking Radditz's hands away from his neck. Twisting to the side, he hovered above the ground a few feet, his thunderous cackle rising from his fanged mouth and sailing off towards the sky. You honestly think you can beat me, don't you? he sneered.

Radditz howled his rage, fixing his blood-red eyes on Vegeta. I have to, he hissed between his sharp teeth. I must have her.

Vegeta laughed again. You forget something, he said with cold amusement. You aren't as strong as I am.

I've been training hard for this day, Vegeta. I am nearly as strong as you are, Radditz snarled.

But we're oozaru, which increases each of our power tenfold, Vegeta replied, wrinkling his snout cruelly.

So? Any Saiyan worth his salt knows that, Radditz spat, flexing his mammoth hands.

That means that the gap between us widens when we're oozaru. If your power is thirty thousand going to three hundred thousand then mine is thirty-five thousand going to three hundred fifty thousand. Fifty thousand is a big difference, Vegeta chortled.

Radditz could feel himself paling underneath his fur. He had forgotten to account for the fact that the difference would grow as their power was multiplied. It doesn't matter! he roared. Bulma is what matters!

Vegeta snarled and launched himself at Radditz. Impertinent fool! he cried, sending a huge fist at Radditz's head. Radditz dodged and managed to bring an elbow down on Vegeta's shoulder, hissing as he moved out of the way.

Vegeta growled with pain as he felt his collarbone give way under the blow, backing off a little as

Radditz attacked. He could feel the animal rage fighting to take over his mind, stealing across his consciousness like a numbing poison. Must keep control like Zarbon instructed, he hissed to himself, executing a flip as Radditz drew near and hitting him under the chin with both his feet and tail. Radditz spun to the side, levitating just in time to keep from demolishing a building. He snarled and launched himself at Vegeta again, who countered by beginning his own rush and landing his elbow in Radditz's stomach. Radditz coughed up blood, the fluid becoming matted in Vegeta's fur. Vegeta detached in distaste, his tail lashing to and fro behind him. Radditz, this is pointless, Vegeta said with disgust. You're a good soldier and there is no reason for you to waste your life like this.

She's reason enough, Radditz wheezed, raising his fists and coming in for a double-handed overhead strike. Vegeta wasn't quick enough to move out of the way and the blow came down on his already-broken collarbone. He roared in pain and grabbed Radditz's head on either side and lunged forward, grabbing the other Saiyan's ear between his teeth and yanking. Radditz let loose a bloodcurdling bellow and tore away, reaching up to clutch at his ear. You bastard, he howled.

Give up, Vegeta growled back, the noise coming from deep in the back of his throat. She's not worth it.

She has to be. You're fighting for her as well. You should just let me have her, Radditz protested, shaking his gigantic furry head.

You cannot have her, Vegeta snarled, hurtling himself at Radditz. Radditz let go of his ear and blocked Vegeta's blows, the two locking arms as they pushed each other around, snarling and grunting. Suddenly Radditz opened his jaws wide and let loose a ki blast, mouth curling in a toothy grin as Vegeta roared in pain and backed up, grabbing madly at his singed face. Radditz chuckled from deep in his chest and turned, using his tail to strike Vegeta at the knees and forcing him to topple to the ground. He shook the ground as he hit it, by some stroke of luck missing the buildings. Vegeta bellowed as his weight was absorbed by the broken collarbone, the rest of the bones in his shoulder cracking as well. He shuddered and stood, his arm hanging uselessly at his side.

Who should give up now? Radditz chuckled, wriggling his thick fingers in the air and ignoring the steady stream of blood that was clotting in the fur on the side of his head. He felt his organs quail inside his abdomen and knew that he was bleeding internally, but none of that mattered at the moment. He was so close to beating Vegeta, he could feel it. Bulma would be his to court and that would show that stuck-up, spoiled prince. He erupted in a triumphant howl and charged Vegeta one last time, reaching for the Prince's waist in order to topple him, head first, onto the ground. Vegeta barely managed to maneuver inside the larger oozaru's grip, wrapping his tail around Radditz's neck and biting him in the shoulder savagely with his long, sharp teeth. Radditz screeched in pain, scrabbling at Vegeta's blood-slickened fur as the Prince bit him again and again in his shoulder, shredding the fur and flesh. He caught a glimpse of Vegeta's blood-soaked grin and felt bile rise in his throat, shuddering as they fell to the ground, Vegeta continuing to rend his flesh from his body.

That's enough! a shout rang out in the darkness behind them, Vegeta slithering away from

Radditz and turning around. His jaws parted in an expression of displeasure and he leapt in the air, coming down heavily on Radditz's chest, laughing as he heard rips crack.

Vegeta cackled, leaning down and striking Radditz again and again with his good arm, picking him up with a grunt, his fist wrapped in the extra fur at the base of Radditz's throat, and tossing him in the air. Radditz landed facedown on the turf with a thunderous crash and a scream of agony before twitching and lying still. Vegeta moved in for the kill, his fangs dripping with blood and his red, glittering eyes thirsting for more, when the ball of the light in the sky exploded, making him shield his eyes with his functioning arm.

I said enough, damnit! a voice bellowed again, and Vegeta howled in pain as his frame shifted back into his normal form, the broken bones grinding against each other as they were pulled even farther out of alignment.

What do you think you're doing? Vegeta shouted angrily, finding himself confronted with a scowling Zarbon.

You were going to kill him, Vegeta, Zarbon snapped. Don't you have few enough Saiyans without you trying to destroy them all?

I wasn't going to kill him, Vegeta snarled.

You were nothing but a raging beast! Zarbon cried, gesturing with a bare arm. If I hadn't come out here one of you would have died!

We were just fine, Vegeta said firmly, ignoring Zarbon's words. That's no excuse for you to go around blowing up our energy spheres!

Yes it is, Zarbon insisted, balling up a fist. I just don't get you! What was this all about?

Ancient Saiyan rite, Vegeta mumbled, turning his glare to Radditz's unconscious body. He lost. It was his right to die if he so wished it. He may not want to live after losing.

That's not your call to make, Vegeta, Zarbon snapped. He can't make the decision anyway because he's unconscious. Do UNCONSCIOUS men usually make life and death decisions, Vegeta? Zarbon shrilled. This is absolutely unexcusable!

Shut up, Vegeta grumbled, reaching up and gingerly touching his broken shoulder. This isn't your business. It's a Saiyan affair.

The only thing you Saiyans fight about are superiority, food, and mates. Now which of those three could possibly be so important that you'd try to kill each other over it? Zarbon shrieked. I mean, LOOK at what you've done to him!

I don't know what you're talking about. He'll live, Vegeta mumbled, narrowing his eyes and looking up at the sky. Things would have been different if Vejiitasei still existed, he said quietly.

What is with you? Zarbon snapped. Have you completely lost your mind?

What's going on? a higher voice cried out, and Zarbon looked up to see Bulma dashing from the house, suddenly coming to a dead stop when she had closed about half the distance between them. Zarbon watched as her eyes grew as wide as saucers and he hastily glanced at where she was looking. It was then that he realized Vegeta wasn't wearing any clothing at all, it apparently having ripped during his transformation. Vegeta's backside was to her, his bare rear exposed and his tail waving back and forth slowly in the air. Zarbon turned a bright red and stepped in the way of her view.

Uh, you'll have to excuse him, Zarbon muttered.

I heard loud roaring, she explained, obviously making a concerted effort to focus on nowhere but Zarbon's eyes. Then the building started to shake. I got worried so I came out here, and what do I find but two, no, two and a half naked men on my lawn! What in the hell is going on here? she demanded.

Zarbon! What happened? another female voice shouted, and Zarbon's cheeks reddened even further as a different woman came dashing out of the house, clad only in a sheet.

Bulma exclaimed, eyes widening again. From accounting?

The woman blushed but continued to dash over to Zarbon's side. Hello, Ms. Briefs, she said meekly, latching onto Zarbon's arms. You left so quickly I thought I had done something wrong, she whispered to him.

No, you didn't do anything, he said gruffly, very, very embarrassed. Here, give me some of that sheet, he growled, reaching down and tearing it in thirds. He quickly reached around and tied it around Vegeta's waist. There you go. Now get your bare monkey ass inside and into a tank.

I'm fine, Vegeta snarled. There's no reason...

Zarbon interrupted, holding up a finger. No arguments.


NO! Get your ass inside! Zarbon shouted, dashing over to Radditz and winding the sheet around his midsection, tearing off a few strips and quickly binding Radditz's profusely bleeding shoulder.
Vegeta growled with resentment, casting Zarbon a dirty look, but wiped his mouth, turned around and began to limp inside, clutching his bad shoulder. He spotted Bulma, standing there in a filmy gown, every soft swell and curve of her just barely visible through the light fabric. She dashed over to him and gently put a hand on his good shoulder, her cheeks coloring slightly.

What happened, Vegeta? she asked, apparently distressed. Are you okay?

I'm fine, he snapped. It's none of your business.

She scowled, her blue eyes snapping angrily. It most certainly is my business. There's blood all over the lawn and you ruined my grass. I'd say that's my business.

he snarled. Leave me be.

But your shoulder, she muttered, suddenly running her hands up and down his arm. Her touch was light and soft, and he stopped in his tracks without realizing it, fascinated with the way it felt to have her caress him.

I'm fine, he murmured absently. Now get out of my way. I'm going inside.

She scowled for a minute, then her eyebrows turned in the opposite direction and she threw her arms impulsively around his neck. I'm glad you're safe, she whispered into his neck, then tore herself away, dashing over to the other fallen Saiyan. A wail escaped her throat and he turned to see her throw herself on Radditz, clutching at his bare chest and starting to sob. Oh my god, Radditz, she cried.

he grunted, but a cold stone formed in his stomach nonetheless as he continued on his way into the house.

A few days later he was startled by the gravity suddenly powering down, the generator's whirring decreasing in pitch as the gravity returned to normal. He looked around angrily for a split second before locating Zarbon standing near the doorway, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. So how goes it? Zarbon called, standing upright and sauntering over to Vegeta.

Vegeta growled, wiping the sweat off his brow with a forearm.

Zarbon examined his nails. Oh, no reason. Just sort of wondering what in the hell happened a few nights ago, he said nonchalantly, not looking up to meet Vegeta's angry gaze.

Like I said, it's none of your concern, Vegeta spat, turning away and going over to the central console of the chamber. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have additional training to do.

Zarbon shook his head, flipping his braid over his shoulder. Oh, come, now. Surely you can tell me?

Shut up or go away, Vegeta snarled.

Tell me. Now. I'm not going to ask again, Zarbon said sternly, voice dropping to dangerous levels.

Vegeta sighed, planting his hands on the console in front of him and bowing his head, closing his eyes as the sweat dripped into them. Radditz issued me a challenge and I took it. The ritual stipulated that we fight in our oozaru forms, so we did. Simple as that, Vegeta said, voice suddenly tired.

Why did you fight? Zarbon pressed. You're not telling me the whole story.

Vegeta exhaled again, the sound tinged with exasperation. Radditz wanted to claim sole wooing rights to the blue-haired female. I obliged him with battle, he said simply.

Zarbon scowled. So you fought to win Bulma? he asked skeptically.

I suppose that's what you could say in the oversimplified version, yes, Vegeta snapped, raising his head and fixing Zarbon with a cold stare.

Why would you fight over Bulma? Do you want her, Vegeta? Zarbon said, incredulous.

Of course not, Vegeta said with a snort. She's an impossible, low-class woman.

Then why did you fight? Zarbon asked softly.

So Radditz couldn't have her, he hissed in return.

Zarbon sighed and propped his back up against the console, his eyes turned skyward. That doesn't make sense, Vegeta, Zarbon said quietly. You paid so much attention to her last night. You even wrapped your tail around her. Then you fight for the right to court her and suddenly you don't want her? Come on, Vegeta, give me a little credit, he murmured. Now don't lie to me.

About what? Vegeta said angrily. I've told you the truth.

Zarbon rolled his eyes. You've told me part of it. Now tell me what your intentions are. What are you going to do with this newly won right of yours?

Vegeta fell silent for a few moments, considering. he finally answered, walking over to where a towel lay on the floor, discarded earlier, and picked it up, dabbing his face with it.

That's it? Zarbon asked, surprised. You're not going to do a thing?

How's Radditz? Vegeta asked idly, turning his head to the side to wipe off his neck.

Zarbon scowled more deeply. Don't change the subject. But Radditz is fine. He should be out of the tank today, and hopefully he won't have too many scars on the shoulder you tried to eat.

Vegeta said, turning to walk away.

Oh, no you don't. How do you plan to handle this? Zarbon continued, stepping in front of Vegeta.

I already told you I don't plan to do anything with this. What would you have me do, anyway? Vegeta snapped.

Zarbon smiled, the expression slightly evil and certainly cunning. Take advantage of the situation, Vegeta. This is probably the only woman you'll ever get to practice your charms on, not counting Anpane, obviously. Assuming, of course, that you can actually find your charm under all the layers of egotism you use to hide yourself.

Vegeta cocked his head to the side, his scowl intensifying. Didn't I tell you to shut up quite some time ago? he growled. Did you think I was kidding?

Zarbon shook his head. Are you going to go through with this or not? he demanded.

What do you mean? Vegeta asked, trying to step around Zarbon.

Zarbon conveniently stayed in his way. I mean are you going to woo her.

Certainly not, Vegeta said, offended.

Zarbon shrugged and stepped out of his path. Very well. Then I assume you won't mind when she goes running to Radditz, as she most certainly will if you don't do something soon, he said, his eyes carefully studying Vegeta.

Vegeta stopped in his tracks but didn't turn around. How's that? he asked quietly.

Zarbon smiled. You'll lose her if you don't act fast. She's a caring woman, and Radditz can use his infirmity to win her heart.

Vegeta spun around, meeting Zarbon's cold golden gaze angrily. He can't do that. It violates the outcome of our contest, he protested.

It's not something he'll be able to control. You're going to have to find a way to make her like you better than him, otherwise you'll be out of the running forever. Face it, Vegeta, you're an asshole, and she'd have to be crazy to like you.

What would you have me do? Vegeta asked suspiciously.

Zarbon grinned broadly. Oh, this is my specialty, he said, voice smooth.

Vegeta allowed himself a tiny smile. That woman from accounting seemed to think so, he murmured.

Zarbon's cheeks colored but he didn't refute the comment. Ahem. Well, so you want to get Bulma. Why don't you just seduce her and be done with it.

Vegeta's cheeks stained a dark crimson. I don't want that, he mumbled, so softly Zarbon had to strain to hear him. She doesn't like violence.

Zarbon cupped a hand to his ear. Excuse me, what? She doesn't like violence and that's why you're not going to flirt with her? That really doesn't make any sense.

I don't want her, Vegeta said angrily. I hate her. I want her dead.

Zarbon's eyebrows shot up and he straightened his spine. Okay, that makes even less sense, if that's even possible at this point, he said, scratching his nose. I'm totally losing you here, Vegeta, he grumbled.

Vegeta shook his head. I hate her. Did you know that when Radditz screamed at me so long ago that her eyes got stuck in my head as well? Those damn blue eyes have been my torment for the greater part of a year. Even after Radditz's voice stopped those cursed blue eyes went on and on...perhaps if I end her life those damn eyes will disappear as well.

Zarbon scowled and put his chin to his chest, crossing his arms and sighing. This will be the only time I'll ever say this, but I can understand that kind of bizarre logic. I don't think you're right, though. I think you should just stop being around her. Yes, forget all about her. Oh, and here's an idea, while you're forgetting about her you can actually tend to your duties! Oh yes, you're an emperor, in case you haven't forgotten. Thank goodness I've been keeping in contact with Atlia, because you sure as hell haven't!

Vegeta's features darkened dangerously. Shut up, he snapped.

Oh, but if you're not playing pattycake with your little girlfriend you might have to actually do some work, Zarbon snarled sarcastically. God forbid you actually lift a finger to run your own goddamn empire.

I said shut up, Vegeta reiterated angrily.

You see, you made this little promise to protect all the planets within your empire from Freeza. That was one of the main selling points, if I'm not mistaken. But what have you done to ensure their safety? Eh? Nothing, that's what! You've just taken a little vacation chasing around some woman and fighting with virtually every native you can get your hands on. Good job, Emperor Vegeta! This way you can be sure to not only have Freeza destroy most of your empire when he shows up, but now you can have systems upon systems throwing revolutions against you because of your feeble, empty promises! Wow, that sounds like a great plan! Zarbon howled, eyes shining crazily as he walked around the room, gesturing in the air frantically.

Shut up! Vegeta shouted, bringing his fist down ferociously.

Zarbon stopped his tirade and looked at Vegeta coldly. You're screwing this up, Vegeta. This is your chance to have everything you ever wanted. I'm not going to see you throw it away because of some damn woman. Don't kill her, we need her, but for heaven's sake forget her. You'll need all the concentration you can get to pull your ass out of this one whole.

I'm not planning on getting out of this whole, Vegeta said quietly, turning away and heading for the exit.

Zarbon stared after him. Oh yes, Vegeta was planning on killing himself to destroy Freeza. He felt his heart turn to stone and sink into the soles of his feet. Vegeta didn't care about anything or anyone, not even himself. Zarbon held back the angry tears, wishing that for once his discipline would fail so he could release the sobs of frustration building up inside of him. He had been a warrior for so long, so detached from everything, that worthless Dodoria being the closest thing he'd ever had to a friend in his entire adult life until Vegeta came along. Vegeta needed a reason to live, and although it hurt him that he and his friendship were not worth enough to the Saiyan to be a reason for life he would still try his best to find something. That something, at the moment, appeared to be the woman, as much as he hated to admit it. Something was going on there that Vegeta wasn't telling him, and he wondered for a moment if even Vegeta knew exactly what it was. Vegeta wouldn't have fought Radditz unless there had been a reason. With a sigh he followed Vegeta out of the gravity chamber. If there was something that could be done, he would try to do it, regardless of the cost to himself. He just had to.