Chapter 53

She lay in bed, staring at the silken canopy and listening to her shallow breathing as she tried to ignore the burned feeling of her body. It had only happened yesterday, and while she had received some medical attention, it was definitely not sufficient to relieve her pain or cause her to believe that she was actually healing. She lay there, feeling terribly alone, little stray prickles of electricity occasionally running up and down her arms. He hadn't even been there to see her. He didn't know how she was doing and didn't care. Well, she'd had enough of him. As soon as she was better she was going to visit Atlia and demand that he provide her with a ship home. She was through with the stupid games and his coldness. She could do better. Perhaps she would ask Radditz to come home with her.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. She glanced at her attendant and the female rose, opening the door a crack and exchanging some low words. The conversation began to drag on, and Bulma rolled over to face out the window, trying to let her thoughts wander once again so she wouldn't have to deal with the soreness of her body. There was suddenly a sharp rustle of clothing and the quick clipping of soles across the stone floor, stopping at her bedside as the mattress sank beneath someone's weight. She sighed and closed her eyes, wishing for all the world that whoever it was would just go away and leave her to her pain.

Zarbon says you don't want Anpane to be killed, a familiar voice growled.

Bulma squeezed her eyes shut harder, thinking that he was the last person in the universe she wanted to talk to. Go away, she mumbled between her swollen, cracked lips.

She has to be killed, woman. Such insubordination will not be tolerated and she will be the example, he explained.

Go away. I don't want to see you, she repeated hoarsely.

What's the matter with you? he snapped, and she felt the mattress shift as he moved around to peer at her. I can't even see you beneath all that gauzy material. Take it off.

she moaned. Leave me alone. You don't want to see me anyway.

Dammit, woman, he snarled, and suddenly he was standing before her on the other side of the bed, facing her. He reached down and plucked off the gauzy scarves that were protecting her skin from the light, and she looked up at him through bruised, slitted eyelids, watching his angry expression slacken into shock.

Go away, she whispered, and shut her eyes.

Dear god! he exclaimed, quickly removing the remaining scarves. Look at you! Hasn't a doctor seen you?

She kept her eyes closed, surprised at the distress in his voice. Zarbon sent some people last night, but they couldn't help much. The burns are bad. It hurts to breathe and today I can't swallow.

he breathed, and she opened her eyes a crack. His eyebrows were furrowed, but not in his customary expression of anger. He actually seemed...concerned. She watched as something changed in his eyes, and suddenly she realized he was opening himself to her, letting himself feel her inside of him, testing her condition and tasting her pain. We have to get you to a tank now, he said sharply, and this time there was no mistaking the alarm in his voice.

Why? What's wrong? she murmured, trying her best to blink.

You're in very bad shape, he said gruffly, quickly removing the bedclothes and tearing her clothing from her as gently as he could. Shit, you're sticking to the sheets, he mumbled.

What's happening? she groaned, the movement sending needles of pain through her body, and she felt him wince as he shared it with her.

he yelled. Is Radditz outside?

Yes, Lord, the attended responded.

Get him in here, he snapped.

Bulma heard rapid footsteps arrive at the bedside. she heard Radditz say. She tried to look at him, tried to see the expression on his face, but her eyes had swollen completely shut.

Prepare a rejuvenation tank immediately, Vegeta barked. She's deteriorating quickly."

The sound of Radditz swallowing hard reached her ears. she wheezed, watching as even the insides of her eyelids disappeared from her vision.

Hold on, Vegeta said quietly. This is going to sting badly. She listened to Radditz's retreating footsteps and then screamed as she felt Vegeta's hands wrap around her bare skin. Oh, gods, she heard him gasp, but he picked her up anyway, her limbs flapping uselessly in the air.

she sobbed, moaning as he held her to his chest.

Just hold on, it's not long now, he urged her, and she felt him taking to the air. I'll not jostle you, you won't move about at all if you hold still.

Air was rushing past her scalded skin. she croaked.

Shhh, I know, I know, he whispered, almost too low for her to hear.

she gasped.

Here, this won't, she heard him say into her mind, and suddenly her mind was flooded with pictures of herself, laughing, crying, angry, and she could have sworn she was glowing in each and every single one of them. Then, so quickly she almost missed it, an electric shock of pleasure spread through her system as she felt soft lips pressed against hers, the first-ever kiss...She realized that she was seeing herself, feeling herself, through him. Take it, take this strength.

she choked. I might not be that beautiful ever again...

She heard him bark a bitter laugh. Woman, I told you once, you could look like a Bedark and it wouldn't change anything between us, he said.

He stopped abruptly and she screamed again with the pain, mentally groping towards him and tearing at his offered strength with all her might. He gasped and nearly pulled away, and then she felt suffused with a coolness, soothing the insides of her. Take her, she heard him wheeze, and cool hands quickly laid her against cold metal. Soon there was a clicking noise and fluid splashed around her ankles, and just before the liquid reached her ears she heard someone screaming How DARE you keep me ignorant of her condition!


How DARE you keep me ignorant of her condition! Vegeta bellowed, breathing ragged as he picked himself up off of the floor and angrily stared down all the med techs in the room.

I-I-I wasn't very aware of her condition, sire, Radditz stammered, shaking his head back and forth. She was covered with those cloths, and wouldn't let anyone move them.

That is no excuse! Vegeta shouted, eyes filled with rage. She should have been put in a tank immediately after it happened!

Tell Zarbon that! Radditz blurted nervously. He was the one that said she didn't need the tank!

Vegeta shrieked with all his might, unconsciously powering up.

Zarbon cried as he burst into the room, eyes wide and hair flying every which direction. What's happened? Vegeta opened his mouth to begin his tirade, but Zarbon rushed over to the tank and put his hands on the glass. Oh my god! What happened to her? Is she all right? he panted, turning and staring at Vegeta, face suddenly lined with worry.

Vegeta found himself utterly disarmed and staring at Zarbon. Radditz cleared his throat uncomfortably. She's in the tank, Vegeta said, dumbfounded at Zarbon's behavior.

I had no idea she'd get this bad. If it really was just a simple electrical shock she should have been feeling much better this morning, and maybe some of the blisters would burst, but she should have been fine, really. Oh, this is all my fault! If I'd have known, Zarbon rambled, eyes wide and fixed on the woman floating in the tank.

Radditz laid a heavy hand on Zarbon's shoulder. Zarbon, it's fine. She's going to be fine. There was no way you could have known, he said, tone surprisingly gentle.

Vegeta drew himself up to his full height and raised his nose in the air. It is most certainly not fine, he declared imperiously. No one tampers with my lifemate.

Radditz sighed. Vegeta, she'll be fine. You helped her, no lasting harm done.

Zarbon immediately regained his composure, golden eyes calming as he smoothed his hair into place. Helped her? You reopened your channel with her? he said evenly.

Vegeta's scowl returned.

Zarbon broke out into an unexpected grin. Good for you! he said, and trotted over to lay a hand on Vegeta's arm. I knew you could do it! You see, sometimes letting someone into your heart is about strength, not about weakness, he explained.

Vegeta stared at his mentor in horror, his cheeks immediately flaming crimson. he grumbled.

Well done, sire, Radditz said with a little bow. The Empress owes you her life.

Zarbon gave them both a conspiratorial wink. Ah, yes. The Empress is fully capable of defending herself, but the Emperor will also ensure her safety. This will go over very well with the public. You might win their hearts yet, Vegeta, he chortled.

Radditz and Vegeta exchanged uneasy glances. How did you know how I helped her? Vegeta asked suddenly, narrowing his eyes.

Zarbon rolled his eyes. Honestly, with all the Saiyans running around did you think it could be kept secret for very long?

Vegeta shot Radditz a look that would have killed a lesser man.

Zarbon noticed the look and shook his head. Actually, it was that meat-head Nappa. Whoops! Did I tattle?

Radditz had the nerve to laugh. Vegeta's cheeks reddened even more and his scowl intensified. That's enough, he growled.

Zarbon sighed. I suppose. You've never been much fun, he commented. Anyway, I also need to tell you that I've promoted Radditz to head of the Imperial Guard.

Vegeta's eyebrows twitched in shock. What? But that position is equal in rank with the Commander! That would put him tied for third in command with Atlia and Nappa!

Zarbon smiled. I know, he said slyly, casting a look back at the tank. Anyway, I should be going, now that I know everything is under control. I was in the middle of something when the alarm was raised that something had happened to the Empress and the Emperor was rushing her to the infirmary.

You're lucky to not be joining her in a tank, Vegeta snapped. If you ever pull anything like this again I swear to all the gods of evil that I will have your head served to me on a platter.

Oh, I'm sure of it, Zarbon replied with aplomb, and left the room.

Her eyes fluttered open to the sight of the curtains blowing in the wind, revealing intermittently the black of the sky outside. There were torches still burning on the spacious balcony, the flames whipping back and forth in the strong breeze. The night was completely still, and for a moment she wondered if she could possibly be awake. A warm arm corded with muscle was wrapped around her beneath her breasts, and she looked down to see a shining golden wedding band on the ring finger of the hand on her skin. She shifted positions and felt something furry tighten around her waist. Her fingers reached down to stroke it and she was rewarded with a deep sound, almost like a purr. You're awake, he said, voice beneath the sound of the night wind.

she said. Why are you here?

Silence wound between them for a few moments. You're my wife. You should be at my side when it's possible.

A new philosophy, eh?


She turned around to face him and threw her arms around his neck. I'm glad that's over, she murmured into the warm skin of his throat.

You're healed now, he agreed, looking down into her face.

No, I mean I'm glad you decided to be with me finally, she said.

He released her and lay on his back, his sharp profile directed towards the ceiling. Well, we'll see where this gets us.

What? No talk about death? she said, only half-teasing.

We'll see about that too, won't we?

I hope not, she murmured.

Without warning he spun and cupped her chin in his hand, placing his velvety lips on hers and kissing her. She made a little noise of surprised pleasure and closed her eyes, leaning into him. We marry again in two days, he murmured, pulling away.


Yes. If you thought your wedding was splendid before...

It wasn't splendid at all. We only had a little time to plan. The way I figure it you owe me, buster, she said.

He blinked for a second before rolling onto his back again. Well, this time the whole Empire is backing it up. You'll get what you want.

She laughed, the sound starting deep in her chest and erupting forth like a clear, clean river. You're what I want!

Hmph. Refer to the we'll see' comment, he growled.

Then why don't I convince you? she crooned, thrusting her hands down in between their bodies. His head tilted back with a sharp intake of breath and a low moan escaped his throat.

he murmured.

Goku's eyes popped open in the darkness, the inside of his skull feeling like someone were scratching it very lightly, almost like an itch. He gently unwrapped his arms from around his wife and sat up in the bed, scratching at his head to make the feeling go away. He stopped for a moment and listened intently, his senses on the alert although he didn't know why. Was something wrong? A slight scowl touched his face and he concentrated, reaching out with every single one of his senses. Only the regular nighttime noises of crickets and cicadas reached his ears and Gohan's life force was steady in sleep. ChiChi breathed slowly beside him, her body warm and soft where it touched his. He could feel Piccolo a ways off, but that was nothing unusual either. Radditz, who called Piccolo a Namek and was far more sensitive to psychic bonds than he himself was, had told him once that Piccolo felt almost like a second father to Gohan. That really didn't surprise Goku, nor was he jealous. The way he figured it, Gohan was a special child and deserved all the love he could get. Besides, he liked Piccolo, despite the green man's gruff demeanor, and he respected Piccolo's power. It was reassuring to Goku that Piccolo would be around to protect Gohan in case anything happened. He was almost certain something would happen.

It finally dawned upon Goku that perhaps that certainty was part of the itchy feeling on the inside of his head. He scratched at it again and decided he wouldn't be able to sleep with it going on, so he quietly rose from the bed and trotted down the hall towards the kitchen, continually scratching his head with one hand as he adjusted his underwear with the other. Since he couldn't sleep he might as well eat. Eating was fun, after all. He found his mouth watering by the time he arrived at the kitchen, and he had his hand on the handle of the refrigerator when a voice growled inside his head Took you long enough.

Goku stood up straight and looked around, blinking in confusion. King Kai? he said, brow furrowing. Where are you?

He heard an exasperated sigh. I'm at home, silly, the deity answered curtly. I'm using telepathy, remember?

Oh, yeah, you can do that, Goku said, nodding and still looking around the room. Hey, the itching's gone!

Another sigh. Of course, Goku. I'm the one who did that. I needed to talk to you but I didn't want to wake up your scary wife.

Oh, ChiChi's not scary! Goku protested with a laugh. She's just tense all the time. But you're probably right, not wanting to wake her up.

Exactly. Now, do you remember what we talked about last time I spoke with you?

Goku blinked into the darkness of the kitchen. Uh, no, not really.

About how Vegeta and the others are going to be in danger?

Oh, right. You mentioned that Vegeta's going to try and fight some guy named Freeza, Goku said, opening the fridge.

Don't you understand what that means? Freeza's one of the most evil, most powerful, most destructive beings in the universe! If Vegeta fights him and loses there's nothing to stand between Freeza and universal domination!

I thought you didn't like Vegeta, Goku said, scowling as he pulled out a brick of cheese.

I didn't, I don't. Kami and I have been talking, though, and it seems that perhaps Vegeta isn't as bad as he first seemed. He married Bulma, after all.

Yeah, I guess he seems to like her as much as anybody, Goku replied absently, scratching at his head again although it no longer itched. He reached into a cupboard and brought out a box of crackers.

The point is that Vegeta's nowhere near strong enough to defeat Freeza. He's going to need your help.

But I thought Vegeta was stronger than I am, Goku said, ripping into the box of crackers.

He is, for now. You've got huge potential, though. Normally I wouldn't advise anyone fight Freeza, because he's millions of times stronger than just about everyone. But I think that if you team up with your brother and Vegeta you might, just might, stand a chance. At least you'll stand a better chance than anyone else.

Zarbon will help too, Goku said, taking a huge bite out of the cheese. And Radditz mentioned another Saiyan, Nappa. He sounded pretty strong, and I betcha he would help too.

Perhaps. At any rate, Vegeta and Bulma are going to get married again in a couple of days, or so the message goes down the celestial grapevine. But it's nothing to whine about! Heh heh heh!


Grapevine? Whine? Wine? Get it?

Uh, no...I thought we were talking about Vegeta and Bulma, Goku said, stuffing a handful of crackers into his mouth.

Never mind. You will never understand my comic genius, King Kai said with a sigh. The point is that it looks like Freeza's sent a squad ahead to Arlia to attack Vegeta's empire. They're going to need your help, and the sooner you can set off into space the better.

But how am I going to get there? Goku asked, tilting his head to the side.

Ask Bulma's father. See if you can use the weeks of travel to get stronger.

How long do I have to get there?

Hmmm...well, it looks like you'll have about two weeks before Freeza's forces get there.

Two weeks?! But Radditz says it takes between two and three just to get to Arlia! Goku cried.

Then you'd better hurry up and have that space pod build, hadn't you?

I'd better go now! Goku said, tossing the remains of the cheese and crackers on the counter and rushing towards the door.

Clothes, Goku! Clothes! King Kai urged.

Goku stopped in his tracks and looked down at himself. Oh, right! he said, quickly dashing back to his room and throwing on a gi. I'm off! he shouted, running outside. Thanks, King Kai! I'll talk to you soon!

Whatever, Goku. Good luck.

Goku made excellent time getting to Capsule Corporation, putting on all the speed he could muster and nearly doing a faceplant in the slippery grass of the lawn when he landed too quickly. Immediately the yard was full of security robots, all firing at him. Goku yelped in surprise and quickly began to dispatch them as quickly as he could, a few of the beams still hitting their mark.

What in tarnation is going on out here? a voice rang across the yard, and Goku lifted his eyes up from the smoking wreckage of the security robots to see Dr. Briefs standing in the doorway, a laser cannon on his shoulder.

Hi! It's me! Goku cried brightly, waving.

Dr. Briefs blinked and slowly lowered the weapon. Goku? What are you doing here at this hour?

Goku glanced up at the sky. Oops, sorry, I guess it is kinda late, he said, and took a few steps backward.

Dr. Briefs sighed. Well, you're here now. What do you need, my boy? You know Bulma moved away, right?

Oh, yeah, I remember that, Goku said. She's living in space with Vegeta. But I didn't come to see her, I came to see you.

Really? Then why don't you come inside? the old man said, waving Goku near. We can talk about it over a cup of coffee.

Goku picked his way between the smoldering remains of robots. Okay. Sorry about the robots. I wasn't ready for them, he said quietly.

Dr. Briefs shut the door behind them and shook his head. Oh, it's okay. It used to happen all the time when Radditz and Vegeta were around. We just can't seem to manufacture a Saiyan-proof model, but they seem to work against everyone else.

Goku nodded as Dr. Briefs led him into the kitchen. I just came to ask a favor, Goku said.

Dr. Briefs nodded. Fine. Do you want some coffee?

Uh, no, thanks. It makes me giddy.

Dr. Briefs laughed. Well, we can't have that, he said, and began to brew himself a cup. So what can I do for you?

Goku took a seat. I need a spaceship. I have to be on Arlia in two weeks.

Dr. Briefs nearly dropped the mug he was holding. What? Two weeks? Why, you'd have to have left four days ago!

That's why I need it now! Goku said.

Dr. Briefs set the mug down and stared at the coffeepot, index finger stroking his moustache. Well, given the studies we've been able to do on the pod Vegeta left us, not to mention the other craft, I should be able to have something ready for you in about two days, if we work nonstop. I can't guarantee it'll get you there in one piece, though. It'll just be a prototype. Luckily we've already got one almost finished, or you'd have to wait another month.

I can hardly afford to wait two days! Goku cried.

If you don't mind me asking, my boy, why the rush? How come you need to visit your brother right away?

It's not that. I think they're all in a lot of danger.

Danger? My baby girl's in danger? How?

I'm not really sure what's going on. I just know what I need to go an help, Goku said earnestly.

Dr. Briefs sighed. Well, two days is still the best I can do. I'll have to call in the techs tonight to help me out. I had better make a bigger pot of coffee.

Thank you! Goku cried, leaping up from his chair and scooping up the old man in a bear-hug.

You're welcome, Dr. Briefs wheezed as the air was forced out of his lungs. You can put me down now. I can't work if you kill me.

Goku said sheepishly. Well, I guess I had better get home in case ChiChi wakes up.

Yes. Go home to that wife of yours, Dr. Briefs replied, adjusting his glasses and smoothing out the front of his bathrobe.

Goku said with a wave and dashed out the door.

Those young ones, always in a hurry, Dr. Briefs mumbled, and poured himself his cup of coffee.