Chapter 54

Can I come in? a voice came from the doorway.

Bulma looked around at her servingwomen. Who is it? she whispered to the female stationed by the doorway.

the female mouthed back.

Yes, you may enter, Bulma said, turning when one of the females motioned so the back of her gown could be better hemmed. What is it?

Zarbon stepped into the room dressed in a style she had never seen before. He still wore his customary pink diadem and matching earrings, but he was clad in drapey, flowing clothes of dark blues and reds, the golden color of his eyes glittering.

You're looking lovely, he said appreciatively, moving around her.

Thank you, she said, puzzled. You look handsome yourself. I don't think I've ever seen you in that sort of clothing before.

He let loose a sharp laugh. No, you haven't. No one has, not for a good four or five decades.

She tilted her head as the women continued to work on her gown. What? Why?

He motioned dramatically toward his clothing. This, my good woman, is the native dress of my race. It's what was customarily worn to weddings on my planet.

Well, it's fabulous. I didn't think you could look more handsome than you did before, and yet here you are before me, she replied with a smile.

He waved a hand in her direction. Oh, you, what a flatterer, he cooed. But I didn't come here to get compliments, although I appreciate them.

Well, what can I do for you? she asked.

Could we speak in private? he said suddenly, casting a cool golden glance around at the females at her feet.

Bulma's brow furrowed. Oh, certainly. If you all wouldn't mind giving us a moment? she said to her maids. They all murmured assent and shuffled out of the room. She held out her hand and Zarbon took it, helping her down from the dressing pedestal she had been standing on. Now, what's on your mind?

Zarbon's cheeks colored, the first time she had ever seen them do such a thing. I have a special favor to ask, he said softly.

Sure, Zarbon, she replied, eyebrow raised as she searched his face. What is it?

Could you...do you think you could wear this? he said, reaching into the folds of his clothing and producing a jewelled hair comb. The object was about the size of her palm and sort of resembled some sort of lily, the petals and stem' of the flower formed out of carved white and green gemstones.

Oh, it's lovely! she breathed, gently taking it from his hands and examining it closer.

I want it back after the ceremony, but it would mean a lot if you would wear it, he said, his eyes flashing away for a moment.

I would be honored, she murmured, reaching up and placing it in her hair. How does it look?

He turned solemn eyes on her, a faint smile touching his lips. It looks perfect, he said, voice nearly a whisper.

She took the ornament out and studied it again. It's so beautiful, she said. Wherever did you get it?

I've had it for about fifty years, I'd guess. It was what my wife wore in her hair when we were married, he replied quietly, looking away.

Bulma's fingers closed more gently around the ornament, her eyes searching his face. Oh, Zarbon, I'm so honored, she whispered. Suddenly she stuck the comb back in her hair and threw her arms around Zarbon's neck. Thank you so much.

He cleared his throat awkwardly and gingerly hugged her back. Well, I just thought it would be appropriate, he said, voice rough. I was against your marriage to Vegeta at first, for many reasons, but I've come to realize what's done is done, and I might as well do whatever is within my power to make sure both of you are happy.

I don't know what to say...

He laughed. You don't have to say anything. I must be getting soft in my old age.

You're not old!

Bulma, I'm plenty old. Not for my race especially, but I'm getting there. If I had had offspring with my mate, they would be fifty years old now. I would most likely have great-grandchildren, since I married late for my culture.

She sighed and sat down on the pedestal, reaching up and removing the comb again so she could trace its outline with her fingers. You know, I don't really know anything about your past. I don't even know about Vegeta's past. I only know what Radditz has told me about the Saiyans, but no one seems to know anything about you, or even where you're from.

He sat down beside her, folding his hands between his knees. There's not much you need to know. I was wed, I lost her, and in a fit of pain I joined Freeza's forces. I worked for Freeza for over forty years. I saw the Saiyan race almost completely destroyed and watched Vegeta grow up. I failed on my last mission for Freeza, and figured my best chances of survival lay in Vegeta's hands. I followed him to Earth, and I'll probably serve him until I die. That's my life.

Bulma scowled. But you were always serving somebody? What a terrible life! Didn't you ever want freedom to do as you liked?

Zarbon laughed and looked at her out of the corner of his eyes. You know, the more I know you the more you feel like a little sister. He stretched his long legs out in front of him and sighed. I don't know, he admitted. I had my own life, for a while, with her. It was sweet and grand, but my culture is one of service. I've never known much else, and I've managed to take care of myself. I think I like being of service, I like taking care of people who employ me. It's even better when I believe in what my employer's doing.

Do you believe in what Vegeta's doing? she interrupted.

He sighed again. I don't know. I don't bear Freeza any real malice, I suppose, although I probably should. He's an evil tyrant, no doubt, but I enjoyed a certain amount of personal freedom while I served him. However, if Freeza gets his way I'll be dead, and I certainly don't want to die unless I have to. I just don't know if Vegeta's strong enough to save us, and that's part of why I was so angry that he married you. It just didn't seem fair, especially since he didn't tell you anything about the situation.

Bulma stared at him. That's where the death comes from? she whispered. That's why there are those shadows in his eyes?

Zarbon nodded without looking at her. I think so. I think he's not planning to survive the encounter with Freeza. He wants to kill Freeza and thinks he can, but I think he's plotting to do it via self-destruction.

Oh, he just can't, Bulma said, blinking away tears.

Zarbon looked at her and laid a hand on her forearm. I won't let it happen, Bulma, he said solemnly. I lost my chance to be with my mate forever, and I'm not just going to sit by and watch your happiness destroyed prematurely as well, although to be honest I don't know how happy you could possibly be with a man like Vegeta. Radditz would have been a better bet for you.

Can't change any of that now, she murmured.

he said loudly, and stood in one fluid motion. And you'd better get dressed. The ceremony is in only a few hours.

Bulma stood as well. You're right, she said with a sigh, and watched Zarbon's retreating back. she called after him.

He stopped and looked over his shoulder.

She took a deep breath. Thank you. For everything. I know you sent the musicians and all the others, trying to keep me happy. Vegeta never would have done anything like that, ever.

His features softened in a heartfelt smile. You're welcome, Bulma. I don't envy you your position, a scientist among brutish, hardened warriors. Best of luck to you, and may you find what happiness you can.

The ceremony dragged on and on as the vows were given. She was glad she was wearing comfortable shoes, otherwise she would have had to sit down long ago. The ceremony had to include a little bit from each of the conquered planets' cultures, and so the ritual was already in its second hour. Every once in a while she snuck glances at Vegeta, wondering how he could stand so perfectly still and not seem bored out of his mind. Sometimes she had to repeat things that were being said to her, but the bulk of the proceedings seemed to consist of Atlia reading aloud to the assembly. She thought for sure she was going to pass out from boredom when Vegeta suddenly took her hands and stood facing her. Atlia took out a long, silken scarf and wrapped it around each of their forearms, looping it around their wrists and hands until they were literally joined by a knot in the scarf. Tying the knot, she whispered to herself, blocking out Atlia as he continued to drone on. Suddenly the assembly burst out into whoops and clapping, and Vegeta was leading her down the aisle by the hand. She quickly plastered a beaming smile on her face so it would seem like she was overcome with joy at the occasion and concentrated on not tripping over her flowing, gauzy gown.

Thank the heavens that's over, she heard Vegeta growl softly.

Oh, what, you didn't have fun? she grated. I thought it was a blast.

Shut up, woman, it's not over yet, he snarled, and they arrived at the end of the aisle to sit in twin thrones. Now we get to greet the masses before we proceed to the feast.

Well, you were right about one thing, this is a huge, splendid affair, she murmured, casting her gaze around at the richly decorated main hall of the palace. Silken ribbons and alien decorations covered every surface, and their thrones had been covered with gold. Flowers from all sorts of different planets were in stands all around the room and she knew the feasting hall would be packed with delicacies.

Just be glad Zarbon was able to talk everyone out of watching the consummation, Vegeta said quietly.

Bulma's eyes widened and she turned to him, agape. she gasped.

A small smile touched the corner of his mouth. On many of the planets it's the custom to watch the bride and groom consummate the marriage, so that there can be no doubt of the pairing, he explained. The original design had a giant bed here, draped with gauze curtains. We were supposed to put on a show before dinner.

Thank god that didn't happen! she exhaled. I wouldn't have been able to go through with it!

Vegeta merely chuckled and put on a stony expression as they were bombarded with well-wishers from all over the galaxy.


The first thing Bulma did when they got back to her rooms was to take off her gown and pitch it into the corner. Thank god that's over! she growled, kicking off her shoes. That was one of the most boring events of my life!

Vegeta shut and locked the door behind him. I thought you always wanted to be a princess, he goaded.

I didn't know any better, she spat back.

He let a cold smile curl across his face and quickly divested himself of his ceremonial armor. At least you got to wear comfortable clothes, he remarked.

I wouldn't exactly call them comfortable, she snarled.

Better than that damn armor, he grunted. That stupid cape is awful, too.

She turned around, putting her hands on the silken waist of her shift. Hmmm. You know, that bodysuit looks pretty uncomfortable too, she said, walking over to him slowly. She put her hands around to the back of his neck and began to pull it down.

He let her get it down to around his hips before his hands shot out and ripped her shift down the front, tearing it in half and tossing the fabric fragments to the side. Her mouth fell open and she stared at him in shock as his eyes burned right through her. Tonight you learn how Saiyans consummate marriages, he said, voice rough, and tossed her over his shoulder. He strode over to the bed and tossed her on top of the covers. Hope you're feeling fiesty.

She inhaled in anticipation and hooked her fingers in the folds of his bodysuit. Am I ever, she murmured, and pulled him to her.


ChiChi was almost asleep when Goku's voice cut through her dreamy haze like a knife, shattering her peace and bringing her fully alert. Her eyes snapped open and she sat upright in bed as if she'd been bitten, fixing her gaze on her husband. What? What is it? What's wrong? she gasped.

Goku stared at her, confused. What? Nothing's wrong. I was just trying to talk to you, he said, propping up his head with an arm.

ChiChi exhaled with relief. Oh. Don't scare me like that, she said testily, settling back down into the covers next to him.

I didn't mean to scare you, Goku said gently, putting a large, warm hand on her shoulder, the skin of his fingers roughened from training. I just wanted to tell you stuff.

Like what? she murmured, closing her eyes and already starting to drift off into sleep.

He leaned over and kissed her on the neck. Well, like I hope you know that I love you, no matter what happens. I will always love you, forever and ever. You're the love of my life, ChiChi.

That's nice, she said with a sigh, and he knew she wasn't paying attention.

I hope you remember I said that someday, just in case, he whispered. I just want you to know that I would never do anyting to hurt you on purpose. Sometimes there's just stuff I have to do.

She didn't reply, her chest slowly rising and falling in patterns of slumber. Goku sighed and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in tight. He buried his nose in her hair and inhaled deeply, brushing the back of her neck with his lips. I'm so sorry, he whispered, and held her like that nearly until dawn.

About an hour before the sun came up he closed the door behind him silently. He took a few steps into the grass and nearly ran smack dab into Piccolo's chest. What are you doing, Goku? the Namekian growled.

Goku grinned sheepishly and put a hand behind his head. Well, I'm going to Arlia, he said. Would you mind looking after Gohan while I'm gone?

Piccolo's scowl increased. Arlia? What for?

Goku scratched his head and let his arms drop to the sides. Vegeta's probably going to get into trouble, and I don't want to see Freeza ruling the universe, he said simply.

Piccolo narrowed his eyes. What? Pretend for a little while that you're not an idiot and try explaining this to me again, he grumbled.

Goku sighed. Well, Vegeta wants to kill Freeza. That was the plan all along. Only now Freeza seems to have found out about Vegeta and his empire, and so he's sending troops to destroy it. Vegeta doesn't know about the troops heading his way, so I gotta try and get there before anything bad happens. If everybody makes it through that okay then they're going to have Freeza and all his guys to worry about. They're going to need all the help they can get.

You're insane, Piccolo spat. You'll be killed for sure.

Goku said. But I have to try to make sure things go the best they can.

I am not gonna explain to Gohan why his father's dead again, Goku, Piccolo stated flatly. You ought not to go.

You'll take care of him, right? Teach him to take care of himself, Goku beseeched. Please. Care for my son, and make sure he watches over his mother.

If you love them, how can you leave them like this?

If I don't try my best things could get a lot worse. Freeza's trying to take over the whole universe. If he's not stopped now Earth won't be safe for much longer, Goku explained. I want my family to be safe, even if I can't be with them. Now, do you promise you'll watch them while I'm gone?

Piccolo growled.

he begged.

Piccolo spat on the ground. Fine. Don't get yourself killed for that pipsqueak prince, though, understand?

Goku gave Piccolo a brotherly swat on the shoulder. I'll do my best. Thank you, friend, he intoned.

Get out of here, Piccolo grumbled.

Goku gave him a little salue and took off into the morning sky.

Mrs. Briefs sighed and leaned her head against the cold metal of the entrance, the corners of her mouth drawn in tightly.
Dr. Briefs wiped a hand across his forehead and let out a whoosh of exausted breath. What is it, my dear? he asked, standing stiffly and taking off his glasses. The little black cat climbed down from his shoulder and scampered over to Mrs. Briefs, who scooped it up and began to pet it gently.

Oh, it's just been so quiet since everyone left. It was so much fun when Radditz and Bulma were here. Radditz was such a sweet boy. We used to have a lovely time watching TV together. Wherever did the time go?

Yes, yes, I know what you mean, he replied, shuffling over to his wife and putting an arm around her shoulders. It's strange to have our little princess gone. She stuck around for quite a few years this last time. Remember that she'll be back to visit.

Mrs. Briefs sighed, taking the cat and placing it back on her husband's shoulder. I know that's what she said, but you know how young marrrieds are. I'll bet she doesn't visit until she needs grandma and grandpa to babysit her first child.

You'd better hope that she and that fine young man of hers act quickly, then, Dr. Briefs chuckled.

She moaned and buried her face in her husband's neck, putting her arms around his middle. I still can't believe she married that Vegeta. Radditz loved her so much! He would have been so good for her, and I just know he would have taken care of our little princess.

Now, now, he said gently, patting her back and leaning his cheek against the crown of her head. Vegeta's not so bad. He's a smart boy, that one. I don't think he'd let anything happen to Bulma. He's strong, too, and he'll protect her.

I think if she would have married Radditz he would have seen to it that she was never in danger in the first place. He would have stayed here to be with her and Goku.

I don't think so, dear. He's got a tremendous loyalty to his prince, and he would always have to hold that in higher regard than Bulma. This way Vegeta's probably got everyone protecting her. Vegeta gets to call the shots, so he'll never have to leave her.

Mrs. Briefs sighed a final time. Yes, I suppose you're right. You're almost always right. You and your sweet, scientific mind.

Dr. Briefs chuckled and kissed the crown of her head. Oh, you help me, dearest. I couldn't have done any of this without you.

She smiled and leaned in to kiss him. A cough resounded on the ramp behind her. Excuse me, am I interrupting something? a voice said.

Dr. Briefs looked over his wife's shoulder. Goku, my boy! he trumpeted. You're early!

Goku put his hand behind his head and grinned foolishly. Yeah, sorry about that. I couldn't really sleep, so when it got light out I just decided to leave.

Mrs. Briefs turned around and blinked at him. You left at dawn? It took you a little while to find your way here. Is ChiChi okay?

Goku glanced at the ground, clasping his hands behind his back. I didn't really tell my family that I was leaving.

Dr. Briefs said, raising an eyebrow. But won't that really hurt them, boy?

Mrs. Briefs slapped her husband's arm lightly. Honey, can you really imagine telling ChiChi that you were going off to who-knows-where in the middle of space and you didn't know when you were coming home? Just think of the fit she'd have! However, you know, Goku, that it's absolutely going to kill Gohan. He just lost his uncle, who was one of his favorite people. You were dead for a year, too, and if you get hurt, lost, or killed on this mission, he would only have known his father for a few years out of his life.

Goku hung his head. I know. I feel horrible about Gohan, and ChiChi, too, but this is really the best thing I can do for them. Besides, Piccolo will look after Gohan if something happens to me. He did a really good job with Gohan when I died the first time.

Dr. Briefs smiled but shook his head. That may be, but there's no substitute for a father, especially when you feel things as deeply as your little boy does.

Goku sighed. I know. But this is all I can do. He stood in silence for several moments, staring down at his boots. he said finally. Is it ready?

Dr. Briefs turned to inspect the interior of the ship. Nearly. I've been having a problem.

What? What sort of problem? Goku pressed in alarm, eyes growing wide.

I can't decide where to put the cappucino maker.

Goku cried. That's what's keeping you from finishing it?!

Dr. Briefs nodded and pushed his glasses up on his nose with a forefinger. Yup. Gotta have cappucino.

I don't need cappucino! Goku wailed. I just need to leave!

Dr. Briefs narrowed his eyes and studied Goku quietly. Are you sure? No cappucino?

I'm sure! Goku howled. Please, I need to go!

Fine, fine, Dr. Briefs growled. But don't come crying to me when all you want is a cappucino in the morning. He shuffled off into the ship.

Mrs. Briefs shot a smile at Goku. You know how he is, she said with a giggle.

Goku replied, looking at her blankly.

It'll just be a few moments. Would you like something quick to eat? It's been a while since we fed a Saiyan.

Goku replied, and followed her into the house.