Chapter 57

He stared at Zarbon's pain-twisted features, following the graceful, blue-skinned finger's direction until his eyes came to rest on the pile of ruins. Something stirred in his chest, but nothing occurred to him. Then, slowly, icy fingers seemed to curl around his heart and squeeze it tightly. He looked back at Zarbon in disbelief, trying desperately not to recognize the implications. Then it dawned on him; he couldn't feel her anymore. He couldn't close his eyes and point to her location. His eyes locked with the golden eyes of his aide and he felt the breath move in and out of him rapidly. Then it was as if the world itself had cracked inside of him, tearing him to shreds. He couldn't lose her, he just couldn't. Not after all they had been through. The golden eyes he looked into were shadowed with pain, loss, and understanding. It was the understanding that hurt him the most. How could Zarbon possibly comprehend his pain? He felt a gentle touch at his mind, but he pushed it away violently.

he screamed, moving as quickly as he could towards where the palace had once stood. He noticed as he drew near that several soldiers were hovering over the stones, slowly clearing debris. Out of my way! he bellowed, and the soldiers scattered. He was dimly aware of Kakarott's ki coming up behind him, barely heard Zarbon's voice direct the soldiers to ensure that there were no more of Freeza's soldiers wandering around. He growled and roared as he heaved huge blocks of stone out of his way, the panic rising like bile in this throat as he searched for her. His sense of her was still indicating nothing.

he shouted, working even more frantically. Suddenly he was aware of Kakarott standing next to him, and as he looked at the other Saiyan he could see the reflection of his own tear-streaked face in the pair of large, black eyes that looked at him. Funny, he hadn't even realized he had started to cry.

We'll find her, Kakarott said calmly, and then bent next to him and began to move stones.

We have to find her, Vegeta snarled, fighting the horrible feelings of panic and loss that were building inside of him. He hadn't felt this abandoned and helpless since he was first strapped to Freeza's operating table. . .

Goku shouted. He turned to Vegeta. Radditz's ki signature is very faint, but it's in there somewhere.

I don't care about your damn brother! Vegeta shouted. Find my wife!!

Goku scowled but didn't reply, instead bending to his task.

Vegeta screamed. Bulma, answer me!! His gloves tore and his fingers bloodied as he gripped block after block of the rough Arlian stone. He was no longer conscious of the pain, or of the tears that still leaked from the corners of his eyes. Had he really become so weak? What had happened to him, to fear losing her so? He told himself that it was only the bond that had inadvertently formed between them, but something still didn't seem right. He shook his head to clear it, then became aware of another figure crouched beside him and Kakarott. He focused his eyes and realized it was Zarbon, who must have dragged himself from wherever Kakarott had set him down.

What in the hell are you doing? Vegeta screeched as he watched Zarbon tugging weakly at the stones. Are you trying to kill yourself?

Zarbon laughed, the sound devoid of strength. I said the same thing to you, once. It's worth it to me, Vegeta, to die if it will help you get what you want.

Vegeta stopped moving and stared at Zarbon, who bent his head at his tasks, his face obscured by his thick curtain of shimmering green hair. What was the damned man doing? Why wasn't he resting? Did he mean what he said? Vegeta said abruptly.

Zarbon turned his head slightly.

I said stop. You don't need to do this. In fact, I forbid it.

Zarbon's golden eye, seeming dull to Vegeta, appeared through a parting of the hair. he began.

I'm not going to lose both of you, Vegeta snapped.

Yes, sir, Goku said, tone worried. Come on, Zarbon, you should know better than that.

But, Goku, I can't just sit there useless! Zarbon said, weakly trying to break Kakarott's grip.

Kakarott smiled down at Zarbon and put his fingers on the back of Zarbon's neck. Vegeta watched as Kakarott pressed down slightly near Zarbon's spine. Zarbon's eyes rolled back in his head and closed, his body going limp as Kakarott gathered it up.

What did you do to him? Vegeta demanded.

I just put him to sleep for a while. It's the best way to keep him out of trouble, Kakarott said with that idiot grin of his. You should keep working.

Don't tell me what to do, Vegeta snapped, baring his teeth.

Kakarott's smile widened. That's better, he said cryptically, and moved off towards the perimeter of the ruins.

Vegeta wiped some sweat from his brow and continued to dig. He wished with all his heart he could just blast the whole pile away, but he was not about to take the chance of blasting her along with the rest of it. Then something occurred to him. He scrambled down off of the pile, tired of the slowness of his progress. Can you use telekinesis? he asked Kakarott.

Kakarott replied.

Vegeta's scowl deepened. Well, do your best. It'll be faster this way to get the big blocks off safely.

Kakarott agreed, and the two of them removed the biggest pieces of rubble.

After that task was completed, Vegeta scrambled back onto the pile and began to dig once again, Kakarott taking his place at his side. Kakarott said after an hour.

Vegeta was there immediately.

Radditz is here, Kakarott said. Probably about ten feet down.

So what? Vegeta snapped angrily. He's not my brother. I want my wife.

Kakarott sighed, which just made Vegeta angrier. Radditz probably knows where she would be, don't you think?

Vegeta did not appreciate the fact that this idiot had thought of something he hadn't. He refused to acknowledge that his panic might have caused him overlook certain facts. Perhaps. Let's get moving.

The dug for a few more minutes, and sure enough, Radditz's unruly mane appeared. His hair was so caked with rubble and dust it appeared to be a sandy blonde rather than its raven black, but he moaned when Kakarott grabbed him underneath the armpits.

he groaned, his eyes shut tightly.

Come on, brother, Kakarott said gently. You're all right. I'm here.

Radditz's eyes fluttered open.

Kakarott smiled widely. Yup. I'm right here. You're gonna be fine.

Radditz gasped, reaching toward the hole. Kakarott hauled him all the way out of the hole and curled there in Radditz's arms was Bulma's still body.

Vegeta echoed, tearing her out of Radditz's arms and clutching her to him. Bulma, answer me!

She did not respond and he held her out at arms' length, staring at her. She was very, very dusty, but other than a few bruises and scratches she seemed unharmed. he shouted, shaking her gently. She began to cough and curled around herself. He held her facedown as she coughed, gently rubbing her back. After a time her hacking ceased and he folded her into his arms, looking down into her face. Bulma, can you hear me? he said softly.

she murmured, her eyes fluttering open and rewarding him with their startling blue.

You're all right, he said, voice sounding more choked than he wanted it to, and curled himself around her.

Are you okay? Were you hurt in the fighting? she whispered.

I'm fine. We won. What happened? he said back, his eyes taking in the sight of her like a starving man devours food.

The palace caved in. Radditz saved me, she replied, closing her eyes again. I'm tired. . .

Then sleep, he said, clutching her tightly. I'm here now. She nodded and he felt her breathing steady. Then he finally looked up and over at where Radditz was being supported by his brother's arms. Their dark eyes met and something passed between them. Vegeta studied Radditz's face for long moments, seeing the lines time and pain had etched in the warrior's face, and something inside him crumbled. It was odd, but he felt a strange sort of relief as he reached out and brushed Radditz's mind. Thank you, he said softly. Radditz's eyes widened and he nodded once. A few tears welled up in his eyes as Vegeta watched.

You're welcome with all my heart, Radditz whispered aloud.


My troops have managed to capture three fairly high-ranking soldiers. They report that everyone else has been exterminated, Radditz reported hours later.

Vegeta sat in his chair, chin supported by his fist, and nodded. Very good. Atlia?

Mobilization of troops was quick and smooth, sire, the Arlian rasped. The palace was evacuated for the most part, although we lost many of the serving staff and a few soldiers who wouldn't leave their posts.

Vegeta nodded, casting a sidelong glance at Radditz. I see. Such losses are acceptable. I expect all their space fleet was taken care of?

Yes, sire, thanks to the actions of Captain Radditz, Atlia said.

Vegeta raised an eyebrow. But doesn't that fall under the jurisdiction of the Commander? he said coldly.

Atlia turned his head towards Nappa, who sat on a bench with a red face. Yes, sire.

Yet it seems that you and Radditz had to split all the Commander's duties. You, Atlia, ordered the evacuation and the deployment of the main body of troops, as well as overseeing your own duties over the communication and detection stations. Radditz does not only his duty of protecting the Empress but also ensures that captives are taken for questioning and deploys troops into space. I understand he was also instrumental in part of the evacuation and weapons deployment?

Yes, sire, Atlia said.

So what did you do, Nappa? Vegeta asked, his voice razor-sharp.

Nappa lowered his head and said nothing. He didn't do a single thing, sire, Zarbon offered, his eyes glittering and cold.

What's that? Vegeta said, letting his gaze slide over to his aide, who was completely healed thanks to a Senzu bean that Kakarott had fetched from his ship. Leave it to Kakarott to bring something like Senzu along and forget them in his ship.

I said Nappa didn't aid our operations in any discernible way. He abandoned his post, Zarbon said, narrowing his eyes.

Vegeta shifted in his seat and sighed. Nappa's negligence bothered him more than he cared to admit. It was very unlike the Commander to avoid battle, even stranger that he had blatantly disobeyed his prince. Nappa, I think you know as well as I do what the traditional punishment for this offense is. He watched at Nappa's meaty features paled. However, since you have served me well in the past, and Saiyans are not so numerous that we can afford to kill those we have left, he continued, ignoring the questioning, disbelieving glance Zarbon shot him, You will merely be severely reprimanded. With that he gestured Radditz and Zarbon forward, watching with satisfaction as alarm wormed its way through Nappa's expression. His two men took Nappa by the arms and dragged him to the center of the room. Kakarott, take the Empress outside, he ordered. He decided not to see Bulma's puzzled look that also seemed somehow accusing, and waited until the two Earthlings were out of the room.

Whenever you're ready, sire, Zarbon said coldly.

Vegeta felt a feral smile touch his lips. You can release him. I prefer it if he tries to run, actually, he said, rising and flexing a fist. He walked over to Nappa and stared up into his face. What in the hell were you thinking? he asked, his tail unwinding from his waist and fluffing up in his anger.

Nothing, my lord, Nappa mumbled.

Vegeta felt a bolt of rage pass through him and he drove his fist into Nappa's stomach with all his might. That's it?

I swear, my lord, Nappa said, dropping to his knees.

Not good enough! Vegeta bellowed, punching Nappa on the ear. How dare you disobey me! He kicked Nappa in the chest, smiling as he heard ribs crack. You could have cost me the empire! You would have, if Atlia and Radditz had been any less competent! He reached down and grabbed Nappa by the neck, raising him to his knees. We all could have been killed. If you had been at your post we would have had plenty of advance knowledge of their arrival. He backhanded Nappa savagely, picking him up when he crumpled to the floor. You came very close to causing the deaths of my wife and my closest advisor. For that I will never forgive you.

But they're aliens, Vegeta, and can't be trust- Nappa began.

Vegeta turned on Nappa, eyes ablaze. Vegeta shouted, and began to beat Nappa savagely with his fists, landing punches every place he could, kicking Nappa even after he crumpled to the ground. You almost cost me everything! he screeched, preparing to fire a ki blast at Nappa.

Sire, I thought you wanted him alive, Zarbon interjected smoothly. Vegeta whirled upon his aide in anger, then struggled to control himself as he gazed into those cool golden eyes.

Yes, Zarbon, of course, he replied stiffly, dissipating the ki and adjusting his armor casually. Atlia, you may have your guards remove him now. He is to be put under arrest in his new chamber.

Atlia nodded and soon Nappa was taken away. Room arrest? Zarbon asked.

The dungeon has been destroyed. The new room he has taken is the only one we can provide.

Zarbon sighed. I suppose you're right. Wait a moment- isn't the arena still standing?
Vegeta raised an eyebrow.

There's plenty of space down there, Zarbon said with a cold smile.

I see. Very well, then. We'll move him tomorrow. The arena wouldn't be a bad place to hold court, he replied.

Zarbon's smile widened. Absolutely. It's where this all began.

Vegeta answered with a smile of his own. The longer he was with Zarbon t he gladder he was he hadn't killed the man back in those days. Let it be done.

What. . . Radditz began, looking confused.

It's where Vegeta pronounced he was building an empire and had the Arlians pledge to him, Zarbon explained.

Radditz replied. That works out then, doesn't it?

Vegeta agreed.

Wow, you guys have this all thought out, don't you? Kakarott exclaimed.

Vegeta did his best to suppress his urge to smack the Earth-Saiyan, but his frustration found an outlet in his tone of voice. Enough. Everyone get their business in order. We will meet in the royal chambers of the arena at nightfall, he snapped.

Yes, sir, a round of voices answered, and in a matter of minutes the room was cleared, leaving Vegeta to sit down heavily in his chair, lean his head back, and stare at the ceiling for long moments in silent contemplation.


Why did you come here? Radditz asked his brother the moment they were out of Vegeta's presence.

Goku grinned and scratched the back of his head. I guess I just wanted to help. I knew you guys were going to run into trouble, he explained with a chuckle.

Radditz scowled. It was stupid, Goku, he growled. You've got ChiChi and Gohan to worry about. What if something happens to you?

Aw, nothing's going to happen! Not with all of you guys around. We'll all protect each other, right?

That's not the way it works, interjected a third voice. The two Saiyans turned to face the speaker.

Goku asked, eyes on Zarbon as the tall, green-haired alien strode up to them.

We'll all protect the Emperor, Zarbon said tonelessly. That's what Radditz and I live for. We would give our lives to protect him.

Oh, come on. Vegeta's stronger than all of us, Goku replied. We gotta work together.

Zarbon sighed and closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. No, Vegeta does whatever the hell he wants and we back him up. That's the way an Empire works.


No buts, Goku. It works the way it works and nothing else matters. Now, you can either work this way with us or I will have to send you home.

Radditz said softly.

Zarbon turned the full force of his glittering gaze on the taller Saiyan. I'm sorry, Radditz. Things are becoming too dangerous to allow anyone their own direction. We have to decide everyone's position now or it could lead to our destruction.

I didn't know it was that bad, Goku mumbled, rubbing his chin and frowning.

Oh, it's worse than that, Zarbon said quietly. Freeza sent Dodoria to fetch Vegeta. He would have never done that, especially when trying to overthrow his father, unless he was absolutely desperate to have Vegeta back.

I don't understand, Radditz interrupted, leaning against the wall of the narrow corridor and crossing his arms over his chest. Why does Freeza want Vegeta so badly?

Zarbon dropped his chin to his chest and sighed, waiting several moments with his eyes closed before answering. Freeza knows Vegeta, he said slowly. No matter how insane Freeza is or gets, or how much Vegeta denies this truth, Freeza knows Vegeta to his very core. This, I think, is one of the reasons Vegeta hates him so badly. Freeza did something horrible to the Prince when he was a boy, and Vegeta hasn't forgotten it nor will he forget it. So Vegeta wants revenge.

I think that's obvious, Radditz muttered.

Zarbon shot Radditz a look full of daggers. As I was saying, he hissed, Freeza knows all of this. Freeza also knows that Vegeta has the capacity to be the strongest warrior this universe has ever seen. He seems to have some sort of infatuation with Vegeta as well. Perhaps it's because Vegeta is ruled by emotion, as much as he would hate to admit that, and Freeza doesn't really have feelings. Vegeta is like some sort of exotic pet.

But he's not the only Saiyan.

Obviously. But you and Nappa aren't angry, passionate, and easily baited like Vegeta is. You have too much self-control and Nappa hasn't the brain for it.

Um, so how come we're in such danger? Goku interjected, a scowl of confusion on his face.

Zarbon sighed. Because, Goku, Freeza knows that Vegeta is going to use everything he can to kill him. The best way to take care of an enemy is to keep him close. Freeza wants to collect Vegeta, and his sending Dodoria shows how serious he is. When it becomes clear to him that Dodoria isn't coming back, Freeza will send the Ginyu Force. And, if by some miracle of luck we beat those fellows, Freeza will just come instead. Then, my good man, we'll all be dead.

Goku's eyes grew wide. You mean Freeza's that strong?

Radditz said between clenched teeth.

Goku breathed.

So, when we have our meeting tonight we need to convince Vegeta to leave this planet. Arlia will be safe if he's not here, so at least the Empire will survive if we don't, and perhaps someone else in our forces will eventually be able to beat Freeza.

Now you're dreaming, Radditz said with a cold laugh.

Zarbon rolled his eyes. We have to protect the Prince. We can do that better in space, where there aren't distractions. Atlia is more than capable of taking care of things here.

You're right. Where should we go? Radditz said.

Goku watched the two men for a while as they lost themselves in thought. You both really love him, don't you? he asked quietly.

Zarbon's head snapped up and he glared at Goku. I would never love a rotten, spoiled little bastard like Vegeta. He's absolutely impossible, he said sharply. Now I have some things to do before we meet this evening. Excuse me. With those words he strode down the hall with a toss of his braid.

Goku looked at his brother and was surprised to see the man was smiling. You know, they become more like one another every day, he said with a chuckle. I think Zarbon loves Vegeta even more than Bulma. He's kinda like an older brother to the Prince. I think I understand how the green fellow feels, finally.

Goku said.

In a rare moment of tenderness, Radditz reached out and tousled Goku's hair. Never mind, he said with a smile, and walked down the hallway, leaving a bewildered younger brother behind.


Zarbon leaned against the wall of the corridor once he was out of sight. Taking in deep breaths, he closed his eyes and summoned calm. The pounding of his heart had begun to subside and it seemed as if his head was finally clearing. The confusion of the day rose off of him like steam, invisible but nearly as palpable, and he resisted the urge to scream. Crying was also an option, he realized, and shook his head. He had come so close to losing everything. That Nappa was up to something as well, and damned if he didn't have the time to look into it right at the moment. He needed to come up with something in time for the meeting, and at present he was completely dumbfounded. Even if Vegeta tried to take Freeza out with a massive, life-draining energy blast he doubted it would work. Freeza would be severely wounded, but Vegeta would be dead. End of the story. He clenched his teeth. Perhaps Goku could be of use. The Earth-Saiyan was incredibly strong, almost as strong as Vegeta. They still had to fight through the entire Ginyu Force before they got to Freeza, however. He let himself crumple into a slump against the sandstone wall. Was there any way they could possibly win, or would his whole world go down in flames again?


Bulma hummed to herself as she folded her clothes and put them into drawers. Luckily she had thought to stuff a case of capsules into her shirt before the whole castle came raining down upon them, and now the simple, mundane task of taking care of her own clothing soothed her immensely. She sighed in contentment and looked around her. Of course Vegeta had commandeered one of the more glorious dwellings still left in the city, but it still didn't compare to the grandeur of the palace. She was happy for the smaller space, though. It felt more cozy to her. Suddenly she realized she would never see her room in the palace again. The whole building was gone. Then she remembered the look of anguished desperation on Radditz's face as he pulled her to him and sheltered her with his body, the bright light of summoned ki surrounding them. She hadn't suspected that he was so strong. Then again, he had to be, she supposed, if he was going to try and compete with Goku, Zarbon, and Vegeta. Her hands rested heavily on the top of the dresser, her eyes unfocused as she stared at the wall, remembering the turmoil of emotions she had felt when she saw the huge stones raining down upon them. Radditz had given her everything, she realized. If he hadn't landed on Earth she would have never met Vegeta, and despite of her near-constant anger and frustration at the Prince she couldn't imagine a lifetime in which she didn't spend it with him. He had always been there for her and always taken care of her. Why, he nearly sacrificed his own life in order to be sure that she could continue hers. How could she ever repay him? Was it even possible? She remembered that her first reaction when the stones began to come down was the flash of soul-crushing pain she felt at the prospect of never seeing her husband's face again. Radditz had made sure that she did. She sighed, lost in her inner reflections, and so was startled when she heard the door creak open behind her.

a voice whispered.

She turned around quickly, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. Blinking rapidly, she saw who it was that had entered the room. I'm fine, she said, knowing that he would never have asked her the question the answer belonged to.

I certainly hope so, he replied, closing the distance between them in a few steps.

She stared into his bottomless eyes. And you? Are you all right? she murmured, drawn to his body heat and ignoring the danger she felt there, feeling as vulnerable as a moth drawn to a flame. Would the man in front of her burn her alive with his madness for conquest and revenge?

I'm fine, he said, echoing her statement. Suddenly he grabbed her by the shoulders and held her at arms length, his smoldering gaze running over her body and examining every inch. And you do seem unharmed. Radditz deserves a substantial reward.

she said, confused by his behavior. His movements were as graceful as ever, but he seemed to hold himself stiffly and as far away from her as he could be and still hold on to her.

Bulma, I, he began, cheeks suddenly coloring.

Yes, Vegeta? she whispered, looking as deeply into his eyes as she dared.

I-I. . .

She felt the blood rush to her cheeks. Was he going to say it?

He stood there for a long moment, staring at her, mouth slightly open and his breathing labored. He leaned forward ever so slightly, as if on the verge of speech, and then abruptly released her and turned away. She stared at his back, feeling suddenly alone and cold. When the palace collapsed, I couldn't feel you anymore, he said softly.

she said bitterly, folding her arms over her breasts.

No, its just. . . I know now that it was because Radditz's ki was drowning out your smaller energy signature. But that's not the point.

Then what is the point? she snapped, surprised at the venom in her voice. Was she really so disappointed not to hear the words she had never expected from this man in the first place?

I have to go meet the others in a few minutes, dammit, woman! he said sharply, then turned to face her once again. She was shocked to see that his customary frown had eased some and his eyes actually seemed pained.

I'm sorry, she murmured. Please, go on.

When I couldn't feel you anymore, I thought for sure that I had lost you. She stood an waited for several moments, but he merely stood and looked at her, gloved hands at his sides. She was about to give up on him when he unexpectedly rushed towards her and crushed her to him, his taut muscles pressing into her skin and holding her so tightly she could barely breathe. I suddenly couldn't imagine you not being there.

she breathed, burying her face in his brawny neck. He smelled just as he always had- of autumn wind, cool with hints of warmth and spice. She was surprised to feel tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.

It's not that I need you. I don't, he said quickly, immediately creating some distance between their bodies.

She smiled. I know. I don't need you either. But I sure want you, she replied, placing her hands on either side of his face. He closed his eyes and uttered a sigh that she felt seemed to come from the depths of his being, and she ran her thumb over his soft, chiseled lips. Ever so slowly she rose up on her toes and placed her mouth on his, kissing him deeply and gently. He made a nearly inaudible sound and leaned into her, his arms and tail snaking around her waist. Finally he took a deep breath and stepped away.

You should get some rest, he said quietly. There's no telling how long this meeting will take.

I should nearly die every day, she commented, both delighted and unsettled by the sudden change in him. It makes you much more agreeable.

His face locked into its customary scowl once again. Shut up, he growled. You pull a stunt like that again and I'll kill you myself.

To her own surprise she laughed and sneaked in one last kiss on his cheek. Well, you'll have to convince me not to, then, won't you? she giggled.

He growled at her from deep in his throat, but she could see the corner of his mouth twitch in the containment of one of his rare smiles. Later, woman, later, he grumbled, and let himself out of the room.