Chapter 10
A/N: Okay, I didn't really like that last chapter. It got what I was trying to say across, but I guess it was kind of weird. I hope this chapter is better! And thank you to everyone who reviewed! I'll try to put Vegeta's feelings in here more and then focus on other characters as well. Oh, and if you think it's weird that Palmer isn't back with the fourth girl, they'll get back later today. (I started the chapter and I had forgotten about Ka'tel. oops. that's happening more and more. when I go back and read my chapters, I'll read stuff that I'll have forgotten I even put in there!)
~~~~~~~Bulma's POV~~~~~~~ When Bulma woke up again, she felt strange. Once she recalled what had happened, she had conflicting emotions. She was happy that she had friends, but she was weirded out by Vegeta. Deep down, she knew that he was right, that they were made for each other, but the knowledge that she wouldn't get to choose who she would spend her life with burned. What if she got to know Vegeta and didn't like him? Then she realized that she already knew him. She contented herself with the thought that he probably left dirty laundry everywhere and that he wasn't as perfect as he thought he was.
As a matter of fact, Bulma thought, I'd better take that ego of his down a notch or two.
After daydreaming a little more, Bulma finally got up. She walked into the kitchen and got breakfast. Once she had eaten, taken a shower and gotten dressed, she went through the door that connected the apartment to the infirmary.
"Bulma dear, are you alright?" Nurse Petunia's voice came from behind Bulma. She turned around. "I was so worried when those two nice girls brought you back unconscious."
"Yeah mom, I'm fine. Yesterday was a scorcher, wasn't it?" Bulma said with a weak laugh.
"Oh yes, it was! And today doesn't look much different! I swear, if it doesn't cool down soon." Nurse Petunia said.
~~~~~~~Yokito's POV~~~~~~~
When Vegeta had gotten back to the tent after chasing after Bulma, many questions had awaited him. Well, Yokito didn't personally have any questions for him, though he listened to everyone else. He was full of one emotion.
Elation.
With the acknowledgement of a life bond, Vegeta was effectively out of Lyra's romantic life. Vegeta could never love anyone other then Bulma, and Bulma no one but Vegeta. And that meant. well if Lyra were willing. that is to say.
Oh Hell. I'll just come right out and admit it to myself. Yokito thought. I have a chance!
He had a chance.
Whhosssshhhhhhh.
A ki beam hit him, sending him crashing to the ground. He was too deep in thought to register that he could fly, but he definitely registered the pain that came with hitting the ground.
"What the hell was that all about?" Toto's voice came into Yokito's ears. Yokito opened his eyes to see Toto's face looming above his. "Sleeping on the job, are we? Well, just for that, I think its target practice time. And guess who's the target.?" He smirked.
Yokito lifted his head a bit and looked around. With a groan, he let it land back on the ground.
"You, right?" Yokito muttered. Toto just smirked.
Lyra and Adrian landed next to Yokito and helped him up.
"That was uncalled for, Toto." Adrian growled, hatred clear in her eyes.
"And we can't have target practice," Lyra said. Yokito had a silly little grin on his face, for Lyra's voice was like music to his ears. "You aren't the ki teacher. Savil is. This is basic fighting instruction."
"Shut up, woman! I'm the teacher, and unless you want to join Yokito in honing your skills, I'd suggest you line up with the rest of the class." Toto growled. "And Yokito, in the air. I hope you're ready for this!"
~~~~~~~At the Infirmary~~~~~~~
Yokito moaned. The pain was so great. Once the bell had rung, signaling the end of classes, Yokito had fallen to the ground. Kakkarot had carried him to the infirmary with Radu, Radditz, Lyra, and Adrian close behind. Vegeta had gone to Master Sakuno's. Now he was sprawled on a tank pedestal and was moaning in pain.
"Hold on, man. You need to stand up so the sides of the tank can go up." Came Kakkarot's voice. Yokito moaned, but stood up anyway. The last thing he heard was Radditz voice telling him that they had made sure their blasts hadn't touched him.
~~~~~~~Radu's POV~~~~~~~
(A/N: Lyra has gone to her lesson with Master Sakuno, as has Vegeta.)
"So this Toto guy sounds like an asshole." Bulma said, setting down a final dish. She had made a big lunch for everyone as soon as they walked in.
"Yeah. And he holds an unnecessary grudge against Yokito." Adrian muttered. "I hate that guy!"
"Well, we'll graduate out of his class eventually, if that's any consolation." Radditz said.
"What if we let loose a stray ki blast and claim that we lost control.?" Kakkarot began.
Adrian perked up. "Hey! It could work!" Then she slumped back down. "We shouldn't risk it. You heard Master Aiikichi."
"Yeah, probably not." Radu agreed. She could already see them getting kicked out of the training camp by an overly large boot making contact with their backsides. She decided to change the subject.
"So. anyone excited to meet the new girl?" Radu said. "I forgot to tell most of you, but today, Palmer should be coming back with our fourth tent mate today! And get this; she's part of the Royal Cloak Clan!" Everyone made some comment. Kakkarot whistled.
"Wow." Radditz said.
"The Royal Cloak Clan." Bulma murmured. She looked up. "What clans are you guys from?"
"Well, Kakkarot, Radditz, and I are from the Ancient Earth Clan."
"Yokito and I are from the Makkiu Clan and Lyra's from the Koudama Clan."
"And Vegeta is of the Ancient and Royal Blood Line." Bulma nodded knowingly. Everyone stared at her.
"How did you know that?" Kakkarot asked. "Not even we knew that, and we're his best friends!"
Bulma said a little lamely, "I just do."
The silence was becoming unbearable but they were saved when the door opened and Nurse Petunia walked in.
"Oh hello children! It's so nice to see that Bulma has her little friends come over!" she cooed. Kakkarot and Radditz sweat dropped out of their chairs, Adrian fell out of hers laughing, and large sweatdrops formed on the heads of Radu and Bulma.
"Mother." Bulma muttered between clenched teeth. Radditz and Kakkarot managed to sit up again, and Adrian made a valiant attempt. She failed.
Nurse Petunia only smiled and continued to check the next room.
" 'Little friends,' Bulma?" Adrian managed to regain composure. "Oh! I haven't laughed that hard in a while! Thank you!"
"Shut up." Bulma muttered, but she smiled anyway.
~~~~~~~Vegeta's POV~~~~~~~~
"Vegeta! Pay attention!" Master Sakuno's voice got Vegeta's attention.
"What do you want old man?" Vegeta questioned in a bored tone of voice.
"Well, a new job would be nice. And also if you cut with the impertinence!" the master said. Vegeta regarded the master with a look of incredulity.
"Who's being impertinent now?!" He questioned.
"Doesn't matter," the good master growled. "For I am the one trying to teach you something. Do you know how hard it is to get anything through that thick skull of yours?"
"It just so happens that today I'm a little preoccupied! I mean, its not an everyday thing to confront your life mate!" Vegeta snapped. Truthfully, Vegeta felt comfortable telling this to the crabby old man. He figured that the master already knew that he had a life mate. Come on, the guy had only predicted his future. Surely he must have seen that?
"Ah. So you've chosen to acknowledge her. Are you sure that was the right choice?" The master asked, not at all sarcastic. He was merely contemplating.
"Given the situation, there really wasn't any other choice! And the poor girl's not even a Saiyain!" Master Sakuno gave a very unusual expression of surprise.
"She's not." the master whispered. Vegeta glared at him.
"Oh dear Goddess, old man! Don't tell me you didn't know!" Vegeta yelled, getting up. "I mean, you only predicted my future! How could this girl not be in it?"
"No future is set in stone, my lord! I only knew that you had a life mate! What good would it have done to tell you?" The master snapped.
"Well, this solves some problems about court, right? I mean, how many marriage proposals can I get when I'm as good as married right now? And I'll never be courted by annoying empty-headed wall flowers!" Vegeta stopped when he saw that the master wasn't paying attention. "Are you listening?"
"Do you not see, child?" the master asked in his seer voice. "If people know that you have a life mate, a strong alliance can not be made during a difficult time. If people don't know because you've kept it a secret, they'll be insulted when you never acknowledge another woman as your lady! These are problems that would have happened no matter what. But that she isn't Saiyain." The master opened his eyes.
"I think," the master said carefully, "that today we shall start a new lesson. A lesson on how to politely refuse a lady's hints and advances, and how to politely refuse a lord when he offers one of his daughters."
~~~~~~~An hour later at the infirmary. Vegeta and Lyra have both finished their lessons~~~~~~~~
Adrian, Radditz, Kakkarot, Radu, and Bulma were just talking, waiting for Yokito's time to be up. The door to the infirmary opened and Vegeta and Lyra walked in.
"Hello everyone! Any chance we can get some of whatever smells so good?" Lyra said. Bulma stood up.
"Sure. I'll make enough for three hungry Saiyains because Yokito should be out soon." Lyra thanked her and Bulma smiled. She turned around and went into the door that led to the apartment and, more importantly, the kitchen. Vegeta silently walked after her. Everyone watched him in silence.
Whhhooossshhhh.
The sound signaled that Yokito was done. Kakkarot and Radditz got up and went into the tank room. Lyra sighed and sat down at the table.
"These last two days have been really crazy. Anyone else feeling just a little overwhelmed?" Lyra asked.
"Well, kind of, but in a good way." Adrian commented.
"I'm sure you're under a lot more emotional strain then we are, Lyra." Radu commented quietly. The two girls glanced at her.
"What do you mean by that." Lyra asked, sounding slightly suspicious. Radu sighed and went to mental speech.
I didn't say that with an intention of angering you, Lyra-chan.
I understand that, Radu. I just don't understand the comment.
Surely you felt something for Vegeta and Yokito? Would this have not eventually led to problems? Adrian put in.
Well, I did, feel. I don't know! Lyra said, getting flustered.
Does it hurt, if only a little, that you find that Vegeta is destined to be with this strange girl? Radu whispered into Lyra's mind. Lyra nodded physically, if only a miniscule amount.
You will find that time heals most wounds, and at least you didn't truly lose anything. Vegeta is still your friend, companion, confidant, or anything else you could need. But he shall not be your lover, husband, or protector. I only tell you this so you don't deny it to yourself. And do not forget Yokito. Radu said carefully.
Vegeta. Lyra's mind echoed in response. Yokito.
I offer you this, Lyra-chan. Hold nothing against Bulma or Vegeta. Though they didn't make this bond, they can NOT break this bond. And remember Yokito.
~~~~~~~In the kitchen~~~~~~~
Bulma sighed. She heard, felt, and knew that Vegeta was following her. She didn't mind at all. In fact, it kind of made her tingle inside, but she still sighed.
She reached the kitchen and went to a machine lining one whole wall. She pushed a couple of buttons and the machine started to hum. She then turned around and devoted her attention to Vegeta.
"So you do not make this food yourself?" Vegeta asked, surprised. If Bulma had expected any comment from him, that had certainly not been it.
"Umm. yes. You didn't know? I can't really cook. My mother can but she insisted that if I ever needed to make anyone anything, I'd best let a machine do it, for it can cook better then I can." She smiled. Vegeta tipped his head back and roared with laughter.
"Shut up." She said with a smile. "I bet you've never met a girl who could ruin a glass of water." Vegeta smiled in return. Bulma loved it when he smiled. Too bad his next comment was a mistake.
"Too bad fate landed me with a wench who can't cook." Vegeta said in a jokingly sarcastic way. His stomach dropped as he watched a myriad of emotions play across Bulma's face.
Stupid, stupid Vegeta! He cursed himself. You know that this relationship is too fragile to joke like that!
The machine beeped again and four trays dropped onto a counter, but they were ignored. Bulma's hands clutched her arms, as if she was cold and alone.
Why did he have to say that? Bulma's mind raced. She felt sick, like she was trapped and needed a release. Why'd he have to go and do that? A sob escaped her lips and she slowly sunk to the floor.
Vegeta rushed forward and caught her. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her fiercely. So this is what it is like to hug the one you love.
Bulma's mind emptied of all thoughts beyond crying, questioning, and the strong arms around her. So this is what love feels like.
"Do you not feel trapped?" Bulma's voice came.
"I do not. I am sorry that you do. my love." Vegeta replied softly. "No person chooses who has a life mate, but it isn't terrible. It's a support, a love that will never fail."
"I don't hold it against you, Vegeta! I want you to know that! It's just that I don't know of any human who has ever had such a mate."
So she is a human. Vegeta thought.
"Why not ask your parents? Surely they might know." Bulma looked up and Vegeta was surprised to see her eyes twinkling with laughter.
"Vegeta, dear-heart, my mother barely even opens her eyes! She is a wonderful lady but it is a wonder that she can run the infirmary! And half the time my father doesn't even know what he is building for he has forgot his blueprints and tools!"
Vegeta was a little taken aback. "Then how did you end up to be so talented?"
"I was raised in a loving environment. Oh, dear-heart, I don't know!" She said. She allowed Vegeta's arms to slip away from her back. She took his hand and squeezed it.
"I think I am better now." She said. "Will you help me with the dishes?" Vegeta nodded and followed her out of the kitchen.
~~~~~~~In the Infirmary eating area~~~~~~~
Vegeta and Bulma walked in to find Yokito at the table. He set down his dishes and took a seat. Bulma sat next to him, secretly taking his hand.
"Toto, right?" Vegeta commented. Yokito only looked to the ceiling and mimicked praying.
"Well, if anyone's hungry, dig in!" Bulma encouraged.
~~~~~~~At G-3~~~~~~~
When the girls walked into their tent, they found a strange girl sitting on the empty bed. She had her head bowed and wasn't moving.
"Hello." Lyra began cautiously. The girl's head shot up. She had short, thick black hair and big brown eyes but her faces was too short for her features. It gave her a squished look.
"Hello." The girl whispered.
"You must be Ka'tel." Radu said. The girl nodded. "Well, I'm Radu, this is Lyra, and that's Adrian. We're happy that you're in our tent!"
"Thank you." She murmured. Lyra decided to be her outgoing self.
"If Palmer said anything stupid, we find it best just to ignore his comments!" She said happily. The girl's eyes narrowed.
"He didn't say anything wrong!" Ka'tel snapped, quick to rise to his defense. Lyra was a little taken aback. Ka'tel blushed and looked back down at her lap.
The bell rang, saving anyone from having to make any more conversation.
"Well." Radu said. "We have to go to classes now. I'm sure Palmer will be here soon to take you around. See you later!" With that, the three girls left the tent.
"Saved by the bell." Adrian muttered. "What a weird girl!"
"Oh hush!" Lyra scolded.
"Hey Lyra!" Came a masculine voice. Lyra stopped and turned around.
"Hey Palmer! Good to see you made it back with the girl!" Palmer only smirked. "Sorry, but I can't talk now. I have classes and you have a tour to give."
"Maybe we could talk later?" He asked, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"Ummm. what was the question?" Lyra asked, though she had heard perfectly well. "Oops! Gotta go!" And the three girls flew into the air.
A/N: Okay, I didn't really like that last chapter. It got what I was trying to say across, but I guess it was kind of weird. I hope this chapter is better! And thank you to everyone who reviewed! I'll try to put Vegeta's feelings in here more and then focus on other characters as well. Oh, and if you think it's weird that Palmer isn't back with the fourth girl, they'll get back later today. (I started the chapter and I had forgotten about Ka'tel. oops. that's happening more and more. when I go back and read my chapters, I'll read stuff that I'll have forgotten I even put in there!)
~~~~~~~Bulma's POV~~~~~~~ When Bulma woke up again, she felt strange. Once she recalled what had happened, she had conflicting emotions. She was happy that she had friends, but she was weirded out by Vegeta. Deep down, she knew that he was right, that they were made for each other, but the knowledge that she wouldn't get to choose who she would spend her life with burned. What if she got to know Vegeta and didn't like him? Then she realized that she already knew him. She contented herself with the thought that he probably left dirty laundry everywhere and that he wasn't as perfect as he thought he was.
As a matter of fact, Bulma thought, I'd better take that ego of his down a notch or two.
After daydreaming a little more, Bulma finally got up. She walked into the kitchen and got breakfast. Once she had eaten, taken a shower and gotten dressed, she went through the door that connected the apartment to the infirmary.
"Bulma dear, are you alright?" Nurse Petunia's voice came from behind Bulma. She turned around. "I was so worried when those two nice girls brought you back unconscious."
"Yeah mom, I'm fine. Yesterday was a scorcher, wasn't it?" Bulma said with a weak laugh.
"Oh yes, it was! And today doesn't look much different! I swear, if it doesn't cool down soon." Nurse Petunia said.
~~~~~~~Yokito's POV~~~~~~~
When Vegeta had gotten back to the tent after chasing after Bulma, many questions had awaited him. Well, Yokito didn't personally have any questions for him, though he listened to everyone else. He was full of one emotion.
Elation.
With the acknowledgement of a life bond, Vegeta was effectively out of Lyra's romantic life. Vegeta could never love anyone other then Bulma, and Bulma no one but Vegeta. And that meant. well if Lyra were willing. that is to say.
Oh Hell. I'll just come right out and admit it to myself. Yokito thought. I have a chance!
He had a chance.
Whhosssshhhhhhh.
A ki beam hit him, sending him crashing to the ground. He was too deep in thought to register that he could fly, but he definitely registered the pain that came with hitting the ground.
"What the hell was that all about?" Toto's voice came into Yokito's ears. Yokito opened his eyes to see Toto's face looming above his. "Sleeping on the job, are we? Well, just for that, I think its target practice time. And guess who's the target.?" He smirked.
Yokito lifted his head a bit and looked around. With a groan, he let it land back on the ground.
"You, right?" Yokito muttered. Toto just smirked.
Lyra and Adrian landed next to Yokito and helped him up.
"That was uncalled for, Toto." Adrian growled, hatred clear in her eyes.
"And we can't have target practice," Lyra said. Yokito had a silly little grin on his face, for Lyra's voice was like music to his ears. "You aren't the ki teacher. Savil is. This is basic fighting instruction."
"Shut up, woman! I'm the teacher, and unless you want to join Yokito in honing your skills, I'd suggest you line up with the rest of the class." Toto growled. "And Yokito, in the air. I hope you're ready for this!"
~~~~~~~At the Infirmary~~~~~~~
Yokito moaned. The pain was so great. Once the bell had rung, signaling the end of classes, Yokito had fallen to the ground. Kakkarot had carried him to the infirmary with Radu, Radditz, Lyra, and Adrian close behind. Vegeta had gone to Master Sakuno's. Now he was sprawled on a tank pedestal and was moaning in pain.
"Hold on, man. You need to stand up so the sides of the tank can go up." Came Kakkarot's voice. Yokito moaned, but stood up anyway. The last thing he heard was Radditz voice telling him that they had made sure their blasts hadn't touched him.
~~~~~~~Radu's POV~~~~~~~
(A/N: Lyra has gone to her lesson with Master Sakuno, as has Vegeta.)
"So this Toto guy sounds like an asshole." Bulma said, setting down a final dish. She had made a big lunch for everyone as soon as they walked in.
"Yeah. And he holds an unnecessary grudge against Yokito." Adrian muttered. "I hate that guy!"
"Well, we'll graduate out of his class eventually, if that's any consolation." Radditz said.
"What if we let loose a stray ki blast and claim that we lost control.?" Kakkarot began.
Adrian perked up. "Hey! It could work!" Then she slumped back down. "We shouldn't risk it. You heard Master Aiikichi."
"Yeah, probably not." Radu agreed. She could already see them getting kicked out of the training camp by an overly large boot making contact with their backsides. She decided to change the subject.
"So. anyone excited to meet the new girl?" Radu said. "I forgot to tell most of you, but today, Palmer should be coming back with our fourth tent mate today! And get this; she's part of the Royal Cloak Clan!" Everyone made some comment. Kakkarot whistled.
"Wow." Radditz said.
"The Royal Cloak Clan." Bulma murmured. She looked up. "What clans are you guys from?"
"Well, Kakkarot, Radditz, and I are from the Ancient Earth Clan."
"Yokito and I are from the Makkiu Clan and Lyra's from the Koudama Clan."
"And Vegeta is of the Ancient and Royal Blood Line." Bulma nodded knowingly. Everyone stared at her.
"How did you know that?" Kakkarot asked. "Not even we knew that, and we're his best friends!"
Bulma said a little lamely, "I just do."
The silence was becoming unbearable but they were saved when the door opened and Nurse Petunia walked in.
"Oh hello children! It's so nice to see that Bulma has her little friends come over!" she cooed. Kakkarot and Radditz sweat dropped out of their chairs, Adrian fell out of hers laughing, and large sweatdrops formed on the heads of Radu and Bulma.
"Mother." Bulma muttered between clenched teeth. Radditz and Kakkarot managed to sit up again, and Adrian made a valiant attempt. She failed.
Nurse Petunia only smiled and continued to check the next room.
" 'Little friends,' Bulma?" Adrian managed to regain composure. "Oh! I haven't laughed that hard in a while! Thank you!"
"Shut up." Bulma muttered, but she smiled anyway.
~~~~~~~Vegeta's POV~~~~~~~~
"Vegeta! Pay attention!" Master Sakuno's voice got Vegeta's attention.
"What do you want old man?" Vegeta questioned in a bored tone of voice.
"Well, a new job would be nice. And also if you cut with the impertinence!" the master said. Vegeta regarded the master with a look of incredulity.
"Who's being impertinent now?!" He questioned.
"Doesn't matter," the good master growled. "For I am the one trying to teach you something. Do you know how hard it is to get anything through that thick skull of yours?"
"It just so happens that today I'm a little preoccupied! I mean, its not an everyday thing to confront your life mate!" Vegeta snapped. Truthfully, Vegeta felt comfortable telling this to the crabby old man. He figured that the master already knew that he had a life mate. Come on, the guy had only predicted his future. Surely he must have seen that?
"Ah. So you've chosen to acknowledge her. Are you sure that was the right choice?" The master asked, not at all sarcastic. He was merely contemplating.
"Given the situation, there really wasn't any other choice! And the poor girl's not even a Saiyain!" Master Sakuno gave a very unusual expression of surprise.
"She's not." the master whispered. Vegeta glared at him.
"Oh dear Goddess, old man! Don't tell me you didn't know!" Vegeta yelled, getting up. "I mean, you only predicted my future! How could this girl not be in it?"
"No future is set in stone, my lord! I only knew that you had a life mate! What good would it have done to tell you?" The master snapped.
"Well, this solves some problems about court, right? I mean, how many marriage proposals can I get when I'm as good as married right now? And I'll never be courted by annoying empty-headed wall flowers!" Vegeta stopped when he saw that the master wasn't paying attention. "Are you listening?"
"Do you not see, child?" the master asked in his seer voice. "If people know that you have a life mate, a strong alliance can not be made during a difficult time. If people don't know because you've kept it a secret, they'll be insulted when you never acknowledge another woman as your lady! These are problems that would have happened no matter what. But that she isn't Saiyain." The master opened his eyes.
"I think," the master said carefully, "that today we shall start a new lesson. A lesson on how to politely refuse a lady's hints and advances, and how to politely refuse a lord when he offers one of his daughters."
~~~~~~~An hour later at the infirmary. Vegeta and Lyra have both finished their lessons~~~~~~~~
Adrian, Radditz, Kakkarot, Radu, and Bulma were just talking, waiting for Yokito's time to be up. The door to the infirmary opened and Vegeta and Lyra walked in.
"Hello everyone! Any chance we can get some of whatever smells so good?" Lyra said. Bulma stood up.
"Sure. I'll make enough for three hungry Saiyains because Yokito should be out soon." Lyra thanked her and Bulma smiled. She turned around and went into the door that led to the apartment and, more importantly, the kitchen. Vegeta silently walked after her. Everyone watched him in silence.
Whhhooossshhhh.
The sound signaled that Yokito was done. Kakkarot and Radditz got up and went into the tank room. Lyra sighed and sat down at the table.
"These last two days have been really crazy. Anyone else feeling just a little overwhelmed?" Lyra asked.
"Well, kind of, but in a good way." Adrian commented.
"I'm sure you're under a lot more emotional strain then we are, Lyra." Radu commented quietly. The two girls glanced at her.
"What do you mean by that." Lyra asked, sounding slightly suspicious. Radu sighed and went to mental speech.
I didn't say that with an intention of angering you, Lyra-chan.
I understand that, Radu. I just don't understand the comment.
Surely you felt something for Vegeta and Yokito? Would this have not eventually led to problems? Adrian put in.
Well, I did, feel. I don't know! Lyra said, getting flustered.
Does it hurt, if only a little, that you find that Vegeta is destined to be with this strange girl? Radu whispered into Lyra's mind. Lyra nodded physically, if only a miniscule amount.
You will find that time heals most wounds, and at least you didn't truly lose anything. Vegeta is still your friend, companion, confidant, or anything else you could need. But he shall not be your lover, husband, or protector. I only tell you this so you don't deny it to yourself. And do not forget Yokito. Radu said carefully.
Vegeta. Lyra's mind echoed in response. Yokito.
I offer you this, Lyra-chan. Hold nothing against Bulma or Vegeta. Though they didn't make this bond, they can NOT break this bond. And remember Yokito.
~~~~~~~In the kitchen~~~~~~~
Bulma sighed. She heard, felt, and knew that Vegeta was following her. She didn't mind at all. In fact, it kind of made her tingle inside, but she still sighed.
She reached the kitchen and went to a machine lining one whole wall. She pushed a couple of buttons and the machine started to hum. She then turned around and devoted her attention to Vegeta.
"So you do not make this food yourself?" Vegeta asked, surprised. If Bulma had expected any comment from him, that had certainly not been it.
"Umm. yes. You didn't know? I can't really cook. My mother can but she insisted that if I ever needed to make anyone anything, I'd best let a machine do it, for it can cook better then I can." She smiled. Vegeta tipped his head back and roared with laughter.
"Shut up." She said with a smile. "I bet you've never met a girl who could ruin a glass of water." Vegeta smiled in return. Bulma loved it when he smiled. Too bad his next comment was a mistake.
"Too bad fate landed me with a wench who can't cook." Vegeta said in a jokingly sarcastic way. His stomach dropped as he watched a myriad of emotions play across Bulma's face.
Stupid, stupid Vegeta! He cursed himself. You know that this relationship is too fragile to joke like that!
The machine beeped again and four trays dropped onto a counter, but they were ignored. Bulma's hands clutched her arms, as if she was cold and alone.
Why did he have to say that? Bulma's mind raced. She felt sick, like she was trapped and needed a release. Why'd he have to go and do that? A sob escaped her lips and she slowly sunk to the floor.
Vegeta rushed forward and caught her. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her fiercely. So this is what it is like to hug the one you love.
Bulma's mind emptied of all thoughts beyond crying, questioning, and the strong arms around her. So this is what love feels like.
"Do you not feel trapped?" Bulma's voice came.
"I do not. I am sorry that you do. my love." Vegeta replied softly. "No person chooses who has a life mate, but it isn't terrible. It's a support, a love that will never fail."
"I don't hold it against you, Vegeta! I want you to know that! It's just that I don't know of any human who has ever had such a mate."
So she is a human. Vegeta thought.
"Why not ask your parents? Surely they might know." Bulma looked up and Vegeta was surprised to see her eyes twinkling with laughter.
"Vegeta, dear-heart, my mother barely even opens her eyes! She is a wonderful lady but it is a wonder that she can run the infirmary! And half the time my father doesn't even know what he is building for he has forgot his blueprints and tools!"
Vegeta was a little taken aback. "Then how did you end up to be so talented?"
"I was raised in a loving environment. Oh, dear-heart, I don't know!" She said. She allowed Vegeta's arms to slip away from her back. She took his hand and squeezed it.
"I think I am better now." She said. "Will you help me with the dishes?" Vegeta nodded and followed her out of the kitchen.
~~~~~~~In the Infirmary eating area~~~~~~~
Vegeta and Bulma walked in to find Yokito at the table. He set down his dishes and took a seat. Bulma sat next to him, secretly taking his hand.
"Toto, right?" Vegeta commented. Yokito only looked to the ceiling and mimicked praying.
"Well, if anyone's hungry, dig in!" Bulma encouraged.
~~~~~~~At G-3~~~~~~~
When the girls walked into their tent, they found a strange girl sitting on the empty bed. She had her head bowed and wasn't moving.
"Hello." Lyra began cautiously. The girl's head shot up. She had short, thick black hair and big brown eyes but her faces was too short for her features. It gave her a squished look.
"Hello." The girl whispered.
"You must be Ka'tel." Radu said. The girl nodded. "Well, I'm Radu, this is Lyra, and that's Adrian. We're happy that you're in our tent!"
"Thank you." She murmured. Lyra decided to be her outgoing self.
"If Palmer said anything stupid, we find it best just to ignore his comments!" She said happily. The girl's eyes narrowed.
"He didn't say anything wrong!" Ka'tel snapped, quick to rise to his defense. Lyra was a little taken aback. Ka'tel blushed and looked back down at her lap.
The bell rang, saving anyone from having to make any more conversation.
"Well." Radu said. "We have to go to classes now. I'm sure Palmer will be here soon to take you around. See you later!" With that, the three girls left the tent.
"Saved by the bell." Adrian muttered. "What a weird girl!"
"Oh hush!" Lyra scolded.
"Hey Lyra!" Came a masculine voice. Lyra stopped and turned around.
"Hey Palmer! Good to see you made it back with the girl!" Palmer only smirked. "Sorry, but I can't talk now. I have classes and you have a tour to give."
"Maybe we could talk later?" He asked, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"Ummm. what was the question?" Lyra asked, though she had heard perfectly well. "Oops! Gotta go!" And the three girls flew into the air.