A lightning flash tore through the obscure sky of the outskirts of Japan.
Vegeta looked up as fat droplets of rain began to fall from the sky. He
sighed in abhorrence. It was going to be a long day. His father was on
the other quadrant of the Hans camp, Vegeta hoped in silence that his
father would not be killed in the battle that was drawing ever nearer.
This was going to be the deadliest battle yet.
The General's voice evaded his hearing. "We move to destroy the Hans camp on the count of three."
"One."
Vegeta gracefully pulled out his thin metal sword from its casing.
"Two."
The blade seemed to shine and twinkle in the flashes of lightning. They hid behind large boulders that were placed nearby to the Hans camp. Of course to attack during the evening was dishonorable. To ambush without warning went against the warrior code. But, this was personal. They had to win, or Japan would be lost forever.
"Three!"
The warriors jumped out from their hiding places, ready to charge on command.
"MOVE OUT!" General Sa's voice boomed out over the uproar of the rumbling clouds.
Letting a battle cry emit from his throat, Vegeta charged to the camp of the Hans. It was now or never. This battle would determine Vegeta's fate and the fate of Japan.
It was do or die.
***************************************************************
As thunder rumbled outside, Bulma let her gaze momentarily fixiate upon the raging fire that had been built in one of the many huts of Vejita-han school. The crackling hiss of the flames caused a hazy mist to cloud over her thoughts.
She looked over at the man who sat hunched beside the corner table. She couldn't believe that he was here now. It seemed as though the light in her darkness had arrived. They were alone now, Mameha having sensed the tension between the couple had left to boil some of her famous herbal tea. The flickering flames danced, causing shadows on the dark walls.
"What are you doing here?" She asked the hunched figure softly in the light of the fire.
He sighed and looked at her painfully, "Why did you not come to me?" He waved at her swollen stomach.
"How could I?"
"I could have helped," Yamcha spoke plainly. It had been almost a year since he had seen her. She looked as beautiful as the day she first entered Wou Dhan, when she was helplessly lost in the streets.
"How are you going to help?" She asked wearily.
"I'm going to look after you.."
She looked at him, in her own reflection.
"Only until Vegeta returns. Please let me do this," he asked lightly. "Let me stay in Jade Forest and look after you."
Bulma closed her eyes pensively. She managed to utter out her consent, "Ok.."
He stood up from his seat and gently placed his hand on her shoulder, in a comforting manner. At that moment, he swore to himself that he would protect her and her child, even if it meant hiding his love for her. He would let no harm come to her, he would die protecting her. An ache traveled through his heart, such was the effect of unrequited love.
Bulma smiled weakly up at the first friend she had made in Wou Dhan. Maybe things were looking up after all.
*****
Drops of blood intermingled with the harsh rain that poured from the sky. Was the rain an omen towards the outcome of the battle? Only time would tell.
The Hans had left their camp huts, only to emerge and find that they were being ambushed by Emperor Qin's army.
Vegeta slashed his way through the warriors that dared to challenge him. Expertly slicing at the frail flesh of his enemies. A twisted yet concentrated frown gracing his face. He knew only one thing, destroy or let yourself be destroyed. He was not about to let his own life be lost in the perilous battle, and so he fought. He fought with every inch of his being until his arm ached from having cut the marrow of his enemies' bones.
The rain poured down mercilessly, drenching and soaking his armor to the bone. A hiss escaped his mouth. Damn. He had let his guard drop, foolishly allowing one of the Hans to slash his upper arm and back in the process. Fury began to blanket his vision. It was his first wound in the battle. He had never like getting wounded in battle, you never knew where the swords of your opponent had been. As if in a trance he watched his own crimson blood ooze from shallow cut. Without a second thought, he plunged his sacred blade deep into the gut of the Han that had dared to slice at his own skin.
Vegeta watched with exhilaration as the eyes of his opponent flickered in fear and then the realization of death. Digging the blade in deeper, he held the shoulder of the dying man and growled in his ear, "That is what you get for even touching me with your pathetic fighting skills."
The Han gagged, trying catch each dying breath that was escaping from his shuddering body. As he spasmed, the blade drew deeper into his gut causing an excruciating pain to travel up his nerve cells. In a last attempt, he futilely lashed out, only damaging himself in the process.
Vegeta withdrew his trusted blade from the carcass of the Han. Kicking the body with equal resentment, he muttered to himself, "Never touch me."
Roars of men rang out in the Hans's large camp. They clashed in blood and sweat. This was to be the battle of reckoning. Vegeta came face to face with another Han, an extremely large and bulky looking Han. The Han's features were twisted with fury.
"You dare to kill my brother?" He spat each word out in contempt as he looked at the blood pooling besides his brother's body.
Vegeta stepped aside as warriors around him were clouded in their own mini battles and revengeful escapades. "It was you brother's fault for touching me with his infested sword."
"You are no warrior!" The Han bellowed, an aching in his heart from the loss of his brethren.
Vegeta's eyes glinted in annoyance. How dare this pitiful excuse for a warrior comment on his attributes as a renowned warrior. "You take that back, you piece of Han scum."
"Never."
Snarling, Vegeta raised his sword. "Then fight, for this conversation is of no consequence to the battle." With that said, he lunged towards the large bulky Han.
The Han lifted up his own thick blade and swung it in the direction of his bother's murderer. The two swords clashed together, causing reactive sparks to fly from their touch. The two warriors engaged in a stealthy battle of swords and wits. Vegeta pushed forward, raising his sword and catching his opponent off guard. "Rule number one! If you wish to be a true warrior, never let your guard down." He roared as he struck the defensive sword. Kicking the Han in stomach.
The Han doubled over, blood spurting from his mouth. Vegeta stepped back allowing the man to recover and stand back up on his feet. Growling, the Han stood up and wiped the corner of his mouth, as the blood trickled down. He flew back to Vegeta's location, his sword raised above his head ready for another bought of fighting.
Vegeta found himself being backed farther and farther away from the camp. For a split second, he looked behind and saw a raging river flowing behind him. Knowing of his predicament, he realized that he had to end this fight quickly, before he himself was plunged into the icy depths of the river.
Spinning around, he caused the Han to switch places with him. Driving the Han backwards towards the river, Vegeta fought with all his might. The Han saw himself reaching dangerously close to the river. Other warriors were still fighting around them, making the scene seem more chaotic than strategic.
Vegeta drove the warrior back further, and without hesitation plunged his sword deep into the Han's gut, giving him the same fate as his brother. Gathering up enough strength, Vegeta pulled the sword at the sword, that was deeply embedded in his opponent's gut. As he pulled out his defensive weapon, slathered with blood, Vegeta watched the warrior fall backwards into the black icy depth of the raucous river.
*****
Vegeta's chest heaved up and down as he watched the cold body fall backwards, being enveloped by the water. His features relaxed as it dawned upon him, that they had won. Not bad, he thought to himself. Of course the warrior was not much of a challenge, but you can't please them all. Only a few warriors remained standing, nearly all of them part of the Emperor's army. He looked around at the sea of dead bodies. Most were Hans, some from their own army. Vegeta crouched beside the river, with suddenly looked cool and inviting to his burning and heated face.
Cupping some water in his hands, he splashed the water onto his face. The coolness of it, immediately melting away the anxiety he always felt after a fight. Lifting up his sword, he pushed the blood-riddled weapon into the river, slicing at the water. He watched in mild awe as the blood ran off of the sword and trickle down stream.
A blow to the back of his head caused him to grunt out in pain and surprise.
In horror, he found his own body plunging into the icy depths. He caught a glance at his attacker. He didn't know if he would survive, but if he did one thing was evident.
He would have his revenge.
***************************************************************
It had been a few months since Yamcha's visit. He was now officially lodging in Jade Forest along with Bulma and her aunt. There was still no word from the Emperor's army as to the situation of the war. They were already so far off from city life that it would be impossible to receive any news in advance.
Bulma was glad for his company, and she would be forever in his debt.
A sigh escaped from her lips as she looked out of the window.
Bulma cradled the small bundle in her arms. Sudden noises from outside made her frown in annoyance. She had just put Trunks to sleep, she did not need the extra noise to wake him up. When she looked out at the scene beyond Jade Forest, tears began to well in her eyes. Gently placing Trunks into his small crib, she made a dash for the front door of the hut.
Her heart was pounding, somehow managing to drum itself into her ears. She flew past Yamcha, who was sitting comfortably on a stool, nursing Mameha's herbal tea. He looked up in confusion as she made a mad dash for the door.
Bulma ran down the hall as fast as she could, her feet pounding at the ground. Mameha poked her head out of the small kitchen, in worry. She watched as Bulma finally made it to the front door. "What on earth is the matter with that girl?" She asked Yamcha, who merely shrugged. The pair followed the excited woman out of the door and gasped in utter incredulity.
The scene that unfolded before them, was more beautiful than words could ever put together. From afar, the entire Vejita-han school of warriors were making their way noisily up the hill, carrying their belongings with pride.
Bulma raced out halfway down the hill and instead was greeted with the somber faces of the warriors close to Master Vejita himself. Bulma looked up at him, the happiness could never have been clearer. "Master Vejita!" She spoke breathlessly. Upon seeing his cold eyes and stony face, she backed away from him.
"We won the war, didn't we?" She asked fearfully.
He nodded and motioned for the rest of the warriors to head to the huts. They all obeyed and trudged noisily up the hill. "What is it? Where is Vegeta?" She whispered.
A flicker of hurt crossed his pale face. "Let's go back to my quarters. We can talk there."
"Where is Vegeta?" She demanded.
"Vegeta died during battle," He knew how much regard Bulma had held for his son, and this pained him even more.
Bulma blinked a few times, letting the news of his death sink in. "But he can't be dead! I need him, WE need him!!"
"We?" Now he was lost. Since when had she cared so deeply for Vegeta?
Bulma bowed her head. "There are some things you should know." She whispered, the hurt from her voice never fading.
She knew this was going to happen, and yet she still could not accept it. She would never accept it.
*****
He stared in shock as the small baby waved its hands above his head. Bulma was sitting on the floor of his hut, with her child. This was Vegeta's son. This was his grandson. He never knew of their relationship, he had been blinded by his own dealings to see the truth. He watched as Bulma and Yamcha played quietly with the baby boy. Yamcha, the boy whom he had thrown out of Vejita-han school many years ago, was now helping the mother of Vegeta's son. It was all too baffling for him to comprehend.
Standing up abruptly, yet making sure the trio on the floor were unaware of his exit, he made his way to the kitchen. He stepped in, somewhat angrily.
"Did you know about this Mameha?" He demanded. He had to know, never had he felt so deceived.
She turned around slowly from the boiled pot of stew that was on flame coven. Mameha looked deeply into his eyes. "Vejita-san..." She breathed. He hadn't said a word to her since his return hours ago.
Vejita faltered slightly at being addressed so lovingly. "Did you know?" He asked again.
"I had an inkling," she spoke mysteriously.
"You could have stopped this." He said harshly, "You could have stopped this young girl from bearing a dead man's child!" It was painful to say, but it was the evident truth.
Mameha licked her lips, which had suddenly transformed from smooth to rough. "It was not my place to dabble in their affairs. You and I both know that."
A silence fell over the couple. She did have some truth in her words.
"You can see the pain that girl is enduring, tell me you see it?"
"I see it," she stated simply. "But is strong. The death of your son will always hurt her deeply. After all, you still ache over your lost wife, do you not?"
He snarled and strode up to her, raising his hand to smack her across the face. His hand stopped mid-air as he realized what he was doing.
"Did I touch an old nerve, Vejita-san?" She whispered.
"Never, ever mention her to me!" He growled.
Mameha took his raised hand and brought it softly down, placing it upon her cheek. She spoke gently, "Your son will live on, through your grandson."
Vejita looked down and brushed at her cheek softly, "It's a wonder he fell in love with your niece."
She laughed, still holding the palm of his hand to her cheek. Standing on tip toes, she reached up and closed her eyes, softly placing her lips upon his. "The only difference between him and you was that he was not afraid to take a chance," the words were softly mumbled against his lips, that even he had trouble hearing them.
Withdrawing regretfully, he still rubbed her cheek. "You know.."
"I know, I know." Pulling away from his warm body, she returned to stirring the soup. With her back turned to him, she spoke. "She's a strong girl, Vejita-san. She will cope, trust me. I know I have.." And with those strange words spoken, she remained silent.
He looked at her turned form in pain. As much as he loved this woman, he would never forget the memory of the love he had lost many years ago. He just could not allow himself to be with the amazing woman that stood before him. She was everything he could ever hope for, but it was not enough to make him forget his past.
Try as he might, it was just not possible.
***************************************************************
Vegeta groaned as life was suddenly brought back to his broken limbs. Rustling from the corner of the room caused him to sit up. The last thing he could remember was plunging into an icy lake. He grunted as his stiff limbs argued with his ministrations. The back of his head still pounding, causing him to wince in pain. "Shit," he muttered.
"Ah, I see you're awake." An old voice spoke out.
Vegeta looked around in the darkness. "Who's there? Where am I?" He demanded haughtily.
The figure hunched in the corner stood up and lit a lantern on the other side of the room. "My, my. Did you lose your manners when you fell in the lake?"
Vegeta frowned in confusion. The war! He had to get back to the war. "Look, I don't know who you are, but if you don't tell me what the hell is going on, I'm going to slice open your throat." He squinted as the form came into vision.
The small gray haired woman looked at him with amusement. "I found you caught in the reeds, floating outside of my humble abode!" The old woman laughed.
"Listen you old bat, where am I?"
"In the outskirts of Kyoto."
"Kyoto?"
She laughed, "Yes, you know, that big city surrounded by other small insignificant towns."
Vegeta stood up abruptly. He fell back in pain, feeling dizzy.
The silvery haired old woman rushed to his side, "There, there dear. That was quite a blow to your head. I am surprised you managed to survive it."
"I'm a warrior." He said weakly.
"Well then young warrior, you have been unconscious for three months. I was beginning to wonder if you would ever wake up."
"WHAT?" That meant, the war was over? He found himself deep in thought, mulling over his every action.
"Yes siree!" She chirped.
"Why are you helping me?" He snapped suspiciously, she could be the enemy.
"I have nothing else to do," she said gaily. "You may address me as Shinta. What shall I call you, warrior?"
Vegeta grunted. He wondered how he had ended up with this crazy old kook of a woman. "Vegeta."
Shinta clapped, at having the young man respond to her formally.
He looked up at her. Everyone in Wou Dhan and Jade Forest would think he was dead, if he had been unconscious for an entire three months. Even Bulma. Standing up slowly this time, he looked down at the small old woman.
"How far is Wou Dhan from here?"
He needed to get back to Jade Forest.
He needed to see Bulma.
***************************************************************
A/N: Thank you for your reviews. Let me know what you thought of this chapter. Thanks!
To Yami Shinigami: Thanks for the review! The story will be written and finished by the 15th, and it will be posted as well. I'm glad you like reading this, as this isn't one of my popular fics. Most people don't want to read different fics where Vegeta doesn't have any ki, lol.
The General's voice evaded his hearing. "We move to destroy the Hans camp on the count of three."
"One."
Vegeta gracefully pulled out his thin metal sword from its casing.
"Two."
The blade seemed to shine and twinkle in the flashes of lightning. They hid behind large boulders that were placed nearby to the Hans camp. Of course to attack during the evening was dishonorable. To ambush without warning went against the warrior code. But, this was personal. They had to win, or Japan would be lost forever.
"Three!"
The warriors jumped out from their hiding places, ready to charge on command.
"MOVE OUT!" General Sa's voice boomed out over the uproar of the rumbling clouds.
Letting a battle cry emit from his throat, Vegeta charged to the camp of the Hans. It was now or never. This battle would determine Vegeta's fate and the fate of Japan.
It was do or die.
***************************************************************
As thunder rumbled outside, Bulma let her gaze momentarily fixiate upon the raging fire that had been built in one of the many huts of Vejita-han school. The crackling hiss of the flames caused a hazy mist to cloud over her thoughts.
She looked over at the man who sat hunched beside the corner table. She couldn't believe that he was here now. It seemed as though the light in her darkness had arrived. They were alone now, Mameha having sensed the tension between the couple had left to boil some of her famous herbal tea. The flickering flames danced, causing shadows on the dark walls.
"What are you doing here?" She asked the hunched figure softly in the light of the fire.
He sighed and looked at her painfully, "Why did you not come to me?" He waved at her swollen stomach.
"How could I?"
"I could have helped," Yamcha spoke plainly. It had been almost a year since he had seen her. She looked as beautiful as the day she first entered Wou Dhan, when she was helplessly lost in the streets.
"How are you going to help?" She asked wearily.
"I'm going to look after you.."
She looked at him, in her own reflection.
"Only until Vegeta returns. Please let me do this," he asked lightly. "Let me stay in Jade Forest and look after you."
Bulma closed her eyes pensively. She managed to utter out her consent, "Ok.."
He stood up from his seat and gently placed his hand on her shoulder, in a comforting manner. At that moment, he swore to himself that he would protect her and her child, even if it meant hiding his love for her. He would let no harm come to her, he would die protecting her. An ache traveled through his heart, such was the effect of unrequited love.
Bulma smiled weakly up at the first friend she had made in Wou Dhan. Maybe things were looking up after all.
*****
Drops of blood intermingled with the harsh rain that poured from the sky. Was the rain an omen towards the outcome of the battle? Only time would tell.
The Hans had left their camp huts, only to emerge and find that they were being ambushed by Emperor Qin's army.
Vegeta slashed his way through the warriors that dared to challenge him. Expertly slicing at the frail flesh of his enemies. A twisted yet concentrated frown gracing his face. He knew only one thing, destroy or let yourself be destroyed. He was not about to let his own life be lost in the perilous battle, and so he fought. He fought with every inch of his being until his arm ached from having cut the marrow of his enemies' bones.
The rain poured down mercilessly, drenching and soaking his armor to the bone. A hiss escaped his mouth. Damn. He had let his guard drop, foolishly allowing one of the Hans to slash his upper arm and back in the process. Fury began to blanket his vision. It was his first wound in the battle. He had never like getting wounded in battle, you never knew where the swords of your opponent had been. As if in a trance he watched his own crimson blood ooze from shallow cut. Without a second thought, he plunged his sacred blade deep into the gut of the Han that had dared to slice at his own skin.
Vegeta watched with exhilaration as the eyes of his opponent flickered in fear and then the realization of death. Digging the blade in deeper, he held the shoulder of the dying man and growled in his ear, "That is what you get for even touching me with your pathetic fighting skills."
The Han gagged, trying catch each dying breath that was escaping from his shuddering body. As he spasmed, the blade drew deeper into his gut causing an excruciating pain to travel up his nerve cells. In a last attempt, he futilely lashed out, only damaging himself in the process.
Vegeta withdrew his trusted blade from the carcass of the Han. Kicking the body with equal resentment, he muttered to himself, "Never touch me."
Roars of men rang out in the Hans's large camp. They clashed in blood and sweat. This was to be the battle of reckoning. Vegeta came face to face with another Han, an extremely large and bulky looking Han. The Han's features were twisted with fury.
"You dare to kill my brother?" He spat each word out in contempt as he looked at the blood pooling besides his brother's body.
Vegeta stepped aside as warriors around him were clouded in their own mini battles and revengeful escapades. "It was you brother's fault for touching me with his infested sword."
"You are no warrior!" The Han bellowed, an aching in his heart from the loss of his brethren.
Vegeta's eyes glinted in annoyance. How dare this pitiful excuse for a warrior comment on his attributes as a renowned warrior. "You take that back, you piece of Han scum."
"Never."
Snarling, Vegeta raised his sword. "Then fight, for this conversation is of no consequence to the battle." With that said, he lunged towards the large bulky Han.
The Han lifted up his own thick blade and swung it in the direction of his bother's murderer. The two swords clashed together, causing reactive sparks to fly from their touch. The two warriors engaged in a stealthy battle of swords and wits. Vegeta pushed forward, raising his sword and catching his opponent off guard. "Rule number one! If you wish to be a true warrior, never let your guard down." He roared as he struck the defensive sword. Kicking the Han in stomach.
The Han doubled over, blood spurting from his mouth. Vegeta stepped back allowing the man to recover and stand back up on his feet. Growling, the Han stood up and wiped the corner of his mouth, as the blood trickled down. He flew back to Vegeta's location, his sword raised above his head ready for another bought of fighting.
Vegeta found himself being backed farther and farther away from the camp. For a split second, he looked behind and saw a raging river flowing behind him. Knowing of his predicament, he realized that he had to end this fight quickly, before he himself was plunged into the icy depths of the river.
Spinning around, he caused the Han to switch places with him. Driving the Han backwards towards the river, Vegeta fought with all his might. The Han saw himself reaching dangerously close to the river. Other warriors were still fighting around them, making the scene seem more chaotic than strategic.
Vegeta drove the warrior back further, and without hesitation plunged his sword deep into the Han's gut, giving him the same fate as his brother. Gathering up enough strength, Vegeta pulled the sword at the sword, that was deeply embedded in his opponent's gut. As he pulled out his defensive weapon, slathered with blood, Vegeta watched the warrior fall backwards into the black icy depth of the raucous river.
*****
Vegeta's chest heaved up and down as he watched the cold body fall backwards, being enveloped by the water. His features relaxed as it dawned upon him, that they had won. Not bad, he thought to himself. Of course the warrior was not much of a challenge, but you can't please them all. Only a few warriors remained standing, nearly all of them part of the Emperor's army. He looked around at the sea of dead bodies. Most were Hans, some from their own army. Vegeta crouched beside the river, with suddenly looked cool and inviting to his burning and heated face.
Cupping some water in his hands, he splashed the water onto his face. The coolness of it, immediately melting away the anxiety he always felt after a fight. Lifting up his sword, he pushed the blood-riddled weapon into the river, slicing at the water. He watched in mild awe as the blood ran off of the sword and trickle down stream.
A blow to the back of his head caused him to grunt out in pain and surprise.
In horror, he found his own body plunging into the icy depths. He caught a glance at his attacker. He didn't know if he would survive, but if he did one thing was evident.
He would have his revenge.
***************************************************************
It had been a few months since Yamcha's visit. He was now officially lodging in Jade Forest along with Bulma and her aunt. There was still no word from the Emperor's army as to the situation of the war. They were already so far off from city life that it would be impossible to receive any news in advance.
Bulma was glad for his company, and she would be forever in his debt.
A sigh escaped from her lips as she looked out of the window.
Bulma cradled the small bundle in her arms. Sudden noises from outside made her frown in annoyance. She had just put Trunks to sleep, she did not need the extra noise to wake him up. When she looked out at the scene beyond Jade Forest, tears began to well in her eyes. Gently placing Trunks into his small crib, she made a dash for the front door of the hut.
Her heart was pounding, somehow managing to drum itself into her ears. She flew past Yamcha, who was sitting comfortably on a stool, nursing Mameha's herbal tea. He looked up in confusion as she made a mad dash for the door.
Bulma ran down the hall as fast as she could, her feet pounding at the ground. Mameha poked her head out of the small kitchen, in worry. She watched as Bulma finally made it to the front door. "What on earth is the matter with that girl?" She asked Yamcha, who merely shrugged. The pair followed the excited woman out of the door and gasped in utter incredulity.
The scene that unfolded before them, was more beautiful than words could ever put together. From afar, the entire Vejita-han school of warriors were making their way noisily up the hill, carrying their belongings with pride.
Bulma raced out halfway down the hill and instead was greeted with the somber faces of the warriors close to Master Vejita himself. Bulma looked up at him, the happiness could never have been clearer. "Master Vejita!" She spoke breathlessly. Upon seeing his cold eyes and stony face, she backed away from him.
"We won the war, didn't we?" She asked fearfully.
He nodded and motioned for the rest of the warriors to head to the huts. They all obeyed and trudged noisily up the hill. "What is it? Where is Vegeta?" She whispered.
A flicker of hurt crossed his pale face. "Let's go back to my quarters. We can talk there."
"Where is Vegeta?" She demanded.
"Vegeta died during battle," He knew how much regard Bulma had held for his son, and this pained him even more.
Bulma blinked a few times, letting the news of his death sink in. "But he can't be dead! I need him, WE need him!!"
"We?" Now he was lost. Since when had she cared so deeply for Vegeta?
Bulma bowed her head. "There are some things you should know." She whispered, the hurt from her voice never fading.
She knew this was going to happen, and yet she still could not accept it. She would never accept it.
*****
He stared in shock as the small baby waved its hands above his head. Bulma was sitting on the floor of his hut, with her child. This was Vegeta's son. This was his grandson. He never knew of their relationship, he had been blinded by his own dealings to see the truth. He watched as Bulma and Yamcha played quietly with the baby boy. Yamcha, the boy whom he had thrown out of Vejita-han school many years ago, was now helping the mother of Vegeta's son. It was all too baffling for him to comprehend.
Standing up abruptly, yet making sure the trio on the floor were unaware of his exit, he made his way to the kitchen. He stepped in, somewhat angrily.
"Did you know about this Mameha?" He demanded. He had to know, never had he felt so deceived.
She turned around slowly from the boiled pot of stew that was on flame coven. Mameha looked deeply into his eyes. "Vejita-san..." She breathed. He hadn't said a word to her since his return hours ago.
Vejita faltered slightly at being addressed so lovingly. "Did you know?" He asked again.
"I had an inkling," she spoke mysteriously.
"You could have stopped this." He said harshly, "You could have stopped this young girl from bearing a dead man's child!" It was painful to say, but it was the evident truth.
Mameha licked her lips, which had suddenly transformed from smooth to rough. "It was not my place to dabble in their affairs. You and I both know that."
A silence fell over the couple. She did have some truth in her words.
"You can see the pain that girl is enduring, tell me you see it?"
"I see it," she stated simply. "But is strong. The death of your son will always hurt her deeply. After all, you still ache over your lost wife, do you not?"
He snarled and strode up to her, raising his hand to smack her across the face. His hand stopped mid-air as he realized what he was doing.
"Did I touch an old nerve, Vejita-san?" She whispered.
"Never, ever mention her to me!" He growled.
Mameha took his raised hand and brought it softly down, placing it upon her cheek. She spoke gently, "Your son will live on, through your grandson."
Vejita looked down and brushed at her cheek softly, "It's a wonder he fell in love with your niece."
She laughed, still holding the palm of his hand to her cheek. Standing on tip toes, she reached up and closed her eyes, softly placing her lips upon his. "The only difference between him and you was that he was not afraid to take a chance," the words were softly mumbled against his lips, that even he had trouble hearing them.
Withdrawing regretfully, he still rubbed her cheek. "You know.."
"I know, I know." Pulling away from his warm body, she returned to stirring the soup. With her back turned to him, she spoke. "She's a strong girl, Vejita-san. She will cope, trust me. I know I have.." And with those strange words spoken, she remained silent.
He looked at her turned form in pain. As much as he loved this woman, he would never forget the memory of the love he had lost many years ago. He just could not allow himself to be with the amazing woman that stood before him. She was everything he could ever hope for, but it was not enough to make him forget his past.
Try as he might, it was just not possible.
***************************************************************
Vegeta groaned as life was suddenly brought back to his broken limbs. Rustling from the corner of the room caused him to sit up. The last thing he could remember was plunging into an icy lake. He grunted as his stiff limbs argued with his ministrations. The back of his head still pounding, causing him to wince in pain. "Shit," he muttered.
"Ah, I see you're awake." An old voice spoke out.
Vegeta looked around in the darkness. "Who's there? Where am I?" He demanded haughtily.
The figure hunched in the corner stood up and lit a lantern on the other side of the room. "My, my. Did you lose your manners when you fell in the lake?"
Vegeta frowned in confusion. The war! He had to get back to the war. "Look, I don't know who you are, but if you don't tell me what the hell is going on, I'm going to slice open your throat." He squinted as the form came into vision.
The small gray haired woman looked at him with amusement. "I found you caught in the reeds, floating outside of my humble abode!" The old woman laughed.
"Listen you old bat, where am I?"
"In the outskirts of Kyoto."
"Kyoto?"
She laughed, "Yes, you know, that big city surrounded by other small insignificant towns."
Vegeta stood up abruptly. He fell back in pain, feeling dizzy.
The silvery haired old woman rushed to his side, "There, there dear. That was quite a blow to your head. I am surprised you managed to survive it."
"I'm a warrior." He said weakly.
"Well then young warrior, you have been unconscious for three months. I was beginning to wonder if you would ever wake up."
"WHAT?" That meant, the war was over? He found himself deep in thought, mulling over his every action.
"Yes siree!" She chirped.
"Why are you helping me?" He snapped suspiciously, she could be the enemy.
"I have nothing else to do," she said gaily. "You may address me as Shinta. What shall I call you, warrior?"
Vegeta grunted. He wondered how he had ended up with this crazy old kook of a woman. "Vegeta."
Shinta clapped, at having the young man respond to her formally.
He looked up at her. Everyone in Wou Dhan and Jade Forest would think he was dead, if he had been unconscious for an entire three months. Even Bulma. Standing up slowly this time, he looked down at the small old woman.
"How far is Wou Dhan from here?"
He needed to get back to Jade Forest.
He needed to see Bulma.
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A/N: Thank you for your reviews. Let me know what you thought of this chapter. Thanks!
To Yami Shinigami: Thanks for the review! The story will be written and finished by the 15th, and it will be posted as well. I'm glad you like reading this, as this isn't one of my popular fics. Most people don't want to read different fics where Vegeta doesn't have any ki, lol.