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A young lavender haired boy flew past the jade leaves that were strecthing out to touch him. His curtain cut hair flopped wildly as the wind blew past him. The small ten year old was running towards the special lake that was situated in Jade Forest. Ever since he could remember, he had always loved to be near the lake, call it a quirky trait if you will.
"Come here, you little shrimp!" He screeched at the young five year old girl that was speedily running ahead of him.
The little girl squealed in delight as she ran at lightning speed. "You can't catch me!" She teased, her shoulder length azure hair whipping up into the air. Raising her tiny arm above her head, she carried a small brown leather shoe.
"Bra!" Trunks whined, whilst chasing his sister to the legendary lake of Jade Forest. "Give it back!"
Bra ran into the clearing, bumping head first into her father's legs, who had been training by the lake. As he glared down at the unwelcome intrusion, Bra gulped and backed away from the angry looking man. Trunks found himself slowing down his pace as he noticed Bra had interrupted their father's private training session. He hesitated to go near the pair. This was not good.
Vegeta growled as his young daughter crashed into him, causing him to fumble in his kata. As he watched her back away in fear, tears already glistening in her cerulean eyes, his features softened.
"S-sowwy Papa," she whispered, slightly afraid. They had never been allowed to interrupt his training sessions, and he would always get angry with people if they did.
Vegeta's frown smoothed out. He looked at his beautiful young daughter, with a clear head. Crouching down, he pulled her closer. An ache resounded through his chest as he watched her wince. He had never been good at handling his children, and had always left it up to Bulma. A secret smile appeared as he thought that one day, his own daughter would grow into a beautiful young woman and steal away away a poor unsuspecting man's heart.
"Bra," his voice was gravelly as he tried to get the words out, "I have told you many times not to interrupt my training sessions, have I not?" He placed his hand on top of her head, not noticing that his son was standing a few meters behind them. His eyes wandered to her small fist, that was clutching a brown object. Taking it from her, he inspected it critically. Snorting, he handed it back to her in amusement.
"How many times has your mother told you to leave your brother's things alone?" He questioned in mirth.
Bra sighed in relief and then pouted. "But Papa! He started it She pointed to Trunks, who was still standing behind their father.
The larger muscular man held back a laugh. Sometimes his family could offer such brief moments of comic relief. His thoughts began to darken again, as he remembered once again why he had been training non stop for the past ten years. It was so he could exact revenge upon the person that had attempted to murder him. Niko. That is if the coward ever dared to show his face back at Jade Forest, or even Wou Dhan for that matter. The bitter thoughts were interrupted when his bickering children refused to cease their childish antics.
"What did you do Trunks?" He demanded. For some reason he always found himself siding with his daughter. He smirked when he thought that his wife would always take their son's side. Daddy's girl and Mommy's boy, as it had always and shall always be.
Trunks used his shoe covered foot to scuff the soil beneath his him, "I called her a cry baby.." The offence was not as much and so he waited quietly for his punishment. He had always felt his sister was more favoured than he, and this fuelled his jealousy.
Vegeta noticed the defeated look upon his son's face. Instead of berating him, he spoke calmly, whilst wiping away the sheen of sweat that had formed on his muscular chest. "Take Bra back to you mother." Trunks nodded silently, "And then return here. We have a lot of training to commence." Vegeta held back a smirk as his son's head snapped up in surprise.
The young ten year old gaped at his father. Vegeta had started to train him as soon has he could walk and talk. But for the past few months, those training sacred training sessions had dwindled and almost become a distant memory. He ran up to his sister and father, a grin spreading from ear to ear. "Ok, Otousan!" He grabbed Bra's wrist entusiastically and all but dragged her away from the clearing by the lake.
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Vegeta watched his two young children bound away together. He never thought ten years would fly by so quickly. Time simply knew no boundries. A small warmth spread through his chest as he saw the elated look on the small boy's face. Vegeta knew that he had been neglecting the young boy's need for attention, his own training taking up most of the time. As well as training the warriors of the Vejita-han school. His father had finally decided to retire from the life of teaching and fighting.
He couldn't help wonder why his father did not pass down the school to him sooner. The school had become even more prestigious than before, under Vegeta's hand. He worked the trainees extra hard, teaching and telling them that fighting was everything. Thoughts of Bulma, his wife, slid into his mind. Vegeta smirked, their relationship had never been better, although they had their daily spats. The chemistry between the couple was still stronger than ever, even though Vegeta had never once openly admitted his love for her.
The past ten years had been good to them. With the income the school brought, they were the most well-off people in the whole of Wou Dhan. After enough money had been secured by the school, Vegeta made sure that Bulma stopped working as a healer. There was no need of it, after all, she was already Lady of the household.
As the cool summer monsoon breeze blew over the tranquil surroundings of the lake, Vegeta continued his private training whilst waiting for his son to rerturn. His hands sliced the air swirling around his lithe form, when an epiphiny came to him. This time ten years ago, he had returned to Bulma having spent three months in Kyoto unknowingly. In those three months, an old woman had nursed him back to health. What had that old hag told him? That if he was to return to Wou Dhan in the next eleven years of his life, a terrible tragedy would befall upon him. He snorted and continued his training. It had been been ten years already and nothing bad had gone wrong so far.
He must have been insane to have almost believed the crazy old wench. Nothing terrible had happened and nothing terrible would happen. A rustling sound from behind him caused him to step out of his deep meditative state. He turned around slowly to face his son.
Trunks looked at him expectantly.
Vegeta smirked, "Well, what are you waiting for?" He all but barked, "Let's go!" He held out his arm, beckoning his son to make the first move.
Trunks smirked and flew at his father. He had missed their training sessions dearly. It was a wonder that Trunks looked remarkably like his father when the trade mark smirk graced his face.
There they trained, father and son, making up for lost time.
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Bra sat quietly on the high stool at the table. She was in her own world, legs swinging in a child like fashion. Here she sat at the kitchen table, using her mother's feathered ink pen to scribble on the leafy paper. It was a good thing that they were extrememly well-off.
Bulma sighed as she rummaged through the pantry. She emerged a few minutes later carrying a bowl of flour. A smile spread across her face as she watched her aunt take the bowl from her and add water to it. Bulma continued to obsereve the rhythmic motions as her aunt kneaded the dough.
"What's the matter?" Mameha had caught the faraway look on her niece's face. Her thoughts wandered to Bulma's father in-law. Nostalgia settled over her like an unwelcome fog. The former master of the school had retired and took to traveling around Japan. They had not heard from him in two years and secretly she was beginning to worry for his safety. Shaking her head, she focused on her niece once more.
Another sigh passed through Bulma's mouth. She looked behind her, checking on her daughter. "Nothing," she said turning back to her aunt.
Bulma looked out of the window and saw two faraway figures approaching the main hut of Vejita-han school. Looking back to her aunt she smiled, "Could you please remind me to go to the market tomorrow? We are out of a few essential herbs."
Now this was new, Mameha frowned. "Why not have that delivery boy to bring them up as you always do?"
"I just want a change of scenery, that's all Aunt Mameha."
Mameha smiled at her twenty-seven year old niece, "Very well, but take Bra with you. The girl needs to see another place other than Jade Forest."
Bulma nodded. She could not wait to visit the market. She couldn't even remember the last time she had gone.
Jade Forest had been too quiet in the past few years. What with Vegeta's father away on his nomadic trip and Yamcha gone... Well Yamcha had left as soon as Vegeta had announced his arrival. Even though Yamcha had been annoying at times, she still missed his company and relaxing presence. As she continued looking out of the window, Bulma couldn't help but wonder what had happened to her trusted friend.
The seperated jade leaves whirled around in the soothing winds. Somehow, it represented Bulma's inner feelings at the present moment. Calm, yet itching to break into a high force gale. These thoughts only led to her husband. She couldn't deny it, he had always made her feel that way. Especially during the night when they were alone.
The front door clicked open and two people stepped in. Bulma left Mameha's side and went off to greet her two favourite boys. She almost laughed out loud as she obsereved their ruffled appearacne. "It seems as though someone has been training hard!" She directed at Trunks.
Trunks beamed at his mother. This day had been the best in his life, "Yeah Momma!" He flew at her, wanting to embrace.
Bulma chuckled as she hugged her young, smelly son. Pulling away, she straightened his hair. "Go run your bath, your flithly!" Trunks ran from her embrace, a spring in his step.
Bulma and Vegeta now stood alone in the front room of the hut. A gracious smile flitted across her face.
"What?" Vegeta snapped lightly. Bulma always knew when he was truly angry and of course he wasn't at the current moment.
Her voice caught in her throat as she looked at the chords of his muscles ripple beneath his turgid skin. Swallowing, she spoke in a whisper. "Thank you." Her eyes shone in gratification and love.
His scowling face changed into a smirk. "Do I get a reward?" He asked huskily, pulling her close to him.
She couldn't help but smile at his devilish ways. "Maybe..." She said slowly, leaning close and missing his lips. She placed them against his ear, "Later tonight." She quickly pulled away from his grasp. She smirked as his face scowled back at her.
He nodded, "Very well, tonight."
And that was a promise.
They both smirked at each other and they spent the rest of the evening in ignorant bliss.
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Bulma winced in her sleep as the first rays of sunlight delicately touched upon her face. Groaning, she stirred, slowly opening her eyes. It would be another glorious day in Jade Forest. As her eyes opened against their wll, she found her head resting softly on Vegeta's chest. Raising her head, her eyes met two dark orbs. For a moment, nothing was said between the couple.
Vegeta smiked slowly. It had been a very interesting and memorable night for him. And Bulma. As he watched her wake up, he had never felt more at ease with another being, "It's about time woman." Even though his voice was harsh, his feelings contradicted his rough tone.
Bulma made an annoyed face. She huffed as she realised he was mocking her. "Not everyone has a built in alarm where they can wake up automatically like you!" She retorted.
"Well what are you waiting for? Get up."
Bulma glared at him and lightly whacked his chest. She began to drag herself out of the soft bed. She had to get Bra ready anyway, and take her to the Wou Dhan market center. Just as she was about to raise herself from the confines of the bed, she found herself being pulled back roughly. Gasping, she looked up questioningly into his eyes.
Vegeta smirked at her shocked features. "What is the point of getting up now?"
Bulma smiled softly as she realised it was his way of saying 'don't go.' She placed a hand lightly on his chest, pulling away. "I have to go Vegeta. I'm taking Bra to the market in Wou Dhan."
Vegeta's face darkened considerably. "Why do you want to go there?"
"Because we are out of herbs and flour, for cooking."
"So? Why don't you have the delivery boy bring it as always?" He argued.
"I thought it would be nice for Bra to venture outside of Jade Forest. Is there a problem with that?"
Jumping out of bed, Vegeta threw on his training clothes. "I don't see the point. But if you must go then be back nefore nightfall." He stormed out of the room, ready to wake the trainee warriors and begin their day's lesson.
Bulma sat still on the bed that had been occupied by her husband. She didn't know why he acted like this whenever she wanted to go out of Jade Forest. It was like he though that she would never return to him. Sighing, she stood up. Sometimes no matter how hard she tried, she would never understand that man.
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The streets of Wou Dhan market were filled with bustling people. As Bulma gripped at Bra's hand tightly, she weaved her way through the stream of bodies. Tangy smells of fish, fresh meat and herbs permeated the air around them.
Bra looked around in wonder. She had never been to a place with so many people. As she looked at their legs and bases of kimonos, she began to feel mildly queasy. Her mother seemed to navigate them through the hords of people, and so she did not panic from the noisy surroundings.
Voices of people began ringing in Bulma's ears. She stopped walking for a moment and let the atmosphere around her blanket her in warmth. It had been so long since she had she had been here, too long. As someone jostled her from behind, she opened her eyes to confront them. "Watch-"
She gasped in shock as she found herself staring into Niko's face. "You," she breathed.
Niko lowered the cloack covering his head and drank in the appearance of the beautiful woman standing before him. He recognised her instantly. She was the healer from the Vejita-han school that had joined a few months before the war had started. They had never spoken greatly, just breif conversations, but it was enough for him to become entranced and besotted by the beauty. "Bulma..." Her name rolled off his tongue.
Bulma pulled Bra closely to her side. "What are you doing here?" She spat with venom.
Niko looked down at the little girl standing in front of Bulma. The small child looked exactly like her mother. "A child?" He questioned. A hint of Vegeta could be detected in her features. He smirked at the revelation.
"Leave her out of this!"
Niko cocked his head, "Let me guess. Vegeta's little brat?" He spoke snidely, "I thought the great Vegeta was dead?"
Bulma began backing away from his threatening stance. She walked away from him at a fast pace, praying he would not follow.
He smirked as she ran away from him with her child. It looked like he was going to have an interesting reunion with his old rival.
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Just as Bra and Bulma entered Jade Forest, carrying some groceries, Bra finally dared to talk to her mother. "Momma?"
"Yes Bra?" She asked wearily, privately thinking about Niko. If she told Vegeta, he would surely-
"Who was that scawy man?"
Bulma hesitated, "It was no one honey. Don't mention anything to Papa ok?"
Bra nodded quietly. "Don't wowwy Momma, I won't say anything to Papa."
Bulma smiled gratefully upon her daughter and together they entered their house in Jade Forest.
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A few days later, the family had sat down to dinner together. As they silently ate, a knock on the door interrupted their comfortable atmosphere. Bulma's head snapped up. She had been worrying about Niko for the past few days, "I'll get it," she said as she motioned for Trunks to remain in his seat.
As the door creaked open, Bulma breathed a sigh of relief. A messanger stood in the cold winds, under the saturated clouds. "Yes?"
The messanger handed her a telegram, "For Vegeta-san." Bowing in respect, he climbed upon his horse and rode away. Bulma fingered the fragile paper in curiousity. Returning to the dinner table, she handed the telegram to Vegeta.
The calm and stoic look on his face had dwindled as he read the telegram. Standing up abruptly, he began to walk away from his family.
"Where are you going?" Bulma called out after him. She began to worry as the look on his face was that of pure rage.
"Out!" He snapped, "Wait here, I shall return soon."
Bulma looked at him skeptically, but remained silent as he grabbed his trusted sword and started to make his way out of the hut. As the door slammed shut, Trunks looked at his mother questioningly. "Where is Otousan going?"
Bulma smiled and patted his cheek softly, "Eat you food Trunks. Your father will be back soon." She couldn't help but wonder if the telegram was from Niko.
Trunks nodded and returned to eating. Bulma silently prayed that Vegeta would return safely.
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Two hours had passed. Rain fell from the sky, an omen of the events to come. Tucking her children safely into their beds, she walked through the dark hut, lighting a lantern here and there. Quiet tapping on the front door made her frown. It was about Vegeta had returned! He was always making her worry. When he stepped through the door, she was going to give him a piece of her mind. Opening the door, her blood ran as cold as ice. "Niko..." She stuttered. She was about to slam the door shut when he swiftly blocked her actions.
Stepping forward menacingly, he roughly grabbed her arm causing her to yelp in pain. Bulma tried with all her might not to make so much noise from her whimpers, afraid of awakening her children. "What do you want?" She hissed.
Niko chuckled and ran a finger down her cheek. "I've always wondered what it would be like to be with you."
She shuddered in disgust, "Where's Vegeta?"
He smirked, "Currently, he's on a wild goose chase around Jade Forest. I should think that by now he would be at the precious lake." He chuckled, "I was hoping to spend some quality time with you."
Bulma tried to wrestle free from his grasp, in the process knocking over the lit lantern.
As he pushed her back against the table, Bulma moaned in pain. The back of her thigh was being implanted into the corner of the table. She thrashed wildly, her stomach churning in fear and anger. A sudden thought came to her and without hesitation, she brought her knee down into his groin, causing him to double over in excruciating pain.
"You bitch!" He cried in pain.
Bulma felt tears spring to her eyes. She ran towards the door, knowing full well he would follow her. She had to lure him away from her children, their safety came before anything. She ran to the only place she thought Vegeta would be. The lake.
Running through the forest as fast as she could, heavy raindrops slathered her body, causing her to become drenched from head to foot. Looking behind her as her legs carried her as fast as they could, she saw Niko gaining pace upon her. A scream tore through her throat, "VEGETA!" She was almost at the lake, just a little bit further...
Crying out in shock, she found herself being tackled to the ground.
Niko straddled her writhing body and slapped her hard, causing Bulma to shriek even louder. As she tried tried to push his heavy body off, she screamed once more hoping someone would hear her plea for help. Tears trickled down her cheeks, intermingling with the heavy droplets of rain.
If only Vegeta could hear her...
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Vegeta roared as he looked up at the thundering sky. Niko had tricked him. The fool would pay dearly for his treachery! Shaking with rage, he looked at the raindrops that were pelting the normally calm waters of the Jade Forest lake. How dare the leech trick him? He had been searching fot Kami knows how long, and had come up empty handed. Vegeta swore to himself, if he ever came across Niko, he would rip him apart.
A scream from behind him ripped through the blustery winds. His eyes widened. Bulma. How could he have been so stupid? He should have never left her alone. Unsheathing his sword from its leather casing, he ran towards the screaming voice.
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The sight that greeted him was something that no person should bare witness to. Niko was trying to take his wife. His wife! Something inside Vegeta snapped. An animal scream reverberated through his throat, causing Niko to look up in surprsie.
Vegeta stepped menacingly towards the pair. In hidden rage, he looked at his wife laying helplessly and whimpering. She was slipping in and out of consciousness.
"Well old friend, we meet again." Niko smiled callously.
"You'll pay dearly for what you have done," Vegeta spat.
Niko removed his sword from its casing. It glinted as a lightning bolt flashed through the murky sky. "I've improved quite a bit Vegeta."
Snarling, Vegeta launched himself at his old rival. Their swords began to clash in a flurry of blows.
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Bulma moaned as she began to regain her surroundings. She woke up just in time to see Vegeta being kicked in the gut and hurled to ground. She scrambled to her feet, her red kimono hanging loosely from her body as she stood up. Just as Niko's sword was about to come crashing down, Bulma sprang towards the duelling pair and pushed him away from Vegeta's slumped form.
The cold blade sliced through her supple skin, tearing at its fragility. She doubled over in pain, clutching at her right side. She sobbed at the pain searing through her body. Laying on her back, she gasped as she tried to ease the pain.
Niko stabalised himself, as he realised he had only wounded Vegeta's wife and not Vegeta himself. Cursing himself, he stood back and watched the interaction between the couple, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Vegeta grunted as he watched his wife fall to the ground. Crawling over to her shuddering body, his own jaw twitched in agitation. He hovered above her looking at her wound intently. She would not survive... Pulling away the veil of hair that was plastered across her face, he felt his pouding heart slow its pace as the adrenaline left his body. "Bulma," he croaked, trying to shake her awake.
Bulma's eyes fluttered open, she smiled weakly. "I'm ok..." Her hand limply touched his cheek.
"What have you done?" His voice remained steady, but inside he was crumbling.
"Don't-" Her eyes grew large in terror as she saw a shadow standing above Vegeta. "Behind you!" She rasped.
Vegeta turned around just in time to see Niko's sword drive into his abdomen. Pain was his only comfort at that moment. His wife was dying and this fool had dared to use the same sword upon him? As the sword remained implanted in his abdomen, he brought his own sword down onto the neck of the unsuspecting man. Niko fell back as the sword sliced his neck open. He clutched his neck that was already slick with blood. Eyes rolling back into his head, he fell back to the ground, killed instantly.
Vegeta threw his own sword to the ground. Yanking out the cruel blade that had been imlpanted into his abdomen, he returned to Bulma's side, knowing that he too would die beside his wife. Everything around him grew hazy as he lifted her up meekly into his arms.
Bulma rested her head upon his chest as he cradled her to him. She closed her eyes and sighed, the pain was nothing but a distant memory to her. "I'm so cold, Vegeta..." She mumbled.
Vegeta looked down at her. They were both slowly dying, their blood seeping out of their wounds at the same rate, such was their sacred bond. He thought back to his children and for some reason, he knew that they would be safe under Mameha's protection. He prayed they would forgive Bulma and himself for abandoning them at such an early age. Lightly kissing his dying wife's forehead, he whispered the phrase she had always longed to hear, "Aishiteru Bulma-chan..."
Bulma stirred as the phrase was parted from his lips. Looking up, she brought her lips to his and kissed them softly. "I know," Pulling away, she once again rested her head on his chest. "Take me to the lake Vegeta- chan... The legend." It was the last thing she said before once again slipping into unconsciousness.
He looked up that the rain that was pouring down. The Heavens above had indeed opened up tonight. Understanding why she wanted to be taken to the lake, he took slow and heavy steps towards their destination. As everyone knew, the lake held the legend of reincarnation. A calm feeling swept over his soul, as he reached the sacred lake.
Still clutching at Bulma, he sank into the shallow depths and sat there, cradling her in his lap. He kissed the top of her head once more, "We go together, woman..." He rasped, feeling the flow of his blood slow down. Sitting on the edge of the lake, cradling his wife, he realised he had finally obtained his revenge.
But at what cost?
At the cost of his wife's life and his own.
"So tired," Bulma breathed, as if she were about to fall asleep and never wake up.
And so the couple sat in the shallow waters of the legendary lake of Jade Forest, hoping to be reborn anew and together. Who knew if the legend would come true? They would just have to continue believing in their faith.
The rain slowed down to a mellow drizzle. Finally, it stopped, signifying the last breath that was uttered by the loving couple.
*****
They were found in exactly the same position the next morning, by a fellow trainee warrior.
That day in Jade Forest, the jade trees weeped from the loss of their beloved couple.
A terrible tragedy had occurred in the peaceful forest.
And so Shinta's prediction stood true.
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A/N: Sorry if there are spelling mistakes, don't have spell check! Oh and keep reading... there is one more chapter to come.
A young lavender haired boy flew past the jade leaves that were strecthing out to touch him. His curtain cut hair flopped wildly as the wind blew past him. The small ten year old was running towards the special lake that was situated in Jade Forest. Ever since he could remember, he had always loved to be near the lake, call it a quirky trait if you will.
"Come here, you little shrimp!" He screeched at the young five year old girl that was speedily running ahead of him.
The little girl squealed in delight as she ran at lightning speed. "You can't catch me!" She teased, her shoulder length azure hair whipping up into the air. Raising her tiny arm above her head, she carried a small brown leather shoe.
"Bra!" Trunks whined, whilst chasing his sister to the legendary lake of Jade Forest. "Give it back!"
Bra ran into the clearing, bumping head first into her father's legs, who had been training by the lake. As he glared down at the unwelcome intrusion, Bra gulped and backed away from the angry looking man. Trunks found himself slowing down his pace as he noticed Bra had interrupted their father's private training session. He hesitated to go near the pair. This was not good.
Vegeta growled as his young daughter crashed into him, causing him to fumble in his kata. As he watched her back away in fear, tears already glistening in her cerulean eyes, his features softened.
"S-sowwy Papa," she whispered, slightly afraid. They had never been allowed to interrupt his training sessions, and he would always get angry with people if they did.
Vegeta's frown smoothed out. He looked at his beautiful young daughter, with a clear head. Crouching down, he pulled her closer. An ache resounded through his chest as he watched her wince. He had never been good at handling his children, and had always left it up to Bulma. A secret smile appeared as he thought that one day, his own daughter would grow into a beautiful young woman and steal away away a poor unsuspecting man's heart.
"Bra," his voice was gravelly as he tried to get the words out, "I have told you many times not to interrupt my training sessions, have I not?" He placed his hand on top of her head, not noticing that his son was standing a few meters behind them. His eyes wandered to her small fist, that was clutching a brown object. Taking it from her, he inspected it critically. Snorting, he handed it back to her in amusement.
"How many times has your mother told you to leave your brother's things alone?" He questioned in mirth.
Bra sighed in relief and then pouted. "But Papa! He started it She pointed to Trunks, who was still standing behind their father.
The larger muscular man held back a laugh. Sometimes his family could offer such brief moments of comic relief. His thoughts began to darken again, as he remembered once again why he had been training non stop for the past ten years. It was so he could exact revenge upon the person that had attempted to murder him. Niko. That is if the coward ever dared to show his face back at Jade Forest, or even Wou Dhan for that matter. The bitter thoughts were interrupted when his bickering children refused to cease their childish antics.
"What did you do Trunks?" He demanded. For some reason he always found himself siding with his daughter. He smirked when he thought that his wife would always take their son's side. Daddy's girl and Mommy's boy, as it had always and shall always be.
Trunks used his shoe covered foot to scuff the soil beneath his him, "I called her a cry baby.." The offence was not as much and so he waited quietly for his punishment. He had always felt his sister was more favoured than he, and this fuelled his jealousy.
Vegeta noticed the defeated look upon his son's face. Instead of berating him, he spoke calmly, whilst wiping away the sheen of sweat that had formed on his muscular chest. "Take Bra back to you mother." Trunks nodded silently, "And then return here. We have a lot of training to commence." Vegeta held back a smirk as his son's head snapped up in surprise.
The young ten year old gaped at his father. Vegeta had started to train him as soon has he could walk and talk. But for the past few months, those training sacred training sessions had dwindled and almost become a distant memory. He ran up to his sister and father, a grin spreading from ear to ear. "Ok, Otousan!" He grabbed Bra's wrist entusiastically and all but dragged her away from the clearing by the lake.
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Vegeta watched his two young children bound away together. He never thought ten years would fly by so quickly. Time simply knew no boundries. A small warmth spread through his chest as he saw the elated look on the small boy's face. Vegeta knew that he had been neglecting the young boy's need for attention, his own training taking up most of the time. As well as training the warriors of the Vejita-han school. His father had finally decided to retire from the life of teaching and fighting.
He couldn't help wonder why his father did not pass down the school to him sooner. The school had become even more prestigious than before, under Vegeta's hand. He worked the trainees extra hard, teaching and telling them that fighting was everything. Thoughts of Bulma, his wife, slid into his mind. Vegeta smirked, their relationship had never been better, although they had their daily spats. The chemistry between the couple was still stronger than ever, even though Vegeta had never once openly admitted his love for her.
The past ten years had been good to them. With the income the school brought, they were the most well-off people in the whole of Wou Dhan. After enough money had been secured by the school, Vegeta made sure that Bulma stopped working as a healer. There was no need of it, after all, she was already Lady of the household.
As the cool summer monsoon breeze blew over the tranquil surroundings of the lake, Vegeta continued his private training whilst waiting for his son to rerturn. His hands sliced the air swirling around his lithe form, when an epiphiny came to him. This time ten years ago, he had returned to Bulma having spent three months in Kyoto unknowingly. In those three months, an old woman had nursed him back to health. What had that old hag told him? That if he was to return to Wou Dhan in the next eleven years of his life, a terrible tragedy would befall upon him. He snorted and continued his training. It had been been ten years already and nothing bad had gone wrong so far.
He must have been insane to have almost believed the crazy old wench. Nothing terrible had happened and nothing terrible would happen. A rustling sound from behind him caused him to step out of his deep meditative state. He turned around slowly to face his son.
Trunks looked at him expectantly.
Vegeta smirked, "Well, what are you waiting for?" He all but barked, "Let's go!" He held out his arm, beckoning his son to make the first move.
Trunks smirked and flew at his father. He had missed their training sessions dearly. It was a wonder that Trunks looked remarkably like his father when the trade mark smirk graced his face.
There they trained, father and son, making up for lost time.
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Bra sat quietly on the high stool at the table. She was in her own world, legs swinging in a child like fashion. Here she sat at the kitchen table, using her mother's feathered ink pen to scribble on the leafy paper. It was a good thing that they were extrememly well-off.
Bulma sighed as she rummaged through the pantry. She emerged a few minutes later carrying a bowl of flour. A smile spread across her face as she watched her aunt take the bowl from her and add water to it. Bulma continued to obsereve the rhythmic motions as her aunt kneaded the dough.
"What's the matter?" Mameha had caught the faraway look on her niece's face. Her thoughts wandered to Bulma's father in-law. Nostalgia settled over her like an unwelcome fog. The former master of the school had retired and took to traveling around Japan. They had not heard from him in two years and secretly she was beginning to worry for his safety. Shaking her head, she focused on her niece once more.
Another sigh passed through Bulma's mouth. She looked behind her, checking on her daughter. "Nothing," she said turning back to her aunt.
Bulma looked out of the window and saw two faraway figures approaching the main hut of Vejita-han school. Looking back to her aunt she smiled, "Could you please remind me to go to the market tomorrow? We are out of a few essential herbs."
Now this was new, Mameha frowned. "Why not have that delivery boy to bring them up as you always do?"
"I just want a change of scenery, that's all Aunt Mameha."
Mameha smiled at her twenty-seven year old niece, "Very well, but take Bra with you. The girl needs to see another place other than Jade Forest."
Bulma nodded. She could not wait to visit the market. She couldn't even remember the last time she had gone.
Jade Forest had been too quiet in the past few years. What with Vegeta's father away on his nomadic trip and Yamcha gone... Well Yamcha had left as soon as Vegeta had announced his arrival. Even though Yamcha had been annoying at times, she still missed his company and relaxing presence. As she continued looking out of the window, Bulma couldn't help but wonder what had happened to her trusted friend.
The seperated jade leaves whirled around in the soothing winds. Somehow, it represented Bulma's inner feelings at the present moment. Calm, yet itching to break into a high force gale. These thoughts only led to her husband. She couldn't deny it, he had always made her feel that way. Especially during the night when they were alone.
The front door clicked open and two people stepped in. Bulma left Mameha's side and went off to greet her two favourite boys. She almost laughed out loud as she obsereved their ruffled appearacne. "It seems as though someone has been training hard!" She directed at Trunks.
Trunks beamed at his mother. This day had been the best in his life, "Yeah Momma!" He flew at her, wanting to embrace.
Bulma chuckled as she hugged her young, smelly son. Pulling away, she straightened his hair. "Go run your bath, your flithly!" Trunks ran from her embrace, a spring in his step.
Bulma and Vegeta now stood alone in the front room of the hut. A gracious smile flitted across her face.
"What?" Vegeta snapped lightly. Bulma always knew when he was truly angry and of course he wasn't at the current moment.
Her voice caught in her throat as she looked at the chords of his muscles ripple beneath his turgid skin. Swallowing, she spoke in a whisper. "Thank you." Her eyes shone in gratification and love.
His scowling face changed into a smirk. "Do I get a reward?" He asked huskily, pulling her close to him.
She couldn't help but smile at his devilish ways. "Maybe..." She said slowly, leaning close and missing his lips. She placed them against his ear, "Later tonight." She quickly pulled away from his grasp. She smirked as his face scowled back at her.
He nodded, "Very well, tonight."
And that was a promise.
They both smirked at each other and they spent the rest of the evening in ignorant bliss.
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Bulma winced in her sleep as the first rays of sunlight delicately touched upon her face. Groaning, she stirred, slowly opening her eyes. It would be another glorious day in Jade Forest. As her eyes opened against their wll, she found her head resting softly on Vegeta's chest. Raising her head, her eyes met two dark orbs. For a moment, nothing was said between the couple.
Vegeta smiked slowly. It had been a very interesting and memorable night for him. And Bulma. As he watched her wake up, he had never felt more at ease with another being, "It's about time woman." Even though his voice was harsh, his feelings contradicted his rough tone.
Bulma made an annoyed face. She huffed as she realised he was mocking her. "Not everyone has a built in alarm where they can wake up automatically like you!" She retorted.
"Well what are you waiting for? Get up."
Bulma glared at him and lightly whacked his chest. She began to drag herself out of the soft bed. She had to get Bra ready anyway, and take her to the Wou Dhan market center. Just as she was about to raise herself from the confines of the bed, she found herself being pulled back roughly. Gasping, she looked up questioningly into his eyes.
Vegeta smirked at her shocked features. "What is the point of getting up now?"
Bulma smiled softly as she realised it was his way of saying 'don't go.' She placed a hand lightly on his chest, pulling away. "I have to go Vegeta. I'm taking Bra to the market in Wou Dhan."
Vegeta's face darkened considerably. "Why do you want to go there?"
"Because we are out of herbs and flour, for cooking."
"So? Why don't you have the delivery boy bring it as always?" He argued.
"I thought it would be nice for Bra to venture outside of Jade Forest. Is there a problem with that?"
Jumping out of bed, Vegeta threw on his training clothes. "I don't see the point. But if you must go then be back nefore nightfall." He stormed out of the room, ready to wake the trainee warriors and begin their day's lesson.
Bulma sat still on the bed that had been occupied by her husband. She didn't know why he acted like this whenever she wanted to go out of Jade Forest. It was like he though that she would never return to him. Sighing, she stood up. Sometimes no matter how hard she tried, she would never understand that man.
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The streets of Wou Dhan market were filled with bustling people. As Bulma gripped at Bra's hand tightly, she weaved her way through the stream of bodies. Tangy smells of fish, fresh meat and herbs permeated the air around them.
Bra looked around in wonder. She had never been to a place with so many people. As she looked at their legs and bases of kimonos, she began to feel mildly queasy. Her mother seemed to navigate them through the hords of people, and so she did not panic from the noisy surroundings.
Voices of people began ringing in Bulma's ears. She stopped walking for a moment and let the atmosphere around her blanket her in warmth. It had been so long since she had she had been here, too long. As someone jostled her from behind, she opened her eyes to confront them. "Watch-"
She gasped in shock as she found herself staring into Niko's face. "You," she breathed.
Niko lowered the cloack covering his head and drank in the appearance of the beautiful woman standing before him. He recognised her instantly. She was the healer from the Vejita-han school that had joined a few months before the war had started. They had never spoken greatly, just breif conversations, but it was enough for him to become entranced and besotted by the beauty. "Bulma..." Her name rolled off his tongue.
Bulma pulled Bra closely to her side. "What are you doing here?" She spat with venom.
Niko looked down at the little girl standing in front of Bulma. The small child looked exactly like her mother. "A child?" He questioned. A hint of Vegeta could be detected in her features. He smirked at the revelation.
"Leave her out of this!"
Niko cocked his head, "Let me guess. Vegeta's little brat?" He spoke snidely, "I thought the great Vegeta was dead?"
Bulma began backing away from his threatening stance. She walked away from him at a fast pace, praying he would not follow.
He smirked as she ran away from him with her child. It looked like he was going to have an interesting reunion with his old rival.
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Just as Bra and Bulma entered Jade Forest, carrying some groceries, Bra finally dared to talk to her mother. "Momma?"
"Yes Bra?" She asked wearily, privately thinking about Niko. If she told Vegeta, he would surely-
"Who was that scawy man?"
Bulma hesitated, "It was no one honey. Don't mention anything to Papa ok?"
Bra nodded quietly. "Don't wowwy Momma, I won't say anything to Papa."
Bulma smiled gratefully upon her daughter and together they entered their house in Jade Forest.
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A few days later, the family had sat down to dinner together. As they silently ate, a knock on the door interrupted their comfortable atmosphere. Bulma's head snapped up. She had been worrying about Niko for the past few days, "I'll get it," she said as she motioned for Trunks to remain in his seat.
As the door creaked open, Bulma breathed a sigh of relief. A messanger stood in the cold winds, under the saturated clouds. "Yes?"
The messanger handed her a telegram, "For Vegeta-san." Bowing in respect, he climbed upon his horse and rode away. Bulma fingered the fragile paper in curiousity. Returning to the dinner table, she handed the telegram to Vegeta.
The calm and stoic look on his face had dwindled as he read the telegram. Standing up abruptly, he began to walk away from his family.
"Where are you going?" Bulma called out after him. She began to worry as the look on his face was that of pure rage.
"Out!" He snapped, "Wait here, I shall return soon."
Bulma looked at him skeptically, but remained silent as he grabbed his trusted sword and started to make his way out of the hut. As the door slammed shut, Trunks looked at his mother questioningly. "Where is Otousan going?"
Bulma smiled and patted his cheek softly, "Eat you food Trunks. Your father will be back soon." She couldn't help but wonder if the telegram was from Niko.
Trunks nodded and returned to eating. Bulma silently prayed that Vegeta would return safely.
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Two hours had passed. Rain fell from the sky, an omen of the events to come. Tucking her children safely into their beds, she walked through the dark hut, lighting a lantern here and there. Quiet tapping on the front door made her frown. It was about Vegeta had returned! He was always making her worry. When he stepped through the door, she was going to give him a piece of her mind. Opening the door, her blood ran as cold as ice. "Niko..." She stuttered. She was about to slam the door shut when he swiftly blocked her actions.
Stepping forward menacingly, he roughly grabbed her arm causing her to yelp in pain. Bulma tried with all her might not to make so much noise from her whimpers, afraid of awakening her children. "What do you want?" She hissed.
Niko chuckled and ran a finger down her cheek. "I've always wondered what it would be like to be with you."
She shuddered in disgust, "Where's Vegeta?"
He smirked, "Currently, he's on a wild goose chase around Jade Forest. I should think that by now he would be at the precious lake." He chuckled, "I was hoping to spend some quality time with you."
Bulma tried to wrestle free from his grasp, in the process knocking over the lit lantern.
As he pushed her back against the table, Bulma moaned in pain. The back of her thigh was being implanted into the corner of the table. She thrashed wildly, her stomach churning in fear and anger. A sudden thought came to her and without hesitation, she brought her knee down into his groin, causing him to double over in excruciating pain.
"You bitch!" He cried in pain.
Bulma felt tears spring to her eyes. She ran towards the door, knowing full well he would follow her. She had to lure him away from her children, their safety came before anything. She ran to the only place she thought Vegeta would be. The lake.
Running through the forest as fast as she could, heavy raindrops slathered her body, causing her to become drenched from head to foot. Looking behind her as her legs carried her as fast as they could, she saw Niko gaining pace upon her. A scream tore through her throat, "VEGETA!" She was almost at the lake, just a little bit further...
Crying out in shock, she found herself being tackled to the ground.
Niko straddled her writhing body and slapped her hard, causing Bulma to shriek even louder. As she tried tried to push his heavy body off, she screamed once more hoping someone would hear her plea for help. Tears trickled down her cheeks, intermingling with the heavy droplets of rain.
If only Vegeta could hear her...
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Vegeta roared as he looked up at the thundering sky. Niko had tricked him. The fool would pay dearly for his treachery! Shaking with rage, he looked at the raindrops that were pelting the normally calm waters of the Jade Forest lake. How dare the leech trick him? He had been searching fot Kami knows how long, and had come up empty handed. Vegeta swore to himself, if he ever came across Niko, he would rip him apart.
A scream from behind him ripped through the blustery winds. His eyes widened. Bulma. How could he have been so stupid? He should have never left her alone. Unsheathing his sword from its leather casing, he ran towards the screaming voice.
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The sight that greeted him was something that no person should bare witness to. Niko was trying to take his wife. His wife! Something inside Vegeta snapped. An animal scream reverberated through his throat, causing Niko to look up in surprsie.
Vegeta stepped menacingly towards the pair. In hidden rage, he looked at his wife laying helplessly and whimpering. She was slipping in and out of consciousness.
"Well old friend, we meet again." Niko smiled callously.
"You'll pay dearly for what you have done," Vegeta spat.
Niko removed his sword from its casing. It glinted as a lightning bolt flashed through the murky sky. "I've improved quite a bit Vegeta."
Snarling, Vegeta launched himself at his old rival. Their swords began to clash in a flurry of blows.
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Bulma moaned as she began to regain her surroundings. She woke up just in time to see Vegeta being kicked in the gut and hurled to ground. She scrambled to her feet, her red kimono hanging loosely from her body as she stood up. Just as Niko's sword was about to come crashing down, Bulma sprang towards the duelling pair and pushed him away from Vegeta's slumped form.
The cold blade sliced through her supple skin, tearing at its fragility. She doubled over in pain, clutching at her right side. She sobbed at the pain searing through her body. Laying on her back, she gasped as she tried to ease the pain.
Niko stabalised himself, as he realised he had only wounded Vegeta's wife and not Vegeta himself. Cursing himself, he stood back and watched the interaction between the couple, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Vegeta grunted as he watched his wife fall to the ground. Crawling over to her shuddering body, his own jaw twitched in agitation. He hovered above her looking at her wound intently. She would not survive... Pulling away the veil of hair that was plastered across her face, he felt his pouding heart slow its pace as the adrenaline left his body. "Bulma," he croaked, trying to shake her awake.
Bulma's eyes fluttered open, she smiled weakly. "I'm ok..." Her hand limply touched his cheek.
"What have you done?" His voice remained steady, but inside he was crumbling.
"Don't-" Her eyes grew large in terror as she saw a shadow standing above Vegeta. "Behind you!" She rasped.
Vegeta turned around just in time to see Niko's sword drive into his abdomen. Pain was his only comfort at that moment. His wife was dying and this fool had dared to use the same sword upon him? As the sword remained implanted in his abdomen, he brought his own sword down onto the neck of the unsuspecting man. Niko fell back as the sword sliced his neck open. He clutched his neck that was already slick with blood. Eyes rolling back into his head, he fell back to the ground, killed instantly.
Vegeta threw his own sword to the ground. Yanking out the cruel blade that had been imlpanted into his abdomen, he returned to Bulma's side, knowing that he too would die beside his wife. Everything around him grew hazy as he lifted her up meekly into his arms.
Bulma rested her head upon his chest as he cradled her to him. She closed her eyes and sighed, the pain was nothing but a distant memory to her. "I'm so cold, Vegeta..." She mumbled.
Vegeta looked down at her. They were both slowly dying, their blood seeping out of their wounds at the same rate, such was their sacred bond. He thought back to his children and for some reason, he knew that they would be safe under Mameha's protection. He prayed they would forgive Bulma and himself for abandoning them at such an early age. Lightly kissing his dying wife's forehead, he whispered the phrase she had always longed to hear, "Aishiteru Bulma-chan..."
Bulma stirred as the phrase was parted from his lips. Looking up, she brought her lips to his and kissed them softly. "I know," Pulling away, she once again rested her head on his chest. "Take me to the lake Vegeta- chan... The legend." It was the last thing she said before once again slipping into unconsciousness.
He looked up that the rain that was pouring down. The Heavens above had indeed opened up tonight. Understanding why she wanted to be taken to the lake, he took slow and heavy steps towards their destination. As everyone knew, the lake held the legend of reincarnation. A calm feeling swept over his soul, as he reached the sacred lake.
Still clutching at Bulma, he sank into the shallow depths and sat there, cradling her in his lap. He kissed the top of her head once more, "We go together, woman..." He rasped, feeling the flow of his blood slow down. Sitting on the edge of the lake, cradling his wife, he realised he had finally obtained his revenge.
But at what cost?
At the cost of his wife's life and his own.
"So tired," Bulma breathed, as if she were about to fall asleep and never wake up.
And so the couple sat in the shallow waters of the legendary lake of Jade Forest, hoping to be reborn anew and together. Who knew if the legend would come true? They would just have to continue believing in their faith.
The rain slowed down to a mellow drizzle. Finally, it stopped, signifying the last breath that was uttered by the loving couple.
*****
They were found in exactly the same position the next morning, by a fellow trainee warrior.
That day in Jade Forest, the jade trees weeped from the loss of their beloved couple.
A terrible tragedy had occurred in the peaceful forest.
And so Shinta's prediction stood true.
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A/N: Sorry if there are spelling mistakes, don't have spell check! Oh and keep reading... there is one more chapter to come.