Disclaimer: *Laughs hysterically*
AN: Hehehe...yeah it's been like three months. *scratches head son style* Sorry about that. Well enjoy this really, really late update.
* * *
The rain falling outside the large bay window was in direct sync with the dreary mood of the king's royal offices. Frown marring his usually cheerful features, the king watched the falling droplets, the picture of his lost blue-eyed princess running through his mind. He quickly replaced the frown with a smile and turned as the soft clicking of shoes and sniffles entered the room.
"Hello, my dear. What are you doing up?" he smiled at the beautiful blonde entering the room.
She began to twist the embroidered handkerchief between her trembling fingers. "I couldn't possibly sleep. Not with Bul - with her-," she stopped as her bottom lip began to tremble violently. Taking a deep breath, she decided to try another course, "Was there any word from Kakarot or Radditz while I was resting?" At the shake of her husband's head, she gracefully dropped into one of the plush chairs near the door, despair etched across her beautiful face.
He had no words to offer in comfort, for he had been searching for such words to ease his own grief. Stepping away from the window, he took a seat behind his desk and began sifting through the papers lying there. Since the disappearance of his beloved offspring, he had been paying less and less attention to the matters of state. Though the members of council had understood up to this point, he felt bad leaving the responsibilities of ruling the people on his advisors' shoulders. His whole reason for coming in here tonight was to tend to a few ignored documents.
He slowly made his way through the stack. As he reached one particular petition and read it over he smiled and glanced up at his queen. "Well, there is good news my dear."
Her eyes turned from the water falling outside and focused on him. "Oh?"
"Yes. Lady ChiChi filed a petition to annul her engagement to the Baron," he said.
A rare smile of these days lit her face slightly. "That's wonderful. I'm glad that girl came to her senses. She and Kakarot are obviously deeply in love. They'll be very happy together."
The king smiled as he sat back in his chair. "That may be true, but you forget one very big problem."
"And that is?" she inquired.
"We now have no king to succeed me," he answered, not really sounding too upset.
She shrugged at the comment. "We can find another mate for Bulma. Radditz isn't engaged, and he and Kakarot can't be too different. He'll do fine as king."
He chuckled at her logic, and just as he was about to question her on what they would do if Radditz didn't want to be king, a soft knock sounded at the door. "You may enter," the king called.
"My lord," the green-haired, pink-skinned alien said as he stepped into the large office, bowing low.
"What is it, Commus?" the king questioned.
"I have more letters and documents for you, Highness," the young man answered. He sat the small stack of papers on the desk before bowing to the monarchs and exiting quickly.
The king frowned at the papers, receiving a giggle from his queen. "Looks like you have some catching up to do, love," she commented.
"Yes, I suppose," he sighed, looking over the new contents. He smiled as he realized several of the new items were invitations to one royal function or another. He opened the first and frowned as he realized it was a wedding invitation.
Her head tilted slightly to side at his expression before the queen spoke. "Something wrong, dearest?"
He cleared his throat before nodding. "Quite. This is an invitation to the wedding of the Baron Hercule and Lady ChiChi, to be held tomorrow."
Her eyes widened at the statement. "But the petition-"
"I know. Something must have gone terribly wrong," he frowned.
The queen stood from her chair and moved around the desk to see the invite for herself. When her eyes confirmed it, she gasped. "Oh no! Kakarot will be devastated! My love, you have to do something!"
The monarch nodded but didn't have the slightest idea how to fix the problem. After a momentary pause, it hit him. Pulling out a piece of paper and pen, he quickly scrawled a few passages across the paper. After putting his signature to the paper, he folded it neatly before pushing his chair back and moving to the door. A young girl was walking by, and he stopped her, instructing her to take the letter to the head of the council and have him announce the contents of the decree immediately. When the girl nodded and hurried off, he stepped back in to answer the question, which obviously sat on his wife's lips.
"What did you do?" she asked before he could explain.
"Just delayed things a bit," he said with a smile. "By order of the king, all celebrations of any kind, including weddings and such, are here by put on hold until news of the princess' safety is confirmed."
The queen's face lit, and she threw her arms around her husbands' neck, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Wonderful idea, my love. Kakarot will be so pleased."
He nodded his agreement as his frown returned. "Now, the only thing left is for them to return."
* * *
Wide-eyed was the only fitting description for the astonishment felt all around the room. Even Vegeta himself looked at his now glowing hands in total disbelief. Had he truly done it? Was he really the legendary Super Saiyan? As if to test his new power he formed a ki ball in his hand and watched as the energy crackled within the small ball of light.
Zarbon gawked as the man toyed with the ball of energy, almost completely forgetting the trembling girl behind him. Suddenly the man's cold teal colored eyes turned on him. Without a word the man lifted his hand and pointing the ball directly at his head. Zarbon only hesitated a moment before he grabbed hold of the princess and yanked her in front of him, making sure her body blocked every vital part of his.
Gathering a fistful of her hair, he rested his chin her shoulder as she squirmed against him. "Go ahead! Do it! You'll only serve in killing her too," Zarbon said. What remained of his mouth turning up in a smirk as the other man paused in indecision. He would have laughed out right when the golden warrior dropped his hand to his side, but the sudden excruciating pain in his head wouldn't allow it. An ear-piercing scream from the woman in his arms briefly registered to him, though it couldn't drown out the overwhelming pounding inside his cranium. A sense of falling washed over him as several streams of blood slipped down his forehead and into his eyes. He knew that he had actually fallen when his head hit the floor.
Bulma too fell to the floor, landing roughly on her butt. With a shaky hand, she reached up and wiped away the gore, which had flown from Zarbon's head as the top of it exploded and landed on her cheek. With eyes as wide as a deer's, she looked up at Vegeta to find a similar, stunned look on his face as he looked down at the corpse. His eyes turned to her momentarily, the intensity of the teal colored orbs making her catch her breath. Any words he was planning to speak were stopped by a cruel chuckle from behind them. As they both turned to him, the green alien smiled.
"No need to thank me," Cell spoke, taking a step closer. "Zarbon had served his purpose. I was happy to do away with him actually."
Bulma could only gawk at Cell. What kind of creature would so carelessly kill off his own allies? She realized the answer to her question would have to wait as Vegeta turned his back on the other man and approached her, stopping to kneel in front of her. His eyes scanned her as if checking for damage before returning to hers. "Leave," was the only word he spoke.
She quickly shook her head; Cell's words coming back to her. "Vegeta, you can't fight him. Please don't. I'm begging you. Let's just leave. Please!"
He frowned at her obvious disbelief in his newfound power. "I said leave." With those dismissive words he stood, pulling her roughly to her feet as he did. Giving her one more meaningful glare, he turned back to his opponent.
"Vegeta, please," she whispered as she looked between the two.
"Get Out!" The bark made her jump, and there was nothing she could do but hurry from the room. She did not go far, however, and remained in the door's entrance to watch, staying back enough so she would not be seen.
With his distraction gone, Vegeta turned his full attention on the grinning creature. "I don't know what you are but I hope you're ready to die."
"Cocky. I like that, though I'll have to be aware not to let your cockiness go to my head once you're a part of me. Which will be quite soon, might I add."
Vegeta snarled and sunk down into a fighting stance. "You want me? Come and get me."
"Don't mind if I do," Cell almost smirked before launching himself at the smaller being.
Cell immediately set a high pace for the battle as he threw furious blow after blow, each of which Vegeta blocked with seeming ease. Realizing the other was only toying with him, Cell grew angry, determined to find a weak point. Faking a punch to the head, Cell redirected the move to Vegeta's midsection. Having caught the man off guard he sent him another devastating blow to the jaw, causing him to stumble back. Vegeta glared at him as he massaged his jaw, making Cell smile all the more, his tail lashing behind him.
"Where's your cockiness now, Saiyan?" Cell taunted.
"You're awfully proud of that one blow, insect. I certainly hope that's not all you've got," Vegeta shot back. "If it is, you're in a world of trouble."
Cell's sneer returned at the Saiyan's cocky smile. He promised himself at this battle's end, the man would never smile again.
* * *
Captain Ginyu stumbled back as he watched his men being tossed around like rag dolls. From the beginning of the battle the two intruders had taken the upper hand. His horror grew as Jeice went flying pass him, hitting the wall with a loud crack, his body sliding down the wall and landing on top of Bretuta's already unconscious one. The purple alien looked up to see who had thrown his teammate and frowned as the shorthaired man dusted off his hands before he turned to watch his companion dispense of Racome. The large orange alien finally fell as the longhaired intruder sent one last blow to his temple.
"Nice finish, Radditz," Kakarot commented.
Radditz turned to his brother with a smirk, "But of course."
Captain Ginyu almost growled at their cocky banter. They would pay for this.
"What are we go- going to do Captain?!"
Snarling in disgust, the large purple alien glared down at the shivering four-eyed green man beside him. "Why you little coward. You get out there and defeat them this instant!"
Guldo's eyes almost popped out of their sockets. "But - but Captain-"
"No buts! You get out there now and defeat them or else you're off the force!"
Guldo glanced back at his fallen companions and was very tempted to point out there was not much of a Ginyu force left to be part of. However, the look in the Captain's eyes made him think twice. He turned to face his fate and gulped as his eyes landed on the glowing orb forming in the palm of the longhaired man. He took a step back as the palm turned on him.
"Where are you going, little man? I thought your Captain told you to defeat us?" Radditz called. He was having the time of his life.
Guldo tried to swallow the lump in his throat as he looked back to the Captain for aid. The larger alien crossed his arms and glared at him expectantly. Faced with no other choice, Guldo did the only thing he could. He turned as fast as his rotund little body would allow and took off toward the other end of the corridor. Ginyu could only stand, stunned as he watched the little alien run for his life. Amused chuckles from behind him finally broke through his silent raging.
"Looks like you're on your own, Captain," Radditz mused. "You want this one, Kakarot, or should I do the honors?"
Kakarot stepped up, stretching his arms above his head as he smiled at the last man standing between him and finding Bulma. "I think I can handle this, brother. Ready, Captain?"
Teeth grinding, Ginyu growled at the two men's mockery. "You will pay for what you've done! This I swear!"
After throwing his brother a smirk, Kakarot crouched down and motioned for him to come near. "Then by all means, come collect."
Enraged by the man's taunts, Ginyu charged him, intending to do just that. He threw blow after blow at his opponent, growing more and more angry with each block or dodge the other man performed. It was obvious that the younger man was enjoying this little battle immensely, causing Ginyu to become even more furious. Thinking to catch his enemy off guard, Ginyu stopped mid-punch and brought his leg up. Instead of connecting with the man's jaw, as he had planned, Kakarot blocked the kick and countered with a blow to Ginyu's face.
Surprised by the blow, the large purple alien stumbled back, holding his nose. As he pulled his hand back, he was bewildered to find it covered in green splotches of his own blood. A growl rumbled from the pit of his stomach as he looked up to find the other man smiling at him. When Kakarot raised his finger beckoning him forward, Ginyu rushed him again, fist flying haphazardly. Kakarot dodged one such fist and grabbed hold of the arm attached to it. Twisting the arm until it's owner wailed, Kakarot turned and buried his elbow in the other man's face. He followed the move with a back kick to the man's midsection, sending Ginyu skidding across the floor on his back.
When he came to a halt, Ginyu groaned and painfully opened his eyes to realize he was lying at a pair of feet. No description matched the relief he felt once he realized whom the feet belonged to.
Radditz watched his brother deliver the last blow with a smile. Kakarot really was something else. He made it all look so easy. Deciding the battle was over, he glanced back at the frowning blonde. "Don't look so frightened. Kakarot is an excellent fighter. You have nothing to fear."
Her blue gaze turned on him momentarily as if assessing him. She nodded after a moment then her eyes widened as something over his shoulder caught her attention. Turning, he frowned to see a dark haired man standing over the fallen Ginyu. A frown crossed his face as the purple man reached his hand up for aid from the other, and then pointed in their direction.
"Juuanagou! You have to help me destroy them! They're trying to oppose Master Frieza's will!"
The man's scowl moved from the defeated Ginyu to them and the first thing that struck Radditz was the sharpness of the man's blue eyes. So much like those of the girl behind him. A dangerous fire flickered in those blue depths, but aside from that, Radditz was prepared to dismiss the young man. He looked no stronger than the alien his brother had just so easily defeated. However, the sudden tension in Kakarot's stance told him to be wary.
~What is it, brother?~ he reached out.
~He's strong. Very strong,~ came the reply.
~How do you know?~ Radditz frowned.
~I just do.~
Radditz's frown deepened when the man lifted his palm to them and it began to glow. His face held no emotion as he continued to gather energy in his palm. As the ki ball crackled, Kakarot prepared himself to deflect the blast while Radditz placed himself in front of the girl. It was on Radditz's movements their enemy's eyes focused.
Kakarot frowned when an unreadable emotion flickered across the man's face as he stared at something behind him. Glancing back, he realized he was watching the girl, who returned his gaze evenly. The Saiyan brothers watched in silence as the two measured each other; the boy with open hostility, while the girl's look was completely devoid of emotion.
Precious moments passed before their adversary sneered at the scowling woman and forced more power behind the glowing blast. Kakarot went on the defensive once again but relaxed his stance a bit when his opponent's hand lowered on Ginyu. The purple alien stared up in wide-eyed horror as his previously thought ally released the crackling ball, making devastating contact with his face.
The onlookers watched speechlessly as the other man sizzled on the ground before them. As the smell of burning flesh attacked their senses, all three turned their attention back to the dark-haired boy. He lowered his hand to his side before looking up at them.
"Ginyu was a pig. He deserved to roast like one," he said in an almost bored tone.
Kakarot was about to protest that he was down and unarmed when a sharp scream then the powerful emotions of fear and despair ripped through his skull. Radditz moved to his brother's side as the younger man held his throbbing head between his hands.
"What is it, Kakarot?!" he demanded.
"Bulma," Kakarot murmured as the pain began to ease.
Eighteen's attention immediately perked at that, and she stepped forward.
"Can you tell where she is?" Radditz pressed and received a negative shake of the head in response. Radditz growled in frustration.
"This Bulma, of which you speak, she is the blue haired princess right?" spoke up Seventeen, not quite sure why he was attempting to help them. As three sets of eyes turned on him, he decided to take that as a yes. "She's in the control room. Cell wanted her there after Zarbon finished with her. She is bait for the Saiyan prince."
Kakarot turned to his brother at this new information. Neither was willing to ask what he meant by "after Zarbon finished with her." Eighteen glared at the two before stepping toward the other man. "Will you take us to the control room?" she asked him.
Seventeen frowned deeply at her before turning and walking in the opposite direction. It was obvious that he meant for them to follow. Eighteen hurried quickly after followed, after a brief hesitation, by the two brothers.
* * *
The entire room shook with the very intensity of the battle within. With every powerful blow thrown, each competitor grew frustrated with the lack of progress he was making. They seemed to be evenly matched, though Vegeta could see he would soon be outclassed. In this new form, his energy was quickly decreasing, and Cell was still at his original level. He needed to do something, and do it fast.
Cell caught him off guard again as his right leg came across the Saiyan's face, sending him flying into the large console on the other side of the room. Vegeta didn't have time to shake the stars from his eyes before a green fist was flying at his face. Barely dodging it, the sound of crushing metal and the crackling of malfunctioning circuitry as the creature's fist sunk into the control panel, rang in his ear. With his hand caught, Cell had no chance to stop the three kicks Vegeta sank into his midsection, nor did he have time to block uppercut that freed him.
Just outside the door, Bulma watched through fearful eyes. She couldn't believe the power she was watching come from Vegeta. Her view of the stunning and terrifying battle was unhindered until Cell's hand went through the panel, causing the control room door to slam shut in front of her. Now, she could only watch through the small circular window in the door.
"Please be careful, Vegeta," she murmured as her eyes tracked the high paced battle as best they could.
Stumbling back, Cell glared as the blonde man pushed himself out of the rubble the control panel was quickly becoming. Vegeta didn't pause to take a breather and immediately charged the insect-like creature. The fight continued as a wild storm of punches and kicks, Cell landing a blow here and there as Vegeta's newfound power quickly began taking its toll on his energy supply. Vegeta caught one scaly fist then another and for a brief moment thought he had the upper hand again, until he noticed the smile on Cell's face.
"You're weakening, little prince," he taunted, leaning in close. "Soon you will slip up and then I will suck you up."
His smile broadened at the angry growl that came from the prince, and he head-butted the man as if to add salt to the injury. When the Saiyan brought his knee up in attack, Cell did the same, causing their knees to lock in the same manner their hands were in. Another gruntal growl came from Vegeta as he realized he was getting nowhere.
'Well at least he's in the same position I'm in,' he thought bitterly. He realized he was wrong when the alien's green tail snaked around his neck and gripped it firmly. Gasping he immediately released the alien's hands and brought his hands to claw at the tail. Cell chuckled as he tightened his hold.
"Give up, little prince," Cell said as his tail tightened and the man cried out in pain. "It would be so much easier if you were to just let me absorb you. It's over Saiyan. Now just give up. You have failed."
The last words rang in Vegeta's pounding skull over and over. He had failed them all. His planet, his people, but most of all, he had failed her. He was the legendary Super Saiyan, and yet, he had still failed. As the noose tightened on his throat, he was inches from giving in to the pain. His eyes, half-closed in agony, began rolling back in his head when something caught his attention.
Pounding frantically on the door, her face pressed to the glass, she seemed to be screaming something, but the reinforced steal would not allow the sound. Her blue eyes were glassy with tears as she shook her head back and forth, her blue locks flying about her face, as her eyes pleaded with him to continue to fight. Those eyes. A hundred memories of those eyes filled with every emotion from fear to hatred to desire washed over his brain. Then a single flash of them filled with nothing but the cold emptiness of death hit him full force. The blind rage that followed made him roar with the pure impact of it.
So stunned by the sudden wave of raw energy radiating from his captive's body, Cell could only watch as Vegeta gripped the tail and tore it with his hands. Blood, puss, and gore all exploded from the appendage as it was ripped from its master's body. Cell gawked as pain ran through his body, his eyes locking with the teal ones before him. Vegeta held his gaze as he removed the tail from his neck and tossed it on the ground. A cloud of fury brought energy flashed like lighting around his body as he brought his hands together before him.
"It's time we finished this." His tone was dark as the blast grew between his palms.
Cell had just recovered from the surprise loss of his tail when Vegeta released the blast; a final flash of blinding light, engulfing its target and tearing an agonizing scream from him as every cell in his body began to disintegrate. The ship shook violently as the wave continued to eat the insect, the blast causing its desired effect. As the last phases of energy died out, silence fell in the small, devastated control room.
Only the sound of Vegeta's haggard breathing bounced off the walls of the room. Vegeta watched the space were Cell had fallen for several moments until he was satisfied the creature was indeed gone. Slowly, he turned to the door. Those eyes watching him filled with relief and concern as rivers slipped from them. He took a step toward the door then stopped as everything around him began to spin.
Bulma gasped as his hair and eyes went back to normal before he slipped to the floor. "Oh no!" she cried as she frantically began beating on the door, screaming his name.
"Bulma!"
The relief she felt as she turned could not be described. "Kakarot! Come here, quick! You have to open this door! Please!"
Nodding, Kakarot made quick haste to the door. Not pausing to question, he slammed his fist into the door, sending it flying. The moment the blockade was gone, Bulma was in the room, and the next instant on her knees beside Vegeta. Tugging at his shoulder, she rolled him onto his back, his head coming to rest in her lap. She looked over him slowly and betrayed a small smile for it seemed exhaustion was the cause of his collapse.
Scowling up at her through half-closed eyes, he lifted a gloved hand to lightly touch her cheek. She moved her own hands to his, one gripping his wrist while the other pulled the glove at his fingertips. Now with only the warmth of his hand, she nuzzled her cheek against his palm before leaning forward to touch her forehead to his.
At the door, stood four witnesses to the intimate scene. Eighteen gave a rare knowing smile, while her brother grunted in disinterest. The two Saiyan brothers could only look on in surprise.
"Kakarot?" Radditz said, smiling at his brother's dumbfounded expression.
"Huh?" came the reply.
"I think you can summon Nissa now," Radditz informed him.
Blinking, Kakarot looked away from the pair and nodded at his smiling brother. It was time to go home. A broad smile came over his face as a certain pretty brunette came to mind. With those thoughts he closed his eyes and prepared to contact Nissa.
* * *
So that was the last chappie and there are still a few questions. Well, the epilogue will be up sometime next week and you'll know all then. Thanks for reading.
AN: Hehehe...yeah it's been like three months. *scratches head son style* Sorry about that. Well enjoy this really, really late update.
* * *
The rain falling outside the large bay window was in direct sync with the dreary mood of the king's royal offices. Frown marring his usually cheerful features, the king watched the falling droplets, the picture of his lost blue-eyed princess running through his mind. He quickly replaced the frown with a smile and turned as the soft clicking of shoes and sniffles entered the room.
"Hello, my dear. What are you doing up?" he smiled at the beautiful blonde entering the room.
She began to twist the embroidered handkerchief between her trembling fingers. "I couldn't possibly sleep. Not with Bul - with her-," she stopped as her bottom lip began to tremble violently. Taking a deep breath, she decided to try another course, "Was there any word from Kakarot or Radditz while I was resting?" At the shake of her husband's head, she gracefully dropped into one of the plush chairs near the door, despair etched across her beautiful face.
He had no words to offer in comfort, for he had been searching for such words to ease his own grief. Stepping away from the window, he took a seat behind his desk and began sifting through the papers lying there. Since the disappearance of his beloved offspring, he had been paying less and less attention to the matters of state. Though the members of council had understood up to this point, he felt bad leaving the responsibilities of ruling the people on his advisors' shoulders. His whole reason for coming in here tonight was to tend to a few ignored documents.
He slowly made his way through the stack. As he reached one particular petition and read it over he smiled and glanced up at his queen. "Well, there is good news my dear."
Her eyes turned from the water falling outside and focused on him. "Oh?"
"Yes. Lady ChiChi filed a petition to annul her engagement to the Baron," he said.
A rare smile of these days lit her face slightly. "That's wonderful. I'm glad that girl came to her senses. She and Kakarot are obviously deeply in love. They'll be very happy together."
The king smiled as he sat back in his chair. "That may be true, but you forget one very big problem."
"And that is?" she inquired.
"We now have no king to succeed me," he answered, not really sounding too upset.
She shrugged at the comment. "We can find another mate for Bulma. Radditz isn't engaged, and he and Kakarot can't be too different. He'll do fine as king."
He chuckled at her logic, and just as he was about to question her on what they would do if Radditz didn't want to be king, a soft knock sounded at the door. "You may enter," the king called.
"My lord," the green-haired, pink-skinned alien said as he stepped into the large office, bowing low.
"What is it, Commus?" the king questioned.
"I have more letters and documents for you, Highness," the young man answered. He sat the small stack of papers on the desk before bowing to the monarchs and exiting quickly.
The king frowned at the papers, receiving a giggle from his queen. "Looks like you have some catching up to do, love," she commented.
"Yes, I suppose," he sighed, looking over the new contents. He smiled as he realized several of the new items were invitations to one royal function or another. He opened the first and frowned as he realized it was a wedding invitation.
Her head tilted slightly to side at his expression before the queen spoke. "Something wrong, dearest?"
He cleared his throat before nodding. "Quite. This is an invitation to the wedding of the Baron Hercule and Lady ChiChi, to be held tomorrow."
Her eyes widened at the statement. "But the petition-"
"I know. Something must have gone terribly wrong," he frowned.
The queen stood from her chair and moved around the desk to see the invite for herself. When her eyes confirmed it, she gasped. "Oh no! Kakarot will be devastated! My love, you have to do something!"
The monarch nodded but didn't have the slightest idea how to fix the problem. After a momentary pause, it hit him. Pulling out a piece of paper and pen, he quickly scrawled a few passages across the paper. After putting his signature to the paper, he folded it neatly before pushing his chair back and moving to the door. A young girl was walking by, and he stopped her, instructing her to take the letter to the head of the council and have him announce the contents of the decree immediately. When the girl nodded and hurried off, he stepped back in to answer the question, which obviously sat on his wife's lips.
"What did you do?" she asked before he could explain.
"Just delayed things a bit," he said with a smile. "By order of the king, all celebrations of any kind, including weddings and such, are here by put on hold until news of the princess' safety is confirmed."
The queen's face lit, and she threw her arms around her husbands' neck, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Wonderful idea, my love. Kakarot will be so pleased."
He nodded his agreement as his frown returned. "Now, the only thing left is for them to return."
* * *
Wide-eyed was the only fitting description for the astonishment felt all around the room. Even Vegeta himself looked at his now glowing hands in total disbelief. Had he truly done it? Was he really the legendary Super Saiyan? As if to test his new power he formed a ki ball in his hand and watched as the energy crackled within the small ball of light.
Zarbon gawked as the man toyed with the ball of energy, almost completely forgetting the trembling girl behind him. Suddenly the man's cold teal colored eyes turned on him. Without a word the man lifted his hand and pointing the ball directly at his head. Zarbon only hesitated a moment before he grabbed hold of the princess and yanked her in front of him, making sure her body blocked every vital part of his.
Gathering a fistful of her hair, he rested his chin her shoulder as she squirmed against him. "Go ahead! Do it! You'll only serve in killing her too," Zarbon said. What remained of his mouth turning up in a smirk as the other man paused in indecision. He would have laughed out right when the golden warrior dropped his hand to his side, but the sudden excruciating pain in his head wouldn't allow it. An ear-piercing scream from the woman in his arms briefly registered to him, though it couldn't drown out the overwhelming pounding inside his cranium. A sense of falling washed over him as several streams of blood slipped down his forehead and into his eyes. He knew that he had actually fallen when his head hit the floor.
Bulma too fell to the floor, landing roughly on her butt. With a shaky hand, she reached up and wiped away the gore, which had flown from Zarbon's head as the top of it exploded and landed on her cheek. With eyes as wide as a deer's, she looked up at Vegeta to find a similar, stunned look on his face as he looked down at the corpse. His eyes turned to her momentarily, the intensity of the teal colored orbs making her catch her breath. Any words he was planning to speak were stopped by a cruel chuckle from behind them. As they both turned to him, the green alien smiled.
"No need to thank me," Cell spoke, taking a step closer. "Zarbon had served his purpose. I was happy to do away with him actually."
Bulma could only gawk at Cell. What kind of creature would so carelessly kill off his own allies? She realized the answer to her question would have to wait as Vegeta turned his back on the other man and approached her, stopping to kneel in front of her. His eyes scanned her as if checking for damage before returning to hers. "Leave," was the only word he spoke.
She quickly shook her head; Cell's words coming back to her. "Vegeta, you can't fight him. Please don't. I'm begging you. Let's just leave. Please!"
He frowned at her obvious disbelief in his newfound power. "I said leave." With those dismissive words he stood, pulling her roughly to her feet as he did. Giving her one more meaningful glare, he turned back to his opponent.
"Vegeta, please," she whispered as she looked between the two.
"Get Out!" The bark made her jump, and there was nothing she could do but hurry from the room. She did not go far, however, and remained in the door's entrance to watch, staying back enough so she would not be seen.
With his distraction gone, Vegeta turned his full attention on the grinning creature. "I don't know what you are but I hope you're ready to die."
"Cocky. I like that, though I'll have to be aware not to let your cockiness go to my head once you're a part of me. Which will be quite soon, might I add."
Vegeta snarled and sunk down into a fighting stance. "You want me? Come and get me."
"Don't mind if I do," Cell almost smirked before launching himself at the smaller being.
Cell immediately set a high pace for the battle as he threw furious blow after blow, each of which Vegeta blocked with seeming ease. Realizing the other was only toying with him, Cell grew angry, determined to find a weak point. Faking a punch to the head, Cell redirected the move to Vegeta's midsection. Having caught the man off guard he sent him another devastating blow to the jaw, causing him to stumble back. Vegeta glared at him as he massaged his jaw, making Cell smile all the more, his tail lashing behind him.
"Where's your cockiness now, Saiyan?" Cell taunted.
"You're awfully proud of that one blow, insect. I certainly hope that's not all you've got," Vegeta shot back. "If it is, you're in a world of trouble."
Cell's sneer returned at the Saiyan's cocky smile. He promised himself at this battle's end, the man would never smile again.
* * *
Captain Ginyu stumbled back as he watched his men being tossed around like rag dolls. From the beginning of the battle the two intruders had taken the upper hand. His horror grew as Jeice went flying pass him, hitting the wall with a loud crack, his body sliding down the wall and landing on top of Bretuta's already unconscious one. The purple alien looked up to see who had thrown his teammate and frowned as the shorthaired man dusted off his hands before he turned to watch his companion dispense of Racome. The large orange alien finally fell as the longhaired intruder sent one last blow to his temple.
"Nice finish, Radditz," Kakarot commented.
Radditz turned to his brother with a smirk, "But of course."
Captain Ginyu almost growled at their cocky banter. They would pay for this.
"What are we go- going to do Captain?!"
Snarling in disgust, the large purple alien glared down at the shivering four-eyed green man beside him. "Why you little coward. You get out there and defeat them this instant!"
Guldo's eyes almost popped out of their sockets. "But - but Captain-"
"No buts! You get out there now and defeat them or else you're off the force!"
Guldo glanced back at his fallen companions and was very tempted to point out there was not much of a Ginyu force left to be part of. However, the look in the Captain's eyes made him think twice. He turned to face his fate and gulped as his eyes landed on the glowing orb forming in the palm of the longhaired man. He took a step back as the palm turned on him.
"Where are you going, little man? I thought your Captain told you to defeat us?" Radditz called. He was having the time of his life.
Guldo tried to swallow the lump in his throat as he looked back to the Captain for aid. The larger alien crossed his arms and glared at him expectantly. Faced with no other choice, Guldo did the only thing he could. He turned as fast as his rotund little body would allow and took off toward the other end of the corridor. Ginyu could only stand, stunned as he watched the little alien run for his life. Amused chuckles from behind him finally broke through his silent raging.
"Looks like you're on your own, Captain," Radditz mused. "You want this one, Kakarot, or should I do the honors?"
Kakarot stepped up, stretching his arms above his head as he smiled at the last man standing between him and finding Bulma. "I think I can handle this, brother. Ready, Captain?"
Teeth grinding, Ginyu growled at the two men's mockery. "You will pay for what you've done! This I swear!"
After throwing his brother a smirk, Kakarot crouched down and motioned for him to come near. "Then by all means, come collect."
Enraged by the man's taunts, Ginyu charged him, intending to do just that. He threw blow after blow at his opponent, growing more and more angry with each block or dodge the other man performed. It was obvious that the younger man was enjoying this little battle immensely, causing Ginyu to become even more furious. Thinking to catch his enemy off guard, Ginyu stopped mid-punch and brought his leg up. Instead of connecting with the man's jaw, as he had planned, Kakarot blocked the kick and countered with a blow to Ginyu's face.
Surprised by the blow, the large purple alien stumbled back, holding his nose. As he pulled his hand back, he was bewildered to find it covered in green splotches of his own blood. A growl rumbled from the pit of his stomach as he looked up to find the other man smiling at him. When Kakarot raised his finger beckoning him forward, Ginyu rushed him again, fist flying haphazardly. Kakarot dodged one such fist and grabbed hold of the arm attached to it. Twisting the arm until it's owner wailed, Kakarot turned and buried his elbow in the other man's face. He followed the move with a back kick to the man's midsection, sending Ginyu skidding across the floor on his back.
When he came to a halt, Ginyu groaned and painfully opened his eyes to realize he was lying at a pair of feet. No description matched the relief he felt once he realized whom the feet belonged to.
Radditz watched his brother deliver the last blow with a smile. Kakarot really was something else. He made it all look so easy. Deciding the battle was over, he glanced back at the frowning blonde. "Don't look so frightened. Kakarot is an excellent fighter. You have nothing to fear."
Her blue gaze turned on him momentarily as if assessing him. She nodded after a moment then her eyes widened as something over his shoulder caught her attention. Turning, he frowned to see a dark haired man standing over the fallen Ginyu. A frown crossed his face as the purple man reached his hand up for aid from the other, and then pointed in their direction.
"Juuanagou! You have to help me destroy them! They're trying to oppose Master Frieza's will!"
The man's scowl moved from the defeated Ginyu to them and the first thing that struck Radditz was the sharpness of the man's blue eyes. So much like those of the girl behind him. A dangerous fire flickered in those blue depths, but aside from that, Radditz was prepared to dismiss the young man. He looked no stronger than the alien his brother had just so easily defeated. However, the sudden tension in Kakarot's stance told him to be wary.
~What is it, brother?~ he reached out.
~He's strong. Very strong,~ came the reply.
~How do you know?~ Radditz frowned.
~I just do.~
Radditz's frown deepened when the man lifted his palm to them and it began to glow. His face held no emotion as he continued to gather energy in his palm. As the ki ball crackled, Kakarot prepared himself to deflect the blast while Radditz placed himself in front of the girl. It was on Radditz's movements their enemy's eyes focused.
Kakarot frowned when an unreadable emotion flickered across the man's face as he stared at something behind him. Glancing back, he realized he was watching the girl, who returned his gaze evenly. The Saiyan brothers watched in silence as the two measured each other; the boy with open hostility, while the girl's look was completely devoid of emotion.
Precious moments passed before their adversary sneered at the scowling woman and forced more power behind the glowing blast. Kakarot went on the defensive once again but relaxed his stance a bit when his opponent's hand lowered on Ginyu. The purple alien stared up in wide-eyed horror as his previously thought ally released the crackling ball, making devastating contact with his face.
The onlookers watched speechlessly as the other man sizzled on the ground before them. As the smell of burning flesh attacked their senses, all three turned their attention back to the dark-haired boy. He lowered his hand to his side before looking up at them.
"Ginyu was a pig. He deserved to roast like one," he said in an almost bored tone.
Kakarot was about to protest that he was down and unarmed when a sharp scream then the powerful emotions of fear and despair ripped through his skull. Radditz moved to his brother's side as the younger man held his throbbing head between his hands.
"What is it, Kakarot?!" he demanded.
"Bulma," Kakarot murmured as the pain began to ease.
Eighteen's attention immediately perked at that, and she stepped forward.
"Can you tell where she is?" Radditz pressed and received a negative shake of the head in response. Radditz growled in frustration.
"This Bulma, of which you speak, she is the blue haired princess right?" spoke up Seventeen, not quite sure why he was attempting to help them. As three sets of eyes turned on him, he decided to take that as a yes. "She's in the control room. Cell wanted her there after Zarbon finished with her. She is bait for the Saiyan prince."
Kakarot turned to his brother at this new information. Neither was willing to ask what he meant by "after Zarbon finished with her." Eighteen glared at the two before stepping toward the other man. "Will you take us to the control room?" she asked him.
Seventeen frowned deeply at her before turning and walking in the opposite direction. It was obvious that he meant for them to follow. Eighteen hurried quickly after followed, after a brief hesitation, by the two brothers.
* * *
The entire room shook with the very intensity of the battle within. With every powerful blow thrown, each competitor grew frustrated with the lack of progress he was making. They seemed to be evenly matched, though Vegeta could see he would soon be outclassed. In this new form, his energy was quickly decreasing, and Cell was still at his original level. He needed to do something, and do it fast.
Cell caught him off guard again as his right leg came across the Saiyan's face, sending him flying into the large console on the other side of the room. Vegeta didn't have time to shake the stars from his eyes before a green fist was flying at his face. Barely dodging it, the sound of crushing metal and the crackling of malfunctioning circuitry as the creature's fist sunk into the control panel, rang in his ear. With his hand caught, Cell had no chance to stop the three kicks Vegeta sank into his midsection, nor did he have time to block uppercut that freed him.
Just outside the door, Bulma watched through fearful eyes. She couldn't believe the power she was watching come from Vegeta. Her view of the stunning and terrifying battle was unhindered until Cell's hand went through the panel, causing the control room door to slam shut in front of her. Now, she could only watch through the small circular window in the door.
"Please be careful, Vegeta," she murmured as her eyes tracked the high paced battle as best they could.
Stumbling back, Cell glared as the blonde man pushed himself out of the rubble the control panel was quickly becoming. Vegeta didn't pause to take a breather and immediately charged the insect-like creature. The fight continued as a wild storm of punches and kicks, Cell landing a blow here and there as Vegeta's newfound power quickly began taking its toll on his energy supply. Vegeta caught one scaly fist then another and for a brief moment thought he had the upper hand again, until he noticed the smile on Cell's face.
"You're weakening, little prince," he taunted, leaning in close. "Soon you will slip up and then I will suck you up."
His smile broadened at the angry growl that came from the prince, and he head-butted the man as if to add salt to the injury. When the Saiyan brought his knee up in attack, Cell did the same, causing their knees to lock in the same manner their hands were in. Another gruntal growl came from Vegeta as he realized he was getting nowhere.
'Well at least he's in the same position I'm in,' he thought bitterly. He realized he was wrong when the alien's green tail snaked around his neck and gripped it firmly. Gasping he immediately released the alien's hands and brought his hands to claw at the tail. Cell chuckled as he tightened his hold.
"Give up, little prince," Cell said as his tail tightened and the man cried out in pain. "It would be so much easier if you were to just let me absorb you. It's over Saiyan. Now just give up. You have failed."
The last words rang in Vegeta's pounding skull over and over. He had failed them all. His planet, his people, but most of all, he had failed her. He was the legendary Super Saiyan, and yet, he had still failed. As the noose tightened on his throat, he was inches from giving in to the pain. His eyes, half-closed in agony, began rolling back in his head when something caught his attention.
Pounding frantically on the door, her face pressed to the glass, she seemed to be screaming something, but the reinforced steal would not allow the sound. Her blue eyes were glassy with tears as she shook her head back and forth, her blue locks flying about her face, as her eyes pleaded with him to continue to fight. Those eyes. A hundred memories of those eyes filled with every emotion from fear to hatred to desire washed over his brain. Then a single flash of them filled with nothing but the cold emptiness of death hit him full force. The blind rage that followed made him roar with the pure impact of it.
So stunned by the sudden wave of raw energy radiating from his captive's body, Cell could only watch as Vegeta gripped the tail and tore it with his hands. Blood, puss, and gore all exploded from the appendage as it was ripped from its master's body. Cell gawked as pain ran through his body, his eyes locking with the teal ones before him. Vegeta held his gaze as he removed the tail from his neck and tossed it on the ground. A cloud of fury brought energy flashed like lighting around his body as he brought his hands together before him.
"It's time we finished this." His tone was dark as the blast grew between his palms.
Cell had just recovered from the surprise loss of his tail when Vegeta released the blast; a final flash of blinding light, engulfing its target and tearing an agonizing scream from him as every cell in his body began to disintegrate. The ship shook violently as the wave continued to eat the insect, the blast causing its desired effect. As the last phases of energy died out, silence fell in the small, devastated control room.
Only the sound of Vegeta's haggard breathing bounced off the walls of the room. Vegeta watched the space were Cell had fallen for several moments until he was satisfied the creature was indeed gone. Slowly, he turned to the door. Those eyes watching him filled with relief and concern as rivers slipped from them. He took a step toward the door then stopped as everything around him began to spin.
Bulma gasped as his hair and eyes went back to normal before he slipped to the floor. "Oh no!" she cried as she frantically began beating on the door, screaming his name.
"Bulma!"
The relief she felt as she turned could not be described. "Kakarot! Come here, quick! You have to open this door! Please!"
Nodding, Kakarot made quick haste to the door. Not pausing to question, he slammed his fist into the door, sending it flying. The moment the blockade was gone, Bulma was in the room, and the next instant on her knees beside Vegeta. Tugging at his shoulder, she rolled him onto his back, his head coming to rest in her lap. She looked over him slowly and betrayed a small smile for it seemed exhaustion was the cause of his collapse.
Scowling up at her through half-closed eyes, he lifted a gloved hand to lightly touch her cheek. She moved her own hands to his, one gripping his wrist while the other pulled the glove at his fingertips. Now with only the warmth of his hand, she nuzzled her cheek against his palm before leaning forward to touch her forehead to his.
At the door, stood four witnesses to the intimate scene. Eighteen gave a rare knowing smile, while her brother grunted in disinterest. The two Saiyan brothers could only look on in surprise.
"Kakarot?" Radditz said, smiling at his brother's dumbfounded expression.
"Huh?" came the reply.
"I think you can summon Nissa now," Radditz informed him.
Blinking, Kakarot looked away from the pair and nodded at his smiling brother. It was time to go home. A broad smile came over his face as a certain pretty brunette came to mind. With those thoughts he closed his eyes and prepared to contact Nissa.
* * *
So that was the last chappie and there are still a few questions. Well, the epilogue will be up sometime next week and you'll know all then. Thanks for reading.