This is the second chapter to 'Night has fallen'. There is still a warning* for this story! This is still a dark story. I refuse to turn Vegeta into a softy! Thank you Melina for beta-reading! I want to thank everybody who reviewed me! Thanks! You gave me inspiration for this one! And some people even added me to their 'favorite authors' list! Wow! Thank you very much!!! Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ

Night has fallen

Chapter two: Nightmares in the dark

Bulma sat silently under the hot stream of water. She let the water cascade down her shoulders, while she tried to gather the strength to wash herself. She sighed in frustration. She needed to be strong now, to have her mind together, to figure out a way to stop Vegeta. But somehow her mind wouldn't think about anything but the fact that her friends were all dead. Killed. Yamcha... Goku... Gohan... Krillin... She wanted to weep, to scream, to tell herself it was just a bad nightmare... She wanted to wake up!

"Are you almost done in there? I want to wash this blood off."

Bulma jerked her head up and saw Vegeta standing beside the bathtub, smirking at her. He had already taken his armor off, and was now only dressed in a spandex uniform. Another thing she had created to help him.

"Well, if you are staying in there... I guess you can help me then?" He purred at her. Bulma stared at him, frightened, while he started to undress. When he was finished, he stepped into the shower, making Bulma jump up and move towards the shower door. Vegeta stilled her by laying a hand on her arm. "Stay," was his whispered demand. Bulma gathered her courage to look into his eyes. They were ablaze with possessiveness and a primal hunger. He moved his hand to the small of her back, and pulled her against him, while his other hand tangled into her hair. He moved a stray of hair to his nose, taking a deep breath. "You smell good now, Woman; enticing actually. But I love it even more when you carry my smell all over you. It will make clear to everyone who you belong to." He dipped his head to sniff her neck, to nibble it, to taste... He came across the bitemark. He gently licked it, then bit into her flesh again, reopening her wound. He lazily lapped at the blood, while Bulma softly whimpered. At hearing her, he sighed, and pulled back, looking at her with lust filled eyes. He sighed again.

"I guess it would be too soon, you're still sore... If I would take you now... Your human body can't really handle it. Saiyan mating, especially when a couple mate for the first time, is quite... intense, and violent in comparison to your ways. The human coupling is much gentler." Vegeta slowly reached out his hand, and wiped her blood off her neck. He brought his fingers to his mouth, slowly licking them clean. "I had to hold back, I had to take it easy on you. Like I said, your body is much too weak to endure Saiyan mating. But I think I know a way to remedy that... Perhaps... Now, how about you washing my back, servant woman?" He chuckled when he saw Bulma respond. That comment riled her up every time, even now. Anger filled her beautiful eyes. Finally, there she was, the fiery person he became obsessed with.

"Servant woman?! Like hell! Do you really think I will do anything for you after all you've done?! I hate you! I hate you," she hissed at him. She watched as his face contorted with rage at her passionate statement. But did she see a trace of hurt too? He snarled, and suddenly she was crushed against him, the hand at her back causing another bruise. Bulma didn't mind; for all she cared he could crush her to death. That would only be a relief to her now, a way out of the horrible future he had promised her. She had no reason to believe he would let her go, ever.

"You will not- Don't waste your energy on hating me; it won't get you anywhere. You can't... don't...," somehow, he seemed to struggle with his words, then suddenly, he growled at her. "You won't hate me woman, you won't!"

"Are you listening to yourself, Vegeta? You can't tell me not to hate you!" Bulma spat out.

"Because we are mates. Bonded mates. We will be able to read each other's thoughts and feelings. So, you won't hate me. You'll know my reasons, my feelings... You won't hate me. I won't let you..."

"You can't tell me what to feel, Vegeta," she said with defiance, but deep in her heart, she felt fear and uncertainty. He couldn't control her feelings, or try to influence them, could he? "How could we possibly feel each other's feelings? I know Saiyans have some telepathic abilities, but I know I don't have them." Bulma tried to reason with him

"That's part of our bond. I've bonded you very deeply. Our connection is very deep."

"Connection?"

"Yes, of the body, the mind, the soul, and the heart..." Vegeta said huskily, while he started to nuzzle her neck again.

"What do you mean, of the body. It doesn't look like we're attached to each other,"

Vegeta smirked. "Curious, aren't you. You always want to learn more. The connection of the body means, that we feel each other's physical pain. It also means, that if one mate dies, the other will follow it's mate soon after. Because mates are so deeply connected, if one mate dies, the other will feel like he's been ripped in half, both physically and spiritually. To end this physical and emotional pain, the other will die too. It maybe takes a day to a week, but he will certainly die; the body just stops to function."

"Really," asked Bulma.

Vegeta looked intently at her. "Really."

"This is your people's equivalent to what we call marriage?"

Vegeta snorted. "Hardly. It's far more intense. It means forever. Though such a bond wasn't a common thing in our society. It was in fact extremely rare."

Bulma snorted, "Must I feel special now or something? You forced this one me! You did this... thing, without thinking how I would feel!"

"You should feel special! That I chose you as my mate should be an honor to you! And frankly, I don't care how you feel. You weren't strong enough to fight me off, so I had every right to make you mine!"

"The right of the strongest?! Is that how it works for you? Well, I don't live by your rules, Vegeta!"

"Really? It is how life works. I think I have demonstrated that this morning... Maybe you want another example..."

"No," Bulma cried out, suddenly very afraid of what he could be up to next. She clutched at his arm, as to stop him from doing something terrible. "No, no, please... no more..." Bulma looked up, pleading with her eyes. "I've seen enough..."

"Really," sneered Vegeta, "then why haven't you accepted it yet? The sooner you do, the better it is. Give in, Woman."

"To you," Bulma whispered, "I must give in to you."

"Yes, that's what I've been trying to tell you," he mumbled huskily, "you're my mate; give into me, it will make things so much... easier for you. Accept our bond. Because there's no escape, no way out. Face it."

Bulma tried to look away from the intensity in his eyes, but now both his hands were tangled in her hair, preventing any movement. He looked deeply into her eyes, paralyzing her with his dark stare.

"Mine," he growled softly. "Mine. Only mine, always mine. Until the end of time and beyond."

"No!" Bulma tried to get away from him; she didn't want to give into him. "No, never!"

Suddenly, Vegeta released the hold he had on her. Bulma stumbled backwards, until she hit the wall. Vegeta chuckled. "Soon, woman, soon." He smirked at her poorly hidden fear. He gestured at the door of the showercabin. "Get out, dry yourself, and get dressed. I'll finish my shower, then we'll get to work. There is much to be done."

Bulma hurried out of the shower, very relieved that she could leave his presence, while she shuddered at hearing the anticipation in his voice.

****

Bulma sat on the bed, while Vegeta was putting on some clean armor. But her mind was rapidly processing the new information he had given her about this 'bond' he had established between them. Was he bluffing, or was he telling her the truth? She didn't think he could make up something like this... She had tried to learn more about Saiyan culture and customs since Vegeta had moved in with her and her family, but Vegeta had never really told her anything or answered her questions. The only things she had learned before this day, were picked up in her observations and some occasional comment from Vegeta. Now this new piece of information... She had never thought that a race like the Saiyans could be able to form something like the 'bond' Vegeta had described. But on the other hand, they were passionate people... well, they were passionate when it came to fighting; even Goku took a certain kind of joy in his fights. But mating?

If what he was saying was true, what would kind of consequences did it have for her? Bonded to someone she now hated... fated to live with someone for the rest of her life; someone who saw her as a possession, to do with as he pleased. He didn't feel anything for her, beside the possessiveness and the lust, did he? What was it that he really wanted from her? He couldn't really harm her, let alone kill her; he told her what the consequences would be for him... It would mean his eventual death... right? Her death would mean his death, and vice versa.

"What are you thinking about, woman?" Vegeta asked gruffly.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing."

Vegeta arched an eyebrow at her. "You expect me to believe that?"

"I really don't care if you believe me or not."

Vegeta growled at her. "Watch your mouth! Now, come on, we don't have all day." Vegeta grabbed Bulma and dragged her along, out of his room.

****

They were walking around the large capsule. Vegeta was silently observing the latest addition to the Capsule Corp fleet.

"Show me the inside," he snapped at her. Bulma obediently opened the ship, and they walked inside.

Bulma started to give a general information: "As you can see, this one is much larger than its predecessors. It has several rooms, including, of course, a GR. This GR is something special; it has several protective layers, shields is maybe a better word, between the wall of the GR and the outer coating of the ship. We designed that specifically for the GR. It has to absorb ki-blast, rather then to withstand them. Goku was so nice to come over, and give it a try. Even as a powered up Super Saiyan he wasn't able to make one single crack in the material-" Bulma suddenly realized who she was talking about, and instantly, tears threatened. Memories of days long ago came suddenly back, making Bulma sob.

"Woman!" Vegeta painfully grabbed her arm, shaking her out of her intense grief. "Stop blubbering over that weak fool. What use does it have? Move on!"

Bulma was taken back by his words. He sure wasn't feeling any remorse about what he had done. He also didn't cared that she had lost people who were a major part of her life; her best friends. He really didn't care at all. He was ruthless.

"Stop looking at me like that! You thought I would be sorry, or feel regret or something? " Vegeta chuckled. "Let me tell you something. The sweet taste of revenge; of victory... I will dream of it for years. I will show you those dreams, although I think you won't appreciate them. It's a pity."

"You're really... disgusting!"

Vegeta smirked at that. "You really think so? Well, we'll find out how disgusted you are of me... When we're mating, and I'll make you scream my name, in pleasure... won't you be disgusted of yourself?"

"Stay the hell away from me!"

"She's finally fighting back! A little kitten against a lion. Ha! Though, it is kind of... arousing." At seeing Bulma's look of terror, he laughed. "You're acting like a real Saiyan female sometimes. It's so alluring, and you aren't even aware of it. Your spirit... I wouldn't want to change anything about it." He seemed to be actually purring now. "You're just what I have always wanted as a mate."

Bulma shuddered. It would only be a matter of time before he would take her again. She tried hard not to think about it, to push away the unbidden memories. Again, she shuddered.

"S-shall I tell you some more, o-or do you know enough?"

Vegeta smirked at her: "Please, do continue."

"Y-yes." She moved quickly down some stairs, until they were standing in the lowest level of the ship. She gestured at the many shelves, piled up with all kinds of boxes. "This- this is the storage room. All those boxes are filled with capsules. Fuel, spare parts, and food, of course. These supplies should last us for over a... a hundred years, if that should be necessary. The food capsules are another invention of my dad... there's no decay. Something about a certain balance of the right kind of air particles. I never really had the time to get into the details... I could find out you know. We have put everything about this ship, including the design of the capsules, in the ship's main database. Oh! We also added a sickbay, complete with a Regeneration Tank. We thought that you could use one. We tried our hardest to make sure that this ship is equipped with everything one may need to survive.

"So, this flying heap of junk is actually able to go into space?" Vegeta sneered.

"Yes," Bulma answered, ignoring his remark.

"I want some extra supplies. I want some hundred capsule houses, some defensive and offensive weaponry, building materials and other raw materials, and research equipment. I hope that this thing is able to carry some more capsules. Or will it come crashing down?!" He taunted.

Bulma took a deep breath. "That will be arranged. I will ask my dad right away."

"Not so fast. First, I have something else to do. A little surprise..."

****

"Do you like surprises?" Vegeta asked. They had stopped in the middle of a large garden, behind the house.

"I don't think I would like your surprise," Bulma said warily.

"My my," Vegeta chuckled, "don't tell me you're afraid of me?"

"Yes," answered Bulma truthfully, "I'm afraid of what you are planning on doing next."

"Like I said, it's a surprise. I'll go, and get it. Wait here." He shot off, and was out of sight before Bulma had time to blink.

She was in doubt. What should she do now? She wanted to find her parents; she hadn't seen her mother since she went in search for her father. How long ago would that be; two, three hours? She had lost her sense of time. Bulma hoped that they went in hiding. They probably knew that Vegeta had killed Yamcha... and the rest of their friends. Maybe her father had got them somewhere safe. But Bulma knew that they wouldn't leave her in a situation like this. They cared too much for her. So, where were they, and what were they doing?

She heaved a deep sigh, and sat down on a bench, mindful of her sore and stiff body. Detachedly, she looked at her mother's favorite rose garden. Perhaps her father was looking for, or working on something to use against Vegeta. Bunny would have told him something was wrong and even if they hadn't seen Vegeta kill Yamcha, they would know there was trouble. Her father should know what to do. Or so she hoped.

She was losing hope. She didn't know what to do anymore. So much happened this day... In less than a day, her world, as she knew and loved, had been destroyed. Her worries of the last past months seemed so insignificant. She should have been happy with what she had! And now, it was to late. Vegeta... why was he doing this? Wanting revenge on Goku, that, she could imagine but why killing all her friends, and why claiming her? She was at a loss for the answers. She didn't know what to think anymore... And he still wanted to destroy Earth; she could see the hate in his eyes, every time he looked at the green trees, or a happy couple that walked down a street. Did he blame Earth for his one time failure? Did he hate the happiness and beauty that still existed here?

What about his surprise? That could never be a good thing. Maybe he wanted a trophy or something. Bulma felt the nausea, her stomach was reacting to the vivid images in her mind. Yamcha... Her love. He had came for her, to protect her, even when he knew he didn't stand a chance against Vegeta. But all he had thought about was to get her somewhere safe. He had came for her... He had really loved her. So why hadn't things worked out for them? The fear he bore on his face when he was about to die. Not fear for himself, but for her. Why hadn't things worked out?

What did she have left? What was worth living for? The only thing she could focus on was finding a way to stop Vegeta. Whatever had to be done, she would do it. If only she could think of something... She felt that something was eluding her; it was just... In frustration, in desperation, and in fear she cried. Heaving sobs racked her body. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to get warm. She felt so cold, and alone, and despairing. But she had to be strong now; she had to do everything that was in her power to somehow stop Vegeta from destroying earth. To that thought she clinged. It was the only thing that kept her going, instead of wallowing in grief, guilt and hurt.

The wind was picking up around here. She inadvertently looked up at the sky, and suddenly Vegeta stood before her, carrying something that once was a man. He was carrying something, that was covered in purplish liquid, and had torn, white clothes and had green skin- Oh my God! Bulma gasped at the sight of Piccolo... Was he still alive? It should be impossible, she thought, while she watched on in horror. Piccolo... the proud demon, now nothing more than a mutilated chunk of meat. Once more, the nausea assaulted her, and she slipped off the bench and vomited on her mother's roses.

"Not really a looker, hmm?" Vegeta sneered at her. Bulma didn't answered him. She wiped her mouth clean, and turned to look at Piccolo. She stumbled towards him, and dropped beside his side. She repressed the sick feeling, and the tears, while she searched for a sign of life. He was still breathing, but it was so weak... Bulma reached out a hand to feel his pulse when she was dragged to her feet by Vegeta.

"Don't touch him! I don't want to get his blood all over you. It's bad enough that I have to take a shower, again."

"But... He's still alive! If you kept him alive until now, you couldn't have any objections to me helping him?"

"I do have objections against it! Yes, I've kept him alive, but I've made sure that he's too weak to regenerate himself. All that's left of him is what you see now. He's as good as a corpse!"

"Are you that sadistic! Do you really get any pleasure of seeing somebody suffer as much as he does now?!" Bulma looked at him, unable to comprehend it.

"Well..." Vegeta smirked," I can't say I don't get any satisfaction out of it. I did say, back on Namek, that I would get back to him. And I always keep my promises. But that's not the reason I've kept him alive. No, I just need him alive, for just a little while longer. Then, I'll promise you, I will put an end to his misery."

"You need him? For what?! He's-" Suddenly, she knew why Vegeta needed Piccolo alive. Piccolo was alive, and that meant Kami also still lived... that meant he intended to use the dragonballs!

Vegeta saw the dawning realization on Bulma's face. He seemed pleased. "Glad that you're so smart. Indeed, I need him alive to use the dragonballs. I won't make the same mistake again! Now, finally I can make a wish in peace. Wait here."

He flew to the house, and disappeared in his room. Seconds later he came out holding a bag. He landed gracefully beside her, and emptied the bag. Seven dragonballs rolled out of the bag on the green grass.

"I've collected these a few days ago. It is surely very handy that I can still feel their aura (A/N: remember Namek?). If I would have asked for that radar of yours; what kind of ideas would that have given you?" Vegeta laughed softly at Bulma's shock. "Now, are you ready for the surprise?"

'You're going to- You're going to wish for immortality, aren't you? You can't! Don't do it! You'll-"

Vegeta pressed a finger to her lips. "Sssh, Woman. It's a surprise! Now," he picked her up, and flew them a good distance away from the mystical orbs. "Let's stay here. I wouldn't like to be crushed by an overgrown lizard."

"Piccolo, he's-"

"Don't worry, he'll live through it." With that said, he took a step forward, eyes gleaming with anticipation and satisfaction. He began to bring forth the dragon, while Bulma watched on, with a sinking feeling. This was the ultimate disaster.

"State your wish," the dragon boomed.

Vegeta smiled. Bulma could only watch. All hope was lost now.

"I wish... for my mate Bulma to be a Saiyan, but in flesh and blood only."

What?! Bulma was shocked! Did she hear that correctly? What kind of wish is that?! What did it have for purpose?!

The eyes of the dragon glowed, and he stated: "That will be done."

Instantly, Bulma's body was racked with excruciating pain. She screamed and doubled over, and fell to the ground, where she writhed in pain. So much pain! Vaguely, she noticed that Vegeta had picked her up and had her cradled in his arms, whispering words she was unable to hear. The pain was increasing, crashing over her like waves. Maybe this was the end? Breathing became increasingly difficult, and when she was sure she would lose her mind, she finally lost consciousness.

****

Slowly, ever so slowly, Bulma regained her consciousness. She kept still, wondering if the pain was truly gone. But it was, she didn't feel it anymore. In fact, she felt better than she had the whole day. She tried to focus on her surroundings, and she reluctantly opened her eyes. She knew she was lying in a bed, and after a quick peek, she noticed that she was in Vegeta's bed, again. The owner of it stood nonchalant beside it, looking intensely at her.

"What happened," she asked him anxiously.

Vegeta's eyes gleamed with joy. "My wish came true."

"W-what," was all Bulma could stammer.

He suddenly pulled the blanket of her body which Bulma discovered to her horror, she was naked. She made an attempt to get it back but Vegeta held it out of her reach.

"There's no need to cover yourself. You're so beautiful now... You're perfect." Vegeta's eyes devoured her face, her body, as Bulma became more nervous by the minute.

"What did you do, Vegeta?"

He didn't say anything, but grabbed her and picked her up off the bed. He walked her into the bathroom, and put her down on her wobbling legs, but kept a steadying hand on her. Bulma was momentarily confused as to why he brought her here, but then she caught sight of herself in the large mirror. It was her, but it wasn't...

She took a few, careful steps closer to the mirror, while Vegeta propped her up. The first thing she noticed, was a light blue tail dragging behind her. She was shocked! "T-that's... that's a, a-"

"Yes, that's a tail, Woman! And a damn fine one! But that's only the most obvious change. Look closely, Woman."

And Bulma did, albeit hesitantly. She looked at her face, and noticed that the thin lines around her eyes were gone. She reached a hand up, and touched her cheek. Her skin felt so smooth, so... young! She looked down at her body and noticed the changes there. Her body seemed rejuvenated. That, and she had gained some muscles. It wasn't that much, but it was noticeable.

"I'm... I'm a..." Bulma couldn't say it; she was denial.

"You're a Saiyan. A pure blooded Saiyan. Now, you're everything that I could have wished for! You're perfect now. Saiyan in blood and flesh, but still with your genius mind, and with your soft, caring heart. Beautiful," he purred, "exquisite." He wrapped his arms around her, and inhaled her scent. "Mmmmm," he mumbled, "Mine." He covered one of her breasts, and slowly caressed it, while his other hand moved to her back to gently pet her tail. That soft touch sent shivers through Bulma's entire body. Shivers of lust. Bulma's hand shot out, and grabbed his arm. "No!" She demanded. "Don't!"

Vegeta chuckled, not in the least hindered by her grip on his arm; instead he caressed her tail more firmly, making Bulma's legs buckle, and she slumped forward, now only held up by his arm. She was moaning now, in pleasure, but her eyes; Vegeta could see them in the mirror, were looking at him, and he saw the horror at her own response; the response she couldn't stop. Her eyes were filled with disbelief and disgust. Disgust with herself. Vegeta smirked at her, and she threw him a pleading look. But he wasn't going to stop. He would make clear to her, for once and for all, who her master was, her mate. He was her mate, and before the night was over, she wouldn't be able to deny it anymore.

"I am going to make you scream now," he mumbled huskily, "I'm going to make sure you know it's me who's going to make you come. You'll come for me, over and over again."

"Please," she begged, while she writhed in his arms, "please, don't do this to me..."

"You can't deny me, and get away with it, Mate! You're going to surrender to me tonight."

He picked her up, and carried her back to the bed. There, he did make her scream, and beg, and cry out, and finally, she gave up. She gave herself to him. Their minds touched, and she was sucked into his dreams, his wishes and lusts, and she couldn't turn away from him... Couldn't escape his feelings; they were so strong...

She wondered if she would ever wake up from this nightmare.

****

End of the second chapter of 'Night Has Fallen'. Hope you all liked it. You can let me know by reviewing! I'm not done with this story... It could turn out to be a whole A/U! Anyway, a third chapter will be added.