Thank you for all of your notes of support! I really appreciate it! And no more flames to Hobo, okay?
Longest chapter ever! Get your Kleenex ready!
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***************Episode 44**************
**A Mother's Love; Zucina's Final Stand!!**
Want to know the funniest thing about what you mortals call "Divine Intervention"? Elementals are forbidden to interact directly unless Eternity gives us permission.
Needless to say, this rule is broken often. Usually by my brother, Uno.
His hatred for three of my creations; Bardock, Cole, and Zucina outweighed his hatred for any of my others thus far. Now he planned to do away with two out of the three. The most clear and present threat was Zucina. At this time, the strongest person most likely to get near her was King Vegeta, his loyal servant.
I hate how my brother's mind works!
Uno appeared in the sitting room of the king, who jumped to his feet. "Uno-sama! What an unexp-"
"This is no time for pleasantries. Lady Zucina's soul has been tampered with by my sister. She must not raise your son!"
King Vegeta paled. "I don't understand, Uno-sama. M'Lady is more than capable of-"
"If purity is instilled in the prince's heart, he may never reach the level of Super Sayin."
The king stroked his chin. "I suppose I can order a governess to take care of the boy."
"No," Uno growled, shaking the king's soul, "As soon as the boy is born, DESTROY HER!!"
"I . . . I couldn't!"
Uno, my sick brother, touched the king's shoulder, using his dark powers of manipulation to change the king's mind. "Let her live, and your subjects may find out her heritage. The glory of over 300 generations of rulers will be swept away by such a scandal. And the prince will never achieve his true potential with such a woman in his life."
"Then help me, Uno-sama," asked the king. "I cannot bring myself to hurt her. Help me to do so! I open myself to you!"
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I had to do something!
After dropping Zucina off at the palace, Cole flew as fast as he could, trying to reach Bardock's house. Zucina's whereabouts and shocking condition made him uneasy, even scared, that Uno was planning something now. But Cole had been in his trance for two weeks straight without food, and his Sayin metabolism demanded a lot!
The weakened Sayin floated down to the ground, clutching his empty stomach. His energy drained away.
I couldn't just leave him there. I glided down to him, invisible, and carried him the rest of the way to Bardock's house, a considerable distance from the palace.
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Zucina opened her eyes, feeling as if the world was clouded around her. Where was she? What happened?
A baby's cries from somewhere far away jogged her back. Could it be?
She rubbed her eyes and looked around. She lay in a bed of the palace, surrounded by equipment and light from the various lamps. Aspa hurried the nurses out, muttering "The Mistress needs her rest! Please, go! Take the prince and go!"
"Matte," said Zucina, in a calm voice. "May I see him?"
Aspa jumped and turned around. "Oh! Thank the Ognine* Mistress is safe! After your early delivery, Aspa did not think she would wake up so soon."
"I'm made of stronger substance then you, old friend," she said. "Now, hand me my baby!"
Aspa snatched the wailing child out of the nurse's arms, and handed the bundle to Zucina. The moment Vegeta rested in his mother's arms, he stopped his crying. Large, sable eyes blinked at her.
Another nurse hissed at Aspa. "We must take the prince to be fed!"
"I'll feed him," said Zucina, laughing at the boy's curious _expression. 'Not even a couple hours old and already curious!'
"High class women do not normally nurse," another doctor stated indignantly. "The king ordered the prince taken care of the moment he was born!"
"Mistress say go, you go," insisted Aspa.
Zucina ignored the prattle and marveled at her son. Baby Vegeta, small in size, but high in energy radiated with personality already. He reached for Zucina's two purple spikes. Zucina shook her head, waging them in front of the baby. She giggled as he tried to chase them.
Nappa pushed through the door, not bothering to lower his voice, and cursed at the stragglers. "Mistress," he said, after snapping at the personnel, "The king wishes to see you."
Vegeta whimpered at the giant's angry presence. Zucina held her baby closer. "Tell him I must get ready first before he sees his son."
Nappa left, scaring the staff away. Vegeta squirmed. "Oh, don't mind him, Veggie-chan," cooed Zucina. "You'll get used to him. He's not mean to the people he likes." To calm him, she sang a heartfelt song Aspa had sung to her as a baby:
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~~April roses, tiny sparrows, comets bright and new
~~All belong together with the mystery that is you
~~When I see your little face I hear a song from long ago
~~I think you know the many secrets I've forgotten
~~Generations through the ages joined as one somehow
~~Leading to the miracle that I am holding now
~~From the sky and from the sea upon a breeze you came to me
~~You seem to see a greater universe than I do
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~~Sleep my baby; sleep my baby, dream of somewhere far away
~~Do you remember still? How I hope you always will
~~Keep the memory of the day the world was born
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~~When you wake up, I'll be waiting eager for your smile
~~You've had quite a journey darling, you should rest a while
~~When you cry I still rejoice to hear your voice - oh yes, you can
~~My Veggie-chan, please understand how much I love you
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~~Sleep my baby; sleep my baby, later on perhaps you'll tell
~~The wond'rous things you've seen, more miraculous than dreams
~~Tell me all about the day the world was born**
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"Mistress?"
Zucina looked up to see Nappa once again, this time much calmer, slightly humbled from her song. His eyes darted around, and he spoke to her in a whisper. "The king ordered to see you now . . . and for the child to be taken away from you immediately!"
"Why?"
"I don't know." Nappa fidgeted. "I didn't like his tone."
Zucina hugged Vegeta closer to her. Had the king changed his mind about her? Why would he separate her from her baby? She sneered. 'It doesn't matter why! I won't let that happen! He can't have my Veggie-chan!'
She flung the covers off of her and stood up, rather shakily. Aspa made to lie her back down, but Zucina refused. "Nappa," she said, "you've become a bit of a friend to me, so I trust you to do this: In five minutes, go back and tell the king you could not find me. Tell him I must have taken refuge at my parent's home. Then, I want you to find my old mentor, Captain Cole, and his lieutenant and tell them what's happened, and to meet me on planet Shakbane. Got that?"
Nappa nodded.
"Good. Now go." She quickly put on the Idsa Sword's sheathe and took Aspa's arm. "Come with me as far as the podroom. If we are discovered to have left via spaceship, tell them I went to Planet Shik."
"Yes Mistress," said Aspa, scared but resolute. "Would Mistress prefer me to hold Young Master Vegeta?"
Zucina held Vegeta close. "No. Gomen, Aspa-chan, but my Veggie-chan will remain in my arms as long as possible.
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===========================================================
[Commercial Break]
* Ognine - Don't forget, Aspa is an alien from another culture. This is her god.
** - Washuu's Lullaby, from Tenchi Muyo
===========================================================
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Zucina pushed the door open, leading to the podroom. To her horror, King Vegeta stood waiting for her. To her further shock, his pupils had vanished. "What kept you?" he asked in a tone she had never heard before.
Aspa sniveled, pushing her back against the wall in terror. Zucina, as usual, stood tall and proud, restraining a flinch. "What are you doing here?"
The king stepped towards her strangely. She clutched her child protectively. "Going somewhere," asked the king.
Zucina remained silent. The king did not scare her, and she'd be damned if she allowed him to take her child! With one last hug and kiss, she handed the bundle to Aspa, straightened up, and pulled out her sword.
"You really intend to fight me for him," asked the king, laughing almost. His eyes glowed maliciously, possessed. "Foolish woman." He pulled a pipe out of the wall to fight with.
They lunged at each other. Zucina, being shorter, ducked under the king's arms and swung at his side. The king dodged, landing a blow to her back. "Motherhood has weakened you, woman," he chided.
Zucina spat the blood in her mouth and ran again. This time, she phased out quickly, reappearing at the king's side. With a spinning motion, she severed his left arm.
Not stopping to watch him bleed, she took another swing to take off his head. But he countered with his own weapon, only to have it sliced diagonally. He snarled and tried to stab her over and over again, but she dodged left. He took several swings at her, but she always moved. The king swung the pipe horizontally, forcing Zucina on her back. He slashed with the pipe downward, but she rolled over several times, ending up at the opposite wall.
She held up her sword, trying not to get too cocky. Kami, how she loved a good battle! She sprung forward again, attempting to stab his heart. He caught her arm. She tried to pull back, but his grip was too strong. He forced her to the ground, one-handedly turning the Idsa Sword away.
Zucina grunted from the power the king held over her. She was still weakened from the birth. But she vowed never to stop! She struggled to push him back. "Who are you," she spat. "You are not the king! Who are you?!"
In a voice so soft and dangerous it made her shiver, he said, "Your death."
Nappa entered the room, searching for the king. He gasped in alarm when he saw the situation. Zucina glanced at him. "Help me," she mouthed. But the giant did not respond. His duty came first to his king, no matter what the outcome.
Baby Vegeta peeped out at the fight, eyes wide with fear. Deep in his mind, he knew what took place would take his angel away from him. He whined softly, hoping against hope no bad would come of this.
Zucina grew more and more tired. She may have lost far less blood, but her only strength now came from the worry of her son's well-being if she should lose. In her eyes, if Prince Vegeta were raised by the king, he would become a domineering murderer also.
The prince's soft crying reached Zucina's ears, and she paused for less then a second. In that time, the king stabbed her in the back, the sharp piece of metal protruded from Zucina's midsection. Her eyes opened wide and mind froze as she began to fall.
Far away, flying as fast as he possibly could to the palace, Bardock stopped in mid-air. His heart constricted, and a shudder wrecked his body.
Cole, resting in Bardock's home, felt an incredible pain in his head, and passed out.
Tora and Fasha, training in the hall with other third class Sayins, lost their balance and became suddenly on edge for seemingly no reason.
Baby Vegeta cried out as the person who was the one pure beacon of light in his eyes fell to the floor with a dull thud.
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Bardock landed at a run, searching for a hidden entrance to the palace. He wanted to find Zucina, but he wasn't stupid! The guards would never . . .
"Who goes there!"
Bardock skidded to a halt. "Shit," he swore softly. 'Might as well face the music. I may get to see her.' He turned, hands behind his head in typical fashion.*** "Third class Lieutenant Bardock."
The man stepped into his vision. He held a torch to see, and stood at least two heads taller then Bardock. "So, you're Bardock."
Bardock recognize the man as Commander Nappa. "Yes. I wish to see-"
"She's dead," the giant stated without introduction. "The king killed her a half an hour ago."
The world seemed to shut down for a minute around Bardock. Zucina's face, as it was on the night of the festival, popped into Bardock's head. "No . . ."
"Don't call me a liar, boy! Saw it myself. Her last request to me was to tell you myself."
"No," Bardock repeated. Pictures of his friend, his love, flashed in his mind; pictures of her battling aliens, monsters, him . . . "She can't be!" Forgetting his place in his society, he grabbed Nappa's armor at the collar, and pulled the commander to his eye level. "Take me to her," he demanded.
Nappa growled. "Hands off me, filth! I'll lead you to her."
The two walked down beside the moat. Nappa pulled aside some shrubbery, revealing a trap door. He pulled it back, releasing a foul stench. Covering his nose, he beckoned Bardock to follow.
They walked in silence for a few minutes. Finally, they arrived in a long tunnel with an underground river, stretching out for miles. Nappa continued to hold his nose. Bardock did not bother, scanning the area. "What is this place?"
"The sewage river for the city," explained the elite. "Figures a third class wouldn't mind the smell. The king ordered his slut to be thrown away with the rest of the waste."
Bardock humphed. Sure, the smell would make any Sayin gag, but his primary goal was to find Zucina. He refused to believe she could be . . .
Visions, memories, of the girl ran through his head. As a small girl, she beat every third class in her age group. As a student at STP, she won the tournament in a class above her status. As a warrior, she ranked the highest female fighter in planetary missions. How could anyone consider her 'waste'?
"ZUCINA," he called out. He walked out into the river, (much to Nappa's disgust) yelling and searching. "ZUCINA!! ZUNI-CHAN!! WHERE ARE YA!?"
Nappa sneered. "I told you, she's dead! She can't signal you!"
Bardock ignored the giant, trying not to panic. "ZUCINA!! PLEASE!! ANSWER ME!!!"
A soft, purple light pierced the darkness. Bardock gasped. The Idsa Sword lay buried in muck. The light floated from the sword to the figure lying beside it.
"ZUCINA!!!" Bardock ran and lifted her head. The sight made him want to cry out. Her nightdress hung from her body by threads, a line of dried blood slashed across, standing out against her light skin. But her torso bled still, soaking her body.
Bardock tried to lift her, but she moaned suddenly and grabbed his arm. "No," she managed to choke through the blood in her mouth. "No . . . don't . . . hurts . . ."
He lay her back down and turned to Nappa. "Get help! Fast! She's still alive!!"
Nappa gawked where he stood. He had seen his king stab the woman through the heart! How could she be alive? The other's voice snapped him back from his thoughts, and he hurried away.
Bardock stroked Zucina's face tenderly, wiping away some blood from her mouth. "Help's comin', Zuni-chan. Everything will be okay. I'm right here."
"I . . . am not scared," she whispered, smirking weakly. "I'm . . . never scared . . ."
"Guess not," he said, laughing dryly. She looked so weak!
She opened her eyes wider, the light of the dim sword shining in them. "Can . . . can I . . . borrow your lap?"
Bardock quickly placed her head on his lap. "Ano, that better?"
"Much." She sighed, closing her eyes again. Bardock remembered her song vaguely from when he was sick and lying on her lap. He smiled. "Hope you ain't gonna ask me to sing!"
She laughed, but coughed up more blood. Bardock wiped it away, staring at her face. So weak, and pale . . . "Zucina, say something."
"Something," she responded with a giggle.
Bardock bit his lip. Another memory surfaced. "You are not your father, Bardock," she had said when his mother died. "I know in my heart that you'd never hurt your family, blood or bond."
"Zuni-chan," Bardock started, "I'm so sorry! I should have told you sooner, but . . . I . . . I wanted you to be my mate! I still do! And I don't give a fuck what anyone else thinks, as soon as you recover, I'm going to make you mine. I . . . I love you! I always have! I'd trade everything . . . if you'd just be mine."
Zucina remained silent for a moment, eyes closed, then opened her eyes and said, just above a whisper, "Have you seen him?"
"Who?"
Her eyes shone more brightly. "My son! My . . . beautiful baby boy!"
Bardock's heart sank. 'Of course. I'm so stupid! I thought she felt the same way! But she has a mate, and can't be taken again.' "No, I -"
She lifted her hand and touched his cheek, caressing his scar. "I . . . wish . . . he was yours . . . I love you too . . ."
His heart pounded. The tears brimming his eyes spilled over and he did the first thing that came to his mind. He lifted her, gently, and kissed her.
Instantly, light and energy burst from the Idsa Sword, swirling around the Sayins, creating a bond between them; a bond stronger then a mortal ceremony of any kind. It bonded their souls, hearts, minds, destinies . . .
Uno, my revolting brother, chose this time to allow Morteon to separate Zucina's soul from her body and throw it in Hell. My one consolation was that she died in the warm embrace for her true love, united with him in a far deeper sense then any Elemental can break.
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Nappa, the medical personnel, and Tora arrived too late. They found Bardock cradling the empty shell of his lover, eyes flowing with tears.
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*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
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** - Hands behind the head - If he simply put his hands above his head, like it is done on Earth, he could blast them.
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Hey! Tora talking.
Well, when shit rains, it comes down in buckets! None of us really get over Zucina's death, especially Bardock, when Rubaru is released. The fact that Cole is ready to accept his nemesis' challenge angers Bardock, who doesn't want to lose another close friend. I hate seeing the whole group getting pissed off at each other. Guess I'll have to try something radical and use my mouth to get out of this . . . . I'm going to talk to my father.
Next time on DragonballBC: Tora's Nightmare; Cole Accepts the Challenge
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Fun Fact - I had to choose from many potential songs to be one Zucina sang to little Vegeta. Another I wanted had the phrase "Mother Earth", so that didn't work. I think it worked out okay, though!
I didn't want Zucina to die, but I've been foreshadowing it since the start of this season!
Longest chapter ever! Get your Kleenex ready!
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***************Episode 44**************
**A Mother's Love; Zucina's Final Stand!!**
Want to know the funniest thing about what you mortals call "Divine Intervention"? Elementals are forbidden to interact directly unless Eternity gives us permission.
Needless to say, this rule is broken often. Usually by my brother, Uno.
His hatred for three of my creations; Bardock, Cole, and Zucina outweighed his hatred for any of my others thus far. Now he planned to do away with two out of the three. The most clear and present threat was Zucina. At this time, the strongest person most likely to get near her was King Vegeta, his loyal servant.
I hate how my brother's mind works!
Uno appeared in the sitting room of the king, who jumped to his feet. "Uno-sama! What an unexp-"
"This is no time for pleasantries. Lady Zucina's soul has been tampered with by my sister. She must not raise your son!"
King Vegeta paled. "I don't understand, Uno-sama. M'Lady is more than capable of-"
"If purity is instilled in the prince's heart, he may never reach the level of Super Sayin."
The king stroked his chin. "I suppose I can order a governess to take care of the boy."
"No," Uno growled, shaking the king's soul, "As soon as the boy is born, DESTROY HER!!"
"I . . . I couldn't!"
Uno, my sick brother, touched the king's shoulder, using his dark powers of manipulation to change the king's mind. "Let her live, and your subjects may find out her heritage. The glory of over 300 generations of rulers will be swept away by such a scandal. And the prince will never achieve his true potential with such a woman in his life."
"Then help me, Uno-sama," asked the king. "I cannot bring myself to hurt her. Help me to do so! I open myself to you!"
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I had to do something!
After dropping Zucina off at the palace, Cole flew as fast as he could, trying to reach Bardock's house. Zucina's whereabouts and shocking condition made him uneasy, even scared, that Uno was planning something now. But Cole had been in his trance for two weeks straight without food, and his Sayin metabolism demanded a lot!
The weakened Sayin floated down to the ground, clutching his empty stomach. His energy drained away.
I couldn't just leave him there. I glided down to him, invisible, and carried him the rest of the way to Bardock's house, a considerable distance from the palace.
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Zucina opened her eyes, feeling as if the world was clouded around her. Where was she? What happened?
A baby's cries from somewhere far away jogged her back. Could it be?
She rubbed her eyes and looked around. She lay in a bed of the palace, surrounded by equipment and light from the various lamps. Aspa hurried the nurses out, muttering "The Mistress needs her rest! Please, go! Take the prince and go!"
"Matte," said Zucina, in a calm voice. "May I see him?"
Aspa jumped and turned around. "Oh! Thank the Ognine* Mistress is safe! After your early delivery, Aspa did not think she would wake up so soon."
"I'm made of stronger substance then you, old friend," she said. "Now, hand me my baby!"
Aspa snatched the wailing child out of the nurse's arms, and handed the bundle to Zucina. The moment Vegeta rested in his mother's arms, he stopped his crying. Large, sable eyes blinked at her.
Another nurse hissed at Aspa. "We must take the prince to be fed!"
"I'll feed him," said Zucina, laughing at the boy's curious _expression. 'Not even a couple hours old and already curious!'
"High class women do not normally nurse," another doctor stated indignantly. "The king ordered the prince taken care of the moment he was born!"
"Mistress say go, you go," insisted Aspa.
Zucina ignored the prattle and marveled at her son. Baby Vegeta, small in size, but high in energy radiated with personality already. He reached for Zucina's two purple spikes. Zucina shook her head, waging them in front of the baby. She giggled as he tried to chase them.
Nappa pushed through the door, not bothering to lower his voice, and cursed at the stragglers. "Mistress," he said, after snapping at the personnel, "The king wishes to see you."
Vegeta whimpered at the giant's angry presence. Zucina held her baby closer. "Tell him I must get ready first before he sees his son."
Nappa left, scaring the staff away. Vegeta squirmed. "Oh, don't mind him, Veggie-chan," cooed Zucina. "You'll get used to him. He's not mean to the people he likes." To calm him, she sang a heartfelt song Aspa had sung to her as a baby:
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~~April roses, tiny sparrows, comets bright and new
~~All belong together with the mystery that is you
~~When I see your little face I hear a song from long ago
~~I think you know the many secrets I've forgotten
~~Generations through the ages joined as one somehow
~~Leading to the miracle that I am holding now
~~From the sky and from the sea upon a breeze you came to me
~~You seem to see a greater universe than I do
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~~Sleep my baby; sleep my baby, dream of somewhere far away
~~Do you remember still? How I hope you always will
~~Keep the memory of the day the world was born
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~~When you wake up, I'll be waiting eager for your smile
~~You've had quite a journey darling, you should rest a while
~~When you cry I still rejoice to hear your voice - oh yes, you can
~~My Veggie-chan, please understand how much I love you
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~~Sleep my baby; sleep my baby, later on perhaps you'll tell
~~The wond'rous things you've seen, more miraculous than dreams
~~Tell me all about the day the world was born**
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"Mistress?"
Zucina looked up to see Nappa once again, this time much calmer, slightly humbled from her song. His eyes darted around, and he spoke to her in a whisper. "The king ordered to see you now . . . and for the child to be taken away from you immediately!"
"Why?"
"I don't know." Nappa fidgeted. "I didn't like his tone."
Zucina hugged Vegeta closer to her. Had the king changed his mind about her? Why would he separate her from her baby? She sneered. 'It doesn't matter why! I won't let that happen! He can't have my Veggie-chan!'
She flung the covers off of her and stood up, rather shakily. Aspa made to lie her back down, but Zucina refused. "Nappa," she said, "you've become a bit of a friend to me, so I trust you to do this: In five minutes, go back and tell the king you could not find me. Tell him I must have taken refuge at my parent's home. Then, I want you to find my old mentor, Captain Cole, and his lieutenant and tell them what's happened, and to meet me on planet Shakbane. Got that?"
Nappa nodded.
"Good. Now go." She quickly put on the Idsa Sword's sheathe and took Aspa's arm. "Come with me as far as the podroom. If we are discovered to have left via spaceship, tell them I went to Planet Shik."
"Yes Mistress," said Aspa, scared but resolute. "Would Mistress prefer me to hold Young Master Vegeta?"
Zucina held Vegeta close. "No. Gomen, Aspa-chan, but my Veggie-chan will remain in my arms as long as possible.
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===========================================================
[Commercial Break]
* Ognine - Don't forget, Aspa is an alien from another culture. This is her god.
** - Washuu's Lullaby, from Tenchi Muyo
===========================================================
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Zucina pushed the door open, leading to the podroom. To her horror, King Vegeta stood waiting for her. To her further shock, his pupils had vanished. "What kept you?" he asked in a tone she had never heard before.
Aspa sniveled, pushing her back against the wall in terror. Zucina, as usual, stood tall and proud, restraining a flinch. "What are you doing here?"
The king stepped towards her strangely. She clutched her child protectively. "Going somewhere," asked the king.
Zucina remained silent. The king did not scare her, and she'd be damned if she allowed him to take her child! With one last hug and kiss, she handed the bundle to Aspa, straightened up, and pulled out her sword.
"You really intend to fight me for him," asked the king, laughing almost. His eyes glowed maliciously, possessed. "Foolish woman." He pulled a pipe out of the wall to fight with.
They lunged at each other. Zucina, being shorter, ducked under the king's arms and swung at his side. The king dodged, landing a blow to her back. "Motherhood has weakened you, woman," he chided.
Zucina spat the blood in her mouth and ran again. This time, she phased out quickly, reappearing at the king's side. With a spinning motion, she severed his left arm.
Not stopping to watch him bleed, she took another swing to take off his head. But he countered with his own weapon, only to have it sliced diagonally. He snarled and tried to stab her over and over again, but she dodged left. He took several swings at her, but she always moved. The king swung the pipe horizontally, forcing Zucina on her back. He slashed with the pipe downward, but she rolled over several times, ending up at the opposite wall.
She held up her sword, trying not to get too cocky. Kami, how she loved a good battle! She sprung forward again, attempting to stab his heart. He caught her arm. She tried to pull back, but his grip was too strong. He forced her to the ground, one-handedly turning the Idsa Sword away.
Zucina grunted from the power the king held over her. She was still weakened from the birth. But she vowed never to stop! She struggled to push him back. "Who are you," she spat. "You are not the king! Who are you?!"
In a voice so soft and dangerous it made her shiver, he said, "Your death."
Nappa entered the room, searching for the king. He gasped in alarm when he saw the situation. Zucina glanced at him. "Help me," she mouthed. But the giant did not respond. His duty came first to his king, no matter what the outcome.
Baby Vegeta peeped out at the fight, eyes wide with fear. Deep in his mind, he knew what took place would take his angel away from him. He whined softly, hoping against hope no bad would come of this.
Zucina grew more and more tired. She may have lost far less blood, but her only strength now came from the worry of her son's well-being if she should lose. In her eyes, if Prince Vegeta were raised by the king, he would become a domineering murderer also.
The prince's soft crying reached Zucina's ears, and she paused for less then a second. In that time, the king stabbed her in the back, the sharp piece of metal protruded from Zucina's midsection. Her eyes opened wide and mind froze as she began to fall.
Far away, flying as fast as he possibly could to the palace, Bardock stopped in mid-air. His heart constricted, and a shudder wrecked his body.
Cole, resting in Bardock's home, felt an incredible pain in his head, and passed out.
Tora and Fasha, training in the hall with other third class Sayins, lost their balance and became suddenly on edge for seemingly no reason.
Baby Vegeta cried out as the person who was the one pure beacon of light in his eyes fell to the floor with a dull thud.
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Bardock landed at a run, searching for a hidden entrance to the palace. He wanted to find Zucina, but he wasn't stupid! The guards would never . . .
"Who goes there!"
Bardock skidded to a halt. "Shit," he swore softly. 'Might as well face the music. I may get to see her.' He turned, hands behind his head in typical fashion.*** "Third class Lieutenant Bardock."
The man stepped into his vision. He held a torch to see, and stood at least two heads taller then Bardock. "So, you're Bardock."
Bardock recognize the man as Commander Nappa. "Yes. I wish to see-"
"She's dead," the giant stated without introduction. "The king killed her a half an hour ago."
The world seemed to shut down for a minute around Bardock. Zucina's face, as it was on the night of the festival, popped into Bardock's head. "No . . ."
"Don't call me a liar, boy! Saw it myself. Her last request to me was to tell you myself."
"No," Bardock repeated. Pictures of his friend, his love, flashed in his mind; pictures of her battling aliens, monsters, him . . . "She can't be!" Forgetting his place in his society, he grabbed Nappa's armor at the collar, and pulled the commander to his eye level. "Take me to her," he demanded.
Nappa growled. "Hands off me, filth! I'll lead you to her."
The two walked down beside the moat. Nappa pulled aside some shrubbery, revealing a trap door. He pulled it back, releasing a foul stench. Covering his nose, he beckoned Bardock to follow.
They walked in silence for a few minutes. Finally, they arrived in a long tunnel with an underground river, stretching out for miles. Nappa continued to hold his nose. Bardock did not bother, scanning the area. "What is this place?"
"The sewage river for the city," explained the elite. "Figures a third class wouldn't mind the smell. The king ordered his slut to be thrown away with the rest of the waste."
Bardock humphed. Sure, the smell would make any Sayin gag, but his primary goal was to find Zucina. He refused to believe she could be . . .
Visions, memories, of the girl ran through his head. As a small girl, she beat every third class in her age group. As a student at STP, she won the tournament in a class above her status. As a warrior, she ranked the highest female fighter in planetary missions. How could anyone consider her 'waste'?
"ZUCINA," he called out. He walked out into the river, (much to Nappa's disgust) yelling and searching. "ZUCINA!! ZUNI-CHAN!! WHERE ARE YA!?"
Nappa sneered. "I told you, she's dead! She can't signal you!"
Bardock ignored the giant, trying not to panic. "ZUCINA!! PLEASE!! ANSWER ME!!!"
A soft, purple light pierced the darkness. Bardock gasped. The Idsa Sword lay buried in muck. The light floated from the sword to the figure lying beside it.
"ZUCINA!!!" Bardock ran and lifted her head. The sight made him want to cry out. Her nightdress hung from her body by threads, a line of dried blood slashed across, standing out against her light skin. But her torso bled still, soaking her body.
Bardock tried to lift her, but she moaned suddenly and grabbed his arm. "No," she managed to choke through the blood in her mouth. "No . . . don't . . . hurts . . ."
He lay her back down and turned to Nappa. "Get help! Fast! She's still alive!!"
Nappa gawked where he stood. He had seen his king stab the woman through the heart! How could she be alive? The other's voice snapped him back from his thoughts, and he hurried away.
Bardock stroked Zucina's face tenderly, wiping away some blood from her mouth. "Help's comin', Zuni-chan. Everything will be okay. I'm right here."
"I . . . am not scared," she whispered, smirking weakly. "I'm . . . never scared . . ."
"Guess not," he said, laughing dryly. She looked so weak!
She opened her eyes wider, the light of the dim sword shining in them. "Can . . . can I . . . borrow your lap?"
Bardock quickly placed her head on his lap. "Ano, that better?"
"Much." She sighed, closing her eyes again. Bardock remembered her song vaguely from when he was sick and lying on her lap. He smiled. "Hope you ain't gonna ask me to sing!"
She laughed, but coughed up more blood. Bardock wiped it away, staring at her face. So weak, and pale . . . "Zucina, say something."
"Something," she responded with a giggle.
Bardock bit his lip. Another memory surfaced. "You are not your father, Bardock," she had said when his mother died. "I know in my heart that you'd never hurt your family, blood or bond."
"Zuni-chan," Bardock started, "I'm so sorry! I should have told you sooner, but . . . I . . . I wanted you to be my mate! I still do! And I don't give a fuck what anyone else thinks, as soon as you recover, I'm going to make you mine. I . . . I love you! I always have! I'd trade everything . . . if you'd just be mine."
Zucina remained silent for a moment, eyes closed, then opened her eyes and said, just above a whisper, "Have you seen him?"
"Who?"
Her eyes shone more brightly. "My son! My . . . beautiful baby boy!"
Bardock's heart sank. 'Of course. I'm so stupid! I thought she felt the same way! But she has a mate, and can't be taken again.' "No, I -"
She lifted her hand and touched his cheek, caressing his scar. "I . . . wish . . . he was yours . . . I love you too . . ."
His heart pounded. The tears brimming his eyes spilled over and he did the first thing that came to his mind. He lifted her, gently, and kissed her.
Instantly, light and energy burst from the Idsa Sword, swirling around the Sayins, creating a bond between them; a bond stronger then a mortal ceremony of any kind. It bonded their souls, hearts, minds, destinies . . .
Uno, my revolting brother, chose this time to allow Morteon to separate Zucina's soul from her body and throw it in Hell. My one consolation was that she died in the warm embrace for her true love, united with him in a far deeper sense then any Elemental can break.
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Nappa, the medical personnel, and Tora arrived too late. They found Bardock cradling the empty shell of his lover, eyes flowing with tears.
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** - Hands behind the head - If he simply put his hands above his head, like it is done on Earth, he could blast them.
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Hey! Tora talking.
Well, when shit rains, it comes down in buckets! None of us really get over Zucina's death, especially Bardock, when Rubaru is released. The fact that Cole is ready to accept his nemesis' challenge angers Bardock, who doesn't want to lose another close friend. I hate seeing the whole group getting pissed off at each other. Guess I'll have to try something radical and use my mouth to get out of this . . . . I'm going to talk to my father.
Next time on DragonballBC: Tora's Nightmare; Cole Accepts the Challenge
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Fun Fact - I had to choose from many potential songs to be one Zucina sang to little Vegeta. Another I wanted had the phrase "Mother Earth", so that didn't work. I think it worked out okay, though!
I didn't want Zucina to die, but I've been foreshadowing it since the start of this season!