Seven
Trunks looked around nervously as he noticed the tension in the adults he and Goten were with.
"You're not supposed to be doing this are you," Goten said in an accusing voice.
"Goten shut up, they're helping us get out." Trunks hit his friend lightly on the back of the head, making the smaller boy wince slightly and glare.
They were still wearing the cuffs, but Bardock had done something so they were no longer connected to each other. It wasn't much of an improvement on their captive status, but it was something.
Bardock was up ahead glancing down the hallways and gesturing the other three along. King Vegeta was scanning with his scouter to see if anyone was approaching from other directions. Trunk and Goten walked slowly and cautiously with him.
"This is a bit different than the secret agents in the movies," Goten whispered nervously.
"Of course it is, this is real life and we're in real danger."
Goten looked over at his friend with wide eyes. "Trunks I'm scared."
Trunks hesitated only slightly before placing his hand on Goten's shoulder and whispering, "It's all right, I'm sure we can get out of this. Our grandfathers are helping us and I'm sure our dads will find a way to get us out of this." He grinned reassuringly at his young friend, not showing his own fear. /At least I hope we can get out of this./
King Vegeta watched the exchange between the two boys with an impassive expression.
/Here stand before me perhaps two of the strongest warriors in the universe, yet I feel no disgust in the fact they admit their cowardice. They are but children and no child should have such responsibility thrust upon them, nor such dire circumstances./
Bardock gestured them forward again and they crept slowly towards him and ever closer to the other prisoners. Vegeta scanned the areas again and saw there were a few guards though far enough away to be of no concern. He looked back to the boys and saw Trunks stumble slightly before he picked himself up again. Sweat was trailing down his face and he was breathing a bit heavily.
Goten looked at his friend in concern and tried to move over to help him, but Trunks pushed him away and glared at him.
"I'm fine," he muttered determinedly and straightened up.
Vegeta shook his head in wonder at this child before him. A small smile came to his face. /He is a strong one, and well worthy of his lineage. A weaker being would have crumbled under this sort of pressure and injury./ He looked over at Goten. /This one is also a worthy Saiyan, and loyal too. It is demeaning to know that these young children show more honour and courage in their horrific circumstances than a full-grown Saiyan warrior would./
Bardock looked around the next corner and furiously gestured they go back to the storeroom they just passed. King Vegeta scanned the area and picked up some average readings. He opened the door and pushed the two boys inside and letting Bardock in before quickly shutting the door on the small room.
The four were completely silent as they heard footsteps go past the door in a steady rhythm. King Vegeta quickly turned the scouter back on and waited until he was sure there were no more life forms nearby before letting Bardock go out again and scouting out the area.
Bardock nodded for them to come and quickly moved up ahead again. The two boys were looking even more nervous, but kept their heads held high and they looked watchful and cautious. Both Saiyans couldn't help the slight smiles on their faces as they watched their grandchildren.
They continued slowly on uninterrupted again for a while until Vegeta saw Trunks stumble again. He was too weak to push Goten away properly this time and held onto the wall for support. He was bleeding heavily from his wound again. Vegeta swore inwardly. The healers must have done a substandard job, most likely on Nappa's orders.
Despite the boy's protests, King Vegeta swept his grandson up into his arms and carried him from then on. Bardock looked around nervously as he reached a door and King Vegeta and Goten walked up to him. Vegeta scanned the area with the scouter as Bardock unlocked the door then opened it.
They all quickly entered the room and turned around to see the four women looking at them suspiciously before they saw the two boys.
"Mother!" Goten grinned and ran over to Chi-Chi and hugged her tight. She sobbed and held him closer.
"Oh Goten I was so worried."
"I'm okay." Goten smiled at her. "See!"
Chi-chi laughed at her son's cheerfulness and held him closer.
King Vegeta walked over to Bulma, who rushed over as soon as she saw Trunks lying in his arms.
"What happened? Is he all right?" She looked up at King Vegeta with worry in her eyes.
"I'm fine," Trunks assured her with a smile. Bulma smiled and took him in her arms as soon as Bardock had unhooked the cuffs. "I think my head's bleeding."
Bulma laughed softly, smiling fondly at her son. "Just a little."
"Let me have a look," Eighteen spoke up. "Gero programmed me with basic first aid knowledge, I should be able to see if it's serious." Bulma nodded and let Eighteen look at Trunks. "Hmm, it's not that serious unless he's left for too long without medical attention or something happens to aggravate it."
"How likely is either of those possibilities?" Bulma asked fearfully, already knowing the answer.
"Both are rather likely in this situation. Were he at full power he'd be able to heal slightly himself. Saiyans are pretty amazing like that."
"Yeah, and the cool golden glow thing is impressive too," Trunks muttered sleepily. "Can I go to sleep?"
"Not just yet honey, you're hurt pretty bad and you shouldn't sleep if you've hit your head." Trunks sighed at his mother's words but nodded.
By this time Bardock had unhooked all of the women's cuffs and they were looking at the two men by the door in curiosity.
"So what's the deal with you two?" Videl asked finally.
"Bardock, keep watch." King Vegeta handed him the scouter, ignoring the question for now. "They're sure to notice the boy's disappearance soon." Bardock nodded and stayed by the door, continually scanning through the walls to see in anyone approached.
"Are you going to answer me?" Videl crossed her arms impatiently.
Vegeta raised his eyebrow curiously, a slightly dark expression crossing his face. "First I want to know why you didn't say a word." He looked directly at Bulma. "The crest, I had assumed it was a mark of favour. It's been a while since I've looked at the family crests, however I realise now it's the official crest for the wife of an heir."
"Really?" Bulma looked at her pendant with a soft smile. "Vegeta didn't tell me."
"That's not the point." King Vegeta glared at her, making Bulma glare back in response. Not even her Vegeta got away with glaring like that at her. "You didn't tell me he was my grandson."
"Would it have mattered?"
"Yes! Damn you woman! Had you told me earlier I could have acted. Now I can do nothing but wait for Nappa to finally act and take my throne from me." He held his head in his hands, not at all looking like the strong King he was, but a weary troubled man. "I can't stop this. I'm as powerless as I was when I died."
"We are not powerless!" Bardock turned around and glowered at his king. "Never say that my liege, there is always hope. Saiyans never quit, I will not have you giving up on us."
King Vegeta looked over at his loyal subject and nodded. "Of course. We do have our forces making their way back here to help. Things are not hopeless."
A sudden sharp beeping from the scouter turned everyone's fearful attention to the door. Bardock swore. "It's Nappa and a group of guards."
"I can take them." Everyone had to look to see that it wasn't their Vegeta that had suddenly materialised in the room and said that. It was obvious how much he took after his father in not just looks.
"No … there's someone else." Bardock looked fearful. "Their powers are enormous. Two of them and another." Bardock's eyes widened in horror. "No, he brought Gero Babadi and Frieza!"
King Vegeta's eyes widened. "No, I can't fight them all." He looked over at the frightened hostages then back at the despairing though determined captain by him.
Vegeta made his choice.
"Bardock, get out and find your son and your crew. Even if they didn't manage to get help they will be better than nothing against Frieza and the others."
"My liege no! I must stay here and fight beside you."
"You fool! We need someone to form a retaliation."
"Why can't it be you?"
King Vegeta looked at him with a steady gaze. "It would not be right if I did not finally take a stand. I will not allow my race to once more be overrun by tyrants and I cannot allow myself to simply stand by and watch as once more my line's future is threatened."
"My liege," Bardock pleaded one last time before he sighed. "Yes my liege."
"My honour will not allow any other decision Bardock."
"Yes my liege. You can count on me to organise the retaliation." He looked around at everyone, noticing on the scouter that the group was getting even closer. "Are you ready? We're going to run. Just because there's no chance of escape doesn't mean we won't give them a hell of a fight."
Videl cracked her knuckles and grinned. "Bring it on."
Eighteen grinned and loosened up her muscles, stretching slightly. "I'm in need of a good workout."
Chi-Chi and Bulma nodded and stood beside their friends, Chi-Chi ready in a stance and Bulma standing tall and proud.
Goten stood up beside his grandfather and looked up. "Can you tell my dad to hurry? I know he's coming, but I don't think he'll want to miss the fight." Bardock grinned at his young grandson and nodded, ruffling his hair lightly before sending him to stand back with his mother.
Vegeta looked down as he noticed someone come to stand beside him. Trunks was staring at the door, the drain from his injury barely noticeable as he stood much as him mother did, straight and proud. "You really are my grandfather. You talk like my father does and you have the same ability to make me believe there is such a thing as honour."
"I wish I could have seen both of you grow up."
"I know, but I'm glad at least to have the chance to stand beside you in battle." He looked over with a frown. "You aren't going to knock me out and leave me are you? Because dad did that once and died and I didn't get a chance to fight with him."
King Vegeta grinned. "Don't worry, it would be an honour to have a fighter such as yourself to be by my side." He saw Trunk's smile and they both waited for Bardock to finally nod and open the door.
They only managed to get a little way down the main hallway before they were spotted.
"Vegeta!" The king whirled around as he heard Nappa's furious yell. He nodded once to Bardock, who inched his way over to one of the side corridors as the group of powerful fighters approached.
"Well, well." Trunks and Goten groaned as they saw Babidi grinning at them. "If it isn't Goten and Trunks. I do believe I have a score to settle with you two."
"Eat me," Trunks said as he rushed at him, Goten close behind. This signaled everyone's attack.
Vegeta nodded again to Bardock and threw a ki ball at the floor causing a huge amount of dust to rise up and hide the retreating Bardock. There were sounds of fighting and explosions in both directions as King Vegeta went on the attack.
Eighteen went straight for Gero, only to be stopped as soon as she hit him. He twisted her hand around painfully and she screamed in agony before he knocked her into a wall.
Frieza, sneering evilly approached the three women looking afraid though determined. Videl thew the first punch and was knocked down by Frieza's tail. Chi-Chi was next, caught in a chokehold as Bulma also ran at him and was knocked away like a fly by the dead warlord's fist. Chi-Chi was thrown against the floor beside Videl.
Nappa stalked towards his king with a smirk. "Your efforts to free the prisoners were made in vain. More than that, your actions have proved you a traitor to your race."
"Unlike you I have kept the honour of the Saiyan race intact, even if few realise it, I know it and it is enough."
"How noble," Nappa smirked at him before he began fighting.
"Nappa! Enough." The two Saiyans looked around to see the prisoners on the floor. Frieza held up Videl by the throat and glared at King Vegeta. "Good king, will you not give up and let this poor girl die?" To emphasise his threat, Frieza tightened his grip making the unconscious teenager spasm slightly.
"I surrender," Vegeta quickly agreed.
Frieza looked disappointed. "How unfortunate. I was looking forward to killing at least one of them." He dropped Videl and gestured to the other Saiyans who had hung back during the fight. "Carry then to the great hall then wake them up. We have big plans for them."
"Indeed we do." Nappa placed a set of handcuffs on Vegeta's wrists and leaned in close. "But don't worry my liege, we plan to involve you in this too. I'm sure you'll love what we have for you." He began laughing uncontrollably and jerked Vegeta over, almost making him fall over.
Vegeta caught himself and straightened his back. He walked with dignity in front of Nappa.
/I just pray that Bardock is able to help and that Raditz succeeded in his mission, or else everything is doomed./