King Vegeta glared at the slave that had just treated he and his son with disrespect. She would be severely punished when this was all over. Looking to his son he saw that he wasn't angry but rather amused. "What's so funny brat?" Scowling Vegeta answered.
"That she could care less about what happens to us or herself for that matter but helps because that's how she is."
"What? Speak clearly brat."
"That's my new slave. She, from what I've been told, was quite a handful and hard to capture. She's even attempted to escape. But her genius is one of her many talents. That and I enjoy making her mad." King Vegeta looked at his son and understood. She stood up to him without backing down.
'The brat gets it from me.' He thought smartly he was the same way with his mate. She stood up to him and it was hard to get her to do as he wanted her to and he was the king.
Bulma was too busy preparing a cure for the somewhat conscious woman she had to take care of to notice the king's glare along with the man who had tried to kill her. But as the day wore on the man who she had learned was normally the royal doctor had to leave and the king fell asleep. When she was trying to calm the raging fever of the queen's head she opened her eyes. Pausing Bulma met glances with her. "Hi there." She said softly helping the woman to stand up. "I need you to stay awake ok?" Nodding the raven-haired woman stared at her.
"Who are you?" She asked looking confusedly at the scientist.
"Bulma, you're sick and I'm trying to help. I had the same thing as you do. One of the creators of the disease saved my life. But I don't know how she did it so I'm going off what I know. What's your name?"
Mada felt too tired to say her full title so she just said her name. The Blue haired oddity nodded and went back to work. She couldn't help but wonder who the woman was, never had she seen the blue haired woman before. "Who, where?"
"I'm Bulma, Napa blew up my planet and killed my brother. I killed him for it too. Anyway I'm Vegeta's slave. I build him training equipment, gravity rooms agility machines, etc."
Mada looked at her. 'Did she say she killed Napa? Impossible, she would have been executed for such a thing.' "Why are you still alive if you killed the head guard."
Bulma smiled glancing to the queen she answered. "I killed him using a weapon of my own invention, that and I think Vegetable head was surprised I snapped back when I could very well be killed. Not sure, I just make sure I cause hell wherever I go." Mada snorted at her answer, never had she heard someone insult her son and a slave at that.
"You are brave to say such things." She whispered trying to stay awake. Her eyes shot open when she felt an ice-cold rag to her face.
"More like I could care less whether I live or die. Only thing is I refuse to 'let' someone kill me, I'll fight and do my best to bring them down with me if I have to go." Mada looked into her eyes as she spoke. The teal colored woman had been through much pain, and she could see that not all of it was recent either. "I'm gonna give you a shot now ok. This should help you get better but I need you to stay awake till I say you can rest ok?"
King Vegeta pretended to sleep as the woman worked. Watching her from behind he made sure she didn't try anything foolish. She talked to his mate as if she were an equal to her. He couldn't hear what was being said but by his mates reactions it wasn't anything threatening. He stood when he saw his son's servant inject something into the queens system. Stalking behind Bulma he was about to push her aside when she took the raven-haired woman in her arms. "You know, if your going to do something than other fake sleeping I would ask you to keep her awake till I'm sure the antidote is taking affect." He started for a moment but snapped out of it when she handed his mate in his arms. And as if answering his unspoken question she spoke. "Your ki was too high and changed every time I approached your wife. Does not require the genius I have to figure out you were awake." Turning around she went about the business of cleaning her mess. After about an hour she checked up on his queen and smiled. "She'll be fine now. Just need some sleep and a hell of a lot of food when she wakes up."
Bulma watched the astounded king leave the room. Yawning she wondered how she was going to find her way back to her room. She stiffened when she felt someone behind her. Turning around quickly she readied to defend herself. But instead she only saw the Sayain prince. "Tired?" She nodded not speaking to answer his question. "You saved her life." It was more of a statement than a question, but she heard his uncertainty.
"Yeah, she'll live. Be tired for a while but she'll live. Hell I did and I'm not a full blooded Sayain." She cursed herself inwardly for saying that last bit. She had almost revealed her true heritage. "You owe me for this. A good sleeping in should do nicely for starters." He only smirked at her and nodded.
It was the feeling of something wrong that had dragged Bulma away from her work. The last time she had felt this was when the disease had swept over the castle, but that had been months ago. She was about to go seek out Radditz or even Vegeta when she caught a whiff of something familiar. Blood, but it wasn't any scent she had smelled for a long time. "No." She stopped dead realizing who's it was. Following as fast as she could without losing trace she stormed into the main hall. Looking into the eyes of the Sayain royalty she scanned the room. Growling lowly she walked up to the guards. Pushing them aside she lifted their catch. Looking down she saw who she was looking for. "Chi-Chi." Helping her friend up she looked her over. Battered and a little bloody she couldn't help but see that she had given hell. With one arm around her sister-in-law's waste she spoke. "Who did this?" No answer. "God DAMMIT, WHO hit her?"
"Bulma, shut up. I have headache and your not doing it any good." She heard Chi-Chi mutter before blanking out from her half conscious stupor. Adjusting her friend so that she was cradled in her arms Bulma repeated herself. "I demand to know who hurt my…" She nearly said sister when she bit her tongue. "My friend." Bulma was fighting to keep her ki down low enough for the majority of the people in the room to think her harmless. Opening her mouth she was cut off by a sound she hadn't heard in a while.
"Destructo Disk!" Turning she stopped the person from releasing his special attack.
"Krillin! Put that away and get your ass in here this second!" Feeling her nephew nearby she continued. "And Gohan if you so much as put one TOE out of line you'll answer to me and I swear I'll make Chi-Chi look like a vacation by the time I'm done!" Her words silenced the entire room. She glared bloody murder to anyone who dare stop the two coming forward. A teenage, younger version of Goku followed by the slightly shorter monk stood before her. Both open mouthed, and both wondering if the Sayains would be the more gentle of the bunch when facing off between them or Bulma herself. Holding out Chi-Chi Gohan nodded and took his mother into his arms. "Stay." She growled before turning to the Royalty in the room. "I don't know 'how' they got here. I don't know 'when'. All I know is that I want the chance to get them 'out'." Looking to the queen she met eyes. "You said you owed me for saving yours and the others lives. Well I'm calling that debt in. I haven't asked for my freedom though I don't know why. But I will ask for theirs. They are what's left of my friends and family. And I WILL do my best to get them out of here alive or the hell I've caused so far will be nothing as to what I can do when I try. And she." She said nodding towards the unconscious woman in her nephew's arms. "Won't make life any easier I 'promise' you that." Sighing she crossed her arms and met the furious gaze of the king. Glancing to his side she saw Vegeta, his eyes seemed to be torn between amusement and anger. She couldn't tell, and she didn't care. All she knew was that it would be his father to decide if her demand would be fulfilled.
Vegeta watched astounded and amused at her antics. But why for these people, glancing at the trio that was the cause for her temper he ignored what his father was saying. The bald one was nervous but looking at Bulma with respect. Meaning he wasn't a problem. Trying to shake of the jealousy of her liking anyone other than him he looked to the younger of the two. He kept glancing from the woman in his arms to the blue haired genius. But when he looked at Vegeta he saw the emotions change. They were full of anger and promised in a small way that if he had hurt her in any way he would cause trouble. Glancing back at Bulma he heard the end of the conversation.
"So it's agreed then?" His father asked looking thoroughly pleased with himself.
"Yes I kick Barten's ass and I can send my friends on their merry little way, with the side benefit of humiliating Barten…again."
Bulma turned ready to defend herself when she felt Barten enter the room. She had been tending to the wounds of her family and friend when he decided to pay a visit. "Sorry Barten I refuse to converse with the enemy. I'm busy anyway." She made a 'shoo' gesture with her hand but he didn't move.
"Wench, when I'm done with you you'll be a pathetic puddle. A woman's good for only one thing."
"Keeping guys in line I know." Bulma snapped cutting him off. "I suggest you leave. Vegeta's on his way and we all know what he thinks about people bothering his favorite technician."
"You won't be his for long. Slave." He hissed before leaving. She growled an insult at him but didn't leave.
"What was that about Bulma?" Her brother's wife asked looking at Bulma in the 'lie and die' look.
"Oh that's just Barten, he has the hotts for me and I sorta, kind of made a fool of him in front of Radditz."
"Isn't he the long haired one from home?" Krillin asked. She nodded and he became confused. "Two questions. One: Where's the bald one? And two: How?" Bulma smiled.
"One: Shot Napa with a ki gun, killed him almost instantly. Two: Dug my nails into his tail." Gohan cringed at that thought. I belonged to Radditz for a while, stop looking at me like that. He is capable of being polite surprising as it may sound and he respects me."
"You're a slave Aunt Bulma?" Bulma looked to her brother's younger self and nodded. She was ashamed of it even though there was nothing she could do at that point and time. Just as she was about to answer him Vegeta entered the room. He looked at her company and then to her.
Chi-Chi watched as the man she had learned to be the prince growled words to Bulma that she couldn't understand. Bulma nodded and answered him in the same language as he had spoken to her. She gestured to her and then the boys not breaking eye contact with the flaming haired Sayain. Looking back to the prince she saw the way he was looking at her teal haired relative. 'He loves her.' She was dumbfounded by her discovery. Obviously both had no idea what they were feeling for the other and kept it hidden well but her knack was for seeing how people truly felt. After he stormed out of the room Bulma grinned.
"Got the three of you a room to share from beside mine. We're connected by the kitchen." Bulma blushed slightly than added. "You have to make breakfast tomorrow Chi, then I get to take those two." Indicating Krillin and Gohan. "And use them for punching bags" Grinning she added. "Life can be good, even in this hell hole."
Bulma had seen to the comfort of her family. She had been talking to them when Vegeta had come to find her. She had, had to explain to them that she slept in the same bed as him but not WITH him. Very embarrassing and the only good thing about it was that Gohan had mercifully been told about the birds and the bees. She had to give a good glare to the here of them when they began to protest at her sleeping so close to the prince. But after she assured them that he hadn't touched her thus far they gave in. Barely.
She ignored the glare that Vegeta sent her when she finally climbed under the covers on her side of the bed. Turning off the lights she was about to doze off when she felt Vegeta breathe next to her ear. "Who are they woman," Every muscle she controlled tensed when she felt how near he was.
"My friends, and family." Her voice was just above a whisper and it shook slightly but she knew he had heard her. She barely kept herself from flinching when his hand brushed against her face.
"Do you know what position you have put yourself into?"
"Yes, Barten is stupid. He is going to be cocky and he highly underestimates me. I will put that all to my advantage." She didn't know how but she knew at that moment he was smirking.
"Good." She felt him move away from her and back to the area where he normally slept. "I wouldn't want to lose my favorite slave to some second class Sayain's harem."
"As if I'd let him." She muttered settling back into the covers. "I'd die before I let someone touch me like that again." She whispered more to herself than to him. "I couldn't survive it again, never." She blinked back the tears before looking to where she knew he was laying. Though she couldn't see him she knew his back was to her. Gathering up her courage she crawled to his side. "Thank you Vegeta for giving me this chance." She whispered before brushing her lips against his cheek. "It means the world to me." Blushing like a schoolgirl she rushed to her side of the bed. Finally closing her eyes she got some rest.
She had been afraid of him when he had been that close. He could smell it as it radiated from her skin. But he had also heard her wish to die rather than become a whore to Barten or any other he let have her. He had kept silent and still when she crawled to his side. Touching the spot she had kissed he was awed. He had had many a woman before. But never had one intrigued him as much as she did. And the thought that the move had been entirely on her part and not by his made him almost smile. Slowly she was losing fear of physical contact with him. Thinking to when he had come to check up in her and tell her to get some sleep he had seen how relaxed she was. Her demeanor had always been calm, angry, or impatient. But her tail always gave her away. And as he watched her with the bald one, the boy, and the woman her tail had simply been twisting. She felt no threat, when he had seen her in the medical room it had been doing a yo-yo routine. She felt completely at ease with them, while it was always around her hips normally. He felt envy towards them. He lay there brooding for a while, listening to the soft even breathing of her while she slept. Turning around he looked at her. The sliver of a moon had come out from behind the clouds and shown off of her skin. Moving over slightly he reached for her hair. It was soft and silky, for the first time he saw her while at rest. But even then there was the tenseness of her ready to wake at a moments notice. 'A true warrior.' He thought knowing he did the same. Turning his back to her once again he fell asleep. And awoke to a little surprise.
Bulma sat up groggily eyed. If she chose to she could force herself to wake in an instant. But why waste the energy when there was no need to, yet. Knowing Vegeta was doing the same she stretched from her sitting position still half covered by the bed sheets. Swinging her feet around so she could stand she was going to attempt to beat her prince to the shower. But before she could stand she felt herself be pulled back painfully halfway across the bed. A sharp cry of pain was all she gave shocked at what had happened. Turning she looked to Vegeta who looked just as startled as she. Glancing to her tail they both stared. Sometime during the night the bottom half of their tales had twirled around each other. Both looked back to the other and she attempted to pull her tail back. Reaching out she tried to un-wind them with her fingers but he grabbed her hands and forced her to stop. "What? I have things to do and I can't do them attached to you." He demonstrated why he had stopped her when he attempted the same thing she had. It was like the time he had been playing with her tail when she had been first captured, forcing back a groan she grit her teeth. "You touch your tail and I'll handle mine deal?" He nodded not saying a word. And within the next few minutes they were freed. And just in time too, because by then Gohan came bursting in, and before she could blink she found herself being his human cushion.
"Bulma, mom made pancakes and she says we cant eat till you get and I quote" raising his voice to a female pitch he mimicked Chi-Chi. "'Her lazy butt out of bed and that man of hers too.'" Bulma blushed slightly but willed it away before anyone could notice.
"Tell you mother that we'll be there in a minute and that I'll murder her later." Gohan grinned and nodded racing out of the room shutting it behind him. "Some things never change." She muttered digging out something to wear till she could get to their ship.
"What are pancakes?" Vegeta questioned already dressed.
"Something good to eat and Chi-Chi is an excellent cook. Something I am not." Wistfully she sniffed the air and a split second later was found sitting at the table ready to eat. Vegeta entered with more dignity taking the seat next to her. The youngest boy was to her left and he seemed to be prattling on about something that she listened to quietly. But the moment a stack of pancakes were placed on each of their plates the only noise that was heard was that of eating. Vegeta had to admit it that the new woman's cooking was terrific. When Bulma announced that she was going to the ship to get some training clothes and then somewhere private to spar he bristled. He was not blind to the protectiveness and emotions in the bald man's eyes. But they were more protective then anything else. But what bothered him most was why he felt that way in the first place. That night the woman who he had learned to be Chi-Chi was about to set the table when the three came back. Cue-ball looked tired and sore, the boy looked like he had gotten a bashing but still smiling. Looking to Bulma he stared. Her clothes he assumed came from her home planet, they were torn in many places and she looked the worse of the three of them but had a smug look in her eye.
Blowing and then pretending to polish her chipped and torn nails Bulma smiled. "I still got it. You two were sad. I haven't had a decent fist fight since I got caught and I just walloped you two." Both grinned nodding before Krillin spoke.
"Well Bulma as much as we love you, I have to say you look horrendous." He laughed as he ducked a playful punch she threw his way.
"Yeah well I'm out of shape what's your excuse." He said nothing. "Thank you. Chi, I'm going to take a shower before eating save me something. A lot of something." She smiled and waved before leaving the room.
Vegeta watched her enter his room grinning ear to ear. "What are you so happy about?" He snapped. She looked at him quizzically but answered.
"Haven't had a decent adrenaline rush in a while. Anyway I have missed them. I gave up my freedom for theirs. And I will get them off this planet. Have to fix the ship though, shouldn't be too hard." She stretched slightly rubbing sore spots on her arms.
"How was your training?"
"Good nearly got my ass kicked but considering they've been training and I haven't I consider that a good thing."
"Where were you?"
"Open patch in the woods. Going to do some major damage when I start exercising my ki. Who knows how that'll be? I have some new moves I can't wait to try in the real world." He looked at her funny but she wouldn't say any more. "Why so many questions?" He only snorted and pretended to ignore her as she blew out the lights and crawled under the covers. He heard her settle down and near her state of rest. Did she know what her tail had displayed this morning? Probably not due to how she was behaving, or was she just really that good of an actress? He felt her slide into her end of the bed moving slowly, she must have been really sore. Turning over he decided to return a favor. Pulling her to his side in the dark he felt her stiffen. Turning her to her stomach he spoke.
"Where do you hurt woman?" His voice was soft and held no threat. She tried to push herself up but he kept one hand on her back, preventing her from raising more than a few inches.
"Vegeta its not that bad, get some sleep. You have a busy day tomorrow." Bulma said wanting the massage but not his hands on her. 'Talk about contradicting emotions, I want him to touch me and at the same time don't.' But he was persistent. She had already known that. Within minutes he was easing the kinks, knots, and generally all the pain from her back. Forcing her body to relax, she let the warmth of his hands sink in. He was probably only doing this because she had done the same thing to him.
~~(Flashback peeps) Bulma looked up from her notes as Vegeta came into their room. She had been there for months and she had finally grown used to sharing a room with him. Still pretending to review her work she watched as he went into the bathroom and came out in his boxers. To most he just looked pissed. But she could see beyond that. He was sore, probably from her new training equipment she had been forced to make for him, but he also looked somewhat smug. "Good training?" He grunted to her in response. "I'll take that as a 'yes Bulma it was great.'" She grinned at his glare batting it off without a care. "Well with the look on your face when you came in how could I miss it? I wore the same one whenever I created a new move or blast, or invention for that matter." She said wistfully thinking back to her old life.
Vegeta saw her longing for her home in her eyes. 'That's the past she has a new life now. Why won't she just get over it?' He growled mentally, but still he didn't like the thought of her being unhappy like she was. Gingerly he settled into the bed. He heard a growl of frustration when he turned the lights off throwing the room into darkness while Bulma worked. He heard her grumble insults he couldn't understand at him while settling into the covers as nosily as she felt like. Before he could react he felt her smack his arm. It wasn't an attack just a gesture of annoyance, but unfortunately for him she had hit some of his more sore muscles. Hissing slightly he ordered her to not do that again if she knew what was good for her. She didn't respond. Without warning he sensed her by his side.
"Vegeta." Her voice was soft as if there were ears pressed to the doors and she didn't want them to hear her. "I want you to understand that I'm not coming onto you." Before he could question her words he felt her straddle his back. Soon followed by her gentle fingers along his back. "Watch the tail." She growled
Bulma had nearly jumped out of her skin when his furry appendage had brushed against the juncture between her legs. Thankfully he complied and she went back to removing the knots from his back. She smirked slightly when she heard a low growl from him, she could feel him relax slowly as her fingers searched out his sore muscles. When she was finished she rolled off to her end of the bed and went to sleep. In the morning she said nothing of her act of kindness and neither did he. (End flashback.)~~
Vegeta too remembered what she had done for him; he had her lay on her belly exposing her back to him. The nightdress she had on suited her figure and displayed her back nicely. He frowned when he saw the remaining scars from her lashes on her back, but there seemed to be fewer than he remembered. Running his hand against her exposed back her felt her muscles both tense and her body shiver. But soon he felt her muscles loosen and a slight purr from her throat. She was beginning to relax, as if by instinct he searched out her tender muscles and eased them away. He nearly laughed when he noticed she had fallen asleep. Smiling he felt as if he had repaid her kindness from so long ago. Turning over he had his back to her and drifted asleep.
Bulma walked into the kitchen still downed in her sleepwear. Sniffing like a rabbit she tried to figure out what Chi-Chi was cooking. And by the scent of it, it smelled delicious. She glanced at Vegeta as he entered normal scowl in place but she could have sworn she saw his nose replicating hers.
Vegeta had eaten the food with no problem. Normally Bulma would dine with him when he ate and they would either say nothing or argue about something. But since the new slaves had come she spent every spare moment she had to be with them. Whatever her friend had cooked though was delicious. But when she had screamed he winced.
"Bulma what happened to your back?" He watched Bulma glance as best she could at it.
"What the scars? I got those for doing something I shouldn't have." He noticed and ignored the raven-haired woman's glare at him after hearing Bulma's answer.
"What you do?" Chi-Chi's voice was a low dangerous tone, but the teal colored woman merely smiled mischief written across her features.
"Tried to escape, obviously I didn't succeed. Almost, next time I have to remember to be careful of local wildlife along with pesky Sayains." And as if she hadn't said that at all she stood. "Alright you monk." She said implying Krillin. "I want you and Gohan ready to spar by the time I get back from the ship with some real training clothes. Got that?" Both gulped their food down and disappeared. She soon followed suite but going in a different direction. He was about to follow her to make sure she didn't try to take off but the other woman stopped him.
"Don't bother she won't leave. One the ships broken and two she wouldn't leave us hear with brutes like you." He could see her anger clearly, she was just like Bulma in that way, but he could also see that she wasn't as powerful as her friend.
Soon the three weeks she had been given to prepare were over. It was her last day. Vegeta had also chosen that day to follow her and the two she trained with. The destruction of the area they had been was obvious, he felt slightly disappointed when she announced that it would be a ki free fight, flight being the only exception. For the first time he was able to marvel at her speed and grace. Soon both man and boy were in the ground. She hadn't worked up a sweat. Clapping he drew their attention to him. She landed looking a bit put off by being seen. "Would you like a new partner?"
Bulma went wide-eyed. Sure she'd like to see how she fared against him but not at the cost it could pay. "Just a spar nothing more." He said obviously seeing her worry. Looking to the others she nodded.
"No ki just like I did with them." At that he nodded, both fell into a battle stance. She could feel that he was holding back but not how much. With in a blink of an eye he was in front of her. Covering her surprise she blocked his kick, winced inwardly, and let it fly. She landed punches but he landed more. Soon she was sweating and feeling the burn of her muscles she hadn't felt for a while. Sure she had been out of shape but was still good enough to kick Krillin and Gohan's asses. But she could also see that he wasn't nearly as tired as she was getting. After maybe four hours and well past the early dark he pinned her. By then he was breathing hard and she was covered in sweat making her clothes cling to her.
Vegeta looked down with new respect at his slave. He hadn't expected her to be as much of a challenge as she had been. True she wasn't near his level but for what little battle she had done compared to himself and his subjects she was good. Barten didn't stand a chance. "Now I believe I won't lose my tech slave at the fight." She smiled at him for his compliment. Standing he let her join him. Looking to the boy and man he saw the look of awe directed towards them.
Next Day
Bulma looked at her surroundings of the battle arena. Barten stood at the other end with a cocky ass smirk on his face. Oh how she was going to LOVE wiping it off his face punch by punch. Looking up into the crowds she saw Vegeta in a view box with her family standing behind him. Waving she grinned at them. Stretching out she let her ki flow freely for a minute. She had been working out even when she was alone. Perfecting her soon-to-be favorite attacks. Lowering her power level she made herself seem about as strong as she always had been. News of her spar with the prince had spread like wildfire and many a Sayain and other alien had shown up. 'First thing is to get rid of his scouter.' She thought seeing how most everyone with the exception of the prince used them when they wanted to know whether they had to dodge the attack or not. Both looked up to Vegeta and he gave the signal to start.
"Lets get ready to RUMBLE." Bulma heard Krillin shout making her snort before blocking Barten's rather weak punch. He was obviously testing to see how much she could take and how real the rumors really were. Well, she was about to show him, the easy way. With that she punched him in the face. Backing off a few feet she watched the shock cross his face.
"Oops." She said not really meaning it. Winking she phased out and reappeared right in front of the royal box. Creating one of her new attacks she kept them hidden. One appeared behind her and she heard Chi-Chi gasp. Turning she smiled, winked, then went back to her new punch toy.
Vegeta saw her toy with Barten. When she had appeared in front of them he was surprised to see what looked to be a tiny human made of ki appear behind her back before flying off. He heard the woman behind him gasp and call it a fairy but that didn't really mean much to him. Soon the battle went into full force. Barten foolishly tried to use his ki to out power her, but she just dodged his blasts or blocked them.
Bulma shot into the air and took position right in front of the dumb Sayain. Putting her hands to her face she began to shout Tien's trademark attack. From the distance she heard Krillin order Chi-Chi to cover her eyes. "Solar!! Flare!!" Within the instant she spoke light filled the arena.
Vegeta closed his eyes upon instinct, he was one of the few that did though. Opening them he saw her attack the blinded second-class soldier before her. She had by then started to destroy his armor, chunks of it littered the fighting grounds.
As the battle raged on Bulma felt a few of her sore ribs. 'Probably broke a few.' She had been hit by a good many of his blasts too. Landing on the ground she stumbled. Her balance was completely off. It was then she noticed that her tail wasn't helping. Looking behind her for a second she found out that was because it was no longer there. "You cut my tail OFF!!" Barten only smirked. Raising a few feet off the air she began to power up higher than she ever remembered doing. "I LIKED my tail." Yelling out Krillin's favorite Attack she returned the favor. Of course he fell flat on his face, she hadn't been the envy of the balance beam and not come out of it with nothing. Charging him it wasn't long before his next meeting with a regeneration tank would be soon. Standing over his unconscious form she glared at the crowd. The King didn't seem pleased, the queen seemed amused and her prince was blank faced. But her family was cheering like there was no tomorrow. Scowling she cautiously touched the area her tail had bee. It stung like hell and she saw her bloodied fingers return signaling it was still bleeding. Grumbling she forced herself to stay air born. She may have been able to stand but the images of Goku falling flat on his face whenever his was cut off were enough to prove to her that the loss of ones tail was a major balance throw-off. Slowly medics came into the vicinity One signaled for her to approach him. Letting her feet land painfully on top of Barten she slowly trampled him as she went to the medic. As she approached him she told him of what injuries she knew she had sustained. "I have a few cracked ribs more broken, my right tibia is cracked in three different areas and my left femur is broken. I've dislocated my left shoulder." Drawing in a breath she couldn't help but cough looking to her hand she spotted the blood. "My tail was severed from my back, I have more torn muscle than hair, and." Showing her hand. "I have internal bleeding." By then Vegeta was at her side and both he and the doctor along with Radditz were all starring at her. Chi-Chi who had been standing next to her brother in law looked unimpressed.
"So basically you're saying that besides your tail you're in pretty good condition."
"Chi-Chi you're forgetting that Bulma only counts a fight decent when she ends up in need of a senzu." Krillin joked earning a glare from Vegeta. One he conveniently neglected to acknowledge.
"No I'm saying that…" But Bulma didn't finish. She gave into another coughing fit and lost her balance. Using the closest thing for support she found herself leaning on her nephew. Gohan caught her and lifted off the ground slightly. He saw the look Vegeta gave him and looked at him defiantly. But when the prince tried to take his aunt from his arms he obliged, mainly because the look from his mother promised dire punishment if he didn't. Bulma tried to struggle out her 'masters' arms but she might as well have been teaching Goku Nuclear Physics. Not possible. Growling lowly she caught the barely notable trace of amusement in his eyes. In fact she had the feeling she was the only one who could define it let alone see it. 'Damm my luck for belonging to a guy who thinks it funny when I'm mad.'
Bulma scowled at the doctors that were treating her wounds. Actually the correct thing to say would be that they were waiting for her to LET them near her. So far none of them had worked up the gal to come within three feet of her. The silent stand off could have gone on forever if the prince hadn't arrived. "Woman! What do you think you're doing? Let them fix you up before I have to have you put in a regeneration tank!" At that she shivered. The idea of being in one of those little water pods made her uneasy.
"I'm not gonna let them touch me. If they'd let me I can treat myself, thank-you-very-much." A few of the medics stared in horror and looked on in fear to the prince. The battle of wits between the two was no longer a new thing to the castle but still no one liked being between the two verbal titans for long. They had been able to clear rooms and halls by just looking at each other. And now the poor ensemble of men were stuck in the room till dismissed. And as the insults grew harsher a new voice entered the fray.
"Bulma SHUT-UP!" Bulma looked away from his royal walking ego and met with a set of brown eyes. There stood Chi-Chi with Radditz behind her. Vegeta was surprised not at the woman's entrance but that Bulma actually listened. "YOU my dear friend will let those men help you or I'll do it myself." Chi-Chi threatened not expecting what came next.
"All right Chi, guys leave you too Vegeta." Bulma's voice was calm and she held a small smile. Chi-Chi gaped for a second before straightening and pushing everyone else out and gesturing for the prince to leave. Once they were alone she spoke.
"I didn't expect your answer." She said helping put Bulma's arm back in its socket. With in the hour Bulma was patched up. Using a crutch she left for her room. Walking Chi-Chi to her door before heading for her own of course. As she entered the room a heated argument met her ears. But silence reined the moment they saw her step in. Wide eyed at the scene, both king and prince Vegeta were arguing. The older of the two glared at her with a look making her want to back up, but of course she only held her ground and met eyes with him. She only broke their gaze when the latter of the two addressed her.
"Woman leave. Go to Radditz. Stay there till I come to fetch you." She opened her mouth to object but one look in his eyes changed her mind. Huffing she did an about face. Casting back one last glance at the warring party she followed orders.
"Radditz, what the hell is going on?" He looked like he had just gotten out of bed when he answered the door. But one look at her and he let her in.
"Huh?"
"Very intelligent, now if I had any doubt you were Goku's brother you've just put them to rest." She said sarcastically walking in. "Why is Vegeta arguing with his father? I walked in and Vegeta said for me to come here till he comes to get me."
"How long was that fight?" One look on her face as she sat down he raised an eyebrow.
"There wasn't one, I listened." Looking to her brother she came close to spilling her secret. Eyes wide and only slightly showing the fear she was feeling in her gut she whispered. "Are they arguing about me?"
Radditz looked at the woman he had grown to respect. There was uncertainty in her voice and he almost thought he heard a note of fear in it. Sighing he nodded his head. "Most likely girl, you're a slave to nearly everyone's' eye. You proved you could defeat a second class Sayain and still be able to stand and defy the prince. Rumor has it you're planning to kill the prince…among other things. Mainly most want you put back under the collar and into the royal harem." He saw her shiver at that thought. And touched her shoulder, she flinched and gritted her teeth in pain then reminded him about her injury.
"Well they can say that all they want. I WON'T join a harem and I have no real ambition to literally kill Vegeta. Not anymore, ring his neck a few times, figuratively speaking, maybe, but not kill him." He smirked when he saw the truth she had for her words in her eyes. "But what does his old man want with me. He has a mate not that I'd let him touch me if he didn't, but he gave me the chance. I won, end of story. What's he think I'm gonna do. Chop every Sayains tail off from here on out." Bulma saw him shudder at that thought and grinned. "What? You don't like that idea?" She teased earning a glare. "Oh yeah Radditz." She said humor and sarcasm in her voice. "You glaring at me while in your boxers is SO terrifying. Chi-Chi can scare me more in her nightgown alone when mad. Of course you haven't seen her when at full force, she can scare me more than you ever have." He grinned charmingly at her throwing a few choice words at her while he left for his room to get dressed. Something told him that Vegeta would be a less than pleasant mood when he came to collect his blue haired woman. Ahh and how true it was. Radditz had started on some work while Bulma dozed in and out of consciousness. Finally he just picked her up and let her have his bed while he worked. She had every right to be tired.
Vegeta walked right into Radditz's chambers without so much as a warning. Looking about he didn't see the blue haired woman. But before he could open his mouth to demand the information on her where about 's Radditz spoke. "She's asleep in the other room." In a slightly lower tone he asked. "If you don't mind me asking my prince. What exactly happened? She told me about as much as she could but that isn't much."
Vegeta gave him a hard cold glare, as if looking to see if he could confine in the longhaired guard. "He does not approve of my choice for bed mates." And by the tone of it that was the amount he was going to say. But Radditz knew that it was more than anyone else with maybe the exception of the girl was going to hear. Both looked to a noise steadily growing louder. Bulma, sleepy eyed and with the look of sleep about her entered the room.
"Vegeta?" Bulma said her voice still displaying her weariness in her voice. "What time is it?" But Vegeta only came up to her and said one thing.
"Late." Before she could object he put her over his shoulder and began to leave the room. She pounded his back with her good arm but it was a fruitless battle. But the look he had given her when she had started to object kept her from being loud. When they got back to his rooms she almost started up. But her sore ribs slowed her down, just enough for him to cover her mouth with his hand. "For once in your life woman keep quiet." Blankly and mutely she nodded. His voice had been both tired and furious. A mix she had never thought to hear from him.
Making to get up from the bed he had tossed her on she was pushed back. "Vegeta what's wrong? What I do?" Her voice was small and laced with worry; she had never quite seen that look in his eyes. They were like two black holes focused purely on her. Before she could so much as blink his lips were on top hers. She felt the familiar fear rise up inside her faster than she could remind herself he had kissed her before. But when he started to lean her onto her back she began to struggle. She was sure all this fear wasn't good for her injuries and her all out struggles could only make them worse. The beginnings of panic and desperation hit her hard and fast as she felt his hands, none to gently, start to explore her tender body. A cry escaped her covered lips as tears made it to her eyes. She began to force him to hurt her, she had said she rather die than be raped again and she had meant it. And obviously he knew it by her actions. She gasped when his voice rang in her head.
'Calm down woman, I won't hurt you.' His voice was soothing but it had no affect on her. Forgetting that she had kept what little telepathy she could do hidden till then she shrieked back to his mind.
'Calm down! You're going to RAPE me and you want me to calm down?!' She felt him jolt in either surprise or pain from her mental retort. Still breathing heavily she felt him release her mouth. Slowly he began to trail from her temple, over her tear stained face. Quietly she started to sob, she was helpless to do anything more.
He continued his exploration of her body. He hated himself for putting her through all this terror but it was for her own good. He would stop as soon as he left. He felt her shudder in both fear and pain; she was still trying to get him to hurt her. Slowly he made his way down her face and started on her neck. Gradually he began to undo the ties that held her top on. This only made her struggle more. 'If she keeps this up she'll kill herself.' He thought to himself before realizing she was doing just that on purpose. Reaching out to her mind again he felt her stark terror flood his senses. 'Woman.' He called, but she didn't respond, only continued to try and force him to kill her. More forcefully he tried to break through her fright. 'Woman! BULMA!' That got her. She froze and stiffened in his grip. As he spoke to her he slowly began to lower her top revealing the top of her breasts. 'I won't touch you, just a little longer and I'll stop.' But even in her mind she was in hysterics.
'Please stop Vegeta. Please I beg of you.' Her mind begged, never had she begged for herself before, others yes, but never herself. 'Why?' Her mental voice was quiet and small. He felt his heart quench at the fear he was causing her to go through.
One hand started to kneed one breast while he kissed the other. It was then that he felt the presence of his father leave the passage. He had known about the peepholes in his room, and thanks to his ability to sense ki he knew that they were now truly alone. Rising from her he met eyes with her terrified blue ones. He was still above her leaving her no means of escape. Touching her cheek he felt her recoil. "Don't worry, I'm done." He said soothingly to her, but she still looked at him with violated terrified eyes. She had trusted him not to do this to her and he had just ruined what little trust they had.
"Why?" Her chest still heaving painfully, she tried to understand what had stopped him or started him for that matter. Her arms moved to cover herself seeing as that her top was on the floor. "You said you wouldn't do this, why?" Her voice was shaky and still held the aftermath of emotions he had given her. Betrayal, fear, terror, the list went on for miles. But he didn't answer right away. Looking at her he felt pity for her. She had been raped before. Twice by the same man and never would she recover fully from that. And he had just brought all her fears of men up, she had trusted him not to do this to her.
"If I get up will you stay?" Silently she nodded still looking at him with wide eyes. Slowly he stood and turned his back long enough for her to get something more appropriate to cover herself with. When she finished he saw that she was on the farthest corner of the bed as she could get from him. Sighing he knew he had a lot of explaining to do. Again she repeated her question.
"When you came in earlier my father was yelling at me about you. He said that it was unfit that I kept one woman to my bed for so long. Then he started accusing me of probably not even touching you at all. Which is true to an extent but not suppose to be known. There are many passages in this palace and he was spying on us to see what I would do. I only stopped when he left."
"Why didn't you tell me when you were bringing me here then?" Her voice had stopped quavering and she had begun to calm down. Reassuring him that she wasn't going to do something drastic anytime soon.
"He had men watching me. Why do you think that I sent you to Radditz? He's the only one I can trust to be around you. I…I'm sorry I had to frighten you so woman." He said gently making his way to her side. "Get some rest woman you have a lot of things to do tomorrow. Starting with getting those weaklings off this planet."
She nodded and carefully crawled under the covers. He had just terrified her and she had forgiven him. 'Why? Why can't I be mad at him for what he did?' She stiffened for a moment then relaxed when she felt his arms pull her to his body in the dark. With her back to his chest he questioned her.
"Since when could you speak to other's mind's little one?"
"A while. Never thought it any good or use to let you guys know." Yawning she settled in for some well deserved sleep. " 'Sides never could do it very well in the first place. Night Vegeta." She whispered feeling his strong arms tighten around her but not enough to be painful. Her last thought before sleep came to her were that of how it seemed like he was protecting her, from even himself.
Vegeta held the woman in his arms long after she had fallen asleep. Frowning he could feel her confusion in his head still. Stroking her newly shortened locks he couldn't help but think that he liked her hair long. She had cut it for the fight. He finally understood his attraction to her; he had bonded to her, but was it both ways. If she were a Sayain that answer would be obvious, but she wasn't. She was powerful, even more so considering the planet she was from, and strong, mentally along with physically. And she was of yet the only person to snap back at him and verbally fight him other than his father. She wasn't afraid of him, she knew he was strong, most likely not HOW strong, but powerful enough to kill her without really breaking a sweat. But she had forgiven him without question. Why? Looking back to her form he saw her skin lit by the feint amount of light given off from the sliver of a moon. She looked like a statue brought to life. He had heard of beings known to put men under enchantments, have them fall deeply in love with her then break their hearts. Had she done that to him? No, he was sure she hadn't done that. She never played coy, not like the other Sayain women. She had simply been herself, and never anything else. Slowly sleep came to him too.