Scientific Journey: Bulma's Story:
Disclaimer: I don't own dbz & I'm not making any profit, OKAY!!!?
A.N: Thanks for all the reviews! ^_^ They're really encouraging me to keep writing this fic, and I've been having mad ideas for the story lately, yay! Hopefully the plot will thicken and unravel with each chapter. Last chapter: Bulma & Vegeta got a little carried away heheh, plus everyone seems to be against Vegeta, including his father! (cue: dum dum dum music)
Chapter 5: Confrontations
Vegeta was angry, VERY angry, infact, he was more than angry; he was infuriated. He'd spent the afternoon sparring with Zarbon of all people, and the result hadn't been good. Of course he'd refused medical attention and slowly made his way up to his room, much to Zarbon's amusement. His mocking words still played in Vegeta's head as he climbed the many marble steps up to his room, limping badly. 'Damn you Zarbon! I swear I WILL defeat you, even if it's the last thing I do! You will pay for ever mocking the Prince of Saiyans and my pride.'
Bulma flinched as she heard the door suddenly open and then slam shut, swinging several times as it hit the wall. She turned round from the desk that she'd overtaken to see Vegeta collapse onto the bed. He was a bloody mess, and winced in pain as his back connected with even the soft mattress. For once he hadn't worn the white and orange armour, and his blue spandex suit was tattered and torn. "Vegeta, what happened?" She was only being sympathetic, but Vegeta scowled; he had no time for sympathy, infact, he hated it more than anything.
"What does it look like baka? I was sparring! And cut the sympathy crap." His voice trailed off and Bulma frowned.
"Fine! Be like that. I was only asking."
"Well don't!" He closed his eyes, trying to ignore the immense pain, but that was impossible. 'I knew I should've gone to the rejuvenation tank! Damn pride.' He punched the mattress then winced, trying not to yell out. However, Bulma heard the quiet wince and turned round, determined to help him even if he didn't want her too. Besides, she needed to work, and he was distracting her with his childish whimpering. She stormed into the bathroom and raided the cabinets, finding different kinds of tablets, creams, and bandages. She brought them all out and sat on the bed next to Vegeta, who winced as she did so.
"Now quit being such a big spoilt baby and let me help you out here. Don't you people have doctors?"
"Of course we have doctors!"
"So why didn't you go see one?" She began to unravel some bandaging and inspected the bottles of different coloured tablets.
"I don't need anyone's help, especially not a doctors, and especially not yours! Now leave me alone!" She sighed and found a tub containing some sort of herbal remedy for sores, bruises, cuts, and broken limbs.
"Quit trying to be so stubborn Vegeta, you and I both know that I'm way more stubborn than you'll ever be. Besides, I know that you can't wait for me to play nurse. Guys just love that."
"I do not!" She giggled girlishly and took the top of the container of the herbal remedy, filling the room with its vile smell as she dug her hand into the green thick cream. Vegeta watched cautiously; feeling a little worried about what the hell she was going to do to him. 'Since when did she give a damn about me?'
"Now hold still, this is probably gonna sting no doubt." He didn't have a chance in hell to get away, and before he could even reply, he was yelling out in pain as the green gung connected with his skin. Bulma applied it thickly to his shoulder, which was a purple mass of bruises and clotted blood from the many deep cuts. Vegeta's teeth clenched together as he tried to suppress his yells of agony, and Bulma could tell by his expression that he was probably experiencing more pain than she'd ever had, tripled and then probably doubled. "Wow, the almighty Saiyan warrior brought to tears by none other than herbs. Now THAT'S funny."
"SILENCE WOMAN!" She grinned and silenced him instead as she bandage up his shoulder and back area where she'd applied the herbal remedy, making Vegeta flinch in pain and agony. The cream was burning his skin more than any ki blast ever could, and he felt like he'd pass out any moment from the immense pain. However, Bulma continued with the torture, showing no mercy until every wound and broken limb had been tended to. By the time she'd finished, Vegeta's eyes were shut tightly and she watched as he slept like a baby; his chest slowly moving up and down with each intake of breath. Bulma smiled as she looked down at his calm state. 'He's actually quite good looking,' she told herself. 'When he's not scowling that is.' She then frowned and turned away. 'Wait, I must be going mad! This is Vegeta you're talking about; the guy who killed your boyfriend, kidnapped you, then brought you to this dump!' She walked back to her desk, trying to remain sane by working. 'Plus he's not gonna be too happy in the morning. It was a little too obvious that I enjoyed making him suffer. But he did kinda deserve it afterall though.'
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Frieza watched from his throne as Zarbon finally entered his private chambers. He eagerly awaited any news about Vegeta, and Zarbon never failed to disappoint him. "I hope you kept me waiting this long for a reason Zarbon." The green alien with blue hair grinned and stood casually in the middle of the room. A burning log fire was the only source of both heat and light, illuminating both of their faces in an orange tone.
"I sparred with Vegeta earlier; he's still no threat to us. He's as weak as ever." Frieza grinned and rested his chin on his palm.
"I hope you didn't punish him too badly Zarbon, especially that pretty little face of his." They both sniggered and Zarbon shock his head.
"He'll live. I 'spose he went crawling back to that earthling of his after refusing medical attention. Stubborn as ever and full of pride, I don't know why you still put up with him."
"Yes, he is rather stubborn, but he'll make a good addition to us, I just need to break him in more. Besides, Saiyans are easier to manipulate when you take something away from then. He's already lost his people's trust and approval thanks to his baka of a father. Very soon, he'll be begging me for his life." Zarbon sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Well I think he's a waste of time and space if you ask me, weak too."
"I'll be the judge of that, and I didn't ask you either. You run along now and keep an extra eye on him. I already have great plans for you both."
"Wonderful," Zarbon muttered sarcastically as he walked away to meet Dodoria outside for a sparring session. 'But I s'pose Vegeta will have some use; beating him to a pulp everyday will be very entertaining indeed.'
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The same female slave once again knocked on Vegeta's door early the next morning and wheeled in breakfast on a tray. Bulma thanked her, feeling sorry for the poor girl. Her light blue skin, large green eyes, and webbed, scaled fingers showed that she was neither Saiyan nor human, and Bulma pitied the poor girl, who brought breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday, and was also mute. She left as quickly as she had entered, and Bulma heard Vegeta start to mumble as the smell of food hit his nose. He managed to sit up painfully slowly, and slowly opened his eyes.
"Morning!" Bulma's voice rung through his ears and he scowled at the sound of her cheery voice at such an early hour. "You slept like a baby, which makes a change from your usual snoring."
"Silence woman, I do not snore!"
"Oh yes you do."
"I thought I told you to shut up! I don't have the time or patience for your annoying voice this morning, nor do I have the strength to argue."
'Geez someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Grouchy bastard.' She raised her eyebrows and sat down to eat her small portion of food. Vegeta slowly managed to crawl to the end of the bed where he could reach the tray and devour his large portion of meat, large eggs, and Vegetasei's equivalent to bread, which was thicker, bigger, and filled with nuts and herbs. In fact, most things on Vegetasei were Erath's equivalent, just bigger. The meat was raw, turning Bulma's stomach as she watched Vegeta eat it within seconds. 'How can he eat raw meat first thing in the morning?' She watched him as he remained silent and then patted his full stomach when he'd cleaned his plate after his 5th serving. "So, how are you feeling? Better?"
"Yes, I heal quickly."
"You're such an arrogant bastard! You only healed quicker because I spent all of yesterday afternoon playing nursemaid, and I don't even get so much as a thankyou!"
"I didn't ask you to, and besides, you only did that to cause me pain, and you damn well enjoyed it. I saw your face." She narrowed her eyes at his not impressed face.
"I'm glad I did! But I don't know which I would've enjoyed more; tormenting you with that herbal gunk, or laughing at you for still aching and whimpering like a big baby this morning just because you won't see a doctor like any smart person would do."
"I don't have time for this, besides, your constant arguments are boring me." He stood up and headed for the bathroom, and Bulma heard the shower nuzzle turn on. She frowned and picked up a pencil and notepad, not wanting to be within 2feet of the Royal pain in the ass. Vegeta heard the door slam shut from the shower and sighed. 'If she expected me to thank her then she should know by now that that word doesn't exist in my vocabulary. Besides, the stupid bitch enjoyed making me suffer yesterday.' The shower was probably the only place where Vegeta could think things through, and he needed to do that a lot. 'Maybe some time by herself will make her cool off a bit. Dammit! What do I care? She's shouldn't be a concern, but no matter how hard I try to deny it, she is! I don't understand it, I've been out of heat and my hormones are still fucking about. Distancing myself from the woman only makes matters worse. What the hell is wrong with me?'
Meanwhile, Bulma stormed through the palace corridors, trying not to think about the argument. 'I don't even know why I bother; he's not even worth toying with. Bastard. I hate him so much!' She eventually arrived at her favourite location; the gardens, and sat down on a bench near a water fountain. 'Why these Saiyans would be interested in beauty is beyond me. I thought they'd be living in primitive mud huts, not grand palaces with equally grand gardens. They really are a confusing race.' She opened her notebook and began to read through her notes. It had been a week since King Vegeta had set her the project, and she still felt like she'd gotten nowhere, even after hours and hours of ideas and rough planning. She'd only been sitting for about 5 minutes however, until a shadow blocked out the sun infront of her.
"Look Vegeta, I'm really not in the mood to-"
She suddenly froze as she lifted her head up to see someone else's face looking down at her. "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else."
"You know, you really shouldn't be out here on your own onna." The voice was deep but clear, and Bulma had heard it before, and seen him before.
"Vegeta, erm, I mean, Prince Vegeta, knows I'm here." She could've hit herself for being so informal when talking about Vegeta, but her mistake seemed to pass by without notice, at least, she hoped it did.
"I see. Still, slaves aren't usually allowed out here. But I guess you've been made an exception." She noticed the tail wrapped around his waist securely and frowned. 'This guy is way too polite to be a Saiyan. Handsome too.' She grinned and closed her notebook, showing an interest in the stranger instead.
"And you are?"
"Ajax, elite soldier of Vegetasei. We met briefly before about a week ago I think." It all suddenly came back to her, and she smiled sweetly. He looked a few years older than her nineteen years of age, probably about twenty- four or twenty-five.
"Oh yeah, I remember. You were playing delivery boy. How sweet." He frowned, but then smiled slightly at her comment, not really knowing how to take it. Bulma laughed nervously, realising her mistake.
"Just an Earth term, don't worry too much about it." She was confident and at ease around him; two emotions she hadn't felt in a long time.
"You're from Earth?" She smiled with honour, proud of being an Earthling.
"Yep. Gotta problem with that?" He shook his head.
"Oh course not, where you lack in power, you make up for in intelligence."
"Damn right! I'm probably the most intelligent woman on Earth!" His eyes momentarily narrowed, but she was too wrapped up in herself to notice.
"Really? That's quite impressive."
"I know, but Vegeta and the King don't seem to think so." She suddenly raised her eyebrows and put her hand to her mouth, much to Ajax's curiosity.
"Oh?"
'Dammit! I wasn't supposed to say anything! I've got such a big mouth sometimes. SHIT! Vegeta will totally flip if he finds out I screwed up, and who knows how his damn father will react. I wonder if I can trust this guy? He seems ok. Hmmm..I wonder.' She laughed nervously, catching the young Saiyan's attention.
"I shouldn't of said that though, very disrespectful. Promise you won't tell? Prince Vegeta would go completely mad. I mean, I'm not even THAT intelligent." He hesitated as she laughed nervously, and then nodded.
"Ok, your secret is safe with me."
"Thanks. I can't believe that I thought all of the Saiyans were egotistical bastards. Man, was I wrong or what?" He chuckled and stood up from his position next to her.
"Just don't get into any trouble. I suggest that you don't stay here for too long, even though you are Vegeta's property, you never know what kind of weirdo's are about." She nodded and watched him go, especially watching the way his tones muscles moved on his tanned body under his black under- suit and Saiyan armour. 'Well, he was nice, in more ways then one too. Heheh, looks like life on Vegetasei is about to get much more interesting.'
Vegeta returned from his training with 2 elites 3hours later to find that Bulma still hadn't returned. He found that the bathroom door was closed and grinned to himself. 'Should I, or shouldn't I? Well, at least I can back myself up with an excuse.' He chuckled to himself and stalked over to the bathroom door, opening it quickly and gaping at what he saw; it was empty. Vegeta banged his fist on the door, leaving a dent. "Dammit! Where is she?" He didn't know if he was more angry because she hadn't been in the bathroom like he'd wanted, because she wasn't there full stop, or both. His question was suddenly answered however as he heard the main door open and footsteps walk into the room.
"Where the fuck have you been!?"
Bulma froze dead in her tracks to see Vegeta immerge from the ensuite bathroom, a full scowl on his face complete with folded arms as he leaned against the bathroom door.
"Like you care! What's it to you anyway?" He narrowed his eyes, but she stood her ground.
"It's my business to know where you are; you're my slave, remember? You can't just walk around on your own!"
"I'll do what I damn well like! Besides, I was only in the gardens, working on my project. That's not exac-"
"YOU WERE WHAT!?" She took a step back, boy had he hit the roof.
"Working on-"
"YOU STUPID, FOOLISH WOMAN! DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF SOMEBODY FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS?" He paused to observe her slightly scared and worried state as she'd backed off further towards the wall. "Of course you wouldn't understand." She frowned at his calmer tone and he sat down on the bed, his side to her. "You're too damn naïve and in your own little world to even realise what's going on."
"Well, maybe if you told me, I-"
"What's the use? You don't give a shit about what happened to Vegetasei, all you care about is making everyone's lives more difficult." She frowned and had the urge to slap him, but instead turned her back on him and folded her arms, not wanting to see his ever-scowling face anymore in fear that she probably would strike him. Instead, as ever, she used a verbal attack.
"And how the hell do you know? I'm working really hard here to try to get the project done as soon as I can, and I'm not even getting any help. I know nothing about your culture, and you just expect me to click my fingers, and hey presto! A training room appears. Well I'm sorry if-" Once again she was interrupted, just not with words. Bulma hadn't even realised that he'd walked up to her as she rambled on. She knew that he'd moved, but she wasn't really focused or concentrating. But she had felt his touch on her shoulder and had then been spun round within a second to face his smirking face. He didn't even notice him pull her close, and before she had time to even stop talking, his warm lips were on hers. She stared with wide- open eyes in complete shock as he kissed her, and could've kicked herself as she eventually succumbed to his power over her, accepting the kiss and relaxing. Just as she closed her eyes however, he chuckled against her now moist lips and took a few steps back, folding his arms with amusement. Bulma however, was not impressed.
"Why the hell did you do that!?"
"To shut you up, and because I felt like it."
"I can't believe the nerve of you! First you constantly interrupt me, then you don't even-"
He silenced her again, pulling her towards him this time with a hand at her nape. However, this time she pulled away, with much difficulty of course, and stared right into his ebony eyes, her own azure eyes as cold as ice.
"I hate you." He chuckled and the corner of his mouth rose into a smirk, complete with a cocky raised eyebrow.
"Of course you do," his tone was evidently sarcastic and he walked towards the main door casually. "But you enjoyed that, infact, I know that you want more, and denial can be your punishment." She pulled a disgusted face at him as he opened the door and left, and Bulma yelled at him as he did so.
"Go to hell! There's no way I want ANYTHING from you!" He didn't even stop in his tracks and completely ignored her as he walked ahead. Bulma picked up the nearest object in her rage and threw it at the door. The crystal glass filled with strangely black flowers that were popular on Vegetasei crashed against the door and shattered everywhere. She stomped her foot on the floor and walked over to the large, wide balcony. "That's it; I've had it up to here with that bastard! Screw that fuckin project! I don't give a shit anymore, he can just drop dead for all I care." She walked over to the drawer that she'd overtaken, not caring about the fact she was talking to a brick wall, and pulled out her clothes from Earth, quickly changing out of her slavery dress and into her vest top and ¾ length trousers. 'Screw everything! I'm leaving this fuckin dump; I don't even know why I just didn't try to escape sooner. Well, he'll have a surprise when he comes back, they all will.' She stormed over to the door and opened it, realising she should be a little quieter as she calmly closed it, taking deep breaths as she walked downstairs. 'He's probably training, perfect. Now, all I have to do is get past those damn guards.' She walked ahead into one of the main corridors and smiled as she passed some of the 2nd class guards. They were used o her wandering around on her own, so she had no trouble there. However, the closer she got to the palace exit, the more glares she received from the now elite 1st class guards. She came to the end of one corridor and tried to appear confident, however, the guard stood infront of her, blocking her path. He was a fatter version of Nappa, just with the addition of a short clipped beard.
"Going somewhere? Where's your master slave?"
"He erm, sent me to fetch something for him." The guard stared at her then narrowed his eyes with suspicion. 'Shit! He's on to me.'
"We have other slaves to do that specially. Now I'll ask you again, where are you going and where is your master?" he was much sterner this time, and Bulma sighed.
"Look, I've already told you. Prince Vegeta needed me to fetch something for him, it's top secret you see. I'm sure he wouldn't be too happy if he found out that you were stopping me from doing only what he's ordered me to." He raised his eyebrows and Bulma couldn't help but grin. 'Damn! I should've been an actress, this guy is just butter in my hands. What a gimp."
"I didn't know his highness owned you. Well in that case, I guess you're free to pass. But I will be telling him about this, and I swear there will be more that just trouble if you lied to me."
"Sure, looking forward to it."
"Watch your mouth wench!" She raised an eyebrow at him and he stepped back, not wanting to draw attention to their argument. If she hadn't of been property of the prince then he would've surely hit her and taught her some respect. But that was the prince's job, not his, and he clearly hadn't done his job either. She walked past him and he pressed a button behind him, making the large white door open to reveal the setting to Bulma for the first time. She stepped outside to see the red sun setting under bright orange and purple clouds. Several elite guards stood guarding the long path up to the palace entrance, and Bulma came to the gates guarded by two warriors. Neither were Saiyan; one was green in colour with a long head and big bulgy eyes, and the other was fat, pink, and ugly. Bulma pulled a face of disgust as the ugly pink one moved infront of her, glaring down at the small woman infront of him.
"Where are you off to? You can't be going to the market at this time."
"I have, erm, important errands to run for his highness."
"I was never told about this! Get back into the palace whore." She narrowed her eyes, 'no one calls me a whore!'
"No! The other guy didn't have a problem, and-" he shut her up by pushing her backwards with such a force that she fell on her backside. Bulma winced and both of the aliens laughed at her misfortune.
"YOU TOTAL COMPLETE ASSHOLE! WHY DON'T YOU PICK ON SOMEONE YOUR OWN SIZE JERK! OH, MAYBE CAUSE IT'S HARD TO FIND SOMEONE SO HUGE AS YOU ARE PIG FACE!" The other alien backed away as the pink alien turned bright red.
"NOBODY INSULTS ME YOU BITCH! COME 'ERE!" He grabbed her wrist tightly in a swift second and pulled her off her feet, laughing as she screamed and tried to break free of his hold. "Look at you! So pathetic!" He began to laugh at her again as he pulled his fist back, ready to hit her in some form, but suddenly froze at the sound of a voice.
"Problem Dodoria?" He turned round and frowned, 'dammit! Just when I was about to teach her a lesson.' Bulma stopped screaming and struggling to look at her saviour.
"What do you want?" Dodoria still kept his tight hold on Bulma and his fist clenched.
"Well, I'm simply stopping you from making a big mistake. Vegeta won't be too happy when he finds out you've spoilt the face of his property. So if I were you, I'd let her go.' Dodoria dropped her, grinning his head off, and Bulma once again landed on her feet, but weakly fell to her hands and knees. Every small bone in her wrist felt broken, and it was glowing bright red, already bruising from Dodoria's tight grip. Her saviour knelt down beside her and helped her up, and Bulma suddenly realised who he was.
"Ajax!"
"Are you ok?" She smiled, nearly passing out and letting him support her weight. 'I am now,' she told herself.
"I'll live." She then noticed that he was leading her back to the palace. "Wait, we're going the wrong way!"
"No, the palace is this way. It's too late for you to be wondering around the city." She didn't have the strength to reply and let him direct her back to the main gates. 'I'd rather be there than here though,' she thought as she reminded herself of the day's events. 'How's Vegeta gonna react when he finds out? That is, IF he finds out.'
"Are you going to tell Prince Vegeta?" He looked down at her pleading eyes and grinned.
"Well, that all depends." They were now inside the palace once more, and Bulma frowned with concern at his change of tone as he led her down a corridor that she hadn't seen before.
"What are you talking about? Depends on what? Where are you taking me?" He opened a deep red door and walked down some stairs into a damp basement area.
"Well, it all depends on how well you co-operate."
Meanwhile, Vegeta had returned from his evening training to once again find his chambers empty complete with shattered glass on the floor. His clenched his fists at his sides tightly and gritted his teeth. However couldn't sense Bulma's ki at all throughout the palace proximity, and therefore he blasted off from the balcony where he hoped to find her in the city. 'Of all the nerve! No slave of mine escapes and hopes to live. But I could never kill her; that would be a complete waste. No, I'll just have to think of another way to punish her.' The balcony glass doors swung a few times from the force of his departure before staying wide open to welcome the eerie sunset of Vegetasei.
Disclaimer: I don't own dbz & I'm not making any profit, OKAY!!!?
A.N: Thanks for all the reviews! ^_^ They're really encouraging me to keep writing this fic, and I've been having mad ideas for the story lately, yay! Hopefully the plot will thicken and unravel with each chapter. Last chapter: Bulma & Vegeta got a little carried away heheh, plus everyone seems to be against Vegeta, including his father! (cue: dum dum dum music)
Chapter 5: Confrontations
Vegeta was angry, VERY angry, infact, he was more than angry; he was infuriated. He'd spent the afternoon sparring with Zarbon of all people, and the result hadn't been good. Of course he'd refused medical attention and slowly made his way up to his room, much to Zarbon's amusement. His mocking words still played in Vegeta's head as he climbed the many marble steps up to his room, limping badly. 'Damn you Zarbon! I swear I WILL defeat you, even if it's the last thing I do! You will pay for ever mocking the Prince of Saiyans and my pride.'
Bulma flinched as she heard the door suddenly open and then slam shut, swinging several times as it hit the wall. She turned round from the desk that she'd overtaken to see Vegeta collapse onto the bed. He was a bloody mess, and winced in pain as his back connected with even the soft mattress. For once he hadn't worn the white and orange armour, and his blue spandex suit was tattered and torn. "Vegeta, what happened?" She was only being sympathetic, but Vegeta scowled; he had no time for sympathy, infact, he hated it more than anything.
"What does it look like baka? I was sparring! And cut the sympathy crap." His voice trailed off and Bulma frowned.
"Fine! Be like that. I was only asking."
"Well don't!" He closed his eyes, trying to ignore the immense pain, but that was impossible. 'I knew I should've gone to the rejuvenation tank! Damn pride.' He punched the mattress then winced, trying not to yell out. However, Bulma heard the quiet wince and turned round, determined to help him even if he didn't want her too. Besides, she needed to work, and he was distracting her with his childish whimpering. She stormed into the bathroom and raided the cabinets, finding different kinds of tablets, creams, and bandages. She brought them all out and sat on the bed next to Vegeta, who winced as she did so.
"Now quit being such a big spoilt baby and let me help you out here. Don't you people have doctors?"
"Of course we have doctors!"
"So why didn't you go see one?" She began to unravel some bandaging and inspected the bottles of different coloured tablets.
"I don't need anyone's help, especially not a doctors, and especially not yours! Now leave me alone!" She sighed and found a tub containing some sort of herbal remedy for sores, bruises, cuts, and broken limbs.
"Quit trying to be so stubborn Vegeta, you and I both know that I'm way more stubborn than you'll ever be. Besides, I know that you can't wait for me to play nurse. Guys just love that."
"I do not!" She giggled girlishly and took the top of the container of the herbal remedy, filling the room with its vile smell as she dug her hand into the green thick cream. Vegeta watched cautiously; feeling a little worried about what the hell she was going to do to him. 'Since when did she give a damn about me?'
"Now hold still, this is probably gonna sting no doubt." He didn't have a chance in hell to get away, and before he could even reply, he was yelling out in pain as the green gung connected with his skin. Bulma applied it thickly to his shoulder, which was a purple mass of bruises and clotted blood from the many deep cuts. Vegeta's teeth clenched together as he tried to suppress his yells of agony, and Bulma could tell by his expression that he was probably experiencing more pain than she'd ever had, tripled and then probably doubled. "Wow, the almighty Saiyan warrior brought to tears by none other than herbs. Now THAT'S funny."
"SILENCE WOMAN!" She grinned and silenced him instead as she bandage up his shoulder and back area where she'd applied the herbal remedy, making Vegeta flinch in pain and agony. The cream was burning his skin more than any ki blast ever could, and he felt like he'd pass out any moment from the immense pain. However, Bulma continued with the torture, showing no mercy until every wound and broken limb had been tended to. By the time she'd finished, Vegeta's eyes were shut tightly and she watched as he slept like a baby; his chest slowly moving up and down with each intake of breath. Bulma smiled as she looked down at his calm state. 'He's actually quite good looking,' she told herself. 'When he's not scowling that is.' She then frowned and turned away. 'Wait, I must be going mad! This is Vegeta you're talking about; the guy who killed your boyfriend, kidnapped you, then brought you to this dump!' She walked back to her desk, trying to remain sane by working. 'Plus he's not gonna be too happy in the morning. It was a little too obvious that I enjoyed making him suffer. But he did kinda deserve it afterall though.'
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Frieza watched from his throne as Zarbon finally entered his private chambers. He eagerly awaited any news about Vegeta, and Zarbon never failed to disappoint him. "I hope you kept me waiting this long for a reason Zarbon." The green alien with blue hair grinned and stood casually in the middle of the room. A burning log fire was the only source of both heat and light, illuminating both of their faces in an orange tone.
"I sparred with Vegeta earlier; he's still no threat to us. He's as weak as ever." Frieza grinned and rested his chin on his palm.
"I hope you didn't punish him too badly Zarbon, especially that pretty little face of his." They both sniggered and Zarbon shock his head.
"He'll live. I 'spose he went crawling back to that earthling of his after refusing medical attention. Stubborn as ever and full of pride, I don't know why you still put up with him."
"Yes, he is rather stubborn, but he'll make a good addition to us, I just need to break him in more. Besides, Saiyans are easier to manipulate when you take something away from then. He's already lost his people's trust and approval thanks to his baka of a father. Very soon, he'll be begging me for his life." Zarbon sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Well I think he's a waste of time and space if you ask me, weak too."
"I'll be the judge of that, and I didn't ask you either. You run along now and keep an extra eye on him. I already have great plans for you both."
"Wonderful," Zarbon muttered sarcastically as he walked away to meet Dodoria outside for a sparring session. 'But I s'pose Vegeta will have some use; beating him to a pulp everyday will be very entertaining indeed.'
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The same female slave once again knocked on Vegeta's door early the next morning and wheeled in breakfast on a tray. Bulma thanked her, feeling sorry for the poor girl. Her light blue skin, large green eyes, and webbed, scaled fingers showed that she was neither Saiyan nor human, and Bulma pitied the poor girl, who brought breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday, and was also mute. She left as quickly as she had entered, and Bulma heard Vegeta start to mumble as the smell of food hit his nose. He managed to sit up painfully slowly, and slowly opened his eyes.
"Morning!" Bulma's voice rung through his ears and he scowled at the sound of her cheery voice at such an early hour. "You slept like a baby, which makes a change from your usual snoring."
"Silence woman, I do not snore!"
"Oh yes you do."
"I thought I told you to shut up! I don't have the time or patience for your annoying voice this morning, nor do I have the strength to argue."
'Geez someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Grouchy bastard.' She raised her eyebrows and sat down to eat her small portion of food. Vegeta slowly managed to crawl to the end of the bed where he could reach the tray and devour his large portion of meat, large eggs, and Vegetasei's equivalent to bread, which was thicker, bigger, and filled with nuts and herbs. In fact, most things on Vegetasei were Erath's equivalent, just bigger. The meat was raw, turning Bulma's stomach as she watched Vegeta eat it within seconds. 'How can he eat raw meat first thing in the morning?' She watched him as he remained silent and then patted his full stomach when he'd cleaned his plate after his 5th serving. "So, how are you feeling? Better?"
"Yes, I heal quickly."
"You're such an arrogant bastard! You only healed quicker because I spent all of yesterday afternoon playing nursemaid, and I don't even get so much as a thankyou!"
"I didn't ask you to, and besides, you only did that to cause me pain, and you damn well enjoyed it. I saw your face." She narrowed her eyes at his not impressed face.
"I'm glad I did! But I don't know which I would've enjoyed more; tormenting you with that herbal gunk, or laughing at you for still aching and whimpering like a big baby this morning just because you won't see a doctor like any smart person would do."
"I don't have time for this, besides, your constant arguments are boring me." He stood up and headed for the bathroom, and Bulma heard the shower nuzzle turn on. She frowned and picked up a pencil and notepad, not wanting to be within 2feet of the Royal pain in the ass. Vegeta heard the door slam shut from the shower and sighed. 'If she expected me to thank her then she should know by now that that word doesn't exist in my vocabulary. Besides, the stupid bitch enjoyed making me suffer yesterday.' The shower was probably the only place where Vegeta could think things through, and he needed to do that a lot. 'Maybe some time by herself will make her cool off a bit. Dammit! What do I care? She's shouldn't be a concern, but no matter how hard I try to deny it, she is! I don't understand it, I've been out of heat and my hormones are still fucking about. Distancing myself from the woman only makes matters worse. What the hell is wrong with me?'
Meanwhile, Bulma stormed through the palace corridors, trying not to think about the argument. 'I don't even know why I bother; he's not even worth toying with. Bastard. I hate him so much!' She eventually arrived at her favourite location; the gardens, and sat down on a bench near a water fountain. 'Why these Saiyans would be interested in beauty is beyond me. I thought they'd be living in primitive mud huts, not grand palaces with equally grand gardens. They really are a confusing race.' She opened her notebook and began to read through her notes. It had been a week since King Vegeta had set her the project, and she still felt like she'd gotten nowhere, even after hours and hours of ideas and rough planning. She'd only been sitting for about 5 minutes however, until a shadow blocked out the sun infront of her.
"Look Vegeta, I'm really not in the mood to-"
She suddenly froze as she lifted her head up to see someone else's face looking down at her. "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else."
"You know, you really shouldn't be out here on your own onna." The voice was deep but clear, and Bulma had heard it before, and seen him before.
"Vegeta, erm, I mean, Prince Vegeta, knows I'm here." She could've hit herself for being so informal when talking about Vegeta, but her mistake seemed to pass by without notice, at least, she hoped it did.
"I see. Still, slaves aren't usually allowed out here. But I guess you've been made an exception." She noticed the tail wrapped around his waist securely and frowned. 'This guy is way too polite to be a Saiyan. Handsome too.' She grinned and closed her notebook, showing an interest in the stranger instead.
"And you are?"
"Ajax, elite soldier of Vegetasei. We met briefly before about a week ago I think." It all suddenly came back to her, and she smiled sweetly. He looked a few years older than her nineteen years of age, probably about twenty- four or twenty-five.
"Oh yeah, I remember. You were playing delivery boy. How sweet." He frowned, but then smiled slightly at her comment, not really knowing how to take it. Bulma laughed nervously, realising her mistake.
"Just an Earth term, don't worry too much about it." She was confident and at ease around him; two emotions she hadn't felt in a long time.
"You're from Earth?" She smiled with honour, proud of being an Earthling.
"Yep. Gotta problem with that?" He shook his head.
"Oh course not, where you lack in power, you make up for in intelligence."
"Damn right! I'm probably the most intelligent woman on Earth!" His eyes momentarily narrowed, but she was too wrapped up in herself to notice.
"Really? That's quite impressive."
"I know, but Vegeta and the King don't seem to think so." She suddenly raised her eyebrows and put her hand to her mouth, much to Ajax's curiosity.
"Oh?"
'Dammit! I wasn't supposed to say anything! I've got such a big mouth sometimes. SHIT! Vegeta will totally flip if he finds out I screwed up, and who knows how his damn father will react. I wonder if I can trust this guy? He seems ok. Hmmm..I wonder.' She laughed nervously, catching the young Saiyan's attention.
"I shouldn't of said that though, very disrespectful. Promise you won't tell? Prince Vegeta would go completely mad. I mean, I'm not even THAT intelligent." He hesitated as she laughed nervously, and then nodded.
"Ok, your secret is safe with me."
"Thanks. I can't believe that I thought all of the Saiyans were egotistical bastards. Man, was I wrong or what?" He chuckled and stood up from his position next to her.
"Just don't get into any trouble. I suggest that you don't stay here for too long, even though you are Vegeta's property, you never know what kind of weirdo's are about." She nodded and watched him go, especially watching the way his tones muscles moved on his tanned body under his black under- suit and Saiyan armour. 'Well, he was nice, in more ways then one too. Heheh, looks like life on Vegetasei is about to get much more interesting.'
Vegeta returned from his training with 2 elites 3hours later to find that Bulma still hadn't returned. He found that the bathroom door was closed and grinned to himself. 'Should I, or shouldn't I? Well, at least I can back myself up with an excuse.' He chuckled to himself and stalked over to the bathroom door, opening it quickly and gaping at what he saw; it was empty. Vegeta banged his fist on the door, leaving a dent. "Dammit! Where is she?" He didn't know if he was more angry because she hadn't been in the bathroom like he'd wanted, because she wasn't there full stop, or both. His question was suddenly answered however as he heard the main door open and footsteps walk into the room.
"Where the fuck have you been!?"
Bulma froze dead in her tracks to see Vegeta immerge from the ensuite bathroom, a full scowl on his face complete with folded arms as he leaned against the bathroom door.
"Like you care! What's it to you anyway?" He narrowed his eyes, but she stood her ground.
"It's my business to know where you are; you're my slave, remember? You can't just walk around on your own!"
"I'll do what I damn well like! Besides, I was only in the gardens, working on my project. That's not exac-"
"YOU WERE WHAT!?" She took a step back, boy had he hit the roof.
"Working on-"
"YOU STUPID, FOOLISH WOMAN! DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF SOMEBODY FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS?" He paused to observe her slightly scared and worried state as she'd backed off further towards the wall. "Of course you wouldn't understand." She frowned at his calmer tone and he sat down on the bed, his side to her. "You're too damn naïve and in your own little world to even realise what's going on."
"Well, maybe if you told me, I-"
"What's the use? You don't give a shit about what happened to Vegetasei, all you care about is making everyone's lives more difficult." She frowned and had the urge to slap him, but instead turned her back on him and folded her arms, not wanting to see his ever-scowling face anymore in fear that she probably would strike him. Instead, as ever, she used a verbal attack.
"And how the hell do you know? I'm working really hard here to try to get the project done as soon as I can, and I'm not even getting any help. I know nothing about your culture, and you just expect me to click my fingers, and hey presto! A training room appears. Well I'm sorry if-" Once again she was interrupted, just not with words. Bulma hadn't even realised that he'd walked up to her as she rambled on. She knew that he'd moved, but she wasn't really focused or concentrating. But she had felt his touch on her shoulder and had then been spun round within a second to face his smirking face. He didn't even notice him pull her close, and before she had time to even stop talking, his warm lips were on hers. She stared with wide- open eyes in complete shock as he kissed her, and could've kicked herself as she eventually succumbed to his power over her, accepting the kiss and relaxing. Just as she closed her eyes however, he chuckled against her now moist lips and took a few steps back, folding his arms with amusement. Bulma however, was not impressed.
"Why the hell did you do that!?"
"To shut you up, and because I felt like it."
"I can't believe the nerve of you! First you constantly interrupt me, then you don't even-"
He silenced her again, pulling her towards him this time with a hand at her nape. However, this time she pulled away, with much difficulty of course, and stared right into his ebony eyes, her own azure eyes as cold as ice.
"I hate you." He chuckled and the corner of his mouth rose into a smirk, complete with a cocky raised eyebrow.
"Of course you do," his tone was evidently sarcastic and he walked towards the main door casually. "But you enjoyed that, infact, I know that you want more, and denial can be your punishment." She pulled a disgusted face at him as he opened the door and left, and Bulma yelled at him as he did so.
"Go to hell! There's no way I want ANYTHING from you!" He didn't even stop in his tracks and completely ignored her as he walked ahead. Bulma picked up the nearest object in her rage and threw it at the door. The crystal glass filled with strangely black flowers that were popular on Vegetasei crashed against the door and shattered everywhere. She stomped her foot on the floor and walked over to the large, wide balcony. "That's it; I've had it up to here with that bastard! Screw that fuckin project! I don't give a shit anymore, he can just drop dead for all I care." She walked over to the drawer that she'd overtaken, not caring about the fact she was talking to a brick wall, and pulled out her clothes from Earth, quickly changing out of her slavery dress and into her vest top and ¾ length trousers. 'Screw everything! I'm leaving this fuckin dump; I don't even know why I just didn't try to escape sooner. Well, he'll have a surprise when he comes back, they all will.' She stormed over to the door and opened it, realising she should be a little quieter as she calmly closed it, taking deep breaths as she walked downstairs. 'He's probably training, perfect. Now, all I have to do is get past those damn guards.' She walked ahead into one of the main corridors and smiled as she passed some of the 2nd class guards. They were used o her wandering around on her own, so she had no trouble there. However, the closer she got to the palace exit, the more glares she received from the now elite 1st class guards. She came to the end of one corridor and tried to appear confident, however, the guard stood infront of her, blocking her path. He was a fatter version of Nappa, just with the addition of a short clipped beard.
"Going somewhere? Where's your master slave?"
"He erm, sent me to fetch something for him." The guard stared at her then narrowed his eyes with suspicion. 'Shit! He's on to me.'
"We have other slaves to do that specially. Now I'll ask you again, where are you going and where is your master?" he was much sterner this time, and Bulma sighed.
"Look, I've already told you. Prince Vegeta needed me to fetch something for him, it's top secret you see. I'm sure he wouldn't be too happy if he found out that you were stopping me from doing only what he's ordered me to." He raised his eyebrows and Bulma couldn't help but grin. 'Damn! I should've been an actress, this guy is just butter in my hands. What a gimp."
"I didn't know his highness owned you. Well in that case, I guess you're free to pass. But I will be telling him about this, and I swear there will be more that just trouble if you lied to me."
"Sure, looking forward to it."
"Watch your mouth wench!" She raised an eyebrow at him and he stepped back, not wanting to draw attention to their argument. If she hadn't of been property of the prince then he would've surely hit her and taught her some respect. But that was the prince's job, not his, and he clearly hadn't done his job either. She walked past him and he pressed a button behind him, making the large white door open to reveal the setting to Bulma for the first time. She stepped outside to see the red sun setting under bright orange and purple clouds. Several elite guards stood guarding the long path up to the palace entrance, and Bulma came to the gates guarded by two warriors. Neither were Saiyan; one was green in colour with a long head and big bulgy eyes, and the other was fat, pink, and ugly. Bulma pulled a face of disgust as the ugly pink one moved infront of her, glaring down at the small woman infront of him.
"Where are you off to? You can't be going to the market at this time."
"I have, erm, important errands to run for his highness."
"I was never told about this! Get back into the palace whore." She narrowed her eyes, 'no one calls me a whore!'
"No! The other guy didn't have a problem, and-" he shut her up by pushing her backwards with such a force that she fell on her backside. Bulma winced and both of the aliens laughed at her misfortune.
"YOU TOTAL COMPLETE ASSHOLE! WHY DON'T YOU PICK ON SOMEONE YOUR OWN SIZE JERK! OH, MAYBE CAUSE IT'S HARD TO FIND SOMEONE SO HUGE AS YOU ARE PIG FACE!" The other alien backed away as the pink alien turned bright red.
"NOBODY INSULTS ME YOU BITCH! COME 'ERE!" He grabbed her wrist tightly in a swift second and pulled her off her feet, laughing as she screamed and tried to break free of his hold. "Look at you! So pathetic!" He began to laugh at her again as he pulled his fist back, ready to hit her in some form, but suddenly froze at the sound of a voice.
"Problem Dodoria?" He turned round and frowned, 'dammit! Just when I was about to teach her a lesson.' Bulma stopped screaming and struggling to look at her saviour.
"What do you want?" Dodoria still kept his tight hold on Bulma and his fist clenched.
"Well, I'm simply stopping you from making a big mistake. Vegeta won't be too happy when he finds out you've spoilt the face of his property. So if I were you, I'd let her go.' Dodoria dropped her, grinning his head off, and Bulma once again landed on her feet, but weakly fell to her hands and knees. Every small bone in her wrist felt broken, and it was glowing bright red, already bruising from Dodoria's tight grip. Her saviour knelt down beside her and helped her up, and Bulma suddenly realised who he was.
"Ajax!"
"Are you ok?" She smiled, nearly passing out and letting him support her weight. 'I am now,' she told herself.
"I'll live." She then noticed that he was leading her back to the palace. "Wait, we're going the wrong way!"
"No, the palace is this way. It's too late for you to be wondering around the city." She didn't have the strength to reply and let him direct her back to the main gates. 'I'd rather be there than here though,' she thought as she reminded herself of the day's events. 'How's Vegeta gonna react when he finds out? That is, IF he finds out.'
"Are you going to tell Prince Vegeta?" He looked down at her pleading eyes and grinned.
"Well, that all depends." They were now inside the palace once more, and Bulma frowned with concern at his change of tone as he led her down a corridor that she hadn't seen before.
"What are you talking about? Depends on what? Where are you taking me?" He opened a deep red door and walked down some stairs into a damp basement area.
"Well, it all depends on how well you co-operate."
Meanwhile, Vegeta had returned from his evening training to once again find his chambers empty complete with shattered glass on the floor. His clenched his fists at his sides tightly and gritted his teeth. However couldn't sense Bulma's ki at all throughout the palace proximity, and therefore he blasted off from the balcony where he hoped to find her in the city. 'Of all the nerve! No slave of mine escapes and hopes to live. But I could never kill her; that would be a complete waste. No, I'll just have to think of another way to punish her.' The balcony glass doors swung a few times from the force of his departure before staying wide open to welcome the eerie sunset of Vegetasei.