The Curse of the Bond
By: Kichi
DISCLAIMER: Dragonball Z belongs to Akira Toriyama. WARNING: This chapter is R rated for lots of swearing, violence and death. A/N: I outdid myself this time. 12 pages only a week or so after 15 was posted. Yippee!
Chapter 16 - Ascension
After the wish Popo made to send all Namekians and Chikyuu's forces (except for Goku) to Earth, they realized their error. Bulma wasn't a fighter and Vegeta wasn't a part of the Earth Forces. Though to be truthful, no one was really concerned with Vegeta's fate. But they had no idea as to Bulma's. Gohan had been optimistic, saying that last he'd seen Bulma on Goku's ship getting ready to leave, and trying to convince him to do the same. Both sets of Dragon balls had been used. Mr. And Mrs. Briefs allowed the Nameks to stay with them until they could find a new home with the help of the Dragon balls. But they had agreed to let the Z fighters use them first to wish back their fallen comrades. But Gohan and ChiChi were growing more concerned about Bulma. As the weeks passed and they received no call from her whatsoever, Piccolo had an idea. After listening to Gohan's worrying over Bulma's plight he decided to find both sets of dragon balls with the help of an extra Dragonball radar at CC. It took two weeks for him to find all fourteen. And then he placed both sets in the Room of Spirit and Time with Mr. Popo's blessings. The next day both sets were charged. Krillin and Tien were wished back with the Namek Dragon balls after Chao-Tzu's insistence. And they then summoned the Earth Dragon. Gohan and the Briefs stopped their joyful dancing for a moment to make the final wish. "Please, Shenrong, our daughter, Bulma is on Namek and we need her here." Dr. Briefs yelled up to the dragon. The dragon glared down at them. Gohan could feel Tien and Krillin's chi approaching. "That is not possible. Planet Namek has been destroyed." Shenrong's hollow voice rang out through the clearing. "What?!" Gohan cried. "But my father?!" "The Saiyan Goku still lives. Bulma Briefs still lives. What is your wish?" "Is she on her way here?" Dr. Brief's yelled. The dragon rumbled angrily.
"Yes, now state your wish, I grow impatient!" "What should we do? Should we wish Bulma back or Yamcha?" "Bulma!" Mrs. Briefs cried. "All right." Gohan said with a nod. He gnawed his lower lip in anxiety. Planet Namek... gone! But if his father was still alive and well... "Ok, We wish you to bring Bulma here!" The dragon rumbled deep in its throat and its eyes shone fiery red. "I cannot. I can no longer find her chi" Bulma's mother began to cry, and even Dr. Brief's assumed the worst. "But I thought you said she was alive!" "That is correct. But I can no longer sense her chi, and yet she has not passed into the land of the dead. Make another wish!" "Oh! What are we going to do?" Mrs. Briefs cried. "I guess we'll have to wish Yamcha back. We can collect both sets and find Bulma and wish Chao Tzu back maybe in a few days if we all look for the dragon balls together after they scatter. We'll have more help at least." Gohan sighed. Mr. And Mrs. Briefs agreed, although reluctantly. "I wish that Yamcha would be brought back to life!" Gohan cried. "Your wish is granted, farewell." The dragon rumbled and with a brilliant flash of light, he disappeared and they watched each ball shoot in a different direction. Minutes later Tien and Krillin appeared. "Hey guys!" Gohan cried. He explained what had happened and they began to make plans to search for the other balls. Dr. Briefs retired to his lab and began to build extra dragon radars to make the search go quicker. Kami help him if Bulma was in trouble or hurt. He shook his head, feeling old suddenly. He never should have let her go. He didn't blame Krillin or Gohan, he blamed himself. Kitty mewed in his ear and he rubbed the kitten's head affectionately. With a sigh, he began to work.
"What do you mean, she's not back?" Yamcha cried pacing in the Brief's living room. Everyone had decided to stay for the next few days until they had gathered all the dragon balls and wished everything right again. After they wished Chao Tzu and Bulma back they still had to find Goku and a home for the remaining Namekians. "The dragon said he couldn't find her chi. But he said she was still alive. I don't know." Gohan mumbled. He still thought back to the look of shock he'd last seen on Bulma's face before he had been transported to Earth. It haunted him at the moment. "I'm sorry." Yamcha's face immediately softened when he saw Gohan's distress. "It's not your fault kid, don't blame yourself." Yamcha said with a smile. "I just hope she's ok." "Me too."
Another week passed as they searched for the dragon balls. They set the Namek set in the room of spirit and time and the next day they came out glowing orange with each star visible. Chao Tzu was brought back to life first. Then they tried to find Bulma. The Dragon gave them some disturbing news. "She is on a planet known to its native's as Takezo. She is injured. The Saiyan Vegeta has her in a healing chamber." The Namek dragon rumbled. "WHAT?!" Yamcha, Krillin, and Gohan all cried in unison. "Did he hurt her?" Yamcha bellowed. "No. He placed her in the healing chamber after she was attacked by a member of the Ice-Jinn army." "Ice-jinn? Does he mean Frieza's army?" Krillin wondered aloud. "That is correct, human." The dragon answered. "But Vegeta is in Frieza's army! Are you sure it wasn't him?" Tien asked. "I am sure!" The dragon snarled. Tien backed away with a little bow of forgiveness. "He has not harmed her." At that disquieting statement they each eyed each other uncertainly. "I find that surprising." Tien grumbled quietly. "No kidding!" Krillin said. "Guys, Bulma's a girl, why would he hurt a defenseless girl?" Tien, Yamcha, and Krillin glanced at each other with uneasy frowns. They knew exactly why, but Gohan didn't. And it was a subject neither of them wanted to touch. So they went for the obvious tactic. "Gohan, we fought him before. He's evil. You know that." Tien said. "But you didn't see it when he died! You didn't see him! How could you be the same after that?" "I agree with you there, Gohan. But who can say if he changed for the better?" Krillin replied. "Why did he get wished back anyway?" Yamcha grated. The thought of poor Bulma alone with him. Probably scared half to death, he'd - "Excuse me." The dragon rumbled. "Your final wish-?" "Oops!" Yamcha, Tien, and Gohan squeaked. "Should we wish ourselves to where Bulma is?" Yamcha said. "Only one of us can go probably." Krillin said. "And Vegeta will kick the shit out of us!" Tien snapped. They frowned unsure of what to do. "I'll go." Gohan piped. "No!" The three adults shouted. Piccolo suddenly dropped down in front of them. "They're right Gohan. You've done enough for now. The solution is unclear to me. Kami has no answers. I say leave her be. I think she'll be fine." "What?! Are you nuts?" Yamcha shouted. Piccolo grimaced as the sound assaulted his sensitive ears. Yamcha blanched and stepped back as he received a death-glare from the powerful Chikyuu-raised Namekian. "He's obviously not going to hurt her if he's going to take the time to heal her. Isn't that right?" He said the last part to the looming, increasingly annoyed Eternal Dragon. "That is correct, insofar as I can tell." "What does that mean?" Krillin piped. "It means that the Saiyan named Vegeta is changing too rapidly for absolute certainty and as I see things now, he will not hurt her." "Changing?" Tien murmured. "But for better or for worse?" "That I cannot say. It is too soon to tell. But one thing is clear. The human known as Bulma is also part of his change." Silence fell as each stared at the dragon. How was Bulma changing him? And knowing her temper.. "Uh oh." Gohan said quietly.
Another month passed without incident. And then Gohan had felt a huge chi that distinctly reminded him of Frieza. With terror-numbed fingers he dialed Krillin's number. "Moshi, Moshi." Krillin answered. "Krillin!" Gohan gasped. "Frieza is coming!" After that utterance time seemed to slow for them all. They had gathered together and watched the huge ship land. But instead of Frieza coming out to greet them it was another who could only be of the same species. "I am Cooler. I have come to this planet seeking the Saiyan no Ouji, Vegeta." he had addressed the humbled group before them. "He's not here!" Piccolo said. "But he will be. He's headed right this way with a member of your species." He said his face and voice devoid of emotion. "I will cause no damage to this planet or its people if you hand him over to me when the time comes. Is that understood?" Cooler purred. "That doesn't sound like a problem to me. What do you guys think?" Yamcha said. Tien nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we don't want him here anyway, he'll just kill us again." Tien said.
"No!" Gohan cried. "We can't do that!" "Why not? He would do the same to us and you know it." Tien replied. "Gohan, I know how you feel, but maybe it is the best idea. I mean, he is a killer, we all know that. He destroyed so many lives and planets. I don't know how much a person like that can change." Krillin began. "So what? Can't we at least give him a chance?" Gohan whispered fiercely. "But you heard him Gohan, He'll kill us. Vegeta definitely isn't worth it! and we can't stop him. Not without Goku." "There's going to be a fight anyway!" Gohan insisted. "Do you think Vegeta's going to just let himself be taken?" "Well we don't have to help him!" Tien objected. "But why not?" Gohan cried! He shifted his glance to Cooler who merely smirked and continued to wait patiently. Although the ice-jinn was at a loss as to why they were even debating the issue. "I can't believe you guys." Gohan began in a hiss. "I can't believe you Gohan!" Yamcha interjected. "You know what kind of a person he is. He doesn't give a shit about anyone. At least Piccolo likes you." Piccolo coughed his green skin taking on a purplish tinge as he blushed. "But that's what you're forgetting. He hasn't hurt Bulma has he?" Gohan snapped. "Maybe it's just because she's the pilot." Tien said. "Guys whatever that case is we have to decide. Gohan I'm sorry, but I think we have to look out for ourselves this time. We can't beat him. You can feel how strong he is right?" Krillin said. "He's right." Piccolo finally spoke up. "Gohan without your father here there's really nothing we can do. And I still haven't decided if we should do anything except take Cooler's offer." Gohan gritted his teeth but said nothing, nodding in defeat. "Fine. Have it your way." He snapped and turned on his heel to stalk away a short distance and than power up for flight. "Gohan, wait!" Yamcha shouted, regretting the young half-breed's anger. He had to understand, they were right! As much as he hated Vegeta for what he'd done to them, he did think he deserved a second chance like Piccolo. They all did. But they couldn't risk losing their planet over him. "Let him go." Piccolo cautioned. Gohan's anger was a mystery to most of the assembled fighters. But Piccolo understood his feelings. Vegeta was that last pure Saiyan other than Goku. And out of the two of them only Vegeta had any recollection of growing up on the Saiyan home world. Piccolo could barely put into words the strange relief he had felt when he'd first learned of his celestial origins. And now Gohan was having that taken away from him. "Well, we're decided then." Krillin said with a sigh, rubbing his bald head. "What about Bulma?" Yamcha asked. "How are we going to get her away from Vegeta in one piece?" The assembled fighters frowned and puzzled it over. "Well, I would hope that Cooler would wait until their ship landed to attack Vegeta. If not.. We're going to have to keep our senses on alert for any sign of Vegeta's ki." Tien suggested. "Then what?" Yamcha prompted. "I don't know!" Tien snapped, throwing his hand up in frustration. "She's your girlfriend! You think of a plan!" "All right." Yamcha said, glaring at Tien. "This may sound crude, but I say we just wait till they land and grab her as soon as she gets out of the capsule. I would hate to have to try the same in mid-air, but I will if I have to. And that seems like the only option to me. We have to get her before any fighting starts." "I agree." Piccolo said. "She'll be killed if we don't get her as quickly as possible." "Guys, uh.. I know this sounds really unlikely but what if Vegeta gets pissed and tries to attack us?" They each exchanged looks. It seemed unlikely but stranger things had happened. "We'll just have to keep our fingers crossed that he'll be too busy with Cooler to stop us." Piccolo murmured. They all nodded in agreement and decided to each keep their sense trained for Vegeta's ki., and then each set off for their respective dwellings.
Three days passed in tense anticipation. Gohan still refused to talk to anyone but Piccolo, his anger seemed perfectly justified to him at least. Then it happened. Half of West city erupted in flame and smoke. They felt the shock from the apparent explosion. Dismay swallowed their features. Cooler had promised.. but then again, if he was anything like Frieza his promise meant nothing. They raced to the scene, meeting Yamcha, Tien, Krillin, and Chao-Tzu on the way. "What happened?" Chao Tzu squeaked. "We don't know yet." Krillin replied as they sped toward the scene. Once they entered city limits they could smell the acrid smoke and hear the screams of the dying. Several buildings were ablaze and some had already collapsed. People filled the streets as they tried to escape. People trapped in upper stories stood at the windows preparing to jump. Without a word between them the Z fighters split up and began to search the buildings that still stood for survivors. Piccolo flew to an upper story where several frightened office workers prepared to throw themselves to oblivion rather than succumb to the flames. They saw him coming, but instead of cowering in terror as they would have in any other situation, they screamed for his help, their arms outstretched to meet him. He grabbed three women and dropped down as quickly as he could, placing them on the crumbling ground. "Run!" he ordered and shot back up. He did that several more times until he had gotten everyone off that floor.
The others faced similar situations, and helped as many people as they could, but one after another the buildings began to collapse and they knew there were still people trapped inside. Piccolo began to cough as the floor he was searching began to fill with smoke. Suddenly he noticed Gohan beside him, lifting a large slab of cement. "There's someone under here!" he cried. Piccolo hadn't noticed. He'd felt no chi... Then he saw a small hand, cracked with blood and dirt underneath the rubble. "Gohan." He said softly, grabbing the half-Saiyan's shoulder. "It's too late." Gohan froze, the thick slab inches from the ground. "No it isn't!" He flung the slab back and looked down and then quickly turned away, almost retching. The girl was indeed no longer living. In his rush to save people he hadn't even noticed the absence of ki. But there was no mistaking it now, half her head was crushed. Piccolo grasped Gohan's shoulder to steady him as he staggered away. "Let's go. No one else is here. And there are still other's who need help."
Krillin and Tien were the first to spot Cooler after all those still living was saved. He had been waiting for them with an almost apologetic smile on his face. "I must apologize. One of my men got carried away." He said pointing. They followed his finger down to the ground where that saw what appeared to be a dead soldier. His battle armor was almost identical to Vegeta's. "But as you can see, he has already been dealt with. There will be no more disturbances." Krillin and Tien shrugged, unsure of what to say or do. "By the way," Cooler added as they turned to leave. "You do remember our bargain?" "Of course." Tien shot back. "Don't worry about that. We have no love for that Saiyan." "Good. I'm glad to hear it." Cooler replied with an easy grin. Krillin and Tien shuddered and took off as fast as they could. "I feel like I sold my soul to the devil." Krillin murmured. For once, Tien had no refuting argument.
They all sat at Bulma's house later that evening trying to eat what Mrs. Briefs had prepared. But the carnage from earlier had left them with little appetite. Especially Gohan. Krillin was slowly draining his milk shake when he suddenly gasped and began to choke. "Are you ok buddy?" Yamcha asked, pounding on Krillin's back. Krillin jerked away from the blows that were only making him cough harder and gasped out: "Vegeta's here!"
"It looks like they must have just started." Bulma said in a hollow voice as the cruised over West capital. If she had aimed them correctly, they would land in the clearing behind CC. "No it doesn't" Vegeta said, his expression puzzled. "This looks like an accident. If they had already begun there would be nothing here." "Really?" Bulma gasped, her eyes shining with hope. "Really." Vegeta said with a smirk. "I don't know what's going on." "Impact in 3, 2, 1" The computer intoned and they came to an abrupt, jarring halt. "Shit." Bulma grumbled as she rubbed her aching neck. "I got to find a way to slow this things descent. Suddenly there was a pained, inhuman squeal and the door suddenly bent. Vegeta tore the seat belt off and stood in front of the door, powering up. "What is it?" Bulma cried. Vegeta said nothing as the door was wrenched off it hinges. A ki sphere formed in his hands and he fired out the door and ran out after it. Seconds later Yamcha was at the door. "Yamcha!" Bulma cried, unable to stop her happy grin. "What the hell is going on?" he said nothing merely grabbed her wrist and pulled her close. "Oh baby I missed you." He purred and leaned in for a kiss. Bulma turned her head and his lips pressed against her cheek. When he drew back in surprise she pulled out of his grip. "Yamcha there's something I have to tell you." Bulma began. "Not now!" he said and dragged her out of the ship. The sunlight hit her and for a moment she was blinded. Yamcha continued to pull her towards the house and she struggled to get free of his grip. What the hell was he doing? Where had Vegeta gone? Suddenly she heard a cry and Yamcha released her. She blinked, painfully adjusting to the harsh sun. "What did he do to you?" Vegeta was suddenly bellowing in her face. "Nothing! He wanted me to go inside!" Bulma cried. "Did you kill him?" He heard the panic in her voice and frowned. Why did she care so much about that idiot? He was weak and pathetic. He remembered him from his first trip to Chikyuu. The scarred fighter had been killed by a Cultivar *. How pathetic could you get "No, just do what he says and get inside." For once Bulma didn't argue and made a mad dash for CC where her parents waited at the door.
Yamcha cupped his broken nose with a howl of dismay. He sat in the medical wing of CC while Bulma's mother and a nurse looked at his gushing nose. "Thab bastarb Begeta did it. I was jus tryin' to get Buma inside." He said. The door was suddenly flung open and Bulma rushed in. "Are you all right?" Bulma asked as she came forward, although she wasn't half as upset as he'd thought she would be. "Thab bastard Begeta broke my nose!" He cried. "Well he probably wouldn't have touched you if you hadn't been dragging me inside like that. And what's the deal anyway, we thought Cooler was here." "You know him?" Yamcha suddenly cried, his eyes snapping open. "He is here isn't he?" Bulma cried. Yamcha nodded, unsure of the significance. "He came to get Vegeta, he promised not to blow Chikyuu up if we handed Vegeta over when he got here." He sat up in astonishment as the blood drained from her visage. "Bulma are you all right? Maybe you should sit down honey." Bulma's mother fussed. "No!" she cried snapping out of her daze. "How could you?" Bulma's livid gaze was suddenly directed at him. "What? Who cares?" Yamcha asked, confused. "I DO!" she screamed and turned and dashed out the door.
Vegeta grimaced in anger. Bulma's stupid human allies had handed him over to Cooler. Not that he expected anything different, but at the same time, there went his opportunity to escape unnoticed. The humans and the Namek stood on the ground far below watching. Vegeta could feel Cooler coming. They hadn't been on the ground five minutes and already every plan he'd made had gone right out the window. What am I going to do? Vegeta wondered. He knew he had no choice but to fight. And he knew Cooler would be doubly cruel in his attack after what had happened on his ship. Suddenly he felt a ki approach. The power level was almost the same level as his, but not quite. The glowing aura drew nearer and then vanished from around the form of Son Gohan. "What the hell do you want?" Vegeta snapped. Gohan smiled lightly. "I want to help you kick Cooler's ass." Vegeta smirked lightly. "And why is that?" he asked, titling his head in confusion. "Because, You're not the same as you were before. You would have left Bulma on Namek to die if you were." Vegeta's eyes narrowed in anger. How the hell could he know that? They'd just gotten there! "And besides, no one else will, and I think that's bullshit. Pardon my French." He added. "I don't get you kid. You were there when Nappa and I first came here." "I know that. But things are different now." He said softly. Vegeta had returned his attention to the approaching power. Gohan fixed his eyes on the glowing nimbus that drew closer at an incredible speed.
Cooler was there.
"Well, well Vegeta. I'm surprised that after all the years you spent in my brother's army you really thought you could escape me. How tragic for you." Cooler said with a grin. "Go to hell, Cooler. I'd rather let you beat me to death than go back with you." Vegeta snarled. Gohan submerged a shudder at the thought. The last thing he wanted was to have to watch Vegeta get beaten to death again. "And who is this enchanting little one?" Cooler asked, gazing at Gohan. Gohan shivered as Cooler's hungry gaze swept over his body. Suddenly his view was blocked as Vegeta stepped in front of him. "I'm not sure you would enjoy him Cooler. He's only half Saiyan." Vegeta said, his tone cold and mocking. Gohan shivered. Everything was becoming painfully clear to him. He was beginning to understand why Vegeta had been an uncontrollable killer before. The thought of someone like Cooler holding his life in the palm of their hand. He shuddered, not able to think of the horrors he surely must have endured. He felt his power level rising. "And is this boy a result of you and that female's acquaintance?" Cooler said with a thin smile. "No. He's not mine. You were there when Frieza found out that I got a girl pregnant, I remember now. He killed her on the spot. As soon as his scouter picked up the Saiyan ki coming from inside her." Cooler tilted his head to the side as he thought back. Slowly a pleased smile graced his lips. "Ah yes, I remember. You didn't seem too happy about it either." Vegeta said nothing. "So I take it that your going to fight instead of come willingly." "Would you want me if I didn't?" Vegeta sneered. Cooler laughed outright at that. "Of course not! You know me too well, or maybe it just runs in the family." He snickered. "Well little boy, I think it's time for you to run along. You could get hurt." Cooler added to Gohan with mock concern. "Piss off. I'm not going anywhere." Gohan shot back. Their conversation had firmly convinced him that Vegeta was not going to be taken back with Cooler like some runaway dog. At least, not if he could do something about it. Gohan's aura ignited around him but he stayed his place when he felt Vegeta's fingers biting into his shoulder. "I don't need your help." He said. "Leave now before you get killed." Without another word, he and Cooler took off towards the desert. "I don't care what you say. You will need my help." He snapped, following.
Piccolo, Krillin, Tien and Yamcha all watched in disbelief as Gohan followed Cooler and Vegeta. "What is he doing?" Krillin gasped. "What do you think? You should have known he would do it." Yamcha mumbled.
Suddenly the front door of CC flew open and smacked the opposite wall as Bulma stormed out. "Where are they?" she cried. Yamcha growled angrily and grabbed Bulma's arm as she headed past. He pulled her back with a jerk. "Ow! Yamcha!" Bulma cried. "I want to know what's going on right now! What's going on between you and that- that murderer?!" he snapped. Everyone looked up and watched the conflict with interest. They were in the dark, as usual, but were all surprised at the vehemence in Yamcha's voice. "I'll tell you what's going on Yamcha." Bulma said softly, her features unusually subdued. "I've got three senzu beans here that I've been keeping for an emergency. I'm going to follow incase he needs them." "Vegeta?" Yamcha gaped. "Yes." She said, her eyes boring into his. "I'm sorry. I know how you feel right now, but it's too late." "Yamcha are you coming?" Tien shouted as the other's prepared to follow Gohan and Vegeta. "Not right now!" Yamcha bellowed. "No, we are going. I have to, I'm the only one with any senzu beans." "This conversation isn't over!" he snapped. Bulma turned and faced him, catching his wrists with her hands. "I know Yamcha. Believe me, I know." She said softly, and without another word or glance at him she tossed a capsule to the ground and hopped in the jet as soon as it emerged. Yamcha powered up and took to the air at a frenzied pace. He couldn't even identify all the emotions going through him at the moment. But the most concentrated emotions were confusion and suspicion. What had happened all that time between the two of them in space? None of the scenarios he imagined brought him comfort. And even though he continued to imagine the worst he tried not to. He loved Bulma. How could she risk her life going to Namek to get him wished back only to.. No she didn't. She couldn't have. Maybe she felt sorry for him for some strange reason. Maybe it was some bizarre infatuation. He could handle that. It wasn't as if his eyes never wandered. But if she had gone that extra step.. No, she couldn't have. He tried to reassure himself.
"If you think I'm going back to be your little fuck toy, then you must be stupid." "I assumed you would resist after our little scuffle on the ship. But you must realize that I'm going to have to pay you back for that, you may not survive." "Good." Vegeta shot back, a little too quickly. "Of course I'll have my fun first, as usual. You probably have figured out where Frieza learned everything by now." Vegeta closed his eyes, unable to repress a shudder of disgust and Cooler took the opportunity to attack. He barreled forward, head first. Vegeta's aura flared and he raised his arms to block. He shot backwards less than a second before Cooler hit him and went with the momentum. He gripped the fleshy lobes that were Cooler's ears and brought his knee up as hard as he could. Cooler barely dodged the knee that would have sent his teeth flying. He landed on his hands and feet, shooting up in the air to avoid Vegeta's foot that had been sailing towards his head. Vegeta cursed in fury and sent forth a barrage of chi blasts. Cooler dodged each with amazing ease and Vegeta was forcibly reminded of his final fight with Frieza. He shook his head, not wanting to get distracted but it was too late. Cooler's knee suddenly buried in his gut and he grunted in pain as the air rushed from his lungs. Then the long, reptilian tail wrapped around his ankle and with incredible force he was hurled into the air. He stopped and pivoted as Cooler fazed in behind him and released a huge blast of ki. It enveloped Cooler with its deadly radiance and those who watched from the ground crossed their fingers, praying it was over but knowing that it wasn't by any stretch of the imagination. The smoke cleared and Cooler stood there with a hard, mocking grin. Vegeta suddenly screamed in fury. "I will not let this happen again!" he shrieked, and his aura blazed a pale blue. The ground began to shake, small stones began to levitate and swirl as a hot wind began to whip the dust and particles into a violent frenzy. Bulma watched from behind a huge boulder in terror and awe. She'd seen Vegeta fight before, but Kami, the was absolute madness. She couldn't even imagine wielding that kind of power. And Cooler still stood his ground with the annoying smirk plastered on his face.
"I hope Cooler deflects that away from Earth." Krillin said with a shudder. If Vegeta was already powering up for his final attack, the Gallic Gun, then they were going to again be forced to witness his death. "Get ready incase he doesn't." Piccolo murmured.
The swirling energy fused into a glowing orb between his splayed fingers. Without warning her fired and Cooler waited patiently for it to arrive. Vegeta knew he would deflect it at the last moment like Frieza had before. But The tail of the chi-bomb was still in his grasp and at the last possible second he pulled back as hard as he could, mildly surprised when it shot into the air like he'd hoped it would. Cooler hovered before it, confusion on his face. He pushed forward and it slammed into Cooler's exposed back. But again. When the smoke cleared Cooler remained unhurt, but his expression was no longer benevolent. "Damn you, you treacherous little monkey." "Rot in hell you fucking pervert!" Vegeta roared. He let loose a volley of ki-blasts, but Cooler merely deflected them with ease and blurred out of sight. Vegeta shot away from his previous position with blinding speed, but the clammy tail caught him again. This time it twined around his wrist before he could get out of range and began to tighten painfully. Vegeta gasped as he felt his bones grind together and against, his better judgment he dove on the loathed appendage and sank his teeth in. An enraged curse preceded a painful blow to the top of the Saiyans head that almost forced him into unconsciousness. But the tail released him and he rolled away as in crashed down in the space he'd just occupied. For a few brief moments they traded lightning fast blows before Vegeta was struck across the face by the bleeding tail. Then he felt Cooler's hands on his tail. He felt the pain shoot up his spine, but refused to fall victim to the inherited weakness. With a strangled curse, he dragged himself forward until the tail tore off at its root. He tumbled forward with a moan and staggered to his feet as Cooler stared at the writhing tail in his hands with disgusted amazement. Vegeta gasped as pain shot up his spine in electrifying jolts. His poor tail.. he thought as Cooler threw it to the ground, wiping his hands in revulsion. Vegeta formed two ki spheres in his hands and shot them at the preoccupied Ice-jinn. But again, Cooler spun out of the way. "You monkeys are full of surprises." Cooler said with a curled lip. "But now you can't go Oozaru." Vegeta ignored the last comment. It wouldn't have helped anyway. There was only one way to win, and it was becoming clear that it was nowhere in his reach. No! I can't give in again! I'll kill myself first! He thought. Cooler saw the indecision in the Saiyan's face and attacked. He grabbed Vegeta's elbow with one hand and his ankle with his tail. He ignored Vegeta as he brought his fists down on his head and began to plow his fist into his midriff, smiling as the air was forced from the Saiyan Prince's lungs. Between each blow he gave him a second to suck in a lungful of air only to drive it out again with his fist.
"Guys. We have to do something. We have to distract him so Bulma can give Vegeta a senzu." Gohan gasped. "Yeah, prolong his torture." Yamcha said with a cruel smile. "Yamcha!" Gohan cried in shock. Yamcha frowned at him. "Gohan, I know what you think but I could care less if he dies again. In fact it would be better if he did." He said, ignoring Gohan's stunned expression. He didn't care. It was becoming clear to him that something had happened between the Saiyan and Bulma. He'd been watching her more than the fight and her pained cries seemed to coincide with the damn Saiyan's. It was too painfully obvious that Vegeta now occupied a spot in Bulma's heart that he had once taken for granted. "Well I care!" Gohan yelled and took off. "Gohan!" Piccolo yelled and shot off after him when his cry was ignored.
Bulma felt sick. She couldn't bear to watch the fight, it seemed more like she was witnessing a murder. Vegeta was simply outmatched. She had to get him a senzu before the life was beaten out of him. But how? If Cooler killed her, then he would never get one, so what was she going to do? She found her answer as Gohan took off towards the battle.
Yamcha finally tore his eyes from Vegeta's pummeling when Bulma darted out of her jet with the bag of senzu in hand. He was in front of her in less than a second, blocking her way. "Yamcha get out of my way!" Bulma nearly shrieked. "No." he said, his voice calm and flat. "Whatever hold he has on you ends now. Your staying here, I won't let you help him."
Ouch! Yamcha lovers are plotting my death right now, I can see it! TBC!!!
DISCLAIMER: Dragonball Z belongs to Akira Toriyama. WARNING: This chapter is R rated for lots of swearing, violence and death. A/N: I outdid myself this time. 12 pages only a week or so after 15 was posted. Yippee!
Chapter 16 - Ascension
After the wish Popo made to send all Namekians and Chikyuu's forces (except for Goku) to Earth, they realized their error. Bulma wasn't a fighter and Vegeta wasn't a part of the Earth Forces. Though to be truthful, no one was really concerned with Vegeta's fate. But they had no idea as to Bulma's. Gohan had been optimistic, saying that last he'd seen Bulma on Goku's ship getting ready to leave, and trying to convince him to do the same. Both sets of Dragon balls had been used. Mr. And Mrs. Briefs allowed the Nameks to stay with them until they could find a new home with the help of the Dragon balls. But they had agreed to let the Z fighters use them first to wish back their fallen comrades. But Gohan and ChiChi were growing more concerned about Bulma. As the weeks passed and they received no call from her whatsoever, Piccolo had an idea. After listening to Gohan's worrying over Bulma's plight he decided to find both sets of dragon balls with the help of an extra Dragonball radar at CC. It took two weeks for him to find all fourteen. And then he placed both sets in the Room of Spirit and Time with Mr. Popo's blessings. The next day both sets were charged. Krillin and Tien were wished back with the Namek Dragon balls after Chao-Tzu's insistence. And they then summoned the Earth Dragon. Gohan and the Briefs stopped their joyful dancing for a moment to make the final wish. "Please, Shenrong, our daughter, Bulma is on Namek and we need her here." Dr. Briefs yelled up to the dragon. The dragon glared down at them. Gohan could feel Tien and Krillin's chi approaching. "That is not possible. Planet Namek has been destroyed." Shenrong's hollow voice rang out through the clearing. "What?!" Gohan cried. "But my father?!" "The Saiyan Goku still lives. Bulma Briefs still lives. What is your wish?" "Is she on her way here?" Dr. Brief's yelled. The dragon rumbled angrily.
"Yes, now state your wish, I grow impatient!" "What should we do? Should we wish Bulma back or Yamcha?" "Bulma!" Mrs. Briefs cried. "All right." Gohan said with a nod. He gnawed his lower lip in anxiety. Planet Namek... gone! But if his father was still alive and well... "Ok, We wish you to bring Bulma here!" The dragon rumbled deep in its throat and its eyes shone fiery red. "I cannot. I can no longer find her chi" Bulma's mother began to cry, and even Dr. Brief's assumed the worst. "But I thought you said she was alive!" "That is correct. But I can no longer sense her chi, and yet she has not passed into the land of the dead. Make another wish!" "Oh! What are we going to do?" Mrs. Briefs cried. "I guess we'll have to wish Yamcha back. We can collect both sets and find Bulma and wish Chao Tzu back maybe in a few days if we all look for the dragon balls together after they scatter. We'll have more help at least." Gohan sighed. Mr. And Mrs. Briefs agreed, although reluctantly. "I wish that Yamcha would be brought back to life!" Gohan cried. "Your wish is granted, farewell." The dragon rumbled and with a brilliant flash of light, he disappeared and they watched each ball shoot in a different direction. Minutes later Tien and Krillin appeared. "Hey guys!" Gohan cried. He explained what had happened and they began to make plans to search for the other balls. Dr. Briefs retired to his lab and began to build extra dragon radars to make the search go quicker. Kami help him if Bulma was in trouble or hurt. He shook his head, feeling old suddenly. He never should have let her go. He didn't blame Krillin or Gohan, he blamed himself. Kitty mewed in his ear and he rubbed the kitten's head affectionately. With a sigh, he began to work.
"What do you mean, she's not back?" Yamcha cried pacing in the Brief's living room. Everyone had decided to stay for the next few days until they had gathered all the dragon balls and wished everything right again. After they wished Chao Tzu and Bulma back they still had to find Goku and a home for the remaining Namekians. "The dragon said he couldn't find her chi. But he said she was still alive. I don't know." Gohan mumbled. He still thought back to the look of shock he'd last seen on Bulma's face before he had been transported to Earth. It haunted him at the moment. "I'm sorry." Yamcha's face immediately softened when he saw Gohan's distress. "It's not your fault kid, don't blame yourself." Yamcha said with a smile. "I just hope she's ok." "Me too."
Another week passed as they searched for the dragon balls. They set the Namek set in the room of spirit and time and the next day they came out glowing orange with each star visible. Chao Tzu was brought back to life first. Then they tried to find Bulma. The Dragon gave them some disturbing news. "She is on a planet known to its native's as Takezo. She is injured. The Saiyan Vegeta has her in a healing chamber." The Namek dragon rumbled. "WHAT?!" Yamcha, Krillin, and Gohan all cried in unison. "Did he hurt her?" Yamcha bellowed. "No. He placed her in the healing chamber after she was attacked by a member of the Ice-Jinn army." "Ice-jinn? Does he mean Frieza's army?" Krillin wondered aloud. "That is correct, human." The dragon answered. "But Vegeta is in Frieza's army! Are you sure it wasn't him?" Tien asked. "I am sure!" The dragon snarled. Tien backed away with a little bow of forgiveness. "He has not harmed her." At that disquieting statement they each eyed each other uncertainly. "I find that surprising." Tien grumbled quietly. "No kidding!" Krillin said. "Guys, Bulma's a girl, why would he hurt a defenseless girl?" Tien, Yamcha, and Krillin glanced at each other with uneasy frowns. They knew exactly why, but Gohan didn't. And it was a subject neither of them wanted to touch. So they went for the obvious tactic. "Gohan, we fought him before. He's evil. You know that." Tien said. "But you didn't see it when he died! You didn't see him! How could you be the same after that?" "I agree with you there, Gohan. But who can say if he changed for the better?" Krillin replied. "Why did he get wished back anyway?" Yamcha grated. The thought of poor Bulma alone with him. Probably scared half to death, he'd - "Excuse me." The dragon rumbled. "Your final wish-?" "Oops!" Yamcha, Tien, and Gohan squeaked. "Should we wish ourselves to where Bulma is?" Yamcha said. "Only one of us can go probably." Krillin said. "And Vegeta will kick the shit out of us!" Tien snapped. They frowned unsure of what to do. "I'll go." Gohan piped. "No!" The three adults shouted. Piccolo suddenly dropped down in front of them. "They're right Gohan. You've done enough for now. The solution is unclear to me. Kami has no answers. I say leave her be. I think she'll be fine." "What?! Are you nuts?" Yamcha shouted. Piccolo grimaced as the sound assaulted his sensitive ears. Yamcha blanched and stepped back as he received a death-glare from the powerful Chikyuu-raised Namekian. "He's obviously not going to hurt her if he's going to take the time to heal her. Isn't that right?" He said the last part to the looming, increasingly annoyed Eternal Dragon. "That is correct, insofar as I can tell." "What does that mean?" Krillin piped. "It means that the Saiyan named Vegeta is changing too rapidly for absolute certainty and as I see things now, he will not hurt her." "Changing?" Tien murmured. "But for better or for worse?" "That I cannot say. It is too soon to tell. But one thing is clear. The human known as Bulma is also part of his change." Silence fell as each stared at the dragon. How was Bulma changing him? And knowing her temper.. "Uh oh." Gohan said quietly.
Another month passed without incident. And then Gohan had felt a huge chi that distinctly reminded him of Frieza. With terror-numbed fingers he dialed Krillin's number. "Moshi, Moshi." Krillin answered. "Krillin!" Gohan gasped. "Frieza is coming!" After that utterance time seemed to slow for them all. They had gathered together and watched the huge ship land. But instead of Frieza coming out to greet them it was another who could only be of the same species. "I am Cooler. I have come to this planet seeking the Saiyan no Ouji, Vegeta." he had addressed the humbled group before them. "He's not here!" Piccolo said. "But he will be. He's headed right this way with a member of your species." He said his face and voice devoid of emotion. "I will cause no damage to this planet or its people if you hand him over to me when the time comes. Is that understood?" Cooler purred. "That doesn't sound like a problem to me. What do you guys think?" Yamcha said. Tien nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we don't want him here anyway, he'll just kill us again." Tien said.
"No!" Gohan cried. "We can't do that!" "Why not? He would do the same to us and you know it." Tien replied. "Gohan, I know how you feel, but maybe it is the best idea. I mean, he is a killer, we all know that. He destroyed so many lives and planets. I don't know how much a person like that can change." Krillin began. "So what? Can't we at least give him a chance?" Gohan whispered fiercely. "But you heard him Gohan, He'll kill us. Vegeta definitely isn't worth it! and we can't stop him. Not without Goku." "There's going to be a fight anyway!" Gohan insisted. "Do you think Vegeta's going to just let himself be taken?" "Well we don't have to help him!" Tien objected. "But why not?" Gohan cried! He shifted his glance to Cooler who merely smirked and continued to wait patiently. Although the ice-jinn was at a loss as to why they were even debating the issue. "I can't believe you guys." Gohan began in a hiss. "I can't believe you Gohan!" Yamcha interjected. "You know what kind of a person he is. He doesn't give a shit about anyone. At least Piccolo likes you." Piccolo coughed his green skin taking on a purplish tinge as he blushed. "But that's what you're forgetting. He hasn't hurt Bulma has he?" Gohan snapped. "Maybe it's just because she's the pilot." Tien said. "Guys whatever that case is we have to decide. Gohan I'm sorry, but I think we have to look out for ourselves this time. We can't beat him. You can feel how strong he is right?" Krillin said. "He's right." Piccolo finally spoke up. "Gohan without your father here there's really nothing we can do. And I still haven't decided if we should do anything except take Cooler's offer." Gohan gritted his teeth but said nothing, nodding in defeat. "Fine. Have it your way." He snapped and turned on his heel to stalk away a short distance and than power up for flight. "Gohan, wait!" Yamcha shouted, regretting the young half-breed's anger. He had to understand, they were right! As much as he hated Vegeta for what he'd done to them, he did think he deserved a second chance like Piccolo. They all did. But they couldn't risk losing their planet over him. "Let him go." Piccolo cautioned. Gohan's anger was a mystery to most of the assembled fighters. But Piccolo understood his feelings. Vegeta was that last pure Saiyan other than Goku. And out of the two of them only Vegeta had any recollection of growing up on the Saiyan home world. Piccolo could barely put into words the strange relief he had felt when he'd first learned of his celestial origins. And now Gohan was having that taken away from him. "Well, we're decided then." Krillin said with a sigh, rubbing his bald head. "What about Bulma?" Yamcha asked. "How are we going to get her away from Vegeta in one piece?" The assembled fighters frowned and puzzled it over. "Well, I would hope that Cooler would wait until their ship landed to attack Vegeta. If not.. We're going to have to keep our senses on alert for any sign of Vegeta's ki." Tien suggested. "Then what?" Yamcha prompted. "I don't know!" Tien snapped, throwing his hand up in frustration. "She's your girlfriend! You think of a plan!" "All right." Yamcha said, glaring at Tien. "This may sound crude, but I say we just wait till they land and grab her as soon as she gets out of the capsule. I would hate to have to try the same in mid-air, but I will if I have to. And that seems like the only option to me. We have to get her before any fighting starts." "I agree." Piccolo said. "She'll be killed if we don't get her as quickly as possible." "Guys, uh.. I know this sounds really unlikely but what if Vegeta gets pissed and tries to attack us?" They each exchanged looks. It seemed unlikely but stranger things had happened. "We'll just have to keep our fingers crossed that he'll be too busy with Cooler to stop us." Piccolo murmured. They all nodded in agreement and decided to each keep their sense trained for Vegeta's ki., and then each set off for their respective dwellings.
Three days passed in tense anticipation. Gohan still refused to talk to anyone but Piccolo, his anger seemed perfectly justified to him at least. Then it happened. Half of West city erupted in flame and smoke. They felt the shock from the apparent explosion. Dismay swallowed their features. Cooler had promised.. but then again, if he was anything like Frieza his promise meant nothing. They raced to the scene, meeting Yamcha, Tien, Krillin, and Chao-Tzu on the way. "What happened?" Chao Tzu squeaked. "We don't know yet." Krillin replied as they sped toward the scene. Once they entered city limits they could smell the acrid smoke and hear the screams of the dying. Several buildings were ablaze and some had already collapsed. People filled the streets as they tried to escape. People trapped in upper stories stood at the windows preparing to jump. Without a word between them the Z fighters split up and began to search the buildings that still stood for survivors. Piccolo flew to an upper story where several frightened office workers prepared to throw themselves to oblivion rather than succumb to the flames. They saw him coming, but instead of cowering in terror as they would have in any other situation, they screamed for his help, their arms outstretched to meet him. He grabbed three women and dropped down as quickly as he could, placing them on the crumbling ground. "Run!" he ordered and shot back up. He did that several more times until he had gotten everyone off that floor.
The others faced similar situations, and helped as many people as they could, but one after another the buildings began to collapse and they knew there were still people trapped inside. Piccolo began to cough as the floor he was searching began to fill with smoke. Suddenly he noticed Gohan beside him, lifting a large slab of cement. "There's someone under here!" he cried. Piccolo hadn't noticed. He'd felt no chi... Then he saw a small hand, cracked with blood and dirt underneath the rubble. "Gohan." He said softly, grabbing the half-Saiyan's shoulder. "It's too late." Gohan froze, the thick slab inches from the ground. "No it isn't!" He flung the slab back and looked down and then quickly turned away, almost retching. The girl was indeed no longer living. In his rush to save people he hadn't even noticed the absence of ki. But there was no mistaking it now, half her head was crushed. Piccolo grasped Gohan's shoulder to steady him as he staggered away. "Let's go. No one else is here. And there are still other's who need help."
Krillin and Tien were the first to spot Cooler after all those still living was saved. He had been waiting for them with an almost apologetic smile on his face. "I must apologize. One of my men got carried away." He said pointing. They followed his finger down to the ground where that saw what appeared to be a dead soldier. His battle armor was almost identical to Vegeta's. "But as you can see, he has already been dealt with. There will be no more disturbances." Krillin and Tien shrugged, unsure of what to say or do. "By the way," Cooler added as they turned to leave. "You do remember our bargain?" "Of course." Tien shot back. "Don't worry about that. We have no love for that Saiyan." "Good. I'm glad to hear it." Cooler replied with an easy grin. Krillin and Tien shuddered and took off as fast as they could. "I feel like I sold my soul to the devil." Krillin murmured. For once, Tien had no refuting argument.
They all sat at Bulma's house later that evening trying to eat what Mrs. Briefs had prepared. But the carnage from earlier had left them with little appetite. Especially Gohan. Krillin was slowly draining his milk shake when he suddenly gasped and began to choke. "Are you ok buddy?" Yamcha asked, pounding on Krillin's back. Krillin jerked away from the blows that were only making him cough harder and gasped out: "Vegeta's here!"
"It looks like they must have just started." Bulma said in a hollow voice as the cruised over West capital. If she had aimed them correctly, they would land in the clearing behind CC. "No it doesn't" Vegeta said, his expression puzzled. "This looks like an accident. If they had already begun there would be nothing here." "Really?" Bulma gasped, her eyes shining with hope. "Really." Vegeta said with a smirk. "I don't know what's going on." "Impact in 3, 2, 1" The computer intoned and they came to an abrupt, jarring halt. "Shit." Bulma grumbled as she rubbed her aching neck. "I got to find a way to slow this things descent. Suddenly there was a pained, inhuman squeal and the door suddenly bent. Vegeta tore the seat belt off and stood in front of the door, powering up. "What is it?" Bulma cried. Vegeta said nothing as the door was wrenched off it hinges. A ki sphere formed in his hands and he fired out the door and ran out after it. Seconds later Yamcha was at the door. "Yamcha!" Bulma cried, unable to stop her happy grin. "What the hell is going on?" he said nothing merely grabbed her wrist and pulled her close. "Oh baby I missed you." He purred and leaned in for a kiss. Bulma turned her head and his lips pressed against her cheek. When he drew back in surprise she pulled out of his grip. "Yamcha there's something I have to tell you." Bulma began. "Not now!" he said and dragged her out of the ship. The sunlight hit her and for a moment she was blinded. Yamcha continued to pull her towards the house and she struggled to get free of his grip. What the hell was he doing? Where had Vegeta gone? Suddenly she heard a cry and Yamcha released her. She blinked, painfully adjusting to the harsh sun. "What did he do to you?" Vegeta was suddenly bellowing in her face. "Nothing! He wanted me to go inside!" Bulma cried. "Did you kill him?" He heard the panic in her voice and frowned. Why did she care so much about that idiot? He was weak and pathetic. He remembered him from his first trip to Chikyuu. The scarred fighter had been killed by a Cultivar *. How pathetic could you get "No, just do what he says and get inside." For once Bulma didn't argue and made a mad dash for CC where her parents waited at the door.
Yamcha cupped his broken nose with a howl of dismay. He sat in the medical wing of CC while Bulma's mother and a nurse looked at his gushing nose. "Thab bastarb Begeta did it. I was jus tryin' to get Buma inside." He said. The door was suddenly flung open and Bulma rushed in. "Are you all right?" Bulma asked as she came forward, although she wasn't half as upset as he'd thought she would be. "Thab bastard Begeta broke my nose!" He cried. "Well he probably wouldn't have touched you if you hadn't been dragging me inside like that. And what's the deal anyway, we thought Cooler was here." "You know him?" Yamcha suddenly cried, his eyes snapping open. "He is here isn't he?" Bulma cried. Yamcha nodded, unsure of the significance. "He came to get Vegeta, he promised not to blow Chikyuu up if we handed Vegeta over when he got here." He sat up in astonishment as the blood drained from her visage. "Bulma are you all right? Maybe you should sit down honey." Bulma's mother fussed. "No!" she cried snapping out of her daze. "How could you?" Bulma's livid gaze was suddenly directed at him. "What? Who cares?" Yamcha asked, confused. "I DO!" she screamed and turned and dashed out the door.
Vegeta grimaced in anger. Bulma's stupid human allies had handed him over to Cooler. Not that he expected anything different, but at the same time, there went his opportunity to escape unnoticed. The humans and the Namek stood on the ground far below watching. Vegeta could feel Cooler coming. They hadn't been on the ground five minutes and already every plan he'd made had gone right out the window. What am I going to do? Vegeta wondered. He knew he had no choice but to fight. And he knew Cooler would be doubly cruel in his attack after what had happened on his ship. Suddenly he felt a ki approach. The power level was almost the same level as his, but not quite. The glowing aura drew nearer and then vanished from around the form of Son Gohan. "What the hell do you want?" Vegeta snapped. Gohan smiled lightly. "I want to help you kick Cooler's ass." Vegeta smirked lightly. "And why is that?" he asked, titling his head in confusion. "Because, You're not the same as you were before. You would have left Bulma on Namek to die if you were." Vegeta's eyes narrowed in anger. How the hell could he know that? They'd just gotten there! "And besides, no one else will, and I think that's bullshit. Pardon my French." He added. "I don't get you kid. You were there when Nappa and I first came here." "I know that. But things are different now." He said softly. Vegeta had returned his attention to the approaching power. Gohan fixed his eyes on the glowing nimbus that drew closer at an incredible speed.
Cooler was there.
"Well, well Vegeta. I'm surprised that after all the years you spent in my brother's army you really thought you could escape me. How tragic for you." Cooler said with a grin. "Go to hell, Cooler. I'd rather let you beat me to death than go back with you." Vegeta snarled. Gohan submerged a shudder at the thought. The last thing he wanted was to have to watch Vegeta get beaten to death again. "And who is this enchanting little one?" Cooler asked, gazing at Gohan. Gohan shivered as Cooler's hungry gaze swept over his body. Suddenly his view was blocked as Vegeta stepped in front of him. "I'm not sure you would enjoy him Cooler. He's only half Saiyan." Vegeta said, his tone cold and mocking. Gohan shivered. Everything was becoming painfully clear to him. He was beginning to understand why Vegeta had been an uncontrollable killer before. The thought of someone like Cooler holding his life in the palm of their hand. He shuddered, not able to think of the horrors he surely must have endured. He felt his power level rising. "And is this boy a result of you and that female's acquaintance?" Cooler said with a thin smile. "No. He's not mine. You were there when Frieza found out that I got a girl pregnant, I remember now. He killed her on the spot. As soon as his scouter picked up the Saiyan ki coming from inside her." Cooler tilted his head to the side as he thought back. Slowly a pleased smile graced his lips. "Ah yes, I remember. You didn't seem too happy about it either." Vegeta said nothing. "So I take it that your going to fight instead of come willingly." "Would you want me if I didn't?" Vegeta sneered. Cooler laughed outright at that. "Of course not! You know me too well, or maybe it just runs in the family." He snickered. "Well little boy, I think it's time for you to run along. You could get hurt." Cooler added to Gohan with mock concern. "Piss off. I'm not going anywhere." Gohan shot back. Their conversation had firmly convinced him that Vegeta was not going to be taken back with Cooler like some runaway dog. At least, not if he could do something about it. Gohan's aura ignited around him but he stayed his place when he felt Vegeta's fingers biting into his shoulder. "I don't need your help." He said. "Leave now before you get killed." Without another word, he and Cooler took off towards the desert. "I don't care what you say. You will need my help." He snapped, following.
Piccolo, Krillin, Tien and Yamcha all watched in disbelief as Gohan followed Cooler and Vegeta. "What is he doing?" Krillin gasped. "What do you think? You should have known he would do it." Yamcha mumbled.
Suddenly the front door of CC flew open and smacked the opposite wall as Bulma stormed out. "Where are they?" she cried. Yamcha growled angrily and grabbed Bulma's arm as she headed past. He pulled her back with a jerk. "Ow! Yamcha!" Bulma cried. "I want to know what's going on right now! What's going on between you and that- that murderer?!" he snapped. Everyone looked up and watched the conflict with interest. They were in the dark, as usual, but were all surprised at the vehemence in Yamcha's voice. "I'll tell you what's going on Yamcha." Bulma said softly, her features unusually subdued. "I've got three senzu beans here that I've been keeping for an emergency. I'm going to follow incase he needs them." "Vegeta?" Yamcha gaped. "Yes." She said, her eyes boring into his. "I'm sorry. I know how you feel right now, but it's too late." "Yamcha are you coming?" Tien shouted as the other's prepared to follow Gohan and Vegeta. "Not right now!" Yamcha bellowed. "No, we are going. I have to, I'm the only one with any senzu beans." "This conversation isn't over!" he snapped. Bulma turned and faced him, catching his wrists with her hands. "I know Yamcha. Believe me, I know." She said softly, and without another word or glance at him she tossed a capsule to the ground and hopped in the jet as soon as it emerged. Yamcha powered up and took to the air at a frenzied pace. He couldn't even identify all the emotions going through him at the moment. But the most concentrated emotions were confusion and suspicion. What had happened all that time between the two of them in space? None of the scenarios he imagined brought him comfort. And even though he continued to imagine the worst he tried not to. He loved Bulma. How could she risk her life going to Namek to get him wished back only to.. No she didn't. She couldn't have. Maybe she felt sorry for him for some strange reason. Maybe it was some bizarre infatuation. He could handle that. It wasn't as if his eyes never wandered. But if she had gone that extra step.. No, she couldn't have. He tried to reassure himself.
"If you think I'm going back to be your little fuck toy, then you must be stupid." "I assumed you would resist after our little scuffle on the ship. But you must realize that I'm going to have to pay you back for that, you may not survive." "Good." Vegeta shot back, a little too quickly. "Of course I'll have my fun first, as usual. You probably have figured out where Frieza learned everything by now." Vegeta closed his eyes, unable to repress a shudder of disgust and Cooler took the opportunity to attack. He barreled forward, head first. Vegeta's aura flared and he raised his arms to block. He shot backwards less than a second before Cooler hit him and went with the momentum. He gripped the fleshy lobes that were Cooler's ears and brought his knee up as hard as he could. Cooler barely dodged the knee that would have sent his teeth flying. He landed on his hands and feet, shooting up in the air to avoid Vegeta's foot that had been sailing towards his head. Vegeta cursed in fury and sent forth a barrage of chi blasts. Cooler dodged each with amazing ease and Vegeta was forcibly reminded of his final fight with Frieza. He shook his head, not wanting to get distracted but it was too late. Cooler's knee suddenly buried in his gut and he grunted in pain as the air rushed from his lungs. Then the long, reptilian tail wrapped around his ankle and with incredible force he was hurled into the air. He stopped and pivoted as Cooler fazed in behind him and released a huge blast of ki. It enveloped Cooler with its deadly radiance and those who watched from the ground crossed their fingers, praying it was over but knowing that it wasn't by any stretch of the imagination. The smoke cleared and Cooler stood there with a hard, mocking grin. Vegeta suddenly screamed in fury. "I will not let this happen again!" he shrieked, and his aura blazed a pale blue. The ground began to shake, small stones began to levitate and swirl as a hot wind began to whip the dust and particles into a violent frenzy. Bulma watched from behind a huge boulder in terror and awe. She'd seen Vegeta fight before, but Kami, the was absolute madness. She couldn't even imagine wielding that kind of power. And Cooler still stood his ground with the annoying smirk plastered on his face.
"I hope Cooler deflects that away from Earth." Krillin said with a shudder. If Vegeta was already powering up for his final attack, the Gallic Gun, then they were going to again be forced to witness his death. "Get ready incase he doesn't." Piccolo murmured.
The swirling energy fused into a glowing orb between his splayed fingers. Without warning her fired and Cooler waited patiently for it to arrive. Vegeta knew he would deflect it at the last moment like Frieza had before. But The tail of the chi-bomb was still in his grasp and at the last possible second he pulled back as hard as he could, mildly surprised when it shot into the air like he'd hoped it would. Cooler hovered before it, confusion on his face. He pushed forward and it slammed into Cooler's exposed back. But again. When the smoke cleared Cooler remained unhurt, but his expression was no longer benevolent. "Damn you, you treacherous little monkey." "Rot in hell you fucking pervert!" Vegeta roared. He let loose a volley of ki-blasts, but Cooler merely deflected them with ease and blurred out of sight. Vegeta shot away from his previous position with blinding speed, but the clammy tail caught him again. This time it twined around his wrist before he could get out of range and began to tighten painfully. Vegeta gasped as he felt his bones grind together and against, his better judgment he dove on the loathed appendage and sank his teeth in. An enraged curse preceded a painful blow to the top of the Saiyans head that almost forced him into unconsciousness. But the tail released him and he rolled away as in crashed down in the space he'd just occupied. For a few brief moments they traded lightning fast blows before Vegeta was struck across the face by the bleeding tail. Then he felt Cooler's hands on his tail. He felt the pain shoot up his spine, but refused to fall victim to the inherited weakness. With a strangled curse, he dragged himself forward until the tail tore off at its root. He tumbled forward with a moan and staggered to his feet as Cooler stared at the writhing tail in his hands with disgusted amazement. Vegeta gasped as pain shot up his spine in electrifying jolts. His poor tail.. he thought as Cooler threw it to the ground, wiping his hands in revulsion. Vegeta formed two ki spheres in his hands and shot them at the preoccupied Ice-jinn. But again, Cooler spun out of the way. "You monkeys are full of surprises." Cooler said with a curled lip. "But now you can't go Oozaru." Vegeta ignored the last comment. It wouldn't have helped anyway. There was only one way to win, and it was becoming clear that it was nowhere in his reach. No! I can't give in again! I'll kill myself first! He thought. Cooler saw the indecision in the Saiyan's face and attacked. He grabbed Vegeta's elbow with one hand and his ankle with his tail. He ignored Vegeta as he brought his fists down on his head and began to plow his fist into his midriff, smiling as the air was forced from the Saiyan Prince's lungs. Between each blow he gave him a second to suck in a lungful of air only to drive it out again with his fist.
"Guys. We have to do something. We have to distract him so Bulma can give Vegeta a senzu." Gohan gasped. "Yeah, prolong his torture." Yamcha said with a cruel smile. "Yamcha!" Gohan cried in shock. Yamcha frowned at him. "Gohan, I know what you think but I could care less if he dies again. In fact it would be better if he did." He said, ignoring Gohan's stunned expression. He didn't care. It was becoming clear to him that something had happened between the Saiyan and Bulma. He'd been watching her more than the fight and her pained cries seemed to coincide with the damn Saiyan's. It was too painfully obvious that Vegeta now occupied a spot in Bulma's heart that he had once taken for granted. "Well I care!" Gohan yelled and took off. "Gohan!" Piccolo yelled and shot off after him when his cry was ignored.
Bulma felt sick. She couldn't bear to watch the fight, it seemed more like she was witnessing a murder. Vegeta was simply outmatched. She had to get him a senzu before the life was beaten out of him. But how? If Cooler killed her, then he would never get one, so what was she going to do? She found her answer as Gohan took off towards the battle.
Yamcha finally tore his eyes from Vegeta's pummeling when Bulma darted out of her jet with the bag of senzu in hand. He was in front of her in less than a second, blocking her way. "Yamcha get out of my way!" Bulma nearly shrieked. "No." he said, his voice calm and flat. "Whatever hold he has on you ends now. Your staying here, I won't let you help him."
Ouch! Yamcha lovers are plotting my death right now, I can see it! TBC!!!