Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ.
Out of Control
Chapter 5
Bulma stood quietly as she felt the eyes of the King of all Saiyans scrutinizing every detail of her appearance. She kept her eyes lowered to the floor, careful not to risk the fearsome King. Even though his son was standing behind her, fully intended on claiming her as a mate. His mate. She shivered. Why her? All her thoughts clouded her mind.
The King looked at her. She could feel his eyes, together with the eyes of the entire court, weighing down on her. The court consisted of Saiyans. Mostly males. Though there was much more she hadn't been able to see; she didn't look up from the floor, like a good, obedient slave.
Prince Vegeta's hand was at the small of her back and seemed to burn through her clothes. His whole presence seemed to engulf her own. She was very aware of his body behind her, she felt every move he made and every time his eyes traveled over her body. He made her very nervous. He scared her; to be so weak and defenseless, as she felt in his presence. Where were her survival instincts? They were dulled and she was left to scramble for a rational thought. Her emotions were in a jumble, overpowering her logical reasoning. Where had the lessons from her past experiences disappeared to?
He made her feel the force of *his* emotions. He could reach her hidden heart, and easily found her insecurities and fears. He had effortlessly broken down every barrier, and that left her being open for an attack. Now she was vulnerable; he could really hurt her with his actions, unlike the Arthrods who never had been able to. Pain of the body was easily cured or ignored, but the pain in her heart or mind... And what made it worse, his intentions with her were far more personal and drastic, than anything the Arthrods could have come up with.
She shook her head as to clear it. Obviously, she had been so deep in thoughts, that she had missed the start of the conversation between the Prince and his father. And they were discussing her, there was no doubt about that. It would be far wiser to listen to whatever they decided about her, then to worry about her own unusual behavior.
"She is quite exotic. Yes, very beautiful. I have to admit it to you Vegeta, you always get yourself something special. However is she worthy of bearing you an heir? Is she worthy of being the mate of the Prince of all Saiyans? If she isn't, you still got yourself a lovely plaything."
"Don't you worry, *father*." Prince Vegeta's tone was laced with acid. "I have already run the required tests, and the outcome couldn't have been better. Apparently a match between us will produce more than fine brats. Yes, they will be as powerful and intelligent as they can be. Her genetics will fit mine perfectly, leaving no flaws... Brats from our union will be far more powerful than any I could have gotten from a full blooded Saiyan female." He snapped at his father.
A pleased smile appeared on the King's face. "I am most... happy to hear that. Yes, very happy. So, Bardock, this is the final proof to your theory." Apparently the King was addressing someone in his court. "It is most pleasing to hear that even the Royal house will become more powerful, due to your solution to our... problem. Very well then."
The King raised himself from his throne, and sent his son an amused smirk. "To be honest, Vegeta, I thought I had to force you to breed an heir, as you were always so hesitant to take a mate."
"I was just waiting for a female worthy of that position."
"Of course. It's almost annoying to see you succeed so well in your plans. Especially when I didn't agree to them. I just hope that this little one will meet your expectations. You are very hard to please, as we all well know. I hope for us all, she will be everything you sought for in a mate."
Bulma listened with a growing feeling of inevitability. She didn't dare to look up, to see the face of the King or any of his men. She was afraid that her rising panic would take over and that she would bolt. Her heart cried out for her friend. Her humor that put everything into perspective and her constant cheerfulness would have made this situation more bearable. Maybe not much, but just so that she wouldn't be ready to do something totally... stupid.
So she stood there, body tense, eyes rigidly focused on the gleaming floor of the large hall, willing her instinct to flee back into her mind. Later, she told herself. Not now. Later. Later she would find herself a way out of this. Somehow.
She was roused out of the mess that were her thoughts when the Prince's hand started to rub her back. It was almost unnoticeable, and would certain be that for their audience, but she could feel it. She tensed even further, and wanted to shy away from the feelings it invoked in her. Because it felt kind of warm, and comforting. Feelings she didn't associated at all with the cold and cruel Prince.
"I think she'll be just what I wanted." His husky voice raked her nerves.
"Do take it a bit easy on her. She seems quite fragile." The King was now standing right before her. She could see the golden tips of his spotless white boots.
She heard a soft growl coming from the Saiyan behind her, and the next moment she was pulled backwards, as he took a step forward, and she found herself suddenly staring at the Prince's broad back.
She could not help but lift up her eyes to see what was exactly going on. The King stood there, with a somewhat smug smile on his face.
"Don't worry, Vegeta. I'm not going to do anything to her. She's yours. Your claim is clear. And I am not a fool."
"You've got sense after all." Vegeta growled at his father.
"But do you have that? Like I said, she looks like you can break her with a flick of your wrist. I bet that would be no trouble at all. I fear for her safety."
Vegeta's back became rigid, and the growl that rumbled deep in his throat grew louder.
"I would never hurt my mate. You insult me by thinking I could do such a low thing."
"I've been told, that she had to spent a few hours in a Tank. Because of you."
"I do not tolerate any disobedience."
Bulma quickly looked away from them, and resumed staring at the ground. He would not tolerate disobedience... No master did... She knew that. She should have accepted that. But her heart was longing so strongly for the freedom others had. The freedom to control her own life. The freedom to say no... This longing was a part of her, but she ruthlessly suppressed it, buried it deeply under the indifference and detachment. Those she used to face her life with.
But the short lived hope for freedom she had experienced before being captured by the Saiyan Prince had awakened the longing, fueling it anew, and now she had troubled keeping it down.
"She's your mate. Not your slave."
"She's a slave. Just like all those human bitches are. We have bought them or brought back from conquered planets." The Prince sounded so condescending. She knew he was sneering at his father.
The King let out an almost inaudible sigh. "When we took them as our mates, they became more than that."
"Are you fooling yourself? Did we give them a choice? We needed them, so we took them. We are using them. So, what's the difference between them and slaves?"
Bulma was shocked. There were others like her? And in the same position she now found herself in? Of course, by listening to her captor she had already guessed that, but to hear it be confirmed... There were other humans. Her race... She forget her own troubles briefly as she thought about meeting other humans. What would they be like?
"There is a difference... You should know there is a difference. Maybe not at first, but... Being mates is not only a matter of the flesh. And brats are not the only product of such an union." The King was speaking softly to his son. Soft and serious. Like he wanted to make sure he had the complete attention of his son, to make what he had said sink in.
Both were silent. The entire court was silent. An anticipating silence. Then, Vegeta threw his head back and laughed.
A bitter, cold laughter, filled with mocking and an arrogant disbelief.
It send shivers down Bulma's spine, and she took a step back. Neither the Prince nor his father took notice of it. A tight knot of panic was settled in her stomach, and she could only wait for the inevitable. Whatever that would be.
The court stayed silent, but there was something in the air. A cold feeling of fear.
****
As his laughter died out, he fixed his gaze on his father. The old man seriously must have lost it now. Or maybe he was actually believing his own words. That only made it worse.
What was he talking about?! Vegeta felt rage bubbling up, and fought to suppress it. His unshakable self-control... The control he fought hard for, so many years ago... seemed to slip away so easily nowadays... He didn't like the feelings of insecurity or confusion. He always countered them with violence. That was his way of dealing with emotions he did not know how to deal with.
He tried to distract himself by taunting his father.
"What are you talking about? What is this? Are you talking about... How shall I say it... The *emotions*," the sneer in that word was almost painful, "that supposedly can be formed between a mated pair?"
Once more, he let out a bark of laughter.
"And this is coming from you. The King of the Saiyan Race; a race which lives for a fight, revels in a kill and enjoys the conquests. Pride, power and persistence. That are the values you've beaten into me. And once I had learned those by heart, you sent me off, to-..." Vegeta stopped, and clenched his fists.
"He taught me ruthlessness, cruelty in his purest form, and the will to survive, to avenge, to torment... Aren't I the perfect fighter now, father? The ultimate Saiyan? The Legendary? There's no form of resistance out there which can measure up to us, to *me*... I trust you are satisfied with the result of your actions. Because I am. So I suggest you keep that nonsense about foolish emotions between mated pairs to yourself."
His father didn't say anything. Instead, he straightened his shoulders, and looked down at him, but with something in his eyes that Vegeta couldn't really determine. What was up with him recently? He wasn't acting like the man Vegeta used to know. The Saiyans weren't acting like he used to know... Something had changed, and he couldn't really put his finger on it. Something in their eyes...
"So, old man, nothing left to say? No more preaching?" He taunted.
"No, Vegeta." If Vegeta didn't know better, he would say that his father sounded tired. The King looked at his son, then shifted his gaze at the lovely girl standing behind him.
"May this mating be prosperous, for you and for the Empire." It were the official words to acknowledge a mated pair, or a pair which intended to mate. His father was giving him his approval, and somehow he felt something very much like relief. He *had* wanted the approval of his father, even if it was unconsciously... It made him despise himself; why after everything, he still wanted his approval? Why did that desire for approval linger in some deep corner of his mind? He made himself sick.
"Well, thank you, father." The sarcasm dripped of his words, and Vegeta hid a smirk at his father's sour expression. Before the King could respond, a deafening roar fills the great hall, as the Saiyans rejoiced at the fact that their Prince had finally taken a mate. A new generation would soon be welcomed into this world.
Vegeta didn't acknowledge the cheers from his warriors, nor did he paid any attentions to the congratulations they were shouting. And he didn't feel like attending to the impromptu brawl the court would be turned in. No, he thought wickedly as he looked at the blue-haired female, undressing her with his eyes; he had other business to tend to...
****
Bulma was abruptly pulled out of the daze she had unwillingly sunk into. Not even the noise that the crowd made could rise her out of it. Her mind was only focused on the words the Prince had uttered. She had learned so much more, just listening to his conversation with his father. She hadn't liked the feelings she had gotten from hearing the raw anger in his voice. He was unpredictable.
But suddenly their was a tug at her arm, and she found herself being dragged away from the throne and it's King, who just stood there, looking at them with a what she would call a sad look on his face.
As she was carried off, she shyly sneaked a glance at the face of her... captor, master,... mate? His features were emotionless, but his eyes were full of fire. Dark pools, glittering with things she didn't want to know. Secrets, knowledge about things that were so dark; it warned her of him. His anger was like a cloud that surrounded him, making all those in his presence aware of the possible danger he was... It only made her all too aware of his plans for her.
He had probably felt her inquisitive eyes on him. He suddenly looked her right into her eyes. A devilish smirk started to play on his cruel mouth, and his eyes filled with a dark promise. He held her eyes and a silent battle was fought. She fought to break the stare, to be able to look away, but the look in his eyes warned her and stopped her from doing so.
No! Her whole being protested wildly, desperately. No! No!! Not me!! Please! Not me...
Because his eyes told her fate. In his eyes she could read her worst and deepest fears. In his eyes she could read all he wanted from her, all he wanted her to be, everything he intended her to be...
A fate that she didn't wish upon anyone...
But he would deal her fate with the utmost satisfaction... and darkest joy.
And there was no way out...
****
Sorry for the delay. Some unexpected things happened in my family. But now I'm back at writing, and the next chapter to Out of Control is coming along. Maybe even a couple of new fics and one shots. We'll see. Review please.
Out of Control
Chapter 5
Bulma stood quietly as she felt the eyes of the King of all Saiyans scrutinizing every detail of her appearance. She kept her eyes lowered to the floor, careful not to risk the fearsome King. Even though his son was standing behind her, fully intended on claiming her as a mate. His mate. She shivered. Why her? All her thoughts clouded her mind.
The King looked at her. She could feel his eyes, together with the eyes of the entire court, weighing down on her. The court consisted of Saiyans. Mostly males. Though there was much more she hadn't been able to see; she didn't look up from the floor, like a good, obedient slave.
Prince Vegeta's hand was at the small of her back and seemed to burn through her clothes. His whole presence seemed to engulf her own. She was very aware of his body behind her, she felt every move he made and every time his eyes traveled over her body. He made her very nervous. He scared her; to be so weak and defenseless, as she felt in his presence. Where were her survival instincts? They were dulled and she was left to scramble for a rational thought. Her emotions were in a jumble, overpowering her logical reasoning. Where had the lessons from her past experiences disappeared to?
He made her feel the force of *his* emotions. He could reach her hidden heart, and easily found her insecurities and fears. He had effortlessly broken down every barrier, and that left her being open for an attack. Now she was vulnerable; he could really hurt her with his actions, unlike the Arthrods who never had been able to. Pain of the body was easily cured or ignored, but the pain in her heart or mind... And what made it worse, his intentions with her were far more personal and drastic, than anything the Arthrods could have come up with.
She shook her head as to clear it. Obviously, she had been so deep in thoughts, that she had missed the start of the conversation between the Prince and his father. And they were discussing her, there was no doubt about that. It would be far wiser to listen to whatever they decided about her, then to worry about her own unusual behavior.
"She is quite exotic. Yes, very beautiful. I have to admit it to you Vegeta, you always get yourself something special. However is she worthy of bearing you an heir? Is she worthy of being the mate of the Prince of all Saiyans? If she isn't, you still got yourself a lovely plaything."
"Don't you worry, *father*." Prince Vegeta's tone was laced with acid. "I have already run the required tests, and the outcome couldn't have been better. Apparently a match between us will produce more than fine brats. Yes, they will be as powerful and intelligent as they can be. Her genetics will fit mine perfectly, leaving no flaws... Brats from our union will be far more powerful than any I could have gotten from a full blooded Saiyan female." He snapped at his father.
A pleased smile appeared on the King's face. "I am most... happy to hear that. Yes, very happy. So, Bardock, this is the final proof to your theory." Apparently the King was addressing someone in his court. "It is most pleasing to hear that even the Royal house will become more powerful, due to your solution to our... problem. Very well then."
The King raised himself from his throne, and sent his son an amused smirk. "To be honest, Vegeta, I thought I had to force you to breed an heir, as you were always so hesitant to take a mate."
"I was just waiting for a female worthy of that position."
"Of course. It's almost annoying to see you succeed so well in your plans. Especially when I didn't agree to them. I just hope that this little one will meet your expectations. You are very hard to please, as we all well know. I hope for us all, she will be everything you sought for in a mate."
Bulma listened with a growing feeling of inevitability. She didn't dare to look up, to see the face of the King or any of his men. She was afraid that her rising panic would take over and that she would bolt. Her heart cried out for her friend. Her humor that put everything into perspective and her constant cheerfulness would have made this situation more bearable. Maybe not much, but just so that she wouldn't be ready to do something totally... stupid.
So she stood there, body tense, eyes rigidly focused on the gleaming floor of the large hall, willing her instinct to flee back into her mind. Later, she told herself. Not now. Later. Later she would find herself a way out of this. Somehow.
She was roused out of the mess that were her thoughts when the Prince's hand started to rub her back. It was almost unnoticeable, and would certain be that for their audience, but she could feel it. She tensed even further, and wanted to shy away from the feelings it invoked in her. Because it felt kind of warm, and comforting. Feelings she didn't associated at all with the cold and cruel Prince.
"I think she'll be just what I wanted." His husky voice raked her nerves.
"Do take it a bit easy on her. She seems quite fragile." The King was now standing right before her. She could see the golden tips of his spotless white boots.
She heard a soft growl coming from the Saiyan behind her, and the next moment she was pulled backwards, as he took a step forward, and she found herself suddenly staring at the Prince's broad back.
She could not help but lift up her eyes to see what was exactly going on. The King stood there, with a somewhat smug smile on his face.
"Don't worry, Vegeta. I'm not going to do anything to her. She's yours. Your claim is clear. And I am not a fool."
"You've got sense after all." Vegeta growled at his father.
"But do you have that? Like I said, she looks like you can break her with a flick of your wrist. I bet that would be no trouble at all. I fear for her safety."
Vegeta's back became rigid, and the growl that rumbled deep in his throat grew louder.
"I would never hurt my mate. You insult me by thinking I could do such a low thing."
"I've been told, that she had to spent a few hours in a Tank. Because of you."
"I do not tolerate any disobedience."
Bulma quickly looked away from them, and resumed staring at the ground. He would not tolerate disobedience... No master did... She knew that. She should have accepted that. But her heart was longing so strongly for the freedom others had. The freedom to control her own life. The freedom to say no... This longing was a part of her, but she ruthlessly suppressed it, buried it deeply under the indifference and detachment. Those she used to face her life with.
But the short lived hope for freedom she had experienced before being captured by the Saiyan Prince had awakened the longing, fueling it anew, and now she had troubled keeping it down.
"She's your mate. Not your slave."
"She's a slave. Just like all those human bitches are. We have bought them or brought back from conquered planets." The Prince sounded so condescending. She knew he was sneering at his father.
The King let out an almost inaudible sigh. "When we took them as our mates, they became more than that."
"Are you fooling yourself? Did we give them a choice? We needed them, so we took them. We are using them. So, what's the difference between them and slaves?"
Bulma was shocked. There were others like her? And in the same position she now found herself in? Of course, by listening to her captor she had already guessed that, but to hear it be confirmed... There were other humans. Her race... She forget her own troubles briefly as she thought about meeting other humans. What would they be like?
"There is a difference... You should know there is a difference. Maybe not at first, but... Being mates is not only a matter of the flesh. And brats are not the only product of such an union." The King was speaking softly to his son. Soft and serious. Like he wanted to make sure he had the complete attention of his son, to make what he had said sink in.
Both were silent. The entire court was silent. An anticipating silence. Then, Vegeta threw his head back and laughed.
A bitter, cold laughter, filled with mocking and an arrogant disbelief.
It send shivers down Bulma's spine, and she took a step back. Neither the Prince nor his father took notice of it. A tight knot of panic was settled in her stomach, and she could only wait for the inevitable. Whatever that would be.
The court stayed silent, but there was something in the air. A cold feeling of fear.
****
As his laughter died out, he fixed his gaze on his father. The old man seriously must have lost it now. Or maybe he was actually believing his own words. That only made it worse.
What was he talking about?! Vegeta felt rage bubbling up, and fought to suppress it. His unshakable self-control... The control he fought hard for, so many years ago... seemed to slip away so easily nowadays... He didn't like the feelings of insecurity or confusion. He always countered them with violence. That was his way of dealing with emotions he did not know how to deal with.
He tried to distract himself by taunting his father.
"What are you talking about? What is this? Are you talking about... How shall I say it... The *emotions*," the sneer in that word was almost painful, "that supposedly can be formed between a mated pair?"
Once more, he let out a bark of laughter.
"And this is coming from you. The King of the Saiyan Race; a race which lives for a fight, revels in a kill and enjoys the conquests. Pride, power and persistence. That are the values you've beaten into me. And once I had learned those by heart, you sent me off, to-..." Vegeta stopped, and clenched his fists.
"He taught me ruthlessness, cruelty in his purest form, and the will to survive, to avenge, to torment... Aren't I the perfect fighter now, father? The ultimate Saiyan? The Legendary? There's no form of resistance out there which can measure up to us, to *me*... I trust you are satisfied with the result of your actions. Because I am. So I suggest you keep that nonsense about foolish emotions between mated pairs to yourself."
His father didn't say anything. Instead, he straightened his shoulders, and looked down at him, but with something in his eyes that Vegeta couldn't really determine. What was up with him recently? He wasn't acting like the man Vegeta used to know. The Saiyans weren't acting like he used to know... Something had changed, and he couldn't really put his finger on it. Something in their eyes...
"So, old man, nothing left to say? No more preaching?" He taunted.
"No, Vegeta." If Vegeta didn't know better, he would say that his father sounded tired. The King looked at his son, then shifted his gaze at the lovely girl standing behind him.
"May this mating be prosperous, for you and for the Empire." It were the official words to acknowledge a mated pair, or a pair which intended to mate. His father was giving him his approval, and somehow he felt something very much like relief. He *had* wanted the approval of his father, even if it was unconsciously... It made him despise himself; why after everything, he still wanted his approval? Why did that desire for approval linger in some deep corner of his mind? He made himself sick.
"Well, thank you, father." The sarcasm dripped of his words, and Vegeta hid a smirk at his father's sour expression. Before the King could respond, a deafening roar fills the great hall, as the Saiyans rejoiced at the fact that their Prince had finally taken a mate. A new generation would soon be welcomed into this world.
Vegeta didn't acknowledge the cheers from his warriors, nor did he paid any attentions to the congratulations they were shouting. And he didn't feel like attending to the impromptu brawl the court would be turned in. No, he thought wickedly as he looked at the blue-haired female, undressing her with his eyes; he had other business to tend to...
****
Bulma was abruptly pulled out of the daze she had unwillingly sunk into. Not even the noise that the crowd made could rise her out of it. Her mind was only focused on the words the Prince had uttered. She had learned so much more, just listening to his conversation with his father. She hadn't liked the feelings she had gotten from hearing the raw anger in his voice. He was unpredictable.
But suddenly their was a tug at her arm, and she found herself being dragged away from the throne and it's King, who just stood there, looking at them with a what she would call a sad look on his face.
As she was carried off, she shyly sneaked a glance at the face of her... captor, master,... mate? His features were emotionless, but his eyes were full of fire. Dark pools, glittering with things she didn't want to know. Secrets, knowledge about things that were so dark; it warned her of him. His anger was like a cloud that surrounded him, making all those in his presence aware of the possible danger he was... It only made her all too aware of his plans for her.
He had probably felt her inquisitive eyes on him. He suddenly looked her right into her eyes. A devilish smirk started to play on his cruel mouth, and his eyes filled with a dark promise. He held her eyes and a silent battle was fought. She fought to break the stare, to be able to look away, but the look in his eyes warned her and stopped her from doing so.
No! Her whole being protested wildly, desperately. No! No!! Not me!! Please! Not me...
Because his eyes told her fate. In his eyes she could read her worst and deepest fears. In his eyes she could read all he wanted from her, all he wanted her to be, everything he intended her to be...
A fate that she didn't wish upon anyone...
But he would deal her fate with the utmost satisfaction... and darkest joy.
And there was no way out...
****
Sorry for the delay. Some unexpected things happened in my family. But now I'm back at writing, and the next chapter to Out of Control is coming along. Maybe even a couple of new fics and one shots. We'll see. Review please.