Jakuten
Disclaimer: Nope, don't own. Never will. Don't sue. Just quit job. Broke.
By: Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
Chapter Seven: An Unexpected Visitor
Vejiita stared at the large dragon that had appeared out of the seven mystical balls. Only years of hiding his feelings kept the absolute shock from his face. Kakarotto was choosing to stay dead. Dead. His rival and only other Saiyajin, dead. He did not want to come back. He wasn't coming back. He would never get the chance to beat him. Never prove his superiority over the third-class Saiyajin.
Though those thoughts flew through his mind, he couldn't help but wonder how he was going to tell his new mate. Tell her that her best friend was gone forever. Tell her he didn't want to come back. And he didn't know how he was going to tell her their son, their future son, had died. And it was his fault.
Hidden as he was behind the large pillar, no one noticed the Saiyajin no Ouji's presence. He stood immobile, his tail flicking minutely. He watched as Kuririn attempted to make the androids human. Stupid weakling. He should have destroyed those machines when he had the chance. His damn pride got in the way of everything, it seemed. But his pride was all that was left any more. He scowled as the dragon prepared to disappear. It was time to tell his mate about Kakarotto. Clenching his fists, Vejiita flew away from the lookout.
Feeling the wind rush full force into his face did nothing to sweep away his thoughts. After failing repeatedly, he didn't know why he continued. He didn't understand what held him to this damn planet. He cared nothing for these worthless human weaklings. His rival was gone. His reason for pushing himself to new levels, gone. He was now a Supersaiyajin, only because of that blasted fight with Cell. He snorted. He only achieved that because he knew he couldn't win. He knew if he failed, his mate would suffer. He remembered thinking about the Onna right before his power erupted. Lot of good that did him. He was still second in power. Now Kakarotto's brat had achieved what he had not. A new level of Supersaiyajin. He supposed he should be glad Kakarotto decided to stay dead. This way he was still second best instead of third. He growled. Why didn't he just blow up this damn planet now? His rival is gone. Just destroy the damn thing. It'd get rid of the half-breed. He'd be the strongest then.
His ki flared suddenly as he continued to fly towards his mate. He knew why he didn't destroy it. Her. His damn weakness. He could take her with him, off planet. But no, that wouldn't be a solution. Taking her away from her home and destroying it would hurt her. And in effect hurt him. Damn it! Why did he have to bond? Of course, the mighty Vejiita no Ouji couldn't bond to a warrior, no. Fate had to be cruel. He had to bond to some weak human Onna. A damn weak human Onna with a soul as light as his was dark. A weakling in physical strength only, he had to admit. Her inner strength was amazing. Her mind was sharp. Everything about her radiated strength.
He frowned. She was still a weakness to him. Yes, he was sure the gods were enjoying themselves now. Laughing at his predicament. Couldn't destroy those he hated because he had a damn weakness. A damn onna he had foolishly bonded to. He couldn't destroy the damn onna because that would kill him, too! He scowled. He would not destroy her anyway. Even without the damn bond, he had felt for the baka. Damn it! What was wrong with him? How the hell does an evil Saiyajin no Ouji bond a beautiful kindhearted human Onna?
~~~
Buruma looked up suddenly from her laptop. She quickly set it beside her on the bed, jumped up, threw on her blue robe, and ran out to the balcony. She arrived just in time to see Vejiita power down slightly and hover quietly just outside her balcony.
"Jiita? What's wrong?"
"We won."
"Then what's wrong?"
Vejiita suddenly powered up with a silent scream, his hair changing to blond, his eyes turquoise.
"You did it," Buruma murmured, her eyes wide.
"Yes."
"You look wonderful," she whispered.
He snorted.
"Vejiita, what is wrong? You won, you achieved your dream. What is wrong?" she asked.
Vejiita scowled. Their bond was too strong. "Onna, Kakarotto sacrificed himself. He's gone. He won't be coming back."
She stared at Vejiita for a few moments. Gone? Her best friend was gone? "Why?" she asked in shock.
Vejiita looked at her almost tenderly. He floated over to the balcony. He powered down to normal before landing softly in front of her, his tail switching back and forth slowly. ::He felt his presence is what kept the Earth in danger.::
She looked up at her mate, tears in her blue eyes. ::Son-kun,:: she whispered into his mind before collapsing onto the hard floor of the balcony, sobs choking her. ::What about Trunks? Is he okay?::
Vejiita nodded slightly. "He was killed, but brought back to life just moments ago," he told her softly.
A soft whine left her lips and she clutched her robe in her fingers.
Vejiita looked at his frail-looking mate, unsure of how to handle this emotion. He felt her pain through their bond. Felt her agony, her loneliness, and her grief. So unlike his own rage at the loss of his rival. He wasn't angry because the fool left him. He was angry the fool left this plane without Vejiita getting a chance to beat him. He cared nothing for anyone. For anyone but the tiny blue-haired woman who was sobbing on her knees at his feet. And that he let her down by failing to protect her son. Their future son.
Vejiita knelt down, gingerly lifting her chin with a gloved hand to look at him. ::Onna, I know you hurt. I know. If I could have kept the baka here just to save you this pain, I would have. This was his choice. And I regret not saving the boy. ::
To Vejiita's surprise, she threw herself into his arms. Her sobs muffled into his armor. ::Jiita, I know you hate him. I know you hate everyone. Why did he have to leave me? How could he leave Chichi? How could he leave his family? Chichi-san, Gohan-chan, everyone will be so devastated,:: her nearly incoherent words reached his mind. ::And Trunks. He's so young, too young! Too young to know death like that, Vejiita!::
Letting her cry into his chest was all the Saiyajin warrior could do. He couldn't ease her pain. He couldn't whisper words of comfort, knowing none. He couldn't tell her everything would be fine, not knowing himself. He couldn't tell her anything to soothe her, as much as he wanted to. His rage and revenge thwarted, his life without meaning now, he couldn't come up with anything that would ease his mate of her pain, when nothing could ease him of his anger and sense of failure. The Saiyajin no Ouji had never been one who people sought out for comfort. He didn't understand the need she felt. Her alien need to be held as she wept. He didn't know why he held her so gently, only that he had to.
As soon as her tears slowed, Vejiita lifted her weightless body into his arms and leapt off the balcony into the night sky.
~~~
::Onna,:: Vejiita's gruff voice, even in her mind, slowly bringing her aware of her surroundings.
Opening her eyes, she found herself atop a hill in the middle of the wilderness. Fields stretched as far as her eyes could see. Vejiita still held her within his protective embrace. Once he felt her move, he set her gently on her feet. She looked down remembering her state of dress. Standing in the middle of nowhere dressed in a comfortable pair of gray sweats and an old T-shirt, covered only with a little blue robe. She shrugged. Who would see her? "Where are we?"
"I used to come here a lot while I was training at Capsule Corporation. You can see the whole sky from here."
She looked at her mate strangely. "You came her to look at the stars?"
"Not really." He pointed up to a faint cluster of three stars in the sky. "See those stars there? The right star? That is where Vejiita-sei would be if it hadn't been destroyed. That star was Vejiita-sei's sun."
She gazed at the cluster, her mind confused. Vejiita sentimental?
"No, Onna. I'm not being sentimental. That was once my planet. I came here while I was training to help reassure me of my goals. You distracted me so often; I often lost sight of what I was training for. When I left over a year ago, I paid a visit to my home. Or what was left of it."
"Was it painful?" Buruma looked over at the prince, immediately noticing his guarded gaze.
"No, it wasn't painful. Onna, I brought you here for a reason. I'm asking you to shut up for once. I need to tell you a few things and it is hard enough as it is. Will you listen?" Vejiita had still not looked over at her, his eyes to the star cluster that was home to his legacy.
"Yes."
"When I looked out over my destroyed planet I felt nothing. Not even rage. I saw the debris of my planet floating outside of my space ship. Yet, it did not move me. I went there to get myself back on my path. To find myself, I suppose. To find out if I am as cold-hearted as I thought I was." Vejiita laughed bitterly. "I found out all right. I didn't feel anything. No rage, grief, sadness. Nothing. My planet held no meaning for me. My heart is dead.
"I am evil, Onna. I live to destroy. I did not wish for anything more than becoming the most powerful being in the universe when I came to this pathetic place. I saw the way to my goal in those dragonballs. To become immortal. A long time ago, I wished only to defeat Furiza for destroying my home, my people. Being under that monster for so long has changed me. I no longer wanted to kill him for destroying my home. I wanted to destroy him because of the humiliation I suffered under him. I wanted to become stronger than him because he always told me I would never be anything but a weak monkey. Nothing compared to him. Those words haunted me for years. That is what drove me to become what I am. That is what drove me to becoming a Supersaiyajin and being the strongest being in the universe. Over time, I became the monster I am. Nothing would ever make me feel. Or so I thought." Looking over at his mate, Vejiita stared at her a moment. His gaze was still guarded.
"I underestimated you, it seems. I feel for you. I don't know how or why that happened. I don't understand how you could have found your way into my dead heart, but you have. Even that does not change what I am, Onna. I am still evil. Only, I am an evil being with a weakness. You. Ordinarily, I would have destroyed all weaknesses and distractions. For some stupid reason, I didn't. And I ended up bonding to my weakness. So killing you would in effect kill me. I have no wish to die. To die with the things I have done on my soul is something I dread. I've been to Hell, Onna. And I have no wish to return there." Vejiita looked back up at the stars.
"The only reason this planet hasn't been destroyed now that Kakarotto isn't coming back is because of you. The only reason I haven't destroyed these pathetic weaklings and Kakarotto's brat is because of you. The only reason I haven't left this damn planet is because of you. I'm lost now. I have no purpose in this world now. My rival is dead. My only goal now achieved, only to have that half-breed reach a new level, surpassing me. I will reach that new level. But after that? What is left in this universe for me? My planet is gone. My father is dead and I never got the chance to kill him. I will forever be the Prince. My entire race is dead. I can't even have the satisfaction of knowing I will die the King. Furiza killed my father and in order to claim my title, I would have had to defeat him. Kakarotto did that. So to claim it I would have had to defeat the third-class idiot. Then he is killed by Cell. Then I would have had to defeat Cell, but then the little half-breed did! And to claim my title now, I have to defeat that brat! Only if I did that, it would hurt you. And I can't even resent you for that. So what is a fallen prince to do?" Vejiita paused.
"Should I hurt my mate, in effect hurt myself, to achieve a seemingly meaningless title? The only person it has meaning to is me. I want to achieve what has always been denied me. I want to be King. Even if I have no planet or people to rule.
"I am lost now. Bonding has been purged from the Saiyajin it was thought. Yet, the Prince has fallen to it. I can almost hear my father's scorn. I don't understand what I feel for you. You are the only being I feel for. The only being in this universe I don't feel disgusted with. The only being I can't hate. It is because of you this planet is here now. It is because of you I will never destroy that half-breed. So, what can I do now? What is there left for me?"
Buruma continued watching the prince silently throughout his long speech. Her mind almost unable to grasp what she had heard. Vejiita was never a big talker. What is he telling her this?
"You wonder why I'm telling you this. For many reasons. You hurt because of Kakarotto's death. I do not understand grief. Yet, bonding to you, I feel it. I feel your pain. I thought of destroying this planet on the way to your home. I thought of taking you with me and destroying your home. Will I do it? No. Then I would feel your pain. And your hatred for me. You would hate me for that. I've never cared what people felt for me. I never cared to see what they saw when they looked at me. All I wanted was their obedience, their fear. I didn't care if they hated me. Your hate would destroy me.
"I never wanted this bond, Onna. I never wanted a weakness. I didn't want any of this. Now that I have it, I wouldn't give it up, even if I could." Vejiita laughed bitterly. "I can't imagine my life without you now. I don't know what I feel for you. I don't understand this. We had no word for 'love' in the Saiyajin language. This language is not my native one. I can speak the words, but never understand the emotions."
Vejiita suddenly turned towards his mate. "Onna, you are all I have now. I'm lost. I will train to achieve new levels. For what purpose? I don't know. I brought you here to let you understand what I am. I know that being my mate will be difficult. I know that I am a monster. I will not change, Onna. Not now, not ever. I will never hurt you. That you can be certain of. I will not destroy those close to you as long as you live, Onna. I will not leave you. I will mate with you; give you my offspring. Will I care for the brats? I will provide for them, train them, protect them. But will I care for them? I don't think I can. Because they will be a part of you, they will be important. Because you will hurt should they die, I will protect them. Do not expect me to care about them as you will. I cannot. My heart is dead, Onna. To all but you, my heart is dead. I cannot feel for anyone but you.
"I am telling you this now because I want you to decide something. Your world is at peace now. Nothing is threatening it. I am giving you a choice. Do you want me, Onna? Do you want me to stay here with you? I can leave, however painful it will be for me, should you wish it. I want you to know what being my mate will mean. I will be possessive, angry, a down right asshole at times. I may disappear for days at a time. I may close myself off from you at times. I will never care for these pathetic humans you call friends. I will never be an open person. I won't be 'affectionate'. I won't be what a 'husband' in your world would be. I will be who I always was. You will be the only person I will let inside of me. Not even our brats. I am who I am. Do you want me? I'm asking you this now, Onna. Do you want me? If you say no, I will leave. I will leave you and your planet in peace. I'm lost, Onna. I need to know. Do I have a purpose now? Do you want me?"
Buruma looked into Vejiita onyx colored eyes for a long moment before answering. "Vejiita," she began softly. "I don't understand what I feel sometimes. I don't understand what pulls me to you so strongly. In my world, they may call it destiny or fate, I don't know. I do know I love you, even if you cannot love me back. I know that were you to leave me, I would die. I do want you, even as you are. Even knowing you will never care for our children. I will have to live with that. I guess I'm asking you to stay with me, Vejiita. Do I want you? Yes, Jiita. I want you, Vejiita no Ouji."
Vejiita's frown softened slightly in the starlight. A tiny twitch of his lips, the only indication of his pleasure. "Good." He looked away from his mate and looked again at the stars. "You aren't with a brat. Why?"
Her brow furrowed in confusion. "What?"
"You aren't pregnant, Onna. You should be. Why aren't you pregnant?"
"How can you tell I'm not?"
"I can smell it."
"Why should I be?"
"When we mated, I smelled it. You were in season. You aren't any longer, but you are not pregnant."
Buruma looked down. "I don't know, Jiita. I should be pregnant? You're sure?"
"Yes. You touched my tail. I could smell it. You were in season. We mated. You should be pregnant."
"Maybe I should go to the doctor tomorrow. See if there is anything wrong."
Vejiita looked at her out of the corner of his eye, a frown on his face. "How does a doctor check that?"
Buruma grinned mischievously. "He'll have me undress," she began before Vejiita's growl cut her off.
"No." He glared at her.
"Vejiita, he's going to take blood samples and examine my body. Make sure there isn't anything wrong. Besides, it's time for my annual pap."
"What's a pap?"
Buruma giggled. "It's where they scrape some cells off my cervix and test them to make sure I don't have cervical cancer or any other problem."
"Cervix?"
"Yes, it's inside a woman, Vejiita."
He glared at her again. "You're telling me, some *doctor* is going to be sticking his hand *there*?"
"Pretty much."
"No."
"Vejiita, I have to. You don't want me to be getting sick, do you?"
"No, but I will not have someone fondling *my* mate!"
Buruma giggled. "He won't be fondling me, Jiita."
"I don't care. No one will touch you there."
Buruma sighed. "How about I have a doctor robot do it?"
"No."
Buruma looked at him confused. "Vejiita. It's a robot."
"I don't care. That place is mine. No one, robot, doctor, whatever, will touch you there but me."
Sighing again, Buruma looked at him. "What would *you* suggest then?"
"Create a scanner. They can scan your body and tell you if you have this cervical problem or why you are not with a brat."
Buruma chewed on a nail delicately. "Hmmm, I don't know if I could, Vejiita. It'd be a challenge, but it might take months."
"I have one in the Gravity Room, Onna. I've taken it off one planet or another; I'm not quite sure. Take it apart, study it, and adapt it to human physiology."
She looked up at her prince sharply. "You are a genius. No offense, Jiita, but I figured the Saiyajin as not all that intelligent."
"Generally, most Saiyajin were not. All were geniuses at warfare, yes. I was taught at a young age to rule after my father. Even aboard Furiza's ship. After my planet's destruction, I picked up many things from the planets I've defeated. I wouldn't have survived this long without being intelligent, Onna."
"True. I'll start on the scanner tomorrow morning then. I think I should have it ready in a few days."
"Good." Vejiita looked at her silently for a moment. "I know you still hurt, Onna. About Kakarotto."
"I'll be fine, Jiita. I hurt, yes. I'm more worried about Chichi and Gohan. Chichi's whole life revolves around her son and her husband. She'll be devastated."
Vejiita snorted. "I suppose you want to visit that harpy now?"
"I know you don't care, Jiita. But yes, I would like to go see her. Would you come with me?"
"Fine, Onna." Vejiita gently picked her up and levitated slowly.
"That way," Buruma said softly pointing west.
"I know."
"Then what are you waiting for?"
"Onna, shut up."
Buruma glared at her mate. "I will not shut up!"
"We have company, Onna. Shut up!"
She snapped her mouth closed and looked over Vejiita's shoulder. Her eyes grew wide. "Piccolo."
"Vejiita, where are you going?"
Vejiita glared at the Namek. "As if it is any of your business. I am going to Kakarotto's."
"Leave them alone, Vejiita. They are already in enough pain."
Growling, Vejiita floated over to the stationary Namek. "I am not going to do anything to them, as much as I would like to. She would like to see Kakarotto's human mate. I'm her transportation."
"Really? Why haven't you attempted to blow up the planet yet? What's stopping you now?"
"Piccolo, he won't destroy the planet," Buruma put in.
"I want to here him say it." Piccolo folded his arms over his chest. "I'm waiting, Vejiita. Tell me you won't hurt the Son's."
Vejiita glared at the Namek. "No harm will come to the mate of Kakarotto or his brat by my hand as long as my mate is alive."
Piccolo looked at Vejiita sharply. "Fine."
"It'll be okay, Piccolo. Vejiita won't hurt them."
The Namek looked at Buruma for a few moments before speaking. "I know. You are all that keeps him from destroying this planet. I knew that. I just wanted confirmation." He glanced once more at the prince before raising his ki and disappearing into the night.
"Nice night for a visit, eh?" Buruma drawled sardonically.
Vejiita snorted. "Let's go." He cradled the fragile onna in his arm carefully and took off in the opposite direction, carefully protecting her with his ki shield. "I don't think I'll be exactly welcomed there, Onna."
"Chichi knows about us. They have to get used to you being around sometime, I suppose."
"I won't be around those weaklings much, Onna. You being my mate does not mean I have to put up with them all the time."
"I know. Thanks for coming with me."
Vejiita grunted, suddenly loosing altitude. Landing softly, he placed Buruma on her feet. She looked up to see Son-kun's home. Her eyes blurred with tears. 'He's really gone.' "You are a fast flier," she commented absently.
Snorting, Vejiita moved towards the brightly lit house. "Of course."
Buruma braced herself and followed her Saiyajin mate. Pausing at the door, she looked at the man beside her. His face in his usual scowl, carefully hidden in the shadows, his arms crossed over his chest and his feet spread slightly. She smiled faintly before knocking.
"Buruma-san, what are you doing here?" little Gohan questioned curiously after opening the door. He didn't appear to notice the shadow beside her. His eyes looked a little off, his sadness and grief apparent to Buruma.
"Hello, Gohan-chan. How is your mother taking it?"
Gohan looked down. "Not well, Buruma-san. She didn't even scream or faint. She just looked at me. Then left. I don't know where she is. I can't feel her anywhere!" he cried out. Tears filled his eyes. "Do you know where she'd be? She must have learned to hide her ki and I can't find her. I don't know what else to do. Grandpa doesn't know where she is, either."
Buruma looked at her mate questioningly. Seeing his slight nod, she turned back towards the young demi-Saiyajin. She knelt down. "Gohan-chan, I'll go look for her, okay?"
"How will you find her, Buruma-san? You can't feel ki."
"You know I'm Vejiita's mate now, don't you? He'll find her."
The little Saiyajin looked up at Buruma hopefully. "Really? You're getting married? You can get him to help? I don't know if he will, though. He doesn't like us."
"Gohan-chan, he'll help. I promise. I'll bring your mother back. Go inside, I'll be back soon."
Gohan smiled up at the older woman in relief. "Thanks, Buruma-san!"
As soon as Gohan started to shut the door, Buruma motioned Vejiita to follow her away from the small house. "Can you feel her, Jiita?"
He nodded. "She isn't far. I think she's near the lake just west of here. She's hiding her ki quite well, actually." He frowned. "I wonder where she learned that."
"She used to be a fighter. Let's go." She wrapped her arms around Vejiita's neck as he lifted her carefully and rose into the sky. Within seconds, he landed again.
::Don't speak, Onna. Something's wrong.::
::What?::
::I don't know, something just doesn't feel right. I'm going to set you down. Do not leave my side, understand?::
She nodded and he put her down gently. He moved forward cautiously, Buruma trying to keep near him in the dark. ::Vejiita, I can't see you.::
A white glove appeared and carefully grabbed her smaller hand. ::Here.:: He interlaced his fingers with hers in a surprisingly affectionate motion. He led her through the dark trees, his boots never making a sound. Buruma felt like an elephant beside the silent prince who moved with such grace and caution. Every step she took crunched loudly in her ears. ::Don't worry about it.::
Damn it! She forgot about the bond. She didn't think it was fair he heard every thought when she only heard what he wanted her to.
::That's my fault, Onna. I have a wall around me and it works for telepathy too apparently. Besides, you aren't really opening yourself up to hearing me unless I project them through the bond.::
::Oh.:: She looked down at her feet as they continued as quietly as possible towards the lake. ::Can you feel Chichi?::
::Yes. Barely.::
::Barely? Is that bad?::
::Not necessarily.:: Vejiita stopped suddenly, squeezing Buruma's hand slightly in warning. ::Don't move,:: he warned her silently. He backed toward his mate silently, never letting go of her hand. As soon as his back was touching her soft front, he stopped. He gently wrapped his tail around her slender waist. ::You'll feel a tingling sensation; don't jump.:: He slowly raised his ki shield to surround her.
::What was that?::
::I extended my ki shield to include you. When I tell you to do something do it, no questions, understand?::
::Yes. What's happening?::
::Something is in front of me. Wrap your arms around my waist, Onna.::
Doing as she was told, she leaned into his muscular back. Her head nestled the back of his neck. She was glad the small warrior was slightly taller than her, otherwise she might have felt ridiculous hiding behind him like that. Her body shook slightly. She didn't understand what was happening and that in itself scared her. Vejiita's tail was wrapped securely around her and helped eased her apprehension somewhat. She knew he wouldn't let anything happen to her.
::You'll be fine, Onna.:: Vejiita silently cursed himself for bringing her here. He would have to get her to safety before fighting. 'Damn it!' "I suggest you show yourself," Vejiita spoke gruffly to the unknown threat he felt there.
Silence answered him. His sensitive hearing picked up his mate's rapid breathing behind him, yet no other sound. None of the usual forest sounds reached his ears. He knew something was right in front of them, he could feel its ki.
"I suggest you answer now," Vejiita growled out.
::Jiita, maybe there isn't anything there.::
::Hush, Onna. There is.:: Vejiita glared in front of him. ::I'm going to raise my ki, Onna. It might be a little painful,:: he warned silently.
::Alright,:: she answered and squeezed him hard, bracing herself.
::If it becomes too painful, tell me.:: He began to raise his ki slowly, mindful of the Onna squeezing his waist. "Since you choose not to answer me, I will force you out," Vejiita warned, gathering a ki ball on his open hand.
"Really, Your Highness? You think you could defeat me with a pathetic human holding onto you so tightly? I doubt that, Vejiita no Ouji," a disembodied voice came, mocking him.
Pausing, Vejiita glared at the voice. "Since you obviously know who I am, I think it's only fair that I know who you are."
Laughter echoed out of the darkness, causing his mate to shiver and squeeze him harder. His tail tightened slightly around her. "But you already know who I am, Your Highness." Suddenly a figure appeared out of the darkness, Vejiita's blue ki ball illuminating its face.
"Son-kun?" Buruma whispered in shocked surprise.
"No," Vejiita snarled. "Bardock."
~~~
AN: O_O
Lovies!
Disclaimer: Nope, don't own. Never will. Don't sue. Just quit job. Broke.
By: Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
Chapter Seven: An Unexpected Visitor
Vejiita stared at the large dragon that had appeared out of the seven mystical balls. Only years of hiding his feelings kept the absolute shock from his face. Kakarotto was choosing to stay dead. Dead. His rival and only other Saiyajin, dead. He did not want to come back. He wasn't coming back. He would never get the chance to beat him. Never prove his superiority over the third-class Saiyajin.
Though those thoughts flew through his mind, he couldn't help but wonder how he was going to tell his new mate. Tell her that her best friend was gone forever. Tell her he didn't want to come back. And he didn't know how he was going to tell her their son, their future son, had died. And it was his fault.
Hidden as he was behind the large pillar, no one noticed the Saiyajin no Ouji's presence. He stood immobile, his tail flicking minutely. He watched as Kuririn attempted to make the androids human. Stupid weakling. He should have destroyed those machines when he had the chance. His damn pride got in the way of everything, it seemed. But his pride was all that was left any more. He scowled as the dragon prepared to disappear. It was time to tell his mate about Kakarotto. Clenching his fists, Vejiita flew away from the lookout.
Feeling the wind rush full force into his face did nothing to sweep away his thoughts. After failing repeatedly, he didn't know why he continued. He didn't understand what held him to this damn planet. He cared nothing for these worthless human weaklings. His rival was gone. His reason for pushing himself to new levels, gone. He was now a Supersaiyajin, only because of that blasted fight with Cell. He snorted. He only achieved that because he knew he couldn't win. He knew if he failed, his mate would suffer. He remembered thinking about the Onna right before his power erupted. Lot of good that did him. He was still second in power. Now Kakarotto's brat had achieved what he had not. A new level of Supersaiyajin. He supposed he should be glad Kakarotto decided to stay dead. This way he was still second best instead of third. He growled. Why didn't he just blow up this damn planet now? His rival is gone. Just destroy the damn thing. It'd get rid of the half-breed. He'd be the strongest then.
His ki flared suddenly as he continued to fly towards his mate. He knew why he didn't destroy it. Her. His damn weakness. He could take her with him, off planet. But no, that wouldn't be a solution. Taking her away from her home and destroying it would hurt her. And in effect hurt him. Damn it! Why did he have to bond? Of course, the mighty Vejiita no Ouji couldn't bond to a warrior, no. Fate had to be cruel. He had to bond to some weak human Onna. A damn weak human Onna with a soul as light as his was dark. A weakling in physical strength only, he had to admit. Her inner strength was amazing. Her mind was sharp. Everything about her radiated strength.
He frowned. She was still a weakness to him. Yes, he was sure the gods were enjoying themselves now. Laughing at his predicament. Couldn't destroy those he hated because he had a damn weakness. A damn onna he had foolishly bonded to. He couldn't destroy the damn onna because that would kill him, too! He scowled. He would not destroy her anyway. Even without the damn bond, he had felt for the baka. Damn it! What was wrong with him? How the hell does an evil Saiyajin no Ouji bond a beautiful kindhearted human Onna?
~~~
Buruma looked up suddenly from her laptop. She quickly set it beside her on the bed, jumped up, threw on her blue robe, and ran out to the balcony. She arrived just in time to see Vejiita power down slightly and hover quietly just outside her balcony.
"Jiita? What's wrong?"
"We won."
"Then what's wrong?"
Vejiita suddenly powered up with a silent scream, his hair changing to blond, his eyes turquoise.
"You did it," Buruma murmured, her eyes wide.
"Yes."
"You look wonderful," she whispered.
He snorted.
"Vejiita, what is wrong? You won, you achieved your dream. What is wrong?" she asked.
Vejiita scowled. Their bond was too strong. "Onna, Kakarotto sacrificed himself. He's gone. He won't be coming back."
She stared at Vejiita for a few moments. Gone? Her best friend was gone? "Why?" she asked in shock.
Vejiita looked at her almost tenderly. He floated over to the balcony. He powered down to normal before landing softly in front of her, his tail switching back and forth slowly. ::He felt his presence is what kept the Earth in danger.::
She looked up at her mate, tears in her blue eyes. ::Son-kun,:: she whispered into his mind before collapsing onto the hard floor of the balcony, sobs choking her. ::What about Trunks? Is he okay?::
Vejiita nodded slightly. "He was killed, but brought back to life just moments ago," he told her softly.
A soft whine left her lips and she clutched her robe in her fingers.
Vejiita looked at his frail-looking mate, unsure of how to handle this emotion. He felt her pain through their bond. Felt her agony, her loneliness, and her grief. So unlike his own rage at the loss of his rival. He wasn't angry because the fool left him. He was angry the fool left this plane without Vejiita getting a chance to beat him. He cared nothing for anyone. For anyone but the tiny blue-haired woman who was sobbing on her knees at his feet. And that he let her down by failing to protect her son. Their future son.
Vejiita knelt down, gingerly lifting her chin with a gloved hand to look at him. ::Onna, I know you hurt. I know. If I could have kept the baka here just to save you this pain, I would have. This was his choice. And I regret not saving the boy. ::
To Vejiita's surprise, she threw herself into his arms. Her sobs muffled into his armor. ::Jiita, I know you hate him. I know you hate everyone. Why did he have to leave me? How could he leave Chichi? How could he leave his family? Chichi-san, Gohan-chan, everyone will be so devastated,:: her nearly incoherent words reached his mind. ::And Trunks. He's so young, too young! Too young to know death like that, Vejiita!::
Letting her cry into his chest was all the Saiyajin warrior could do. He couldn't ease her pain. He couldn't whisper words of comfort, knowing none. He couldn't tell her everything would be fine, not knowing himself. He couldn't tell her anything to soothe her, as much as he wanted to. His rage and revenge thwarted, his life without meaning now, he couldn't come up with anything that would ease his mate of her pain, when nothing could ease him of his anger and sense of failure. The Saiyajin no Ouji had never been one who people sought out for comfort. He didn't understand the need she felt. Her alien need to be held as she wept. He didn't know why he held her so gently, only that he had to.
As soon as her tears slowed, Vejiita lifted her weightless body into his arms and leapt off the balcony into the night sky.
~~~
::Onna,:: Vejiita's gruff voice, even in her mind, slowly bringing her aware of her surroundings.
Opening her eyes, she found herself atop a hill in the middle of the wilderness. Fields stretched as far as her eyes could see. Vejiita still held her within his protective embrace. Once he felt her move, he set her gently on her feet. She looked down remembering her state of dress. Standing in the middle of nowhere dressed in a comfortable pair of gray sweats and an old T-shirt, covered only with a little blue robe. She shrugged. Who would see her? "Where are we?"
"I used to come here a lot while I was training at Capsule Corporation. You can see the whole sky from here."
She looked at her mate strangely. "You came her to look at the stars?"
"Not really." He pointed up to a faint cluster of three stars in the sky. "See those stars there? The right star? That is where Vejiita-sei would be if it hadn't been destroyed. That star was Vejiita-sei's sun."
She gazed at the cluster, her mind confused. Vejiita sentimental?
"No, Onna. I'm not being sentimental. That was once my planet. I came here while I was training to help reassure me of my goals. You distracted me so often; I often lost sight of what I was training for. When I left over a year ago, I paid a visit to my home. Or what was left of it."
"Was it painful?" Buruma looked over at the prince, immediately noticing his guarded gaze.
"No, it wasn't painful. Onna, I brought you here for a reason. I'm asking you to shut up for once. I need to tell you a few things and it is hard enough as it is. Will you listen?" Vejiita had still not looked over at her, his eyes to the star cluster that was home to his legacy.
"Yes."
"When I looked out over my destroyed planet I felt nothing. Not even rage. I saw the debris of my planet floating outside of my space ship. Yet, it did not move me. I went there to get myself back on my path. To find myself, I suppose. To find out if I am as cold-hearted as I thought I was." Vejiita laughed bitterly. "I found out all right. I didn't feel anything. No rage, grief, sadness. Nothing. My planet held no meaning for me. My heart is dead.
"I am evil, Onna. I live to destroy. I did not wish for anything more than becoming the most powerful being in the universe when I came to this pathetic place. I saw the way to my goal in those dragonballs. To become immortal. A long time ago, I wished only to defeat Furiza for destroying my home, my people. Being under that monster for so long has changed me. I no longer wanted to kill him for destroying my home. I wanted to destroy him because of the humiliation I suffered under him. I wanted to become stronger than him because he always told me I would never be anything but a weak monkey. Nothing compared to him. Those words haunted me for years. That is what drove me to become what I am. That is what drove me to becoming a Supersaiyajin and being the strongest being in the universe. Over time, I became the monster I am. Nothing would ever make me feel. Or so I thought." Looking over at his mate, Vejiita stared at her a moment. His gaze was still guarded.
"I underestimated you, it seems. I feel for you. I don't know how or why that happened. I don't understand how you could have found your way into my dead heart, but you have. Even that does not change what I am, Onna. I am still evil. Only, I am an evil being with a weakness. You. Ordinarily, I would have destroyed all weaknesses and distractions. For some stupid reason, I didn't. And I ended up bonding to my weakness. So killing you would in effect kill me. I have no wish to die. To die with the things I have done on my soul is something I dread. I've been to Hell, Onna. And I have no wish to return there." Vejiita looked back up at the stars.
"The only reason this planet hasn't been destroyed now that Kakarotto isn't coming back is because of you. The only reason I haven't destroyed these pathetic weaklings and Kakarotto's brat is because of you. The only reason I haven't left this damn planet is because of you. I'm lost now. I have no purpose in this world now. My rival is dead. My only goal now achieved, only to have that half-breed reach a new level, surpassing me. I will reach that new level. But after that? What is left in this universe for me? My planet is gone. My father is dead and I never got the chance to kill him. I will forever be the Prince. My entire race is dead. I can't even have the satisfaction of knowing I will die the King. Furiza killed my father and in order to claim my title, I would have had to defeat him. Kakarotto did that. So to claim it I would have had to defeat the third-class idiot. Then he is killed by Cell. Then I would have had to defeat Cell, but then the little half-breed did! And to claim my title now, I have to defeat that brat! Only if I did that, it would hurt you. And I can't even resent you for that. So what is a fallen prince to do?" Vejiita paused.
"Should I hurt my mate, in effect hurt myself, to achieve a seemingly meaningless title? The only person it has meaning to is me. I want to achieve what has always been denied me. I want to be King. Even if I have no planet or people to rule.
"I am lost now. Bonding has been purged from the Saiyajin it was thought. Yet, the Prince has fallen to it. I can almost hear my father's scorn. I don't understand what I feel for you. You are the only being I feel for. The only being in this universe I don't feel disgusted with. The only being I can't hate. It is because of you this planet is here now. It is because of you I will never destroy that half-breed. So, what can I do now? What is there left for me?"
Buruma continued watching the prince silently throughout his long speech. Her mind almost unable to grasp what she had heard. Vejiita was never a big talker. What is he telling her this?
"You wonder why I'm telling you this. For many reasons. You hurt because of Kakarotto's death. I do not understand grief. Yet, bonding to you, I feel it. I feel your pain. I thought of destroying this planet on the way to your home. I thought of taking you with me and destroying your home. Will I do it? No. Then I would feel your pain. And your hatred for me. You would hate me for that. I've never cared what people felt for me. I never cared to see what they saw when they looked at me. All I wanted was their obedience, their fear. I didn't care if they hated me. Your hate would destroy me.
"I never wanted this bond, Onna. I never wanted a weakness. I didn't want any of this. Now that I have it, I wouldn't give it up, even if I could." Vejiita laughed bitterly. "I can't imagine my life without you now. I don't know what I feel for you. I don't understand this. We had no word for 'love' in the Saiyajin language. This language is not my native one. I can speak the words, but never understand the emotions."
Vejiita suddenly turned towards his mate. "Onna, you are all I have now. I'm lost. I will train to achieve new levels. For what purpose? I don't know. I brought you here to let you understand what I am. I know that being my mate will be difficult. I know that I am a monster. I will not change, Onna. Not now, not ever. I will never hurt you. That you can be certain of. I will not destroy those close to you as long as you live, Onna. I will not leave you. I will mate with you; give you my offspring. Will I care for the brats? I will provide for them, train them, protect them. But will I care for them? I don't think I can. Because they will be a part of you, they will be important. Because you will hurt should they die, I will protect them. Do not expect me to care about them as you will. I cannot. My heart is dead, Onna. To all but you, my heart is dead. I cannot feel for anyone but you.
"I am telling you this now because I want you to decide something. Your world is at peace now. Nothing is threatening it. I am giving you a choice. Do you want me, Onna? Do you want me to stay here with you? I can leave, however painful it will be for me, should you wish it. I want you to know what being my mate will mean. I will be possessive, angry, a down right asshole at times. I may disappear for days at a time. I may close myself off from you at times. I will never care for these pathetic humans you call friends. I will never be an open person. I won't be 'affectionate'. I won't be what a 'husband' in your world would be. I will be who I always was. You will be the only person I will let inside of me. Not even our brats. I am who I am. Do you want me? I'm asking you this now, Onna. Do you want me? If you say no, I will leave. I will leave you and your planet in peace. I'm lost, Onna. I need to know. Do I have a purpose now? Do you want me?"
Buruma looked into Vejiita onyx colored eyes for a long moment before answering. "Vejiita," she began softly. "I don't understand what I feel sometimes. I don't understand what pulls me to you so strongly. In my world, they may call it destiny or fate, I don't know. I do know I love you, even if you cannot love me back. I know that were you to leave me, I would die. I do want you, even as you are. Even knowing you will never care for our children. I will have to live with that. I guess I'm asking you to stay with me, Vejiita. Do I want you? Yes, Jiita. I want you, Vejiita no Ouji."
Vejiita's frown softened slightly in the starlight. A tiny twitch of his lips, the only indication of his pleasure. "Good." He looked away from his mate and looked again at the stars. "You aren't with a brat. Why?"
Her brow furrowed in confusion. "What?"
"You aren't pregnant, Onna. You should be. Why aren't you pregnant?"
"How can you tell I'm not?"
"I can smell it."
"Why should I be?"
"When we mated, I smelled it. You were in season. You aren't any longer, but you are not pregnant."
Buruma looked down. "I don't know, Jiita. I should be pregnant? You're sure?"
"Yes. You touched my tail. I could smell it. You were in season. We mated. You should be pregnant."
"Maybe I should go to the doctor tomorrow. See if there is anything wrong."
Vejiita looked at her out of the corner of his eye, a frown on his face. "How does a doctor check that?"
Buruma grinned mischievously. "He'll have me undress," she began before Vejiita's growl cut her off.
"No." He glared at her.
"Vejiita, he's going to take blood samples and examine my body. Make sure there isn't anything wrong. Besides, it's time for my annual pap."
"What's a pap?"
Buruma giggled. "It's where they scrape some cells off my cervix and test them to make sure I don't have cervical cancer or any other problem."
"Cervix?"
"Yes, it's inside a woman, Vejiita."
He glared at her again. "You're telling me, some *doctor* is going to be sticking his hand *there*?"
"Pretty much."
"No."
"Vejiita, I have to. You don't want me to be getting sick, do you?"
"No, but I will not have someone fondling *my* mate!"
Buruma giggled. "He won't be fondling me, Jiita."
"I don't care. No one will touch you there."
Buruma sighed. "How about I have a doctor robot do it?"
"No."
Buruma looked at him confused. "Vejiita. It's a robot."
"I don't care. That place is mine. No one, robot, doctor, whatever, will touch you there but me."
Sighing again, Buruma looked at him. "What would *you* suggest then?"
"Create a scanner. They can scan your body and tell you if you have this cervical problem or why you are not with a brat."
Buruma chewed on a nail delicately. "Hmmm, I don't know if I could, Vejiita. It'd be a challenge, but it might take months."
"I have one in the Gravity Room, Onna. I've taken it off one planet or another; I'm not quite sure. Take it apart, study it, and adapt it to human physiology."
She looked up at her prince sharply. "You are a genius. No offense, Jiita, but I figured the Saiyajin as not all that intelligent."
"Generally, most Saiyajin were not. All were geniuses at warfare, yes. I was taught at a young age to rule after my father. Even aboard Furiza's ship. After my planet's destruction, I picked up many things from the planets I've defeated. I wouldn't have survived this long without being intelligent, Onna."
"True. I'll start on the scanner tomorrow morning then. I think I should have it ready in a few days."
"Good." Vejiita looked at her silently for a moment. "I know you still hurt, Onna. About Kakarotto."
"I'll be fine, Jiita. I hurt, yes. I'm more worried about Chichi and Gohan. Chichi's whole life revolves around her son and her husband. She'll be devastated."
Vejiita snorted. "I suppose you want to visit that harpy now?"
"I know you don't care, Jiita. But yes, I would like to go see her. Would you come with me?"
"Fine, Onna." Vejiita gently picked her up and levitated slowly.
"That way," Buruma said softly pointing west.
"I know."
"Then what are you waiting for?"
"Onna, shut up."
Buruma glared at her mate. "I will not shut up!"
"We have company, Onna. Shut up!"
She snapped her mouth closed and looked over Vejiita's shoulder. Her eyes grew wide. "Piccolo."
"Vejiita, where are you going?"
Vejiita glared at the Namek. "As if it is any of your business. I am going to Kakarotto's."
"Leave them alone, Vejiita. They are already in enough pain."
Growling, Vejiita floated over to the stationary Namek. "I am not going to do anything to them, as much as I would like to. She would like to see Kakarotto's human mate. I'm her transportation."
"Really? Why haven't you attempted to blow up the planet yet? What's stopping you now?"
"Piccolo, he won't destroy the planet," Buruma put in.
"I want to here him say it." Piccolo folded his arms over his chest. "I'm waiting, Vejiita. Tell me you won't hurt the Son's."
Vejiita glared at the Namek. "No harm will come to the mate of Kakarotto or his brat by my hand as long as my mate is alive."
Piccolo looked at Vejiita sharply. "Fine."
"It'll be okay, Piccolo. Vejiita won't hurt them."
The Namek looked at Buruma for a few moments before speaking. "I know. You are all that keeps him from destroying this planet. I knew that. I just wanted confirmation." He glanced once more at the prince before raising his ki and disappearing into the night.
"Nice night for a visit, eh?" Buruma drawled sardonically.
Vejiita snorted. "Let's go." He cradled the fragile onna in his arm carefully and took off in the opposite direction, carefully protecting her with his ki shield. "I don't think I'll be exactly welcomed there, Onna."
"Chichi knows about us. They have to get used to you being around sometime, I suppose."
"I won't be around those weaklings much, Onna. You being my mate does not mean I have to put up with them all the time."
"I know. Thanks for coming with me."
Vejiita grunted, suddenly loosing altitude. Landing softly, he placed Buruma on her feet. She looked up to see Son-kun's home. Her eyes blurred with tears. 'He's really gone.' "You are a fast flier," she commented absently.
Snorting, Vejiita moved towards the brightly lit house. "Of course."
Buruma braced herself and followed her Saiyajin mate. Pausing at the door, she looked at the man beside her. His face in his usual scowl, carefully hidden in the shadows, his arms crossed over his chest and his feet spread slightly. She smiled faintly before knocking.
"Buruma-san, what are you doing here?" little Gohan questioned curiously after opening the door. He didn't appear to notice the shadow beside her. His eyes looked a little off, his sadness and grief apparent to Buruma.
"Hello, Gohan-chan. How is your mother taking it?"
Gohan looked down. "Not well, Buruma-san. She didn't even scream or faint. She just looked at me. Then left. I don't know where she is. I can't feel her anywhere!" he cried out. Tears filled his eyes. "Do you know where she'd be? She must have learned to hide her ki and I can't find her. I don't know what else to do. Grandpa doesn't know where she is, either."
Buruma looked at her mate questioningly. Seeing his slight nod, she turned back towards the young demi-Saiyajin. She knelt down. "Gohan-chan, I'll go look for her, okay?"
"How will you find her, Buruma-san? You can't feel ki."
"You know I'm Vejiita's mate now, don't you? He'll find her."
The little Saiyajin looked up at Buruma hopefully. "Really? You're getting married? You can get him to help? I don't know if he will, though. He doesn't like us."
"Gohan-chan, he'll help. I promise. I'll bring your mother back. Go inside, I'll be back soon."
Gohan smiled up at the older woman in relief. "Thanks, Buruma-san!"
As soon as Gohan started to shut the door, Buruma motioned Vejiita to follow her away from the small house. "Can you feel her, Jiita?"
He nodded. "She isn't far. I think she's near the lake just west of here. She's hiding her ki quite well, actually." He frowned. "I wonder where she learned that."
"She used to be a fighter. Let's go." She wrapped her arms around Vejiita's neck as he lifted her carefully and rose into the sky. Within seconds, he landed again.
::Don't speak, Onna. Something's wrong.::
::What?::
::I don't know, something just doesn't feel right. I'm going to set you down. Do not leave my side, understand?::
She nodded and he put her down gently. He moved forward cautiously, Buruma trying to keep near him in the dark. ::Vejiita, I can't see you.::
A white glove appeared and carefully grabbed her smaller hand. ::Here.:: He interlaced his fingers with hers in a surprisingly affectionate motion. He led her through the dark trees, his boots never making a sound. Buruma felt like an elephant beside the silent prince who moved with such grace and caution. Every step she took crunched loudly in her ears. ::Don't worry about it.::
Damn it! She forgot about the bond. She didn't think it was fair he heard every thought when she only heard what he wanted her to.
::That's my fault, Onna. I have a wall around me and it works for telepathy too apparently. Besides, you aren't really opening yourself up to hearing me unless I project them through the bond.::
::Oh.:: She looked down at her feet as they continued as quietly as possible towards the lake. ::Can you feel Chichi?::
::Yes. Barely.::
::Barely? Is that bad?::
::Not necessarily.:: Vejiita stopped suddenly, squeezing Buruma's hand slightly in warning. ::Don't move,:: he warned her silently. He backed toward his mate silently, never letting go of her hand. As soon as his back was touching her soft front, he stopped. He gently wrapped his tail around her slender waist. ::You'll feel a tingling sensation; don't jump.:: He slowly raised his ki shield to surround her.
::What was that?::
::I extended my ki shield to include you. When I tell you to do something do it, no questions, understand?::
::Yes. What's happening?::
::Something is in front of me. Wrap your arms around my waist, Onna.::
Doing as she was told, she leaned into his muscular back. Her head nestled the back of his neck. She was glad the small warrior was slightly taller than her, otherwise she might have felt ridiculous hiding behind him like that. Her body shook slightly. She didn't understand what was happening and that in itself scared her. Vejiita's tail was wrapped securely around her and helped eased her apprehension somewhat. She knew he wouldn't let anything happen to her.
::You'll be fine, Onna.:: Vejiita silently cursed himself for bringing her here. He would have to get her to safety before fighting. 'Damn it!' "I suggest you show yourself," Vejiita spoke gruffly to the unknown threat he felt there.
Silence answered him. His sensitive hearing picked up his mate's rapid breathing behind him, yet no other sound. None of the usual forest sounds reached his ears. He knew something was right in front of them, he could feel its ki.
"I suggest you answer now," Vejiita growled out.
::Jiita, maybe there isn't anything there.::
::Hush, Onna. There is.:: Vejiita glared in front of him. ::I'm going to raise my ki, Onna. It might be a little painful,:: he warned silently.
::Alright,:: she answered and squeezed him hard, bracing herself.
::If it becomes too painful, tell me.:: He began to raise his ki slowly, mindful of the Onna squeezing his waist. "Since you choose not to answer me, I will force you out," Vejiita warned, gathering a ki ball on his open hand.
"Really, Your Highness? You think you could defeat me with a pathetic human holding onto you so tightly? I doubt that, Vejiita no Ouji," a disembodied voice came, mocking him.
Pausing, Vejiita glared at the voice. "Since you obviously know who I am, I think it's only fair that I know who you are."
Laughter echoed out of the darkness, causing his mate to shiver and squeeze him harder. His tail tightened slightly around her. "But you already know who I am, Your Highness." Suddenly a figure appeared out of the darkness, Vejiita's blue ki ball illuminating its face.
"Son-kun?" Buruma whispered in shocked surprise.
"No," Vejiita snarled. "Bardock."
~~~
AN: O_O
Lovies!
