I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG! PLEASE FORGIVE ME! T-T
Just so you all know, I've started something new! It's this same story, but with BG music and pictures. It's not updated as this one yet, but I'll let you know how it's progressed with each chapter I post on here!
Email me if you'd like the link because it won't let me post it on here for some reason!
Vegeta sighed heavily as he exited the throne room. Instead of returning to the princess's bedroom, he headed in the opposite direction, where the courtyard was. Acres and acres of grassland, garden and even a big old lake, made up the backyard of the palace. Lilly pads lined the rim of the lake until the trees hid the rest of it from his view. A frog jumped about, and birds flew around chirping like mad.
Vegeta growled as one landed on the post of the deck, chirping. He raised a hand to swat at it, but just as he was ready to bring his hand down a nearby pebble was flung at his target and the bird flew off. Vegeta looked down over the rail below him, seeing a young man, much older than he was, standing up against the stairs that led to the garden.
"Nice shot," Vegeta mused. The man laughed a little, watching as a few other birds swept by.
"I could never live here," the man mused, "These guys would drive me crazy" he continued just as another flew right by his head. Vegeta nodded in agreement, leaning his weight against the rail and staring out at the water. "You seemed rather upset in there," Vegeta looked down again, furrowing a brow in confusion. The man thumbed back toward the throne room. "I'm the Earthian delegate." He informed. Vegeta mused.
"They call themselves a democracy. Morons." Vegeta spat. The man laughed,
"Yea" the stranger nodded, "They have this all planned out. If her highness Serenity takes the throne and you stay here, you loose your land. If she leaves with you, you loose your place in the Silver alliance."
"Observant" Vegeta mocked. The man raised his brows at him as if to say 'watch it'.
"You could always live separately," he suggested, but then paused, "but what husband would accept being separated from his wife," Vegeta said nothing to that. Yes, the thought had crossed his mind, and he'd dismissed it just as quickly.
"Who would have thought it would actually happen," The man said, though more so to himself. "The Queen I mean. We all knew what a fool she was, but she'd lived that way for so long. I just hope lady Serenity's luck will last longer than her mothers-"
"She doesn't need your human luck," Vegeta hissed. The man awoke from his thoughts and stared up at Vegeta. His eyes narrows, their midnight blue disappearing into black slits,
"Because she has you?" He inquired. Vegeta blinked with astonishment, his mouth falling dry for a moment as he processed the stranger's words.
"She takes fine care of herself," He spit out, nodding as if to ensure himself he was right. Now the stranger smirked in a very knowing fashion.
"Yes," he said, "she is quite beautiful. I've never met a woman quite like her." Vegeta said nothing to that. He didn't even look down. 'Woman huh?' He'd never considered Serenity a woman. To him, she was just a child. "Sure, she has her moments," the man continued, "In fact she can be quite embarrassing," He laughed, folding his arms over his armored chest, shaking his head with a smile as if he were recollecting something. Vegeta wasn't sure if he was okay with that. "But there's just something that clicks about her-"
"Who are you?" Vegeta demanded. In the man's rant, Vegeta had walked down the steps and rounded the corner. This guy was quite a bit taller than him, with healthy tanned skin, a chiseled jaw and pure muscle seeping through his uniform. Not bad for a human.
"I told you," He insisted, "I am the Earthian Delegate-"
"You're name fool." Vegeta snapped.
"That is the third time you have cut me off so abruptly highness," The man said, his voice falling low and brows rising with irritation.
"My patience grows weary." Vegeta stated, holding back the temptation to make his statement a warning.
"I am Endymion," he finally said, "Prince of Earth, Son of the Goddess Geia." Vegeta huffed, unimpressed, "Oh," Endymion added, "And I'm Serenity's…original fiancé."
…
After regaining his composer and shaking off that flabbergasted expression, Vegeta must have followed that man around for an hour or more. Endymion laughed the whole time, hurrying away and waving off people with courtesy. It was as if he was taunting Vegeta!
Eventually, he stopped; dead in his tracks. He turned around; eyes scanning the area to make sure no one were around. Vegeta practically flew at him, hand fisted and his face twisted with anger,
"You bastard, I'll rip you to pieces!" Vegeta threatened.
"So what it is you want to know that's made you follow me around this long?" Endymion asked. He wasn't laughing anymore. He was just standing there, eyes slightly narrowed as he patiently waited for a reply. But it never came. Vegeta stared at him with bewilderment. What had he been after all this time? He growled to himself. What was wrong with him lately? He had just wasted over an hour of his time for nothing. A piece of his life vanished out of stupidity. How much time had he really spent wasting away his life lately? He truly didn't know.
"If we were two ordinary men," Endymion suddenly said. He stared down at Vegeta, eyes glazed of emotions as he spoke, "If you and I had no politics or social icons to think of, then there would be a reckoning." Endymion pulled from his armor a piece of paper, and placed it in Vegeta's possession. "I'm sure you wouldn't want another man to have this." He said. And with a whirl of his cape, he began to walk away.
Vegeta looked at the paper in his palm, sizing up the picture. It was Serenity, probably a year or two younger than what she was now. Possibly right before she was stolen by his father.
Endymion had is reputation to think of. He was his nation's icon of peace. He was a symbol in this galaxy that would judge all other human beings. Honestly, if he and Endymion were to get in a brawl, it would be nothing to Vegeta. In Vegeta's culture, it would be perfectly fine; and society would accept it. Endymion on the other hand had many more responsibilities on his plate.
"Human!" Vegeta called out. The man stopped at the end of the hallway, "Endymion," he corrected. His hair swayed as he turned and he stood tall, holding a deep sense of valor with him. Vegeta inhaled sharply,
"Do you love her?" he asked. Endymion blinked for a moment, but then smiled softly, giving Vegeta a humorous wink.
"This is not something you need to worry yourself over." Vegeta snapped at this.
"I'll ask you again, do you love her?" For a second time, Endymion merely smiled,
"If I were to love her, it would be a waste of my time…" he began.
Serenity had retreated to the stables after her visitor had left. It was odd being in her own clothes again. She looked around at the familiar oak, smiling at the horses that knew her all too well.
To be truthful, she had been avoiding everyone lately. Aunt Beryl, Luna and the rest of her political party had been nothing but a great big pain in her butt, urging her to make her decision, and begin her work as Queen. Her court worked hard to compensate for her absence, but with Mina emotionally drained and Rei being nothing but a hothead as of late, they didn't have the brain power they required. Serenity felt guilt for her behavior. She felt useless. She was leaving a heavy burden on her friends and family while she retreated into her own little world.
Honestly, she was okay now. Her mother was gone, and she was okay with that. Now, her kingdom needed a ruler.
That's why Endymion had paid her a visit today. He'd come to straighten her out.
Serenity couldn't leave her people. It was in her blood to rule. It was her responsibility and hers alone. They needed her, and she was the only one left to wield the Imperiam Silver Crystal. Thought its whereabouts were a mystery as of lately.
She also knew that Vegeta couldn't stay here. If he were to, they planet would be easily taken advantage of. In fact, if she dilly-dallied much longer, Freeza would learn of Vegeta's absence, and who knows what the bastard would do.
The question presented: Could Serenity leave Vegeta?
It would be logical. He was needed there, and she was needed here. They were two different people, from two different worlds. Vegeta wouldn't have to worry about losing his life line. Serenity would be the ruler of the Silver Alliance, and she would ensure Vegeta still had his place in it. But there was one problem. It was first presented by Radditz the day of Kakarotto's outburst. But it was made clear by Endymion today. A factor she had missed before, but would effect the final decision.
"Princess?" Serenity awoke from her thoughts, looking up only to find herself in a very familiar scene. She gave a lop-sided smile as Kakarotto climbed down from one of the stables, pushing his sleeves up, like he normally does.
"How are you?" She asked softly. The boy smiled warmly at her.
"I'm horrible." He said. Serenity blinked for a moment, surprised by how honest he was.
"But why?" she asked. Kakarotto stared down at her, his dark eyes giving no signs of an answer.
"Mina," he stated simply, "It's over." Serenity's head fell into a bow and she acknowledged this. To be honest, she had no idea what went on between them. No one did. This was quite unusual really, for Mina couldn't keep something to herself if her very life depended on it. But this, she'd never uttered a word about. She'd concealed her pain inside of her as everyone watched her sink lower and lower into her own world of self-pity. And they were helpless to stop it. "I know about the curse." Kakarotto said. Again, Serenity only made a small acknowledgment.
The curse. When the 3 daughter's of Selene were celebrating the 16th birthday of Aphrodite, an intruder arrived. Selenity, the youngest of the three, escaped the curse though, for she came down with a fever that day.
Aphrodite was put under a trance, and when Beryl attempted to save her little sister, the both of them were forever cursed to never have true love. It would slip through their fingers, no matter what they did. And though Beryl, the mature woman she'd always been, had never let this affect her; it had passed down to both of Aphrodite's children.
Serenity couldn't understand Mina's pain, but she respected it.
"I think it's a load of bull," Kakarotto spat. Serenity lifted her head, mouth wide open to defend her dear friend, but his shaky eyes bid her to hold her tongue as he spoke, "I don't care about all that." He said. He never cried. Kakarotto's hands fisted and his shoulders rose as fell as he shook, but he never cried. "I just want to be with her. That's all that matters to me" Serenity hesitated. What could she possibly say? Was there even an answer to give him at all? If she were him, what would she do?
Serenity didn't know.
"I'm sorry," She said. Her eyes were welling with tears. "You love her?" she asked. Her voice was breaking, which obviously surprised Kakarotto.
"Yes," he answered softly. He leaned down, staring at her with questioning eyes.
"Are you okay?"
"No," Serenity said truthfully. "I don't want to see Mina in pain like this." Kakarotto huffed to himself.
"It's more than that," he said. Serenity could have kicked him, for he was right. "and I'm sorry I can not help you." Serenity murmured a thank you, rubbing her nose and blinking away any unshed tears. Kakarotto stepped away from her and headed toward the door. He seemed tense and uneasy. He stopped for a moment, staring out at the palace,
"I'm not going to just give up." He stated sternly, "I don't care about some stupid curse. I'm strong enough, I can handle it." Serenity shook her head with dismay. No, he'd only be hurting Mina more. "I don't need to hear it Serenity!" Kakarotto snapped. Shocked, the young blonde's eyes went wide. Though, he'd probably heard it all before. He probably knew exactly what she was about to say.
"I know it's the right thing" he said, "but then again, its not. Either way she suffers," he turned to smile at Serenity, teary-eyed. "So why not just shoot for what we want. Sure, it hurts more, but ya never know," he said with a wide grin, "we might get lucky or something,"
Again, Serenity found herself crying. Her heart was warm as he spoke.
Love hurts. It's blind and makes people do crazy and utterly stupid things. It's probably the absolute worst thing that could happen to a person. That knowledge was universal.
But, it's also okay. If you loved someone, then that was it. No if's and's or but's.
It gets hard. People screw up, they get jealous, money gets tight, war comes, and its nature to not getting along with other people sometimes, no matter how close you are.
And sometimes, it doesn't work out.
But, if you're courteous and polite with the all powerful force called love, then it'll be okay in the end. Somehow, you just have to believe it'll be okay.
As Kakarotto left, Serenity called out her blessings to him. It was the least she could do.
As he left her view, Serenity's ears picked up on a large boom somewhere in the stables followed by some clatter. She turned to face the entrance, only to see Vegeta standing there. He was hunched over a little and panting heavily. He had run here, no doubt. How long had he been looking for her? His eyes were narrowed slightly as he stared up at her.
"Vegeta?" Serenity questioned, utterly surprised. She approached him and untied the bow from her hair, running it down his face to pick up some of the sweat. He seemed surprised by this and quickly stood tall. He was staring at her very intently. 'What is going on with him?' She wondered. He was towering over her, standing much too close for comfort. She took a step back, her face showing her uneasiness. "Hey…" she greeted nervously, studying him as if she were skeptical of his sanity.
And right now, he was too.
"I want a divorce!" he shouted. Like, literally shouted.
"What?" Serenity inquired. Maybe he had lost his mind! His voice sounded like a young boy struggling with puberty! His face was slightly red, and his body: stiff.
"You heard me!" he insisted. "Divorce," he repeated, his cheeks puffing with anger, "Now,"
Serenity exhaled sharply over and over again.
"No," she said. His face fell with disbelief for a moment, and then he huffed,
"What do you mean "no"?" he exclaimed.
"Exactly what I said: no!" She snapped with her hands fisted on her hips.
"If I want one, I don't need your permission!" He insisted triumphantly. Serenity queered a brow,
"Then why are you asking me?" she crossed her arms and smiled smugly at him. Vegeta merely huffed.
"You need to understand this," he said. His shoulders squared, and his eyes became firm. No more yelling and no more goofing around. "We are two different people. We stand for very different things. We do not belong together," His head lowered and his focus faded, as if he were speaking to himself. Birds still chirped outside with the whistle of the wind in the trees. But Serenity's heart thud heavily in her ears. And each time it beat, the world went deaf. The sun flooded in so clearly that the dust particles in the air glistened around them. "We do not love each other".
Serenity felt herself exhale heavily. She felt, heartbroken. 'Why?' Her mind screamed. After all the hell this whole ordeal had put her through, how could he just give it all up? She felt furious! Inside, her heart twisted. She felt tears wanting to rise. Her eyes began to water.
"Why..." she murmured softly. Vegeta's ears perked ever so slightly,
"What?"
"Bastard!" As if in a heartbeat, Serenity shouted as loud as her lungs would allow. And a moment later, her palm began to burn.
She looked up at Vegeta, horrified. She'd just slapped him, for the second time. Right across the face. On his cheek was a mark beginning to swell and redden. This time, she didn't think he'd be so lenient on her. 'Oh God…'
In that moment, Serenity prayed.
Oh boy did she pray. If she wasn't frozen in place she would have run for her life. But no. She couldn't even cower. She was trapped under a hateful glare. He was snarling violently. His eyes were dark and his muscles flexed. He raised both fists. Serenity watched as if it were all slow motion. They came down at her sides, slamming against the wall behind her. She could only yelp with fright as his weight forced her back and his hands banged deafeningly beside her head. They were embedded deep into the metal partitions. His chest thud against her and she found herself trapped between the wall and Vegeta's body. She whimpered, biting down on her lip.
"I am so sorry Vegeta." She pleaded.
"Sorry won't save you woman." He announced,
"You scared me!" she screamed. Serenity looked up at him with watery eyes, filled with furry. "I don't want you to leave! I don't want to give up!" she exclaimed. Vegeta was silent for a moment before a growl rumbled in his chest.
"You're not a child anymore." He said. Vegeta snatched her by the chin, lifting her eyes to look at him. "You are very much a woman," Serenity was taken completely aback by this, "Now are you mine?" he demanded. She hesitated. "Are you mine? Are you my woman? Do you want to be together?" His fist once again slammed against the wall "Bloody hell!" he hollered, turning away from her, and kicking the ground while ruffling his hair, as if it would scramble his thoughts back into place.
Behind him, Serenity's pounding heart began to calm. She slid down the wall to her ankles, her hand resting on her breast which rose heavily.
"I won't force you-"
"You're not." Vegeta shook his head. He turned, ever so casually, looking her straight in the eye with a calm stare. "We will stay married?" Serenity nodded, as did he. "And you are mine?" he asked. He waited this time. Waited intently. She nodded again.
Vegeta released a breath that only Serenity realized he was holding. He offered a hand and raised her to her feet. They began to leave the stables, Serenity following him a mere second behind.
It wasn't awkward, but rather: really strange. He'd wanted a divorce, and she found herself furious over it. She'd done something very stupid, but they say people do stupid things when they're in love…
She chose not to quote herself on that at the moment.
What kind of stupid things do people do? She always thought it meant embarrassing themselves in front of a crowd or something. Not saying and acting things that hurt the person you loved…
Love. Twice that word presented itself to her and not even 2 minutes had passed.
Her hand reached out, and grasped firmly onto his. He stared at it, and queered a brow, and for a moment she thought he would reprimand her. But instead, they just continued on, and she allowed him to lead her wherever it was he was going. Her hear beat heavily the whole way.
Eventually, that led to Serenity's room. She was thoroughly surprised when they entered the room together, for she had figured he'd leave to go do whatnot. It seemed as though he always had something to do; some kind of deal to make or problem to discuss. Their walk had progressed quite silently. Serenity moved to walk away, but Vegeta drew her back. She stared up at him with a dazed look as he leaned again the door. With one hand entwined with hers, he kept her at arm's length, and with the other hand, he locked the door. Endymion had really screwed him up in the head. He made him wonder what was right and what was wrong. But he also made him realize one thing: That right and wrong didn't matter. All that mattered was…
"We'll work it out one way or another," he stated, quite randomly. She stared at him with inquiry. "It doesn't matter how the hell we do it." He said firmly. Serenity nodded softly. There were a million options. And if it meant trying them all, then so be it. Serenity smiled inside. Endymion had made her realize that.
The night had progressed quite silently. They set out their night clothes, and did all the ritual things they usually did. Vegeta had been acting quite funny though. Serenity had asked him over and over again what on Earth was on his mind, but he'd brushed her off. Told her not to worry about it.
Darkness had fallen, and Serenity headed to the bathroom.
"Serenity!" The young blonde turned curiously. Vegeta had a strange look on his face, as if he were uncertain about something.
"Yes?" she asked.
"Did you," he began. But he was hesitating, debating the question,
"Yes?" she encouraged.
"Did you want children?" he asked. Serenity wasn't sure if she'd gasped or not, but she sure knew she was blushing bright red. She immediately looked to the floor. "Like an heir I mean," he spat out. She heard him grunt with frustration, "Never mind. Forget I asked-"
"Yes," she said, cutting him off. Vegeta looked up shyly.
They had to ask themselves, how weird did it really get after that?
Vegeta had shivered as Serenity's soft hands pealed off his undershirt.
She'd removed his gloves in the same innocent and nervous fashion.
She'd been far to scared to remove his slacks, but he managed that just fine.
She'd blushed profusely, trying to divert her virgin eyes from his body.
Vegeta's hands shook at first. He'd trying to reach around her and undo her dress, but failed. She reached to do it herself, but he stopped.
Leaning his forehead against hers, he took a long, deep breath.
He became gentle as the night wind. And her dress fell to her feet. His hands remained on her waist, far to embarrassed to touch anywhere else.
He'd never felt so eager for anything in his life. All of that shit about not being good enough. About saving himself for perfection was gone. Because, what could get more perfect that Serenity?
They found themselves standing nude before one another. Vegeta looped an arm around her and cradled her against him, lifting her up princess-style. He laid her on the bed, and drew back the canopy. Laying over her, he leaned on his elbows. She was shaking a bit. Her hands reached up to touch his face softly. He turned and kissed her finger tips. Her soft hands fell against his neck and he felt his chest brush hers. They both felt a soft, but sudden jolt.
With a large gulp, he leaned down. She tried to responded, but their lips never met. They both hesitated.
Vegeta groaned to himself, rolling off to the side. He knew this wasn't about simply pleasing himself. And he also knew this wasn't about simply producing an heir. He wanted this because…because of her.
"I'm sorry," Serenity whispered. Vegeta looked down at her, only to find her crying. He looked away quickly,
"Don't do that," came his growl "It's not time yet." He said. Lifting the bed sheets, he turned to her. And without asking, pressing their bodies together. "You know I always get what I want." He said. Her head rested against the crook of his neck, and then finally relaxed.
"I know," Serenity said softly. This was so strange for the both of them. But that night, they found contentment in lying in one another's arms.
Morning brought a knock at the door. Serenity whined, before finally sitting up, only to realize she wasn't wearing anything. Vegeta woke, reaching for her warmth and growing irritated when it wasn't there. He sat up as well to find Serenity drawing the sheets to her chest. She blushed brightly under his gaze as he studied her body in the light.
Another knock came at the door. Serenity perked, mouth open to respond, but Vegeta clamped it shut.
"The door is locked," he whispered. "Ignore it." Serenity looked at him with astonishment, but nodded. They plopped back down on the bed, and soon, Serenity found herself giggling. She muffled it against his chest, finding it harder and harder to contain with every knock. "You'd think they'd get the hint" Vegeta sneered.
"Vegeta! Serenity! Open this door or I swear I'll break it down!" They both looked at one another, slightly confused and a bit discouraged. It was her Aunt's voice, and she sounded rather angry. "5 seconds Serenity!" she bellowed. "4"
"Shit," Vegeta spat, leaping off the bed to snatch his clothes. "3" he slipped on the blanket, falling on his rear end "2" he snatched up their clothes, bringing them to Serenity to try and sort them, "1".
And Beryl did as promised. Vegeta's eyes rolled as the locked busted open with a blast from Beryl's hands. Behind her was a little crowd of councilors, who all gasped. Vegeta growled, holding the blanket up to Serenity and standing in front of her possessively.
Beryl's arm flew into the air and she sighed with exasperation. "You've slept in, again" she snapped. Turning away she closed the door on the councilors.
"Out woman," Vegeta snarled.
"Oh poor baby," The fiery woman mocked, "embarrassed that I can see you hinny?" This only furthered Vegeta's growls and hisses. "Please" the queen said with the roll of the eyes. This bull shit cannot go on any longer," she said, pacing around the bed with her arms crossed over her chest. "I need an answer from you two. Serenity, are you or are you not going to take this throne?" she demanded. Vegeta felt her hands shake and grip into his biceps.
"Yes, I am" she said quietly. Beryl nodded.
"Good," she concluded, "Vegeta. Freeza knows you're no longer on your home planet. And he knows about the death of Serenity's mother." He approached him, stared boldly at them both, "I don't know what ties you have with that beast but it ends. That creature with not be shedding blood under the name of the Silver alliance." Vegeta snarled, teeth flashing,
"It is none of your concern-"
"He is an abomination!" Beryl cried. Serenity sighed heavily,
"I agree," she said, looking at Vegeta with pleading eyes, "He killed your father Vegeta. I saw it happen! You can't just-" Serenity yelped as Vegeta tossed her back against the bed and pushed his way past Beryl. He pulled on his pants, turning to them both as Beryl pulled her niece back up.
"Mind yourself," he said with a finger pointed at his wife. "You, girl-"
"Go fuck yourself Vegeta," Serenity snapped. Taken so back, Vegeta did nothing as Serenity pulled her dress over her head and left the room. Beryl awoke him from his astonishment with an amused laugh.
"Well," she said, "I think we solved our problem!" And with that, she left, her mocking laughter echoing down the halls.
Thoughts?