Hey people! I'm back again, lol. I know I was greatly missed, no need to tell me. I hope you guys like the story so far, it seems like the more chapters I write, the longer they get. Unfortunately my computer has died on me and so I am forced to use this laptop. But it's pretty nifty so I'm not complaining. I've also got some interesting news, I've recruited my friend to draw me a picture of my samurai version of Vegeta. Hopefully he'll be up to the task I've laid before him…or else (DUM DUM DUM!). But I do have some bad news for you Yamcha lovers, I've decided to make him a 'bad guy' in my story cause its more interesting that way :-P. I know that I portrayed him as sort of a knight in shining armor in the earlier chaps but I changed my mind, hopefully Im making the right decision:-P. Ok enuff of this on with the story. Don't forget to R&R!
K-chan
Bulma entered the Kitchen in a happy mood, smiling to herself about her encounter with Vegeta.
"And why are you so happy Mariko?" asked ChiChi as she watched her friend walk into the room grinning. Bulma blushed and turned away, pretending to be interested in the floor tiles.
"Oh nothing Chi-meno," said Bulma catching herself from saying Chi Chi's real name. Even after a month of living here she still had trouble with their aliases. Chi Chi shot Bulma a warning look, glancing around to see if anyone noticed Bulma's slip up. Then she grabbed the young blue haired maiden and dragged her into a corner so no one would hear.
"Bulma, how many times do I have to tell you? You must call me Umeno at all times, do you understand?" whispered Chi Chi looking hard into Bulma's eyes. Bulma rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"For how long Chi? How long will we be forced to live this lie?" hissed Bulma,"I don't see why we just can't tell at least Vegeta and Goku who we really are". Chi Chi glanced around again, fearing that someone might over hear their conversation. When she found no one, she turned back to Bulma and whispered in a dangerous tone,
"Because they will kill us, that's why!" and with that Chi Chi walked away.
Bulma recoiled as if she had just been slapped. Does she truly think that Vegeta and Goku would kill them? Bulma thought to herself as she stared in shock at ChiChi's retreating figure. Over the past few weeks, Bulma had gotten closer to the two saiyans and had even formed a friendship with them, although Vegeta may never admit it. Since Goku spend the majority of his time in the Kitchen with ChiChi, she got to know the young saiyan and chuckled at his never ending appetite. But she could see that he had a good heart and was very much in with ChiChi, as was ChiChi with Goku. So why did she still have misgivings about telling them their real identities?
Bulma began to walk away from the kitchen, her mind wandering through the memories she had of her old home, and her experiences at the castle. And she came to a startling conclusion that ever since she had started to spend time with Goku and Vegeta, she never once thought about revenge. I'm changing more than I thought Bulma chuckled to herself. Bulma walked past Vegeta's room and suddenly smiled as she remembered the day she had spied on him training.
(flashback)
Vegeta's sword danced wildly around him as he charged at his invisible enemy. Bulma could see the intensity in his eyes as he continued to fight his invisible foe. This was the first time Bulma had ever seen Vegeta without his eyes covered since the first day she had met him. The young woman watched the prince in awe, as he did seemingly impossible aerobatics and moved with such speed and skill it took her breath away. Sweat soon began to drop from his temple but he paid no attention to it. He's a formidable fighter thought Bulma thought to herself. Suddenly Vegeta paused his deadly assault and bowed to his imaginary opponent and sheathed his sword. Just as Bulma was about to leave, the prince called out to her.
"Have you seen enough woman?" asked the Prince turning to her direction. Bulma jumped in surprise, her heart thumping loudly in her ears. He knew I was here the whole time? thought Bulma frantically, her face turning beat red. so much for stealth bulma she thought chiding herself. The Prince smirked at her silence.
"Do you happen to have a towel in that bundle you have?" inquired Vegeta stepping in Bulma direction. Bulma glanced down at her basket full of towels, forgetting she had them in her hands.
"Um yes I do actually…how did you know?" asked Bulma puzzled.
"I know everything woman, now give me a towel," said Vegeta. Bulma rolled his eyes at his comment and walked over to the Prince. Instead of handing him the towel, she took the towel and began to wipe his face herself.
"Woman, what in Kami's name-"
"Shhhh!" said Bulma ignoring Vegeta's protests, "I want to help you Mr. Know-It-All so hush." Vegeta growled in annoyance but stopped struggling away from her touch. Then Vegeta unexpectedly grabbed Bulma's hand and lowered it from his face. Bulma's heart began to race at his touch, her face blushing again. Vegeta pulled her closer to him and raised his hand as if to touch her face but instantly dropped it as he heard the approaching footsteps of Goku. Vegeta bent down and whispered in her ear, "Next time you want to spy on me Woman, try to be more quiet. I heard you half way down the hall." And with that he stepped away from her just as Goku came into view.
(end flashback)
Bulma touched her wrist where Vegeta had held her and blushed again. Vegeta would never hurt me…would he? thought Bulma to herself. Suddenly Bulma's thoughts were interrupted by a stranger's voice.
"Well hello Mariko," said a man's voice. Bulma jumped and looked up to see a young samurai leaning casually against a pillar in the hallway. He wore a red kimono which brought out his raven eyes. His hair stood up in small spikes and he had a curious scar on his right eye. She stared at him in surprise, not even noticing that he was there.
"Um hello my lord," said Bulma awkwardly bowing to the young man. The young samurai walked closer to Bulma. As Bulma studied the young man, there was something about the look in his eyes that unsettled her.
"Um can I help you?" asked Bulma, unconsciously backing away from him. The man smiled, but it did not reach his eyes.
"It's been a while since I've seen you, Mariko. Last time we met, you were still unconscious as I pulled you from the flames," said the young man,"I'm glad to see that you are doing well". Bulma's eyes widened as realization flooded her; This was the man who saved her and Chi Chi, this was Lord Yamcha! Bulma hastily bowed to the ground, embarrassed at not recognizing her savior.
"I apologise Lord Yamcha I... I didn't realize…"
"It's quite alright Mariko," said Yamcha raising Bulma up from her bowing. Yamcha stepped closer to Bulma and softly whispered in her ear,
"I've been watching you for the past few weeks Mariko and I must say that you are simply captivating". Bulma jumped in surprise, feeling her face grow hot with embarrassment.
"What? What are you talking about?" asked Bulma utterly shocked by what she had just heard. Yamcha smiled with an arrogance that almost reminded her of Vegeta. Almost.
"I want you to be mine Mariko," commanded Yamcha. Bulma stared at the young saiyan as if he had just sprouted another head.
"Excuse me? Who the hell do you think you are? You don't even know me!" screamed Bulma, angry at the audacity of Yamcha. Lord Yamcha smiled again, but this time more menacingly. Bulma sensed a change in him, as his eyes seemed to grow more cold and merciless. Fear slowly began to creep up the young woman's spine.
Who is he and what happened to the Yamcha that ChiChi told me about? Bulma thought to herself.
"I don't think you understand me dear. I saved you when you were trapped in the Buruma castle while it was burning to the ground, so now you belong to me," said Yamcha his cold eyes flashing with anger. Bulma bristled with anger at the thought of being "owned" by someone. She was head of the Buruma clan, and she refused to accept this.
"And if I don't comply with your little plan, what then," hissed Bulma glaring at the man in front of her.
"If you do not cooperate my sweet, I will be forced to tell everyone about your little secret…I think Vegeta would love to hear it," said Lord Yamcha with a harsh laugh. Bulma's heart froze as his words reached her ears and she began to imagine what would happen if Yamcha was true to his promise. She would be dead. And Vegeta…she didn't want to think about what Vegeta would do. She couldn't allow this to happen. Her life was on the line, and he knew it.
What am I going to do now? thought Bulma in fear. Yamcha opened his mouth to say something but he suddenly closed it as he watched someone approach them from down the hall. Bulma turned to see none other than the Prince Vegeta.
"Are you done yet Kakkarott? I haven't got all day you know," growled Vegeta in annoyance as Goku finished up the last of ChiChi's cookies.
It was bad enough I had to ask for help from him, now I have to wait for him to finish stuffing his face full of cookies! If I wasn't sure that there wasn't anyone else I could go to I would have left a long time ago. There's only so much a saiyan can take… thought Vegeta to himself.
"Ok I'm done," said Goku grinning and patting his full stomach. Vegeta begrudgingly sat down next to Goku, and waited for him to begin describing.
"So…what did you want me to do again?" asked Goku perplexed. Vegeta's eye twitched as he tried with all his might to surpress his anger.
"Describe…Mariko…to…me" hissed Vegeta, his anger building with each word.
"Oooooh yeah! I remember now! Ok where should I start. Hmm…" Goku looked up pensively.
"WOULD YOU GET ON WITH THIS ALREADY DAMNIT!" screamed Vegeta swinging at Goku with the sheath of his sword. Goku jumped in surprise and scooted a few inches away from the angry Prince.
"Ok ok, sheesh," said Goku, "Well to begin with she has the oddest color hair I've ever seen! It's blue, hah isn't that amazing? Umeno's hair is chestnut brown, which reminds me of chocolate. She's as sweet as chocolate too!" said Goku cheerfully.
"I didn't ask for a description of that harpy kitchen maid Kakkarott!" growled Vegeta.
"Oh right, sorry about that. Umm let's see what else, well she has blue eyes and she's kinda short. Perfect for you Geta!" said Goku teasingly, "Yeah that's pretty much it. She's a beautiful, smart young woman and from what I heard she's not too bad with a sword. Or so Umeno tells me. Is that good enough for you oh mighty prince?" laughed Goku. Vegeta stayed silent as he slowly digested the information Goku had given him. Blue Hair? That's odd…the only people he had seen with Blue Hair were the people who lived high in the mountains, and even there it is considered rare. Who is Mariko, and how does a supposedly blue haired beauty end up a lowly servant in his father's castle? The only women servants he'd seen were either so poor and misfortunate that their family sold them or they were old widows who could not afford to support themselves any more. What was so different about her? Why is it that can never seem to get her out of my thoughts? Vegeta thought to himself. But despite his skepticism he couldn't help but imagine the blue hair women whom Goku described to him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than he thought. But he didn't know what it was about her that seemed to draw him to her, like a moth to the flame.
Damn my useless eyes! thought Vegeta angrily, lifting his hands to his sightless eyes.
"Vegeta you ok? I didn't surprise you too much did I?" asked Goku as he watched Vegeta put his hands over his eyes. Vegeta tilted his head in Goku's direction.
"I'm fine Kakkarott, now if you don't mind I'm going back to my room. I'm done wasting time out here,"snapped Vegeta rising swiftly from the ground. After standing still to study his surrounding, Vegeta turned to the direction of the castle's courtyard entrance and headed towards it. Goku soon followed after him, making sure Vegeta stayed clear of the numerous columns that lined the corridors of the Royal Castle. Once the pair had entered the castle once again Vegeta paused.
"I don't need your help anymore Kakkarott," said Vegeta in an annoyed voice.
"Oh I know Geta, I was just…um…on my way to check on Umeno," lied Goku. Vegeta didn't respond to Goku's comment, and continued on the corridor when he heard a familiar voice. A voice which belonged to the single person in the whole world he hated with all his heart. Yamcha. The orphan whom his father took in and treated like his own son. The orphan who threatened his ascension to the throne.
Vegeta stiffened as another voice floated past his ears. It was Mariko. Her voice sounded strained and nervous as if she didn't like what Yamcha was saying to her. Although he couldn't make out what they were saying, he had a bad feeling about the conversation. Vegeta, suddenly overwhelmed with an intense desire to protect Mariko, stormed down the corridor where the two were. Goku, confused at what was happening, tagged along besides Vegeta.
"Uh Geta, I don't think its such a good idea for you to go this way…um…cause you know…yamcha is down there and-"
"Don't say that bastards name in my presense,"growled Vegeta as he heard their voices grow nearer. Suddenly the conversation stopped and an uneasy silence hung in the air. Vegeta reached out for Bulma's shoulder and stepped out in front of her.
"What the hell are you doing here!" spat Vegeta. Tension began to build between the two men as they stood facing one another. Bulma backed away, frightened to see Vegeta so angry.
"They are always like this," whispered Goku who was standing behind the frightened blue haired maiden. Bulma turned around to face him, surprised by his words.
"Why is that?" asked Bulma as she watched the two men stand in silence, their anger almost sending sparks through the air.
"Because a Pathetic Imposter!" hissed Vegeta answering Bulma's question, clenching his fists at his sides. Yamcha growled at the Prince.
"No, its because you are a jealous, arrogant, heartless wretch," spat Yamcha, his eyes flashing with rage. Vegeta took a step forward and placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"One more comment like that dog face and I guarantee it will be your last," said Vegeta in a dangerously low voice. (a/n: yes yes I know, I watch too much inuyasha but I can't help it!) Yamcha smirked and cracked his knuckles.
"It's hard to attack what you can't see," said Yamcha sarcastically, smiling as Vegeta's face quickly turned into a scowl.
"THAT IS ENOUGH!" shouted a voice, interrupting the two bickering saiyans. Everyone looked up to see the imposing figure of Lord Bardock standing in the hallway entrance. His dark grey kimono and his spikey hair made him seem more like a demon than a man. The brightly lit hallway seemed to grow darker as Lord Bardock made his way to the group. Everyone immediately bowed in respect to the King's advisor. All except Vegeta, of course. Bardock twitched in annoyance but said nothing. He will be taken care of later Bardock thought smugly to himself. He briefly smiled in his son's direction and turned to Yamcha, who was currently glaring daggers into the Prince of Saiyans. Good, if he hates the Prince, it will make the task I give to him much easier Thought Bardock, and then he spoke to Yamcha, ignoring the seething Vegeta.
"I need to speak with you immediately Yamcha, please come with me." Yamcha nodded his head and began to follow Bardock down the hallway. Before Yamcha turned down the corner, Yamcha stopped and called back to Bulma,
"We will finish our conversation another time Lady Mariko." And with that Yamcha disappeared down the corridor. Bulma shuddered in fear and disgust as she thought about having to talk to him again. Even being near him gave her the creeps.
"Woman," said Vegeta spinning around to face Bulma's direction,"You are to stay away from him, you understand?". Bulma managed to say a small yes, her voice still dry from her encounter with her so called rescuer. With that Vegeta stormed passed Bulma, not caring who or what he ran into. Goku watched Vegeta's retreating figure and shook his head.
"We're in for it now Mariko"
