Blood Pact

Chapter Twelve

Zetell was sitting outside under the shade of a large oak tree. It had been a stressful day, thanks to Vegeta and his ranting.

The communication device was going slow. She could not make him understand that there were thousands of wires and chips that were necessary to make sure it worked. He expected it to be finished much sooner.

She had explained to him that its completion was yet months away. So, Vegeta had thrown what she considered another tantrum, blowing up half of her cabin. Zetell was furious, and made the mistake of challenging him.

Once outside, the fight began. Zetell was inexperienced as a fighter barely managing to hold her own with the Saiyan Prince. Yet, he held back, wanting to see what she was capable of.

Nappa stood off in the distance, watching.

After several hours of relentless torture, Zetell gave up. She landed on the ground below, holding up her hands. "I give up." She said breathlessly.

Vegeta smiled. "You actually handled yourself fairly well….for a woman." He said. "Perhaps, with some practice you could actually be a decent Saiyan."

Zetell was surprised. Vegeta had never even given her a crumb of a compliment before. She found herself smiling, exasperated. "And how do I get more practice?"

"With me of course." Vegeta answered. "Nappa is strong, but sloppy. He could teach no one."

Zetell nodded. "I figured as much." She said.

Vegeta raised an eyebrow. "You have paid more attention than I gave you credit for."

She straightened, trying to stop the cramp that was working it's way up her back. "Well, I know he's not the sharpest knife in the drawer to say the least."

Zetell was astonished to actually see Vegeta smile. Not smirk, but smile. Then he shook his head slightly. "You surprise me sometimes, woman."

"The name is Zetell." She said, also smiling. "Try saying it a few times…" She let her tail swish behind her as she spoke.

Before Vegeta could respond further, Zetell went inside her cabin. Well, what was left of it.

Vegeta stayed outside.

For a couple of hours, Zetell tried to straighten up her home. Soon, she realized it was useless. One good rain and everything she owned would be ruined. She decided to pack up her meager possessions and suggest a move to Vegeta.

So much time had passed that Talia finally came to a difficult realization.

Vegeta was not coming back.

However he had managed it, Frieza had destroyed her brother. Making sure that she was alone.

Adedda had somewhat taken Vegeta's place. She was now the one that Talia turned to for comfort and help. During the last few months, Talia had managed to become more obedient to Frieza, which meant she spent less time in confinement.

Yet, there were those times when Frieza would simply not be pleased. Talia could not help but reject his mere touch, which infuriated the ruler. She received so many beatings that now the pain was not as hurtful. Even the darkness of solitary confinement was not as horrible. She learned to enjoy her solitude.

Talia was growing older. More mature. This was of a great concern to her, as it did not escape Frieza's attention. As the months passed, her birthday came and went. She had received a huge party and many gifts from Lord Frieza. It had been a difficult time, knowing the true reason for his celebration of her birthday.

When it was over, she buried her face in her pillow and cried.

Vegeta had managed to pass the time with Zetell. When she wasn't working on the communication device, she was allowing Vegeta to train her.

It was not easy. He was overbearing and harsh. Never admitting any improvement on her part, only criticizing.

But, Zetell had spent a lot of time watching Vegeta. She knew he was moody, prone to violent outbursts.

Yet, she also saw another side to him. One that he did not realize was there.

His sadness.

He was still a young man, yet his face seemed to have aged a great deal. The guilt he felt for his sister was evident. At night, Zetell would see Vegeta sneak away to the seclusion of the trees. She wasn't sure what he did, but she knew he was in pain. On one such occasion, she made the mistake of following him.

"Let me help you." She had told him.

Vegeta was angered that she saw him as weak. He slapped her into a tree and left. Never saying a word to her.

Zetell did not follow him again. She let him have his time alone.

Vegeta had agreed on the move. They flew together through out the houses that were left, trying to find one that Vegeta considered suitable.

Of course he picked the largest and seemingly most expensive one. It was a beautiful ranch style home with a working fireplace, furniture and several bedrooms.

"This will do." He had said.

"Try and not lose your temper in this one." Zetell said teasingly. "Otherwise, I will put you outside."

"Just try it woman." He said.

Zetell laughed, her green eyes watching Vegeta's movement. He walked through the house as if he were truly royalty. Inspecting each room. Down the hallway, he was quick to take possession of the largest bedroom.

"Don't you think I should get first choice since you destroyed my cabin?" Zetell told him.

Vegeta smirked. "Not in this lifetime." He took several of the frilly pillows from the bed and threw them at Zetell. "Here, take these frills from my sight."

"Of course…you are way to macho for frilly girlie things." Zetell told him. "I'll just take these to my room…" she shook her head and walked across the hall.

The room she chose was large, but not in comparison to Vegeta's. However, it would have a wonderful view of the rising sun each morning. For her, it was fine.

Nappa was furious that all these decisions had been made without speaking with him. But, Vegeta was quick to remind him who was in charge.

This in itself did little to calm Nappa's temper, which was on a slow boil.

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