Authors Note: Yessss Marron and Yamcha have found Bulma at last! Now, Yamcha seemed to be acting a little weird in the last chapter, whats going on? And I wonder how he knew about where Nappa was? And Eighteen; well, she gave Krillin a kiss on the head, whats going on there? Chi Chi and Goku seem to be bonding; or is Chi Chi still just playing with him? All will be revealed eventually heh heh.. Just felt like giving a little recap ^__^. Now, I know I haven't updated for over a month, but I'm really sorry, I have been so busy at school- I've had so many exams lately, and assignments, which I had to do, and study for, which are thankfully done now, so I can come online again. I know I shouldn't make excuses but its the truth- schools a bitch lol. Anyway, I have got so many ideas for the next chapters, I have them all saved, how I can refer back. But, I can tell you know, wooo boy, its going to get really exciting! I have 2 whole weeks on holidays, so I'm going to try and get as much done as I can. Anyway, Wind, Desi Angel and Lilmissmymelody, I want to give you all a special thanks for sticking with my story, even though I don't always have the time to update heaps. You girls rock! And thanks to everyone else who reads my story- I feel so appreciated hehe ^_^. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter, its a real emotion charged chapter. Enjoy =D!
Chi Chi smiled as she walked into the motel room they would be staying in; it was actually quite nice. It had some nice paintings, pretty colourful curtains and it did NOT have a CLOSET; it had a chest of draws in each room, instead! Eighteen wanted a shower, so she put Goku in charge of watching Krillin and Chi Chi; she threatened Goku that she might do something rash if they got away. Goku gave her a nervous smile and agreed, and watched as Eighteen retreated into the bathroom. He then turned his attention to Chi Chi and Krillin, who were chatting to themselves by a window. "Hey guys," he said, as he walked towards them. Chi Chi and Krillin both stared at him with un-certainty, but Krillin broke the silence. "Hey man, did you like dinner," Krillin asked him in a half casual and half serious voice.
"Did I ever! It was great! I hadn't eaten for so long, I didn't know what to do. I almost took Eighteen up on her offer to eat dirt, but decided not to. I haven't eaten a meal that good for a long time. Not since back at home with my Gramps," Gokus voice trailed off, as he turned and faced out the window.
"You used to live with your Grandfather," Chi Chi asked him, curiosity in her voice.
"Yeah. That was a long time ago now though," Goku replied quietly, as he watched the lights in nearby buildings shine onto the road.
"Why did you move away from him? Because of the gang," Chi Chi pretty much answered her own question, as she spoke to Goku in a serious yet soft voice. Goku just nodded slowly, his gaze now moving to the floor. Chi Chi couldn't help but feel bad for him; it seemed like he really missed his Grandpa.
"I don't get it man. Why did you leave a happy home to come and join a gang," Krillin asked Goku in confusion.
"Because the Kold Lizard gang destroyed my home when I was a kid to get the dragonball my Grandpa had. My Grandpa tried to stop them; he fought them and wouldn't let me help him. He forced me to escape. Then they killed him," Gokus voice seemed very strained, a pained expression was now spread across his usually happy face. Chi Chi felt her heart jolt with sadness as she listened to his story; she had lost her own mother to a gang. But not the Kold Lizard gang…
"Goku," Chi Chi said softly, placing a hand on his arm. Goku stared down at her, his eyes filled with sadness.
"I want to avenge him. I want to get Freeza back for killing him. That's why I joined the gang. I knew that if I did, I'd get the chance to face Freeza. I don't like to kill innocent people, so I don't if I can help it. That's why I've always stayed in the lower class ranking in the Saiyan Vipers. The only people I will fight willingly with are the Kolds," Gokus voice seemed to harden as he told Chi Chi and Krillin this; he had just opened up to them, and it hurt him to relive it them; it also brought up some of his fierce hatred to Freeza. Chi Chi felt tears pricking in her eyes, as Gokus words resounded through her head.
"I lost my mother to the Saiyan Viper gang," Chi Chi said quietly, as she looked up into Gokus eyes. She saw a look of guilt swell up in Gokus eyes, and the tears in her eyes started to flow out freely.
"I don't blame you anymore Goku. Not at all," she said sincerely, wrapping her arms around Goku and pulling him into a warm embrace. Guilt swept over her as she remembered telling Bulma how she blamed all the Saiyans for the death of her mother. Now that she had heard Gokus story, it changed a lot of things. She sobbed into Gokus chest, releasing all the emotions she had kept pent up for so long. And Goku comforted her, stroking her hair as she clung to him tightly. Krillin watched on in shock, looking at Goku in a whole new light. For some reason, Krillin and Chi Chi both new they could trust him and his story. They now knew that he was not a bad person, but a man struck with a feeling of emptiness and pain. Chi Chi pulled away from Goku eventually, staring up at him with tear filled eyes. "Thanks for understanding," he said softly, ashamed he had ever hurt Chi Chi. Chi Chi knew how he felt, and she knew that he wanted to make it up to her.
"And thankyou for just being yourself," Chi Chi replied, stepping up on to her tiptoes and kissing him. Gokus was taken aback by this, but soon wrapped his arms around Chi Chis tiny frame and drew her closer, stroking her back as they kissed. Chi Chi had finally found someone she was content with; someone, who, despite it all, she could finally trust.
Bulma stared at Vegeta with confusion; he used to live in this peaceful, beautiful little town? It seemed really weird to her; she had always though he'd have lived in the Saiyan Viper headquarters his whole life, seeming as he was such a cold, egotistical man. "Man Vegeta, you lived here!? Where," Bulma asked Vegeta in interest, as she looked around her in wonder.
"There," he stated, pointing to the little cottage they where walking towards. Bulma took the time to inspect the little cottage more thoroughly and noticed that it seemed to be abandoned.
"No one lives there now," Bulma asked him, as she stared at the house.
"I don't know woman, I haven't lived there for a long time," Vegeta stated bluntly, as they stopped in front of the cottage. Vegeta walked up to the houses door and he opened it; it was unlocked; he then led her inside. Bulma gasped as she walked inside; it was such a nice little home. It had a rocking chair in front of a fireplace, an oak table and a china vase filled with flowers (well, they were dead flowers now). "Its really pretty Vegeta," Bulma exclaimed, as she traced her finger over the top of the dusty oak table.
"Quiet woman," Vegeta snapped angrily, as he sat down in one of the chairs around the table, a frown imprinted on his face. Bulma glared at him angrily, and sat down in the seat opposite him.
"What is your problem," she asked angrily, annoyed at his harsh manner.
"I don't feel like listening to your annoying voice right now woman. I have things to think about, so just shut up and sit still," Vegeta replied moodily, casting an angry look in Bulmas direction.
"Bastard," Bulma mumbled under her breath, standing from her seat, and deciding to look around. Vegeta, meanwhile, sat in his chair, in deep concentration, obviously pondering something important.
"Seems like he does have some brains in that thick head of his after all," Bulma said to herself, snickering at Vegetas deep thoughtful behaviour. Bulma sat herself down infront of the fireplace and watched as the fire flickered lazily infront of her. So pretty; yet so deadly, she thought, as she gazed at the orange flames. "Hang on a second! Who lit this fire," she said aloud, suddenly realizing that neither herself or Vegeta had done so.
"That would have been me," came a deep voice from behind her. Bulma spun around quickly and gasped to see a huge, balding man was standing in one of the cottages room's doorframes, a large grin plastered on his smug face.
"Nappa you fool, why didn't you come out when you heard us come in," Vegeta asked the huge man, his face still contorted in an angry scowl.
"Sorry Vegeta," the man, Nappa replied, a fearful expression now on his face. Vegeta just growled angrily, before motioning for Nappa to sit beside him. Vegeta then pulled Bulmas dragon radar from his pocket, and clicked it on.
"Judging from this, seems you haven't fulfilled your mission, fool. Freeza has all the other dragonballs, save the one I have. You failed to collect even one," Vegeta sneered, thrusting the dragon radar under Nappas nose. Nappa stared at the radar blankly, before barraging Vegeta with apologies.
"Shut up, idiot. I don't want to hear it. Our whole headquarters has been destroyed by that freak, Freeza, and ourselves, Kakarott, Radditz, and his whore, Eighteen, are the only Saiyan Vipers left," Vegeta told Nappa angrily. Nappa stared at Vegeta wide eyed, shaking his head in disbelief.
"How can that be? How did they find headquarters? What about the dragonballs," Nappa asked, his voice shaking.
"How the hell am I supposed to know? Just because my foolish father is dead, does not mean we still don't have to get the dragonballs. I'm in charge now, and I will wish for immortality, how I can beat Freeza. The woman knows all about the dragonballs, so she can help us there. That's why I've decided to keep her around. Keeping her as a hostage is otherwise useless; my useless fathers idea of using her as a bribe is not my style. I will fight Freeza myself, without some pathetic little scientists laser guns," Vegeta told Nappa, his voice now calmed. Bulma stared from Saiyan to Saiyan, her chest tightening with fear. If Vegeta becomes immortal... I don't even want to think about what could happen, Bulma thought, placing a shaky hand to her head. This is not good... I really wish Chi Chi was here... Or Yamcha. Her thoughts drifted away, Yamchas face clearly imprinted in her mind. "I really miss you Yamcha," Bulma whispered to herself, hugging her knees protectively to her chest.
Bulma was shaken from her thoughts when she heard the front door open creakily. She swung around, and gasped; Marron was standing there, staring back at her, a shocked expression creasing her perfect features. "Marron," Bulma shrieked, tears filling her eyes, as the two girls ran towards each other and embraced, collapsing to the floor in sobs.
"Bulma, are you okay? We've been so worried about you," Marron whimpered, as she hugged her friend tightly.
"Don't worry about me. How did you find this place," Bulma asked, sniffing her tears back and staring at her friend. Bulma and Marron had never been what people would call 'good friends', but right now, Bulma felt as though she had never been happier to see anyone in her whole life. During all her excitement, she forgot about Vegeta and Nappa, and didn't think too look back and see why they would have let Marron in.
"I didn't find you. There's someone here who you'll probably be happy to see. He found you," Marron replied, a smile now lighting up her teary face. Bulma looked up from her friend, and gasped, as she saw Yamcha standing in the doorway, staring at the two girls. She didn't seem to notice that Yamchas expression was not one of joy; it was a grim expression. Bulma looked at Marron, and Marron nodded reassuringly, before Bulma got up and threw her arms around Yamchas neck.
"I've missed you so much," Bulma cried, in a half sobbing, half overjoyed voice. Yamcha just stood there, his arms by his side, as his girlfriend hugged him, as though for dear life.
"Isn't this beautiful. I hate to break it up," Vegeta said loudly, and though Bulma wasn't looking at him, she knew he would have a huge smirk gracing his arrogant mug. Nappas loud, booming laugh followed after Vegetas speech, which made Bulma cringe inwardly. She looked up, and now noticed just how serious Yamchas expression was. Oh man. Don't tell me he came along unprepared! He should have gotten some weapons off dad, Bulma thought in a panic, turning around and seeing Vegeta and Nappa, both wearing identical smirks, staring at her.
"Yamcha. You came to rescue me, unprepared," Bulma asked, in an astonished voice.
Vegeta burst into laughter at this comment, and said, "Weakling! Sounds like you have some explaining to do. Tell your girlfriend why your really here. Tell her whose fault it is she got kidnapped."
Bulma, who felt as though someone had just wrenched her heart from her chest, gazed up at Yamcha with a shocked look on her face, and asked him, "What does he mean."
"I'm sorry Bulma. I didn't mean for it to happen this way. He was going to kill me! I didn't know he wanted you," Yamcha stuttered, staring at Bulma with a look of guilt and regret in his eyes. Bulma backed away, not wholly taking in the situation.
"What is that supposed to mean," Bulma stammered, backing away from him, her eyes starting to well up again, but not with tears of joy this time.
"I got into some shit with the Vipers. They were going to kill me. I said I'd do anything to redeem myself. So they told me to bring you and some friends out one night, letting them follow. I didn't know he was going to kidnap you Bulma. I really didn't! I was to scared, I didn't think," Yamcha told Bulma in a wavering voice.
"Yamcha.... WHY! WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU PUT ME IN DANGER! YOU COULD'VE TOLD ME! I COULD'VE BROUGHT PROTECTION," Bulma screamed hysterically, tears dripping from her face. She ignored Nappas loud laughter, and Marrons sobbing from the floor, next to her; right now, all she wanted to do was keel over and die.
"Whyy," Bulma repeated, thumping the guilt ridden Yamcha in the chest. Bulma eventually gave up her futile attempt to hurt him; he was too strong to feel it, though it still did bring her satisfaction for that brief time. The feeling of betrayal soon started to sink in, and Bulma crumpled to the floor, her eyes red from tears. She was angry, of course, but she was more broken hearted. She couldn't believe that the one she loved could be so careless when her life was involved.
"I'm sorry Bulma. I really didn't mean it," whispered Yamcha, though Bulma didn't seem to acknowledge him. The laughing Nappa walked over to Yamcha, and dragged him over to the table, forcing him down in an empty chair.
"I'll do anything, to make sure Bulma gets home safely," Yamcha told them in a sincere, pleading voice. Bulma didn't even want to listen to his voice right now; it only seemed to make the hurt in her chest grow worse, so she drew her knees to her chest once more, tears trickling down her red cheeks, as Marron stroked her hair gently.
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Footsteps echoed through a long, empty corridor. The echo seemed to go on forever, the sound bouncing off the dead quiet walls eerily. Eventually, the footsteps came to a halt, outside a large door. Nervous, fumbling fingers tapped in a code on a keypad that was next to the door, and the words 'access confirmed' echoed from a speaker. "You took your time, Zarbon," came a rasping, yet calm voice, as soon as the door opened. Zarbon stepped nervously into the room, jumping as the door slid closed behind him. "I... I'm.. Sorry, Lord Freeza," mumbled Zarbon nervously, as he walked towards his masters throne, which stood in front of a large window, facing outside, over a beautiful lake. The water in the lake was still; not a ripple on its surface, though the calmness and serenity of the lake didn't seem to calm Zarbons nerves in the least.
"Where are the Dragonballs," Freeza asked briskly, swirling a glass of wine in his hand idly.
"Well, Lord Freeza. We have all the Dragonballs... well, except..." Zarbons voice seemed to catch in his throat, the nerves becoming to much.
"Go on, Zarbon, except for what," Freeza asked impatiently, taking a sip from his wine.
"Except.. One of the dragonballs was missing. Vegeta must have it," Zarbon replied, eyeing Freeza nervously. Freeza sat, expressionless for a moment, before smashing his wine glass in his hand.
"Why are you telling me this, fool? You should be out there, looking for it," Freeza yelled angrily, scowling at Zarbon with disbelief.
"Ye... Yes, Lord Freeza, I'll go now," Zarbon said quickly, inching towards the door.
"I've had enough of your failures Zarbon. Its about time you were replaced," Freeza sneered evilly, a terrible glint in his eye. Zarbon stared at Freeza with a terrified expression, but even before he could plea for his life, he had been shot in the heart with a strong energy blast, and his body crumpled to the floor, lying in a bloody heap. "Dodoria," Freezas voice echoed through the now silent room, to someone who was hiding away in the shadows.
"Lo..Lord Freeza," Dodoria stuttered, fear laced through his voice.
"Let that be a warning to you. If you fail me, you can be replaced, just like that fool, Zarbon. Dodoria nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat.
"Go out, and find the last Dragonball. And don't make me do something... Something RASH," Freeza said coldly, his evil laugh echoing through the large room. Dodoria stared at Zarbons bloodied corpse, before quickly replying with a, "Yes, Lord Freeza."
"Oh, and one more thing, Dodoria," Freeza said, as he dropped the shards that remained of his wine glass too the floor.
"Yes, Lord Freeza," Dodoria replied.
"Do come and get someone to clean up this mess," Freeza said carelessly, pointing to the broken glass, then remembering about Zarbon, and pointing to his body.
"Of course," Dodoria replied, in a somewhat squeaky voice, before rushing out of Freezas room.
Chi Chi smiled as she walked into the motel room they would be staying in; it was actually quite nice. It had some nice paintings, pretty colourful curtains and it did NOT have a CLOSET; it had a chest of draws in each room, instead! Eighteen wanted a shower, so she put Goku in charge of watching Krillin and Chi Chi; she threatened Goku that she might do something rash if they got away. Goku gave her a nervous smile and agreed, and watched as Eighteen retreated into the bathroom. He then turned his attention to Chi Chi and Krillin, who were chatting to themselves by a window. "Hey guys," he said, as he walked towards them. Chi Chi and Krillin both stared at him with un-certainty, but Krillin broke the silence. "Hey man, did you like dinner," Krillin asked him in a half casual and half serious voice.
"Did I ever! It was great! I hadn't eaten for so long, I didn't know what to do. I almost took Eighteen up on her offer to eat dirt, but decided not to. I haven't eaten a meal that good for a long time. Not since back at home with my Gramps," Gokus voice trailed off, as he turned and faced out the window.
"You used to live with your Grandfather," Chi Chi asked him, curiosity in her voice.
"Yeah. That was a long time ago now though," Goku replied quietly, as he watched the lights in nearby buildings shine onto the road.
"Why did you move away from him? Because of the gang," Chi Chi pretty much answered her own question, as she spoke to Goku in a serious yet soft voice. Goku just nodded slowly, his gaze now moving to the floor. Chi Chi couldn't help but feel bad for him; it seemed like he really missed his Grandpa.
"I don't get it man. Why did you leave a happy home to come and join a gang," Krillin asked Goku in confusion.
"Because the Kold Lizard gang destroyed my home when I was a kid to get the dragonball my Grandpa had. My Grandpa tried to stop them; he fought them and wouldn't let me help him. He forced me to escape. Then they killed him," Gokus voice seemed very strained, a pained expression was now spread across his usually happy face. Chi Chi felt her heart jolt with sadness as she listened to his story; she had lost her own mother to a gang. But not the Kold Lizard gang…
"Goku," Chi Chi said softly, placing a hand on his arm. Goku stared down at her, his eyes filled with sadness.
"I want to avenge him. I want to get Freeza back for killing him. That's why I joined the gang. I knew that if I did, I'd get the chance to face Freeza. I don't like to kill innocent people, so I don't if I can help it. That's why I've always stayed in the lower class ranking in the Saiyan Vipers. The only people I will fight willingly with are the Kolds," Gokus voice seemed to harden as he told Chi Chi and Krillin this; he had just opened up to them, and it hurt him to relive it them; it also brought up some of his fierce hatred to Freeza. Chi Chi felt tears pricking in her eyes, as Gokus words resounded through her head.
"I lost my mother to the Saiyan Viper gang," Chi Chi said quietly, as she looked up into Gokus eyes. She saw a look of guilt swell up in Gokus eyes, and the tears in her eyes started to flow out freely.
"I don't blame you anymore Goku. Not at all," she said sincerely, wrapping her arms around Goku and pulling him into a warm embrace. Guilt swept over her as she remembered telling Bulma how she blamed all the Saiyans for the death of her mother. Now that she had heard Gokus story, it changed a lot of things. She sobbed into Gokus chest, releasing all the emotions she had kept pent up for so long. And Goku comforted her, stroking her hair as she clung to him tightly. Krillin watched on in shock, looking at Goku in a whole new light. For some reason, Krillin and Chi Chi both new they could trust him and his story. They now knew that he was not a bad person, but a man struck with a feeling of emptiness and pain. Chi Chi pulled away from Goku eventually, staring up at him with tear filled eyes. "Thanks for understanding," he said softly, ashamed he had ever hurt Chi Chi. Chi Chi knew how he felt, and she knew that he wanted to make it up to her.
"And thankyou for just being yourself," Chi Chi replied, stepping up on to her tiptoes and kissing him. Gokus was taken aback by this, but soon wrapped his arms around Chi Chis tiny frame and drew her closer, stroking her back as they kissed. Chi Chi had finally found someone she was content with; someone, who, despite it all, she could finally trust.
Bulma stared at Vegeta with confusion; he used to live in this peaceful, beautiful little town? It seemed really weird to her; she had always though he'd have lived in the Saiyan Viper headquarters his whole life, seeming as he was such a cold, egotistical man. "Man Vegeta, you lived here!? Where," Bulma asked Vegeta in interest, as she looked around her in wonder.
"There," he stated, pointing to the little cottage they where walking towards. Bulma took the time to inspect the little cottage more thoroughly and noticed that it seemed to be abandoned.
"No one lives there now," Bulma asked him, as she stared at the house.
"I don't know woman, I haven't lived there for a long time," Vegeta stated bluntly, as they stopped in front of the cottage. Vegeta walked up to the houses door and he opened it; it was unlocked; he then led her inside. Bulma gasped as she walked inside; it was such a nice little home. It had a rocking chair in front of a fireplace, an oak table and a china vase filled with flowers (well, they were dead flowers now). "Its really pretty Vegeta," Bulma exclaimed, as she traced her finger over the top of the dusty oak table.
"Quiet woman," Vegeta snapped angrily, as he sat down in one of the chairs around the table, a frown imprinted on his face. Bulma glared at him angrily, and sat down in the seat opposite him.
"What is your problem," she asked angrily, annoyed at his harsh manner.
"I don't feel like listening to your annoying voice right now woman. I have things to think about, so just shut up and sit still," Vegeta replied moodily, casting an angry look in Bulmas direction.
"Bastard," Bulma mumbled under her breath, standing from her seat, and deciding to look around. Vegeta, meanwhile, sat in his chair, in deep concentration, obviously pondering something important.
"Seems like he does have some brains in that thick head of his after all," Bulma said to herself, snickering at Vegetas deep thoughtful behaviour. Bulma sat herself down infront of the fireplace and watched as the fire flickered lazily infront of her. So pretty; yet so deadly, she thought, as she gazed at the orange flames. "Hang on a second! Who lit this fire," she said aloud, suddenly realizing that neither herself or Vegeta had done so.
"That would have been me," came a deep voice from behind her. Bulma spun around quickly and gasped to see a huge, balding man was standing in one of the cottages room's doorframes, a large grin plastered on his smug face.
"Nappa you fool, why didn't you come out when you heard us come in," Vegeta asked the huge man, his face still contorted in an angry scowl.
"Sorry Vegeta," the man, Nappa replied, a fearful expression now on his face. Vegeta just growled angrily, before motioning for Nappa to sit beside him. Vegeta then pulled Bulmas dragon radar from his pocket, and clicked it on.
"Judging from this, seems you haven't fulfilled your mission, fool. Freeza has all the other dragonballs, save the one I have. You failed to collect even one," Vegeta sneered, thrusting the dragon radar under Nappas nose. Nappa stared at the radar blankly, before barraging Vegeta with apologies.
"Shut up, idiot. I don't want to hear it. Our whole headquarters has been destroyed by that freak, Freeza, and ourselves, Kakarott, Radditz, and his whore, Eighteen, are the only Saiyan Vipers left," Vegeta told Nappa angrily. Nappa stared at Vegeta wide eyed, shaking his head in disbelief.
"How can that be? How did they find headquarters? What about the dragonballs," Nappa asked, his voice shaking.
"How the hell am I supposed to know? Just because my foolish father is dead, does not mean we still don't have to get the dragonballs. I'm in charge now, and I will wish for immortality, how I can beat Freeza. The woman knows all about the dragonballs, so she can help us there. That's why I've decided to keep her around. Keeping her as a hostage is otherwise useless; my useless fathers idea of using her as a bribe is not my style. I will fight Freeza myself, without some pathetic little scientists laser guns," Vegeta told Nappa, his voice now calmed. Bulma stared from Saiyan to Saiyan, her chest tightening with fear. If Vegeta becomes immortal... I don't even want to think about what could happen, Bulma thought, placing a shaky hand to her head. This is not good... I really wish Chi Chi was here... Or Yamcha. Her thoughts drifted away, Yamchas face clearly imprinted in her mind. "I really miss you Yamcha," Bulma whispered to herself, hugging her knees protectively to her chest.
Bulma was shaken from her thoughts when she heard the front door open creakily. She swung around, and gasped; Marron was standing there, staring back at her, a shocked expression creasing her perfect features. "Marron," Bulma shrieked, tears filling her eyes, as the two girls ran towards each other and embraced, collapsing to the floor in sobs.
"Bulma, are you okay? We've been so worried about you," Marron whimpered, as she hugged her friend tightly.
"Don't worry about me. How did you find this place," Bulma asked, sniffing her tears back and staring at her friend. Bulma and Marron had never been what people would call 'good friends', but right now, Bulma felt as though she had never been happier to see anyone in her whole life. During all her excitement, she forgot about Vegeta and Nappa, and didn't think too look back and see why they would have let Marron in.
"I didn't find you. There's someone here who you'll probably be happy to see. He found you," Marron replied, a smile now lighting up her teary face. Bulma looked up from her friend, and gasped, as she saw Yamcha standing in the doorway, staring at the two girls. She didn't seem to notice that Yamchas expression was not one of joy; it was a grim expression. Bulma looked at Marron, and Marron nodded reassuringly, before Bulma got up and threw her arms around Yamchas neck.
"I've missed you so much," Bulma cried, in a half sobbing, half overjoyed voice. Yamcha just stood there, his arms by his side, as his girlfriend hugged him, as though for dear life.
"Isn't this beautiful. I hate to break it up," Vegeta said loudly, and though Bulma wasn't looking at him, she knew he would have a huge smirk gracing his arrogant mug. Nappas loud, booming laugh followed after Vegetas speech, which made Bulma cringe inwardly. She looked up, and now noticed just how serious Yamchas expression was. Oh man. Don't tell me he came along unprepared! He should have gotten some weapons off dad, Bulma thought in a panic, turning around and seeing Vegeta and Nappa, both wearing identical smirks, staring at her.
"Yamcha. You came to rescue me, unprepared," Bulma asked, in an astonished voice.
Vegeta burst into laughter at this comment, and said, "Weakling! Sounds like you have some explaining to do. Tell your girlfriend why your really here. Tell her whose fault it is she got kidnapped."
Bulma, who felt as though someone had just wrenched her heart from her chest, gazed up at Yamcha with a shocked look on her face, and asked him, "What does he mean."
"I'm sorry Bulma. I didn't mean for it to happen this way. He was going to kill me! I didn't know he wanted you," Yamcha stuttered, staring at Bulma with a look of guilt and regret in his eyes. Bulma backed away, not wholly taking in the situation.
"What is that supposed to mean," Bulma stammered, backing away from him, her eyes starting to well up again, but not with tears of joy this time.
"I got into some shit with the Vipers. They were going to kill me. I said I'd do anything to redeem myself. So they told me to bring you and some friends out one night, letting them follow. I didn't know he was going to kidnap you Bulma. I really didn't! I was to scared, I didn't think," Yamcha told Bulma in a wavering voice.
"Yamcha.... WHY! WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU PUT ME IN DANGER! YOU COULD'VE TOLD ME! I COULD'VE BROUGHT PROTECTION," Bulma screamed hysterically, tears dripping from her face. She ignored Nappas loud laughter, and Marrons sobbing from the floor, next to her; right now, all she wanted to do was keel over and die.
"Whyy," Bulma repeated, thumping the guilt ridden Yamcha in the chest. Bulma eventually gave up her futile attempt to hurt him; he was too strong to feel it, though it still did bring her satisfaction for that brief time. The feeling of betrayal soon started to sink in, and Bulma crumpled to the floor, her eyes red from tears. She was angry, of course, but she was more broken hearted. She couldn't believe that the one she loved could be so careless when her life was involved.
"I'm sorry Bulma. I really didn't mean it," whispered Yamcha, though Bulma didn't seem to acknowledge him. The laughing Nappa walked over to Yamcha, and dragged him over to the table, forcing him down in an empty chair.
"I'll do anything, to make sure Bulma gets home safely," Yamcha told them in a sincere, pleading voice. Bulma didn't even want to listen to his voice right now; it only seemed to make the hurt in her chest grow worse, so she drew her knees to her chest once more, tears trickling down her red cheeks, as Marron stroked her hair gently.
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Footsteps echoed through a long, empty corridor. The echo seemed to go on forever, the sound bouncing off the dead quiet walls eerily. Eventually, the footsteps came to a halt, outside a large door. Nervous, fumbling fingers tapped in a code on a keypad that was next to the door, and the words 'access confirmed' echoed from a speaker. "You took your time, Zarbon," came a rasping, yet calm voice, as soon as the door opened. Zarbon stepped nervously into the room, jumping as the door slid closed behind him. "I... I'm.. Sorry, Lord Freeza," mumbled Zarbon nervously, as he walked towards his masters throne, which stood in front of a large window, facing outside, over a beautiful lake. The water in the lake was still; not a ripple on its surface, though the calmness and serenity of the lake didn't seem to calm Zarbons nerves in the least.
"Where are the Dragonballs," Freeza asked briskly, swirling a glass of wine in his hand idly.
"Well, Lord Freeza. We have all the Dragonballs... well, except..." Zarbons voice seemed to catch in his throat, the nerves becoming to much.
"Go on, Zarbon, except for what," Freeza asked impatiently, taking a sip from his wine.
"Except.. One of the dragonballs was missing. Vegeta must have it," Zarbon replied, eyeing Freeza nervously. Freeza sat, expressionless for a moment, before smashing his wine glass in his hand.
"Why are you telling me this, fool? You should be out there, looking for it," Freeza yelled angrily, scowling at Zarbon with disbelief.
"Ye... Yes, Lord Freeza, I'll go now," Zarbon said quickly, inching towards the door.
"I've had enough of your failures Zarbon. Its about time you were replaced," Freeza sneered evilly, a terrible glint in his eye. Zarbon stared at Freeza with a terrified expression, but even before he could plea for his life, he had been shot in the heart with a strong energy blast, and his body crumpled to the floor, lying in a bloody heap. "Dodoria," Freezas voice echoed through the now silent room, to someone who was hiding away in the shadows.
"Lo..Lord Freeza," Dodoria stuttered, fear laced through his voice.
"Let that be a warning to you. If you fail me, you can be replaced, just like that fool, Zarbon. Dodoria nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat.
"Go out, and find the last Dragonball. And don't make me do something... Something RASH," Freeza said coldly, his evil laugh echoing through the large room. Dodoria stared at Zarbons bloodied corpse, before quickly replying with a, "Yes, Lord Freeza."
"Oh, and one more thing, Dodoria," Freeza said, as he dropped the shards that remained of his wine glass too the floor.
"Yes, Lord Freeza," Dodoria replied.
"Do come and get someone to clean up this mess," Freeza said carelessly, pointing to the broken glass, then remembering about Zarbon, and pointing to his body.
"Of course," Dodoria replied, in a somewhat squeaky voice, before rushing out of Freezas room.