Wow! I got an awesome response for the last chapter!
Adbzfan2k03: Thanks for reading and review!
Gravidy: Akira was kind of a bitch in this chapter, but hey! She's just lost her best friend! ;) I'm scared for Bulma myself! Hahaha Thanks a bunch!
Videlchan313: ~Pandora is tempted by the cookie, but she doesn't want to take because she's evil and she likes to keep everyone guessing~
Videl: Thank you!
Seruleyan-Wings: I hope that my little question and answer session before this chapter cleared up the Briefsei/Icejin thing for you. I know that a few of you are upset over the fact that Trunks is Marron's son, but well. It just goes along with the story, and after you read the next few chapters, I hope to portray the relationship between Bulma and Trunks as transcending the fact that they're not truly mother and son. Does that make sense to you? God, I hope so! Thanks a lot! ;)
Takuma: Haha Thanks a lot! I hope this was updated quick enough for you!
Mini Nicka: As I told Seruleyan above, I hope that Q&A session I posted helped clear some stuff up. If your still confused about something, please let me know. I'll gladly try to explain it so long as it doesn't result in my plot being revealed. Thanks!
Shades of Crimson: As usual, your support is awesome! Thank so much! I couldn't stop writing after I finished that last chapter. When I posted Chapter 4, I had half of this chapter finished. I've gotten ahead of myself, but it works out for all of you guys! I'm sure you can expect the next chapter in a day or two because I'm working on it right now.
Joelie the Messenger of Death: ~shakes her box of tissues~ Wow, there's none left! I kind of feel bad now. That last scene was pretty sad with little Arro, huh?
Tmh-froggie: Yeah, I shouldn't put those A/n's in there, huh? Hahaha They kind of distract the flow of the story! Sorry about that. If you have any questions, please just let me know ;) Thanks!
Mz D: Thanks a lot! I'm on a roll with this story!
Nitte iz: I'm so pleased that I can up with a truly original story. Thank you for reviewing!
~*~
Alright! Thanks again everyone! Expect frequent updates because all the wonderful reviews I keep getting have really pushed me to go with this story. I can't stop writing! ;)
Chapter 5: Five Years later
No one was really certain about what to do, not when there were two very powerful heirs fighting for control of their father's empire. The supreme Kai frowned at the two Icejin princes who were on the verge of throwing fists in the council's chambers. He turned to his right and glanced at North Kai.
"With King Cold dead, there is no possible way to control these two," he concluded nervously. "What are we to do?"
"Our only hope was executed seven years ago. The universe will most likely be divided into a civil war. I personally don't want to see either one of them ascend to the throne."
"If only the rumors of the old king's daughters were true."
North Kai shook his head. "If it were true, there's no one strong enough to protect the girls from them, and it would just be one more thing for the two of them to fight over."
A furious growl echoed through the room. Cooler stepped forward and slammed his fist on the table the Kai's were sitting at. It cracked in half and crashed to the floor. "You have to stand behind one of us, so who will it be? We've been put off long enough. Our father died a month ago!"
South Kai stood up and bowed respectfully. "I beg you allow us one more day."
Supreme Kai stood as well. "Yes, Prince Cooler. One more day, and we will make our decision. You have my word."
Freeza narrowed his eyes. "Fine, but I expect a decision first thing in the morning." With that, he turned and left the room.
Cooler nodded and followed his brother out of the room, but he couldn't help feeling that they were up to something. He just knew it.
Once the feuding brothers were gone, the Kais gathered close together. "We must disband the council," Supreme Kai told them, and all agreed. It wouldn't matter what they decided to do, the universe was heading to war, and they wanted no part in it. After the tyranny they suffered at King Cold's hands, they had no wish to put their faith in either of his sons.
~*~
"I've heard rumors."
Cooler sent his second in command a withering look. "Is that all you do? Stand around and gossip? I'm trying to win control of the universe, and you bring me rumors!"
The yellow skinned alien bowed before his lord. "I believe this to be true, Prince Cooler. I bought the information from a highly reliable source."
"Who?"
"Zarbon."
The Icejin's interest perked instantly. "What is this rumor then?"
The man smirked and stepped closer to Cooler, dropping his voice to a whisper. "The saiyan prince, Vegeta, still lives."
The most wicked, evil grin formed on Cooler's face. "Really? Now that is interesting indeed." He turned to stare at the stars floating outside his ship, millions of miles away.
"There's more interesting news. It seems that Princess Marron also lives. She's been using the funds Freeza convinced your father to allot her in her secret immunity deal."
"I want two pods ready for immediate departure for Freeza's planet. I'm going to pay my respects to the late prince of Vegetasei," Cooler announced, a plan forming in his mind already.
~*~
Prince Arro swung around to deflect the attack Nappa sent at him, and just barely dodged Akira's as well. He panted, tripping over his feet and falling on his butt. "Enough, please," he called out.
Nappa landed next to him and sighed. "Shall we continue your training tomorrow, Prince Arro?"
"Um, yes, Nappa," the boy replied, rubbing his bottom as he stood up.
Akira landed as well and frowned. Arro wasn't putting everything he had into his training. She smiled briefly at Nappa before he walked away.
"Akira?"
"Yes, Arro?"
The boy had grown up quite a bit since the coronation/funeral, but he still had no desire to be crown prince. He lifted his black eyes to her face and sighed miserably. "I'm not cut out for this. You know it, too. I don't know how my brother did it," he admitted.
"Vegeta was born to be king. He grew up knowing this," she told him. Arro walked over and sat down on a fallen tree trunk. Akira followed him. "I know this is hard on you."
"He's not the easiest act to follow," he commented with a short laugh, admiration shining in his eyes. "I miss him."
"Me, too."
"I miss father and mother, too."
Akira closed her eyes nodded. "Me, too," was all she could come up with.
~*~
Trunks stifled a giggle as June ran past his hiding spot calling his name. There was no way he was coming out. His mother was on a rampage because he played one little harmless prank on Lord Roshi, but Trunks figured he deserved it. He had caught the elderly man eyeing up his mother, and that was not allowed. Since his father wasn't there to protect her, the duty fell to him!
"Trunks, you better get your sorry little butt out here," June called out.
The young boy reached up and grabbed a hold of the rafters above him, pulling himself up easily. He took a moment to gain his balance before walking to the edge of the half-constructed tower. "You're just upset because you like Lord Roshi's son," he yelled back.
June glared up at him. "Shall I go get your mother? I'm sure she'd love to catch you up there of all places."
"Admit you like Lord Krillin, and I'll come down!"
"That's blackmail," she muttered, knowing perfectly well his saiyan hearing would pick it up. She was rewarded with a chuckle. "Fine! I like him well enough, now get down like you promised!"
"Alright," he replied. He jumped down from a height of ten feet, and almost sent him mother into a fit as she turned the corner and spotted him.
Bulma gasped, her hand flying to her heart. "Trunks! What were you doing up there?"
The boy looked like he had already been whipped for his bad behavior. With head bowed, he approached his mother. "I'm sorry." His demeanor suddenly changed, and Bulma looked down to see his big, shiny blue eyes looking back at her. "I really wouldn't have gotten hurt, mother. Uncle Goku's been teaching me to fly, and guess what," he leaned forward, whispering now.
Bulma couldn't help but smile as she leaned forward. "What?" She whispered back.
"I finally got the hang of it!"
She laughed happily and picked him up. She gave into the urge to ruffle his lavender hair and kiss his cheek. "That's wonderful."
"Uncle Goku said that father learned to fly when he was three. Is that true?"
'Oh how I hate these questions,' she thought. "If Goku said it, then of course it is?"
"Do you know what else he said?" His tone suddenly turned conniving. She arched a shapely brow, and he eyed her cautiously. "He told me father had a sword when he was my age."
Bulma wanted to find Goku and wring his neck. "Absolutely not!"
"But, mother! How am I supposed to be a great warrior like father, if I don't start practicing right now?!" He whined.
"You are not getting a sword, Trunks, and that's final." She shifted him onto her other hip. "Are you going to apologize to Lord Roshi?"
He frowned. "No. He deserved it. He was staring at your butt." Red tinged the blue haired woman's cheeks, and June covered her mouth to hide the amused smile on her face. "Since father is dead, I have to protect your honor," he declared passionately.
It was so hard for her to stay mad at him when he came up with such enjoyable logic for his behavior, but Bulma couldn't allow him to get away with playing pranks on important people. She needed to be on good terms with Roshi. He protected her from raids and was her only way of finding out what went on in the universe.
"You must apologize to him, son. We need his help, and if you offend him, he might leave us unprotected."
"I can defend us," he told her, his features settling into a scowl.
She fought to keep a straight face. "I'm sure you can, but you need to practice more with Goku."
"Sword practice?!"
The blue haired beauty placed him on his feet. "No!"
"But Aunt Chichi is letting Gohan get one, and I'm six months older than him!"
~*~
The familiar clank of his cell's door being opened brought him back to reality, but he refused to move. Actually, it was more like he couldn't move! His right knee was busted; there were gaping wounds all down his back, and a ton of minor abrasions covering the rest of his body. With the ki collar, he wasn't able to produce enough energy to heal at his full potential. He felt like a weak little human. Human—Marron! He went through this every time Freeza came to beat up on him. He'd think of her, and his anger would numb his senses enough that he barely felt any of the hits thrown at him.
"Such a pity. I remember you having more pride in yourself than this," a mocking voice echoed through his thoughts. Vegeta's head snapped up. Cooler grinned, swinging a key back and forth on his index finger. "I've learned some interesting things lately," he continued to speak, moving closer to the saiyan prince as he went on. "The most interesting, of course, was that you were still alive."
The shock quickly drained from Vegeta's face, and he leaned back against the wall he was sitting in front of. He ignored the pain of the wounds on his back and the blood oozing down his sides. "Why am I suddenly of interest to you now?"
Cooler chuckled softly. "Freeza didn't tell you our father died?"
Vegeta feigned a fascination with the ceiling, letting out a heavy sigh. "Zarbon might have let it slip. What's it matter to me?"
"I have a proposition for you, my friend. I set you free, give you time to settle affairs with that lovely little wife of yours, and then you can go home to your people. Be the big hero," he finished.
Vegeta was practically sputtering. He wasn't exactly sure what all Cooler just said. He was kind of hung up on the part about his wife. "W-what did you say about Marron?"
"Huh?!" He gave his fellow prince an innocent look. "You mean you didn't know she still lives? Tell me, Vegeta. What have you been told since my brother put you down here?"
He wasn't stupid enough to buy the innocent act, but he'd play along just to find out what had transpired over the past five years. "I know only that I am believed to be dead, my brother is the new heir, and your father died of some strange disease," he confessed.
Sighing, Cooler knelt down in front of him. "You've missed quite a bit, Vegeta." He reached for the saiyan's neck and unlocked the collar.
Having dreamed of this moment for years now, Vegeta was rather depressed when he didn't feel a sudden surge of energy, but he knew that logically that wouldn't have happened. He glanced toward the open door than back to Cooler. "What exactly have I missed, and what the hell do you want in return for setting me free, as you so graciously put it?" He growled.
"Ah ha! There's the Vegeta I remember."
"Don't play games with me, Cooler. Answer the questions?"
"Very well. The only thing I ask in return for this little favor is that you back me up in the fight to come. I'm not a fool. An alliance between our families should have been made years ago. Freeza was too stuck on his petty jealousy of you to see it."
Vegeta stared at his bloodied hands for a long time. "I cannot suddenly pop up on Vegetasei after five years of them thinking I'm dead and demand that the saiyan army prepare for war again." He was stalling. He knew very well he could do just that, and his people would jump to do it. He was a god to his people, but Cooler didn't know this.
"It will take months, possibly years before anything major starts," Cooler assured him. "You'll have time to convince them."
"Fine," he muttered. Suddenly, he wasn't feeling so well. "I need a regeneration tank," he admitted.
"No time for that. Freeza can only be stalled for so long. I have a pod waiting for you outside. It will take you to your wife."
~*~
"Why won't you just say yes to him?" Nor inquired for the millionth time.
Akira rolled her eyes and went back to reading her book, finding it easier to ignore everyone around her. She wasn't going to have this discussion with her older brothers again. Jadora came into the room and glared at her sons.
"Stop pestering your sister! It's her choice to make, not yours."
Turlis grabbed the book from Akira's hands and tossed it to grinning Radditz. "Not a chance! It's not like she doesn't want him," he laughed.
"I ought to turn your hair pink, you overgrown ape," she growled and lunged at him.
Radditz and Nor chuckled, and their mother smacked them upside the head. "Break them up, this instant! I won't have them pounding on each other in the middle of my living room."
"Let them go. The girl obviously has some issues to work out. Beating the shit out of Turlis might help," he joked.
"I give up with the lot of you," Jadora whispered and stormed out of the room.
"Ouch! Don't pull my hair." Turlis struggled to break free of the hold his sister had him in. "You fight dirty!"
"And you fight like a little girl," Akira shot back.
"What's going on in here?" Arro asked from the doorway.
"They're just having a friendly brawl," Radditz informed the young prince with a smirk. "Nothing to worry about."
"Over what?" The prince demanded when he saw Akira punch her younger brother in the gut.
"Prince Arthos' proposal," Nor butted in. "She told him no."
"Again?!" The prince shook his head.
~*~
Vegeta tried to shake the cloudiness out of his head as he climbed out of the pod. He glanced around his surroundings through narrowed eyes. 'So, this is where Marron's been hiding out,' he thought angrily. He couldn't wait to see the look on her pretty little face when he showed up on her doorstep and began choking the life out of her. His revenge was going to be sweet. He smirked, letting out triumphant laugh that bordered on insanity, but he really should have been paying attention. A soldier crept up behind him and chopped him on the side of his neck, rendering him unconscious.
~*~
Bulma ran into the hall, her skirt hiked up to her knees. She saw the men bringing in a prisoner, and for some reason, she felt really nervous. There was something not right about it, but she couldn't put her finger on it. A maid rushed forward to meet her. Her face was twisted with worry.
"What's wrong? Bulma asked.
"It's a Saiyan, Princess Marron. He says he's your husband."
The blood in her veins froze, and she clutched desperately to the arm of the young maid. 'No,' she scolded herself for giving in to the fear. There was no possibly way the Prince Vegeta was alive and here! The entire universe knew he was dead. She straightened her back and held her chin up. 'He's merely some imposter that is probably trying to get money from me or information to take back to Vegetasei.'
As she approached the small room that functioned as a throne room/conference room, she caught her breath. Whoever he was, he was strong. One of her men was thrown from the saiyan's side. He landed at her feet, and she jumped back, a yelp escaping her mouth. The sound caught the attention of Vegeta, and she looked up just in time to see him glaring at her. 'My goddess, he looks like Trunks,' she thought frantically. She was very glad he was off playing with Gohan and Goten right now. Gathering up her waning courage, she stepped into the room now that her men had a good hold on the saiyan 'imposter'.
~*~
HAHAHA I told you they'd meet by chapter 5. I just never said for how long. Oh, man I'm cruel. Sorry!
~*~
PANDORA ;)
Adbzfan2k03: Thanks for reading and review!
Gravidy: Akira was kind of a bitch in this chapter, but hey! She's just lost her best friend! ;) I'm scared for Bulma myself! Hahaha Thanks a bunch!
Videlchan313: ~Pandora is tempted by the cookie, but she doesn't want to take because she's evil and she likes to keep everyone guessing~
Videl: Thank you!
Seruleyan-Wings: I hope that my little question and answer session before this chapter cleared up the Briefsei/Icejin thing for you. I know that a few of you are upset over the fact that Trunks is Marron's son, but well. It just goes along with the story, and after you read the next few chapters, I hope to portray the relationship between Bulma and Trunks as transcending the fact that they're not truly mother and son. Does that make sense to you? God, I hope so! Thanks a lot! ;)
Takuma: Haha Thanks a lot! I hope this was updated quick enough for you!
Mini Nicka: As I told Seruleyan above, I hope that Q&A session I posted helped clear some stuff up. If your still confused about something, please let me know. I'll gladly try to explain it so long as it doesn't result in my plot being revealed. Thanks!
Shades of Crimson: As usual, your support is awesome! Thank so much! I couldn't stop writing after I finished that last chapter. When I posted Chapter 4, I had half of this chapter finished. I've gotten ahead of myself, but it works out for all of you guys! I'm sure you can expect the next chapter in a day or two because I'm working on it right now.
Joelie the Messenger of Death: ~shakes her box of tissues~ Wow, there's none left! I kind of feel bad now. That last scene was pretty sad with little Arro, huh?
Tmh-froggie: Yeah, I shouldn't put those A/n's in there, huh? Hahaha They kind of distract the flow of the story! Sorry about that. If you have any questions, please just let me know ;) Thanks!
Mz D: Thanks a lot! I'm on a roll with this story!
Nitte iz: I'm so pleased that I can up with a truly original story. Thank you for reviewing!
~*~
Alright! Thanks again everyone! Expect frequent updates because all the wonderful reviews I keep getting have really pushed me to go with this story. I can't stop writing! ;)
Chapter 5: Five Years later
No one was really certain about what to do, not when there were two very powerful heirs fighting for control of their father's empire. The supreme Kai frowned at the two Icejin princes who were on the verge of throwing fists in the council's chambers. He turned to his right and glanced at North Kai.
"With King Cold dead, there is no possible way to control these two," he concluded nervously. "What are we to do?"
"Our only hope was executed seven years ago. The universe will most likely be divided into a civil war. I personally don't want to see either one of them ascend to the throne."
"If only the rumors of the old king's daughters were true."
North Kai shook his head. "If it were true, there's no one strong enough to protect the girls from them, and it would just be one more thing for the two of them to fight over."
A furious growl echoed through the room. Cooler stepped forward and slammed his fist on the table the Kai's were sitting at. It cracked in half and crashed to the floor. "You have to stand behind one of us, so who will it be? We've been put off long enough. Our father died a month ago!"
South Kai stood up and bowed respectfully. "I beg you allow us one more day."
Supreme Kai stood as well. "Yes, Prince Cooler. One more day, and we will make our decision. You have my word."
Freeza narrowed his eyes. "Fine, but I expect a decision first thing in the morning." With that, he turned and left the room.
Cooler nodded and followed his brother out of the room, but he couldn't help feeling that they were up to something. He just knew it.
Once the feuding brothers were gone, the Kais gathered close together. "We must disband the council," Supreme Kai told them, and all agreed. It wouldn't matter what they decided to do, the universe was heading to war, and they wanted no part in it. After the tyranny they suffered at King Cold's hands, they had no wish to put their faith in either of his sons.
~*~
"I've heard rumors."
Cooler sent his second in command a withering look. "Is that all you do? Stand around and gossip? I'm trying to win control of the universe, and you bring me rumors!"
The yellow skinned alien bowed before his lord. "I believe this to be true, Prince Cooler. I bought the information from a highly reliable source."
"Who?"
"Zarbon."
The Icejin's interest perked instantly. "What is this rumor then?"
The man smirked and stepped closer to Cooler, dropping his voice to a whisper. "The saiyan prince, Vegeta, still lives."
The most wicked, evil grin formed on Cooler's face. "Really? Now that is interesting indeed." He turned to stare at the stars floating outside his ship, millions of miles away.
"There's more interesting news. It seems that Princess Marron also lives. She's been using the funds Freeza convinced your father to allot her in her secret immunity deal."
"I want two pods ready for immediate departure for Freeza's planet. I'm going to pay my respects to the late prince of Vegetasei," Cooler announced, a plan forming in his mind already.
~*~
Prince Arro swung around to deflect the attack Nappa sent at him, and just barely dodged Akira's as well. He panted, tripping over his feet and falling on his butt. "Enough, please," he called out.
Nappa landed next to him and sighed. "Shall we continue your training tomorrow, Prince Arro?"
"Um, yes, Nappa," the boy replied, rubbing his bottom as he stood up.
Akira landed as well and frowned. Arro wasn't putting everything he had into his training. She smiled briefly at Nappa before he walked away.
"Akira?"
"Yes, Arro?"
The boy had grown up quite a bit since the coronation/funeral, but he still had no desire to be crown prince. He lifted his black eyes to her face and sighed miserably. "I'm not cut out for this. You know it, too. I don't know how my brother did it," he admitted.
"Vegeta was born to be king. He grew up knowing this," she told him. Arro walked over and sat down on a fallen tree trunk. Akira followed him. "I know this is hard on you."
"He's not the easiest act to follow," he commented with a short laugh, admiration shining in his eyes. "I miss him."
"Me, too."
"I miss father and mother, too."
Akira closed her eyes nodded. "Me, too," was all she could come up with.
~*~
Trunks stifled a giggle as June ran past his hiding spot calling his name. There was no way he was coming out. His mother was on a rampage because he played one little harmless prank on Lord Roshi, but Trunks figured he deserved it. He had caught the elderly man eyeing up his mother, and that was not allowed. Since his father wasn't there to protect her, the duty fell to him!
"Trunks, you better get your sorry little butt out here," June called out.
The young boy reached up and grabbed a hold of the rafters above him, pulling himself up easily. He took a moment to gain his balance before walking to the edge of the half-constructed tower. "You're just upset because you like Lord Roshi's son," he yelled back.
June glared up at him. "Shall I go get your mother? I'm sure she'd love to catch you up there of all places."
"Admit you like Lord Krillin, and I'll come down!"
"That's blackmail," she muttered, knowing perfectly well his saiyan hearing would pick it up. She was rewarded with a chuckle. "Fine! I like him well enough, now get down like you promised!"
"Alright," he replied. He jumped down from a height of ten feet, and almost sent him mother into a fit as she turned the corner and spotted him.
Bulma gasped, her hand flying to her heart. "Trunks! What were you doing up there?"
The boy looked like he had already been whipped for his bad behavior. With head bowed, he approached his mother. "I'm sorry." His demeanor suddenly changed, and Bulma looked down to see his big, shiny blue eyes looking back at her. "I really wouldn't have gotten hurt, mother. Uncle Goku's been teaching me to fly, and guess what," he leaned forward, whispering now.
Bulma couldn't help but smile as she leaned forward. "What?" She whispered back.
"I finally got the hang of it!"
She laughed happily and picked him up. She gave into the urge to ruffle his lavender hair and kiss his cheek. "That's wonderful."
"Uncle Goku said that father learned to fly when he was three. Is that true?"
'Oh how I hate these questions,' she thought. "If Goku said it, then of course it is?"
"Do you know what else he said?" His tone suddenly turned conniving. She arched a shapely brow, and he eyed her cautiously. "He told me father had a sword when he was my age."
Bulma wanted to find Goku and wring his neck. "Absolutely not!"
"But, mother! How am I supposed to be a great warrior like father, if I don't start practicing right now?!" He whined.
"You are not getting a sword, Trunks, and that's final." She shifted him onto her other hip. "Are you going to apologize to Lord Roshi?"
He frowned. "No. He deserved it. He was staring at your butt." Red tinged the blue haired woman's cheeks, and June covered her mouth to hide the amused smile on her face. "Since father is dead, I have to protect your honor," he declared passionately.
It was so hard for her to stay mad at him when he came up with such enjoyable logic for his behavior, but Bulma couldn't allow him to get away with playing pranks on important people. She needed to be on good terms with Roshi. He protected her from raids and was her only way of finding out what went on in the universe.
"You must apologize to him, son. We need his help, and if you offend him, he might leave us unprotected."
"I can defend us," he told her, his features settling into a scowl.
She fought to keep a straight face. "I'm sure you can, but you need to practice more with Goku."
"Sword practice?!"
The blue haired beauty placed him on his feet. "No!"
"But Aunt Chichi is letting Gohan get one, and I'm six months older than him!"
~*~
The familiar clank of his cell's door being opened brought him back to reality, but he refused to move. Actually, it was more like he couldn't move! His right knee was busted; there were gaping wounds all down his back, and a ton of minor abrasions covering the rest of his body. With the ki collar, he wasn't able to produce enough energy to heal at his full potential. He felt like a weak little human. Human—Marron! He went through this every time Freeza came to beat up on him. He'd think of her, and his anger would numb his senses enough that he barely felt any of the hits thrown at him.
"Such a pity. I remember you having more pride in yourself than this," a mocking voice echoed through his thoughts. Vegeta's head snapped up. Cooler grinned, swinging a key back and forth on his index finger. "I've learned some interesting things lately," he continued to speak, moving closer to the saiyan prince as he went on. "The most interesting, of course, was that you were still alive."
The shock quickly drained from Vegeta's face, and he leaned back against the wall he was sitting in front of. He ignored the pain of the wounds on his back and the blood oozing down his sides. "Why am I suddenly of interest to you now?"
Cooler chuckled softly. "Freeza didn't tell you our father died?"
Vegeta feigned a fascination with the ceiling, letting out a heavy sigh. "Zarbon might have let it slip. What's it matter to me?"
"I have a proposition for you, my friend. I set you free, give you time to settle affairs with that lovely little wife of yours, and then you can go home to your people. Be the big hero," he finished.
Vegeta was practically sputtering. He wasn't exactly sure what all Cooler just said. He was kind of hung up on the part about his wife. "W-what did you say about Marron?"
"Huh?!" He gave his fellow prince an innocent look. "You mean you didn't know she still lives? Tell me, Vegeta. What have you been told since my brother put you down here?"
He wasn't stupid enough to buy the innocent act, but he'd play along just to find out what had transpired over the past five years. "I know only that I am believed to be dead, my brother is the new heir, and your father died of some strange disease," he confessed.
Sighing, Cooler knelt down in front of him. "You've missed quite a bit, Vegeta." He reached for the saiyan's neck and unlocked the collar.
Having dreamed of this moment for years now, Vegeta was rather depressed when he didn't feel a sudden surge of energy, but he knew that logically that wouldn't have happened. He glanced toward the open door than back to Cooler. "What exactly have I missed, and what the hell do you want in return for setting me free, as you so graciously put it?" He growled.
"Ah ha! There's the Vegeta I remember."
"Don't play games with me, Cooler. Answer the questions?"
"Very well. The only thing I ask in return for this little favor is that you back me up in the fight to come. I'm not a fool. An alliance between our families should have been made years ago. Freeza was too stuck on his petty jealousy of you to see it."
Vegeta stared at his bloodied hands for a long time. "I cannot suddenly pop up on Vegetasei after five years of them thinking I'm dead and demand that the saiyan army prepare for war again." He was stalling. He knew very well he could do just that, and his people would jump to do it. He was a god to his people, but Cooler didn't know this.
"It will take months, possibly years before anything major starts," Cooler assured him. "You'll have time to convince them."
"Fine," he muttered. Suddenly, he wasn't feeling so well. "I need a regeneration tank," he admitted.
"No time for that. Freeza can only be stalled for so long. I have a pod waiting for you outside. It will take you to your wife."
~*~
"Why won't you just say yes to him?" Nor inquired for the millionth time.
Akira rolled her eyes and went back to reading her book, finding it easier to ignore everyone around her. She wasn't going to have this discussion with her older brothers again. Jadora came into the room and glared at her sons.
"Stop pestering your sister! It's her choice to make, not yours."
Turlis grabbed the book from Akira's hands and tossed it to grinning Radditz. "Not a chance! It's not like she doesn't want him," he laughed.
"I ought to turn your hair pink, you overgrown ape," she growled and lunged at him.
Radditz and Nor chuckled, and their mother smacked them upside the head. "Break them up, this instant! I won't have them pounding on each other in the middle of my living room."
"Let them go. The girl obviously has some issues to work out. Beating the shit out of Turlis might help," he joked.
"I give up with the lot of you," Jadora whispered and stormed out of the room.
"Ouch! Don't pull my hair." Turlis struggled to break free of the hold his sister had him in. "You fight dirty!"
"And you fight like a little girl," Akira shot back.
"What's going on in here?" Arro asked from the doorway.
"They're just having a friendly brawl," Radditz informed the young prince with a smirk. "Nothing to worry about."
"Over what?" The prince demanded when he saw Akira punch her younger brother in the gut.
"Prince Arthos' proposal," Nor butted in. "She told him no."
"Again?!" The prince shook his head.
~*~
Vegeta tried to shake the cloudiness out of his head as he climbed out of the pod. He glanced around his surroundings through narrowed eyes. 'So, this is where Marron's been hiding out,' he thought angrily. He couldn't wait to see the look on her pretty little face when he showed up on her doorstep and began choking the life out of her. His revenge was going to be sweet. He smirked, letting out triumphant laugh that bordered on insanity, but he really should have been paying attention. A soldier crept up behind him and chopped him on the side of his neck, rendering him unconscious.
~*~
Bulma ran into the hall, her skirt hiked up to her knees. She saw the men bringing in a prisoner, and for some reason, she felt really nervous. There was something not right about it, but she couldn't put her finger on it. A maid rushed forward to meet her. Her face was twisted with worry.
"What's wrong? Bulma asked.
"It's a Saiyan, Princess Marron. He says he's your husband."
The blood in her veins froze, and she clutched desperately to the arm of the young maid. 'No,' she scolded herself for giving in to the fear. There was no possibly way the Prince Vegeta was alive and here! The entire universe knew he was dead. She straightened her back and held her chin up. 'He's merely some imposter that is probably trying to get money from me or information to take back to Vegetasei.'
As she approached the small room that functioned as a throne room/conference room, she caught her breath. Whoever he was, he was strong. One of her men was thrown from the saiyan's side. He landed at her feet, and she jumped back, a yelp escaping her mouth. The sound caught the attention of Vegeta, and she looked up just in time to see him glaring at her. 'My goddess, he looks like Trunks,' she thought frantically. She was very glad he was off playing with Gohan and Goten right now. Gathering up her waning courage, she stepped into the room now that her men had a good hold on the saiyan 'imposter'.
~*~
HAHAHA I told you they'd meet by chapter 5. I just never said for how long. Oh, man I'm cruel. Sorry!
~*~
PANDORA ;)