Shades of Crimson- I know the suspense is killing me, too. I can't wait to
get to the part where Bulma spills the beans. It's going to be great, I
hope anyway! I'm sooooo glad you love this fic. It makes me feel all warm
and fuzzy inside. hehehe Thanks! ;)
Videlchan 313- I wanted her to scream 'I'm not Marron!' But it's too soon, Trust me! I've still got plenty instore for ya'all! :) Thanks so much!
Joelie the Messenger of Death- Vegeta does rule! ;) Thanks a bunch!
Adbzfan2k03- I hope I can keep this interesting! Thanks!
Draegon-fire- Akira's going to find out the truth soon ;) but I'm evil, so you never know exactly what'll happen when she does. Who know's what I'll make her do?! mu hahahahaha!
Ccfleursdelys- :) I hope I answer at least one of your questions with this chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Wild-child24-7- I'm not real sure how much longer this will go on! Sorry! Thanks for reviewing though! ;)
Hinagiku- Ansolus is one of Yamcha's men that was captured during the raids on the saiyan's command ships. He's not to important as of right now. Haven't decided on how I'll use him yet! I'm glad you liked that last scene. Hopefully, there will be some more like that before Bulma's cover is blown, but who knows with me, right?! hehe Thanks a bunch! ;)
Sorceress Fujin- Thank you!! Here's a little more!
Seruleyan-Wings- Thanks for both reviews! As for my little spelling mistakes... Well ya know how I get when I'm tired cuz I've been up all night playing 'Go-fish'!!! hahaha I'm still deciding on what to do to the real Marron, but I think I had a breakthrough idea about it the other night! ~tries to fix your computer~ need next chapter of your story!! I see you got some more reviews! Yeah for you! ;) Talk to you soon!
Daisy31- Thank you very much! I'm glad you're interested! Yeah! another new fan! :)
Gravidy- ~tissue~ I'm sorry, but he had to yell at her! It was the only way she was going to understand just wht kind of person her sister was! I didn't like it either, but I had to do it! I'll make it up to you soon with lots good B/V times! Thanks! ;)
Tai Bulma Chan- Things will get better between them soon, hopefully! I would have loved for them to kiss during that, but it wasn't the right time for it! ;) Thanks!
Toxic Lover- :) I'm glad you like! Thanks so much! Wow, tv? You'd watch this on tv? I wish I could be so lucky!
Mini Nicka- Thank you! Everyone seemed to really like that B/V scene! Yeah!!! ;)
Takuma- Evil?! Me? Why, thank you! mu hahahaha I try! Thanks a lot for the review! :)
Ashes- Oh, yeah! another new fan! Thank you, thank you!! ;)
~*~
Well, here's my update, finally! Sorry it took so long, people, but work, friends, and just a slight tinge of writer's block over where to end this chapter were slowing me down! Thanks for sticking with me thus far, and I'm really glad ya all like this fic! I'm so happy to have over 100 reviews! ~crosses fingers~ I'm going to be super hyper when I get 200!!! You're going to get mad updates hehe Thakns again, and if ya all wanna chat with me on AIM, my Screen name is CHALICE001 !
~*~
Chapter 11: Home Sweet Home!
The four day trip to Vegetasei was the slowest, most arduous event of Bulma's young life, yet somehow she managed to make it through without further incident after Vegeta's major blow-up. They stayed as far away from each other as physically possible, but as they drew closer to the planet, they knew they would have to come to some kind of civil terms and soon.
Vegeta was sitting in the pilot's chair, patiently waiting for the ground crew to give him landing clearance. He thought that it would be best for them to pretend they were just a passenger ship, even though it meant they would have to land outside the capital city. A deep voice gave him the permission he had been anxiously awaiting, and he tore the headset off, tossing it onto the console.
"It's about time," he growled.
Goku nodded his argeement and turned to the others. "I guess you better find something to hang on to while we land," he told them. "It's been a while since I've done this."
The prince smirked. "Come now, Kakkarot. It's just like learning to use ki: once you know, you never forget."
Trunks wiggled in his mothers arms from their seat on the other side of the control room. "Can I land the ship, father?!"
Bulma rolled her eyes. "No, Trunks. You've never flown a ship before in your life."
"Let mother land it then! She can do it," the little boy announced with a huge smile.
Vegeta turned abruptly. "She doesn't know how to fly," he argued.
Bulma wanted to shrink into nothingness right then and there. Marron had always despised ships. How was she going to explain this?
"Mother can fly! I've seen her do it."
'This lying bullshit is going to stop right now,' Vegeta vowed silently. He lifted his gaze from his son to his wife. "Funny, I distinctly remember you telling me you hated it and you didn't know how, woman."
Bulma gave a half-hearted laugh. "What are you talking about, Vegeta? I don't remember that."
"The day we left Icesei after our wedding," he reminded her.
"Oh." She glanced at June quickly. "I learned to overcome that a few years ago."
Trunks frowned, and Vegeta saw it, smirking triumphantly. He had caught her! "But mother, you said that you and Aunt June used to sneak out with Bulma when you lived on Briefsei and steal the trader's ships. You said the Bulma was always too scared to go on with you guys so she stayed on the ground," the boy rambled on.
June averted her gaze out the window, not wanting to get involved in this at all. Meanwhile, Bulma hung her head and sighed. What was she supposed to do, or say for that matter? Thankfully, Goku decided to save her from the uncomfortable questions.
"We need to land the ship, Vegeta, before they revoke our clearance."
Vegeta gave a reluctant nod and motioned his son forward with a hand. "Come on, brat. You need to learn how to do this."
Bulma was left with an empty lap and creeping sensation down her spine when she locked eyes with Vegeta. It felt like he was looking right through her to her very soul. She shuddered visibly and turned her face from him.
~*~
Yamcha kissed Marron on the cheek and smiled. "I have to go for now," he whispered in her ear, and she smiled sleepily and nodded. "You know I'd take you with me if I weren't going to Vegetasei, right?"
She suddenly sat up, wide-eyed. "What?! You're going there? Why?" She demanded.
He frowned. "I'm going to negotiate for Ansolus' return. He's rotting away in a saiyan dungeon."
"You're meeting with her," she hissed angrily. "Aren't you?! Go ahead. Try and deny it, Yamcha!"
The young pirate stood up from the bed and glared down at her. "Yes, I'm meeting with Akira, but that doesn't mean anything."
Marron narrowed her eyes. "I'm such a fool to think you'd given up on her. You're just like my pathetic ex-husband. Akira says jump, and you jump! What is it with that little whore? Will someone please tell me what's so special fucking about the bitch?!"
Yamcha brought his open palm down across her cheek forcefully, snapping her pretty face to the side painfully. Marron gasped, immediately cupping her throbbing cheek. "H-how could you?" She whispered.
"I will not tolerate you speaking about her in such a way." He grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her up to her knees on the bed. "If you have a problem with that, Marron, then I'll gladly drop you off on the closest planet to fend for yourself."
She yanked her arm back, falling on her butt against the cushiony mattress. "Just you try it," she dared.
He grinned cruelly. "Alright, but I have to warn you. The closest planet is Vegetasei."
The smug look on her face melted into true fear, and she shook her head. "You wouldn't."
"I will if you continuing bad mouthing her."
"Fine," she muttered angrily.
He smiled. "Good. I'll see you in a few days." Yacmha walked over to the door and paused. He glanced over his shoulder at the woman occipying his bed. She was still cradling her bruised cheek with one hand, but he found her other cheek to be a bit more fascinating at the moment. The scratches on her cheek were still there. They hadn't faded one bit, and he was pretty sure he knew just who gave it to her. It was clearly the mark of Akira. He should know. He had her mark too.
~*~(flashback again!) ;)~*~
Vegeta walked into the tower room and looked around. 'Where is she?' He heard laughter from the balcony and frowned. She never brought anyone up here. He quietly made his way over and peeked around the corner. He couldn't believe his eyes. Akira was sitting on the rail and laughing at something that Yamcha had just said to her. As usual, she looked like a goddess. Vegeta glared hatefully at the pirate's hand that was now traveling lightly up Akira's bare arm.
Her smile faded slightly, and she jumped down from her perch. "I'm getting cold. I'll be right back. I'm just going to grab a cloak," she told him.
"Of course," Yamcha said. "I'll wait out here, my love."
She offered him a smile before walking toward the archway that led into her room. She parted the fine, silk curtains and entered her room. Vegeta moved up behind her quickly, covering her mouth with his hand before she could scream and alert the man on her balcony. Akira tried to twist free from his grasp, and Vegeta leaned in close to her ear.
"It's only me. Calm down," he whispered.
Akira still struggled to get free, and he only let her go because he knew she wouldn't scream. She did send him a withering glare though. "What are you doing in my room?" She demanded quietly.
"What are you doing with Yamcha, in your room of all places?! It's rather late in the evening," he scolded.
"What I do in the privacy of my own room is none of your business."
"I am your prince, and I say it is," he replied angrily.
She shook her head. "Why can't you be happy for me?"
Her eyes raised up to meet his, and he cursed mentally. She was on the verge of tears. He stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. She didn't push away from him this time.
"I'd be happy if you were," he whispered against her ear. "But you're not, Akira. You don't love him."
"How do you know that? I haven't once said I don't love him," she countered, leaning back to look him in the eye.
He smirked at her. "You've never once said you do. Why are you willing to run off with him when you're needed here?"
"You have more advisors than you know what to do with," she told him. "What's it matter if I'm not one of them anymore?"
"I refuse to let you go with him," he growled, pulling her indecently closer.
Akira gasped softly. "Vegeta, what are you doing?"
"You love me," he answered knowingly.
"H-how did you--?"
He moved one hand to the back of her neck and tilted her head to the side gently, nuzzling her soft skin gently. "I'll find a way for us to be together," he vowed. "I don't know how, but I will."
"Akira?" Yamcha called out.
The two saiyans could see his outline through the thin curtains. It was moving toward the room. Vegeta growled deep in his throat and pushed Akira behind him as Yamcha walked in. The two men glared at each other with poorly veiled contempt.
"It's rather late for you to be in a lady's personal chambers," Vegeta stated coldly.
"With all due respect, your highness, the same goes for you."
Akira stepped between them before they started a fight that could get way out of control, and get Yamcha killed. "Stop it, please. Yamcha, I'm sorry, but he's right. It's rather late. I'll meet you after breakfast in the morning." She turned to Vegeta. "Goodnight."
~*~(end flash back for now!)
Vegeta walked off the ship first and looked around. An overwhelming sense of peace washed over him. He was home. It was such a strange sensation, one he never dreamed possible after all those years in Freeza's prison. He heard the others come down the ramp behind him, but Vegeta decided to ignore them for the moment as he took in the sights before him. Goku and Chichi seemed to in a similiar daze as they joined their prince.
"It's beautiful," June whispered to Bulma.
Wisely, the blue haired beauty kept her mouth shut and just nodded. She didn't want to give away the fact that she had never been here after all. She squeezed Trunks hand gently, and he smiled up at her.
"Is that the palace?" He asked, pointing at the an emormous fortress with several spiraling towers.
Even in the dead of night, you could make out the royal building because of all the illumination from the city surrounding it. Bulma was glad Vegeta answered because she was still in awe.
"Yes. That is the royal palace of Vegetasei. Your home," he declared proudly.
Bulma looked up at him suddenly, taking in every aspect of his appearance as if she were staring at a picture and didn't have to be afraid that he might catch her eyeing him. There was a soft glint in his eyes, one she hadn't seen before, and this unmistakable aura of regality around him. She was glad the landing bay was devoid of living being aside from them, otherwise, someone was bound to notice who he was right away. Vegeta glanced sideways and noticed the silent respect in his wife's eyes. He frowned. That was something he had never seen before, nor ever expected to see.
"Kakkarot, take them to the my summer villa. I must go to Akira alone."
"What if someone's there. How will we explain our presence?" Goku asked warily.
Vegeta shrugged nonchalantly. "I guess they'll just arrest you and bring you before me for judgment."
Chichi stiffened visibly. "What?!"
"Calm down, harpy. It's not like they'll kill you on the spot," he replied, mentally chukling at the horrified look that drained the color from her face.
Bulma clenched her fist tightly. She seemed to be the only one that noticed he was joking. "You jerk! Don't play with their emotions at a time like this. It's uncalled for," she hissed angrily.
Vegeta remained uncaring. "It's not my fault she's so gullible. She followed you, didn't she?" After that final statement, he took off into the air.
~*~
Finding the hidden passageway into the palace was no problem at all for the prince. So far, he managed to move through the city unnoticed, but then again, it was the middle of the night. He dropped down into the hatch, water sloshing against his worn boots. Vegeta groaned, reaching up to close the lid to the secretive portal. He was suddenly very glad that he could see in the dark. If he had to use his ki to light his way, every saiyan in the palace would sense him, and he didn't want to cause any hysteria amidst his people.
The narrow path went on for almost three miles. Vegeta actually cracked a slight smile when he spotted the end. For a while, he thought he had mistakenly made a wrong turn along the way. He peeked up through the vent. It was blocked by the large throne. He cursed under his breath. 'Akira must have had it moved there,' he thought. But why? The only people that new about it were the royal family, her, and Arthos. What possible reason would she have to block it from any of them? It wasn't going to make his entrance a quiet one. He'd have to lift the entire grate and throne up and slide it without creating too much noise.
Vegeta laced his fingers through the openings and pushed up slowly. He had to keep it balanced it it would fall. It wobbled slightly, and he frowned. He really needed to train more if he couldn't keep a damn chair from staying balanced. He was still recuperating from his lovely stay in Freeza's dungeon! Finally, he managed to move the whole thing over far enough for him to get out of the darkened area. The prince shook off a tiny shudder. It reminded him of his cell. He needed to get out no! He pulled himself up and sighed.
"Finally," he whispered as he sat on the edge, his feet still fangling in the hole. It was then that he realized he wasn't alone.
Arro had been pacing back and forth for the past two hours in the throone room. It was well hidden habit of his until now. The young prince had stood back and witnessed this 'stranger' suddenly appear from the secret passage. He walked closer to get a better look at the man, but his back was to him. Vegeta knew who was behind him instantly.
"The crown prince should be a bit more cautious, don't you think? I could be an assasin for all you know," Vegeta whispered softly.
"You're doing a poor job of killing me then," his brother spoke back in a quiet tone. "It's rude to not face royalty when you are addressing them," he scolded. 'Why does this guys presence seem so familiar?'
Vegeta nodded and stood up. "Then I hope you can forgive me, your highness," he replied, turning around to look his younger brother in the eyes for the first time in five years.
Arro stood frozen to the spot. "Br-brother?" He stepped forward, shaking all the way. "Is it really you?"
The saiyan prince smirked arrogantly. "Who else could pull off this look?" He demanded, crossing his arms.
The younger prince mirrored his older brother's smirk, a look of pure happiness reflecting in his eyes. "I don't know how this is possible, but I've never been happier in my whole life." He suddenly motioned for Vegeta to follow him as he rushed for the door. "You have to go see Akira! She missed yo so much," he rambled on. "Maybe you can get her to stop being so depressed!"
"I'll go see her in a moment, but first I need you to distract the guards. I don't want anyone to know I'm back yet until I speak with her."
"I can do that," Arro said.
~*~
He pushed the cream colored curtains aside and sat down on the edge of the bed. A slight pull at the corner mouth appeared as he brushed aside strands of pure silver. She looked as perfect as she always had. Akira shifted onto her side and pulled the pillow closer to her body. Yamcha smiled and bent down to steal a quick kiss before waking her., but he was halted when she reached up and smacked him across the face.
"Ouch!"
Akira sat up and glared at him. "What the hell are you doing in here? I gave you strict orders to stay in the guesthouse," she hissed.
"Forgive me, love, but I couldn't. Being so close to you again is--."
She pushed him away and slipped out the other side of the bed. "I don't want to hear it. Get out of my room before I call down the wrath of the entire saiyan royal army on you,"she threatened.
"I came here for a second chance."
"Well, you're out of luck."
Yamcha stalked across the room toward her. "I risked innocent mens' lives to see you again, damnit, and I'm not leaving until you give in."
"If Vegeta were here, you have had the guts to come back here," she shot back.
He grinned. "Yeah, it's really too bad what happened to him," Yamcha stated sarcastically. "Now that he's out of the way for good, and my sources say you've continuely rejected Arthos, there's nothing to stop me from taking what I've always wanted."
Akira was backed up against the wall with nowhere to run. If she fought him, the entire royal guard would sense it and come running. She didn't love Yamcha, she just wanted him to leave her alone in peace. She looked up into his dark eyes and sent him a pleading look while trying to keep ahold of the thin sheet wrapped around her naked body. Yamcha pushed himself up against her, easily capturing her hands and pinning them above her head.
"What the hell are you doing?" She struggled against his grasp, horrified to realize that he had become much stronger over the years. This was bad!
"Isn't it obvious?"
He leaned in and kissed her roughly. Akira tried to knee him between the legs, but he evaded her movements so she clamped her mouth closed. She wouldn't give in. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of screaming or crying. No! She squeezed her eyes shut, moisture accumulating in the corners of them. Then, he was gone. She opened her eyes and gasped loudly. Yamcha was being held up by the his neck, feet dangling above the ground as he fought to get free. She pulled the sheet around herself and sidestepped out of the way to see who her savior was.
"Vegeta."
The prince never stopped glaring at Yamcha's back when she spoke his name. He tossed the pirate across the room. Yamcha shook his head, crawling backwards.
"It's not possible! You're dead."
"Not anymore. I thought I told you several years ago to stay the hell away from my woman," he growled dangerously.
"You didn't marry her, so she's not yours." Yamcha was finally to his feet once again and inching his way toward the balcony exit.
"That doesn't matter. I told you to stay away notheless. You disobeyed me, and I highly dislike being crossed, so this ends now."
Yamcha glared. "I don't think so. This is just starting. You being alive all of a sudden just makes it more interesting." He pulled a remote of some kind from his pocket and flashed them both an evil grin. "I wasn't sure if Akira would put up a fight or not, so I came prepared to for blackmail." He fixed his gaze of the woman hiding behind Vegeta. "You were stupid to leave me alone with Ansolus. I positioned some powerful explosives in his cell, and the dungeons are awefully close to the someone's room," he trailed off, putting a finger to his chin. "Hmm, who could it be?"
"Indy," Akira whispered.
"That's it, love. Princess Indara's room, your little sister, Vegeta. So what do you say, you let me leave without further incident, and we'll call this one a draw?"
Vegeta balled his fists tightly. "You better fly as fast as you can."
"I'll be seeing you. It's such a pity though, Akira. I have someone back on my ship I just know you'd love to get your hands on." He didn't elaborate further before flying out of the palace a top speed.
Akira reached out and let her hand fall gently onto the prince's shoulder. Tears formed in her eyes when he turned to face her, and she fell into his embrace, sobbing into his neck. Vegeta held her close and kissed her on the cheek softly.
"You're really back," she whispered.
He closed his eyes and nodded. "Yes, I'm really back."
~*~
B/V fans, don't get too confused or up in arms about that ending!!! It'll make sense soon I promise. I'll update very soon! Thanks a bunch! ~runs from the angry mob about to lynch her~
~*~
PANDORA ;)
Videlchan 313- I wanted her to scream 'I'm not Marron!' But it's too soon, Trust me! I've still got plenty instore for ya'all! :) Thanks so much!
Joelie the Messenger of Death- Vegeta does rule! ;) Thanks a bunch!
Adbzfan2k03- I hope I can keep this interesting! Thanks!
Draegon-fire- Akira's going to find out the truth soon ;) but I'm evil, so you never know exactly what'll happen when she does. Who know's what I'll make her do?! mu hahahahaha!
Ccfleursdelys- :) I hope I answer at least one of your questions with this chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
Wild-child24-7- I'm not real sure how much longer this will go on! Sorry! Thanks for reviewing though! ;)
Hinagiku- Ansolus is one of Yamcha's men that was captured during the raids on the saiyan's command ships. He's not to important as of right now. Haven't decided on how I'll use him yet! I'm glad you liked that last scene. Hopefully, there will be some more like that before Bulma's cover is blown, but who knows with me, right?! hehe Thanks a bunch! ;)
Sorceress Fujin- Thank you!! Here's a little more!
Seruleyan-Wings- Thanks for both reviews! As for my little spelling mistakes... Well ya know how I get when I'm tired cuz I've been up all night playing 'Go-fish'!!! hahaha I'm still deciding on what to do to the real Marron, but I think I had a breakthrough idea about it the other night! ~tries to fix your computer~ need next chapter of your story!! I see you got some more reviews! Yeah for you! ;) Talk to you soon!
Daisy31- Thank you very much! I'm glad you're interested! Yeah! another new fan! :)
Gravidy- ~tissue~ I'm sorry, but he had to yell at her! It was the only way she was going to understand just wht kind of person her sister was! I didn't like it either, but I had to do it! I'll make it up to you soon with lots good B/V times! Thanks! ;)
Tai Bulma Chan- Things will get better between them soon, hopefully! I would have loved for them to kiss during that, but it wasn't the right time for it! ;) Thanks!
Toxic Lover- :) I'm glad you like! Thanks so much! Wow, tv? You'd watch this on tv? I wish I could be so lucky!
Mini Nicka- Thank you! Everyone seemed to really like that B/V scene! Yeah!!! ;)
Takuma- Evil?! Me? Why, thank you! mu hahahaha I try! Thanks a lot for the review! :)
Ashes- Oh, yeah! another new fan! Thank you, thank you!! ;)
~*~
Well, here's my update, finally! Sorry it took so long, people, but work, friends, and just a slight tinge of writer's block over where to end this chapter were slowing me down! Thanks for sticking with me thus far, and I'm really glad ya all like this fic! I'm so happy to have over 100 reviews! ~crosses fingers~ I'm going to be super hyper when I get 200!!! You're going to get mad updates hehe Thakns again, and if ya all wanna chat with me on AIM, my Screen name is CHALICE001 !
~*~
Chapter 11: Home Sweet Home!
The four day trip to Vegetasei was the slowest, most arduous event of Bulma's young life, yet somehow she managed to make it through without further incident after Vegeta's major blow-up. They stayed as far away from each other as physically possible, but as they drew closer to the planet, they knew they would have to come to some kind of civil terms and soon.
Vegeta was sitting in the pilot's chair, patiently waiting for the ground crew to give him landing clearance. He thought that it would be best for them to pretend they were just a passenger ship, even though it meant they would have to land outside the capital city. A deep voice gave him the permission he had been anxiously awaiting, and he tore the headset off, tossing it onto the console.
"It's about time," he growled.
Goku nodded his argeement and turned to the others. "I guess you better find something to hang on to while we land," he told them. "It's been a while since I've done this."
The prince smirked. "Come now, Kakkarot. It's just like learning to use ki: once you know, you never forget."
Trunks wiggled in his mothers arms from their seat on the other side of the control room. "Can I land the ship, father?!"
Bulma rolled her eyes. "No, Trunks. You've never flown a ship before in your life."
"Let mother land it then! She can do it," the little boy announced with a huge smile.
Vegeta turned abruptly. "She doesn't know how to fly," he argued.
Bulma wanted to shrink into nothingness right then and there. Marron had always despised ships. How was she going to explain this?
"Mother can fly! I've seen her do it."
'This lying bullshit is going to stop right now,' Vegeta vowed silently. He lifted his gaze from his son to his wife. "Funny, I distinctly remember you telling me you hated it and you didn't know how, woman."
Bulma gave a half-hearted laugh. "What are you talking about, Vegeta? I don't remember that."
"The day we left Icesei after our wedding," he reminded her.
"Oh." She glanced at June quickly. "I learned to overcome that a few years ago."
Trunks frowned, and Vegeta saw it, smirking triumphantly. He had caught her! "But mother, you said that you and Aunt June used to sneak out with Bulma when you lived on Briefsei and steal the trader's ships. You said the Bulma was always too scared to go on with you guys so she stayed on the ground," the boy rambled on.
June averted her gaze out the window, not wanting to get involved in this at all. Meanwhile, Bulma hung her head and sighed. What was she supposed to do, or say for that matter? Thankfully, Goku decided to save her from the uncomfortable questions.
"We need to land the ship, Vegeta, before they revoke our clearance."
Vegeta gave a reluctant nod and motioned his son forward with a hand. "Come on, brat. You need to learn how to do this."
Bulma was left with an empty lap and creeping sensation down her spine when she locked eyes with Vegeta. It felt like he was looking right through her to her very soul. She shuddered visibly and turned her face from him.
~*~
Yamcha kissed Marron on the cheek and smiled. "I have to go for now," he whispered in her ear, and she smiled sleepily and nodded. "You know I'd take you with me if I weren't going to Vegetasei, right?"
She suddenly sat up, wide-eyed. "What?! You're going there? Why?" She demanded.
He frowned. "I'm going to negotiate for Ansolus' return. He's rotting away in a saiyan dungeon."
"You're meeting with her," she hissed angrily. "Aren't you?! Go ahead. Try and deny it, Yamcha!"
The young pirate stood up from the bed and glared down at her. "Yes, I'm meeting with Akira, but that doesn't mean anything."
Marron narrowed her eyes. "I'm such a fool to think you'd given up on her. You're just like my pathetic ex-husband. Akira says jump, and you jump! What is it with that little whore? Will someone please tell me what's so special fucking about the bitch?!"
Yamcha brought his open palm down across her cheek forcefully, snapping her pretty face to the side painfully. Marron gasped, immediately cupping her throbbing cheek. "H-how could you?" She whispered.
"I will not tolerate you speaking about her in such a way." He grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her up to her knees on the bed. "If you have a problem with that, Marron, then I'll gladly drop you off on the closest planet to fend for yourself."
She yanked her arm back, falling on her butt against the cushiony mattress. "Just you try it," she dared.
He grinned cruelly. "Alright, but I have to warn you. The closest planet is Vegetasei."
The smug look on her face melted into true fear, and she shook her head. "You wouldn't."
"I will if you continuing bad mouthing her."
"Fine," she muttered angrily.
He smiled. "Good. I'll see you in a few days." Yacmha walked over to the door and paused. He glanced over his shoulder at the woman occipying his bed. She was still cradling her bruised cheek with one hand, but he found her other cheek to be a bit more fascinating at the moment. The scratches on her cheek were still there. They hadn't faded one bit, and he was pretty sure he knew just who gave it to her. It was clearly the mark of Akira. He should know. He had her mark too.
~*~(flashback again!) ;)~*~
Vegeta walked into the tower room and looked around. 'Where is she?' He heard laughter from the balcony and frowned. She never brought anyone up here. He quietly made his way over and peeked around the corner. He couldn't believe his eyes. Akira was sitting on the rail and laughing at something that Yamcha had just said to her. As usual, she looked like a goddess. Vegeta glared hatefully at the pirate's hand that was now traveling lightly up Akira's bare arm.
Her smile faded slightly, and she jumped down from her perch. "I'm getting cold. I'll be right back. I'm just going to grab a cloak," she told him.
"Of course," Yamcha said. "I'll wait out here, my love."
She offered him a smile before walking toward the archway that led into her room. She parted the fine, silk curtains and entered her room. Vegeta moved up behind her quickly, covering her mouth with his hand before she could scream and alert the man on her balcony. Akira tried to twist free from his grasp, and Vegeta leaned in close to her ear.
"It's only me. Calm down," he whispered.
Akira still struggled to get free, and he only let her go because he knew she wouldn't scream. She did send him a withering glare though. "What are you doing in my room?" She demanded quietly.
"What are you doing with Yamcha, in your room of all places?! It's rather late in the evening," he scolded.
"What I do in the privacy of my own room is none of your business."
"I am your prince, and I say it is," he replied angrily.
She shook her head. "Why can't you be happy for me?"
Her eyes raised up to meet his, and he cursed mentally. She was on the verge of tears. He stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. She didn't push away from him this time.
"I'd be happy if you were," he whispered against her ear. "But you're not, Akira. You don't love him."
"How do you know that? I haven't once said I don't love him," she countered, leaning back to look him in the eye.
He smirked at her. "You've never once said you do. Why are you willing to run off with him when you're needed here?"
"You have more advisors than you know what to do with," she told him. "What's it matter if I'm not one of them anymore?"
"I refuse to let you go with him," he growled, pulling her indecently closer.
Akira gasped softly. "Vegeta, what are you doing?"
"You love me," he answered knowingly.
"H-how did you--?"
He moved one hand to the back of her neck and tilted her head to the side gently, nuzzling her soft skin gently. "I'll find a way for us to be together," he vowed. "I don't know how, but I will."
"Akira?" Yamcha called out.
The two saiyans could see his outline through the thin curtains. It was moving toward the room. Vegeta growled deep in his throat and pushed Akira behind him as Yamcha walked in. The two men glared at each other with poorly veiled contempt.
"It's rather late for you to be in a lady's personal chambers," Vegeta stated coldly.
"With all due respect, your highness, the same goes for you."
Akira stepped between them before they started a fight that could get way out of control, and get Yamcha killed. "Stop it, please. Yamcha, I'm sorry, but he's right. It's rather late. I'll meet you after breakfast in the morning." She turned to Vegeta. "Goodnight."
~*~(end flash back for now!)
Vegeta walked off the ship first and looked around. An overwhelming sense of peace washed over him. He was home. It was such a strange sensation, one he never dreamed possible after all those years in Freeza's prison. He heard the others come down the ramp behind him, but Vegeta decided to ignore them for the moment as he took in the sights before him. Goku and Chichi seemed to in a similiar daze as they joined their prince.
"It's beautiful," June whispered to Bulma.
Wisely, the blue haired beauty kept her mouth shut and just nodded. She didn't want to give away the fact that she had never been here after all. She squeezed Trunks hand gently, and he smiled up at her.
"Is that the palace?" He asked, pointing at the an emormous fortress with several spiraling towers.
Even in the dead of night, you could make out the royal building because of all the illumination from the city surrounding it. Bulma was glad Vegeta answered because she was still in awe.
"Yes. That is the royal palace of Vegetasei. Your home," he declared proudly.
Bulma looked up at him suddenly, taking in every aspect of his appearance as if she were staring at a picture and didn't have to be afraid that he might catch her eyeing him. There was a soft glint in his eyes, one she hadn't seen before, and this unmistakable aura of regality around him. She was glad the landing bay was devoid of living being aside from them, otherwise, someone was bound to notice who he was right away. Vegeta glanced sideways and noticed the silent respect in his wife's eyes. He frowned. That was something he had never seen before, nor ever expected to see.
"Kakkarot, take them to the my summer villa. I must go to Akira alone."
"What if someone's there. How will we explain our presence?" Goku asked warily.
Vegeta shrugged nonchalantly. "I guess they'll just arrest you and bring you before me for judgment."
Chichi stiffened visibly. "What?!"
"Calm down, harpy. It's not like they'll kill you on the spot," he replied, mentally chukling at the horrified look that drained the color from her face.
Bulma clenched her fist tightly. She seemed to be the only one that noticed he was joking. "You jerk! Don't play with their emotions at a time like this. It's uncalled for," she hissed angrily.
Vegeta remained uncaring. "It's not my fault she's so gullible. She followed you, didn't she?" After that final statement, he took off into the air.
~*~
Finding the hidden passageway into the palace was no problem at all for the prince. So far, he managed to move through the city unnoticed, but then again, it was the middle of the night. He dropped down into the hatch, water sloshing against his worn boots. Vegeta groaned, reaching up to close the lid to the secretive portal. He was suddenly very glad that he could see in the dark. If he had to use his ki to light his way, every saiyan in the palace would sense him, and he didn't want to cause any hysteria amidst his people.
The narrow path went on for almost three miles. Vegeta actually cracked a slight smile when he spotted the end. For a while, he thought he had mistakenly made a wrong turn along the way. He peeked up through the vent. It was blocked by the large throne. He cursed under his breath. 'Akira must have had it moved there,' he thought. But why? The only people that new about it were the royal family, her, and Arthos. What possible reason would she have to block it from any of them? It wasn't going to make his entrance a quiet one. He'd have to lift the entire grate and throne up and slide it without creating too much noise.
Vegeta laced his fingers through the openings and pushed up slowly. He had to keep it balanced it it would fall. It wobbled slightly, and he frowned. He really needed to train more if he couldn't keep a damn chair from staying balanced. He was still recuperating from his lovely stay in Freeza's dungeon! Finally, he managed to move the whole thing over far enough for him to get out of the darkened area. The prince shook off a tiny shudder. It reminded him of his cell. He needed to get out no! He pulled himself up and sighed.
"Finally," he whispered as he sat on the edge, his feet still fangling in the hole. It was then that he realized he wasn't alone.
Arro had been pacing back and forth for the past two hours in the throone room. It was well hidden habit of his until now. The young prince had stood back and witnessed this 'stranger' suddenly appear from the secret passage. He walked closer to get a better look at the man, but his back was to him. Vegeta knew who was behind him instantly.
"The crown prince should be a bit more cautious, don't you think? I could be an assasin for all you know," Vegeta whispered softly.
"You're doing a poor job of killing me then," his brother spoke back in a quiet tone. "It's rude to not face royalty when you are addressing them," he scolded. 'Why does this guys presence seem so familiar?'
Vegeta nodded and stood up. "Then I hope you can forgive me, your highness," he replied, turning around to look his younger brother in the eyes for the first time in five years.
Arro stood frozen to the spot. "Br-brother?" He stepped forward, shaking all the way. "Is it really you?"
The saiyan prince smirked arrogantly. "Who else could pull off this look?" He demanded, crossing his arms.
The younger prince mirrored his older brother's smirk, a look of pure happiness reflecting in his eyes. "I don't know how this is possible, but I've never been happier in my whole life." He suddenly motioned for Vegeta to follow him as he rushed for the door. "You have to go see Akira! She missed yo so much," he rambled on. "Maybe you can get her to stop being so depressed!"
"I'll go see her in a moment, but first I need you to distract the guards. I don't want anyone to know I'm back yet until I speak with her."
"I can do that," Arro said.
~*~
He pushed the cream colored curtains aside and sat down on the edge of the bed. A slight pull at the corner mouth appeared as he brushed aside strands of pure silver. She looked as perfect as she always had. Akira shifted onto her side and pulled the pillow closer to her body. Yamcha smiled and bent down to steal a quick kiss before waking her., but he was halted when she reached up and smacked him across the face.
"Ouch!"
Akira sat up and glared at him. "What the hell are you doing in here? I gave you strict orders to stay in the guesthouse," she hissed.
"Forgive me, love, but I couldn't. Being so close to you again is--."
She pushed him away and slipped out the other side of the bed. "I don't want to hear it. Get out of my room before I call down the wrath of the entire saiyan royal army on you,"she threatened.
"I came here for a second chance."
"Well, you're out of luck."
Yamcha stalked across the room toward her. "I risked innocent mens' lives to see you again, damnit, and I'm not leaving until you give in."
"If Vegeta were here, you have had the guts to come back here," she shot back.
He grinned. "Yeah, it's really too bad what happened to him," Yamcha stated sarcastically. "Now that he's out of the way for good, and my sources say you've continuely rejected Arthos, there's nothing to stop me from taking what I've always wanted."
Akira was backed up against the wall with nowhere to run. If she fought him, the entire royal guard would sense it and come running. She didn't love Yamcha, she just wanted him to leave her alone in peace. She looked up into his dark eyes and sent him a pleading look while trying to keep ahold of the thin sheet wrapped around her naked body. Yamcha pushed himself up against her, easily capturing her hands and pinning them above her head.
"What the hell are you doing?" She struggled against his grasp, horrified to realize that he had become much stronger over the years. This was bad!
"Isn't it obvious?"
He leaned in and kissed her roughly. Akira tried to knee him between the legs, but he evaded her movements so she clamped her mouth closed. She wouldn't give in. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of screaming or crying. No! She squeezed her eyes shut, moisture accumulating in the corners of them. Then, he was gone. She opened her eyes and gasped loudly. Yamcha was being held up by the his neck, feet dangling above the ground as he fought to get free. She pulled the sheet around herself and sidestepped out of the way to see who her savior was.
"Vegeta."
The prince never stopped glaring at Yamcha's back when she spoke his name. He tossed the pirate across the room. Yamcha shook his head, crawling backwards.
"It's not possible! You're dead."
"Not anymore. I thought I told you several years ago to stay the hell away from my woman," he growled dangerously.
"You didn't marry her, so she's not yours." Yamcha was finally to his feet once again and inching his way toward the balcony exit.
"That doesn't matter. I told you to stay away notheless. You disobeyed me, and I highly dislike being crossed, so this ends now."
Yamcha glared. "I don't think so. This is just starting. You being alive all of a sudden just makes it more interesting." He pulled a remote of some kind from his pocket and flashed them both an evil grin. "I wasn't sure if Akira would put up a fight or not, so I came prepared to for blackmail." He fixed his gaze of the woman hiding behind Vegeta. "You were stupid to leave me alone with Ansolus. I positioned some powerful explosives in his cell, and the dungeons are awefully close to the someone's room," he trailed off, putting a finger to his chin. "Hmm, who could it be?"
"Indy," Akira whispered.
"That's it, love. Princess Indara's room, your little sister, Vegeta. So what do you say, you let me leave without further incident, and we'll call this one a draw?"
Vegeta balled his fists tightly. "You better fly as fast as you can."
"I'll be seeing you. It's such a pity though, Akira. I have someone back on my ship I just know you'd love to get your hands on." He didn't elaborate further before flying out of the palace a top speed.
Akira reached out and let her hand fall gently onto the prince's shoulder. Tears formed in her eyes when he turned to face her, and she fell into his embrace, sobbing into his neck. Vegeta held her close and kissed her on the cheek softly.
"You're really back," she whispered.
He closed his eyes and nodded. "Yes, I'm really back."
~*~
B/V fans, don't get too confused or up in arms about that ending!!! It'll make sense soon I promise. I'll update very soon! Thanks a bunch! ~runs from the angry mob about to lynch her~
~*~
PANDORA ;)