Aikia- Thanks so very much!!! Enjoy the new chapter!!! ;)
Meow-Mix- More is on the way!!! Thanks for reviewing! ;)
TigerWolf- Hey! Thanks very much for reviewing. ;)
Sorceress Fujin- Here's more finally! Thanks for reviewing, muchly appreciated!!! ;)
Gravidy- I find it humorour too that she kind of took advantage of him!!! hahaha, it gives it an interesting twist, huh? Akira did get raped, and Yamcha is going to get it, trust me! ;) Thanks for reviewing!
Draegon-fire- Yes, something certainly did happen!!! ;) Thanks for reviewing!!!
DBZ-fan-JESS- Yep, that was Bulma's first time. Thanks for reviewing!! ;)
Daisy31- Yep! Vegeta was really, really, really drunk! Enjoy this next chapter, and thanks for reviewing!!! ;)
Toxiclover- Hiya! Marron was taking these pills that would make it look like she was dying. They slowed her heart down and stuff, and Yamcha can and unburied her. I think all this took place in chapter 4 or 5 near the end! Thanks for reviewing!!! ;)
Shades of Crimson- HI!!!! We're gonna be learning some new stuff about Bulma and Vegeta in this chapter! pay real close attention to the flashbacks! ;) As always, thank you so much for the review! Luv ya! ;)
me- I still haven't decided exactly how Marron's going to come up against Vegeta and Bulma yet, but it should hopefully be awesome! (crosses fingers) If I do it right!!! I really hope I do! Thanks so much for reviewing. ;)
Ccfleursdelys- Yamcha is kind of a bastard in this fic, and majorly obssessed, huh?! I know you felt it was wrong that they slept together like that. Sorry! I wish I had been able to do it another way. I'm gonna try to explain this in an authors at the end of the chapter! Thanks for reviewing!! ;)
Videlchan313- Yo!! Yamcha's gonna get his eventually. I'm still not sure how yet, though! Thanks so muches for reviewing!!! ;) It means so much to me!!
Seruleyan-Wings- Oh man! I hope you can get online soon. :-( Anyhow! I'm really happy you liked that chapter! For some reason, I felt as if I was rushing the whole B & V having sex thing. I don't know. I aprt of me still thinks I might have done it wrong! Thanks for reveiwing! Hope to hear from you soon!!! Luv ya muchly, gal! ;) .... did you watch 'The 4400' ?!?!?!? It was really good. I'm glad you talked me into watching it!! ;)
LucretiaDecoy- Wow! Thanks so much for reviewing! Muchly appreciated!! ;)
Chibi Bluestar- Oh! I'm happy you decided to read my story, too!! Thank you so much for reviewing! Glad you like!!! ;)
Hinagiku- Thank!!! ;) Glad you enjoyed that chapter! I hope I don't disappoint!! ;)
Elvenangel- Thank you, thank you!!! I feel bad for the stuff that Akira's gone through. I'm so mean to some of my characters, but her situation is crucial for this story. Without her, Bulma and Vegeta'd never get together in this. Don't worry! The cat's about to jump out of the bag and dance around!! ;)
Majesa- Thank you so much! I'm really happy that so many people like my fic! It means a lot! ;)
Hanna- Yeah, Bulma and Vegeta did it! I hope I don't confuse you!! Sorry if I do. If you ever have any questions, just let me know. I'll try my hardest to answer them without giving away the plot! ;) I don't have any plans to split Bulma and Vegeta as of now, but that's not to say it won't happen. I think I still have a long way to go with this story! Thanks for reviewing! ;)
Beth- Thank you very much for reviewing! ;)
BlueAngel- Hey! Thanks for reviewing. Glad you liked the B/V moment in the last chapter! ;)
Hell Devil- Thanks! They're gonna find out real soon, don't worry!! ;)
KarineD- B & V did have sex. Sorry, I don't do lemons, so a lot of people got confused. Sorry!!! As for Akira's powers... well, you'll find out in this chapter ;) Thanks for reviewing!!!
Kitty- Thank you so much for reviewing! I'm glad you like my stuff! ;)
Sooner- Don't worry! The moment everyone's been waiting for has finally arrived!! Thanks for reviewing!! ;)
Hirari Heijin- Don't worry! Yamcha's gonna get it eventually, just like Marron. ;) Thanks for reviewing!
Jadasb19- It's cool about the review thing! You could have not reviewed at all!! Thanks for taking the time!! I really appreciate it. ;)
B-chan2007- I'm glad you found my fic too!! hahaha Thank you so much for reviewing! ;)
VeggieNaku- ;) Very soon! I promise. Thanks for the review!
Rikku- Soon!! ;) Thanks for reviewing!!
BlackRainbow- Hey! Thanks! I'm happy I've kept this so original!! I hope you like this next chapter! ;)
----
(there's a bag on Pandora's computer desk and it's moving) Meow!!! (Pandora grins mischievously and unties the bag) Here, kitty-kitty!!
;-)
----
Chapter 19: My Name Is...
---- (flashback, Briefsei, right after the big war!)
The young saiyan prince followed his father quietly through the halls of the imperial palace of Briefsei. He was in a terrible mood. They had lost the war and the right to the imperial throne to the Icejin's, and now, they would have to suffer the humiliation of defeat in front of the entire royal court! His father sensed his anger and sent him a sympathetic look. He didn't want to have to answer to King Cold either, but what choice did they have left?
"I'm sure this audience will be over quickly, Vegeta," the saiyan king whispered to his eldest son and heir.
"I have a bad feeling about this, like I'm about to get set up," he replied as they walked toward the dais where King Cold was sitting, flanked by both his sons.
"I truly wish that it hadn't ended like this," King Cold announced as they reluctantly bowed to him. "This petty bickering between us must cease if we are to work together in the future."
"What do you mean?" King Vegeta asked, confused over the new monarch's behavior.
"Don't act so surprised, Vegeta. I want you to rule as a govenor of sorts, for your quadrant. I'm willing to give you a chance to to prove your loyalty to me. There is also the matter of your son."
Prince Vegeta was quick to notice the flash of a smirk on Freeza's face. He held back a growl. 'What are you up to, lizard boy?' King Vegeta's mood turned defensive. "What about my son?"
King Cold chuckled. "Oh, don't worry! I'm not going to have him killed or anything. I simply wish to bind him to Briefsei through marriage."
"I am sorry, but he is already engaged," the king shot back.
"Ah, yes. The priestess Akira," Cold responded. "I do hope it wasn't a love match because I'm afraid you really don't have a choice in this matter. You will marry the girl I have chosen for you, Prince Vegeta, and that is final!"
----
Vegeta stormed out of the palace and continued walking until he came to lush, green garden with little ponds and fountains here and there. He felt the sudden urge to destroy something. Gathering a small bit of ki in his hand, he aimed for a nearby rosebush, but the sound of laughter drifted through the air, stayed his hand. He slowly followed the beautiful sound, and the sight took his breath away. There in one of the larger fountains was a girl. She had to be just a couple years younger than him. Staying behind the thickly intertwined bushes and trees, Vegeta moved around so he could get a better look at her.
It was just after sundown, but his advanced vision allowed him to see as if the sun was shining directing overhead. She had a short, thin white dress on that looked more like something a lady was supposed to wear to bed, and she was completely drenched from head to toe. She splashed another girl standing close by and laughed merrily as the blond haired girl jumped into the fountain with her and tackled her. An amused smirk crept over Vegeta's face, and he couldn't deny that she was a beauty.
Somewhere behind him, he heard his father's advisor calling out to him. He peeked toward the blue haired girl once more, watching her emerge from under the water's surface and brushing her long, thickly curled hair from her face. The most piercing sapphire eyes searched for her compainion.
"Prince Vegeta! King Cold has sent for your bride. He demands your presence right away," Mycal said from behind him.
Vegeta sighed, glaring at the soft grass beneath his boots. How could he go home to face Akira after this? He was being forced to marry some girl he didn't know and didn't want anything to do with!
---- (end flashback for now! ;)
The throbbing in his head seemed to multiply by a thousand when he sat up, causing him to wince. He glared at the smoldering fire a few feet away and untanlged himself from the woman lying next to him. What in the world had he been thinking drinking so much?! Silently, he sat there, staring at the distant wall while trying to sort through his muddled thoughts. Next to him, his beautiful blue haired 'wife' let out a heavy sigh and covered her mouth as she yawned. She sat up slowly, covering her chest with her arms, attempting to salvage some of her modesty.
"W-what time is it?" Her voice quivered noticably.
Vegeta, who had no sense of modesty, simply stood up and walked over to the window, pulling back the curtains. The sun was just peeking over the hills in the distance. While his back was to her, Bulma hurriedly pulled her clothes on and tried to ignore all the soreness in her muscles. As she stood up, there was a knock at the door. Since Vegeta was still very naked, she walked over and opened it just a crack.
Arthos stood in the hallway, staring sadly at a painting on the wall. Bulma frowned. "Are you alright, Prince Arthos?"
He blinked, turining toward her. "I'm sorry. I need to speak with Vegeta."
Bulma glanced over her shoulder, suppressing a blush. Thankfully, Arthos' presence in the hall had given Vegeta the initative to finally get dress, at least from the waist down. The saiyan prince walked over to the door and pulled it open completely.
"I told you this was my concern."
"Yes. I remember," Arthos said, walking into the room and ignoring his best friend's comment. "Radditz has contacted his spy network, I've seen to all the necessary plans involving Nappa's funeral, and my father is sending a fleet to meet us near Ullia. Yamcha's fleet is heading there as we speak."
Bulma gave him a hopeful look. "We might actually catch up to him soon then?!"
The riessian prince sighed. "Depends on how long he stays there."
"Akira will find a way to escape with the boys," she stated adamantly.
"Her powers are gone," Thealda spoke up from the doorway. The three occupants of the room turned toward her.
"That's impossible," Vegeta hissed.
The older human woman shook her head slowly. "I'm afraid not. The goddess has finally deserted her. I think she's known as much for a long time."
"No!" Bulma walked up to her mother. "Please, there has to be something you can do to help her. She's our only hope right now. Can't you pray to the goddess? Please, mother!"
Vegeta narrowed his eyes. "What the hell are you talking about, woman?! Since when do you care about what happens to Akira, and how is it possible that this woman is your mother?!"
"Prince Arthos," Thealda started, her eyes never leaving that of her daughter's. "We need to leave these two alone."
Bulma shook her head. "No." She understood what her mother wanted, and she didn't think she could do it alone. She had hoped to have someone like Akira around when she finally broke the news!
Thealda placed her hand against Bulma's cheek and smiled sadly. "Things are becoming too big and too complicated. Akira saw as much. She believed that the truth should come out, no matter what." She turned to Vegeta. "Do not be angry with her for this. If you must blame someone, then it is my fault. This all started with me."
Having said that, she walked out of the room. Arthos followed reluctantly, wondering just what the hell was going on now! 'Things are definitely getting too big,' he thought. Back in Vegeta's private den, Bulma was shaking like a leaf. 'What is he going to think?' She chanced a quick glance at him. His coal colored eyes watched her carefully.
"P-perhaps you should s-sit down," she told him softly.
"I think not. What the hell is going on, Marron?"
Narrowing her eyes, she clenched her tiny fists. She'd waited far too long to say this! "My name is Bulma," she growled at him.
"What?!" Vegeta demanded.
"Marron was my sister. She's dead now. After Goku and Chichi helped her escape, she came back to our home planet to give birth to Trunks. I took my nephew in as my own, pretending to be my sister and trying to give him a decent life," she told him, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Everyone thought you were dead. I never dreamed any of this would ever happen."
It all made perfect sense to him now. The changes is her personality. It was because she wasn't Marron. He turned his back to her, crossing his arms over his chest. This woman was not his wife! She was not the betrayer that Marron was. "Who all knew of this?"
Bulma didn't want him to be mad at anyone, but since they were finally able to be honest, she wasn't going to hide anything from him. "Obviously June, Chichi, Goku, and Thealda knew," she answered. "And Akira."
The prince struggled to keep his anger in check. "When my son is found, you will tell him the truth," he told her. "Whether you are allowed to remain near him is yet to be decided. Now, get away from me."
"Vegeta, please," she whispered, taking a catious step toward him.
"I said get out!"
----(one week later)
'It wasn't supposed to be like this,' she decided, brushing a lock of blue hair behind her ear. 'What a fool I've become!' Marron turned the corner, walking out into the open courtard. Yamcha had a lovely mansion on Ullia. He'd taken her here several times before, and for a change, she was more interested with walking around it's spacious grounds then spending time with the pirate that had stolen her heart years ago.
Over the insanely long week it took for them to reach this planet, Marron had spent a lot of time contemplating her current situation. She was no idiot. Yamcha had set into motion a series of events that would lead to her eventually coming face to face with her husband and her sister.
Pausing on the top step, she scanned the courtyard with her bright blue eyes. She was no idiot! Without a second thought, she turned toward the landing pad where Yamcha's command ship was sitting. There would be no room for error on her part, and she would have to be quick!
---- (wonder what she's planning? ;)
"We'll land. King Miren's fleet will stay in oribt around the planet and block any ships that might try to escape," Vegeta ordered. "Nor and Radditz will take their teams and surround Yamcha's estate. They will work their way in. Turlis and Arthos will be at my side."
Arthos nodded. "I'll contact my father and let him know what you have planned."
Goku stepped forward. "Vegeta, I need to help you in this," he begged.
Vegeta glared at him for a long time. He'd been careful to avoid all those who had been keeping Bulma a secret from him until now, and he still was not happy about it. "You can join one of the teams, soldier. That is all," he replied coldly.
"Thank you," Goku said, bowing his head respectfully.
"You are all dismissed," Vegeta announced, walking toward the door.
He made his way through the long passages of his battleship, trying to reach the comforting emptiness of his room, not wanting anything to do with the people around him. Just as he was opening his door, he felt someone's eyes on him. Scowling, he turned to meet the sapphire gaze head on.
Bulma took a deep breath, biting the inside of her bottom lip. She wasn't exactly sure what she wanted to say to him, but she felt the need to say something. She moved forward, but stopped when his eyes narrowed slightly. He didn't want her around. She could understand that and respect his wishes after he listened to what she needed to say.
"Prince Arthos informed me that we land on Ullia tomorrow morning," she started.
Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest. "He should know better than to give out such information to a civilian."
She glared back at him. "I'm not a civilian in this matter! Trunks might not biologically be mine, but he is my son, damnit! I love him, and he is all I have left in life," she told him. "I gave him everything I could, everything that my sister could not, and I have become close to Akira in the last couple months. She's my friend, and I have to know that she's going to make it out alright!"
The prince sighed, leaning back against his bedroom door. For the some odd reason, he didn't feel anger toward her. She was deeply sincere in her feelings toward his son and Akira. "When this is over, you may remain on Vegetasei and live in the palace," he told her softly. "I will not be parted from my heir, and I have the feeling he will not be parted from you."
Bulma let out a cry of pure happiness, flinging her arms around him and hugging him. "Thank you, Vegeta! Thank you!"
Startled, he stood there with wide eyes. This had to be the happiest he had ever seen her since their first meeting. As her small body clung to him, Vegeta couldn't help but recall the still fuzzy events of that night a week ago. Every night, his mind would feed him fragments of what had transpired between them while he had been in his drunken stupor.
"What happened that night?" He inquired, grabbing her gently by the shoulders and pushing her back so he could look her in the eye.
"W-what do you mean?" She stuttered, blushing and avoiding eye contact.
"When I was drunk," he reminded her. "Did we," he trailed off slowly.
Bulma nodded quickly, stepping away from him. "I should get some sleep. Thank you for listening to me."
Vegeta grabbed her by the wrist before she could get away. "I think not, Bulma."
She froze. He'd called her by her real name for the first time, and she'd never thought it sounded so good before in her whole life as it did coming out of his mouth. "I'm very tired," she whispered.
"Very well," he replied, releasing her from his hold. He watched her practically run down the hall to get away from him. So they had slept together that night, leaving him with the complex question: why? They had done nothing but fight in the time he'd known her, so why would she willingly give herself to him? The only possible answer he could come up with sounded far too ridiculous to him. 'She couldn't possibly,' he told himself before going into his room.
----
Ansolus quietly waited in the shadows for the guards to pass by and turn the corner. He peeked up and down the hall and stealthily made his way toward the door at the far end. Yamcha had seperated each of his prisoners, placing them in different parts of the mansion, and only the pirate himself was allowed access to them. Ansolus had to follow his master and play guess work on which person was where.
With confident ease, he pried the keypad from the wall and pulled out the right wires. He didn't want any alarms to go off and bring the wrath of Yamcha down on him. He replaced the keypad, making it look as if nothing was wrong with it, and entered the room. It was spacious and the furnishings were expensive looking.
"Only the best, right?" A soft voice asked from across the room.
He turned toward the sound, spying the sad form of Vegetasei's former priestess. Her hair hung loosely around her upper body, and her shoulder's were slumped slightly. "Akira, what has he done to you?"
Her pale eyes narrowed, and she turned her head to search through the steel bars that had recently been placed over the windows to keep her in. "What a waste," she said. "I couldn't escape, even if they weren't there."
Ansolus walked over to her, frowning. "I don't understand. Your powers? Surely, you could easily be free."
Holding out her palm, face up, she focused what little ki she was left with. There was nothing but the faintest shimmer or gold, and Ansolus could tell that it was taxing on her mentally and physically just to call forth that little amount of energy.
"Will you do me a favor, old friend?"
He swallowed painfully. "Of course, just as soon as I get you out of here."
She shook her head slowly. "I'm not going anywhere. This is where I stay," she told him. "Send word to Vegeta's fleet. Tell him to wait until nightfall to attack."
"He's not going to take my word for it, Akira. It will have to be you," he argued.
"No! You must tell him for me. Also," she stood up, ignoring the pain. "You will tell Prince Arthos." She reached out and wrapped her delicate fingers around the bars. A tear trickled down her lightly bruised cheek. "You will tell him that I want him to be happy, and that I'll be there for his wedding somehow. I'll find a way."
"You can't possibly want to stay here with Yamcha!"
"Let Vegeta know where each of the boys are being held. I'm sure you know where they are by now, right?"
"I can't just leave you here like this! Damnit! You need to see a doctor. You need to get away from all this."
She walked over and sat down at the foot of the bed. "Yamcha will be here soon. You had better leave. I'm counting on you. Do this one thing for me," she begged.
They stared at each other for the longest time, before he nodded to her. "As you wish, priestess."
---- (flashback, picks up where the last flashback left off ;)
"Bulma! 18! Why are you traipsing water through the temple?" Ganis demanded angrily.
Bulma bit back a giggle. "I'm sorry, sister Ganis. We'll clean it up!"
"18 will clean it up! Bulma, you are to get changed this instant and go to Mother Priestess Thealda's main chambers. She is waiting there to speak with you and your sister!"
June frowned. "This sucks," she whispered.
"Watch your language, June! A lady does not say suck things."
Both girls rolled their eyes at the older woman's back as she rushed from the room. "What could Thealda want?" Bulma wondered aloud.
"Who knows," June said. "But you better not keep her waiting."
"You're right. I'll see you in a few!" She ran toward her room to at least change her dress.
----
Marron stood next to Thealda, clutching her hands properly in front of her and holding head high. She wasn't sure what was going on exactly, but it had to be important if someone as powerful as Lord Freeza was here to see her and Bulma. Inwardly, she scowled. Bulma was late, as usual! She tucked a lock of straight, blue hair behind her ear and sighed.
Thealda frowned, glancing at the door. "Forgive her, Lord Freeza. She had chores to attend to. I'm sure she'll be here any second," the priestess informed him.
"Actually, I think I've waited long enough," he replied. "Her actions obviously are not suitable for what I have in mind."
"And what exactly is that, your highness?" Thealda questioned carefully.
Her grinned. "Lady Marron is to be wed to the saiyan prince this very hour."
Marron's eyes grew wide, and she looked to the priestess. 'What?! No,' she thought frantically. 'I've no wish to marry someone I don't know.'
Just then, Bulma walked in dressed in a long, plain pink gown. Her hair was left down and still damp from her water-fight with June earlier. She froze upon seeing Freeza. She knew exactly who he was. She curtsied quickly.
"Forgive me, Lord Freeza. Sister Ganis did not tell me you were here," she apologized.
"Nevermind it, girl. I've already made my decision," he said. "Have Lady Marron sent to the palace in thirty minutes." He walked toward the door and paused. "Make sure to say your goodbyes, my dear," he said to Marron.
----
Marron walked into the room timidly. She'd heard many rumors of this Prince Vegeta she was to marry, none were very good either! As she walked down the aisle toward her soon-to-be husband, she felt the walls closing in on her. Her vision became blurry, and her steps faltered slightly. It did little slow down her escort, a very tall, blue skinned alien. Zarbon. She'd heard Freeza call him by that name earlier.
Standing between his father and King Cold, Vegeta watched the girl walking toward him with a slightly surprised look. It was the girl from the fountain! He was sure of it. It had to be! She had managed to clea herself up quite quickly, too. 'Perhaps it won't be so bad,' he thought, looking her over slowly.
----(end flashback)
Alright! I've finally written the marriage scene for Vegeta and Marron that I've been meaning to get in this story. I hope everyone caught onto the fact that it was Bulma who he orignally saw in the fountain and thought he was marrying. ;) I'm trying to add a little depth to the relationship, okay?!
So, Marron's got a plan, Vegeta and Arthos have a plan, Akira's got a plan... what's gonna happen?! I guess you'll have to hold on until the next chapter to find out! ;)
Also, I gotta get this off my chest! I don't appreciate being cursed at in a review. I don't have as much time as I used to, to write. I have responsibilties and a job, etc... Now before this person gets all pissy with me again, and tries to use the line 'but you have no problem updating other fics!', let me just say this: this story takes a little bit more planning than my other stories, ok!? I don't particularly like to slop stuff together, and I don't think anyone wants to read something that is just thrown together like that.
okay I'm done. Sorry that it has taken so long for me to post this chapter. I hope that you all aren't too upset with me. Thanks to all of you that have been hanging in there for me! Much luv your way!
----
PANDORA ;)
----
Please, review!
Meow-Mix- More is on the way!!! Thanks for reviewing! ;)
TigerWolf- Hey! Thanks very much for reviewing. ;)
Sorceress Fujin- Here's more finally! Thanks for reviewing, muchly appreciated!!! ;)
Gravidy- I find it humorour too that she kind of took advantage of him!!! hahaha, it gives it an interesting twist, huh? Akira did get raped, and Yamcha is going to get it, trust me! ;) Thanks for reviewing!
Draegon-fire- Yes, something certainly did happen!!! ;) Thanks for reviewing!!!
DBZ-fan-JESS- Yep, that was Bulma's first time. Thanks for reviewing!! ;)
Daisy31- Yep! Vegeta was really, really, really drunk! Enjoy this next chapter, and thanks for reviewing!!! ;)
Toxiclover- Hiya! Marron was taking these pills that would make it look like she was dying. They slowed her heart down and stuff, and Yamcha can and unburied her. I think all this took place in chapter 4 or 5 near the end! Thanks for reviewing!!! ;)
Shades of Crimson- HI!!!! We're gonna be learning some new stuff about Bulma and Vegeta in this chapter! pay real close attention to the flashbacks! ;) As always, thank you so much for the review! Luv ya! ;)
me- I still haven't decided exactly how Marron's going to come up against Vegeta and Bulma yet, but it should hopefully be awesome! (crosses fingers) If I do it right!!! I really hope I do! Thanks so much for reviewing. ;)
Ccfleursdelys- Yamcha is kind of a bastard in this fic, and majorly obssessed, huh?! I know you felt it was wrong that they slept together like that. Sorry! I wish I had been able to do it another way. I'm gonna try to explain this in an authors at the end of the chapter! Thanks for reviewing!! ;)
Videlchan313- Yo!! Yamcha's gonna get his eventually. I'm still not sure how yet, though! Thanks so muches for reviewing!!! ;) It means so much to me!!
Seruleyan-Wings- Oh man! I hope you can get online soon. :-( Anyhow! I'm really happy you liked that chapter! For some reason, I felt as if I was rushing the whole B & V having sex thing. I don't know. I aprt of me still thinks I might have done it wrong! Thanks for reveiwing! Hope to hear from you soon!!! Luv ya muchly, gal! ;) .... did you watch 'The 4400' ?!?!?!? It was really good. I'm glad you talked me into watching it!! ;)
LucretiaDecoy- Wow! Thanks so much for reviewing! Muchly appreciated!! ;)
Chibi Bluestar- Oh! I'm happy you decided to read my story, too!! Thank you so much for reviewing! Glad you like!!! ;)
Hinagiku- Thank!!! ;) Glad you enjoyed that chapter! I hope I don't disappoint!! ;)
Elvenangel- Thank you, thank you!!! I feel bad for the stuff that Akira's gone through. I'm so mean to some of my characters, but her situation is crucial for this story. Without her, Bulma and Vegeta'd never get together in this. Don't worry! The cat's about to jump out of the bag and dance around!! ;)
Majesa- Thank you so much! I'm really happy that so many people like my fic! It means a lot! ;)
Hanna- Yeah, Bulma and Vegeta did it! I hope I don't confuse you!! Sorry if I do. If you ever have any questions, just let me know. I'll try my hardest to answer them without giving away the plot! ;) I don't have any plans to split Bulma and Vegeta as of now, but that's not to say it won't happen. I think I still have a long way to go with this story! Thanks for reviewing! ;)
Beth- Thank you very much for reviewing! ;)
BlueAngel- Hey! Thanks for reviewing. Glad you liked the B/V moment in the last chapter! ;)
Hell Devil- Thanks! They're gonna find out real soon, don't worry!! ;)
KarineD- B & V did have sex. Sorry, I don't do lemons, so a lot of people got confused. Sorry!!! As for Akira's powers... well, you'll find out in this chapter ;) Thanks for reviewing!!!
Kitty- Thank you so much for reviewing! I'm glad you like my stuff! ;)
Sooner- Don't worry! The moment everyone's been waiting for has finally arrived!! Thanks for reviewing!! ;)
Hirari Heijin- Don't worry! Yamcha's gonna get it eventually, just like Marron. ;) Thanks for reviewing!
Jadasb19- It's cool about the review thing! You could have not reviewed at all!! Thanks for taking the time!! I really appreciate it. ;)
B-chan2007- I'm glad you found my fic too!! hahaha Thank you so much for reviewing! ;)
VeggieNaku- ;) Very soon! I promise. Thanks for the review!
Rikku- Soon!! ;) Thanks for reviewing!!
BlackRainbow- Hey! Thanks! I'm happy I've kept this so original!! I hope you like this next chapter! ;)
----
(there's a bag on Pandora's computer desk and it's moving) Meow!!! (Pandora grins mischievously and unties the bag) Here, kitty-kitty!!
;-)
----
Chapter 19: My Name Is...
---- (flashback, Briefsei, right after the big war!)
The young saiyan prince followed his father quietly through the halls of the imperial palace of Briefsei. He was in a terrible mood. They had lost the war and the right to the imperial throne to the Icejin's, and now, they would have to suffer the humiliation of defeat in front of the entire royal court! His father sensed his anger and sent him a sympathetic look. He didn't want to have to answer to King Cold either, but what choice did they have left?
"I'm sure this audience will be over quickly, Vegeta," the saiyan king whispered to his eldest son and heir.
"I have a bad feeling about this, like I'm about to get set up," he replied as they walked toward the dais where King Cold was sitting, flanked by both his sons.
"I truly wish that it hadn't ended like this," King Cold announced as they reluctantly bowed to him. "This petty bickering between us must cease if we are to work together in the future."
"What do you mean?" King Vegeta asked, confused over the new monarch's behavior.
"Don't act so surprised, Vegeta. I want you to rule as a govenor of sorts, for your quadrant. I'm willing to give you a chance to to prove your loyalty to me. There is also the matter of your son."
Prince Vegeta was quick to notice the flash of a smirk on Freeza's face. He held back a growl. 'What are you up to, lizard boy?' King Vegeta's mood turned defensive. "What about my son?"
King Cold chuckled. "Oh, don't worry! I'm not going to have him killed or anything. I simply wish to bind him to Briefsei through marriage."
"I am sorry, but he is already engaged," the king shot back.
"Ah, yes. The priestess Akira," Cold responded. "I do hope it wasn't a love match because I'm afraid you really don't have a choice in this matter. You will marry the girl I have chosen for you, Prince Vegeta, and that is final!"
----
Vegeta stormed out of the palace and continued walking until he came to lush, green garden with little ponds and fountains here and there. He felt the sudden urge to destroy something. Gathering a small bit of ki in his hand, he aimed for a nearby rosebush, but the sound of laughter drifted through the air, stayed his hand. He slowly followed the beautiful sound, and the sight took his breath away. There in one of the larger fountains was a girl. She had to be just a couple years younger than him. Staying behind the thickly intertwined bushes and trees, Vegeta moved around so he could get a better look at her.
It was just after sundown, but his advanced vision allowed him to see as if the sun was shining directing overhead. She had a short, thin white dress on that looked more like something a lady was supposed to wear to bed, and she was completely drenched from head to toe. She splashed another girl standing close by and laughed merrily as the blond haired girl jumped into the fountain with her and tackled her. An amused smirk crept over Vegeta's face, and he couldn't deny that she was a beauty.
Somewhere behind him, he heard his father's advisor calling out to him. He peeked toward the blue haired girl once more, watching her emerge from under the water's surface and brushing her long, thickly curled hair from her face. The most piercing sapphire eyes searched for her compainion.
"Prince Vegeta! King Cold has sent for your bride. He demands your presence right away," Mycal said from behind him.
Vegeta sighed, glaring at the soft grass beneath his boots. How could he go home to face Akira after this? He was being forced to marry some girl he didn't know and didn't want anything to do with!
---- (end flashback for now! ;)
The throbbing in his head seemed to multiply by a thousand when he sat up, causing him to wince. He glared at the smoldering fire a few feet away and untanlged himself from the woman lying next to him. What in the world had he been thinking drinking so much?! Silently, he sat there, staring at the distant wall while trying to sort through his muddled thoughts. Next to him, his beautiful blue haired 'wife' let out a heavy sigh and covered her mouth as she yawned. She sat up slowly, covering her chest with her arms, attempting to salvage some of her modesty.
"W-what time is it?" Her voice quivered noticably.
Vegeta, who had no sense of modesty, simply stood up and walked over to the window, pulling back the curtains. The sun was just peeking over the hills in the distance. While his back was to her, Bulma hurriedly pulled her clothes on and tried to ignore all the soreness in her muscles. As she stood up, there was a knock at the door. Since Vegeta was still very naked, she walked over and opened it just a crack.
Arthos stood in the hallway, staring sadly at a painting on the wall. Bulma frowned. "Are you alright, Prince Arthos?"
He blinked, turining toward her. "I'm sorry. I need to speak with Vegeta."
Bulma glanced over her shoulder, suppressing a blush. Thankfully, Arthos' presence in the hall had given Vegeta the initative to finally get dress, at least from the waist down. The saiyan prince walked over to the door and pulled it open completely.
"I told you this was my concern."
"Yes. I remember," Arthos said, walking into the room and ignoring his best friend's comment. "Radditz has contacted his spy network, I've seen to all the necessary plans involving Nappa's funeral, and my father is sending a fleet to meet us near Ullia. Yamcha's fleet is heading there as we speak."
Bulma gave him a hopeful look. "We might actually catch up to him soon then?!"
The riessian prince sighed. "Depends on how long he stays there."
"Akira will find a way to escape with the boys," she stated adamantly.
"Her powers are gone," Thealda spoke up from the doorway. The three occupants of the room turned toward her.
"That's impossible," Vegeta hissed.
The older human woman shook her head slowly. "I'm afraid not. The goddess has finally deserted her. I think she's known as much for a long time."
"No!" Bulma walked up to her mother. "Please, there has to be something you can do to help her. She's our only hope right now. Can't you pray to the goddess? Please, mother!"
Vegeta narrowed his eyes. "What the hell are you talking about, woman?! Since when do you care about what happens to Akira, and how is it possible that this woman is your mother?!"
"Prince Arthos," Thealda started, her eyes never leaving that of her daughter's. "We need to leave these two alone."
Bulma shook her head. "No." She understood what her mother wanted, and she didn't think she could do it alone. She had hoped to have someone like Akira around when she finally broke the news!
Thealda placed her hand against Bulma's cheek and smiled sadly. "Things are becoming too big and too complicated. Akira saw as much. She believed that the truth should come out, no matter what." She turned to Vegeta. "Do not be angry with her for this. If you must blame someone, then it is my fault. This all started with me."
Having said that, she walked out of the room. Arthos followed reluctantly, wondering just what the hell was going on now! 'Things are definitely getting too big,' he thought. Back in Vegeta's private den, Bulma was shaking like a leaf. 'What is he going to think?' She chanced a quick glance at him. His coal colored eyes watched her carefully.
"P-perhaps you should s-sit down," she told him softly.
"I think not. What the hell is going on, Marron?"
Narrowing her eyes, she clenched her tiny fists. She'd waited far too long to say this! "My name is Bulma," she growled at him.
"What?!" Vegeta demanded.
"Marron was my sister. She's dead now. After Goku and Chichi helped her escape, she came back to our home planet to give birth to Trunks. I took my nephew in as my own, pretending to be my sister and trying to give him a decent life," she told him, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Everyone thought you were dead. I never dreamed any of this would ever happen."
It all made perfect sense to him now. The changes is her personality. It was because she wasn't Marron. He turned his back to her, crossing his arms over his chest. This woman was not his wife! She was not the betrayer that Marron was. "Who all knew of this?"
Bulma didn't want him to be mad at anyone, but since they were finally able to be honest, she wasn't going to hide anything from him. "Obviously June, Chichi, Goku, and Thealda knew," she answered. "And Akira."
The prince struggled to keep his anger in check. "When my son is found, you will tell him the truth," he told her. "Whether you are allowed to remain near him is yet to be decided. Now, get away from me."
"Vegeta, please," she whispered, taking a catious step toward him.
"I said get out!"
----(one week later)
'It wasn't supposed to be like this,' she decided, brushing a lock of blue hair behind her ear. 'What a fool I've become!' Marron turned the corner, walking out into the open courtard. Yamcha had a lovely mansion on Ullia. He'd taken her here several times before, and for a change, she was more interested with walking around it's spacious grounds then spending time with the pirate that had stolen her heart years ago.
Over the insanely long week it took for them to reach this planet, Marron had spent a lot of time contemplating her current situation. She was no idiot. Yamcha had set into motion a series of events that would lead to her eventually coming face to face with her husband and her sister.
Pausing on the top step, she scanned the courtyard with her bright blue eyes. She was no idiot! Without a second thought, she turned toward the landing pad where Yamcha's command ship was sitting. There would be no room for error on her part, and she would have to be quick!
---- (wonder what she's planning? ;)
"We'll land. King Miren's fleet will stay in oribt around the planet and block any ships that might try to escape," Vegeta ordered. "Nor and Radditz will take their teams and surround Yamcha's estate. They will work their way in. Turlis and Arthos will be at my side."
Arthos nodded. "I'll contact my father and let him know what you have planned."
Goku stepped forward. "Vegeta, I need to help you in this," he begged.
Vegeta glared at him for a long time. He'd been careful to avoid all those who had been keeping Bulma a secret from him until now, and he still was not happy about it. "You can join one of the teams, soldier. That is all," he replied coldly.
"Thank you," Goku said, bowing his head respectfully.
"You are all dismissed," Vegeta announced, walking toward the door.
He made his way through the long passages of his battleship, trying to reach the comforting emptiness of his room, not wanting anything to do with the people around him. Just as he was opening his door, he felt someone's eyes on him. Scowling, he turned to meet the sapphire gaze head on.
Bulma took a deep breath, biting the inside of her bottom lip. She wasn't exactly sure what she wanted to say to him, but she felt the need to say something. She moved forward, but stopped when his eyes narrowed slightly. He didn't want her around. She could understand that and respect his wishes after he listened to what she needed to say.
"Prince Arthos informed me that we land on Ullia tomorrow morning," she started.
Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest. "He should know better than to give out such information to a civilian."
She glared back at him. "I'm not a civilian in this matter! Trunks might not biologically be mine, but he is my son, damnit! I love him, and he is all I have left in life," she told him. "I gave him everything I could, everything that my sister could not, and I have become close to Akira in the last couple months. She's my friend, and I have to know that she's going to make it out alright!"
The prince sighed, leaning back against his bedroom door. For the some odd reason, he didn't feel anger toward her. She was deeply sincere in her feelings toward his son and Akira. "When this is over, you may remain on Vegetasei and live in the palace," he told her softly. "I will not be parted from my heir, and I have the feeling he will not be parted from you."
Bulma let out a cry of pure happiness, flinging her arms around him and hugging him. "Thank you, Vegeta! Thank you!"
Startled, he stood there with wide eyes. This had to be the happiest he had ever seen her since their first meeting. As her small body clung to him, Vegeta couldn't help but recall the still fuzzy events of that night a week ago. Every night, his mind would feed him fragments of what had transpired between them while he had been in his drunken stupor.
"What happened that night?" He inquired, grabbing her gently by the shoulders and pushing her back so he could look her in the eye.
"W-what do you mean?" She stuttered, blushing and avoiding eye contact.
"When I was drunk," he reminded her. "Did we," he trailed off slowly.
Bulma nodded quickly, stepping away from him. "I should get some sleep. Thank you for listening to me."
Vegeta grabbed her by the wrist before she could get away. "I think not, Bulma."
She froze. He'd called her by her real name for the first time, and she'd never thought it sounded so good before in her whole life as it did coming out of his mouth. "I'm very tired," she whispered.
"Very well," he replied, releasing her from his hold. He watched her practically run down the hall to get away from him. So they had slept together that night, leaving him with the complex question: why? They had done nothing but fight in the time he'd known her, so why would she willingly give herself to him? The only possible answer he could come up with sounded far too ridiculous to him. 'She couldn't possibly,' he told himself before going into his room.
----
Ansolus quietly waited in the shadows for the guards to pass by and turn the corner. He peeked up and down the hall and stealthily made his way toward the door at the far end. Yamcha had seperated each of his prisoners, placing them in different parts of the mansion, and only the pirate himself was allowed access to them. Ansolus had to follow his master and play guess work on which person was where.
With confident ease, he pried the keypad from the wall and pulled out the right wires. He didn't want any alarms to go off and bring the wrath of Yamcha down on him. He replaced the keypad, making it look as if nothing was wrong with it, and entered the room. It was spacious and the furnishings were expensive looking.
"Only the best, right?" A soft voice asked from across the room.
He turned toward the sound, spying the sad form of Vegetasei's former priestess. Her hair hung loosely around her upper body, and her shoulder's were slumped slightly. "Akira, what has he done to you?"
Her pale eyes narrowed, and she turned her head to search through the steel bars that had recently been placed over the windows to keep her in. "What a waste," she said. "I couldn't escape, even if they weren't there."
Ansolus walked over to her, frowning. "I don't understand. Your powers? Surely, you could easily be free."
Holding out her palm, face up, she focused what little ki she was left with. There was nothing but the faintest shimmer or gold, and Ansolus could tell that it was taxing on her mentally and physically just to call forth that little amount of energy.
"Will you do me a favor, old friend?"
He swallowed painfully. "Of course, just as soon as I get you out of here."
She shook her head slowly. "I'm not going anywhere. This is where I stay," she told him. "Send word to Vegeta's fleet. Tell him to wait until nightfall to attack."
"He's not going to take my word for it, Akira. It will have to be you," he argued.
"No! You must tell him for me. Also," she stood up, ignoring the pain. "You will tell Prince Arthos." She reached out and wrapped her delicate fingers around the bars. A tear trickled down her lightly bruised cheek. "You will tell him that I want him to be happy, and that I'll be there for his wedding somehow. I'll find a way."
"You can't possibly want to stay here with Yamcha!"
"Let Vegeta know where each of the boys are being held. I'm sure you know where they are by now, right?"
"I can't just leave you here like this! Damnit! You need to see a doctor. You need to get away from all this."
She walked over and sat down at the foot of the bed. "Yamcha will be here soon. You had better leave. I'm counting on you. Do this one thing for me," she begged.
They stared at each other for the longest time, before he nodded to her. "As you wish, priestess."
---- (flashback, picks up where the last flashback left off ;)
"Bulma! 18! Why are you traipsing water through the temple?" Ganis demanded angrily.
Bulma bit back a giggle. "I'm sorry, sister Ganis. We'll clean it up!"
"18 will clean it up! Bulma, you are to get changed this instant and go to Mother Priestess Thealda's main chambers. She is waiting there to speak with you and your sister!"
June frowned. "This sucks," she whispered.
"Watch your language, June! A lady does not say suck things."
Both girls rolled their eyes at the older woman's back as she rushed from the room. "What could Thealda want?" Bulma wondered aloud.
"Who knows," June said. "But you better not keep her waiting."
"You're right. I'll see you in a few!" She ran toward her room to at least change her dress.
----
Marron stood next to Thealda, clutching her hands properly in front of her and holding head high. She wasn't sure what was going on exactly, but it had to be important if someone as powerful as Lord Freeza was here to see her and Bulma. Inwardly, she scowled. Bulma was late, as usual! She tucked a lock of straight, blue hair behind her ear and sighed.
Thealda frowned, glancing at the door. "Forgive her, Lord Freeza. She had chores to attend to. I'm sure she'll be here any second," the priestess informed him.
"Actually, I think I've waited long enough," he replied. "Her actions obviously are not suitable for what I have in mind."
"And what exactly is that, your highness?" Thealda questioned carefully.
Her grinned. "Lady Marron is to be wed to the saiyan prince this very hour."
Marron's eyes grew wide, and she looked to the priestess. 'What?! No,' she thought frantically. 'I've no wish to marry someone I don't know.'
Just then, Bulma walked in dressed in a long, plain pink gown. Her hair was left down and still damp from her water-fight with June earlier. She froze upon seeing Freeza. She knew exactly who he was. She curtsied quickly.
"Forgive me, Lord Freeza. Sister Ganis did not tell me you were here," she apologized.
"Nevermind it, girl. I've already made my decision," he said. "Have Lady Marron sent to the palace in thirty minutes." He walked toward the door and paused. "Make sure to say your goodbyes, my dear," he said to Marron.
----
Marron walked into the room timidly. She'd heard many rumors of this Prince Vegeta she was to marry, none were very good either! As she walked down the aisle toward her soon-to-be husband, she felt the walls closing in on her. Her vision became blurry, and her steps faltered slightly. It did little slow down her escort, a very tall, blue skinned alien. Zarbon. She'd heard Freeza call him by that name earlier.
Standing between his father and King Cold, Vegeta watched the girl walking toward him with a slightly surprised look. It was the girl from the fountain! He was sure of it. It had to be! She had managed to clea herself up quite quickly, too. 'Perhaps it won't be so bad,' he thought, looking her over slowly.
----(end flashback)
Alright! I've finally written the marriage scene for Vegeta and Marron that I've been meaning to get in this story. I hope everyone caught onto the fact that it was Bulma who he orignally saw in the fountain and thought he was marrying. ;) I'm trying to add a little depth to the relationship, okay?!
So, Marron's got a plan, Vegeta and Arthos have a plan, Akira's got a plan... what's gonna happen?! I guess you'll have to hold on until the next chapter to find out! ;)
Also, I gotta get this off my chest! I don't appreciate being cursed at in a review. I don't have as much time as I used to, to write. I have responsibilties and a job, etc... Now before this person gets all pissy with me again, and tries to use the line 'but you have no problem updating other fics!', let me just say this: this story takes a little bit more planning than my other stories, ok!? I don't particularly like to slop stuff together, and I don't think anyone wants to read something that is just thrown together like that.
okay I'm done. Sorry that it has taken so long for me to post this chapter. I hope that you all aren't too upset with me. Thanks to all of you that have been hanging in there for me! Much luv your way!
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PANDORA ;)
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Please, review!