There can't be anything I can't get
Yet when I noticed it, everything just disappears.
Now that I'm in the darkness
Is Justice happening now?
I'll keep my pride and determination,
No matter how much pain and suffering I feel.
I'm an Elite Genius,
An infinite soul raised to have strong feelings,
Fighting to find out the greatest force.
Everytime I struggled,
Your outstretched hand led me to a new world for the first time,
It was as if a beam of light shone through the darkness and warmed my heart.
The emotions that I began to feel are strong
Justice, wake up now
No matter how much pain and suffering I'm in,
I'll continue to keep my pride and determination.
Limitless possibilities, break through the weakness.
Fighting to find out the greatest force.
Even when I realize this is sadness
I can't stop feeling lonely
A never ending future for an Elite Genius
Fighting for strength,
A strong will
I'll keep my pride and determination,
No matter how much pain and suffering I feel.
I'm an Elite Genius,
With a never ending future
Raised to have strong feelings,
Fighting to find out the greatest force.
- Vegeta (C.V.: Ryo Horikawa), "Beloved Blue"
Final Episode
Moonlight Destiny
"Do it." 21 said to the commander of the Atijebu Military Clones.
In an instant, all of Vegeta's clones unleashed their ki and powered up in unison. The ground quaked violently as the skies slowly darkened to create ominous thunderclouds which blasted huge bolts of lightning down. The Saiyans were instantly blown away but its sheer mighty shockwave while the Red Ribbon army stood without being affected by their power as they are protected by a mighty barrier. Their flaring purple auras rose dramatically up the clouds and began to fuse into a haze made of pure negative energy. The clones were powering up to their full capacity and in an uncontrollabe manner. Their hatred, fear, all negative feelings brought forth by the extreme cruelty of those clones who suffered during the entire run of the Project Denzetsu were being released all at once. This was the parlous effect of the virus the scheming Red Ribbon Army installed on ATI 9001's programming, allowing him to unleash all negative emotions from the clones' memories collected and stored to the clones' system through AJI07. It was so intense that even the neighboring planets began to feel the tremors of their combined power and wrath.
Vegeta realized that if this went on, the clones will explode like a bomb with the destructive force of a supernova. Is this the sly alien rebel group's plan? To use his own blood to destroy Planet Vegeta, which he tried to protect from Freeza? With this kind of power, it will not destroy just his home planet, but the entire galaxy - no, the entire universe as well!
And he cannot allow that to happen! Just imagining everyone and everything get destroyed as he was helpless to stop this was infuriating him.
With his fists shaking on his sides, Vegeta flexed his arms in front of him and braced himself to summon his remaining energy he can muster up in this debilitated state to power up to the maximum of his base form. He must stop this no matter what. Even if his body felt like it would rip to pieces anytime soon, he trudged towards ATI 9001's direction. Nonetheless, it was too late for him to save the mind controlled commander.
The clones, including ATI 9001, exploded into atoms from the inside out, their remaining life energy fueled the most intense charge being developed within that strange mist of power. Vegeta, seeing his clones blow up that way suddenly brought the trauma he had back when he saw ATI 8990 burst from the inside out by Broly's hand.
Uwaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!
Vegeta's crazed scream resounded as his dark power burst out of him in a fiery inferno brought forth by his trauma of witnessing his clones' brutal deaths. The collected evil energy above him became attracted to his own power up, striking him with a massive purple colored bolt of lightning packed with the combined power, negative energy and feelings of the 20,001 ATIJEBU Military Clones, towards the completely unaware prince of all Saiyans. His energy release only pulled the collected ki of the clones into himself as if it was his own due to having the same components as his power. His and his clones' ki combined together in his body in a forceful way, causing Vegeta to cry out in extreme agony. His body cannot take the sudden entry of ki into his system, he cannot stop it, cannot control it.
Memories of each clone that died brutally in the hands of Broly and the cruel project filled Vegeta's mind. It felt as if he was dying for thousands of times! He felt all of their frustrations, rage, fear, helplessness, and their desire for vengeance. He heard their cries for help as it was his own. They're calling out to him, whispering in his mind repeatedly "Help us, Ouji-sama." It was so overwhelming it brought him over the edge. He was on the brink of madness.
He was gravely mistaken when he thought that the rebels were using ATI 9001 and his clones like thousands of atomic bombs in order to destroy Planet Vegeta. It's not about that at all. Their goal was actually him. They wanted to use him, break his spirit and his sanity. With all this power coming into his already tattered body, they knew he won't be able to fight back this forced flow of energy and memories they are bombarding him with. He will be forced to take it all in, as if it were his own memories and power. And as it becomes too unbearable for him to manage, he knew he would go insane and lose control of himself. He might end up getting himself blown to pieces just as what happened to ATI 9001 or worst, go into a berserk rampage and destroy everything.
They wanted him to lose control and destroy the things he did his best protect. And when he comes back to his senses, realized what he did, go even more insane as regret and frustration until he destroys himself out of insanity.
Just as how the story of the original Legendary Super Saiyan ended.
Vegeta tried to focus, clearing his mind off and telling himself that these aren't his memories at all but the incessant cries for help and him relieving each of his clones' death through the data brought forth by the flow of energy through AJI07 made it hard for him to do so. It's not enough. The rage was overwhelming him, it's causing his inner beast to crawl out of him, searching to kill and destroy everything in this cruel world.
The beast took form into himself, it attached itself into him like some parasite, whispering tempting words into his ears like an unwanted but bittersweet melody. He could hear his own voice say, "They have spilled our blood, your blood. They tried to kill you and they have killed you through us. Avenge us... Avenge yourself. Kill them all. Destroy this worthless world."
"Broly and Paragus are dead. There's no reason for me to avenge them any longer." Vegeta responded. He already did that when he beat Broly in the Annual Power Assessment.
"Indeed. But... Do you honestly think it's already over? Look at them, those filthy rebels created us for the sole purpose of being killed just as how Broly did. So long as this world exists, the Project Denzetsu will only get revived and the cycle of our death will go on. It hurts, Ouji-sama. It hurts. It's so cold. Help us. Avenge us. Kill them all. Destroy everything."
He was forced to relieve the pain of his clones' death once again, their struggle as they slowly succumb to the end of their lives, and his own memories when he witnessed the gruesome deaths of ATIs 8990, 8993 to 9001. It broke his sanity once and for all and he finally gave into the dark entity that was trying to get a hold of him.
"Gwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!"
An earth-shattering explosion resonated as the purple lightning striked Vegeta down. Suddenly, everyone was blinded by the surge of uncontrollable destructive power being forced into the Saiyan Prince. The beastly roar of the Oozaru resounded within the bright pillar of light, which suddenly ablazed red, was blood curdling. The electricity arching around it became as dark as the virulent energy it possessed.
The red pillar of light eventually shrunk and faded to reveal the new form of the Legendary Destroyer of Worlds.
Covered with a glowing, malevolent, scarlet light that was entirely different from the divine red energy he had as a Super Saiyan god, Vegeta appeared to have wilder and longer hair. His bloodshot eyes glowed red, dilated and filled with a savage need for blood. His lips pulled away from deadly sharp fangs as he snarled in a feral way. Behind him, his monkey tail bristled in his seething rage.
"This is bad!" Bardock shouted. He knew that evil form Vegeta has transformed into. It's the one he saw in his ominous visions! His knees fell into the ground, visibly horrified by what he's witnessing right before his eyes. "How could this happen? It's not supposed to become this way." he whimpered. They tried to prevent that fearsome prophecy from happening. They thought they have brought Vegeta back to his original path, yet here they are, watching as their Crown Prince turn into the monster he had feared for him to become.
"It has begun!" 21 joyously exclaimed. "The true devastating potential of the Legendary Destroyer of Worlds has finally awakened once and for all! Let's see if Prince Vegeta has finally ascended into the divine level of a deity of Destruction! It's time to release the beast and let the fireworks begin!"
21 beamed, a psychotic, elated look upon her pale blue eyes.
With a single flash of his glowing entirely red eyes, menacing strikes of devastating lightning snaked down from the black clouds whirling above him and his own aura into random directions. It effectively destroyed everything it touched. A few Saiyans who got hit were immediately electrified to their deaths.
It was only a mere demonstration though. Vegeta's rampage was only beginning, and the Red Ribbon Army watched at the scenario with glee.
"How do you like our precious gift, your Highness?" Doctor Gero said.
"Such incredible power, isn't it? With that kind of power, you have now become completely unstoppable! Why don't you start using it to destroy the things that you didn't want? Like, those who betrayed you for example." The voice in Vegeta's head whispered to him like some demon. The Prince's mind was completely shut by now. It's this strange entity, the apparition of his inner beast... no, of the virus that infected the entire Atijebu Military Clones, in the form of ATI 9001, that was taking hold of him now.
"Just what is going on with his royal Highness?!" Zorn gasped.
"Yon! Wake up, son! What the hell are you doing?! Have you lost your mind?!" King Vegeta yelled.
"...Like him. He is the reason of all this mess, right?" the voice continued. "Some kind of father he is. He's no different from Paragus. A useless, cowardly, ambitious fool. If it weren't for him, your beloved mother could be celebrating your victory with you. If it were not for his ambitions, the Project Denzetsu wouldn't even be created. If he's not a selfish fool, Paragus and Broly wouldn't be planning anything vengeful against you. If not for his stupid laws, Tarble would still be alive. With all his sins, he simply wanted to use you and your power all along to clean and fix the mess he did in order for him to rule the entire universe."
"Yon!" King Vegeta shouted once more at his son as he rushed towards him. He grabbed the boy's shoulder and shook him, hoping to wake his son up from the trance he's in. He knew that the man in front of him wasn't his son any longer. Vegeta was being controlled by the rebels. The king didn't care even his hands get scorched by the burning energy around his heir, he has to snap him out of this mind control!
Seriously, as prideful as his son was, how could he let his mind be controlled like this?!
"Vegeta Yonsei!" the King called out.
"He's just using you..."
There was a small but angry grunt that came from the prince, and then suddenly, the iron sand rose and formed tentacles that pulled the King off him. It lifted King Vegeta off the ground and as it solidified, began to crush him. The Prince simply watched at his father's agony with a hateful, soulless stare. A spine chilling animalistic growl rumbling from his bared fangs.
There was no other choice.
Seeing their ruler being killed by his own son, the second in command of the Saiyan Royal Army, Zorn, declared, "Everyone! We must stop Prince Vegeta before he kills his Majesty and gets to destroy us all!"
The soldiers rushed forward to save their King but they were effortlessly blown away by just a simple kiai. It was easy. Vegeta didn't even have to raise a finger at them. The ki induced arrows raining from the archers never got the chance to even touch him. He unleashed deadly bolts of electricity towards them to blow them all away from him.
Vegeta was unstoppable and he will not allow anyone to get in his way of punishing the root cause of all his problems.
Several Saiyan soldiers have fallen to their deaths. Few that remained were the Generals and quite a number of elite soldiers. They watched in disbelief as they see their Crown Prince attacking and killing his own father and his people. This has to be a lie, right?
Not away from the chaos, the Red Ribbon Army watched in elation. Vegeta destroying the very things he tried to protect from Freeza was fun to watch. They cannot wait to see his reaction once he's back to his senses and realized what he'd done.
Bardock stared in trepidation, not knowing what to do. Nobody can fight Vegeta like this. They're simply no match against him even if they united. They're being killed off one by one. Even so, he has to find a way to stop this. He needed to end this nightmare once and for all!
Bardock's energy rose drastically. His muscles began to shake as he summoned the power he needed to stop this madness. His head snapped upwards, his hair rising at the top of his head, and glowing a brilliant gold for a moment before it returns into its normal style.
"Vegeta... You brat..! You are the beacon of what it meant to be a Saiyan. Your ideals about Saiyan pride had been the most aspiring thing about you. So what the hell happened to you? How could you become this way?
"You were like a son to me. And as part of my family, I will not allow anyone or anything to hurt you. Not even yourself.
"No matter what... I am going to wake you up and bring you back to your senses!"
Golden light burst out of his body as he reared his head back and screamed with all his might. Everyone stared in awe as Bardock ascended into the state of the Legendary Super Saiyan.
What the hell? Even Bardock, a low class Saiyan, is a Super Saiyan?! What the hell was up with all these Super Saiyan bargain sale?!
"Bardock!" Gine gasped. "You're a... Super Saiyan too. Just like his Royal Highness..."
Bardock stared at his fists, feeling the flow of legendary power coursing through him. The power he badly needed right now. "Yes, I am... And I will use this Legendary power to bring the Crown Prince back."
"I will fight with you, Dad!" Kakarot exclaimed.
Gine held Bardock's hand. His golden aura warm against her skin. "I will fight with you too."
"We as well!" Bardock's crew members exclaimed.
The remaining Saiyans looked at their direction as if they just grew a second head. How are they even going to fight their rampaging Crown Prince? With that kind of destructive power, no one is a match against him! Even if Bardock is a Super Saiyan!
Hearing the harsh whispers of their remaining people, Nappa became pissed off. No matter what, even if they knew they are no match against the enemy, they have to stand up and fight to their deaths. It's the meaning of the Saiyan Pride their Crown Prince taught them all.
"Bardock is right! Remember how his Royal Highness believes in the power of our unity! If we fight together, we can surely stop him! We must become united by the Saiyan Pride he showed us and use it to stop him and bring him back!" Nappa shouted.
"Do it now and do not hesitate! Save the King and the Crown Prince!" Zorn said.
"Yes!"
The remaining Saiyans, about fifty or so, summoned all of their power from the depths of their beings and charged at their prince altogether. Their uproar caught the Prince's attention and he hurled his father away.
Without any hesitation, Bardock kicked off the ground to attack Vegeta. His speed has increased dramatically, and so long as he had his grasp over this legendary power, Bardock must make use of it to snap the Crown Prince out of this reverie.
Nobody would want the Prince of all Saiyans fall into the darkness.
"Vegeta!"
Bardock's speed was amazing! He was able to swiftly dodge the upcoming strikes of electricity and potent energy blasts the completely dazed Prince Vegeta was unleashing at him and the others.
It was a heated battle, fifty versus one. And for some reason, each Saiyan fighting for their lives, enjoyed this challenging fight. They discovered power and speed they thought they never possessed as they get into a pinch and get blown away. They come back to attack much more powerful than a few moments ago.
This growth in the Saiyans' strength completely amazed the Red Ribbon Army. Just what the hell are these monsters? Are there no such limit to their strength?
"Vegeta!"
The call for his name had somehow broke through the clouded mind of the entranced prince. He felt the bond of his people like a jolt in his chest. It somehow, woke him up a little from the hypnotized state he was in.
"What the hell happened? Where am I?"
He began to wonder as he looked at his surroundings. He was in the deep recesses of his mind, surrounded by darkness that felt different from the one that wanted to pull him into oblivion. This felt incredibly sinister and it somehow scared the shit out of him.
"Look at them. They're all fools. What are they doing trying to go against you? Do they honestly think they are a match to your great power?"
It's that voice once again. He can clearly recognize it as his own, but it was not either. It's more like someone or something was trying to impersonate his tone and wanted to make him believe that it was his inner most voice.
Vegeta felt something behind him, creeping its way into his very being. Someone was trying to take control of him. And while he was out of it, even that entity was somehow unsuccessful of taking over him completely. His power was clearly acting on its own. And he watched as it goes out of control and attack his own people. He heard them calling out to him, and felt their desire to wake him up from this trance through his bond with them as their future king. He saw that Bardock has become a Super Saiyan too. He could sense everyone's strength growing the more he pushed them to the edge.
He felt a sense of pride swell up in his chest. These guys... At long last they have finally realized it. They have truly come to realize what it meant to be a Saiyan, the greatest and most powerful warrior race in the Universe.
This elation brought his fighting instincts to the edge and his attacks grew even more powerful than earlier.
Wait, where the hell is his father? Did he kill him? He can clearly remember this stupid voice telling him to kill his own father because of everything he did to him. He searched frantically for his father's ki, and found none.
His sudden desperation caused his power to get more out of control and Vegeta found what he was creating...
In reality, Vegeta's body began to transform once again. He was ceaselessly screaming by now, inside a blinding pillar of crimson light. He thrust his hands forward, creating a massive sphere of highly concentrated destructive ki, electrified by flashes of deadly lightning.
"What the hell is this?!" Vegeta panicked inside his mind. He could sense that perilous energy this mass of ki contained. "Damn it! I... I can't... I can't pull it back! If this gets unleashed, this entire galaxy will blow up for sure! What do I do?!"
Suddenly, he perceived someone tug him from behind. And then a warm embrace.
"Stop this, Yon. Please. Wake up and resist this power. I understand now. I have seen what you must have felt because of what I did to you. I'm sorry. Forgive me, my son."
That voice was his father's.
"Papa..."
"What are you doing? This person is the reason of all our sufferings! He's just using you! Do not hesitate. Kill them all! Kill everyone who gets in your way! Destroy this worthless world with that power of yours!"
It is true that Vegeta hated the King for the mistakes he did to him in the past. But, he knew that even though he was enraged by his father's foolish ambitions, he knew that the King had already regretted them all. And for that, the prince was always willing to forgive him.
Papa...
"Yon!"
"Vegeta!"
"Your Highness!"
"Ouji-sama!"
"Please! Come back to your senses! Remember your Saiyan Pride!" That was Bardock's voice.
"Come back to us!" that was Kakarot. "I will never allow you to go that way! Never!"
Everyone...
Vegeta smiled to himself. He closed his eyes and focused on his own energy, reaching out to his people and using their voices and the bond he shared with them to come back to them.
"No! You must not come back!"
"Enough of this. Shut the hell up." he said to the voice and the evil presence that attached itself into him. "I hope you enjoyed your time but I will not allow an evil energy that came from a virus on the programming of my clones take hold of me any longer. I am the proud Saiyan Prince... Stop underestimating me and my pride!"
The Saiyans felt their Prince's presence return as he struggled to get his control back. As it happened, the massive ball of energy shrink down as the prince forcefully pulled the power back into himself. Vegeta's glowing red form began to crack on the surface, as if the light was a shell of energy.
"Hraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!" a loud bellow resonated from the red light as the prince of all Saiyans fought for control.
"What the hell?!" Malaka gasped as he found the Saiyan Prince regaining his control back. The shock was evident in the faces of the entire Red Ribbon Army as well.
"How could this be possible? Not even his own energy corrupted by a virus can control him!"
Vegeta's voice resounded from his flashing form.
"You will never control me! I will not allow anyone to use me to do their whims! Not my father, not my enemies and most especially, not by a certain mind controlling abomination you call your invention!"
The shell of red light shattered, revealing Vegeta in his newest form. His flaming red hair flowed wildly down his back. His upper body was naked, covered by crimson red fur instead, aside from his pectorals and abdominal muscles. His glowing blue irises around black pupils made this form look more primal. The evil energy that took hold of him burst out of his body into the skies. The prince raised his hand towards the said energy and closed it into a tight fist, causing the dark nature of that energy to be neutralized by his divine power. It began to take shape into a new being, a clone of his being reborn through his power alone.
A new ATI 9001 was born.
The Prince stepped forward towards the commander of his clones and he put his hand over his shoulders. The clone raised his head, his earlier red eyes and normally grey eyes were no longer the same. His irises were now a pair of obsidian orbs just as his original's.
"I know that you were forced to feel and witness the death of your older brothers through the programmed connection you had with them. I know how much it hurts for you to suffer from it. But it's over now. Rest assured that I will put an end to the Project Denzetsu once and for all." he smiled. "Your bind with AJI07 has been severed by my power. You will no longer have all these bad memories. You will live as a normal Saiyan from now on and be free to do whatever you like. From this day onward, you will be known as 'Sadara'."
Sadara?
Vegeta smirked at the clone he decided to bestow the name that meant a 'free spirited soul'. The name he used in his disguises whenever he wish to be free of his duties as the Prince of all Saiyans. In the end, after witnessing his people's growth as warriors earlier, he finally decided to accept his role as their future King, not just because of the flamboyant royal title which he can gloat upon. He wanted to lead his people wholeheartedly from now on. And he decided that he will change the Saiyans for the better.
He turned his head towards the leader of the rebels. "As for you and your congratulatory present, I appreciate the thought but I will not take it. You planned to use the trauma I had from the past to attract the negative energy of the clones into myself so that I will lose control and destroy the things I tried so hard to protect. You wanted me to feel the regret, helplessness and the pain you must have suffered when I destroyed your lives and your homeworld. But just as I said earlier, I do not and will never regret the things that I did in the past. I will not ask for your forgiveness because I know that it's useless and a waste of my time. What I did was unforgivable, yes, but it meant nothing to me now. What happened between us was better than what could have occurred if Freeza himself conquered your planet and dragged you to his Empire. You may have lost your home planet and your normal lives because of me, but what matters most is that you are all still alive and kicking right now.
"Your dead brethen would have sacrificed their lives for this war between the Saiyans and the Galactic Empire but now that the war is over, don't you think it's all worth it? You said you wish to avenge them from me. If I let you do that and gave in to your plans, do you think it's all worth it? This new form you have forced me to transform into. It contained the powers of my primal Oozaru form, the legendary Super Saiyan and the divine powers of a Super Saiyan god. It was indeed too much for me to control and I could have used it to destroy everything in one go, including yourselves! Do you honestly wanted to end up being a victim of your own plan? If that happens, how would you feel if you caused the death of thousands of lives because of your vengeance?"
"Such words for a ruthless murderer like yourself!" seethed 21, her icy blue eyes ignited with her anger. "How dare you talk as if the lives of those you killed meant nothing! Just because you had the power doesn't mean you can do as you please, you haughty beast! You say they sacrificed themselves in order for you to win this war? You got some nerve to speak about them! They never asked to be sacrificed! I will never sacrifice my son for a monster like you!"
The Prince narrowed his eyes, visibly angered. He raised his hand to slap her across the face.
"Yes, I know how much of a monster I am. Look at me! You told me I have become unstoppable in this new form, isn't that right?" he growled. He raised his right hand, formed a flaming ki sphere and directed it towards the rebels. Heat radiated off the said fire ball.
"Do you honestly know the reality of life outside the comfort of your own peaceful planet? When I came to Earth as a child, I learned that you humans aren't even aware of the existing life outside of your planet and the war waging on across the galaxies. Such a peaceful planet, full of species without the strength of even defending themselves from an upcoming invasion. However, while you humans lack such physical prowess, there were some of you who was capable of high level scientific intelligence which would prove useful to any Empire or kingdom. When I saw the potential of a single human, just a single human, I immediately saw the human race to be a threat to me. If the Freeza Force learned about your existence, he would have seized the opportunity to invade your planet and enslave you all to do his bidding. You called me a ruthless monster. You never know how Freeza was more of a ruthless monster than I had ever been. You would have survived the destruction of your planet by Freeza but you will never have the same freedom like you were given here. His troops would have treated you differently.
"At that moment I have to make a crucial decision to make the first move. Having this much destructive power, I can definitely destroy anything that would get in my way. The reality of this world is for the weak to perish in the hands of the strong, who shall stand above and conquer all. But then, I realized that I needed to make use of this opportunity instead of simply destroying such a promising find. That is the reason why you are here and alive. I gave you the chance to live a free life here, to be on our side as an equal rather than being enslaved by the Galactic Empire, yet you still planned a rebellion against the Saiyans behind our backs."
"It still doesn't change the fact that you killed-!"
"-It's been years, woman! Get over it. Just enjoy the fact that you are here, alive and well! This is the reality and no matter what you do, you will never change the fact that they're already dead!" the prince shouted at her. "Now, if you still do not understand what I've been telling you then..." he directed the ki sphere he formed earlier without a second thought. His blue eyes showed no mercy or hesitation in his decision to destroy these rebels. "You make a choice. Die right here and now. Join your brethren in the otherworld or keep being alive, appreciate what you have and make them proud of you. You kidnapped, tortured and killed my younger brother and his mate, threatened to destroy me and my people, I should destroy you ungrateful little traitors in here without any mercy but here I am giving you your third chance of living your life. If you choose to live, you and I can make a treaty which would benefit the both of us. If you die, then... You die. Think over your choice for this could be your last chance."
21 lowered her head. "I hated you. I swore to myself that I will never forgive you for what you did. You were such an evil beast in our eyes, you have no qualms or even remorse. You never regretted anything that you did. You are so despicable. How could you even think we will forge an alliance with you so simply?"
"Yeah!" agreed the rebels behind her.
"Then you choose death." he said, shaking his head in disappointment. "What a waste."
21 raised her head, surprised. Did he just say, what a waste?
"What did you just say?"
The Prince didn't say anything. He hated repeating himself after all. He simply decided to abide the wishes of this foolish woman and her companions. The rebels were taken aback. He was definitely serious now. He was going to kill them all. His blue eyes gazed at them, without reluctance or hesitation. Those cold, soulless eyes of a remorseless killer. He focused his energy sphere towards them, it suddenly grew in size as he concentrated more deadly energy into it.
They're now going to die.
What a waste. 21 wondered what Vegeta meant by that. Did he just found a reason for them to keeping them alive despite what they did?
She also wondered how the Briefs did it. They were able to forgive this man all so easily. That family had always been so laid back. Bulma even fell in love with this man. What did she see in him after all the evil things he was capable of doing? Why do people even admire someone like him so much? Did he really change?
He could have destroyed them all by now without second thoughts but here he was letting her choose between life and death. His choices weren't so difficult to deal with. He wanted to make a treaty with the aliens and promised it would benefit them both, on equal terms. Will it be okay to give it a try? Can she really trust this guy?
"Alright." she said. "We have no other choice but to negotiate. You were right. We cannot change the reality now. Even if we get our revenge against you, it won't change anything. It won't bring my son back to life. However, don't you think that my decision to negotiate with you Saiyans meant forgiveness for what you did!"
Vegeta finally dissipated the ball of death in his palms and smirked, "Very well. We're even." he said as he crossed his arms over his pectorals.
21 turned her back on him and walked towards her comrades. "We shall retreat for now and think over the thing we'd like to negotiate with you. I will send an appointment when we are ready."
"Fine, we will wait."
The Red Ribbon army left after that. They have admitted their defeat and retreated, hoping that the Saiyan Prince would stay true to his word when he gave them another chance to live. They may not acknowledge Vegeta's unexpected change of heart openly but they knew he did change for the better. It was because of Bulma's influence. And for that, they have listened to him and gave it a shot.
Vegeta silently thanked them for this new power as he observed his body. It may have meant to be used for him to go berserk and blow up this galaxy, but now he had full control over this primal form, he appreciated it. He discovered three different transformations the entire day and it was completely overwhelming him.
~=o-O-o=~
After that, the Saiyans returned to their respective homes. Vegeta, who returned to his normal form, was put straight inside the medical machine after he felt physically exhausted when he cancelled the transformation. He cannot even move after that. He just wanted to sleep and regain his energy. While he did his long awaited rest, the Royal House prepared a Victory Parade and party in his honor once he wakes up. When Vegeta finally stepped out of the tank wearing nothing, he found Nappa waiting for him. As soon as the burly Saiyan found the newly awakened prince, he immediately gave him a wide, pleasant smile, which inwardly crept the Crown Prince out.
"What are you smiling at?" the prince demanded, staring at his attendant oddly.
Nappa lowered his head to give him a small bow, "You've been out of it for three days straight. Did you get a good sleep, your Highness?"
Vegeta was surprised. Three days? He was inside that tank for three straight days? Gosh, he must have been so exhausted. 'No matter', he thought to himself as he looked down at his fists. A cocky smirk crept from his lips as he felt his powers flow through his veins even stronger than three days ago. The Zenkai power boost ability of the Saiyans was incomprehensible!
"Yeah." the prince said.
"Here are your clothes, Your Highness." Nappa pointed him to his royal armor at the table. "His Majesty requests your presence in the banquet. Everyone's busy with the celebration prepared in your honor."
The Prince's eyes widened. "What?"
"We've been celebrating your victory for three days now. Everyone's waiting for you outside."
Vegeta growled in exasperation, his expression obviously annoyed. He knew that after his victory with Freeza, it would be incredibly hectic for him. He and his battle will be the talk of town for who knows how many days. He'll be a trending celebrity not just on Planet Vegeta but across the Universe. He's sure the media would start pestering him again with their seemingly endless questions and cameras flashing on his face. He could imagine the news containing lots of materials about him again. He'd rather deal with the Saiyan Royal Media privately.
Just thinking about it made him tired already.
"Is anything troubling you, your Highness?" asked Nappa. He always knew the prince hated these kind of social gatherings, even if it's all about honoring him or celebrating his birthday. He hoped the prince would not make a scene again like he did in his birthday balls though.
What the hell is he thinking? Vegeta berated himself inwardly. He defeated Freeza, he's now officially the strongest warrior in the universe. He'll soon rule over all galaxies as Freeza's replacement. He should be excited for this opportunity. He should be celebrating.
But...
As the most powerful man in the cosmos now, he was lamenting on something. He had no idea who to fight next. He has no goal anymore now that he's done with his mission. It's dull, really. He was beginning to wonder what he'll do from now on.
Politics? Yeah, he had lots of things he wanted in his mind. First of all, after what happened with the alien rebels, Vegeta decided on something. He wanted for the name of his race to be cleansed of the dirty slate of evil and ruthlessness they did to the innocents across the universe. After all, they were still in a business of planet trade where the Saiyans get hired to purge planets and sell it to other races. He didn't wish to deal with anymore drama about their extreme cruelty or whatever.
He's sure his father will hear him out this time. (Not unless the King wished to be an idiot once again like what happened with Freeza). As the Crown Prince he still has his duty to his people and now the universe after overthrowing Freeza. He was born to rule after all. As he witnessed his entire life, not even being a royalty or having this much power could make him do whatever he likes. There will always be fools who will contradict him. He's still young, childish and inexperienced with the politics. He was aware of that but he knew that if he only tried, he'll do great. It won't be easy to bring this change in his mind to reality but it's not really impossible. He could be hearing lots of complaints from his people but... All these things, he wanted to do not just for himself but for them all as well.
Vegeta forced a smug smile. Honestly, he never thought he'll think about changing things for his people. He used to never care about them or their reputation. In fact, he was only proud of his heritage, of just being a Saiyan himself, because of it. Being evil and ruthless brought fear and being feared felt really powerful. When he's the most powerful, he can stand above others and he can conquer all. He can make people cower and bow down before him. And with this much destructive power he possess now, he can destroy anyone who would dare go against him.
However, after he fell in love with Bulma. This kind of mindset changed a lot. He learned several things with his relationship with her. Even Kakarot, Raditz, Broly and Bardock were influenced by her. If not for his affections for Bulma, Vegeta might still be the jerk he used to be. He could be leading his people to conquer the entire universe, force them to submit themselves to him and punish whoever doesn't bow down to his will, just like what the Galactic Empire did.
He's not like Freeza. He has his own way of ruling.
He faced his attendant once he's done dressing up. "It's nothing." he responded. "Let's go."
He lead the way out of the medical bay to celebrate his victory with his people. He had no other choice after all.
Elite warriors, members of the Royal Council, the scholars, Royal medical team, and those with the higher positions in the Palace are gathered in the courtyard along the Vegeta Forces and their families - those that remained after the great battle. The commoners had a free all you can eat feast outside, prepared on a long line of trestle tables while those guests inside the Palace are being served their food.
Bardock, Gine and Kakarot, even Eschallote and her father, despite being invited by King Vegeta to join inside for their great help to the Royal family, preferred to eat with the commoners outside. Caulifla, despite being a noble elite, chose to take her food outside with her friends, Kale and Mizuno to join their other comrades who belong to the lower class society of the Saiyans.
The celebration was joyous, full of free food and drinks for all. Exciting music filled the air, while a few musicians and dancers entertained everyone.
When everyone sensed the presence of their proud Crown Prince, they stopped whatever they are doing and silence crept up the surroundings as Nappa announced in a loud voice, "His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, has arrived!"
As soon as Vegeta walked regally towards his smiling father by the podium just outside the throne hall, the Saiyans uproared altogether in honor. He flinched at the noise, feeling a little awkward but he couldn't help but laugh the fluttering feeling of joy and pride in himself. Everyone was there, congratulating him, thanking him, honoring him. Their howls were almost ear-deafening he stared at his father like a child asking for help.
The King raised a hand to signal their people to quiet down. The Crown Prince faced them with a serious look, thanked them for the praises and commanded them all to go back to what they were doing. He's in a good mood, they notice. If not, he would have yelled and blasted everyone for their unnecessary noises.
"I see that you started this party without me." Vegeta told his father as he sat at a comfortable chair on the right side of his father. In front of him, Nappa set up his table as the cooks put down several dishes for him to eat. As soon as he found the food, he quickly took his spoon, a plate of fried rice and a slab of meat without bothering for the taster to do her work. "Damn, I'm so famished." he said before he began to chomp down his food.
King Vegeta simply watched his son as he gobbled down his food. When Vegeta coughed lightly, he chuckled as he awkwardly tap his son's back, "Careful son, you don't want to choke yourself."
Vegeta quickly grabbed a jag of water and drank from it eagerly. His eyes looking out in front of them. "Where are Kakarot, Bardock, Gine and Caulifla?" he asked.
"They're outside. They say they wanted to be there. Bardock thinks being here would bore him to death."
Vegeta laughed at his father's words. "He's right, though." he agreed. "Once I'm full, I'll go out there and join them."
King Vegeta quickly protested, "What are you thinking, Yon?! You are a Royal Crown Prince, you should stay inside the Palace."
"It's okay, Papa. I'll be fine." the prince assured his father.
After Vegeta was finished with all the food on the table, he hurriedly ran out of the Palace. Nappa followed his steps. King Vegeta watched as his son leave and join the commoner's side. He shook his head, quite impressed. He always knew Vegeta cared more for Bardock than his own father. He wasn't even that excited seeing him. The King felt quite jealous of the low class soldier though.
Vegeta peeked out of the gates first and found the commoners having a better time enjoying this feast than those inside the Royal Palace. Their food were not as extravagant as those inside but as it was placed on a long line of trestle tables, where lines of standing Saiyans seem to have an eating contest as they grab on their food with their hands.
"Hey Nappa, why don't we have that inside? That looks fun."
"It's because that kind of table manner isn't worthy of Saiyans with noble status."
Vegeta frowned. "I wanna join them." he said as he removed his gloves from his hands and stucking them in his pocket.
"But didn't you just say that you're already full?"
"I got hungry when I saw that."
"Eh?"
Vegeta went out of his hiding place and hopped excitedly towards an empty spot between two Saiyans. Those two on his sides and those in front of him nearly had their eyes fall out of their sockets as they stared at who suddenly popped out of nowhere to join them.
"Y-Y-Y-Your...H-h-h..."
The commoners shakingly back stepped away from him and when Vegeta noticed their movement, he immediately made a joke, "Calm down, I'm not infected by a virus or anything. Come here and continue with what you're doing."
"B-B-B-But h-h-how could we e-e-even... eat by your... side..?"
"You're not. I'm eating by your side. Come here and I'll join you."
They were still reluctant. Vegeta glared at each of them sternly.
He reluctantly told them, "It's my royal command."
The Saiyans reluctantly, awkwardly but immediately did as he told them. He sighed in exasperation to himself. This is why he preferred doing a disguise rather than be himself as he interacted with these people. They will always see him as their fearsome Royal Crown Prince and will always be forced to submit themselves to his whims due to his status as a royalty and his reputation brought by his power.
He silently observed them. They were more conscious than they were before he came in. Their movements were hard and careful, like they were lifeless robots. Disappointed, Vegeta lost his appetite and he turned around to walk away. When he was quite far, those Saiyans quickly went back to how they were eating before like nothing just happened.
Caulifla saw him not far away and she called his attention with a simple, "Hey!" because she knew how much Vegeta hated being called 'Your royal highness' while in public so she decided to be informal with him.
Vegeta turned his head to see his fiancé cheerfully waving her hand at him. The timid Kale and the level headed Mizuno were standing next to her. He sauntered towards their direction.
"If you want to join us then you can come here! I'll introduce some of our friends to you!" Caulifla told him.
Her other friends, those from the low-lands as she called them, shumbled when he approached. Someone stepped out of his place to let him take over. The prince was quick to grab that man's shoulders and brought him back to that place without any word. The man became extremely tensed when Vegeta touched him.
Caulifla blinked at what he just did. Renso, Caulifla's older brother, volunteered to give his place to the Crown Prince as he said it could be an honor to have the prince here and possibly hear them out. Vegeta simply refused it.
Vegeta whispered to Renso as he tapped his shoulder lightly, "It's okay. Go on."
"That's my older brother, Renso." Caulifla introduced. She motioned for two Saiyan women, "These are Kyunba and Gouda, they're like parents to these children here."
There was a group of about fifty children aged three to twelve years old, male and female, all wearing white chiffon clothing. They were eating their food as they stared up at him with their big, innocent eyes.
"They're orphans. Children whose parents either abandoned them or met an unfortunate accident while on their missions. We took them in so they won't get lost in their path. We wanted them to feel that they still have families, even if their real parents are not with them any longer.
"Those are elderly who were also abandoned by their families. Saiyan tradition tells us to kill of these kind of people as they're all useless to the society. However, there are those who still think they are worthy to continue living."
The Prince approached the elderly first, told them to relax as they felt overwhelmed by the presence of a royalty. He spoke with them politely and with respect much to everyone's surprise. He heard their stories out and he acknowledged their concerns. He did the same with the children, and he played a little with some of them. He was enjoying himself.
"Heeh. Who would have thought he's even capable of doing that?" Mizuno whispered to Caulifla, impressed of the Prince's actions.
"He's just in a good mood, you know." Caulifla chuckled. That was just a joke. Since that day she spoke to him about becoming Queen, she knew Vegeta always wanted to know more about this side of his people. She also knew that Vegeta is capable of hearing out the commoners from the moment she saw him buying wish lanterns from a poor girl during the lantern festival. (See Episode 7, Caulifla was the girl who forgot her money.)
That experience made Vegeta somehow feel closer to them. While he heard their sincere thanks for all the efforts he did as a warrior and how proud the elderly were for him, he also took note of all their concerns and promised to tell about it with his father and the Royal council so they can do something about it. They were expectant of his promise.
After that, he left the group and continued to stroll around until he found Bardock's family and his crew. Smiling with relief upon finding who he was really looking for, he sauntered towards the empty space they reserved especially for him. The one next to Kakarot.
"We know you'll come! I saved you a slot!" Kakarot said. Vegeta saw Chi-Chi on Kakarot's other side and he nodded to acknowledge her presence. Chi-Chi dropped her food in her susprise when he did that.
Vegeta pulled his long sleeves up to his elbow and stared at the incredible amount of food set on the table. Over some pile of green leaves was a voluminous amount of yellow rice topped with several meat, sausages and seafood, including boiled eggs and fermented vegetables.
"Thanks, Kakarot. Hey! This looks better than what you served me back in the Palace, Nappa!" he pointed out.
Nappa shrugged his massive shoulders. "That is called Daburo Takai. It's a common military food set and practice for the lower class soldiers. This is done to celebrate their victory from their missions." he mumbled.
Vegeta listened on. He didn't know about such information since he's only surrounded by his Generals and the Elite soldiers of the Royal Army.
"I see. That's interesting." he mumbled as he started to collect a bite size amount of the rice and topped it with one of the grilled meat slices. As he grabbed the food with his fingers and put it on his mouth, he contemplated on the taste for a moment.
Then he lightly tapped on Nappa and invited him to eat next to him. "Come and share this with me. See how it tastes like."
"But... How could I -..." Nappa quickly denied. Yes, how could he eat something the royalty was eating too?
Vegeta gave him a warning glare that meant he won't hear any excuses about him doing this with a Prince. Nappa, cowering like a puppy, did as he was told so. He shouldn't make that good mood the prince was in turn into something terrible so he awkwardly shared the food with him.
"You like it?" Kakarot asked Vegeta with a wide grin.
The Prince nodded enthusiastically.
"Great!"
"Hey, what's this long, smushy stuff?" Vegeta asked curiously as he grabbed a small pile of long, thin, white colored noodle like things in between his hands and put them in his mouth to chew.
"Those are Mount Chinyapisu worms. Delicious right?" said Pambukin as he ate the same thing he had on his plate.
Vegeta dropped his mouth, his face paling in his obvious shock as he processed what the big, fat, lower soldier just said. Realizing what he just ate, he quickly threw up the chewed worms in his mouth over his remaining food. Nappa quickly shambled to attend to his prince as Vegeta panicked over what he just ate. If anything disgusted him greatly and make him pale with fear, it was the existence of the squirmy little things.
"Seriously?!" Vegeta gagged with the same disgusted look after he spit the leftovers in his mouth, gargle a mouthful of water from a jug of water Kakarot handed him over before slugging down the rest.
Bardock, Gine, Kakarot and the rest of Bardock's friends couldn't stop themselves from laughing at that priceless look on their Prince's face when they nodded at him.
"Here I thought you'll be good with eating these kind of food." Kakarot laughed.
"Why didn't you tell me, you idiot?!" the prince retorted before mumbling. "Now I lost my appetite." as he glared down at the grossy mess he did. Nappa handed him over some napkins to clean his hands. Vegeta used it to rub his fingers and his palms before he spread it over to the mess so it would conceal it from his sight.
"Anyways, about what happened during the fight with Freeza." Vegeta started. He looked at Kakarot and Bardock. "Thank you." he said. "Apparently, this celebration would be nothing if not for you guys. I lost and nearly got us all killed because of my own stubbornness. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't get a second chance to defeat Freeza once and for all.
"And then after that, I lost control of myself when my fear of death was triggered by the Red Ribbon Army. I couldn't get my power and my wrath under control. I nearly destroyed us all twice that day and if it weren't for you, I won't be able to wake up from that trance and resist those dark thoughts of destroying everything. I was blinded by my own primal thoughts until I heard you all calling out to me and reaching out through the bond all Saiyans shared with me as your future king. When I saw everyone fighting together, in unison, just to pull me out of that suffocating darkness. I never felt so proud of my people until that moment. Thank you, everyone, especially you, Bardock."
Bardock smirked proudly. He never thought that the Royal brat would ever thank him and it came to him as a surprise. "I told you that you cannot save everyone. A lot of people have sacrificed themselves for this victory. Although you were cocky while fighting Freeza back there, I know that fighting someone without having them use their full strength and all they have felt dull for you. Any Saiyan would have felt and done the same thing as you did. Heck, I did it many times during our purging missions too. A more powerful opponent only serves as a challenge in order for us to break our own limitations. It is necessary for us to discover a new level of power. So don't blame yourself about it. Your cockiness only proved that you're no different than your people. Everyone of us makes mistakes, what matters most is how you'll make it up."
"Yeah."
"With that being said, it's funny how I said the same thing about your father. You really are his son."
Vegeta chuckled. "Well. Just looking at us makes it obvious. I look very much like him, I won't be able to deny that we're father and son." he laughed. "Well, I can say the same thing for you and Kakarot."
"Yeah, I agree. You two look very much like your fathers and act like a mix of both your parents." said Toma.
"I took after my mother." Vegeta said.
"Mostly, yes. Your mother was as feisty, uncontrollable and free-spirited as you. But your prideful, cold and ambitious nature comes from your father." Seripa said.
"Honestly, King Vegeta and Queen Saya's combination with Prince Vegeta made him quite the tsundere." said Toma.
"Queen Saya used to act like a tsundere herself, remember? That's why even the king cannot do anything when she's mad at him."
"Hey Nappa, is it true that Queen Saya threw King Vegeta out of the Queen's Palace when they had a quarrel? That was a rumor back then." Totepo asked.
Nappa cleared his throat loudly. He cannot say anything about that. However, Vegeta confirmed the story to be true, causing Nappa to panic at the supposedly private information the prince was revealing with his commoner friends.
"Funny I remember how she beats my father up when she's pissed at him." Vegeta laughed. "My mother was fearsome when she's mad. You could literally see her hair become hissing snakes as she approach you just to beat you up when you pissed her off. I admit that it scared my pants off when I was a child." he chuckled. "Even so, she was a caring and loving mother. While I have no memories of my father teaching me anything, my mother shared a few things with me. She was the one who taught me how to break a few Palace laws that makes no sense at all. It's because of her I shared the sentiment of a caged life inside that royal Palace and being controlled by royal laws. I remember she got into trouble with the Royal council about teaching me that kind of behavior but she was determined to show me what she called was 'reality' instead of just letting me grow up with all the riches and luxury of being a royal prince. I remember her last words to me before her untimely death was 'Become a royal who your people would see as a brave and proud warrior, a wise ruler and with a heart that hears the cries of his people for help. Don't become too arrogant with your power and use it to make your subjects cower in fear for if you do that, no one will respect your authority and they will never follow your lead. Remember that a ruler is nothing with no one for him to rule over. I want you to become a beloved crown prince and future king the universe will look up to.', I made a promise to her that I will do just that, yet, I became too arrogant with my power, and used it to instill fear and my authority over my people. When I was dying after allowing Freeza to reach his Golden Form, I saw my mother. She told me to listen and heed your call. There had been several times when I felt her presence and heard her voice, I know it's rather silly but I believe she's indeed watching over me among the stars above the skies just as she promised me before she was killed."
The Prince looked up into the stars and smiled, silently thanking his mother for always being there for him when he needed her despite having passed away a long time ago. He could only imagine how proud she could be if she was here with him.
~=o-O-o=~
When the Crown Prince returned to the Royal Palace, he saw his father patiently waiting for him. The King asked how his socialization with the commoners went and Vegeta told his father about many things he discovered. The King listened attentively to his son's story, especially when it regards to the orphans and the elderlies' concerns. The King asked his son what he wanted to do with the commoners and he had a lot in mind.
Apparently, this was the first time he saw his son being concerned about the commoners. No Saiyan Royalty had stepped into their territory alone and in his own accord without any scheduled visit or notice. King Vegeta remembered Saya in his son's adamance when it comes to coming out to meet the lower class people. There was even a time when she pulled him out of the Palace gates just for them to date outside the Palace and away from the eyes of their bodyguards.
"Alright," the King said after hearing his son out. "Let's discuss this with the Royal Council tomorrow morning along with your upcoming ascension to the throne."
Vegeta was surprised about his father's decision. "What? Why?"
"I will abdicate the throne soon and have you take over. I did a lot of mistakes under my rule and I've been thinking how I have put you and our people in grave danger because of my greed and ambitions. I am simply paying for the sins I did. You have reached both the legendary and divine states, the pinnacle of power among the Saiyans. You have cleaned the mess that I did and saved our people from the results of my mistakes. I have observed you when you went out earlier and joined our people, I thought to myself how rightful you are to rule the Saiyans more than me."
Vegeta always had the same opinion about himself for years that he would make a better king than his father ever was. He was just overwhelmed and surprised that his father was honorable enough to step down on his own accord. He honestly never expected him to do so for that kind of reason.
"Alright." the Crown Prince nodded. "I'll take the throne soon. For the meantime, cooperate with me for the initial changes I wish to make."
And so, with the Saiyan's victory against the Galactic Empire, the Saiyan Kingdom took over. Many planets' leaders and their people swore their loyalty to the Saiyan Kingdom after witnessing Prince Vegeta's prowess. The once alien rebels allied with the Saiyans with a few conditions that benefit both sides. Prince Vegeta knew he and his people did a lot of cruel things across the universe and it became problematic when the alien rebels united against them. He knew the Saiyans were at fault and he wished to reform himself and his people's honor. With the war over, the Saiyans decided to go into a more righteous and honorable path rather than being evil and cruel purgers of planets.
King Vegeta decided to abdicate the throne in six months in order to give his son his proper right to rule over their people, and the entire Universe. He knew the Crown Prince was intent on changing everything and cleanse his race's mighty name. The King thought the changes will be good with the Prince's leadership. During this period of time, preparations to Crown Prince Vegeta the Fourth's upcoming ascension to the throne of Planet Vegeta and declaration of rulership over the entire universe were made.
~=o-O-o=~
Two weeks after the battle, Raditz, Bulma and the Briefs family arrived on Planet Namek. Much to their surprise, the Dragon Balls have been prepared and collected by the green skinned alien humanoids with antennas sticking out of their foreheads. A Namekian village elder, Tsuno, revealed that they already knew they were coming and how the battle with Freeza went. They were thankful for the Saiyans for eliminating the evil and cruel Freeza Force. Raditz contacted Kakarot immediately to report to Vegeta that the Dragon Balls were indeed true and that they currently have all seven. It's time for him to make his wishes.
Vegeta was busy studying for his ascension to the throne, facing the mountain of scrolls and books in front of him when Kakarot suddenly barged in his private room. "Your Highness! Raditz just called in! They arrived on Planet Namek and it turns out that the Dragon Balls were true after all! They already have seven of them! It's time for you to make your wish!"
Vegeta, who was initially bored to death earlier before Kakarot came in, immediately threw the scroll he was reading and rose from his cushion seat without any second thought, "Good. Let's go." he said enthusiastically as he held Kakarot's reached out hand.
Five seconds later, Nappa came in just after Vegeta ordered for him to get him a plate of milk cookies in the kitchen. When he found out about his missing prince once again, just like any other day, he cried out lengthily into the skies. "Your Highness!"
Goodness! Leave Vegeta alone for a second and you'll lose sight of him! That little rascal never changed!
~=o-O-o=~
They teleported to Planet Namek using Kakarot's Instant Transmission, which is more capable of long ranged teleportation than Vegeta's Hibiktus technique.
Vegeta's first reaction was to flinch. Kakarot asked what's the matter and Vegeta responded, "I thought I heard Nappa's voice calling me from miles away." (Reference to Episode 7)
As soon as they appeared and the Namekians saw the Crown Prince of all Saiyans standing before them, everyone fell to their knees and bowed down in respect.
The Saiyan Prince didn't care to notice the gestures as his attention was first focused on the sight of his dearest, whom he missed for so long. Without any word, he quickly walked towards her, wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his embrace as he called her name many times, like a joyous child who finally saw his mother after so long.
"Bulma..." he called her name over and over again.
On his shoulder, Bulma smiled lovingly. "You did a good job. Congratulations on your victory."
"Bulma... My dearest Bulma. I did it. I really did it, just as I promised you."
"Look. I know you missed me that much but... Please don't be like this. You still have a wish to make."
Realizing what he's been doing in front of all these people, Vegeta quickly pulled away from Bulma. A red flush warmed his cheeks in his embarrassment when he saw everyone was grinning at him. He shrugged and cleared his throat as he composed himself back to his typical composure as a Warrior Prince.
"Welcome to Planet Namek, Prince Vegeta the Fourth of Planet Vegeta. I am Tsuno, the vice leader of the village elders across Planet Namek." said Tsuno, the one kneeling in the forefront. "We have been expecting your arrival to our planet and we have received a command from our Great Elder, Guru to prepare the Dragon Balls for you. The Namekian race honors your deed of defeating the leader of the Freeza Army. After you make your wishes, please do meet with our Great Elder, Guru. He's been eagerly waiting to meet you in person."
"Thank you for the pleasantries, Tsuno. I shall meet your Great Elder. Summon the Eternal Dragon for me so I can make my wishes immediately." Vegeta said.
"As you wish."
Tsuno faced the seven large, crystal-like magical orbs lying on the ground before them. Each orb was a shining golden orange with deep orange flat and rigid five pointed stars inside each sphere that ranged from one to seven stars. Each ball was the same size as a basketball. As soon as he spread his hands over the so called 'Dragon Balls', all of it began to flash a golden light in unison.
With a boisterous voice, Tsuno exclaimed, "Takkarapto Popporunga pupiritto paro!"
The sky immediately darkened as a burst of light exploded from the unified flash coming from the seven Dragon Balls. It blasted into the dark skies with a blinding force, signifying the coming of the wish-granting Namekian dragon deity, Porunga, the Dragon and granter of Dreams.
Porunga was a heavily muscled green dragon with his large pectoral muscles, shoulders, arms, and well defined abdominal muscles. He appeared to have an alligator like face with a serpent like lower body. He has a long, green slithery tail, a large fin down the center of his back, and enormous black spikes protruding his bulging shoulders and head, as well as two antennae on his forehead. His eyes were big and red while his muzzle had fearsome sharp fangs. His entire form glowed with an ethereal golden light.
Everyone gazed at the monstrous dragon with gaping mouths and disbelieving eyes. This is the wish granting dragon Vegeta was talking about? He's incredibly huge and intimidating. Bulma was the most surprised one as she was actually expecting to see a more refined looking dragon than a fearsome looking one.
With a deep thunderous voice that resonated throughout Planet Namek, the Dragon, Porunga asked, "Oh Master of the Dragon Balls who has awakened me of my slumber, state your wish and I shall grant three wishes within my power."
Tsuno stepped up to introduce Porunga to their royal guest, "Porunga, this is Prince Vegeta the Fourth of Planet Vegeta. He's done a great deed for us and as to reward him, please hear him out and grant the desires he would ask of you."
Porunga shifted his head from Tsuno to the Saiyan Prince. The dragon opened his mouth slightly, his eyes seemingly sparked with gleam interest. "I see. So the prophecy foretold about the Saiyans according to the Namekian book of Legends has finally been fulfilled. Yamoshi was indeed reincarnated into this life as the next ruler of the Saiyans. Though he seemed quite different from his first life, I can still feel his divine and legendary power and his will of fire and righteousness within this new incarnation of his."
Porunga lowered his head as if to bow down before Vegeta. "It is a great honor to meet you in this life, Yamoshi-sama. Or rather, Prince Vegeta. You may state your three wishes as you desire and I shall grant them with my power."
Vegeta stepped up to speak to the Dragon directly, "I heard that you can only bring back those who have died within a year, and that you can only revive one person at a time, is that correct?"
"What you heard has long since been outdated. I can now revive many people though it still has a span of one year."
"Great!" Vegeta smirked. "My first wish is for you to revive those innocents and pure hearted people who were killed during the entire run of the Project Denzetsu and the war of the Saiyans with the Galactic Empire. My second wish is for you to cleanse all the cruel memories they had about me, Broly and Freeza, including their deaths. And third, restore Planet Vegeta and all affected planets back to their former glory before the war began. That is all."
"Understood. Your wishes shall be worked upon." Porunga announced. His red eyes glowed for several seconds as he magically worked on the Saiyan Prince's wishes.
With that, all the good hearted Saiyans killed during the entire year, including Broly, Beets, Tarble and Onio were resurrected. As well as the nearly three thousand Vegeta clones Broly killed and the innocent aliens Vegeta had cruelly murdered in hopes of reaching the Super Saiyan state. Each and everyone of them were confused about what just happened to them, not clearly remembering how they died.
Meanwhile, the Saiyans watched with jaws dropped as their planet get restored completely, the buildings, cities and all, magically before their eyes.
"Your wishes have been granted." Porunga finally announced after his silence for a minute or two.
Vegeta knew it was done, he could sense Broly's enormous power return all the way here. He smirked at the Dragon in approval. "Good job. Thank you."
Porunga nodded slightly, "I have fulfilled all your three wishes. I will now say my farewell. May the light of the moon, the source of your true power, continue to guide your fiery will, your Royal Highness."
Porunga glowed entirely with the same ethereal light as earlier before it got reduced to sparks and the seven Dragon Balls flew off into the skies, separating into random directions across Planet Namek.
"Now, I shall meet this Great Elder of yours. Lead me the way, Tsuno." he ordered the Namekian elder. He turned to his friends and told them to wait for him there and they will return to Planet Vegeta together.
"This way, please." Tsuno said as he flew off into the sky. Vegeta followed him into an incredibly tall mountain where a simple but enormous house stood. They landed in front of the house. The front door opened upwards, two pairs of identical young adult Namekians came out of the door and faced them. Both have the look and intimidating force of a true warrior.
"Ah, Piccolo, Nail! Here is our awaited guest, Prince Vegeta the Fourth of Planet Vegeta, Crown Prince of the Saiyans. Your Highness, these are the most powerful Namekian warriors across the planet. They serve as the bodyguards of the Great Elder Guru."
Vegeta could indeed sense great power coming from these two Namekians, even higher than the rest of their kind. He nodded, recognizing their statuses as proud warriors.
"Yes, we are expecting your arrival." The Namekian on the left said in his deep, guarded tone. He was wearing a dark violet gi under his white cape and a turban over his head. "My name is Piccolo."
"I am Nail." said the Namekian on the right. He wore a long knee length vest and white baggy pants. "The Great Elder is waiting for you inside. Please come in."
They led their guest inside an empty house, they say that Guru was upstairs. Piccolo said some kind of Namekian password so the latch that would lead to the Guru's room would open. They levitated off the floor until they reached the second floor.
Piccolo and Nail bowed down before a massive figure sitting on a giant throne. "Great Elder, the Crown Prince of the Saiyans has arrived."
Vegeta raised his head to look at the gigantic Namekian before him. Guru was towering over them all for almost thirty feet. He was incredibly obese and frail looking due to his old age. Vegeta can sense through his ki how sick and weak this Namekian leader was, he was so close to dying. Guru's eyes were closed perpetually.
Guru let out a moan as if he just woke up from his sleep, without opening his eyes. He seemed to be confused for a while as he carefully moved his head side by side before he focused it directly on Vegeta's direction.
A warm smile of relief stretched across the Namekian's lips.
"Ah, finally, you have come, chosen one of the Saiyans." Guru said in a tired and groggy voice. "Yes, you are indeed the chosen one. I can feel that you have indeed inherited Yamoshi-sama's fiery will within you, his spirit reincarnated through you. I can sense that you have risen to both the Legendary Super Saiyan and the divine Super Saiyan god just as our Namekian Book of Legends foretold in the Prophecy of your warrior race."
"Yes, I did."
"Which would only mean that you have already fulfilled your mission as the chosen one. I would like to honor and thank you for your deed. Have you received your reward through the wishes with the Dragon Balls?"
"Yes."
"That's good to hear. It is indeed a great honor to have met you in this life. As the leader and father of the peaceful Namekians, I am more than willing to form a treaty and make an alliance to the Saiyans because I have foreseen that you would make a great ruler to your people and the new Galactic Empire."
Vegeta was surprised that the Namekian leader had easily forged an alliance with them, with complete trust. It was different from the other races who were only forced to submit themselves to the Saiyan Kingdom because they had no other choice. (Especially those under the Galactic Empire or those alien races who had a bitter past with them). Nail explained that the Namekian people don't waste time about holding grudges or taking revenge.
He nodded, accepting the leader's word of alliance.
"Be brave, young one. You know it wouldn't be easy to bring about the change you wanted to make for your people. Other races may not trust the Saiyans as easily as we Namekians did but don't lose hope. Trust your perceptions. The moonlight has already gifted you with greatness ever since you were born into this world. When you step to take over the throne of your destiny, you shall become a king everyone will revere. You will know what to do. You have your guardians by your side."
And so, the Saiyans and the Namekians became allies.
~=o-O-o=~
When they returned to Planet Vegeta, Vegeta was reunited with his tearful and confused younger brother who couldn't contain his elation when he found his big brother in front of him.
"Niisaaaaaan!" Tarble squealed, leaping towards his big brother to embrace him. Vegeta caught him easily and tried to keep his tears at bay as he rubbed his crying brother's back. "Niisan! Niisan!" Tarble repeated happily.
King Vegeta rushed towards the garden when he received a report that Tarble unexplainably came back to life. Seeing his younger son alive in his older brother's arms made the King's knees seem weak and he fell to the ground in disbelief. His sons noticed his presence and they sauntered forward towards their father.
Somewhere, Broly was reunited with Beets. Unfortunately, Paragus wasn't revived. When he found Kakarot, he was told about how Paragus tried to avenge his death by attacking Freeza, but unfortunately was killed by a single blast.
"Really? My father really did that?" Broly asked. It was obvious in his expression how he couldn't believe the story. A heart warming feeling burned in his chest while he imagine how his father could have avenged him.
"Yeah! He even went and defied Vegeta's royal command to stop. He loved you deep inside and he was able to show it at the very last moment of his life. Unfortunately, unlike you, he was not able to come back to life."
After being told about the wishes Vegeta made with the Dragon Balls, Broly accepted his father's fate. While he was quite devastated by the sad news that Paragus will never be revived due to his vicious deeds, Broly was still thankful for him, especially after learning how his father truly cared for him when he tried to attack Freeza. Without Paragus' help, he wouldn't reach this power, even though it was achieved at an unhonorable way.
Kakarot was contacted by Vegeta through the scouter, who asked if he had found Broly. Kakarot responded with "Yes, your Highness. He's here with me."
Vegeta wasted no time and teleported himself towards them even before Kakarot finished his response. Vegeta and Broly stared at each other for a few seconds before Broly lowered his head to pay his respects.
"You fool." Vegeta spat, glaring at his Saiyan rival angrily. He marched towards Broly and raised his hand as if he was going hit the younger Saiyan's chest. Broly stood his ground, willing to accept whatever punishment his prince was going to give him.
Vegeta pounded Broly's chest in his aggravation, calling him "Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!" repeatedly. It was obvious by his expression how frustrated he was as his eyes began to filled with unshed tears.
Broly reached out for the Prince's back to embrace him protectively in his arms.
"Let me go, idiot! I hate you! How dare you defy me like that! I never asked for you to give up your life for me! I'm no helpless child! You're so stupid!"
Broly smiled in relief. Yes, this is Prince Vegeta alright. "I know. I'm sorry." he said.
Vegeta pounded his fist over Broly's chest again.
"You should be! I will have to punish you later." he sniffed as he pulled away from Broly's arms.
Wiping his tears away with the back of his gloves, Vegeta snorted out loud before he let out a smile. "Even so, you did a great job playing martyr. I do commend you for that. Even if I hated how you died on me like that, I watched you fall like a true Saiyan Warrior. You held your pride and your beliefs, doing what you truly wanted and standing up to hold it dear until your last breath. It was a great example for those who witnessed your end. For that, you should be honored and rewarded."
Broly's eyes widened slightly, wondering what kind of reward and punishment the prince was planning to bestow for him.
Vegeta told Broly to fix himself and come to the Royal Palace in one hour for he will give his rewards and punishments there. After an hour, Broly arrived at the said meeting spot. Vegeta waited with his father and younger brother at the courtyard, along with the entire Royal Council and the Vegeta Forces, including his friends, Kakarot and Raditz. As soon as Broly stepped in, Zorn commanded the Royal Army to salute and honor Broly as he stepped forward until he was in front of the Royal family. Broly noticed how King Vegeta, who initially loathed him for years, was smiling at him proudly now. He lowered down to one knee, bowed his head and raised his left arm over his chest, as a sign of respect to the most powerful family on Planet Vegeta.
Vegeta stepped forward, took the scroll Nappa offered at him and rolled it out to read before his audience.
"This is the King's orders with regards to Broly Oleracea." he announced. "As the Royal Crown Prince attested to the King about Paragus Oleracea's alleged manipulation over his son. Despite being the son of a traitor to the Royal family and having removed from his position as my General, Broly proved his undying loyalty and fought against his father's wishes to continue holding his personal beliefs and his Saiyan Pride, fulfilling his promises and duties as a General to protect me with his life during the war against the former Galactic Emperor Freeza. For that, the Royal House of Vegeta commends this great deed and rewards Broly Oleracea the following:
"First: For his efforts of fighting for the Royal Crown Prince, Broly shall be granted amnesty. Let the former punishments against Broly be lifted. From this day onward, Broly shall be allowed to live his life as a noble and respected Saiyan.
"Second: Due to his deeds, the Royal House of Vegeta rewards Broly an honorable name, 'the Unbreakable Sword', meaning he shall stand next to me, the Royal Crown Prince, and become my strongest and personal protector. With this, his former status as a General of the Crown Prince shall be bestowed upon him once more, and shall be of equal to Raditz and Kakarot in position.
"With these being said, let this royal command be written and done. Broly, stand next to me and receive your rewards."
Broly said, "It is my honor to stand next to you, your Highness. Thank you, your Majesty!"
King Vegeta nodded in approval. Broly walked up the podium as Vegeta took the medal of honor he will give him. Broly lowered himself as the prince raised the medal over Broly's head and put it around the warrior's neck. After that, Broly raised his right hand to swear his loyalty and his servitude to the Crown Prince as his bodyguard, for the second time. After accepting Broly's words, Vegeta reached out for Broly's hand, a proud grin flashing only for him. Broly held his hand with a smile of admiration. The Royal House saluted Broly once again and they all applauded him.
Broly felt completely overwhelmed by this event. He never thought he will ever be alive again and have this second chance to stand with his best friend once more. He was never been this happy his entire life.
~=o-O-o=~
Vegeta returned to his private quarters with his four Generals tailing behind him. Kakarot mentioned that they are finished with the 'makeover' so Vegeta proceeded to his wardrobe, leaving his Generals behind the doors to his private quarters. They have been preparing to make his wardrobe a secret room so he can be together with his dearest Bulma without anyone else knowing. This is where she will stay, hidden in the eyes and ears of those who didn't know. Vegeta ordered to make the room as comfortable for her as possible. The room was huge enough for the two of them to stay together and do their thing. They have also installed a sound proof system within its walls to keep the room private, and as an emergency thing, there is a button installed to call Raditz or Vegeta through their scouters in cases she needed anything. Vegeta had secretly assigned Raditz to be Bulma's personal bodyguard and attendant and a female medic, Nion to check on her everytime.
Bulma was there inside, waiting for him. She was on a table, tinkering with her inventions. Vegeta made sure she will have everything she needed and wanted so she won't get bored within this room. On her left wrist was a watch. She said it has the ability to conceal her ki (and so as the babies within her) to the senses of others. It's the thing Vegeta requested for her to create before she left Planet Vegeta.
"You're here." Bulma said with a smile.
For some reason, seeing Bulma being caged like this made Vegeta feel bad for her. He hated himself for having to hide her this way. He wanted for her to be free and be always with him on his side no matter what. He wanted to fight for her. To tell his father about his decision to be with this woman forever. To make the King proud of his upcoming grandchildren. However, this isn't the right time yet. Six months. They still have a damn painstaking six months to endure before Vegeta becomes the King and take away the laws that stand in their way. As Crown Prince, he cannot do anything with it yet. He was sure the King won't approve of his decision to marry Bulma and make her his Crown Princess. He has Caulifla waiting for that matter. The King may approve of Bulma as a concubine but Vegeta won't have that. The King won't accept the children in her womb as of now. He still has the authority to order anyone to rip the children off her if he learned about them. Vegeta didn't wish for that to happen, of course.
He thought about using his strength and power being a Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan god to force his authority and threaten his father and the Royal council to just accept Bulma and their children, but it would only bring about problems with his upcoming ascension to the throne and his plans for his people. He cannot afford to lose that chance as well. He's their only hope.
Vegeta felt really bad about Bulma having to sacrifice herself this way every time. He knew she has endured more than enough just so she can belong to him. Seeing her smile that way made Vegeta commend her inwardly for her strength.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Bulma asked him, confused about the expression of pity he was giving her.
Vegeta stepped closer to her and pulled her in an embrace. "I'm sorry you have to endure this way but please do bear with it for a while."
Bulma felt his worry about her. She could feel how angry he was with himself for doing this to her. She understood that he was only doing this to protect her and their relationship. She knew he was fighting for her. She could feel he wanted to become the King as soon as possible so he can be with her freely.
"Don't worry about me. I have everything I needed here. Just concentrate on your path to your ascension to the throne. We will gladly wait for you." she assured him as she rubbed her belly.
"Thank you." he said. "Thank you for putting up with me being like this."
"I do understand. Don't think of it too much. You are here, that's all that matters."
Vegeta spent the entire day with her on their secret room. They even ate their lunch and dinner together brought by the Crown Prince's personal attendant. By evening, they slept together on separate futons prepared by Nappa.
And speaking of the big, old oaf...
"Damn it, Nappa!" Vegeta yelled at his attendant. "Don't you think this is going too far?!"
Yes, Vegeta and Bulma were indeed sleeping together, with Nappa sleeping while sitting cross legged in between them.
"What are you saying, your Highness?" Nappa answered without daring opening his eyes.
"Do you honestly think I can sleep in peace with you guarding us like that?! This is ridiculous!"
"Your Highness, I know of your feelings for this woman and I know that within you, you won't be able to control yourself after having missed her so much."
"Does that mean you do not trust me at all?! I know how to properly control myself!"
"My apologies to be so frank with you but yes, I do not trust what's within you, your Highness. Not after all the trouble you did and made me suffer since you are a child, I am sure you won't be able to stop yourself from touching her."
Vegeta angrily sat up from his futon and yelled, "You! You're getting more and more annoying! Do you really have a death wish?!"
"Your Highness, you have defied the law once by mating with Bulma Briefs and getting her pregnant with your children without the knowledge of anyone. What else is this trouble of hiding the two of you this way for? Please remember one thing, you are still betrothed to Lady Caulifla. While you are tied to her this way, you must not absolutely do lovemaking with Bulma Briefs again until you two are officially together by law."
"She is pregnant for goodness sake! How can you think I'll have sex with her of all things?! How dare you think of me that way? I'm no freaking pervert!"
Bulma sat up and told Nappa, "You can have our word. We will not do anything like that. You may go and have a peace of mind."
Nappa darted his eyes in between the two. Vegeta was giving his attendant a death glare. Nappa chose to ignore it and he turned to Bulma. "Fine, I will do just as you wish. If my uncontrollable prince did anything unnecessary, please do give him a lecture of a lifetime. He might listen to you, out of all people."
Nappa left after that. Vegeta watched Nappa's back in incredulity as the older Saiyan get out of the room.
"Ha! That fool! He has been attending to me for eighteen years and he still don't trust my words?! He chose to listen to you instead of his Crown Prince! Fine. Whatever. Even if it's out of my annoyance with Nappa's unnecessary thoughts of me being 'uncontrollable', rest assured that I will not touch you, not even a single hair strand of yours tonight. So you may sleep in peace, woman." Vegeta spat bitterly as he laid back to his futon to go back to sleep.
Bulma went back to her bed and watched at him lovingly. "Are you really sure about that?" she asked him.
"Of course! I gave you my word. A royal like myself must abide by the words that come out of his mouth. It's a matter of pride and honor." Vegeta snorted.
Bulma sighed before she reached out her right hand to touch the back Vegeta's hands.
"For daring to touch your royal body like this, are you going to kill me?" she asked. (In reference to Vegeta's words in Episodes 25)
Vegeta remembered that time when he threatened to kill her after touching his royal body. He has no memories of her that time so he was unaware of his love for her.
He sighed and said, "No."
"Then you don't need to worry about anything. It wasn't you who touched me."
Vegeta flipped his hand and curled his fingers around hers so he was holding her hand. "Yes."
"Should I use this chance to do whatever pleases you myself so you won't feel guilty about it. What do you say?" Bulma said.
"What do you mean by that?"
Bulma moved closer to him, the closest to him as possible. "Since this room is completely soundproofed, shall I initiate a session just for once?" she whispered in his ear.
Vegeta turned his head towards her, confused for a while about what she meant by those words. Bulma smirked at him, her blue eyes giving off a lustful glint. She turned to lie on her right side, her left hand finding its way inside Vegeta's underwear.
"What do you say? Do you want it?" she asked in a seductive way as she worked magically to give him the pleasure he'd been desperate about.
Vegeta closed his eyes and smiled as he leaned his head back to his pillow, willing himself to feel Bulma's touch. "Fine. Do your worst."
~=o-O-o=~
Vegeta watched Bulma's sleeping beauty as she slept in his arms. The lovemaking they just had was gratifying. Bulma did most of the work and he promised himself that once they are officially together, he will reward her for this night. He gently rubbed her messy blue hair, pulling it away from her gorgeous face. He did it as gentle as he could so his actions won't wake her up.
He looked down to her belly, sensing the two small developing energies of their unborn children. For some reason, he began to imagine how their children would look like. Would they look the same as those beautiful kids he saw in his dream? (See Episode 29)
If that would be the case, they will certainly look very much like their mother. They will definitely not look like Saiyans. He was beginning to worry how his father and his people would accept them as his legacy. Will they be ashamed of his relationship with this woman? Will it disappoint them to learn that his children are half-breeds? Will they even respect his choices for this woman to be his queen? Will they accept his children to be his legitimate heir?
This brought him back to his earlier thoughts about his relationship with Bulma. He knew how his father reacted to his news when he told him he already mated with Bulma (See Episode 23) and how the king tried to separate them when he lost his memories of her. By that, he was sure his father will continue to hold on to his dislike of Bulma.
He really has to wait until he ascends to the throne and has all the power to do whatever he wants, both in strength and political authority. That is the only way for him to fix this entire mess.
He kissed Bulma's forehead and swore to himself that he will be fighting for her.
Little did they know was that someone was peeking at them.
~=o-O-o=~
With this resolve spurring Vegeta's mind, he focused on his journey to ascension by seriously taking his studies and preparing himself to become the King. It was tiring and boring him to death but he had to focus if he truly wanted to fight for Bulma.
One day, Vegeta was completely exhausted after a day's worth of studying and training. Of course, he cannot get rusty with his fighting skills too. He has to continue getting stronger in case a new, much stronger threat show itself.
That morning, Nappa entered his room to wake him up because he was about to begin his studies with the Royal tutor. Vegeta was too tired to deal with it and he woke up in the wrong side of the bed. Nappa and the maids ran for their lives out of his room when Vegeta gets up in his raging Super Saiyan form to chase them out.
"Wake me up once more or I will not hesitate to blast you all to hell!"
Vegeta went back to sleep after that. Bulma, hearing the commotion, decided to wake the bad-tempered prince by herself instead. She went out of her hiding spot to wake him up.
"Psst... Prince Vegeta. Wake up..." she began as gentle as she could as to not flare his ire even further.
Vegeta mumbled in his pillow, "Leave me alone or I will kill you..."
Bulma sighed. He was probably too tired cannot even recognize her voice. She turned around to look for something to poke him with. She found a pen by his table.
"Hey, Vegeta the Fourth! Are you going to wake up or not?! Get your ass off that bed and get serious with your duties!" she yelled at him as she pressed the pen over his sides.
Annoyed, Vegeta was in shock he shot up on his bed, snapping at her without even realizing it was her, "Didn't I tell you to leave me alone?!" he yelled like a child throwing his tantrums. He was about to blast the annoying low-life to hell when he saw it was Bulma waking him up. Gladly he was able to stop himself however, his earlier furious expression changed to a fearful one. She was glaring down at him like a mother about to beat the hell out of her child after defying her greatly.
Then, there was an argument between the two. Bulma was furious that he almost blasted her without second thoughts. Vegeta was mad and humiliated that she woke him up that way. What if he blasted her without realizing it was her? Bulma said it's going to be his problem if he loses control because of his childish temper.
After a while of screaming at each other, Vegeta finally relented. It was his fault for not waking up earlier. Bulma ordered him to apologize to Nappa and his maids. Feeling greatly humiliated by such an infernal woman, Vegeta went out of his room to find Nappa and the others staring at him. They must have heard the argument he just had with Bulma. He cleared his throat, his eyes showing he was quite guilty of his actions. He was prideful he didn't really wish to apologize. He was always this way. Nappa knew that already.
Simply imagining Bulma's angry expression, he said in a shy way. "My apologies about earlier. I was being harsh. I was just tired, that is all." then he ran back inside his room.
"Are you happy now?!" Vegeta asked a goading Bulma before he stomped his way to his bath. Bulma followed him.
"You seem to be in a bad mood today. Let me prepare you a bath." she said. "How's your study going?"
"I hate it. I hate getting stuck with that damn tutor. I hate not being with you."
"Then why not do your studies with me?" she winked at him.
~=o-O-o=~
King Vegeta received a news that Vegeta sent the Royal tutor home for today. He was impressed by the Crown Prince's efforts these past days then he suddenly stopped studying that day. Zorn informed him of Nappa's report that Prince Vegeta was getting tired of studying and training. The Prince was known to get bored of repeating daily tasks. King Vegeta was worried of his son so he decided to visit him.
Meanwhile, Vegeta was reading his political books and document scrolls inside his and Bulma's hiding spot. He decided to do his studies by himself so long as he is with his dearest Bulma. Her presence in front of him gave him the spur he lacked these past days. Seeing her inspired him to be serious with his studies. Bulma tried to keep up and understand his lessons, taking the role of his teacher and getting a taste of what Saiyan politics was. She gave him quizzes and knowledge tests. She was especially amazed by his fast learning abilities.
While doing that, they suddenly heard Nappa literally sing lengthily outside, "Your Royal Highness, His Majesty is here to see you!" in a high, soprano voice.
King Vegeta, Zorn, and the guards and maids around them flinched at Nappa's strenuous effort to sing and repeat, "Your Highneeeeeeess!" obviously buying time for Vegeta to return to his private quarters.
King Vegeta glared at the uneasy attendant and commanded him, "Why are you singing like that? Get on with it and open the door!"
"Ye... Yes, your Majesty." Nappa grinned awkwardly and he quickly asked the maid to open the doors for the King to enter.
King Vegeta came inside the Crown Prince's room, to find his heir sneaking in with his books in his hands. Vegeta turned to his father as if he was caught stealing cookies by the king. Vegeta awkwardly grinned at the sight of his sire.
"What are you doing, Yon?" the King asked with a raised eyebrow.
Vegeta shrugged uneasily and tried to find an excuse to this situation, "I was... I was trying to exercise my poise." he silently cursed to himself due to how he sounded unsure. He awkwardly put the books over his head and walked around. He perfectly balanced the books over his head despite the flaming shaped hair he has. "I... I can't be slouching in front of my people, especially when I become the king, can I?"
King Vegeta shook his head. He walked in front of his son to take the books off his head. "Since when did you slouch while walking? You're already well trained to do that since you were a child."
"Uhm... I just want to relieve the exercise. That's all." he said awkwardly.
King Vegeta put the books down on the table to speak to his son properly. "Are you alright? I received word that you sent the Royal tutor home for today. Nappa said you were especially tired this morning. Are you pushing yourself too much?" he asked.
"Papa, I overworked myself in training for so many times. Don't worry about it. I'm fine."
"Don't stress yourself. Take time to relax once in a while. I don't want you to be pressured. You still have five months to go."
"Yes, papa."
~=o-O-o=~
That same day, Caulifla arrived to visit Vegeta. She heard that Vegeta was hiding Bulma in his former wardrobe and she asked the prince if she could see her friend. Vegeta was suspicious on how Caulifla knew about Bulma being in his wardrobe so he denied her accusations.
"You don't have to lie about it. I already know about it. That's why I came in here to see you both. How is she?" she smiled.
So persistent. Vegeta sighed and he opened the wardrobe so Caulifla could see Bulma. The two women became excited upon seeing each other. Before Vegeta left the two ladies alone, he threatened Caulifla that she will answer to him if she did anything harsh to Bulma.
"Don't be like that. She defended me once from Kinoko, remember? I know she will never hurt me." Bulma assured him.
Bulma will never forget how this lady defended her from the cruel Kinoko's clutches. She still held that gratitude.
Vegeta rolled his eyes. Of course, he knew about that. Bulma told him how Caulifla once swore to protect her. (See Episode 11)
Once the two ladies are alone, Caulifla expressed how amused she was knowing how overprotective Vegeta was towards Bulma.
"Overprotective, isn't he? He'll make a good mate if he keeps up that attitude." Caulifla said. She turned to face Bulma. "How are you feeling? I can sense Vegeta's energy within you. Perhaps, are you carrying his seed?" she said, looking down at Bulma's belly.
Bulma automatically put her hands over her belly. The heightened senses of these Saiyans sure are amazing you cannot hide anything from them at all. Caulifla laughed.
"It's just as I thought! Hahahaha!" Caulifla said. "You make sure you take good care of yourself. Those children are going to be the next heirs to the throne of Planet Vegeta."
"What are you saying? Aren't you the Selected One to become Vegeta's Crown Princess?"
Caulifla lowered her eyes. "Well, yes." she said. "But, you see. I just made up my mind. I am planning to give up my title."
Bulma was concerned. "What do you mean?"
"You see... There was a time when Vegeta got into an accident during his training while pushing himself to become a Super Saiyan. As the selected one, I have to be on his side and take care of him while he was drugged and sedated to keep him from going back to training. That time, I thought he cannot remember you at all, so I was surprised that even in his deepest dreams, it was your name he mentioned repeatedly in his sleep. When he woke up from his slumber, the first person he looked for was you. He has even mistaken me to be you. At that moment, I realized that no other woman will ever be in his heart. Despite having lost his memories of you, he's still searching for you. I know I cannot replace that woman no matter what I do. Even if I truly have no interest with being the Selected One, I witnessed how Prince Vegeta was a loyal man to his loved ones. He only has his eyes for you. I do not want to lie that I want my man to be that way with me. Honestly, I was kinda jealous of you. If you only knew how I wish I was in your place.
"When Vegeta asked me how I could act like I didn't care when I knew he has another woman in his mind to whom he's given his affections to, I began to ask myself. His question seemed to have a deeper meaning behind it. And then I realized one thing... I do not wish to live a life to be used as a cover up to his secret. That's why I'm giving up my title to the one who is more deserving than I am, you."
Caulifla smiled, "Always remember this. You deserve to become Vegeta's mate. I can't wait until you become our Queen. Rest assured that I will forever support you."
After her visit with Bulma, Caulifla met with Vegeta. She thanked him for the things he made her realize and for the honor of being his fiancé this entire time. She told him she's going to give up her title and wished him and Bulma a happy life. Vegeta promised her that once he becomes the King, he will assign her a high position so she can fulfill her wish to serve the lower people. Caulifla accepted the Prince's promise.
She went to King Vegeta to denounce her title in front of the King and his royal council. Her excuse was she wanted to be with her friends and be free of Palace laws, not mentioning them the truth about how she didn't want to force Vegeta to have feelings for her.
"Are you sure about your decision? Despite knowing that after you denounce your position, you will live your life in loneliness as you will not be allowed to take a mate ever again?"
Prince Vegeta pleaded for his father to lift the punishment off Caulifla, saying it's a ridiculous law. The Royal Council's jaw dropped while Caulifla laughed at such straightforward words. King Vegeta listened to his son, saying he's making an exemption because of him.
Before leaving the Palace, Caulifla wished for Vegeta and Bulma to live happily together.
~=o-O-o=~
Five months passed by, Vegeta may have become serious with his political studies, focusing on his goal to become the King and bring the change he wanted for his people. At times, he would follow his father's advice by spending time with his dearest, or at Bulma's request, with his father or his friends. It helped him go through the stressful work until he's finally ready to take his seat at the throne of Planet Vegeta.
In his last night as Crown Prince, Vegeta went to his private meadow and reminisced his memories with his mother. As he looked up at the night sky, staring at the twinkling stars in the horizon, he swore to himself that he will keep the promise he made with his mother the night before she was killed.
"I promise you that I will be the King you always wanted me to be. Please look after me through the stars and the sky, mama."
Just a day after Vegeta the Third abdicated his position as the King, it is time for the Crown Prince to ascend to his rightful place.
"The King is entering!"
The crowd standing on both sides of the long aisle with red carpet that led to the throne hall, cheered enthusiastically as they waved the white flag with two golden stripes and bearing the symbol of the Saiyan Royal Crest. Saiyans and aliens alike gathered to witness the historical coronation of their new ruler of Planet Vegeta and the Galactic Empire.
Uplifting music and a vast congregation of high profiled guests, the Vegeta forces and the ATIJEBU Clone Army awaited the new King as Vegeta sauntered in his regal glory through the long line of red carpet, wearing his new royal armor of black and gold, bearing the Royal Crest of the Saiyans in its left chest plate. A long, red cape pinned over his golden shoulder pads. Behind him followed his four most powerful and trusted Generals. Everyone bowed down before him as he passed by them.
Garikku and Peppa waited by the door of the royal throne hall and slowly opened it for the new King to enter. The Royal Council, including the scholars and the new Prime Minister all bowed down on the sides as he continued to stroll on the aisle towards the stairs that led to the seat of power. He went up the stairs, the Generals stood in attention down below. When he was finally before the Royal throne, he made a swift, about-face movement to look at the people before him.
The Minister of Rites who stood before the throne, put down a tray containing the scrolls of ceremonies and the royal medallion which served as the symbol of kingship. The Minister pulled up the scroll to read it before the people awaiting. He proceeded to administer the coronation rites as he faced the new King.
"Your Majesty, do you solemnly swear that you will govern the people of both Planet Vegeta and the rest of the planets under the Saiyan Kingdom and the Galactic Empire?"
Vegeta faced the Minister and raised his right hand. "I, Vegeta the Fourth, swear in my name, pride and honor that I shall do my duties to my people and govern them, lead them and protect them under my rulership and my power, by the respective laws of the Saiyan Kingdom and the Galactic Empire."
After that oath he made, he took a pen and signed the scroll the Minister of Rites presented to him. After that, he was guided to be seated in the throne, consecrating him to his great office. He was offered a sword which symbolized his authority, also the leadership, bravery and courage a Saiyan King must possess, and then a shield that symbolized his duty to protect his people no matter what.
And finally, the grandest of them all. The golden royal medallion which serves as the Crown of the King. It was flourished by the most expensive blue jewels found only on the Saiyan Homeworld. Vegeta lowered his head as the Saiyan elder raised the medallion over his head as if he was being awarded a medal.
As the Minister of Rites stepped back, trumpets across Planet Vegeta resounded, declaring that the new King has finally been crowned.
"A new era has begun. I present to you, your new King, Vegeta the Fourth!" the Minister declared in a boisterous voice.
Unified cheers resounded from all the people as they exclaimed "Long live the King!" repeatedly while the Vegeta forces and the Atijebu Clone Army fired their guns in salute to honor the new King.
After making his oath, it is finally time for the royal council, his people and their comrades from across the galaxy represented by each planet's high official representive to swear their alliance to him.
Everyone fell to their knees, raising their left hands to their left chests and bowed their heads before him in submission to the new King of the Saiyans.
~=o-O-o=~
After that grandeur coronation ceremony, a banquet was made in honor of the new ruler. Vegeta was congratulated by several high profiled guests, such as other Kings and rulers from other planets allied to the Saiyans. He was also given expensive gifts in his honor.
After the tiring day, Vegeta went to his new private quarters. As the new King, he's taking over the King's Palace now. In his last day in the Crown Prince's Palace, Bulma also left her hide out. Kakarot teleported her to stay at Bardock's house for the meantime. Bulma's belly is now big, with her half Saiyan-half human twins growing strong and steadily developing. Vegeta missed her already.
Despite becoming the king and receiving many expensive gifts, he felt overwhelmed by it all. It's definitely a life changing event. Everything felt new to him. It may take some time for him to get used to be addressed as 'King Vegeta' and 'Your Majesty' but what matters most is a new beginning for him and his people.
Vegeta decided that nothing will change much with his relationship with his friends. He still wanted to go and visit Bardock's house, eat at Citao's eatery, go out and eat common street food.
First, he wanted to see Bulma, curious of her reaction upon seeing him as the King and Galactic Emperor now. After making sure that no one will bother him now, he teleported himself to Bardock's house.
"Whoah, Your Majesty. Miss her already?" Kakarot said when he found his King had appeared before them.
"Bulma's been waiting for you outside." Gine said with a smile.
"Outside?"
"She said she wanted to have some fresh air. Raditz is with her."
Vegeta walked out of the house to see Bulma walking back and forth in trepidation. She was holding a brown paper bag in her hand, muttering to herself. Not far from her, Raditz was watching.
"What is she doing?" Vegeta asked Raditz curiously.
The long haired Saiyan was startled by the voice and he quickly stood in attention to bow before his king. "Your Majesty." he regarded. "Bulma was feeling quite restless. She was preparing a gift for you but after learning what kind of gifts you received from your guests in the banquet, she felt unsure of what to do."
"What did you fools tell her?" Vegeta demanded in an angry look.
Raditz shrugged, feeling fearful of the King's ire. "Well, she asked... We said that you received gold, jewels, new alliances, soldiers swearing to serve you and some planets as a gift."
"So what about that?"
"I do not want to speak about it. You can ask her if you want."
Vegeta gave him a silent growl as a warning for speaking to him that way. Raditz flinched. The King told him to go away. Raditz scampered away like a scared mouse, leaving the couple alone.
"Why are you still up at this late hour, woman?" Vegeta asked Bulma, causing her to whirl around in surprise. She was mystified by the sight of him, looking at him up and down as she take in his royal glory. For some reason, it reminded her of the time Vegeta admitted to her the truth behind his real identity to her. (See Episodes 9 and 10)
He smirked at her, the same memory in his mind.
Bulma chuckled at his words. "It's funny how I remember you walking before me like you are some fashion model of the Royal Armor you were wearing in the meadow. You looked so good in your royal armor." she said as she rubbed her hand over his chest plate. "You look much better as a King than when you were still a Crown Prince. You look very much like your father, though you are more handsome than he ever was."
Vegeta snorted, "Of course. I remember you complimenting me so much, thinking I was joking around you. And you kept on blabbering about me becoming the King and the Galactic Emperor the next day. Now, I stand before you as the King of all Saiyans and Planet Vegeta and the Galactic Emperor."
"Congratulations and long live to you." she said.
Vegeta reached out his right hand towards her palm open. "So, where's my gift?"
Bulma's eyes widened. "Gift? What gift are you talking about?" she mumbled, quickly hiding the brown paper bag she was holding in her hand.
Vegeta knew it was that paper bag she was carrying. "Is that it?"
Bulma shrugged, her cheeks flushing red. "Uhm... No."
In the blink of an eye, Bulma found Vegeta opening a small brown paper bag. She quickly realized that she's not holding one any longer. Damn, that was fast! He must have snatched it from her hand using his super speed.
"Hey!" she quickly protested, her entire face now red. "Since when did you get your hands on that-?!"
Vegeta pulled out a piece of milk cookie from the paper bag. The cookie was a poorly shaped doodle of him. Bulma lowered her head in embarrassment when she found the king glaring at the cookie oddly.
"I was planning to... Make a business... I thought of selling cookies... With your face... Because you seem like a trending celebrity these days..." she excused, her tone low and uneasy as she darted her eyes away from his face in her embarrassment.
Vegeta frowned, "Hmm... Did you know that you cannot simply use my handsome face on something without my knowledge? This is copyrighted material to the Royal House! You should be paying taxes and royalty fees to me."
Bulma shrugged her shoulders and apologized, "I... I'm sorry... I tried to... make it look like a... Chibi doodle version of you... I... I failed... I'm sorry... I thought of... Having you as my first customer and be the first one to try it. I should have brought something worthy for a... King..."
Vegeta gazed at her oddly with his dark eyes, wondering why she thinks this present was a failure.
"Seriously?" Vegeta rolled his eyes. He put the cookie inside his bag and then he smiled at her pleasantly. "Woah. How sweet of my dearest. I'm truly honored to receive such a gift."
Bulma eyed at him with doubt as she asked, "Is that a sarcasm?"
"No! This is the best gift I received today, woman! Did anyone tell you that my favorite snack since I was a child is milk cookies?"
"Raditz told me."
"Milk cookies are the reason he's on my side right now." Vegeta said.
"I mean... He told me that you received gold, jewels and entire planets named after you from your guests in the banquet. The cookies are nothing compared to that."
"Do you have trouble understanding what I'm telling you, woman?" Vegeta said. "The fact that you cared to put your love and effort on these cookies made it special. This is the best gift I received my entire life. Believe me. I'm so happy!" and then he flashed her the happiest smile she saw him do.
Bulma stared at his happy face in awe. She has never seen him this joyous. She could even see him squeal in his joy. She was unable to say anything else as she was taken aback by his unexpected mood over a simple gift. She never imagined him to be so impressed about mere cookies. She smiled to herself, glad that he loved the present she hated to give him earlier. She watched at him as he stared lovingly at the cookies she made for him. It had many different expressions on it and he was enjoying himself looking at each of them. Despite milk cookies being one of his favorite food, Vegeta decided not to eat them but instead keep them preserved inside a frame.
He could be a King and the Galactic Emperor now but he's still the same childish Vegeta she met.
~=o-O-o=~
After being coronated as the new King of the Saiyans and the Emperor of the Universe, thus beginning a new era under his rule, Vegeta the Fourth started to take out useless laws and change it in accordance to his objectives and self-interests. Of course, he thought of his people, the aliens and what's good for them. Some of these were already implemented before he ascended the throne, like changing the mercenary jobs of the Saiyans as purgers to being hired to fight for what was right. In doing this, the new Ministry of Military Strategy was assigned to throughly check and investigate the requests of their clients to make sure all missions are righteous. All requests made to seek the Saiyans to kill or destroy the innocents are denied and instead confront whoever was behind the request. During a mission, it is mandatory that if a group of warriors the Saiyans sent, composing of an Elite Leader, two middle class warriors and three to five low class warriors, was not able to fulfill the mission because it was too hard for them, they must find a way to survive and contact the base. (Like for example, if the enemy is too powerful for them.), in a case to case basis, Vegeta shall command his Generals to step in, or sometimes, if the circumstances were too much for even his three Generals to handle, the King himself shall step in and fight. Thus, Vegeta assured that the other races are under the protection of the most powerful warrior race across the universe.
One thing that Vegeta also worked upon is the social class differences of his people. He would like to have all Saiyans choose their own profession. In the previous era, only the lower class Saiyans have the right to choose his profession while those in the middle class and elite class have no other choice but to become warriors because of the mentality of his people that sees their potential to be wasted if they only ended up as being professionals. While Vegeta brought this to the royal council one day, who were worried that the number of their Saiyan warriors would dwindle if such law will be implemented. Vegeta assured that it won't affect the numbers if they work on improving the capabilities of those who chose to become warriors.
That means, their target is for everyone to become Super Elite warriors. After seeing Bardock and Broly becoming a Super Saiyan, Vegeta was confident that all Saiyans have the ability to become one too. That's not only it. He wanted everyone of them to surpass him.
Because of that, Vegeta was sure of himself that in contrary to the Royal council's prediction, the number of Saiyan Warriors under his rule would rise. When asked why he thinks that way, the King answered with, "Of course, I am their king. Everyone looks up to me and they would surely want to be like me.", causing the members of his council to just look at each other awkwardly, unable to believe his vanity, though they inwardly agreed that due to Vegeta's powerful reputation as a mighty warrior, many Saiyans' fighting spirits were indeed spurred by his rise to power and the inspiration he brought to his people.
Another matter that Vegeta wanted to change was the law about the Royal family. He had broken many of these laws and had no qualms about the punishments it brought.
He changed the restrictions of a royalty that limits their actions. For example, in the previous era, those with royal blood, especially the King and the Crown Prince, are not allowed to go out of the Palace without the protection of their bodyguards or the permission of the King. They were also not allowed to mingle with the commoners or those who are lower than them, except with a few noble people working within the Palace. Vegeta pressed that being the most powerful Saiyan of all, he was capable to defending himself. Also, that way, he will be able to see and hear all of his people and their concerns and do something about it.
Vegeta turned to the new Prime Minister, the former Minister of Military Strategy and Caulifla's father, Robukiro. And Bardock, who he assigned as his royal advisor. The two nodded to him.
The three of them, along with the King's father, spent several sleepless nights going through the laws and hearing each other's opinion on Vegeta's executive office.
One thing that they had a hard a time was Vegeta's wish for a mate. Now that the Saiyans are allowed to mingle with other races, they are also allowed to form a relationship and take them as a mate if they wanted to. It used to be a taboo on Saiyans to mate with an alien, especially those in the Royal Family. That's the reason why Prince Tarble was sent out as an outcast because he chose to be with Gure. The former King, Bardock and Robukiro knew that the reason for this was because Vegeta wanted to take Bulma as his official Queen. He was definitely obsessed with this Earthling girl that he even got her pregnant without anyone's consent. When the former King learned about this the day Vegeta replaced him, he wanted for his son to have the babies pulled out of the woman's womb or have Bulma killed. The boy was wise to tell him the truth when he didn't have political power any longer so he wouldn't have to say or do anything about it. While visibly feeling vexed about it, Vegeta the third only sighed.
So they persuaded for Vegeta to make Bulma his concubine instead since a Queen should always be of pure Saiyan noble blood so his heir is a pure Saiyan as well. This made Vegeta really upset. Aside from his selfish desire, he also wanted to prove that his relationship with Bulma could further solidify the treaty the Saiyans made with the aliens.
Vegeta was determined for Bulma to become the Queen of the Saiyans and of Planet Vegeta and the Empress of the entire Universe, who will rule alongside him.
So he challenged them, wanted them to check on the latent powers of his unborn children. He believed that the only reason why they are worried about it was because they feared that the Saiyan blood in the children was diluted and would make them weak. He told Raditz to bring Bulma and Doctor Nion to them. Once Bulma appeared with her big stomach along with Doctor Nion who was taking care of her, Bardock, Vegeta the third and Robukiro waited while Nion took a power counter device to measure the power level of an unborn child.
And it exploded in her hand, proving that the babies' level of powers were extravagant.
Vegeta noted that these unborn children clearly surpassed even his own newborn power level. His father was afraid that the two would soon give birth to a mutant, an uncontrollable monster they won't be able to stop. Vegeta proudly stated that they are his children after all. Meanwhile, Bulma became angry that Vegeta's father was already treating their children the same way as he did with Broly. She yelled at the former king to fiercely defend her unborn children, much to his and everyone's surprise. In the corner, Vegeta was smirking proudly at her.
The former King blinked, somehow, the fire in this woman reminded him greatly of his mate, Saya. The way she glared at him, how she yelled and fiercely defended her children. Bulma was very much like her. And for some reason, despite being a mere human with no significant power level and strength as compared to Saiyans, he began to fear her and her temper.
Vegeta firmly stated that he will not allow anyone to treat his children, or anyone with such abilities, to be treated as monsters. No one was born as a monster, they become one because of how they were treated by those around them. He took Broly as an example.
Vegeta the third simply sighed in surrender and said, "Fine, do what you want. What else can I do, you stubborn brat? As if you would let anyone stop you from what you want. After all, you are the King now." he said. "Go on, have my blessing, you two."
With that, Vegeta was never been so glad. He was even happier than the time he received the milk cookies Bulma made for him. Finally, he can be with his childhood crush and marry her to be together with her forever.
~=o-O-o=~
That evening, Vegeta took Bulma out of her hiding spot and brought her to the meadow where they usually train months ago.
"I prepared a gift and hid it for you right here." he said.
"A gift?"
Vegeta nodded at her.
"But I don't need anything. I think I have everything I ever needed now." Bulma said. It's true and even now, she cannot believe how it's too much for her. She had her family, her parents, her sister, her upcoming children with the most powerful man in the Universe. She had her childhood dream of marrying a Prince Charming coming true as well. (Though he's not exactly 'charming') What else can she ask for?
The King pouted. "But I personally prepared it for you. Why don't you look around and search for it?"
Bulma shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. He's as pushy as ever. "Okay..." she drawled. She began to stroll around the meadow, looking eagerly into every corner of the place.
Vegeta chuckled to himself, amused as he watched at her, "For someone who said she doesn't need anything, you're looking a bit too eagerly." he smirked.
Bulma frowned, her brows furrowed in confusion. "Why can't I find it? What exactly is it? Is it too small for me to see?" she asked as she continued to fumble on the ground to see if the present Vegeta was taking about was a small thing. Could it be a piece of jewelry? Like a pair of earrings?
Vegeta yelled, sounding like he felt really insulted by her comments. "Small?! It isn't small!"
Bulma snapped her head in his direction, her eyes wide. "Could it be..?"
Vegeta raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to guess.
"Ah! Could it be the dress I was looking at in the Royal market the other day?"
"What are you talking about now, woman?"
"That's not it?" Bulma muttered in disappointment. "Then what is it?"
Vegeta smirked in a smug way. "Foolish woman. What I want to give you, is something unique to this entire universe you cannot have it exchanged with anything. There is only one of it and I'm sure that every woman across the cosmos would definitely want it."
The way he talked, Bulma already knew. She rolled her eyes off him before she finally gave him a heartfelt laughter. Crown Prince or King, Vegeta will always be conceited about himself.
Vegeta snorted. "Seems like you guessed it. Let's hear it, shall we?"
Bulma decided to play with him a little. "Hm..." she muttered playfully. "Could it be... Sadara?"
Vegeta scowled in jealousy. Which Sadara is she talking about? Him, his doll or his clone?
"Are you going to give me your doll?"
Oh, she was talking about his doll.
"Stupid woman. Not that one."
She pouted at him. "Then, Sadara-sama?"
"Do you like Sadara that much?" Vegeta mumbled angrily.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Are you jealous?"
Vegeta visibly reddened at such accusation and he shrugged his shoulders as he turned away, completely flustered. "I'm... I'm not!" he quickly denied fiercely.
Bulma laughed at his reaction. "Hahahaha! I didn't know you'll get jealous over yourself. Hahahaha! Vegeta! Aren't you and Sadara-sama the same person?!"
"I still couldn't get over the fact that you still love the disguise over the real me."
"Silly Vegeta. Who said I like your disguised version better than who you really are? I never said anything like that. Come on, I was only playing around with you." She chuckled as she hugged him from behind. "I love your present. Thank you." she said lovingly. "I'll take it and it will be mine forever."
Vegeta cleared his throat, his face reddened even more.
"Of course." he said as he pulled away from her so he could face her. He smiled. "And you will be mine forever."
"Forever."
They kissed passionately after that, accepting one another without hesitation. Under the moonlight, two destined souls shared a passionate night on that wonderful scenery where they spent many happy and heartbreaking memories which made their bond and relationship stronger. The moon and the stars have been witnesses to the story of their love for one another.
~=o-O-o=~
Vegeta and Bulma were busy lying on the grass after one passionate session of lovemaking. They gazed at the stars just like they did several times after training a few months ago. This time though, Bulma was lying close on his side, with her head over his shoulder. Vegeta was busy telling her the story of his mother's last words to him when he was a child, about how a dead person was supposed to become one of those stars so they can watch over their living loved ones from there. Bulma recalled him telling her that a long time ago. (See Episode 4)
Vegeta thought it was rather silly of him to believe that all these years, but there were lots of times that he asked for these celestial objects to guide him. Tonight was no different. After he was done telling stories of his childhood memories to Bulma, he inwardly prayed that his mother continue to guide him in everything he do.
Bulma noticed the gibbous moon hanging on the horizon. Raditz once mentioned that the power of its moonlight at its fullest phase was the reason for Vegeta's revival. The moon is the Saiyans' source of power and she heard that their true nature and power comes out once they stare at the full moon.
"Hey, Vegeta. Is it true that you become a giant monkey when you stare at the full moon?" Bulma asked.
Vegeta was initially surprised at her words. He never wanted her to learn about the transformation that makes his handsome face ugly and terrifying. "How did you know about that?" he demanded.
"Raditz told me when you got revived. I asked him why the moon was so bright that night. It was unlike any other, it's as if the moon was glowing as bright as the sun!" Bulma said. Vegeta recalled that event, initially thinking that it was some sort of spotlight blinding his eyes. "He said it was because the moon was giving you power and that you are waking up. I have no idea what he meant by that but he mentioned something about you being able to transform into a giant monkey if you stare at the moon."
Vegeta looked away, silently cursing at Raditz, "I am going to kill that talkative bastard."
"So... So what if I can become a giant demonic monkey under a full moon? Are you going to be scared?" Vegeta spat, stuttering because he felt shy about her knowing he transforms into an ugly monkey monster during the full moon.
Bulma shrugged uneasily, remembering the feral looks Vegeta shows off whenever he gets enraged. Those red eyes and deadly fangs could already make her absolutely terrified of him. How much more if she sees him transform into an animal? She could imagine werewolf transformations she saw in movies.
"Not really. You were terrifying enough in your normal form. I just thought that it's really amazing how the moon was able to bring you back to me. If not for the power of the full moon, then I would have lost you in there." Bulma said.
"But for the price of losing my memories of you." he said. "When I opened my eyes, there was nothing in my mind but the overwhelming hatred and desire for vengeance. It brought forth the primal thirst of the beast within me and all I wanted that time is to kill and destroy. Once all the heart pounding excitement of the primal mind has faded, I was left with nothing else. I felt dead. At first I thought that my body could have been revived, but everything else was reborn into a new identity. I hated what I have become, being a foolish, soft-hearted bastard. All I know is that I wanted to return to my old, wicked self. That cold-hearted, ruthless Prince of Destruction, the universe's feared Legendary Destroyer of Worlds. The true Crown Prince of all Saiyans...
"But... You were there, like a light through my darkness. You brought me back to you. It wasn't easy for you to do so yet you did your best even if I have been so harsh towards you. I do not wish to go through those empty days without my memories of you ever again. As long as I have you by my side. It's enough. I do not need anything else to make me happy."
Bulma snugged closer to his warm body, "I'm yours forever. No matter what happens, you can always count on me to be by your side."
"I will surely count on that." Vegeta said with a sly smile. He pressed his nose to her hair and sniffed the fragnant scent of her Berry scented shampoo. He wrapped his muscular arms around her body to embrace her like a child selfishly hugging his Teddy Bear and silently telling the world 'This is mine and mine only!'.
Forever.
~=o-O-o=~
The following day, he ordered for a press conference to announce all the new laws that he was implementing as the new King. It was held in an audience chamber where the King's spokesperson would usually greet the press in place of the ruler. Vegeta decided that he would personally face the media instead of relying it to the Royal spokesperson. All Saiyans were glued to their televisions or radios to listen to their King's first ever press conference.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
Everyone rose to their seats to bow before the King as he sauntered towards a tall stage in front of his bowing audience. Behind the said stage was a big screen, much like that on the cinemas, displaying the Royal Crest of the Planet Vegeta and the new logo of the Galactic Imperial Army under his rule. It will show a PowerPoint presentation he had prepared several nights ago.
Before him stood the media reporters, cameramen, members of the Royal Council, the Prime Minister, his Generals, his advisor and some royal guards that included Renkon, Garikku and Peppa. Nappa was on the corner, in front of a laptop wirelessly connected to the said screen. A few employees of the Saiyan Royal media checked their equipment to make sure that the proud King's speech be transmitted throughout Planet Vegeta and the Galactic Empire.
When everything was set, the King began his speech, he was as confident and proud as ever while he delivered his speech.
The first thing Vegeta did is to greet his audience. A few personal introductions and a list of expectations everyone can count on him while he seats in the throne of power.
He talked about the social class difference amongst the Saiyans. He had throughly explained the law he made for his people and began to encourage them to choose what they truly wanted in their hearts and pursue their dreams. He didn't want to see or hear anyone complaining about their job or being hesitant with anything they do.
Then, he gave a message towards those who chose to become warriors.
"As for all who chose the path to become warriors, we Saiyans shared a common trait. Elite or not, we grow stronger the more we fight. I want all Saiyans to surpass me, not just become as strong as I am. Set and focus on that goal, break through your limits and you will get this power as well!"
As he announced that, he instantly turned into a Super Saiyan, then closing his eyes, transformed into a Super Saiyan god, then by combining both powers, became what he nicknamed as Super Saiyan Blue.
"I challenge everyone to surpass me. And when you think you do, come at me, give me the good fight I am waiting for and show me what Saiyan warriors like yourselves are truly capable of! But then, of course, like I'll sit back and let you do that!" he snorted.
There was a unified laughter from his audience.
"But you get my point. Our target is for everyone to become the strongest in the universe so that one day, everyone will recognize not just my own strength, but of everyone's as well and as Saiyans as a whole. That way, we will never hesitate to show everyone what we Saiyans are truly capable of and the true meaning of Saiyan Pride."
Then, the next thing he talked about were about their new missions to take. Saving the cosmos from bad guys or any destructive phenomena won't be easy but he encouraged everyone to take this as an opportunity for them to get stronger and discover new levels of power they are not aware of. He also announced that they are going to build training facilities with the same capabilities as his own personal training room for everyone to use. This would help each and everyone of his people take advantage of highly advanced training equipment and also give Bulma's family and the Red Ribbon Army their own businesses. He explained the features and benefits of the products made by the Earthlings and his audience were awed by their inventions.
It all comes down to his big announcement. After having such a good expression for the entire conference, Vegeta finally became serious.
"With that being said, it is now time for me to announce my decision to take a mate."
There were several whispers among the crowd. Many of them already knew whom their King has chosen and while some whispers asked how it will be possible or how the Royal council would react.
"Just know one thing. Whatever my decision is, I am assuring you that after my decision has been stated, it is final and will never be changed. My word will stand firm no matter what! Whoever I will choose as my mate will be protected under Saiyan law so no harm shall befall her, much unless, of course, you want to suffer my wrath then I dare you." he warned.
"In two weeks, I, King Vegeta the Fourth of Planet Vegeta, will officially get married to my chosen mate. Now, it's time for you all to see your future Queen! The Earthling genius, Bulma Briefs!"
He flicked his finger and a picture of Bulma flashed on the screen behind him. Everyone tried not to laugh as to not offend or incur Vegeta's wrath but they couldn't help themselves. It wasn't a picture everyone had expected for their prideful king to show the entire Saiyan Race across the planet. It was an inelegant image of Bulma, sleeping with a big open mouth on her bed, dressed with a pink pajama and lying gracelessly like a drunken woman.
What was even more surprising was that Vegeta's earlier seriousness melted into a child-like amused expression. Soon, he was laughing with them. He could clearly imagine Bulma's embarrassed and furious expression by now, in fact, he could actually feel it by now. It was too hilarious for him to think about.
Bulma was miles away, shopping along Tights and Raditz, who just began dating too. They were buying the babies' clothes. The unborn royal children's grandfathers were already adoring them and gave her the money to go shopping. Bulma preferred to shop on her own. She had also refused their suggestion to let the babies develop under a nursing incubator pod so she won't suffer the effects of giving birth to such strong children. She had clearly stated that she wished to take care of her babies herself, no matter how painful it could be for her.
They stopped by an appliance store to watch Vegeta as he made his big announcement live on TV, only for Bulma to find out about the picture. A little girl along her father passed by and commented, "Daddy, look at that lady. She looks like the funny one on the TV!"
Much to Bulma's disconcertment, she quickly hid her face amongst those around her. Why that stupid royal jerk?! How could he do this to her?! How dare he shame her in front of his people like this?! Vegeta could have shown a better picture of her! After all, a King like himself wouldn't normally want to present his chosen mate this way! A Queen should always be regal, elegant, glowing with grace and beauty. Not that kind of embarrassment Vegeta was showing the entire universe!
"I am going to kill that little bastard." she seethed to herself.
Back to the conference, Vegeta proudly and childishly stated that he was the one who took the photo and he commended himself for such a perfect angle.
He goaded with a proud smirk. "I was the one who took that amazing photo. I recently got into photography lately. Lovely angle, isn't it? A true masterpiece!"
He'd been nodding to himself as if to agree with his own observation.
He turned to face his audience. "Anyways, enough of the jokes. As I said earlier, she is an Earthling genius. Her species as a human may not possess immense strength or supernatural powers as we Saiyans do but you'll be astonished by the woman's intelligence and bravery. The modifications of my training room, which helped me greatly with my goal to reach the Legendary Super Saiyan state, was her and her father's invention. As for her bravery, did you know that she had once boldly yelled at my father? Or even threatened to kill me despite knowing I could destroy her with just a single thought? I remember the time when I first met her on her home planet back when we were little kids, she became so mad with Raditz bullying her around she fired an ultra powerful electromagnetic ray gun straight at him! Could you imagine how stupefied I was when I found Raditz toasted that day?"
Everyone was laughing at his story.
"You see. She's no ordinary Earthling girl. She built that raygun on her own at a mere five years of age. If it were not for her unique coloring, she could actually be mistaken as a Saiyan herself!"
Anyone could tell how proud Vegeta was about his chosen mate. The Saiyans are beginning to understand how such a weak human girl be able to catch their ruler's supposedly cold heart.
Vegeta became serious again after all the playful jokes he just did, "My decision to take this woman as my official Queen and mate is final. If anyone of you tried to do something, anything that would harm or threaten her or even the people close to her, I will make sure that you will all pay with your lives in the hands of the most powerful warrior in this universe. Me!" he announced, flaring his immensely powerful aura to life around his body just to make his threat even more serious. After all, who would dare go against him now with this level of legendary and divine power combined? "Do you understand?!"
"Yes, your Majesty!" his audience replied in unison.
"Good. All that I announced here shall be done immediately. That is my royal command!"
After that, he left the conference, ignoring all the questions the media wanted him to answer. Once he was outside of the room along with his bodyguards, Broly and Kakarot. He sighed with utmost relief. "Finally."
"You did a great job, your Majesty." Kakarot congratulated him as he handed him a red tumbler of water for him to drink into. "Although that picture of Bulma wasn't expected. She might come to you anytime soon."
Vegeta chuckled to himself, expecting the appearance of a wrathful woman coming his way. "She will. And I will meet her in the office soon."
Of course, that certainly didn't end well. Bulma barged into his office later, ranting endlessly about the picture. Though Vegeta sensed she was coming, he pretended he was busy with the mountain of scrolls waiting for him by his office table.
"Of all pictures you could have presented your people... Why that one?!" Bulma yelled as she slammed her hands over Vegeta's oak table, giving her the most fearsome glare she could muster. It didn't faze the seemingly busy King at all.
"Because that's who you really are." he answered nonchalantly.
"You should have picked a better picture! If I will become your Queen, shouldn't I look like one?! A beautiful, regal looking woman with a nice hair style, make up and a beautiful dress or gown, doing a noble pose and smiling at the camera! Not that kind of picture that makes me look like a slut you just finished and snoring loudly in the bed! You just made me a laughing stock not only on this planet but also in the entire universe!"
"It's part of my strategy!"
"Strategy?! What kind of shameful strategy is this?!"
"So that other men will not look at you. There are some who cannot get a hold of themselves when they found out how amazing you would look if we fix that ugly face of yours."
Who the hell is he calling ugly?!
He only made her even more upset and Vegeta looked up from the scrolls to peek at her with such adoration. She looked much better when she's mad at him.
Bulma turned around and decided to give him the silent treatment.
"Hey..." he called.
She ignored him.
"Hey!"
She still didn't say anything.
"Woman, I am talking to you!"
"I hate you! You really think I'm ugly, stupid Vegeta!"
Vegeta dropped the scroll he was pretending on reading and retorted, "What? Just who do you think you're calling stupid?!"
"Who do you think you're calling ugly?!"
"You know I didn't mean that, woman!"
"You still think I'm ugly."
"It doesn't matter to me what you look like! What matters most is how I'm feeling about you!"
That made Bulma shut up. Yes, Vegeta = 1, Bulma = 0. Vegeta reached out to his dearest and embraced her from behind.
"When you officially become mine, that beautiful woman you are talking about will be revealed. Your physical appearance in that picture doesn't matter to me or anyone. In our society, it's the strength that we all cared about. You're not physically strong but you do have a lot of brain power to offer. It's your personality, that intelligence, that unique beauty, your fiery will and your fierceness that makes you more beautiful than any woman in the Universe.
"I am the King of all Saiyans and the Emperor of the Universe now. I only get the best of what this cosmos can offer me. If I chose you to become my mate then that means you are the woman I find the best in the entire universe. If my people see that, they will surely adore you as much as I do."
"I'm the best woman in the universe? I'm not ugly? You really mean that?"
"Of course, you stupid woman." he said.
"I'm sorry. It's just that I was pressured because of that sudden announcement. I know your father has finally changed his treatment towards me and he's adoring me now since that day he learned how strong his grandchildren will be."
"He's even more excited than us." he chuckled as he buried his face over her shoulder, taking in her fragrant scent.
"Yeah, he even gave me money to shop for the babies. He'll make a great grandpa."
"He should be."
"Do you really think the others will accept me as their queen as well?"
"They will. You don't have to be afraid of anything, I will protect you no matter what happens. Trust me and follow my lead, okay?"
After that sudden announcement of King Vegeta the Fourth's upcoming marriage. The universe became interested with Bulma Briefs. The amount of publicity had been a disaster to the Briefs household. Everyone would want to know about Bulma. The media would always come to their home to ask questions to her family or even stalk at them. With Bulma being a celebrity now, it eventually made the entire family restless so Vegeta decided to order Kakarot to take them to the Royal Palace where they could be at peace. He gave verbal warnings to all those who bothered the Briefs with their unnecessary questioning.
Vegeta let the Briefs family stay on the Crown Princess' residence until he and Bulma get married. The Royal House shall provide a more private home guarded by the Royal guards to the Queen's immediate family while she lived with the King of the Saiyans in the Royal Palace. Since Vegeta became the ruler of the entire universe, Tarble lived in his old residence at the Crown Prince's Palace since his heir wasn't even born yet and Tarble, having been brought back to the Royal family by Vegeta's new law, was temporarily assigned to be the next in line to the throne until Vegeta's successor and legacy is born.
As for Doctor Briefs' assistant, Yamcha. He was gone after realizing that Bulma was pregnant to Vegeta's children. He decided to live among the kind Namekians on Planet Namek. He just couldn't take to see those two being together forever because he liked Bulma and loathed Vegeta for destroying their home planet. He had questioned Bulma so many times about her stupid decision of falling in love with the person who killed off their people and planet while on Planet Namek when that long haired Saiyan wasn't around. When he learned that she was pregnant to that despicable Saiyan's seeds, he couldn't take the pain he had ran away from them. It wasn't until Vegeta arrived to make his wish with the Dragon Balls that Yamcha returned just to say goodbye and bitterly wishing Bulma the best.
~=o-O-o=~
It wasn't long until the Royal wedding was held. Saiyans and aliens alike joined with the celebration as their ruler finally marry his childhood crush. It was such a meaningful and historical event, symbolizing the alliances between the Saiyans and the aliens. At long last, under King Vegeta the Fourth and Queen Bulma's rule, peace will be ensured across the universe.
Bulma bore Vegeta a pair of fraternal twins. One boy and a girl. And honestly, with her age, it was supposed to be a very difficult pregnancy for her. Vegeta initially worried it would kill her so he made sure that she and their kids are safe by being with her. Using his divine powers as a Super Saiyan God, he would share his energy to her during her pregnancy until she gave birth to their children. This way, he was able to comfort her. Also, while being pregnant, it seems she also bore unusual strength for a teenage pregnant human woman. Vegeta and Nion concluded that it is because she shared the energy of her children, making her supposedly fragile teenaged human body strong enough to endure the pregnancy. Because of this and Vegeta's divine intervention, Bulma successfully carried the children completely. To Vegeta's surprise, the babies looked very much like the children in his dream. Not following the typical tradition of naming the first born son to the planet, they decided to give their son the name 'Trunks' which meant 'Honorable Sword' and the girl as 'Bulla' named after the flower that symbolized beauty by Saiyan Standards.
While Vegeta personally trained Trunks to hone his skills as a warrior, he allowed his heir to do what he wanted so long as it's good. Prince Trunks was as mischievous as his father when he was younger, but he knows his limits. At a young age of eight, Trunks became a Super Saiyan, having inherited his father's legendary abilities. Despite this, Trunks greatly feared and respected his father, unlike how Vegeta treated his own. All thanks to Bulma's upbringing.
Bulma refused to make Bulla a warrior just as her father and brother. While Vegeta did gave Bulla some basic training just so she can defend herself. The King was especially overprotective about his daughter. She grew up to be Daddy's little girl, unlike her brother who's a mama's boy. She became close friends with Eschallote, whom Vegeta assigned to become Bulla's partner and playmate. Eschallote also became Bulla's bodyguard, much like how Raditz was to Vegeta when they were children.
Even so, Vegeta and Bulma tried to be fair with their children. Vegeta could be the stricter and harsher one when it comes to punishments, especially with Trunks, but the children feared their mother's temper as well. Their grandparents also grew fond of them, especially the former Saiyan King, who was even delighted knowing his grandson is a Super Saiyan at a young age.
Tarble and Gure spent the rest of their lives on Planet Vegeta, with Onio continuously serving his master with all his loyalty. The King was still as overprotective to his younger brother but as the years passed by, Tarble had a resolve to become stronger for his older brother and his wife as well. Vegeta had personally trained both Tarble and Cabbe to become Super Saiyans. And they achieved it all thanks to his help.
Kakarot and Chichi eventually got married as well and had two children they named 'Gohan' and 'Goten'. Kakarot had also reached the Super Saiyan State during one of his missions.
Raditz and Tights got together as well, having a daughter named 'Light' (a play in Raditz and Tights' name together). Being their children, Light is directly related to Trunks, Bulla, Gohan and Goten as their cousin. Bardock and Gine adored their three grandchildren.
Broly lived together with Beets, Cheelai and Lemo in his home. He and Cheelai had recently began dating, as per Cheelai's initiative. The green skinned alien thought it is time for the timid Broly to settle down and have a family of his own.
Caulifla's relationship to one of her friends, Kale, began to develop into something more than friendship. Since Kale had confessed her unlikely and odd feelings towards her 'ane-san', Caulifla accepted them and they began to grow closer to one another.
~=o-O-o=~
One day, Vegeta the Third and Bardock watched on a lookout as their grandchildren train with other kids from the commoners' side. King Vegeta was personally training them, surrounded by his people who were delighted of him. He made it a vow to visit the commoners twice or thrice a week in his free time. He would spend his time with his people, personally train them himself, join their games or feasts and hear out any concern they have. He made sure his children will not grow spoiled by the luxurious life they have as a prince and princess and have them grow close to their people.
"Who would have thought that troublesome brat who gave me lots of stress and headaches would become the perfect king?" Vegeta the Third said.
Bardock, who was standing next to him, chuckled. "Who would have thought you'll learn to accept Bulma Briefs and their children? You sure are a proud grandfather now."
"Heh, I guess it really doesn't matter to me now. So long as Yon is happy, doesn't make unnecessary trouble and hate me, I'm good."
Bardock laughed at the former King's words, he understood that nobody would ever want to get on the brat's bad side ever.
"Did you know why a Saiyan Royal is represented by the moon?" asked the former King Vegeta.
"Yes. It's because the moon symbolized great power for the Saiyans as it is the source of our true power." Bardock answered.
"That's right."
"Seeing the King this way, I have another interpretation for that."
"What is it?"
"Moonlight is created when the moon reflects the light from the sun. Without the sun, the moon is black, thus covering the world in darkness. With the sun by the moon's side, it can radiate moonlight and in its full capacity, enough to bring out the true power of us Saiyans. The King represented the moon. He used to be the dark prince, lost in darkness until he has found the light through his relationship with the Queen, who we can say represents as his own personal Sun. She helped bring Vegeta's true self and his latent abilities out, pulling him out of the darkness with her light. With them ruling together, they shine brightly over their people, radiating their light to give others inspiration, strength and unleash their own latent abilities."
Down below, Vegeta was demonstrating the Super Saiyan transformation to the children and the people around them, who were awed and aspired to reach that level of power. They tried powering up to their maximum strength but Vegeta told them that increasing their ki isn't the way to achieve the transformation. He told them it was rage and need combined. When they found a reason to fight for, that desperate need to win for that reason would awaken the rage within themselves and make them transform into the Legendary Super Saiyan.
"I believe your words, Bardock." Vegeta the Third agreed as he watched his son inspire his people to ascend.
~=o-O-o=~
By that evening, Vegeta attended his music class. He signed up for this crash course because he wanted to show off something special for Bulma on her twenty-fifth birthday. He was confident that because he learns pretty fast, being a genius and a prodigy, he will learn to play music in no time.
Days passed and Vegeta was getting impatient. It's the night before Bulma's birthday and he wasn't learning anything. He'd been trying to play the zither but he wasn't able to figure it all out. In his impatience, he threw a temper tantrum and almost hurled the damn instrument out of the window.
Nappa caught the instrument and pleaded, "Your Majesty, please calm down."
"That stupid instrument isn't working! Get me another one now!" he yelled furiously at his attendant.
Nappa sighed. He was pretty sure the instrument is in good condition. "Let me test the instrument for you, your Majesty."
Nappa started playing the music accordingly to the notes Vegeta had been practicing for quite a while now. Vegeta wrote a song last week, a song for his dearest. He commanded the Ministry of Arts and Music to compose the tune for him and they gave him these notes. He'd been trying to learn to play it with the Zither they also offered him but his lack of musical skills failed him greatly. He's getting really impatient.
Vegeta watched in complete incredulity as Nappa played the tune perfectly. How could his supposedly birdbrained attendant be good with playing an instrument even he, the great ruler of the Universe, cannot figure out?
Once done with the musical piece, Nappa scoffed proudly at the King as he announced with a smug smirk, "There is nothing wrong with the instrument, your Majesty."
Taken aback by shame, Vegeta became more furious, "Why are you looking at me like that? Are you saying that the problem here is me?!"
Nappa replied, "I didn't say that."
Vegeta exploded in his Super Saiyan form as he roared in a fit of rage, louder than his earlier tone. "Then what do you mean by what you just said?! Get out of my sight, you big, old baffoon! Get out before I blast you into oblivion!"
Nappa scurried out of the King's room like a frightened puppy. Vegeta glared at him, was he crying or what?
"Damn it all!" he roared as he flipped the papers before him. What's he going to do now if he cannot play this instrument?
After thinking for quite a while, he finally figured out what he's going to do. He called Nappa to come back, his earlier anger now turned into excitement. Nappa could only shake his head in disbelief. Even at twenty-six years of age, Vegeta was still the same childish and moody boy he had taken care of for years. He listened on the King's plans for their celebration tomorrow.
Bulma had personally denied a royal banquet just as she always did since she became a queen. Instead, she donated the funds to be used for that matter to the people who needed medical treatment. She also decided to have a feast meant for the commoners instead of honoring her. She became a role model to noble women who aspired to help other people in need. She simply wanted to celebrate her birthday in a private area with her all her family and friends. Despite being Queen of Planet Vegeta and Empress of the Universe, she still held a humble status and spend time with her family and friends. She would sometimes join the CPRD Department, working with them as equals with improving Vegeta and Trunks' training equipments. She would also go to the Royal kitchen and help cook her husband's meals. Vegeta never stopped her from doing what she wants since he wanted her to be as free spirited as she used to be.
The following day was Bulma's twenty-fifth birthday. The eighteenth day of the eight month. Vegeta had cancelled all his duties for that day to be with his queen for her entire special day. By the morning, the Royal couple attended a charity work for the orphans and the elderly adopted by Caulifla's group. By the afternoon, they visited the public hospitals to serve the people. They also gave food and livelihood to the poor.
By evening, Vegeta showed Bulma the birthday present he prepared for her. They were in the courtyard with their twins. There was a special chair in the center for Bulma to sit and watch Vegeta as he performed what he called as a special concert. Trunks and Bulla sat on the chair behind their mother.
Propping a microphone in his hand, he had Nappa, Raditz, Kakarot and Broly behind him, each one with a musical instrument of their own. Raditz was a guitarist, Kakarot was the bassist, Nappa was the drummer while Broly was on the keyboard. With Vegeta being the lead singer of the King's band, he took the microphone and announced, "For my dearest Queen's birthday. I, the King of all Saiyans and Emperor of the Universe, Vegeta-sama, prepared this concert. I hope you enjoy listening to the great and powerful voice bestowed upon me by the deities of Planet Vegeta."
Bulma giggled at his words. The vanity of her husband truly never changes.
"These three songs were especially written by the almighty me." he winked. "A song about the great I and my mighty pride. Also my honor as being the ruler of the mightiest warriors. This is 'Saiyan Blood'."
The song was a rock music and Bulma obviously liked the song and felt her heart seem to explode with happiness at the sight of him singing. He was fun to watch playing rock star, singing with his 'great and powerful' voice in the middle of the night. It wasn't exactly good but it wasn't half bad either. He just look and sound funny to her for some reason. Despite seeing Bulma and his children laugh at his attempt, Vegeta enjoyed himself.
He still had two more songs to perform. The next one he described as "This idea came from while I was attempting to cook an Earth cuisine called okonomiyaki. That didn't end fortunately because of the lack of ingredients which cannot be found here on the Planet Vegeta. Well, not to mention how I still find it hard to crack the damn eggs. So I decided to play around the ingredients a little bit."
The second song was hilarious, with Vegeta joking around by making fun of the ingredients and threatening them to their 'brutal deaths'.
And finally, the last song.
"We're finally down to the third and last song. Thank goodness! I swear I'll never hold free concerts after this one. Anyways, this is about me and how finding you changed my life. This is for my dearest, 'beloved blue'.
This song made Bulma's heart feel really warm as this song is dedicated to her. It is true that they have endured so many tears, pain and suffering during their entire journey before their marriage and now that she thought about it, it seemed that everything went right and perfect in the end. It was due to Vegeta's pride and determination to fight for their love that led them to a happy ending to their story. Her influence changed his views in life and has indeed led him to a new world he never thought could exist. This new world he swore to protect and lead for his entire life.
After Vegeta is finished singing all his songs, he told her it is time for her to witness his new power. It was a secret for him to reveal just yet and he was sure she will be more than happy to see it because... Well, she might enjoy it in bed and their private thing later. (The best gift he could think of giving her).
After going through the legendary Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan god transformations, he mixed the two powers together to achieve Super Saiyan Blue and with that, he began concentrating as he build up his ki. His muscles slowly grow as his billowing flaming hair flashed a deep blue hue. His aura completely changing as his energy continued to rise.
"Whoah! Look at that! Papa's evolving!" Trunks stated in his awe as he watched his father transform into a new form.
Throwing his head back, he roared into the skies. His aura exploded upwards in a blinding flash of light.
When the light finally faded, Vegeta stood in his latest form. His hair looked spiker, sharper and longer, having a deeper shade of baby blue than his regular Super Saiyan Blue form. His irises were deep royal blue. He appeared to be more muscular as his muscle mass dramatically increased. His aura has a darker blue tint as well.
He dissipated his aura and smirked at his dearest. "So, what do you think of my new form?" he asked.
"Wow." Bulma gasped, staring at his bulging muscles with thirst. "Just wow. I can't say anything else. You just grow even more powerful each day. It's amazing."
"I know right?" he smirked at her. He jumped off the stage to approach her. He picked her up to carry her in his bulging arms. "How about testing this new form privately?" he told her with a wink. She giggled.
"I can't wait to see your final performance in bed." she whispered.
He quickly pecked her cheek and told her, "Happy Birthday, woman. Shall we go to our room so you can enjoy your most awaited birthday present?"
Bulma pressed her forehead against him, "Okay. Let's go. I cannot wait to unwrap this birthday present you have for me."
They both chuckled.
Vegeta told a completely flustered Nappa to clean up the mess he created while powering up before teleporting himself to his and Bulma's bedroom. It was there they enjoyed their mandatory lovemaking during their birthdays. Bulma enjoyed her new, bigger, harder and faster ride the whole evening until she couldn't take it any longer and she fell exhausted in her King's protective bulging arms.
"Hey Bulma. Don't sleep on me just yet." Vegeta told her. "I still have one last present for you."
"What is it?" Bulma asked in her tired voice. It was obvious how tired she was after that passionate and extreme lovemaking they just did. Honestly, despite the pain he caused her while he incessantly and mercilessly slammed his unbelievably massive manhood within her the hardest and fastest he could muster in this new form of his, this session was indeed the best they had. Even better than when he used the electrifying Super Saiyan state of his or his burning divine Super Saiyan god form.
"You see, I recently learned a new trick." Vegeta said.
"What kind of trick?" asked Bulma.
"How to project my thoughts on a specific target."
"Telepathy? Here I thought you're already a telepath?" Bulma said, pointing out how he used it towards her once. (See Episode 13).
"Not quite. Though I can communicate with my target through telepathy, I cannot project my thoughts entirely." he said. "Nobody can read what's on my mind. Not even Kakarot who has the ability to read minds cannot use his power on me."
"Yeah. He did kinda mentioned something like that to me before." Bulma said, remembering that time Kakarot was trying to figure out if Vegeta truly lost his memories of her. (See Episode 25)
"Close your eyes. I'll show you something." he said.
"Hm... Okay." Bulma said. She closed her eyes and waited. She quickly fell asleep after that.
Vegeta realizing that she fell asleep on him, chuckled to himself. He guessed it's better this way. She might think she was only dreaming about it but it doesn't matter so long as she learns how much he loved her.
He pressed his palm over her forehead, he closed his eyes and concentrated his thoughts. All his memories being with her transmitted to her mind like a random video. Beginning from their first meeting as children on Earth to their second meeting at the barracks where Bulma used to work as a cook. All memories he shared with her, whether it be sad or happy, all the thoughts he had of her. Everything that made up their story.
"Now you know that I never wanted anyone in my life as much as I wanted you. I destroyed Earth because I wanted to protect you from the possibility of Freeza getting his hands on you. Even though you hated me for years about it, I still searched for you and tried to persuade you to become mine. I fought my way out of death's door to fulfill my promise to come back to you no matter what. I have overcome all just so I can be with you like this." he whispered to her. He pulled his hand off her forehead to kiss her lovingly. "You are mine... Forever.
"My Dearest Bulma..."
~THE END~
Author's Goodbye Note: At long last, after three painstaking years I'm finally done with this stressful story! This was such a long finale!
To those who were able to finish reading this story and stayed with me until the end, thank you so much for your support and understanding this story despite all its flows. My apologies for not having English as my first language. Thank you for believing in me despite the many bouts of depression and plans to discontinue this story. I know this ending's kinda rushed but at least, I was able to put everything I thought for an ending there. I'm going to leave the fandom world now and go fangirling on my own. I hope you'll all be happy and well.
[8/16/20] Edited by expanding the bit about Bulma's pregnancy, thanks to OtakuxHallyuu for pointing out. Just a little bit of explanation, the part of Bulma sharing energy with her unborn children, making her body sturdy and capable enough to carry her children. I based this idea on Videl's pregnancy with Pan during the Battle of God's Arc in canon, which explained how Videl was able to utilize unborn Pan's Saiyan energy during the SSG ritual.
[03/03/2021] One thing I regret the most is finishing this story. I wished I left this one on hiatus as the other fics I had. As much as I enjoyed writing it, it seems that people don't like it due to me being Asian and the cultural differences between us and the Westerners. I didn't mean to offend anyone with the 'puppy' comment. It was a sign of adoration in my culture and is also used to tease people for being their 'slave/servants'.
'Boodle Fight', a culinary experience where you use your hands to eat instead of utensils like spoon/fork/chopsticks, commonly practiced by the military, though can also be seen during feasts.
[02/01/2021] Edited how Vegeta the Third address his son from 'Ouji' (Prince) to 'Yon' (Four), which is our Vegeta's generational suffix.
