Vegeta lay on the shores of the lake of blood, the sharp sand digging into his exposed skin. His attackers had dispersed for now but would return shortly. Vegeta had been in Hell for multiple decades. He had lost count exactly how long it had been because every day that passed was the same. An endless stream of ogres and demons would pummel and humiliate him until he collapsed. Sometimes it seemed he would improve and gain the upper hand but in the end he was always defeated. Because this was Hell. This was his punishment. Every battle here only served to remind him of his failings in life. But worse than the constant loss was what came in between. When he wasn't being beaten down, he would lay in the sand and his mind would wander. That's when she would come to him. Haunting his thoughts, her presence would torment worse than any demon he faced. No ogre's strength hurt more than the longing he felt for her and the shame of that feeling. He was a warrior. If anything should torment him it should be the moment of his defeat, the moment he died. But instead he was tortured by the memory of her. His mind drifted back, as it usually did, to the last time he saw her.

"...on a rampage... West City... mass casualties" the tv crackled as the reception was interrupted in the chaos of the broadcast.
"Vegeta please wait! Those monsters have already killed Krillin and Piccolo. You shouldn't go alone!" Bulma was pleading with Vegeta, their infant son whimpered in her arms.
"Damn it Woman I wait for NO ONE! I will destroy those machines without anyone's help!" Vegeta was irritated by her concern. As if there was any doubt who would win this fight.
"But with Piccolo gone there are no Dragon Balls. If you die then that's it. No coming back."
"You really think some android can kill me? VEGETA! I am the most powerful warrior alive and I will not be defeated by a piece of scrap metal!"
"We should at least form some kind of plan! Give me time to get more. information on them before you just charge in there."
"So you want them to kill a few more people before they're stopped?"
"No but I just-"
"Enough! I've already told you I don't need anyone's help. Least of all, YOURS! I'll handle this myself!" At that he turned away from her and flew off not knowing at the time that it would be the last he ever saw her. Her face before he left, a mix of anger and fear, her eyes glassy with tears she refused to shed in front of him, it was forever burned in his memory. He replayed that moment over and over. Had she somehow sensed what would happen? Known that he wasn't coming back? Vegeta cursed himself every time his thoughts went to her. It was pathetic, he told himself, to be wrapped up in some weak Earth female. He only stayed because the woman had technology that facilitated his training and for whatever reason she chose to humor him. So he humored her in return. At least that is what he told himself. Because he could never admit, even to himself, to ever having cared for her.

"Hey Homeboy? Whatcha doing lying in the dirt?"

Vegeta's eyes shot open at the sound of the voice, Her Voice. She was standing, or rather hovering, over him looking as she had when he had returned to Earth. Her blue hair was set in a mass of huge curls. Her orange striped dress hugged her soft curves. But below the hem of her dress was only a wisp. A halo floated above her head. She was a spirit. She waved a hand in front of his face.
"Helloooo? Anyone alive in there.. Oh wait, I guess not." She smiled wistfully as she lowered herself to the ground. At the same time Vegeta sat upright so they were face to face.
"What are you doing here?" Vegeta said after a long pause.
"What do you think I'm doing here?" She said slightly annoyed. "I came to talk to you."
"Just stopped down in Hell to talk to me, eh? Well what do you want?" Vegeta growled.
"I missed you."
"Tch"
"Trunks destroyed the androids."
"Great."
"We have a granddaughter."
"Whatever."
"How have you been?"
"JUST FANTASTIC! THANKS FOR ASKING! HELL SURE IS LOVELY ISNT IT?" Vegeta shouted sarcastically. What was the point of this idle chat? What kind of torture was this? Was she even really here or was this some new mind game? If it was a trick it was an annoying one.
Bulma had paused. She cautiously continued "...Vegeta?"
"WHAT?" He was exasperated.
Bulma continued "I came here to offer you-" but she was cut off by Vegeta.
"Offer me what? You have nothing to offer. You dont have even have a body anymore so what use are you to me?!" Vegeta regret the words the moment they were out but there was no taking them back. Bulma's eyes welled up with tears.
"King Yemma was right. I cant save you." Her tears spilled over as she started to fade.
"WAIT DONT-" Vegeta rose to stop her but Bulma was already gone. What could he have said anyway? Don't go. I'm sorry. I love you.
That last thought shocked Vegeta. It was absurd. It was ridiculous. ...but was it true? The moment she disappeared he felt an emptiness inside worse than anything before. Had he really missed here that much? Vegeta sunk to his knees but wasnt sure if he was more disgusted by his feelings or his actions. If he really missed her then why was he such an ass? If he didnt care then what was this anguish he felt now?

"You really are a bastard, aren't you?" Said the orge king Yemma.