Bad omens

'How did they escape?'
'I don't know, your majesty. We like to believe someone must've helped them from the outside…'

The last thing he needed was those two Saiyans causing a rebellion. He dismissed the soldier and let his head rest on his hand while thinking things through. It seemed that within twenty-four hours problems had piled up to the point that he was going to have to postpone his trip to Namek, again.
Someone had tried to assassinate him or, at best, the woman. His father's health was declining.
The people were becoming anxious, causing more tension and mistrust towards the royal court.

But first things first, was he the target or the woman?

He wasn't quite sure what to make out of it. All he did know was nobody knew of the woman's invention. Her entire team had been interrogated but it was obvious none had been informed of the project.
One of the two that were always with her, some guy called Forog, had been aware she was working on something but claimed to not know any details, despite the fact the King himself had seen him mere minutes before the accident had occurred. Vegeta supposed a few days of torture would make him rethink his answers.
And that little assistant that was always trailing after the woman had gotten hurt when Kakarot had broken out… Her condition was critical, so he couldn't question her.
He had considered of Ilkm as the obvious culprit, but several people had testified that he had indeed been present during a testing of a new spaceship. And of course, why would he assassinate the king?

Though Vegeta had no certainty, he had to keep the possibility open that it could perhaps be a Saiyan.
One of his own… But how did that Saiyan know of the woman's invention?

Hmph.

Of course it could be Saiyan working for Kakarot…

This situation on his planet needed to come to an end. He hardened his grip on the armchair, trying to control the tremor that was coming from deep inside.

Too long they had been running from Frieza. Too long had this warrior race been living and hiding in fear. As proud Saiyans, this was against their very nature.
To first obey the tyrant, then escape and to then eventually live their free days in fear of when he'd be taking his revenge… Any sane man would become radical and driven by fear and hate.

For the longest time he had felt as if he had been in control of it all but… ever since that damn woman said he was like Frieza, he had felt confused and even more angrier than usual.

Though he was unwilling to admit out loud, she did seem to have point. Was he really no better?

Since when did an entire Saiyan army purge planets that were so much weaker?

Territorial speaking, such as with the Tuffles, that could be justified but he supposed on her planet it had been unnecessary. He had taken over Frieza's filthy habits. Purging without thought, to simply sell the planet off…

He had always claimed he'd be a much better and more capable ruler than the tyrant. Genuinely believing to be smarter, and more sufficient, by seeing the potential of certain races and use them to his advantage.

The image of the woman flashed before his eyes. Her haunting blue eyes staring straight at him.

This woman is making me weak-minded…

Letting out a sigh, he leaned against the back of the throne, finding it hard to sit here all day and bark out orders. The image of his father came to mind, having only a few memories of him sitting here.
The old man's health had been declining for a while now. Although Vegeta knew this was his sworn duty, one he was very proud to fulfill, he couldn't help but feeling he was failing him both a son and heir to the throne.
He owed his father his life. The old king had saved him, and every other Saiyan, by paying a high price.

And now that he was growing older, instead of seeing the Saiyan race thrive and regain its old proud status, it was still on the run. His son had not become the man he had promised him years ago. He was no way near becoming a Super Saiyan.

This was the most sad, pathetic scenario Vegeta could've envisioned all those years ago.

With a growl he got off the throne, gritting his teeth in frustration. None of the men in the throne-room dared to speak up, simply exchanging bewildered looks with one another as he walked out the room.

Clenching his fist, he tried to grasp hold of the sudden havoc living inside of him. This situation was driving him slowly mad.
Walking outside, he tried to clear his mind and take in a deep breath of fresh air. But no matter how much he tried; he couldn't get that stupid woman out of his head.

Her entire existence distracted him. If it weren't her feisty personality, it was her goddamn body that was all he could think of. Her mouth had been heavenly, still simmering on his lips. Like her words simmered in his ears whenever she spoke. He was now certain of her poison.

Either she plagued his mind with her words, or it was with that soft skin of hers.

How foolish to lust after a mere alien woman when he could have any woman he wanted! Yet he found himself in need of her approval at times. Her acceptance.

All because she called me out on being just like Frieza… I must be losing my mind.

'King Vegeta, your father would like to speak to you.'

He only nodded as the soldier bowed and left. His feet remained grounded, looking up at the darkening sky above him. Taking in the air and the view surrounding him, he caught himself doing again something concerning the woman. Now he was genuinely starting to view his own planet differently. He had never felt much of a connection to it, perhaps due him not truly growing up here.
Only for the last five years he had been free to come home, and even then, most of the time he had chosen to search for power instead of staying here. His blood boiled when thinking of his youth and how much years he had given to Frieza. Swallowing the all too familiar burning feeling inside, he tried to now appreciate his home. Because he supposed this planet was indeed not all that bad.

Turning around, the red dust freely wandered until it landed on the soldier that had suddenly approached him out of nowhere. Vegeta's body tensed up in fury when seeing who it was.

'You have some nerve, Kakarot.'

'I do,' he grinned while crossing his arms. The Saiyan stood proudly before the King, not scratch left from the last torture session he had inflicted on him. A malevolent look in his eyes.

'But I'm not here to fight.'

'Then what is it?' Vegeta snapped, irked to see his dreaded rival in such a calm state when all he could feel was chaos.

Kakarot seemed to be more than just physically in a good state. Vegeta immediately noted how his armor was the latest one, meaning someone had collected it for him. And as usual, he was giving him that stupid smirk that he hated so much. The fact he had beaten him once was bad but the idea that Kakarot seemed think of him as some sort of brother, a friendly rival, that drove him more than just mad.

'I've heard Bulma got caught up in your mess,' Kakarot started.
The fact the Saiyan had dares to just call her by her first name irked him, but he remained silent and stoic, wondering just what this fool was up to this time. Did he escape just to be beaten into a pulp by the King himself? Surely, the low-class did not enjoy getting humiliated repeatedly by him?

'Or did you get caught up in her mess?' Kakarot then stated, pretending to think it through. He let out a laugh when seeing Vegeta was no longer able to hide his anger.

So Kakarot knows more…

'Perhaps you are simply bounded by fate to be each other's demise?' Kakarot theatrically asked.

'Since when did you get so wise with words?' He dryly reacted, annoyed that he could not figure out Kakarot's true intentions for seeking him out. The Saiyan was obviously hiding something.

'Being alone makes you think… Which is something I don't recommend, especially when you are a Saiyan,' Kakarot answered.

'What did you come for, if not for a beating that you won't survive?' Vegeta asked with a delighted smirk. Perhaps this is what he exactly needed, somedistraction. Kakarot had proven to be quite the beating bag he needed at times.

'I just wanted to bid you goodbye before I leave,' The other Saiyan said, smirking alike, 'I'm going far, far away. To a little planet called Namek. Have you heard of it?'

Widening his eyes in shock at hearing the Saiyan say that, it didn't take Vegeta long to figure out what he was up to.

'You must have a death wish,' the king hissed in anger, letting his power level rise to frightening heights for any mere third-class soldier, even an exceptionally gifted one like Kakarot.

'Well, I heard you can wish for whatever you want. So, I'm sure Raditz will wish me back should that happen…' Kakarot snickered, enjoying seeing the fury grow in the king's eyes.
'I was kind of hoping on taking Bulma along. She is quite nice, you know…'

The words indicated he knew of their little fling, which made Vegeta flush in anger and embarrassment. Though normally this wouldn't bother him, he felt ashamed for being caught by none other than this obnoxious Saiyan. But instead of continuing the petty conversation, Kakarot's smirk fell and he became more serious, as to emphasize he was now no longer playing around.

'With Frieza coming for us, I don't think she deserves to be caught up in this and die.'

'What are you blabbering on about?!' Vegeta shouted.

'There has been several sightings of spaceships over the past few months. Every thee months the exact same ship passes this planet. It's an Arlian ship. And as you know, Arlia was conquered last year by Frieza…'

'So? We are aware we're being watched, Kakarot,' Vegeta snapped, though actually annoyed how he, as the king of all Saiyans, had not been aware of this information and the low-class had been.

'With the old King's health declining, you becoming King, and them constantly watching our every move, one might see these all as bad omens instead of simple changes.'

He knew where he was going with this which only fueled his irritation and frustration.

'Frieza is coming, Vegeta,' Kakarot stated. 'And the question is, what are you going to do about it?'

'Not let you reach Namek first,' Vegeta snapped, blasting of a Ki-ball followed up by several other, smaller, ones. To his utter most surprise, Kakarot easily avoided them. And before he knew it, the Saiyan appeared before him and hit him with his fist, sending him flying. Shocked, he eyed the Saiyan and realized he had grown stronger.

'H-how?' He muttered.
'Every time you beat me… I got so much stronger. All I had to do was hide that from you,' Kakarot chuckled, 'I won't beat you too severely, as that would crumble your already fragile reputation as King. But be aware that I could kill you this very moment.'

Not willing to listen and let his taunting words get to him so easily, Vegeta launched another attack only to see his fists miss Kakarot's face every single time. The more rage he put into it, the easier the other Saiyan could dodge his attacks until he finally had enough. With swift combo of punches and kicks, Vegeta found himself on the ground, completely in pain.

'I'm leaving now,' Kakarot said, unimpressed by the Saiyan king. 'Like I said, I would've liked taking Bulma along but since you have her hidden in your personal chambers… Too much of a hazard to go get her, I'm afraid. But give her kiss goodbye from me, will you?'

'You lowlife,' Vegeta growled, 'You'll regret this!'
'Will I?' Kakarot asked mockingly.

At that moment soldiers came to assist, which only further humiliated the new King. Flared with anger, he halted them to make any movement. Kakarot only snickered and in a flash disappeared. In the distance Vegeta saw him reappear at the space center.

'Find out who's helping him!' He screamed while getting up and chasing after the Saiyan himself. Though his body was screaming in agony, he couldn't afford to lose in front of his people. He refused to believe this man had once again defeated him and was stronger than him! NO, he refused to allow this treachery. He'll destroy him now! No more torture, no more mercy!

I though with the woman's new invention… Everything was falling into place!
He couldn't tolerate the idea of losing before even having begun with his new training. It had been his only and last chance to defeat the likes of Kakarot and Frieza! I'll destroy them all!

Troops followed blindly, aware that Kakarot was off limits as their opponent but got stunned by the appearance of a small group of Saiyans awaiting them who had allied themselves with the traitorous Saiyan.
All Saiyans with formidable power. Vegeta's eyes widened, aware of who they were.

His own father had always made sure their family was of the elite and eliminated anyone who could overshadow them one day but Kakarot's family had always been a doubtful case.
Not quite threatening enough but with plenty of potential.
When Vegeta saw the spitting image of Kakarot, albeit with more scars, he suddenly made the connection on how Kakarot had gotten so much intel. Bardock, Kakarot's father had reported numerous times that Frieza was luring in the darkness, although without any proof.

It wasn't that he didn't believe the man but at that moment there was little he could do about it and it was advised to not send the planet into chaos by a mere rumor.
But it seemed father and son deemed the situation much more severe.

Vegeta's eyes scanned the deserters intently, so he'd remember who wore the face of a traitor should they ever dare to meet him again.
Raditz was being held up by one of Bardock's men, apparently big brother wasn't quite as talented as the youngest. A fight emerged and though Vegeta somehow managed to kill a few, the one who he wanted to destroy was out of his reach. Bardock shielded his crew and sons and created an explosion so severe that the King and his entire troop flew back. It wasn't until the smoked cleared, Vegeta saw a spaceship disappear into the sky.

They had escaped! They are off to Namek!

Clenching his teeth in fury, he barked at the incompetent men for failing. He yelled at them to pursuit the spaceship, but someone dare to answer and tell him that it would be a futile attempt.
Vegeta's blurred vision of rage cleared up and he looked at the man who dared to defy his order. He saw it was Ilkm.

'That was our latest new spaceship… It's much faster than any ship on the planet. You'll never be able to catch up on it,' he explained, his voice sounding a little taunting while wearing a ridiculous smirk that only further added insult to injury.

Furious Vegeta, who had hard time standing up straight, screamed out his frustration and went on a rampage of killing his own men. A few managed to dodge his attacks and flee the scene. He kept going until he was standing alone. Red dust surrounded and concealed him, allowing him to let out a sigh of defeat. When the red dust disappeared, he saw that Ilkm was still standing at the gate.
With a delighted grin, he proudly informed the King that he had been working on a second ship, an even slightly better one. He had also added a new feature on this ship, a room that could demonstrate any level of gravity.

Taking a deep breath, Vegeta arched an eyebrow when hearing him say that. The man only responded with his usual slimy grin.

'It just needs some testing but it's practically good to go, your majesty,' he added.

'Are you needed for those tests?'

'Oh, no, sir! My assistants do that!' he laughed, finding the question quite humorous. As if he'd ever do such lowly tasks!

With a roar of anger, he unleashed a beam of unseen energy, disintegrating the man until there was nothing left to proof his existence.

Breathing hard, he told one of the bystanders, that for some reason hadn't fled after his outburst, to start those tests while he started to walk back to the his palace, remembering his father's request to see him. An unfortunate meeting now but he wouldn't submit to pain or defeat just yet.

'You seem to be losing control.'

A harsh statement but an expected remark to be made by the former king of Saiyans.
Never had he shown any doubt in his son's abilities. But never had he anticipated the scenario they were living in today either.
The proud Saiyan race had lived a very different life many years ago. The old king let his mind wander off in long forgotten memories.

The day his son had been born; he had taken his mother's life because of his tremendous power. A sign of a vicious King that would come to rule them. It had all been glory. A sign of greatness.

So it pained him, and his proud, to see his son stand before him, battered and beaten. Barely standing, only stubbornness holding him up.

'I'm not losing control,' Vegeta bit out. 'I will be leaving sooner than expected— 'You cannot leave, Vegeta,' his father interrupted. 'Reports of Frieza approaching are brought in by the hour. You cannot abandon your planet now!'

'I've told you that there is a power— 'I cannot rule for you, Vegeta. You are the new King. Lead your people, son! Stop thinking you are alone in this battle! Every Saiyan is ready to fight and die for this planet. Just as much as, if not, more than you! I can no longer do this work for you. My health won't allow it.'

As he said it, his hand touched the deep scar on his chest, heaving in pain from getting so worked up.

Vegeta kept his expression cold and distant but inside he felt a tinge of pain himself. Realizing his father was already in a dying state. For a Saiyan he wasn't old enough to succumb to death just yet. But he could feel his Ki-power diminishing little by little.
Indeed, a bad omen, he dared to admit to himself, though not allowing any feeling of grief or sadness.
Kakarot's venomous voice repeated once again that Frieza was coming. With everything going on, this was indeed a great opportunity to strike. And Vegeta was aware he was in no way ready or capable of defending his planet.

Clenching his fist in frustration, he tried to think of what to do but found himself, for the first time, at a loss. Sensing his father's eyes on him, he straightened his posture and stood proudly before the old man.

'I will succeed.'

That was all he could say, and his father simply nodded. Suddenly tensing up underneath his gaze, the old man tried to pull up a strong façade and Vegeta saw how his father gritted his teeth to hide the pain in his chest.
Eventually the former king shamefully looked away and dismissed his son, saying he would no longer hold him up from his duties as the new king.

It hurt his own pride to see his father in such a weakened and pathetic state. So no longer being able to stand it, he turned around and left without saying another word. His mind couldn't find any rest while his body only ached in pain.

He realized he was, again, in need of a healing tank.

Tiredly he dragged his body to his personal quarters until he was standing in the recovery. Leaning against the wall, he took a deep breath. He refused to let anyone help him.
Scanning the room he noted the woman was still in bed, resting. Apparently, her fragile body couldn't handle all its been through and needed some extra rest. Or that's what that blabbermouth of a doctor had told him.
Reluctantly his mind went back to the first time he had seen her standing practically half-naked before him. He smirked, realizing that should he tell her that to her face, she would turn crimson out of humiliation. But he decided against the idea again, like he had many times before. No, it was his image to hold.

With a groan, he managed to get off the wall and walk towards the healing tank. But midway he had to take a break and end up resting on the woman's bed. Pained, he angrily tried to gather the last bit of energy he had left to help himself up but found he needed more time. Out of the corner of his eye he watched her. Blissfully unaware of the danger she was in. He had questioned his own motives at times but after experiencing her newest invention, he was certain of his instinct. This woman had what it took to make a difference in his search for power.
Unwillingly his mind took him back to the moments before they were both on the ground. Heat rose through his entire body, making him stiffen up in response. He hated admitting to himself he had enjoyed her hands on him and tasting her so thoroughly.

Since when did he react to such a common emotion? He was the King of all Saiyans! He could have any woman, at any moment! Yet it held felt as a victory when he finally made her shut up in a way, he had wanted to so many times before. But it had felt even greater when she responded and took over, surprising him with her willingness to be close to him.

'Vegeta?'

He winced when hearing her speak, not even noticing her waking up because his mind had wandering off and had made him completely oblivious to his surroundings. He was becoming too weak around her. And allowing her to call him by his name… nobody did that! His own father hardly did so!

'Stay,' he commanded when she tried to get up. She looked tired. Weak and fragile. Which irked him, yet again his mouth remained still, not bothering to voice his vicious thoughts.

'What happened?' Bulma groggily asked while looking around.

'Someone you trusted, betrayed you,' Vegeta simply said.

Bulma lightly shook her head when remembering her last memory, explaining it must've been Ilkm. He was always following her around but Vegeta abruptly cut her off, 'He was smart enough to not be around when it happened. So, someone who worked for you must've been actually working for him instead.'

'Libelle or Forog?' Bulma gasped in shock. He saw her blue eyes well up with tears but knowing it would annoy him, she kept her emotions in check and hid her face for a second before looking back up at him. Sadness no longer hiding in those bright eyes of hers, foolish kindness showing instead.
He caught himself staring at her before clearing up his throat and explaining their current situation.

'Kakarot escaped?'
'Yes, conveniently when I was with you.' His voice had almost wavered when speaking those words, suddenly getting a feeling of embarrassment again when thinking about their thoughtless actions. And he had just made it sound as if that happened all the time or would happen again soon.

It wasn't as if he had come with the intention to seek her out and behave like a moron! It just sorts of happened without thought. He made a note to never lose control around the woman again. Which of course, knowing her, would not be easy.

'W-where are they?' Bulma suddenly asked, her eyes stared longingly at him, making him suppress shiver. 'Forog and Libelle?' she clarified.

His mind dared to wonder if she'd ever ask anyone about him the same way she had just asked about them. Mortified of his thoughts, and with a slight feeling of envy, he snapped at her saying he didn't know where those two useless beings were.

'That doesn't matter anymore either,' he added. 'Frieza is coming.'
'W-what?'
'Don't make me repeat myself, woman,' he sighed, trying again to move his body but felt his muscles rejected the idea of moving. He had pushed himself too far… Now he would have to go through the humiliation of being helped by one of his men! And should anyone hear of that, his reputation as King would be ruthlessly tarnished. If it wasn't already.

Suddenly he felt a hand on his arm. Looking down he saw her small hand on resting on his arm and when he looked up her blue eyes gave him a determined look. She asked him if he had fought Kakarot and what had happened. And for some reason he answered her questions without thought.

'My father is dying,' he said for no reason, again feeling a hint of grief inside of him.
'I'm sorry…' she muttered, unable to hide her surprise at his openness.
'With Saiyans it is considered a bad omen. You either die out of old age or, and preferably, in battle.'

Having enough of this weak, mindless talking, he abruptly got up. Glad to be ridden of her soft flesh against his but instead of walking out like he had intended, he felt himself falling back down on her bed.

'You overdid it!' she yelled in anger.
'Let me be!' he snapped, pulling his arm lose when she touched him again.
'You idiot!'
'Don't call me an idiot, idiot!'
'Real mature, Vegeta…' She snickered while rolling her eyes at him.
Throwing the sheets off, revealing her body dressed in nothing but a small nightgown, his eyes widened in response. She didn't say a word but instead came to sit next to him and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, trying to help him get up. Stunned, he at first didn't budge, until she grumbled that he could co-operate a bit.

With her help, he managed to get inside of the healing tank. His expression must've given away his confusion because without him saying a word she explained her actions.

'You helped me getting in one of these—what? Two, three times now?' She said, touching the inside of the healing tank while talking. 'I can help you get in just once, can't I?'

He didn't know how to respond, never expecting her gratitude to be genuine. He thought back to the conversation before he had made her shut up; how she had thought she could count on him…

'Though, you're pretty heavy, you know!' she said while flashing him a smile. A genuine smile she gave far too easily to anyone in his opinion.

The lights behind her made her body look heavenly. And if his body wasn't becoming completely unresponsive, he would have snatched her and pulled her closed to him. He felt the need to ravage her suddenly. But instead of becoming an animal he remained still while she remained the enigmatic creature, she had always been to him and surprised him with a kind kiss on the cheek.

'If I can trust you, Vegeta. You can trust me.'

Her whispered words echoed long in his ears before submitting to darkness.

Meanwhile, in the darkness of the universe, a bright white ship was approaching the red planet of the Saiyans. The emperor watched the planet, still debating if he should just destroy it now or have some fun first. A delightful idea crossed his mind and he let out a cold, disturbing laugh.

I'm very pleased with this chapter to be honest! I truly hope you liked it too! Thanks for all the love and patience!