Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ

Chapter 23: Don't make me...

Vegeta sat in a chair across from his still sleeping wife not ready to wake her. He knew what had to be done but also knew that she wasn't going to want to do it. His conversation with his father was not a pleasant one and he did not take his threat lightly. He knew that if he wasn't married to Bulma she would already be dead.

Bulma whimpered a little and reached out her hand searching for him, a sign that she would awaken any moment. Yet he still did not know how to approach the subject. Every scenario in his head ended with anger and her tears. With a heavy sigh he stood up and sat on the edge of their bed. Yesterday hadn't been a pleasant day but they were able to make up for it many times over last night. He could only hope that they would be able to get through this as well.

"Bulma?"

She mumbled something incoherent into her pillow and he gently shook her. "Bulma wake up."

She finally yawned and rubbed her eyes with her hands. She stretched a little and smiled lovingly at her husband. "Goodmorning."

Vegeta took in her smile because he knew she wasn't going to have that smile for long. "Woman, there is something that I need to tell you and then something you must do."

Bulma's smile fell away as she saw the seriousness in his face. "What's going on?"

"Read this." He said as he placed the file in her lap.

Bulma sat up and quickly opened the file. Her eyes bucked and she gasped outloud from what the articles said. "Has this already been broadcasted?"

"No. My father stopped it. My mother probably doesn't even know yet. But the fact remains-"

"That this is what people think."

"Yes."

Bulma placed her head in her hands as she just needed a moment to think. This is what she wanted but it's too soon. It's way too soon. She just now got Vegeta to trust her. They weren't even mated yet. She didn't have the power to change things yet. It's like her whole plan was unraveling before her eyes. "What did your father say?"

"He said that if you weren't my wife you would already be dead."

Bulma looked at him surprised and with a great fear. "But I-I didn't do anything."

"I know but he sees you as a threat."

Bulma got out of bed and started pacing back and forth. "Ok so this is clearly something that aliens have been wanting for a long time and they are now making me the spokesperson for it. And your father classifies me as the main threat so-wait...you said that there was something that you needed to tell me and something that I must do. What is that?"

Vegeta stood up from the bed and gave her another stern look. "Ypu have to tell the Empire that you are for purging."

The color drained from Bulma's face and she had to sit back down on the bed. She shook her head not being able to fathom words for the moment.

"Bulma you have to do this. It's the only way for you to be at peace with the Saiyan Empire. You have to stand with them before they turn against you."

Bulma looked up and glared at him. "Stand with them or stand with you?"

"I am the royal prince, I can not stand against my father."

Bulma found her strength again and stood. "You know that purging is wrong!"

Vegeta gritted his teeth in warning. "Bulma-"

"You should stand with me! Not with this...this evil thing that destroys billions and billions of lives. Did you honestly think for one moment that I would get up and applaud the genocide that was done to my own people?"

"Bulma-"

"Stand with me Vegeta. Surely the King will listen to you-"

"I WILL NOT!"

Bulma stood across from him in silence as anger settled upon every feature of his face.

He stepped closer to her then trying to calm down but couldn't seem to do so. "All you have to do is get in front of a camera and say that you stand with your king. I will not start a civil war just to make a few humans happy. Do you even know what would happen? Rebellion would break out across the galaxy. The Empire would have to re-purge planets that we already own. All of your alien friends including your family would be executed for treason, leaving this planet entirely Saiyan. I would be denied the thrown, my royal birth right, while you would be taken from me and if not killed then sent to a whore planet. Or even worse, my father would keep you for himself while I would sit in a jail cell until I could finally become a Super Saiyan and rescue you, or what's left of you. This is the path you want me to take?"

"No-"

"This is what you want?"

"No-"

"Then DON'T ASK ME TO DO IT!"

Bulma turned her head as tears sprang to her eyes. It wasn't supposed to be like this. She wanted the throne to change things. Now it seemed further and further away.

"I know that you want the purging to stop. It's probably one of your many missions in life, but Bulma you do not want to go down this path. Don't make me go down it with you."

Bulma looked up at that. "You would?"

"I will not let anyone harm you. That includes my father. I am for purging and I doubt that I will ever change my mind on the matter but if I have to fight my father for you I will."

Bulma let her tears fall as she went to his arms. He embraced her as she cried into his shoulder. She thought about Krillian, Yamcha and all the other survivors that were looking to her for help. And what about all the other aliens that were seeing her as their beacon of hope? She had a plan and it was best to stick with it, otherwise too many would die. "Vegeta they will hate me."

Vegeta kissed her temple and said, "They will learn to love you just as they did before."

"So much for being the Alien Princess."

"Perhaps it is time for you to become a Saiyan one then."

She stilled her tears and brought her face up. "What are you saying?"

"That it is time I present you as the next Queen of the Saiyan Empire."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. Everyone by now knows that this is the path we are going to take. Might as well make the move now."

"Oh Vegeta!" She hugged his neck and kissed him sweetly."

"Come now let's go inform my father and mother."

Bulma nodded and couldn't help but wonder if other family's breakfast was as exciting as theirs.

Meanwhile...

Cellena looked over the files that her husband had shown her and couldn't help the anger that flowed through her body. "Now do you see why I was always against her!" She said tossing the folder on the floor of the breakfast room.

"I know your personal hatred for anything non-saiyan. Do not act like this was only about a fear of rebellion."

"What will you do now my King? She should be killed."

"We have to see what our son does first. His actions are the ones that I care about. I need to know if he will stand with me or against me."

"If it is against then what will you do?"

"There will be war. He would lose the throne...I might give it to him later depending upon his behavior."

"And the girl?"

The King chuckeled. Of course his wife concentrated more on the girl then his own son. Here he is saying that their own child, heir to the throne could possibly be denied his birthright and all she cares about is what happens to the girl. Oh did he have something in mind for her.

Cellena watcher her husband's face as he did not answer right away and only took a sip of his drink in wonderment. A look of horror washed across Cellena as she recognized that disgusting look of desire.

"You-you would not dare!"

The king narrowed his eyes. "I have not said anything."

"If that-that alien child goes anywhere near your bed I swear to you that I would-"

The king chuckled once more at her response. "Do you think that I would take her to my bed as punishment only for Vegeta and her? No my Queen. It would be punishment for you. Only for you."

"What-what are you saying? Punishment? I have been nothing but loyal-"

The king grabbed her by her throat and brought her to his face. "If my son goes to war with me over a girl, it is not only because he fell for her charms but because his mother pushed him to do so. I told you, warned you again and again, yet you still pushed. Now I will not kill you Cellena. No, there are far worse punishments than death and I know that this would be one of them. So you better pray to the God of the universe that my son does not want to fight me because there will be Hell to pay from all sides." He ended by pushing her away.

Cellena looked at him with such rage and fear. She had never seen him like this before. How did they end up like this? At what point did they start to hate each other? There used to be many pleasant times but now she could not recall them.

Moments later the two looked up as their son and Bulma walked into the room. Tensions were high and everyone was awaiting each other's reaction. They bowed and Vegeta was the first to speak. "Father, mother. Bulma has decided to declare her loyalty to the throne and her stance for purging."

The King nodded with approval. "I am pleased to hear this. A wise decision in deed."

"There is something else Father."

"What is it?"

"I want to mate Bulma with your approval."

Before the King could utter a word Cellena said, "I approve."

Bulma almost fell over in shock.

Vegeta was shocked as well, but the King knew what she was doing. It was one thing to take Bulma if she was Vegeta's property, and another entirely if she is his mate. She would be his official daughter and could never step foot in his bed. It would be seen as dishonarble. There would be other punishments he could give her but that would be one that he could never do. Of course he could always deny his approval but it would be suspicious for his wife to approve and him not to. It would no doubt lead to Cellena allowing Vegeta to find out the reason why and then they would be right back at discussing Civil War. So he really had no choice but to go along with it. 'Well played Cellena.'

"I approve as well. You will be mated this day. No need in waiting it out. And after the ceremony Bulma will give her official approval of my ruling. Is that understood?"

The two bowed once again. "Thank you father."

"Now lets eat. It is going to be an extremely busy day."

Once breakfast was over Cellena ordered Bulma to follow her. The mating ceremony was pretty basic but she still needed to present herself like a royal Saiyan, regardless of her alien genetics.

Bulma followed Cellena into the Queens suite and quickly ordered some maids to get her measurements for her attire. After they had left out to retrieve some garments Bulma couldnt' help but ask the question that was bublling up inside her.

"Your Majesty, I know that we have had our differences, but I have to ask why did you approve? I thought you hated me."

Cellena softly smiled and touched her throat at the memory of what happened earlier. "There are many reasons why Bulma. Many of which I will never tell you. There are also many reasons why I hate you, but there is something I had noticed early on that I don't mind sharing. You make my son happy. I can not deny that. It is true that I still want him with a Saiyan woman and he very well could change his mind. But for now you make him happy."

"Your Highness, I'll never stop trying to make him happy." She said with determination.

Cellena chuckled and then sighed. "Don't we all..."

Bulma wanted to ask what she meant by that, but the servants came back with garments for her to try on. The Queen didn't seem like she was willing to say much anything else. "Now Bulma here is not a Saiyan female so we must work extra hard to make her look like a presentable mate to my son. Only give her the best."

Bulma frowned but decided to ignore the comment as a new almost impossible plan began to form in her mind. She was going to make that woman open up to her one day. If she could get Cellena to love her, then she would be able to get the aliens to trust her again...

Meanwhile...

Turles, Raditz and Kakarot were stretching in Vegeta's private training room. He had summoned them and told them to come immediately.

Kakarot stretched his legs and grinned with excitement. "I don't know what's going on, but I sure am glad to get a chance to spar again. Chichi has been keeping me so busy lately."

Raditz chuckled at his little brother. "Baby plans getting to you?"

Turles laughed as he joined in. "What does she have you test out the diapers." The two brothers laughed out loud with the visual they pictured in their mind.

Kakarot only stood up straight and scratched the back of his head. "No it's nothing like that. Earthling females are...sensitive."

Turles rolled his eyes. "Can't stop crying on your shoulder huh?"

"No it's not that. She's very...hormonal."

Raditz quirked an eyebrow. "So she's very needy?"

Kakarot crossed his arms and nodded his head. "That's one way to put it."

It finally dawned on the other two boys. Raditz shook his head. "And you're complaining about this?"

Turles almost became jealous. "I've never heard of Saiyan women doing this."

Kakarot shrugged his shoulders. "It must be an Earthling thing. And I'm not complaining about it, I mean it's great, but one day it was normal then the next it was almost like every waking moment. It seems like all we do is...that and eat."

Raditz sighed heavily and walked away. "I need to get a mate."

Turles went back to doing stretches. "I never thought the day would come where I would actually be jealous of Kakarot."

Raditz chuckled at that. "Just remember that if you fall for an Earthling you have to cut off your on tail."

Turles frowned. "Don't be ridiculous."

Raditz held up his hands in defense. "Your words not mine."

At that moment Vegeta walked in. The three sons bowed and Vegeta said, "I have called you all here today to take part in my Hakko."

Turles sighed because he thought they were being punished for something, Raditz smirked because he thought this day would never come and Kakarot practically jumped with excitement. "Wow Vegeta that's awesome! Wow this means that Bulma gets to be the new Queen!"

Raditz dropped his smirk and asked, "How bad did your mother react with the news?"

"She gave her approval first actually."

Silence decended upon the room. Turles was the one who broke it. "And that doesn't seem odd to you?"

"She's probably planning something." Raditz added.

"I know that. But for the moment I would rather just deal with the matter at hand. Now according to ritual, before the ceremony takes place the royal must engage in combat also known as the Hakko. So let us begin." Vegeta said he raised his hands.

"We are honored to be a part of this." Raditz said crouching down into position.

Kakarot began to move around excitedly. "I'm really excited about the food. There's always great food after ceremonies!"

"Too bad you will be in a tank!" Vegeta said as he charged his comarades.

Later on Bulma was soaking in her tub filled with antioxidens, fruits and vegetables. It was part of an old tradition to cleanse the body of any impurtites before one could become Queen. But Bulma just felt like she was apart of some type of giant human stew.

Chichi was there sitting down across from her on an arm chair that was on the side of the sink. She was happy that her friend was finally going to be mated but not of what came after that.

"Bulma can you really do this? I mean to say that you are actually for purging?"

"I don't have a choice Chichi. Everyone will die. I can't have these lives in my hands. I-It's too much of a burden. I have to stick to my plan. When Vegeta is King..." She hesitated as she wasn't as sure as she was before. Vegeta had voiced his opinion on purging many times. She wasn't as confident anymore, but she still had to try. "In time they will forgive me. But right now there is nothing I can do."

"Well no matter what I will have your back, but I can't be there for the press conference. When I think about purging...all I see is my mom and-"

"It's ok Chichi. I understand."

Chichi wiped her eyes and then laughed. "This pregnancy makes all my emotions just come out like no other."

"How is Kakarot taking it?"

Chichi grinned. "Oh he's loving it."

Bulma blinked in confusion and then laughed. "Oh the sex drive kicked in huh?"

"Yep. I mean sometimes I feel bad because he'll make plans to go train or whatever then I attack him in a different way."

Bulma laughed again. "Well that's something to look forward to."

"Have you and Vegeta talked about kids?"

"Not really. But it will happen eventually. With everything that's going on now...I don't think it would be a good time."

"Well don't wait too long. My kid is going to need someone to play with." Chichi ended by rubbing her belly.

There was a knock at the door and at Bulma's approval 3 servants came in with oils and drying cloths.

Bulma sighed and stepped out the tub. "Well I guess playtime is over."

Chichi followed them into the bedroom as they began to dry and dress Bulma in her new attire. It was a pearl and gold Saiyan armor that looked like a gold bra with shoulder pads. She also was placed in a long gold chiffon skirt with pearl beading embedded in it. She was given white and gold tipped boots to wear along with gold cuff earrings to accessorize the look. One of the oils they placed on her skin worked as a bronzer, making her pale skin nicely tanned with a golden hue. They put black eyeliner and mascara on her eyes and put some type of oily hair gel in her hair to sleek it back and also make it look darker.

"Whoa." Chichi said, "You look..."

"Saiyan." Bulma muttered into the mirror. Her attendants were extremely happy, But Bulma couldn't help but feel like a poser. She wasn't a Saiyan and she was never going to be Saiyan. She felt like she wasn't being accepted for who she was, which made her feel even more uneasy for what she had to do later on.

Chichi came up behind her and rubbed her shoulders. "It's ok. Hey think of it this way, you had your wedding and now it's Vegeta's turn. He had to go through Earthling traditions and wear Earthling clothing."

Bulma sighed. "You're right. If Vegeta can do it then so can I."

"Oh my Baby Girl!"

Bulma and Chichi turned to see Mrs. Briefs come in with a camera. "Oh you look like Xena Warrior Princess?"

"Who?"

"Famous tv show from Earth. Trust me you would have loved it. Oh I have to get pictures of you and all the ladies that helped! Group picture everyone!"

As Chichi scooted next to Bulma for the photo op she whispered to Bulma, "Do your parents know about later?"

Bulma shook her head. "I couldn't bring myself to tell them..."

An Hour later...

Vegeta along with the now bruised Sons of Bardock walked to the entrance of the throne room. Once they arrived, Bulma rounded the corner. Vegeta smirked at her appearance and Bulma glared at him. "That better be an appreciative smirk."

"It is. I take it you don't like your new attire."

Bulma took in that moment to see that Vegeta was wearing matching gold and pearl armor to hers. "Well now that I'm next to you I do. The hair not so much."

"The ceremony won't last long."

"It's not the ceremony I'm worried about."

"You'll get through this."

Bulma nodded her head and Vegeta signaled to the Sons of Bardock to open the doors and they then bowed to one knee as everyone else did in the throne room as they walked down to the front where his parents and high elders awaited them.

The King stood up and an elder brought a pillow with a dagger and the other brought a golden cup. The King took the dagger and cut his hand and made a tight fist to bleed into the cup. "Blood of my blood. This I do before all to let everyone know that the man and woman before you shall be your future." He then past the cup and dagger to Vegeta.

"I accept." Vegeta cut his hand and did the same then past the cup and dagger to Bulma.

"I accept." Bulma said as she did the same.

Then the Holy man came forward to Bulma and Vegeta with a ceremonial rope and tied it over the hands that were cut. "May the God of the universe bless this union and you have proud warriors to carry your names with honor. May you uphold a level of comradeship with each other that cannot be eclipsed with anyone else. May only your deaths be the end of this union. Will you uphold this vow?"

"Yes." They both said at the same time.

The Holy Man took the rope and tied it into a knot and placed it in a wooden box that another elder had brought forward.

He then took the hands of Bulma and Vegeta and raised them high. "I present to you the newly mated Prince Vegeta and Princess Bulma of the Saiyan Emp-"

*BOOM!*

Bulma fell into Vegeta's arms as the palace shook with a great force. "What's going on?"

Alarms sounded all over the palace. Guards began to rush in and out of the room. Then suddenly the side of the hall was blown in. Bulma screamed as Vegeta flew her away from the explosion.

Fighting and shouting could be heard from the hall and smoke entered the throne room. In the midst of it all a fat white alien looking man and an old man stepped into the room.

Dr. Briefs wiped his glasses and then blinked but still could not believe what he was seeing. "It can't be?"

The Old man raised a threatening hand to the King and yelled out "You Saiyans are to be executed and every alien that sides with you!"

King Vegeta stepped forward and looked down upon the alien with complete disgust. "You dare come to my home and give orders! The only one that shall die today is you!"

The Super Saiyan King charged the alien not caring at all for his glowing red hand...

Author's note: I know it's been forever. What can I say, Life. It can get crazy. Anyways, if you still care to know how this story will end then please review and let me know.