Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or anything to do with the Boys before Flowers series, although at this point I'm more of going off of the stories content then the actual series.
Chapter 24: Surviving
Bulma knew that today was going to be a bad day but at least she could have a wonderful moment with her husband as the finally became mates…but although the ceremony was completed, they never got that moment.
One moment she was being presented to the empire as the next queen and the next Vegeta was handing her off to Turles as he stormed to battle a floodgate of robots that emptied into the hall. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Literal, actual, realistic robots made of metal and wires were fighting every Saiyan in the room. Other than the old man and the white fat guy everything was something out of one of her mother's science fiction books. Sure she had tinkered with little cleaning bots and made dozens of programs and even come up with some gear to help Vegeta train, but this was different.
These robots were actually holding their own with most of the Saiyans. Vegeta was one of the few that could take on a couple at a time. The Queen was even doing 2 at a time in her raging fury. Turles was the only one not involved in the brawl as he kept the mechanical intruders away from the Earthlings in the corner. He was doing a great job of keeping them away from herself, parents and Chichi, but she couldn't help but be terrified.
At one moment he looked back and yelled to his brother who was taken on 3 robots at the moment, "Kakarot we have to get them out of here!"
Kakarot frowned as he continued to fight. "That's what I've been trying to do but they keep on coming!"
Dr. Brief was the only one not huddled as he was intensely watching the fight with the King and Dr. Gero. He knew that he was Gero was the one responsible, but he couldn't tell if that was really Gero or another robot that was built to look like one. Gero was a jealous moron back on Earth. He was extremely brilliant but always had a problem with the Briefs family because they achieved wealth and fame while he remained in the mountains. He never understood his jealousy because he had the brilliance and all he needed to do was turn it around into a profit. But Gero could never find that path and seemed to blame him for it. Gero stated that he was there to declare war on the Saiyans, but Briefs knew that the saiyans weren't the only ones on his list of revenge…
The King was getting frustrated that he had not taken this infidel out by now. The intruder was dodging most of his attacks and when he did hit him it seemed like he didn't make a dent. "What are you? You are no Earthling."
Gero grinned evilly as he caught the king's arm. "But I am. And it's time to take revenge for my people!"
The king aimed for a deadly blow with his other arm but Gero quickly dodged it and grabbed that one as well. The king hesitated and realized at once that his energy was draining. He didn't understand why, but knew that he had to keep fighting. He jumped up and double kicked Gero in the chest making the doctor stumble backwards and lose his grip on the king. The king breathed heavily and powered back down to his regular black hair.
Dr. Briefs who witnessed the incident yelled out "They can absorb energy!"
Bardock who had been fighting the fat white one looked over to the king and it was in that slight hesitation that the android grabbed him and started to drain his energy as well. Raditz saw this and quickly came down and kicked the white android in his face making him stumble back, but not completely loose grip of Bardock. It wasn't until Kakarot joined in that he actually let go of his father. Bardock powered down as well and could not believe that he lost energy that quickly.
Robots were still coming and the saiyans were still fighting but everyone was paying attention to what just happened. The king in his anger charged Gero again and Vegeta was right there along with him. Bardock, Raditz, and Kakarot attacked the other android and tried their best to avoid their hands, but suddenly the other robots in the room started to attack them as well.
Dr. Briefs who was studying the fight yelled out. "They are controlling the other robots!"
The other Saiyans were trying to get the other robots off of the royals but it seemed to be too many at one point.
Vegeta like his father and comrades were fighting from all sides and every chance Gero got he would absorb more energy and take strength from Saiyans to use against them.
"Go for his arms!" Bardock yelled and his sons were on it. In the midst of all the chaos, Kakarot was able to break one of the arms off.
Sensing the blow, Gero now knew that it was time to escape. He maneuvered away just enough for himself and a handful of robots to blast the ceiling to create a distraction.
The roof began to collapse so Vegeta, Kakarot, and Raditz flew to the other side to help Turles get Bulma, her parents and Chichi out before it was too late. They were able to fly them out in time and once the smoke cleared and all the Saiyans emerged from the rubble the King was more than furious.
"FIND THEM NOW!"
"Sire we can't pick up any energy signals other than who is in this room." A soldier said.
The Queen wasn't having it, "Impossible! All that energy they just stole! There must be a reading! Find them!" Soldiers left out immediately to do as they were told.
"I know that man." Dr. Brief said as he was lowered back to the ground. "That was Dr. Gero. He is an Earthling scientist. He no doubt has been studying you and trying to find a way to defeat you."
The King sneered at that. "Well he hasn't found one yet."
Bardock angrily crossed his arms. "How did he escape your planet? Did you know that he was alive?"
"I have no idea, but if anyone else could have come up with a way then he would have. He is a brilliant scientist and hated me back on Earth."
"That is correct Briefs!"
Everyone turned to a dismantled robot that was lying on the ground. It was completely immobile but apparently still worked in some ways.
"Gero?" Dr. Briefs asked.
"That is correct!" Now the sound came from all over as channels were opened up from any still working robots.
"You dare attack my kingdom!" The King yelled.
"Yes I do. And since Briefs had once again found a way to climb to the top and whore out his daughter to you disgusting creatures, I decided that there wouldn't be a better time to make myself known then at the time that my enemies decided to join forces. I will not rest until all of you are dead and every house of Vegeta and Briefs is destroyed."
Vegeta growled out, "Then why don't you show yourself!"
"Strategy is everything. There will be more to come."
Then suddenly each robot that was still functional was completely fried and the broadcast ended.
"Why would he destroy his own robots?" Turles asked.
Dr. Briefs picked up a robot's head and started to examine it. "Because he didn't want me to find anything…." Then his eyes got big with worry. "The lab! Someone take me there!"
"They are destroyed." Some soldiers said as they flew in to report. "While we were being attacked up here, there were more that were attacking the labs. Most of the Scientists didn't have high power levels, so they couldn't fight them off. A lot of people are dead.
"I still most go down there. I have to know what is taken!"
The King nodded and said, "You, Bardock and Bulma go see what you can find. Everyone else find out what you can from whomever you can. Stop all ships from coming and going. These idiots are still on my planet and they must be found! Vegeta and Cellena come with me."
Bulma really wanted Vegeta to go with her. She could see that he was hurt and wanted to make sure that he was ok. But she also knew that he would not allow her to baby him, and especially in front of everyone else.
Vegeta and Cellena followed the king to his still intact war room and the king threw off his tattered cape in fury. He then plants angry fists on the table and narrows his eyes at his family. "I was almost defeated today on my planet, in my own home, in front of my own people. I heard everything that Briefs said; his hints while I was fighting and his story afterward. You son are now tied to these people for life, and I do not trust them."
Vegeta was completely offended. "You can not believe that Briefs is connected to Gero!"
"I don't like coincidences nor do I believe in fate. This was strategic and this was planned."
"Not by Briefs!" Vegeta yelled angrily. "He has never showed one ounce of hostility."
"Why would he if he wanted his daughter to get to the throne. What would happen if all of us died and she would be the only survivor? You would have aliens ruling the empire."
"This is absurd! I went after Bulma! Mother put her in my school. I wanted her. No one manipulated me!"
The King slid his eyes over to his mate. "Cellena you are being silent. I am surprised that you are since I am now considering your old theories."
Cellena rubbed her hands together and looked at the king. "The doctor saved your life."
"What are you talking about?"
"The two of you didn't see what I saw. Once the doctor realized what Gero could do he yelled it out. Every Saiyan changed their tactic and instead of only trying to defeat the robots to defeat them started to defeat them to protect you."
"I was fine-"
"You were losing. We all were. We were unprepared and unaware of the danger. The briefs were a target but they were not the biggest threat. You and Bardock were. If Bulma and the doctor were a part of some plot to eventually take you out then they would not have built gravity machines to make you stronger."
"Perhaps that was just an illusion to gain my trust."
"No." Vegeta chimed in. "Bulma has been trying to make me a Super Saiyan for some time now."
"What are you talking about?" The King demanded.
Vegeta groaned because he never intended on informing his father of this. "The gravity room was originally a gift for me. She said that she wanted to make me into a Super Saiyan. She had mines built before yours was even done. She hid it in a capsule for me to train in and while Bardock was working on the one that you thought was my first one, Bulma was already working on the upgrades."
"So you have been going behind my back?"
Cellena looked at her son. "Why is she so concerned about making you into a Super Saiyan?"
Vegeta gritted his teeth. He did not want to repeat her emotional garbage but he had no choice. "She believes that the reason why I push myself so hard is because I want to be the strongest so that I would never wound up in another situation where I was helpless to fight off my enemies. With my past in mind, she decided to make me into a Super Saiyan so that I would never be a prisoner to my weakness. Dr. Briefs knew about this as well and even prolonged the making of your gravity machine so that Bulma could fulfill her promise to me. So even if you question their loyalty to you, you don't have to question their loyalty to me."
Cellena was silent as she took in his words. She envied Bulma for her son choosing her to speak about his past. She would never have guessed that he would be so opened to Bulma about it. She had only believed that Bulma got under his skin, but this was something different. Bulma's theory made sense and Cellena felt like a fool for not realizing it. Bulma was able to help her child while she did nothing but try to control his life. And to think that she despised Bulma earlier that day as she was huddled helplessly in a corner. Unable to protect herself. But still Bulma was able to see something in her own son that she had completely overlooked.
The King took in his words but was not pleased at all. "So you all were conspiring behind my back."
"Father they were not trying to do anything against you, but only helping me."
"I believe you are right. If he was siding with Gero then he would not have been trying to make a 3rd Super Saiyan. But if you or anyone else ever tries to go behind my back on anything then there will be a punishment. Is that clear?"
"Yes."
"Now let's go to the labs. I want to know what they have found…"
When they arrived Bulma, Bardock and the Doctor were all huddled together in deep conversation.
"Report. What did you find?"
"Nothing!" Bulma said, "They took everything and whatever they left they destroyed." Bulma was so frustrated she could cry. The day was just getting worse and worse.
"Everything is not lost." Bardock chimed in. "We always make backup files, but the equipment and projects that were here are gone. He's making something and obviously does not have what he needs to make it."
The Doctor took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "I have a theory. Those robots you fought today were strong but they were clearly prototypes. He had to build many of them in order to pose a threat. I believe that what he is trying to do is make an army of soldiers that are more like what he did to himself."
"So you believed the attack was a test?" The King asked.
Vegeta crossed his arms and added. "Advertisement."
"What do you mean?" Bulma asked.
"Earthlings like Yamcha and Krillian would need convincing to go this route instead of trying to just align with you. He would need volunteers. He can't build an army of cyborgs without bodies. He was showing them that they could win."
Bardock nodded in agreement. "I believe you are right. There were also cameras in those robots. People were not only hearing but watching. He is rallying his troops."
The King made angry fists. "And we are going to destroy them before they even get the chance. We need to find them now."
"We can analyze some of the robots at the lab in my home and try to find something there that can lead us to his base of operations." Bardock said.
"I can gather some things from my lab at school."
The King narrowed his eyes. "So that's where you came up with plans for Vegeta's gravity room."
Bulma blinked in fear and confusion.
Vegeta rolled his eyes. "We will discuss it later. Now let's go." Vegeta said grabbing her arm and pulling her away before his father decided to waste time with a million questions.
"Vegeta your father knows?" She asked once they were out the building and he was flying her to the school.
"Yes he does."
"You told him?"
"How else would he know?"
"Why did you tell him?"
Vegeta really didn't want to get into this. It had been a long day and it was about to get even longer. "Because it was the only way to get my father to believe that you and your family weren't' traitors."
"Wh-what? Why would he- he thought we had something to do with today?"
"He was suspicious. The connection between Gero and you father raised some questions. I brought up the gravity room as proof that you and your father were trying to make me stronger and you don't make someone strong you are trying to defeat."
Bulma listened to him and lovingly kissed his cheek.
"What was that for?"
"You are always protecting me. I love you."
"Hn. Well I have to, you would have not survived this long if I hadn't."
Bulma rolled her eyes. "Way to ruin the moment."
Vegeta only shrugged as he flew to school. It didn't take long to get there and for Bulma to get what they needed. They were at Bardock's in no time and both of them were surprised to see the Queen waiting outside for them.
"Your majesty?" Bulma asked curiously. She had assumed she would have her plate full with the media wave from all the destruction. She had no idea why she was here now.
"I have to apologize to the both of you."
Vegeta would have fallen out of the sky if he hadn't already landed. "Wait, what?"
"Bulma after what Vegeta told me I realize that you have always had my son's best interest at heart. You have stood by his side at times when everyone including myself was trying to pull you apart. For that I am grateful and I believe that you will be an excellent mate for my son.
"Thank you."
"I am here to help you in between your work. I noticed that you were not involved in the fight nor could you really help due to your lack of experience and lack of strength. As a queen we cannot have that. There may come a time when you will have to protect your son and I will not have you repeat my mistakes." She said the last part looking at Vegeta.
He sucked in his breath not really knowing how to take that.
Bulma was a little confused. "I am grateful for any type of help, but I'm not sure what you mean."
Cellena smirked that trademark family smirk and said, "Isn't it obvious? I am going to train you."
Meanwhile in the hidden base….
"Do you see? Do you see what we could do?" Dr. Gero said as he stood in front of monitors displaying the footage of the fight that took place earlier. The survivors and rebels were looking with either joy or concern. The room was split with not knowing how to proceed. "Look and listen to how we fought those Saiyans! We almost took out their king!"
Yamcha was not impressed. "Almost isn't a win! Need I remind you that most of these people are not fighters? They are survivors' yes, but to take on a race of warriors-"
"Is nothing! Once I have given you the proper modifications then you will know and understand every martial art known to the Saiyans. I have been studying them for years. I hacked into the training systems and have even monitored the King, Bardock and all their children."
"But not lately you haven't!" Yamcha countered. "You admitted that you haven't been able to monitor anything since Bulma and her family have gotten involved in the science division. You could be leading everyone into a deadly trap."
"That is why the Briefs need to be taken out. You have already tried! They will not fight with us so they are against us!"
"Yeah speaking of that, you mention how you have always hated that family. So how could we even dream of an alliance if you were always planning on taking them out?"
"Because I don't have time for foolish dreams. You can stay in your dreams or face reality! We have been struggling for too long. We have allowed these people to take our pride, take our lives and take our homes. Well I say no more! I am leaving tonight, and if you want to follow me then follow me. If not stay with Yamcha. I promise we will not attack you once this planet is ours. But if you are against us then you are a traitor and we will treat you in the same respect as the Saiyans. This will be my only warning. So who is with me?"
Yamcha and Krillian stood proudly on one side while Gero stood on the other. Half the people got up and went towards Gero and the other stayed with Yamcha. Gero was glad with the numbers he was able to get but frowned when he saw one particular person stay on the other side. He looked to a young man with dark hair and blue eyes who only crossed his arms and looked away angrily. "Alright, we are leaving. Hopefully some of you will change your minds."
After that they all left, leaving Yamcha with the group of people that were left. He gave a nice motivational speech of how we need to stick together and survive and that it's not too late to have a normal life but Krillian had other concerns. His new friend and hopefully soon to be girlfriend was looking depressed. He sighed and stood next to her as she leaned against the wall not really paying attention to Yamcha either. "Are you ok 18?"
"I hate that name."
"Well I told you before that I would call you anything you want."
"I don't remember my real one. So I don't want to be called anything different until I find out what that is."
"Got it….so you and your brother finally split up."
18 looked down at her feet. "I told him that I don't trust Gero. He said he found us and raised us and gave us the names 17 and 18 because we were the 17th and 18th Earthlings he found but I just think we were experiments."
"You still don't remember anything before he 'upgraded' you?"
"No. He said that we agreed to let him put a stupid chip in her heads to make us amazing fighters and in the process our memories were wiped. But he supposedly raised us since we were kids."
"And 17 believes it which is why he won't leave him?"
"I just think he wants these 'upgrades' that Gero has been promising. He told us that he finally got what he needed to make us the strong beings that we were meant to be. But I just didn't want to wake up in another lab not knowing who I was again."
"Upgrades huh? Like he has?"
"I don't want those things on my hands. I'm already stronger than humans and I can fly. I just can't take on the King. And I don't think I want to either."
"Well just stick with us. I promise that you can be whoever you want and do whatever you want."
18 smiled for the first time that day. That's what she liked about Krillian. He was the only that could do that. "Thanks."
Later…
Gero was able to move the people to his secret lab hidden on Vegeta and was pleased with the number of volunteers but he was far from happy when it came to his next phase. He called 17 into his private office and sat down behind his desk "Where is your sister!?"
17 was un-phased by his anger. "She didn't want to come. She doesn't like you. I don't either but I want what you promised me."
Gero angrily slammed his hand on his desk. "This has nothing to do with 'liking me' but everything to do with ruling VEGETA! We could even rule the whole universe when I'm done. But she is vital in my next step. The two of you need to have your upgrades. I finally have the equipment to give them to you. The two you of you are the keys to my ultimate creation."
"Which is?"
"I am building something from scratch and you two will help. That is all I care to say."
"My sister won't abandon me but she doesn't want to work with you. Why don't you find someone else?"
"It has to be twins. You are the only ones!"
"Pfft. You're getting creepier and creepier every day old man."
"What? Show me some respect!"
"Look just come get me when you're ready to make me stronger. You have your equipment now so get to work."
"Let's not forget who the leader here is!"
"I haven't." 17 said as he walked away and out the room leaving Gero to his own thoughts.
"Brats. Both of them. If I would have known that they were going to be so disrespectful I would have completely wiped them before I had stolen them from their mother. But I needed twins. It has to be twins…." He said as he reached into the drawer of his desk and pulled out his blueprints…"Otherwise Cell can never be all he is supposed to be."
Author's Note: Wow guys. It has been a minute. Life man, that's all I can say. I do want to finish this story. With things going on at home and also dealing with a bit of writers block I kind of was unsure of how to continue without it not ending up being anything similar to my Cosmic Love series (which is awesome by the way and you should definitely check it out if you haven't). But as you can see some new characters are introduced, and some new relationships too. So please review, Let me know if you guys are still interested in this story. Up next Bulma trains with the Queen, Kakarot gets a surprise, and someone is going to die. Please Review! And thank you!