Thanks for all the nice things.
ShadowMajin beta read this chapter again. I have to thank him for his good job.
Unfortunately, he won't be able to keep editing my work, so I have to warn you that I'm not sure what this story might become. I have chapters in store but I don't think they can be published without a serious beta and by now, I lack the energy to look for a new angel.
Chapter 9 - Picnic on a battlefield
Vegeta had been asked to wait in a rather small office. One of the wall was a large window pane offering a breathtaking view of the town right from the top of the Capsule Corps' tower; yet, aside from this detail, the room was sober, bare of any decoration and furnished with nothing other than a desk and the bench the Saiyan was sitting on. For some reason, he had expected something more lavish than this poor decor for his first meeting with the Heiress.
He was still stunned that the night at the gambling club five days before had brought him to this situation. After the fight with Nappa's henchmen, Goku had dragged the baseball player to the filthiest bar of the filthiest neighborhood of West City. Yamcha was still shocked about the way he'd been assaulted - Nappa's idiotic dogs had tried to kill him after all - and he got himself even drunker than he already was. Vegeta had to admit that following his pace had earned him a dreadful hangover.
Goku had been the only one to keep a clear mind and he kept telling Yamcha senseless tales about Vegeta saving his ass countless times in terrible brawls. Yamcha had no trouble buying them all as the strong booze and a deep gratefulness for the Saiyan had seriously altered his ability to think straight. After a while, the alcohol had made the baseball player confident and talkative enough to confess that someone had tried to shoot his girlfriend and him two days ago. Two attempts on his life in two days had turned him upside down and he was crying over the fact that his girlfriend refused to have a bodyguard. That's when Goku had deemed him ripe enough to suggest that she might be easier to coax if said bodyguard was presented as a friend, like, for example, a Saiyan friend with outstanding skills and experience of protection.
Despite his own dizziness, Vegeta had witnessed the whole talk with great interest. Yamcha had been awed at Goku's idea to have him as his girlfriend's bodyguard. Furthermore, when Goku called him back the next day to make sure his drunkenness hadn't erased his memory, the baseball player was convinced that he had been the one to offer the deal and he was worried at the prospect that the Saiyan might refuse. Vegeta had a shiver at the realization that such a moronic-looking guy like Goku could be so good at manipulating people. He'd never seen that part of his partner before. When they'd teamed up for the fall of Freezer, it had mostly been about taking risks in insane dangerous plans. Yet, Goku had not only balls and he also had an accurate perception of people and Vegeta knew too well how dreadful this kind of skill could be as he'd been manipulated for years by the Ice-Jinn.
As a matter of fact, the Capsule Corporation had called Vegeta the next day and an appointment had been scheduled. The interview had taken place in a cramped room that looked more like a police interrogation room than a businessman office. No windows, a plain metallic table and matching chairs. There wasn't even paperwork in sight. The only thing missing was the two way mirror, but the Saiyan had no doubt there were cameras in there.
Considering Capsule Corporation was a very big firm, Vegeta had expected to face several people but a sole guy was waiting for him in the room. He was tall and bald, wearing a stern suit and claiming to be chief of security for Capsule Corp. Except for his muscular frame, he was the typical picture of a polite pencil-pusher. Shinhan was the name. His name and face placed him as Eastern-ish and he was even blessed with a slight accent. He wasn't very talkative at first though. He shook Vegeta's hand and introduced himself but after that, he just sat opposite from him at the table while contemplating the Saiyan for a long moment.
Shienhan's silent scrutiny had been rather puzzling but it hadn't been enough to baffle Vegeta. He assumed that the guy intended to test his nerves. That was a fair part of the game. The Saiyan stayed still with his arms crossed, gazing back at his interlocutor until he would bring himself to talk.
"Yamcha said you were someone special," Shinhan finally stated.
Vegeta shrugged with a smirk. "You'll have to be your own judge, I guess."
For the first time, Shinhan's stoic mask faded and his lips twitched in a slight smile. Vegeta understood that he wouldn't be the type to rely on the baseball player's opinion - which was rather a good point in the Saiyan's mind.
"I'm always my own judge, but my opinion isn't the only one that counts. I'm not sure you know what this job is about. What did Yamcha tell you?" Shinhan resumed.
"He said his girlfriend was in deep need for a serious bodyguard. He said someone tried to shoot her."
The chief of security had a faint frown at the explanation. Vegeta knew exactly what might bother him: a certain baseball player babbling about his girlfriend's life. Shinhan cleared his throat in unease. "What did he tell you about his girlfriend? Do you know her?"
Vegeta remained completely unaffected at the question. Even in his drunkest state Yamcha hadn't disclosed the heiress' name. The hell, he was something of a good boy. Vegeta couldn't confess that he knew he would work for Bulma Briefs in person but he couldn't pretend he was completely clueless either. "Yamcha didn't say much about her and I don't even know her name, but considering the Capsule Corporation seems to be in charge of her security, I assume she's someone working here, or maybe a member of the family running this firm. Does that make a difference?"
Shinhan's features eased off a little and he clasped his hand. "No. I was just asking out of curiosity. Now, should I understand you're an unemployed bodyguard?"
Vegeta had a small chuckle. "Yeah, sort of. I was part of Lord Freezer security; obviously I lost my boss as you know."
At the mention of Freezer, Shinhan repressed a bewildered frown. Vegeta savored the sight as the man was struggling to hide his astonishment. The Saiyan had transmitted his CV - mentioning almost everything but his job at Snapshot - but it seemed the Chief of Security had no time to glance at it. "Freezer? That was - What? Two years ago? What did you do after that?"
Vegeta sighed, "I enjoyed my money. See, I've been working for ten years for the Ice family, but when Lord Freezer was deposed by his father, I knew better than going back to the Ice Empire and I decided to stay in West City. The weather is much nicer and beside, I've been cautious enough to store all my savings in a bank in Central State."
Shinhan smiled at the story. "So, you're some sort of political refugee. You are Saiyan, aren't you?"
"Right, I'm Saiyan - which makes me a political refugee wherever I go, as things stand."
Shinhan pouted. "Saiyan are famous for their skills at fighting and I'm impressed to meet one. You're also smart as far as I can see, and the last but not the least, your past is quite unusual. However, you claim two years of inactivity and enough money to live with, so I'm wondering why you would go for that job - not to mention you don't know exactly what it's about," he pointed out.
Vegeta repressed his growing urge to smirk. Shinhan was nowhere near the fool Yamcha was; it made the game even spicier. "I'm bored," he claimed, "Saiyan are known for their skills at fighting as well as for their restlessness. Yamcha talked about people trying to shoot the girl so I assumed this job would be thrilling. I hate easiness."
Shinhan bit his lips and rested his chin on his clasped hand. "Restlessness, huh? Regarding restlessness, I have to say you might get more than you bargained for. What you say makes sense, though. Why not show me what you can do?"
Vegeta had appreciated that the chat didn't last more than that. He wasn't claiming a job as the lady's companion, but as bodyguard. Moreover he was much more gifted to show his value with his fists than with his tongue. Shinhan had brought him to a sparring room in the Capsule Corp underground floor. Once again, the Saiyan was surprised to find out he would have no other opponent than Shinhan himself. The Chief of Security seemed to read his mind and he gave him a challenging smile, then with no warning whatsoever, he threw a punch to his jaw.
While Vegeta was busy dodging it, Shinhan kicked him in the knees aiming to have him hit the ground. Vegeta was caught off guard but he prevented the contact by grasping his ankle at the last minute. The Saiyan hopped backward dragging his opponent's leg up in the process in an attempt to topple him over. The Eastern man followed the move but he stopped his fall by slamming his hands on the ground and used them as a support to try to kick the Saiyan's face with his free leg. Vegeta arched back to avoid the blow and caught the second ankle in flight. As soon as his firm grip clutched at Shinhan's second leg, he whirled around dragging his opponent along until he had enough momentum to send him fly away. There was a loud tug when Shinhan's back hit the wall and he fell flat on the ground.
Vegeta ran to him in no time and tried to jump straight on him in an attempt to pin him to the ground. Shinhan was fast enough to dodge him by rolling over but the Saiyan was successful jamming his arm under his knee. Lying on his back, Shinhan used his free arm to try a blow to his kneeling opponent. The guy was quicker than expected but Vegeta was now on his guard. He blocked the punch with little effort. Shinhan attempted other strikes but Vegeta stopped them all. The Saiyan was quite amused to see him struggling while he was unable to release his arm from his crushing weight.
Then, Shinhan came to raise his legs to strangle the Saiyan by wrapping them around his shoulders. Before he could do so, Vegeta stood up in a blink setting him free in an unexpected move and the Eastern man got carried away by his own momentum. He found himself upside down and by the time he could gather his wits, the Saiyan grasped the nape of his neck with an iron grip and lifted him up from the ground. He was about to crash his head into the wall when the Chief of Security blurted a yell meaning the end of the sparring.
Vegeta let go of him. Shinhan was panting and massaging his aching neck as he looked up at him. "Man, you live up to your reputation. Considering this was only sparring, I wouldn't like to have to fight you for real."
The Saiyan nodded while adjusting his crumpled shirt. "So? Am I hired?"
Shienhan beamed at him. "I would love to. However, as I told you I'm not the only one to make the decision. Come back here tomorrow and you'll meet the woman you'll have to work for. She'll be harder to coax, but I'll help you, you can trust me."
...
Vegeta was remembering these words as he was now sitting on that leather bench in that deserted room and waiting for the Heiress. He was nervous and he really hoped that the Eastern man would keep his word because if the Heiress refused to hire him, Goku and him would be screwed now that everyone knew Vegeta's face. There was no longer a plan B for them.
Vegeta gave a sigh as he was becoming impatient. He got up and walked to the window to watch the panorama of the town. The weather was cloudy and a slight mist was wrapped around the highest towers. Out of an old habit, Vegeta checked the glass of the window with the tip of his finger. It was thick, probably bulletproof.
"As a matter of fact, it is bullet proof," a female voice confirmed behind him.
Vegeta didn't move. He'd heard her coming in, but he hadn't bothered greeting her. He had been the one waiting for half an hour. He didn't even turn to her and kept his eyes locked on the city. "It wouldn't resist a bomb though," he replied.
"A bomb? At that height?" she mumbled.
"Who knows? Determined people are creative people," he grunted.
She laughed and he turned to her that time. It was the first time he saw her for real. While he'd pictured a very classy woman, very much like all the official photos he'd seen of her, she was wearing a white lab coat over worn out jeans and a simple T shirt carrying the logo of Capsule Corp. Her locks were gathered into a hazy bundle thanks to a pen stuck into her hair and she was sitting on the desk in front of him. She slipped a cigarette between her lips and lit it up. "Are you trying to bargain for your wages, Mr I-forgot-your-name-sorry-that's-rude?" she asked with an amused smile.
"Bargaining my wages?" he repeated with puzzlement.
"Well, you're trying to have me hire you as a bodyguard, so I bet the best way to demonstrate I need you more than you need me is to scare me, right?"
Vegeta raised an eyebrow. "Don't you need me either way? Or is it all about babysitting? If that's the case, there's no reason for me to waste my time."
She gazed at him with defiant eyes, her smile lingering on her lips. "Fact is I don't really need you. My friend Tien Shinhan thinks I do."
"And how did he come to that conclusion if I may ask?"
She pouted and tapped nervously her ashes in the tray on the desk. "Well, someone tried to shoot me."
Vegeta leaned his back against the window and crossed his arms. "You know, that's the typical situation of people in need for bodyguards, but you sound like you're thinking otherwise. Are you perhaps bulletproof?"
Bulma scowled at the sarcasm. "Listen, Mr - what's your name again?"
"Ouji. Vegeta Ouji."
"Yeah Ouji, whatever. What I think is that a bodyguard is mainly a nuisance 24 hours a day. I might not be bulletproof, but neither are you. What are you going to do the day that goddamn sniper aims me again? Get shot instead of me?" she spat with some irritation.
Vegeta cocked his head and studied her annoyed face. There was something odd in her reaction. Danger had been part of Vegeta's life from an early age and even though he was used to it, it had never prevented him from feeling fear whenever his life was at stake. Even Freezer had turned frantic whenever his situation had turned critical. Now, this woman had probably spent her entire life in a safe world so the threat of this unknown sniper should be something unfamiliar scaring her to death. She should fear the killer and bless any possible protection. Yet, there she was, bitching about her comfort while her life was endangered. Why? Either she was completely stupid and unaware of reality, or she was hiding something. Both options sounded likely and yet, Vegeta liked the second one better. "I would get shot instead of you if I had to, but I'm trained to avoid such extremes. Most of all, don't worry for me, I'm not so easy to shoot. A bunch of people can vouch for that fact. What about you?"
She looked up at him. Despite her sarcasms and her casual behavior about the situation, he could say she was nervous. She kept quiet for a while as if pondering about what Vegeta had just said. "I'm not easy to shoot either," she whispered with a bitter smile, "Yamcha and Tien said you were someone special with outstanding abilities. Yamcha said I could trust you and nothing bad could happen to me with you around. Still, I don't like the idea to have…"
"It will only be temporary, Bulma." Shinhan's voice cut off. Vegeta and the Heiress turned their head to him at the same time. He was standing at the entrance of the room and staring at the young woman with a concerned face. "It would only last the time it would take for us to figure out who is trying to kill you. We're all worried sick for you," he added with a soft voice.
She lowered her head in unease. "I don't want to have a stranger following me wherever I go, days or night," she mumbled like a stubborn child unamenable to a reasonable speech.
Shienhan stepped to her and rested a hand on her shoulder. "This guy isn't exactly a stranger, he's one of Yamcha's friend," he pointed out.
She gave a wary glance at Vegeta. He realized that uttering Yamcha's name had instantly soothed her reluctance. She studied him with care as if considering him like possible company.
"Yamcha trusts him," Tien insisted.
"Well, if Yamcha does, I suppose I should too," she sighed in resignation. She stubbed out her cigarette and stood up. She walked to Vegeta with her hand stretched out and a faint smile on her lips. "Congratulation, Mr Ouji. Welcome into the amazing world of Bulma Briefs," she uttered with a caustic voice.
He shook her hand, but didn't reply as he was uncertain about the true meaning of her words. They sounded more like a threat than like a welcome. He had never been so close to her before and he couldn't help but study her features. She was a replica in the flesh of the few official pictures he'd seen and the realization that she truly existed was a strange feeling. She gave him a questioning gaze as he was slow to let go of her hand. He looked away immediately when he became aware of his own weird behavior. He could have slapped himself for acting so reckless. It would be a total disaster if she came to suspect the plot behind his hiring.
Yet, she didn't seem to press this further and turned to Shinhan. "I have to go back to my lab now. Chiaotzu is waiting for me downstairs," she claimed.
"I'll join you after lunch," the Eastern man told her
Just when she was about to exit the room she gave a last look at Vegeta. "I guess we'll meet again, soon enough. Have a nice day, Mr Ouji." Vegeta nodded and greeted her back all by noting that her voice had eased off all of a sudden.
When she was gone, Shinhan closed the door and leaned his back against the desk. He crossed his arms calmly and stared at Vegeta with an obvious satisfaction. "I'm glad to see you two get along pretty well."
Vegeta arched his eyebrows in surprise. "I rather had the feeling that she was pissed at the prospect to have me as her bodyguard," he replied.
Shienhan had a smile. "Indeed, she is pissed. I have to be honest with you, she'll need time to trust you and accept you, but she didn't reject you either so that's definitely good news. She had a bodyguard before you, but it was a guy I imposed on her and - uh - the result was quite hectic. She got rid of him by locking him in the men's restroom and disappeared for five hours. These are painful memories for me."
Vegeta frowned at the humiliating fate of his predecessor. He would definitely have to stay on his guard with such a bitch.
"She's not always that temperamental though. She'd been through a lot lately and the threat on her head gets on her nerves," he added to soothe the Saiyan's wariness.
Vegeta shrugged, "I'm sure she is the perfect temperamental type whether there is a threat on her head or not. I can deal with it, I remind you I worked for the Ice Family."
Tien Shinhan nodded. "I'm sure you can. Now, the job is also somehow special. I mean, we have a special way to do things when it's about Bulma's protection and there are some rules you should know before signing the contract."
Vegeta hated the unease tinging his voice. "What sort of rules?"
"First, as you noticed, she doesn't accept anyone around her and that means there's only three people as bodyguard. You, Chiaotzu - you'll meet him soon - and me," Shinhan answered.
"Are you kidding?" Vegeta grunted in reply.
"You said you didn't like easiness," Shienhan reminded.
The Saiyan huffed. "Senseless. How do we do that?"
"You work two days in a row, then Chiaotzu watches her one day and I do another day - that is day and night. Is it a problem?"
Vegeta gaped. A problem? That was much more than a problem. He hadn't planned to spend 48 hours non-stop with such a woman and he wasn't sure his nerves would survive. On the other hand, he reminded himself that the Heiress security wasn't his real concern and following her night and days would actually make his investigations much easier and much faster.
He closed his mouth in an annoyed pout. "Add 20% to my wages and it'll do."
Shienhan scolwed at the offer but he nodded wordlessly.
"What else?" Vegeta mumbled.
"The sacred rule: no plan. Except in some rare cases, you never know in anticipation where you go and what you do in a day, and you won't be allowed to carry anything personal during duty. Especially, you'll have to leave your personal phone at the Capsule - as a safety against anyone willing to track down your every move. We will provide you a professional phone each day," Shinhan explained.
Vegeta gritted his teeth. This wouldn't help the job at all. Goku needed to know what the goddamn heiress was up to and he needed to stay in touch with Vegeta. How could he snap any pictures otherwise? "This is insane. This means I can never check the places where we go," the Saiyan spat.
"I'll have staff doing this for you and reporting anything unusual. Come on, you're Saiyan. I'm sure you were into some underground wars. The unexpected shouldn't scare you," Shinhan teased him.
Vegeta walked away from the window and up to the Eastern man. "I had battle plans even during the wars I went through. This is nothing like underground war, this is much more like a picnic on a battlefield."
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