I know the updates are coming slowly. Real life has been quite dreary lately. As some of you may know, I just lost my grandmother recently and I haven't felt at all like writing. I managed to conclude this chapter and finally post it. I will try to get writing again soon, but only time will tell how my muse will be. Hopefully you'll be patient with me and maybe life will give me a break.
-CP
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Chapter 6
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Vegeta became frustrated. Kakarot was a quick study, but he lacked the necessary skill for water battle. Bulma had taken them to a huge pool on the property. Made it suitable for them to train in. He felt at ease as he swam in his true form. However, at times he felt as if he were in a giant fish tank. The first step was getting Kakarot used to the speed. How to dodge an attack was vital, especially if weapons were involved. Next would be water manipulation.
"Swimming may be natural, but that's only the human side. Your Mer body must be trained to unlock your full potential."
"I'd like to take a break, though. We've been at this all morning."
"You're so far behind." Vegeta pointed at him with a webbed finger. "The more training you get done, the faster we can fix things."
"What about food?"
"You may eat when you can successfully dodge a full volley of my attacks without taking a hit." Vegeta readied himself. "Now, let's begin."
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Bulma watched in fascination as Goku tried to dodge Vegeta's attacks. They both swam with such fluidity and strength, it just seemed so surreal. She still couldn't believe that she was bonded to a merman. About an hour ago she pinched herself finding that no, she wasn't dreaming.
She watched as Vegeta produced a type of energy/water ball and throw it. Bulma figured it would be extremely sluggish underwater, but she was surprised to see that it actually moved quite quickly. When it hit the side of the reenforced tank, it sputtered and crackled and Goku's tail fin was a bit singed, but no worse for wear.
"Again!" She heard Vegeta yell and he started charging up more attacks and even spun up a waterspout which she had to duck away from. "Woman, get out of the training arena."
"I was coming to tell you that lunch was ready!" She huffed.
"Well, you could've used the fancy intercom system you boasted about." He retorted. "Kakarot will get his meal when he's finished his training."
"Vegeta, he's a novice." She sighed. "Besides, he'll be no use to you until he's fed. Trust me when I say this."
"Fine." Vegeta huffed and pulled himself out of the water. "Come to me."
Bulma looked down at his outstretched hand and shivered a little. The fingers were webbed, the teal fish-like skin dripping wet and she was honestly a little afraid to touch him.
"Come, woman. I'm not poison." He sighed. "You shouldn't fear me, I chose you."
"It's still a little strange."
"Is it?" He shrugged while waving his tail fin in the pool while he rested back on his hands. His hair, unweighted by water, stood on end again in it's natural style. His tail moved forward and back, the teal and navy coloring shining in the sun leaking in from the sky-light windows above.
Goku was already shifted back to human form with a towel wrapped around his waist moving towards the shorts he'd left on the hook. "Food?"
"In the house, Goku. Chi-Chi's in the kitchen with Gohan." Bulma smiled at her friend before he rushed into the house.
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"He'll be training again soon. He has much to learn."
"Aren't you hungry?"
"Yes, I am. However, I have more control over myself than he does. Kakarot acts like a simple-minded buffoon." Vegeta looked up at her again. "Now, come. Sit with me."
She sat down slowly and dunked her feet in the water. "What is it?"
"I want you to stop running from me, woman." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I want you, I chose you, and against my better judgment I bound us."
"I didn't ask you to." She retorted.
"No, I know. Damnit, woman, I didn't intend for this to happen but it's done. The war couldn't be won, I had already been doomed the first time I connected with you. Mer find their mates this way. Sure, it's been a very long time since a royal has had need for a land-dweller. The last was before my time." He slowly shifted back and watched the blush tint her cheeks as she turned from his naked form.
"I'll get you a towel."
"Look at me."
"Vegeta!"
"Look at me, Bulma."
Her cheeks were still pink and her eyes met his, the teal slowly fading to black. "Tell me something."
"What?"
"Once my kingdom is restored, would you come to the sea with me?"
"I don't know." He watched her eyes lower. "It's too soon to say, Vegeta. Just because we're magically bonded doesn't mean I love you yet. We hardly know each other and I'm also human."
"I see." Vegeta looked out at the pool and sighed. "How much time do you need?"
"It depends. Relationships take time, they don't just form. At least, not for humans."
He touched the necklace she still wore, happy she hadn't removed it. "This will help you come with me when you decide to. Come, I require food."