I'm actually a bit uncertain where I'm going from here. I have a set ending, but it's taking a bit of a turn. I'm sorry it took so long to update this, but I just let the creative juices flow. This is where it's taken me and since this is an AU, I'm taking a bit of a liberty with a couple characters here. Don't hate, just enjoy. Anyway, here's the next chapter and, as always, if there are any inconsistencies please PM me. I still am thinking that this story won't be too much longer, but I'm not going to rush to the end. Please be patient, and also if anyone out there feels like making some art for this story, I'd much appreciate it. Happy New Year!
-VP
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Chapter 16
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Raditz treaded water before coming ashore and looking at his prince. His long hair stuck to his back and sides before he pushed it away and coughed up big pools of ocean water. He sighed before beginning to speak. "Nappa has fallen."
"Fuck!" Vegeta bellowed at his fellow mer. "I told him to observe only and report, not get involved."
"The fault was not his own, he was only observing and was discovered by Zarbon." Raditz stated in defense of his comrade.
"What was his fate?"
"Eaten by the tyrant in front of all his subjects." He bowed his head. "An example to betrayers."
"Fuck!" He exclaimed once more and pulled his fellow comrade to his feet. "It's clear that you've been compromised now. You can no longer return to the sea."
"Did you find my brother?" Raditz asked as he pulled on the shorts Vegeta handed him.
"Yes, I did. Kakarot sadly has no memory of his former life." Vegeta stated with a sigh.
"It was a gamble father was willing to take. One of us had to live and I don't have the power to unleash the sacred weapon." Raditz bowed his head. "What is your will, my Prince?"
"We need to regroup and come up with a battle plan that suits this new development. Sure, Kakarot's memory may be gone, but his power is not. We may have to rely on that to succeed. I also have other developments on the shore that have come to pass."
"What do you mean?"
"I have a mate, a human woman. A scientific mind that has created a weapon for me." He shrugged.
"Well, I'll be damned. The great prince has a heart after all."
Vegeta reared back and punched his friend in the gut. "You take that to the grave with you."
"Of course, sire." Raditz wheezed with a chuckle.
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Bulma grumbled as she looked out at the driveway to see a shiny car pulling up. It was her sister coming for her yearly visit. After she moved out, her family didn't see much of her. To be honest, they weren't always close in the first place. Tights wanted to be a humanitarian instead of a scientist. She was a brilliant mind, but had their mother's quirky disposition, and the blonde hair to go with it. She'd spent the last year traveling with the Peace Corps handing out food and giving medicine to those less fortunate.
"Bulma!" She smiled and hugged her tightly. "It's been too long!"
"A year."
"Where's ma?"
"In the house baking. She's been preparing for your arrival all week." Bulma sighed and patted her sister on the shoulder. "You should know it's always a party when you come home."
"She told me you have a man in your life now."
Bulma blushed and turned her head so that her hair would cover her face. "When did you call?"
"Oh, two weeks ago. Mom said you were busy with your man and you'd talk to me when I came in. It's so great that you have a man, don't be embarrassed." Tights pulled her into another hug. "I heard Goku has been staying here too. How's he been?"
"Well, I've been doing pretty good." Goku chuckled as he walked towards them. "Hey Bulma, Vegeta's here with company."
"Who?"
"My brother, apparently. Something's happened. He said to meet him at the pool." Goku scratched his head in that confused way.
"Sure." Bulma walked back towards the house hearing the fading conversation between her sister and friend. She really felt that now was a bad time for her sister to be visiting. Also, Goku has a brother?
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"Look, Raditz, you're going to have to get your land legs sooner or later."
"I've never been on land, this isn't easy you know!" Said mer grumbled as he took another few steps. Vegeta shook his head, how he was able to finally get him here was a trial in itself. How come the two sons of Bardock were complete buffoons?
"Just keep walking. You'll get the hang of it."
He looked at the closed door and willed it to open. His woman should've already been here. He needed to discuss some things with her and come up with an arrangement for Raditz. He frowned as she finally showed up and he felt that she was distressed. Distraction was not welcome, not now.
"Sorry, Vegeta. My sister is in town for her yearly visit." She sighed and walked up to him.
"Sister?" He asked.
"Yeah, you have my memories. I'm surprised you never asked."
"Your bond didn't feel familial, that's why I pushed it aside." He explained.
"Oh. Well, we never were really all that close. She's older than me by a lot and, well, she was never interested in science. She's been with the Peace Corps for years and she comes home once a year to visit the family."
"I see." Vegeta pushed some hair behind her ear and then pulled her close. "We'll focus on that later."
"You needed me for something?" She turned to face their new guest.
"This is Raditz, first son of Bardock. His position was compromised last evening at the demise of my fellow comrade Nappa."
"Goku said you were his brother?"
"Yes, I am." Raditz answered before bowing. "It is an honor to meet you, Princess of Vegetasai."
"Vegeta?"
"You are my mate, of course you are the Princess of my people. If I were to assume the throne, you would be my queen." Vegeta sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Raditz, you will be staying at this compound and together we will be re-evaluating the state of affairs regarding the kingdom."
"Of course, sire."
"As for now, we will find you a room and I'm sure dinner will be served soon?" Vegeta turned to his mate.
"Yeah, come on. Let's go." Bulma smiled before leading them to the main house. Things were about to get interesting.