M6: Emotional Distraught
I, Bulma Briefs, am not a happy camper. So far my husband has not gotten any better, thanks to Gohan. But for now I am sitting in a chair, making sure that if Vegeta wakes up, I'll be here. The phone call to bring his jacket still bothers me. What could Vegeta need that was concerning the jacket? Was he just cold? His phone? I use process of elimination, seeing as his phone was there the second object wasn't it. Possibly he was cold? Maybe he didn't want to use his Saiyan powers and whatnot. Actually, I don't think that fits either, due to the fact he doesn't allow himself to get lazy. Which is why he hates staying in bed, miserable. What in the world could he want it for? Should I just go over there and look into the pocket?
Possibly...breaking my promise? I shake my head at the thought, crossing my arms. I wouldn't do that to him. He just might really like that jacket and decided to have it with him. Possibly he was just being cocky again, knowing he would get out in a matter of days from this hospital and wanted his jacket nearby for his departure. I would say that would be my best guess right there. Something still itched at me the wrong way. Something he's hiding or something he doesn't want to tell...something important? There's something obviously something important in that pocket, but what is it? A friend's phone number...wait! That's it! That's exactly why he doesn't want me to see it. He's cheating on me, that dirty bastard! I shake my head, stomping over to the jacket. I can't believe he would be so desperate for some slutty attention that he asked his own wife to get his jacket. There is something going on, and it obviously has something to do with some other woman. I reach out for the jacket, preparing to pull out the phone number or some Playboy magazine inside. As much as that sounds ridiculous, there could be strips of the porno magazine, right?
My hands clasp on the leather, the cold of the fabric surprising me. What also surprised me was my hesitance of picking it up. 'Do I really not trust my husband enough to think that he's cheating? Do I really need evidence to prove his companionship...?' I think, taking a step back. The jacket now rested in my hands. After all, I may regret not looking in the pocket, right? 'But my promise...well if he's breaking his vows, his promises, then he'll understand.' I reach in, cold scraping my fingertips. The texture was hard, especially in the center as if something was scratched or written onto the surface. Another hard surface was below it, as if it were a rock of some sort.
Curiosity took me over, my hand clutching the metallic object, fishing it out of the jacket. I look at my closed fist, fearful of what this was. My jacket was in my other hand as I stood there next to Vegeta's bed. I exhaled slowly, removing one finger after another. Soon all five were removed and a golden locket rested in my hands. A lilac gem adorned the center, a symbol etched onto the rest of the locket. On the side there was an odd group of symbols, seeming to spell out something. There were several lines and dots, all seeming to form a word. I wasn't sure what it was, but I was pretty sure it was Spanish or Portuguese, languages I didn't know. But Spanish didn't have those, nor did Portuguese. Maybe it was Morse Code, just more curves and lines? I feel around the golden necklace, the weird language carved into it sharp to my touch. I run my thumb across it, wondering what in the world it meant. 'This must be Saiyan...' I thought.
I held the golden locket in my hands, marveling at the beauty of it. 'But why does he have this? Is it an heirloom of some sort?' This question soared around my head, answers never coming to release it. This beautiful gem also puzzles me. I've never seen an actual lilac gem...is there one on Earth that I just don't know about? Running my fingers over it almost sent a chill to my spine. My fingers felt a slight bump on the side, like a button of some sort. I flip the locket over, seeing a small oval-shaped button with a symbol on it. What would I see there? Some gory picture? A corpse? What could possibly be encased in a locket that belongs to a warrior-race like a Saiyan? Pushing my thoughts aside, I press down on the button, making a large effort to press down. Obviously this locket hasn't been opened in a while... What I see scares me more than my thoughts. This picture was even more shocking than what I had thought it'd be. 'It's...a happy family...?'
I am seriously flabbergasted. Since when are Saiyans part of a happy family? I mean, not counting Goku and Vegeta, but what if they never came to Earth? They would certainly be part of some harsh family. But Planet Vegeta, as I think its called, was destroyed. They would have nowhere to go anyways...they would have probably died by that Frieza alien. I bring my attention to the picture. There were four people- two children, two adults. The two children were hugged by the woman, while the man hugged all three of them. Each of them held a nice grin or smile. The smaller-looking boy seemed to be laughing or enjoying himself. He looked like he could be the brother of the other boy. 'Could that have been Tarble as a child?' It seems quite likely. He seemed very friendly and violence-hating, seeing his expression seemed so peaceful. The woman looked the same way. She had a subtle smile, resting her chin on the other boy's head, the one who looked like he was the older one. Even he gave a broad grin, even though he looked a little like the subtle sort. The woman was adorned with a dark blue cape, long black hair cascading unseen behind her. She had deep blue eyes which surprised me. I thought Saiyans only had brown and black eyes...well, Trunks and his future counterpart proved that wrong, I guess.
The woman had an intelligent look in her eyes, as if she had a knowing of everything. Yet she also had the look of modesty and practicality, as if prepared to give up any of her possessions. Her smile was one of warmth, one where you couldn't help but feel happy inside. It may have only been a picture, but I could tell the warmth she showed. The man hugging all three of them was quite similar to what my husband looked like. He had much darker skin though, and also the brown showed in his hair much more. He wore armor adorned with the symbol I saw on the button, an odd crest that looked somewhat like a crown. He wore a necklace, the sunlight making a bright glint reflecting back at me. I knew this was Vegeta's father, the one in which he inherited his looks and his name. Then there was the older boy, the one that looked as if he didn't want to be taken in a photo. But I could tell he had enjoyed it. He had bangs, almost to the length to cover his eyes. He wore an orange cape, same as his little brother who sat next to him. He laid back against his mother, a comforted look on his face. Something told me this was my husband, the one who was lying on the bed right next to me. So was the woman his mother? Before I can answer that question, I hear Vegeta stir. I begin to freak out. 'Oh my god, he cannot see me with this locket! Oh god oh god oh god...'
I stuff the locket into Vegeta's leather jacket pocket, scrambling over to my previous seat. Kami be praised, I made it in time just as he woke up. He bolted up, alarmed. He looked around the room, obviously befuddled about his surroundings. "Sartorou!" he exclaimed, breathing heavily. His eyes lands on me, relief washing over him.
"Bulma..." "Um, yeah?" I say. I'm pretty sure my guilt at looking at his locket was showing on my face... "Nothing. What are you still doing here? Shouldn't it be morning-" "No, its only the afternoon. Why would you think it was morning?" "It doesn't matter. I just had a dream where it was morning..." his eyes cast downward, obviously that dream of his coming back. When I thought he was shaken, he simply smirked up at me. "Heh. They can really mislead you, those idiotic god damn dreams." I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. And I thought he was troubled! "Yeah, they can! One time I actually had a dream where you had kissed me- so when I woke up I thought you had come back! Silly huh?" I laugh loudly, the memory coming back to me. "When the hell did you dream about me?" His voice cuts through my thoughts, making me face him. "Oh yeah, you were in space looking for Goku. While you were gone I had a dream and told some people, including Yamcha. You were a good kisser in that dream! I guess I'm psychic since I dreamt about that, huh?" "What in the existence of Namek do you mean by that?" "What I mean is you were a good kisser in that dream and that you're a good kisser now. That's what I mean by psychic!" I wink at him, putting my hands on my hips. "Fine, Woman. You have the most oddest dreams..." He said, shaking his head. "Yup. But you married me, now didn't you?" "Sometimes I wonder why..." "Wait what?" My expression changes from being in a joking manner to one of anger. How dare he insult me?! And all he had was his stupid god damn smirk! "You heard me perfectly well, Woman." "You god damn jerk! How dare you just wonder where in the name of God did you come up with a proposal for me?! Just seriously, how dare you just wonder why in the world you came to your wedding?! You have no right, Vegeta! That was just mean!" I make my way over, standing in front of him, hand raised. He just looks at me, a smirk on his face. I bring my hand down, fast, preparing to slap him. This jerk was going to pay! But just as I am about to reach his cheek, he grabs my wrist and pulls me forward. "Then why did you accept?" He kisses me on the lips, shocking me. Did he seriously think he had the nerve to just make me forget through seduction again? Also with the last thing he said! Why did I accept? How could I have accepted his proposal, this Saiyan jerk? Though I did think of these, I didn't pull back.
I felt quite mad, but that doesn't mean I didn't want to kiss him. I have been concerned for a while, so it's good to know he hasn't lost his seductiveness by getting sick. I guess this shows that he's not too sick, which is good. He pulled back, ending our kiss. I just look at him, sadness certainly showing on my face. "Hello, Bulma. I didn't know you were here to visit my patient," said Gohan, walking into the room. His white doctor coat had a green slime-looking stain tinged with pink near the bottom, making me arch my brow. "What is on your coat?" I ask, pointing at the stain. "Oh this? A patient sneezed on me when I was giving him his medicine. It was bubblegum flavored." "This is an adult hospital, you know that right?" "He refuses to have any other flavor." "O...kay...?" I watch as Gohan poured a generous amount of medicine in two cups, one green one pink. I heard Vegeta groan. "Just because I'm a Saiyan doesn't mean you need to choke me with that putrid medicine," he said, scowling. "I've told you already, you take double the normal amount," Gohan said, not looking up. Vegeta scowled once more. "Here you go, Vegeta." He handed over the two cups to Vegeta, waiting for him to drink it. "I hate you, you useless spawn," he muttered, downing both cups. Gohan just smiled. "Thank you, Vegeta." Gohan took back the cups, setting them down next to their bottles. Vegeta grunted as a response. Gohan just continued typing on his computer, looking at medical records or something. I stand and make my way over to Gohan, watching him type as fast as I do, if not faster. "What are you researching? Porn videos?" I say, Gohan pulling up a diagram of women anatomy. His head whips to face me, his cheeks turning a fiery red. "Eh, her breasts aren't too big-" I say, observing the picture on the right. I was correct, too. "Bulma! I am not searching up porn! I am a married man! One of my patients has lung cancer and I'm looking at the regular anatomy of a woman and her anatomy! It's to check her lungs!" "Alright, alright," I say, showing the palms of my hands. "I was only joking, gosh! I don't know if Videl satisfies you or not, but that's not my business-" "Then why did you make that assumption?!"Gohan's blush didn't falter as the conversation grew longer. I merely shrugged. "It looked like porn, so I had to assume you weren't being satisfied! I'm only human! A human woman for that matter." Gohan sighed, turning back to his laptop. "You can go away now Bulma..." "Hmm..." "Oh, what now?" "I'm just wondering if she got implants, whoever's anatomy this is...I mean the one of your patient's anatomy, the other one's breasts suck!" "Bulma, that one is my patient..." "Which one? Zero boobs or implant woman?" I say, peering closer. His blush deepened as he answered, gritting his teeth. "The first one...the one you called 'zero'..." "Wow. Eh, the other woman doesn't have a good size, I mean, they're okay...but I have larger ones, right Mr. Sicky?" I look towards Vegeta, who was rolled over away from us. "Hello?" "I am not going to listen to this insolent objectification..." Vegeta said. I gave him a look, hoping he could feel the daggers I was giving him through the back of his head. "You're not satisfied either?! I thought I was good in bed, Vegeta!" I exclaim, balling my hands into fists. He gave no reply. He gave a small cough, refusing to answer my question. "Men are all the same! Too insecure to say their women are sexy! God, sometimes..." I shake my head, turning back to Gohan. "So Videl is good in bed?" His blush deepened. He kept his gaze on the computer, ignoring me. I put my hands on my hips, jutting my bottom lip out. "Fine! Ignore me! See how I feel about that, Mr. Oh-I-can-ignore-whomever-I-want!" I turn away from him, seeing him roll his eyes. Obviously Gohan's used to my type of attitude. I turn to Vegeta, still not facing me. "I'm not mad at you anymore, just lettin' ya know." He gave a weak nod, still not rolling over. I make my over to the other side of the bed, concerned. When I walk over, Vegeta has the covers pulled up to his chin, obviously cold. I approach him and press the back of my palm against his forehead, the heat of a fever coming into contact. He seems to be in pain in some way, seeing the look on his face. His teeth were clenched together, brow furrowed. I'm concerned for him now, seeing him in this state. I then turn to Gohan, giving him a concerned look. He just cocked his head at me. "What's wrong?" he asked. "He's running a fever. He also seems to he in pain, not to mention he seems cold." "Hmm..." Gohan stepped over to a cabinet, searching around inside for something. Meanwhile I looked on at Vegeta, who still seemed to be in pain. He seemed to shiver as well... "Ah hah! Found it!" cried Gohan, fishing out a thermometer, sliding over the side of the bed to where I stood. "You're right, he doesn't look too good. But isn't the medicine working?" he asked himself as he slipped the thermometer inside Vegeta's mouth. We both waited for it to beep, those moments probably one of the longest in my life. Gohan pulled out the thermometer, scanning the screen, looking perplexed. "His temperature is 105 degrees. Obviously his medicine is contaminated-" "And who caused that to happen?" I bark. "Er, the people that work here?" "Well you better get it fixed! I'm not going to let my husband get cancer or something due to some idiots not doing their job!" The statement was short-lived, I know, but I couldn't help but just speak my mind. I turn to Vegeta, his chest rising and falling heavily. He still appeared to be in pain, but I wasn't sure of why. Then a realization hit me, a thought coming along. It almost sent tears to my eyes. I look back at Gohan, anger waning. I grit my teeth, waiting for the worst answer to my question. "Is he getting worse?" I hang my head, the tears now actually springing into my eyes. I refuse to let Gohan see my tears. "I'm sorry, Bulma, but I can't tell without a further investigation. I need to probably send a lung tissue sample to the lab." "Does that mean surgery?" I raise my head, demanding the truth through my eyes. He sighed. "It might. After all, he just might need actual surgery at a worst-case scenario. And how things are looking now, it just may come to that, though not at a too high chance. But right now it will only be to extract a sample. Not a high case surgery, one where we'd remove a large part. Its simply scraping, not cutting. He'll be fine, I promise." I bite my bottom lip, forcing tears to stay back. I couldn't afford to look weak in front of either of these men. I hold my head high, my eyes glistening from small forming tears.
How in the world could surgery come just to some simple pneumonia? Sure it might be just to extract some bacteria or to get a sample of lung tissue, but it still seemed the same as surgery. I didn't want my husband to go under the knife... "Bulma...are you okay?" Gohan asked, laying a hand on my slightly shaking shoulder. I nod, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. I was just to afraid to speak, concerned that my voice would crack. "I'm fine..." I manage to croak. "Remember, it's only to extract a sample. He's not dying, Bulma. He just needs the correct medicine and he'll be fine." He gave a reassuring smile, making me feel a bit more confident. Nonetheless, a single tear fell down my cheek, leaving me to brush it away. I make my way over to Vegeta, who was now sitting up in bed. He seemed to have heard everything. He wore a smirk on his lips, obviously not troubled by his condition. "Only surgery? I've died twice, and this isn't even a real surgery. Compared to those deaths, this is child's play." I smile, used to his confidence. It actually made me feel somewhat better. Gohan's typing could be heard behind me, obviously not paying either of us attention. Vegeta coughed into a tissue, interrupting our conversation. He started coughing harder, concerning me a little. One hand on his chest, he continued to cough. Gohan's typing stopped, obviously paying attention to his patient. Everything was still and silent except for the low volume of the television and his coughing. "I'm...I'm...fine..." he manage to say between coughs. He began to cough even harder, concerning me further. Finally, he took a breath and his coughing stopped. He gave a couple small coughs, but other than that his coughs had diminished. His hand was still on his chest, the other holding the tissue. "Are you okay, Vegeta?" I say, alarmed. He gave an impatient nod. "I'm not dead, am I? Have I passed out? Yes I'm fine!" he gave a small cough. "My chest hurts, that's all." "What do you mean?" "Every time I breathe it brings pain. It isn't too concerning though, I'm fine." "Gohan, is this part of pneumonia?" I ask, turning around to face his desk. "Well," he said, removing his glasses and folding them, setting then on his desk. "It is a certain type of pneumonia that has it. He appears to have bacterial pneumonia. That's where bacteria enters the body and does the same as you would get pneumonia. But since it's bacteria, it has even worse symptoms than that of regular pneumonia." I could only gape at him, his diagnosis seeping into me. "So, you've been giving him the wrong medication?!" I demand. "It's not as bad as you think! We can simply replace it and he'll be fine-" "Does giving a patient the wrong medicine so easy that all you need to do is change the medicine? What about the effect it has already given him? That's like taking cancer medicine when you've been diagnosed with tuberculosis!" "Bulma, calm down, I promise that he'll be fine. The medicines are quite similar, the only difference is that bacterial antibiotic has been added to the regular antibiotics. See, it's not too bad, now is it?" I sigh, pouring the anger out. Okay, so maybe it isn't as and as I think it is, but will this help Vegeta any better? I mean, there has to be a catch of some sort, right? But of course, Gohan didn't wait to listen to my retort. He strode out of the room, I guess in search for Vegeta's papers to sign him for the correct medication. I look back at Vegeta, who's smirk lit up his face. Obviously he wasn't concerned about the diagnostic. "It doesn't make a difference," he said, lying back against his pillows. "I'm still sick. If I get worse, I get worse. Simple, I will just be treated and I'll get better. Don't worry about it too much, Woman, I'll be fine without you being fodder for my thoughts." "Alright. I'm just concerned about your health." I look down at my watch, shocked to find it was already eight thirty-one. 'Wasn't it just two o clock?!' I look at Vegeta, an expectant look showing on his face. "What's wrong now, Woman?" "Well, I have to go get Trunks from Goten's house. If I don't go now, I'll be incredulously late." "Fine, go. Don't leave him waiting. I'll just be here, kept tamed and groomed at this hospital." "Don't say that, this hospital does a lot for you-" "You're going to be late. Go already," he said, gesturing towards the door. "Alright. Love you, Vegeta," I say, making my way over to kiss him softly on the cheek. He doesn't object, but scowls at the action, a smirk replacing it. I smile, taking my leave out the door.
I sigh, the smirk slipping from my face. My chest hurt, every inhale increasing the pain. I gave a small cough, lying back down upon my pillows. Of course the prospect of surgery didn't trouble me at all. It was only that I had to endure these sickening memories. I've had nightmares more times than I could ever remember, but these were somehow different from the rest. It was as if I were actually there, something I didn't want to feel. The pain I had felt in the past stabbed at me, in an unsettling realistic way. Never before had these dreams become so real. Could the sickness be causing it? Could it possibly be just because I'm thinking more about my past, overlooking my atoned sins? After sacrificing myself to Buu, those sins should have been forgotten. I chased down my demons then, didn't I? It didn't matter. These memory-themed nightmares are going to keep going even if I realize the reason why it's happening. I'm not sure as to why, but it's obviously something. I roll over onto my side, the sunset staring back at me. 'When did it get to be so late?' I thought, feeling my eyelids get heavier. I yawned, careful that no one was around. I didn't like to look impractical by yawning in front of an audience. I rolled onto my back, giving in to the temptation to sleep. Let the memory come. I'm prepared for it. I may not know what it is, but it doesn't mean I haven't gone through it before. I yawned one last time, looking at my locket which was to my right. Looking at the royal Saiyan insignia etched onto the surface, I closed my eyes and let the encumbering sleep envelop me in blissful darkness.
I open my eyes, darkness laid before me. Moonlight poured in through a nearby window, a small pool of it spilling onto the carpet. Blankets are spread over me, those, too, are covered in moonlight. Blue walls encircle me, imprisoning me in this moonlit room. I blink, a little surprised at my surroundings. I could recognize the room, in fact I felt and knew I was just recently here. 'I'm not in a nightmare or a dream...' It was true. I was in my hospital bed, no past entities in front of me. It was calm, completely still. Nothing moved, nothing made a sound. It was silent... A nauseating sensation tugged at my abdomen, forcing me to pull over a waste basket, vomiting all of my stomach's innards. I coughed, my mouth coated with a sour taste. I grabbed a couple of tissues, wiping my mouth. Nearby a bottle of water sat, which I hurriedly grabbed and took a long drink from. As soon as I had swallowed the water, the same sensation in my throat and stomach started. I lurched over to the side of my bed, once more emptying the contents of my lunch. For once I'm actually glad that I had missed dinner for once, going to sleep instead. I breathed heavily, staying hung over the side of the bed in case I vomit again. I coughed, wiping my mouth with more tissues. I shift my weight in order to make myself comfortable, pulling my blankets up to my chin. 'When did I get another blanket in the first place?' I thought, the actual realization of the existence of a second blanket being placed on me. How the hell did I not wake up? I'm an alert person, a light sleeper if you wish, so I should have woken up if something was laid over me, much so a door opening. I had no desire to actually think of an answer, just thankful that I had a blanket. I was freezing, the cold biting through me. I started to shiver, forgetting that I could use my energy to warm myself. Though I did try earlier, it didn't seem to work, so it really didn't make a difference. This is probably due to my sickness. Seeing as I haven't vomited, I hoist myself onto my back again. I stared out the window, wondering when in the world I was going to gaze at the stars properly, on my balcony. The stars... The thought sent a memory to my head. The memory of when my mother and I had brought Sartorou to the courtyard and stargazed. That was the first time Sartorou had ever been to our palace. It was also the first time he had met my mother, but had soon forgotten her. That's why on the day of Mother's birthday he hadn't known her...on the same day of his death. I shake my head at the now emerging memory. I lay on my side, seeing my phone lying on the end table. Ear buds were already plugged into it, probably done by Bulma. She's always trying to get me to listen to weird music off of 106.1. It's quite annoying actually, seeing how many idiotic artists sing about erotic, crude things such as sex. Some artists aren't too bad, such as Pharrell Williams or Aloe Blacc. Seriously, what is wrong with this planet's music?! I grab my phone, placing the small buds in my ears. I turn on my phone, the bright screen lighting up instantly. I type in my password and flick upwards. I tap on the 'music' icon, waiting for it to load. Once it's done, I slide over to the playlists and tap on my 'Favorites' list. At first, 'One Last Breath' by Creed plays. I pause it and press the skip button. I didn't really want to listen to Creed. Instead I find a Coldplay song called 'Viva la Vida'. "I used to rule the world, Seas would rise when I gave the word, Now in the morning I sleep alone, Sweep the streets I used to own I used to roll the dice, Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes, Listen as the crowd would sing, "Now the old king is dead, long live the king!" One minute I held the key, Next the walls were closed on me, And I discovered that my castles stand, Upon pillars of salt, and pillars of sand I hear Jerusalem bells are ringin' Roman Cavalry choirs are singin' Be my mirror, my sword and shield, My missionaries in a foreign field, For some reason I can't explain, Once you've gone there was never, Never an honest word, But that was when I ruled the world..." I feel myself growing more tired with every verse. I keep the ear buds in, playing music, as I closed my eyes. I couldn't care less if I had a nightmare. After all, it was my past. I just had to...accept it. Even though I never really would, I was just too tired to stay awake. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of uncomfort, I fell into the darkness of sleep.
The dust was really getting on my nerves. Holding up my arm against the wind-carried debris helped, but being forced to squint wasn't stopped. I could hear my orange cape billowing behind me, the wind roaring in my ears. Father stood beside me, protecting himself with his own red cape. I could tell he was uncomfortable against the climate of this foreign planet as well as I. We had been standing there for over six hours, waiting for that idiot lizard for some important meeting of Father's. I myself was expected to go on a mission from Frieza, but I was to be given details if I waited here with Father. Frieza had gone over to Planet Ginigatra to collect lives, claiming the planet, and so he had had to go through over two galaxies to get there. I was growing impatient. I scowled, turning to Father. He, too, looked as if impatience was getting the better of him. "Yes, my son?" he asked as he noticed my gaze. "Why is Frieza taking so long?" "That's Lord Frieza, Vegeta." He turned away from me, once more watching the stars for Frieza's arrival. "Yes, Father..." My scowl deepened. I was now getting irritated. First of all, Frieza was taking too long. Second, I knew good and well that my father disliked Frieza as much as the next Saiyan, if not more. We're all alone! We can disrespect Frieza at our leisure, yet Father is too insecure to even let that lizard's title go unchecked. "Father," I start. He gives me a stern look, even against the debris now hitting his face freely. "What is it?". "Why are you so insecure over that tyrant? Especially when we're in the middle of nowhere! We're out here where no one can hear us, so why do still pretend to be loyal to that insect? Why do you not say anything to defile his name, even in the presence of secrecy? I'm the only one here with you, Father. Check for signals of life with your scouter if you don't believe me." He looked at me with a look of disappointment. He didn't raise his hand to his scouter. He didn't raise it to hit me. He rose it to lay a hand on my shoulder, something he did often in moments of tension or when I needed to understand something important. "Son. You never know who's listening. It doesn't matter if they have an energy or not. They could come right after you have checked for them. You can't trust any environment, no matter if it has no windows or no doors. It doesn't matter if there aren't any cracks in the wall, somebody will hear even through the thickest of rooms. This is why I do not speak rudely or disloyally about Lord Frieza. I do it to keep you safe from any kind of punishment such as a ch'ete. I will not suffice with the death of my eldest son. "You cannot and will not talk badly about Lord Frieza in the most secure of places, understand? Do not talk dirty about Zarbon nor Dodoria, Vegeta. Do you hear me? You will not disrespect a general nor a captain that belongs to Lord Frieza, alright? Do you understand me?" "Father-" "Do you understand me?" He held my shoulders tight, looking me in the eyes with a startling directness. He bared his fangs at me, intimidating me slightly. I don't nod or shake my head, I just stay still in his tight grip. His fingers started to dig into my skin, causing me to cry out in pain. "Vegeta, I'm completely serious. Do you understand all that I have told you?" When I gave no answer, he dug his fingers in as hard as he possibly could. I nod my head, his grip diminishing until his hands were off of me altogether. "Father, you aren't a true Saiyan. How could you not take the risk of shedding blood? Isn't that what a Saiyan lives for? To die in battle and with honor?" "Yes, Vegeta. But I can't afford any casualties...not anymore then what has already been dealt." He turned me gently to face him, a sadness glinting in his eyes. "Father, you cannot stay forever hung on Mother. She's dead. You're never going to see her again, so stop putting it in useless situations. Why do you continuously bring her up in these kind of conversations?" I demand, balling my hands into fists. It was my turn to bare my fangs, my anger bubbling to the surface. Father has always brought Mother into some conversation. What leaves him hooked on her? Why is his mind not focused? Is there something I just don't know about? Was she possibly pregnant again and I just didn't know? My left eye started to sting, my injury from Dodoria only inflicted upon me two months ago. It started to feel inflamed, the pain becoming unbearable. I covered my eye, trying to show no pain to my father. The pain was increasing with every passing moment. I fell to my knees, hearing my father come near me. "What's wrong? Are you hurt? What happened?" Father knelt next to me, concern all over his face. "It's just my eye..." I say through gritted teeth. "What happened to your eye? Was it the dust?" "No, it's just an injury...nothing too critical..." I winced as the pain grew. "Son, when did you get an injury?" "About two...months ago." "When your mother was killed?" I could only nod. "Who did this to you? I will have them executed immediately!" "No! You can't do that!" "Why? Is it a friend of yours?" "No, I mean you just can't! If you even try to...you will be killed." I felt the pain subside, the inflamed feeling waning. I removed my hand from my eye, a small red smear on my glove. "Son, what happened?! Why is your eye bleeding?" Father was getting concerned. "The bleeding will stop happening soon," I start calmly, wiping the corner of my eye for any more blood, unalarmed at the sight of more, "You know the medical doctor, Pumpitikin, correct? Well I went to him after I was attacked on the night of Mother's death. I had gotten hit in the eye by Dodoria and it was a possibly a fatal assault. Pumpitikin had told me that I would have a permanent scar on the side of my left eye. "He told me that I would experience bleeding and pain in my eye and that I had to make sure nothing got into it, so it's possible that dust could have triggered it, as it's still sensitive to infection. That makes it bleed easier. The medication I was told to have are small eye drops and I must take them once every day until the bleeding stops for good. But as I stated, Dodoria started this is the first place. You can't have him executed, Father. You will put your own life at risk." "I don't see any scar, are you sure you have one?" he said, turning my head this way and that to see it. "It's a barely noticeable scar. You can't see it unless you know where it is, or unless light reflects it. It's the red mark next to my left eye. It's easy to see now, but soon it will turn into a dark mark that you won't be able to see. At least, that's what Pumpitikin said." I pointed it out to my father, hearing him scowl. "That dirty jik'hi! How dare that pink monster do this to my son..." "It's fine, Father, it will go away eventually. I promise, it's not that bad. Let's just wait for Frieza." "Remember, it's Lord Frieza." He stood with a smirk, looking out for Frieza once more. I nod, not actually agreeing with calling that freak 'Lord', but I wasn't about to contradict my father.
About two hours later, Frieza's ship comes into view. More wind blew as it came closer to the ground, kicking up more rock. I made sure to protect my eyes with my cape, watching the ship descend and land. I long walkway hit the ground, a cloud of dust erupting. Men of Frieza's order stepped out, blasters equipped, prepared to shoot any of those who tried to oppose Frieza. Everyone knew that it was Frieza you had to worry about though. Frieza stepped out, taking his time to descend, a smirk playing on his dark lips. He had his hands clasped behind his back, confidence radiating from him. Once he reached Father and I, he said: "Hello. How are you both?" Father merely nodded. "How is your mate, King Vegeta? Oh yes, she died, right? How long ago was it?" "Two months ago, Lord Frieza." I could tell his teeth were gritted behind his closed lips. Frieza either didn't notice or didn't feel threatened and didn't care. "Ah, several condolences towards you and your family," Frieza said, fake sympathy coating his tongue. "Thank you, Lord Frieza. She will be greatly missed." "Indeed she will. She was such an obedient monkey." He turned to me, watching my reaction. I didn't give him one. "My, what happened to your eye, Vegeta?" he caressed my cheek, his cold, deathly fingers sending a chill up my spine. "It was an accident. I was training and one of the Saibamen cut my eye," I lied. "Is that so, Vegeta? I didn't think someone of your royal stature could have been defiled by such a lowly creature of Saibamen ilk." "I wasn't paying attention, Lord Frieza." "Now you wish to use my title? Do not forget that I am the ruler of the universe, little monkey prince?" he asked, letting go of my cheek. He watched me for a few moments, waiting to see some reaction, when he hit me hard with his tail. My breath was knocked out of me, hitting the ground hard. I push myself up, looking that freak in the eyes. "Do you understand now?" I swallowed back the urge to say something rude. Bow bad I wanted to cuss that lizard out. "Well?" he asked, getting impatient. "Yes, Lord Frieza..." I gave him a baneful glare, filled with hatred. He merely smirked. He turned towards my father and said: "Excellent. King Vegeta, we need to discuss an important matter. Prince Vegeta, you need to go to planet Pearapa and eradicate all of the inhabitants. Leave no survivors, understand?" "Yes, Lord Frieza." "Splendid. King Vegeta, let's go. We still have the meeting i told you about. Your son can go ahead and wait for us." "Yes, Lord Frieza." Father turned to me, giving me a stern look. "Son, go to the nearby village about 60 clicks to the south of here. Wait for me there, alright?" "Yes." "Good. Lord Frieza, shall we depart?" "Of course. We shall go to my drawing room." Frieza started walking to the direction of his ship, not waiting for Father's opinion on the deciding of the location. "Very good, Lord Frieza. Goodbye, Vegeta. I'll retrieve you after our council." I nod, picking the rest of myself up. I watch as the two rulers go into the large ship, the walkway disappearing behind them with a slam. I was directed to go to some village to spend my time? There was no way I was going to live. Not in that village, one full of those wretched Sinatrians... I begin to walk towards the west. I knew exactly where I was going, and I knew how far away my destination was. After about five minutes of a short walk, I shot into the sky, flying to the space pods Father and I came in. It wasn't too far, it took us about an hour to get to the landing site, so I decided to get there faster just to save time and a long scolding. After all, if he got mad and decided to follow me then I would already be in Planet Vegeta. This planet called Pearapa was supposed to be my mission, correct? I've heard of the planet on several occasions, one of the more difficult missions. It was attempted by a low-level warrior and they came back a mangled corpse. Obviously this was easy for the second strongest Saiyan if a low-class failed. It would probably take me about a day, counting the check of survivors. Hopefully it will be shorter once I pick up that idiot, Nappa. I land swiftly at the space pods, surprised at the time it took me to get there. I looked about at the wide city in the distance, not impressed at the large structures emitting from the horizon. We had decided to not cause a fuss, as this planet knew that they were on our list. They would probably try to attack us as soon as we had landed if we had chosen the destination any closer to the city. "Ah, Prince Vegeta, I am pleased to see your arrival. Are you looking for your pod?" asked one of the men that had escorted us here. "Yes, where is it?" "Right this way, sire," he replied, leading me to the number of pods that had been brought here. After all, pods could only hold one man each, so of course it had taken about ten to get someone of royal stature here. I honestly don't get why we need to be escorted when we can handle ourselves. We're from a superior warrior race, of which Father and I are the top ranked fighters. Why do we of all people need to be escorted? The man I am escorted by stops in front of a pod. He holds up a clipboard, flipping over a couple of pages. He scanned the last page, nodding. "Yep, this is your pod, sire. Do you require any instructions-" "Of course not!" I bark. "I know how to pilot a simple pod. Out of my way." I push past that nuisance, opening the pod door. I close it as soon as I get in, seeing his shocked face through the red window. I couldn't help but smirk. I look down at the control panel, tapping onto the map. A small map if the current galaxy popped open, showing me several planets, some with red "x's" slashed over them. Those were the planets we had eradicated, the royal insignia below the name of the planet. I swiped to the left, pulling up to the galaxy planet Vegeta rested in. I tapped on the icon, the insignia showing above the planet. I read the small Saiyan writing below, letting me know the history and the age of the planet, the population in a tab below it. I skipped this, choosing the "Travel" tab next to all of the Saiyan writing. I felt a shift, pulling me forward. I wasn't sure what the original course it was, but I was obviously going the wrong direction. "Approximately 25 clicks from Planet Vegeta. Approximately 50 minutes at the speed of 96 miles per hour until to increase speed?" Came the automated voice. "Accepted. Increase speed to 125 miles per hour," I say, crossing my arms over my chest. "Permission granted. Changing speed to 125 miles per hour at request. Approximately 5 minutes until requested landing." I felt the familiar tug of speed grab my gut, the speed changing immediately. I wait for the designated five minutes, feeling the contact against the landing material. I press the button on the armrest, opening the door where two men awaited me. I climb out, leaving the men at it. Just as I am leaving the landing compound, I am called back. "What is it?" I ask the blue-skinned man who called me. "Where is your Father? We were told that you would arrive with him, sire." "There was a change in plans," I reply, turning on my heel, a smirk on my face. He made no attempt to stop me again. I find my way to the palace, greeted by several men. It was getting dark, the two suns beginning to sink into the horizon, sending a waxy glow onto the palace courtyard. I quickly pace into though the doors, the war council room to the left of me. The doors were left open, letting me know that Nappa's meeting had not started yet. Knowing I still had time, I decided to make my way to my quarters. I had forgotten something there, so I had to make sure no one saw it. I walk down the maze of corridors, used to the usual puzzle of my home. Many people have gotten confused by the intricate pattern it was built as, some even lost until much later. It really wasn't too complex, it was only the alone first-timers to the palace that get lost. And even of those there are only a small amount. I finally make it to my room, the door closed. I open it cautiously, the light off and dark. I tap on my scouter, checking for any hostile life in the room. Seeing none pop up on the scouter, I open the door wider, turning on the light. As usual, my room was exceptionally neat. I couldn't stand to see it disorderly, keeping it neat as possible. I wasn't obsessed with neatness, such as OCD, I was just one of those 'neat freaks' because I was taught to be. I could deal with a large mess, but I wasn't going to stand for something getting in the way of things I could do so easily without blockage. Which is exactly how my room is to me. I step over to my drawer, sliding it open. I searched about, looking for one object. First of all, I needed my locket. I began to grow concerned, the fear of an intruder coming in my room and saw it. I had decided not to wear it just in case Father saw it, questions coming if I had ever done that. I never wear it when I am scheduled to go with Father somewhere, afraid he'd spot it or someone else who would punish me for going so soft. Although it is important to be loyal towards your mates, its not, however, to be so attached to a late parent. If I were caught with this locket, one of my family picture, most likely both Father and I would be punished with dire consequences. I rifled through the drawer, searching for the locket. I just about ripped it out and turned it over when I finally fished it out. I let out a breath I didn't know I had been holding. I silently thanked the Saiyan gods, clutching the locket to my chest. I walked to the door, opening it to hear Father's voice boom in my ear. "Vegeta! Where in the name of sanity have you been?! Where are you?!" he said through my scouter. "Father! Calm down, I went back to the palace to collect a new scouter..." I lied. It didn't feel right to lie to him, but Father would understand one day. I'll explain the locket to him once I'm older. "I specifically told you to wait near the city on planet Sinatra. Why did you disobey me, my son?" "It told you. I need to replace my scouter. I'll be back soon, but I must prepare for my mission- why are you out of breath?" "Nothing important. Anyways, your scouter looked perfectly intact while on this planet, so why the need to replace it? Son, if its a mere scratch, you do not need to replace it." "I know this well, Father. When Lord Frieza had pushed me to the ground, the screen cracked. I will get it fixed, do not worry." "Vegeta! It looked fine even after that-" "Goodbye, Father." I tapped my scouter, disconnecting him from my contact. I turned around, back to my room. I made my way over to where my spare scouter rested, carelessly tossing my previous one onto my large bed. Mounting my scouter, I made my way back out of my room, flicking off the lights as I left, locket in hand. I closed the door carefully, making sure not to make any loud noise as to alert someone. I looked down both sides of the corridor, quickly looping my locket around my thin neck.
