His Weakness

Chapter 3: Tao

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Pan was caught unaware by his story, and by the force of his attack.

"I was training, like always, nothing should have gone wrong!" he wasn't talking to her anymore, it was more like thoughts-no-emotions he had kept locked up inside himself from the time of the funeral until this moment. No one had seen him vulnerable. He had never had a chance to grieve. "I didn't know- I didn't know anything was wrong!" he growled viciously in agony. She was trying to defend herself…. But… he was going all out…. "The lights were out…. But, I- I thought nothing of it… she was probably at another business party…." He was looking over her shoulder with unseeing eyes. But, still she listened quietly. "I was the only one home to see… to see Bulma tied to a chair… bruising…. All of that pain because… I-I didn't hear; I wasn't there for her!" Distantly he heard cracking…. "I froze! I should have just killed that monster!" he all but roared. "Tao… that monster… wanted three billion yen… from us. It would have ruined Capsule Corporation… Bulma wouldn't have that-no-she paid her life for her stupid company! He didn't kill her right away he just hit her and waited for my response…. I was so sure I could get to her first…. As soon as I said-no," he almost whispered the last word but his assault got harder the softer his voice went, "he sent electric charges through her body and- made sure she was… dead." She was starting to get black spots in her vision and she was long past feeling pain, but still she had to listen to this…. "Everyone blamed me… it was all my fault. I'm the one that should be blamed. It's my fault…."

Suddenly, a wave of pain hit Pan at full force, making her cry out.

With a start, Vegeta came back to himself. Pan winced and smiled at him.

"You…you aren't alone…anymore, Geta…" she gasped lightly, "You've got me…" He just stared in horror at her battered little body; there wasn't a scrap of skin untouched...

"I don't blame you…" She took a harsh breath and was slowly lowering herself to the ground unconsciously.

"Bulma made her choice…" she was on her knees now, her breaths were shallow, "You…just did…what you thought was best…" Vegeta looked down at her, shell-shocked by her words and her broken body.

Black flecks were now surrounding her vision. She was on the ground now, and Vegeta had fallen to his knees, looking at her as if he wanted to touch her, but was afraid she wouldn't allow it. Torn is a better way to put it. She smiled; he knew he would be okay now. He wasn't alone…and he knew it. He just needed someone to listen and not condemn him before hearing his side.

"It's okay…Geta." Vegeta picked her up and held her to as gently as possible his chest. She closed her eyes and finally let go.

After the initial shock wore off, he rushed her to the regeneration tank. He knew she was dying…and he had done it to her. But she didn't seem to care. She-she was helping him…because she wanted to. He worked on auto-pilot while he hooked her up to the tank. He grabbed a nearby chair and watched the little red needle play on the link between red, critical condition, and the sliver of black, death, while he thought about what she had told him.

Eventually he grew too tired to keep his eyes open; the adrenaline rush had finally left his system drained.

Pan's eyes popped open as she watched the rest of the liquid gel drain from the tank. Physically she felt fine... emotionally, emotionally she was so tired.

As soon as she stepped out, she noticed Vegeta in a chair placed in front of the tank. His arms were crossed against his chest and he was fast asleep. She smiled at his limp body tenderly; she had a new understanding of the man in front of her. Looking around for a blanket, she turned around questioningly as soon as she could tear her eyes from his sleeping face... even in sleep there were intense lines by his eyes and mouth. Finally she found what she was looking for. She walked back to him and gently, so as not to wake him, threw it over him.

Despite her efforts, he awoke with a start, swinging his head from side to side violently, looking for signs of danger.

Pan, surprised by his sudden movement, jumped back a bit. He turned stricken, wild eyes on her and calmed as soon as he saw her. They stared at each other for a moment and Vegeta got up then started to walk away.

"Vegeta!" She called before he got more than a few steps. She had yet to move. He stopped and turned his head to look at the wall. The only acknowledgment she'd get. He didn't look at her but she smiled gently and cradled his frame with her eyes. He still didn't look at her.

"What, Onna?" he asked quietly.

"I'm glad you're okay," She replied just as quietly. His big body jerked like he'd been shot between the shoulders. His brown eyes bulged and he whirled around in shock.

Suddenly, inexplicably, she was drunk on exhaustion.

He could see her start to fade, her eyes went from bright and calm to dull and weak. She fainted.

He turned around fully and ran to catch her.

"Onna!"

Translations:

Onna: woman

So? Was it worth the wait? Vegeta is worried now! hee hee I'm an evil little thing... Please review, okay?

Arigato! (Thank you!)

Saki