Author's note: I'm still reading some Nora Robert's novels now ^_^ Oh God, I'm so lazy editing this…

Disclaimer: Akira Toriyama

Part 6 Bulma is kidnapped

That afternoon Vegeta was forced to attend the basket ball club's test in the hall. He really disliked the grey and black uniform; the team members; and certainly Piccolo, the Captain. It hardly said that he hated everything from the basket club. Vegeta wore the uniform with disgusted feeling. He watched the test for another regular player in the team.

Piccolo's capability was great and reminded him Michael Jordan's play. Piccolo showed him amazing air walk. He told the rest of the members to run in the hall while he and Tien gave some test to others.

Stop it. Don't even think to play with him, Vegeta.

"Why are you standing here all alone, Vegeta? Join us here." Goku held his hand tightly. "Listen, we'll have extra practice tonight in Red Palm Street."

"Hold on…. An extra practice? Are you out of your mind? That bald green insisted me joining his team and now he is planning me extra exercise?" Vegeta really detested and headed out the hall. "It's over, I'm out."

Piccolo laughed, "Come on, Vegeta. Have anyone told you about our school rules? Every student must choose one of the sports as a regular subject; otherwise he or she couldn't pass into higher grade. Do you want to miss the chance?" Piccolo showed him the tiny rule book from his pocket. "You won't dare right? So start running with Goku, now!"

Vegeta rolled his eyes and started running with Goku. "Tell me more about that extra burden, Kakarotto. What is that? Besides, as I know Red Palm Street is well known for its street basket hoop. Are you telling me…?"

"Yeah, you're correct! Every Friday and Saturday night we have to play street basket. It's wonderful idea actually. We could progress more and more." Goku was filled with enthusiasm when he explained it. "Besides, we have another uniform as street basket player, Vegeta."

"Hold on, Kakarotto. Another uniform?" Vegeta whipped his sweats. Surely he wouldn't go with another stupid uniform. "How if I miss tonight practice? I think I have another agenda…"

"Don't you ever do it!" Goku's face was filled with horror. "I did once and I had to be a volunteer in Piccolo's political campaign for a whole week. The banner, the screams… that's too much for me."

"See? I've warned you about that rumors and you've done it already." He held Goku's uniform, "this club is such a freaking joke!"

Vegeta gasped when he saw Piccolo stared at him. "Well, I enjoy being in this club, I suppose…"

After several painful hours in the club, Vegeta went to Capsule Corp. His muscles were aching. As the result, he walked really slowly toward his room. He had to go to Red Palm in two hours. He heard Bulma knocking his door and saying that the dinner was ready. Vegeta opened the door and followed her. Bulma had changed her uniform into a gown. As usual, her gown was tight and sexy. Vegeta was following the line of Bulma's gown with his eyes when she turned back and faced him.

"I've heard about the practice. I'll go with you as a company." She headed back toward the kitchen. "By the way, Vegeta, do you like my new gown? I bought it this afternoon."

Vegeta tried to focus with the question. He hardly controlled his eyes. And yes, he also tried to control his passion. Bulma, that damn girl! What is she wearing?

"Yes, your gown is good. You look similar with two cents hooker in it."

"How could you say something like that? It is the most expensive gown in the boutique! You definitely have no taste in fashion!" she screamed. "And what do you mean with 'two cents hooker'? I'm not that cheap anyway!" she added sardonically.

"I'm telling you the truth. Wearing that gown is alike saying 'rape me bastard' and you better change it before someone misjudges you as a teenage hooker."

Bulma ignored his comment and sipped her soup. She had prepared chicken soup with bread for them. Thanks to Vegeta, the food tasted sour for her. He completely ruined her appetite. She finally headed to her room and changed into her casual clothes. After dinner they walked outside.

"That's better, Bulma. Come on, show me the hoop." Vegeta invited her into his car. He even opened the door for her. Bulma was impressed by his gentleness. "Don't get me wrong. This is my habit."

"Your habit? How come you have that kind of politeness?" Bulma watched him carefully, waiting an explanation. "It's so not you Vegeta."

Vegeta replied quickly, "I inherited that habit from my father. Well, if you don't mind show me the direction. I'm still new in this territory, remember?"

After half an hour they had arrived in the Red Palm Hoop. The red lamp dominated the hoop. There were many youngsters spent their time playing basket, singing, and dancing there. They shared their interest with others. There was so much fun inside the Red Palm. There were so many differences with the hoops in Saiba City.

Vegeta was happy watching that hoop. That's enough! I don't want to remember what had happened there! I have new life here!

Vegeta noticed Piccolo and several team members in the corner of the hoop. There were Goku, Tien, Krilin, and Piccolo. He took Bulma's hand and walked together toward them. Piccolo watched him walking.

"Did I allow you to bring your girlfriend here? We're practicing here, Vegeta," Piccolo said firmly.

Vegeta almost opened his mouth when Piccolo handed him a grey uniform. The green guy asked him to change and he had to obey it. He had no choice after all.

Vegeta understood that his team was popular in Red Palm. Many people cheered them when they officially entered the hoop as a team. That night Piccolo asked him to play street basket three on three. Vegeta had no problem playing street basket. He gathered many points from his three points. He also had several techniques and trick upon his sleeve. It reminded him some memories that he longed to forget.

Frieza and his henchmen, including him, had played street basket for years. They had played only to injure and wound others. Many screams and fights had happened after the game. Frieza loved that color, the color of blood….

"Hey, you look like a junkie with that expression." Goku tapped his shoulder. "I think you know that guy over there? He has been watching you for hours."

Vegeta threw his glance toward the guy. He had some scars upon his face. Actually he looked familiar, but he couldn't recall his name. Vegeta ignored to think about him and asked Bulma to buy him some minerals. The girl refused in the beginning but he successfully ordered her.

"Yes, I know that I'm your slave," she answered with disgust on her face, "wait a minute."

Strangely, Bulma didn't appear even after the practicing had been over. Vegeta didn't see her anywhere. He also noticed that the scar-face guy was nowhere. He sensed something wrong he rushed everywhere. He had to find her. After a while, he found a note under a bottle of mineral near the hoop:

I got your girl, shit. You must pay me. Come alone to West Harbor Hoop in three hours or you'll find your girl as a beautiful corpse.

Vegeta was stunned and awed. All of the sudden he remembered that guy. That guy had been a street player. That guy had insulted Frieza. Frieza had ordered him to crush his face with a rock and left him dying. He had done it. It was about two years ago.

Vegeta left the note and went with his car without saying anything toward his friends. Goku and others remained silent. They had never seen Vegeta acted like that. Vegeta's face was pale. He worried anything bad might happen to Bulma. He couldn't bear it. She had nothing to do with that guy. Quickly he reached his key and slammed the car's door.

Driving through the road, Vegeta headed toward West Harbor Hoop in Saiba City. The air was somehow cold. Vegeta drove the car fast, thinking of Bulma and her safety. He had to save her, no matter what, even if he got killed.