"I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
II. Three Saiyans and Five Princesses
Lost and Fondness
Shades of Crimson
"Uhm … Hello?"
At the sound of the shaky feminine voice, three pairs of dark eyes shot up in question.
The blue haired runaway smiled, almost apologetically, at the, she noted to herself, rather handsome group of buff men.
"I'm Bulma," another shaky smile, "I've been assigned to this ship."
The three men were all dark with untamed hair and bulging muscles. She wondered if the Saiyan genetics really varied that much. Their features were sharp just as her maidservants had been.
The tallest of the three, who seemingly toward over his male companions and herself, snarled down at her, "We did not request a whore to travel with us."
Another dark smile, Bulma had to fight the shiver that threatened her spine. Perhaps these creatures were more than she had in mind.
"However," the large man continued with a sinister smirk, "I won't argue."
Cerulean eyes narrowed subconsciously, "You git! I'm not a whore." She sighed, regaining her composure, "I'm a mechanic."
Grabbing the larger mans forearm, another Saiyan smiled at the princess. She decided that he seemed the most affable member of the crew, and was grateful for the apologetic smile that crossed his features, "Nice to meet you, I'm Kakerott."
He then turned to largest man in the group, "I apologize for this oaf." He chuckled, "This is my brother, Raditz."
Bulma nodded curtly to the large man who was now shooting her such a fixed stare that she had to shift nervously in her place.
The member she had deemed the friendly one continued with a grin, "He's a bit of jerk at times - but I promise he's a good guy.
"And this," he smiled brightly, "is Vegeta. He's not exactly a talker either," placing one of his hand behind his head of spiky hair he laughed lightly, "Don't worry though, he's as glad to see you as I am. Our ships been pretty messed up."
"I'm Bulma - nice to meet you." A nervous glance to each of the ships occupants, "All."
A quick nod of blue hair and a genuine smile, "Well I'm ready to get off this Heiji-forsaken planet - so just tell me what to fix!"
From the shadows, the three Saiyans watched as their newest crew member as she pulled a capsule out of her belt and tossed it casually on the ships floor. After the puff of smoke had cleared, a simple toolbox stood in it's place.
Without a word, the woman began scavenging for the proper tools.
The shortest member of the group frowned as he watched the woman work intently. After Kakerott had shown her the control panel she had simply frowned and told him that someone must have smashed it too hard. When the idiot had assured her that no one had done such a thing she simply frowned and informed them that it would be an hour tops, the damage was simple.
It was actually his doing ... he had been furious a few days earlier and had unknowingly taken his anger out on the panel. How was he supposed to know the thing was crafted so weakly?
He found it annoying the way she made sure to turn her head and talk to the three of them instead of carrying on a conversation with Kakerott, he was, after all, the only member to answer her questions or offer to show her around.
The woman began to unscrew some things, place a strange tool into the hole in the control panel, snap and twist a few wires, and than curse a few times under her breath.
A smirk appeared on Vegeta's face. He found her quite amusing, and such an innocent looking creature cursing like a true purger while she fumbled around a mess of wires only increased his interest.
Kakerott stepped into the shadows to join his crew and smiled, "She seems nice!"
The other two Saiyans only shot him jaded glances, their mouths pulled back into tight scowls.
"Aha!" The woman proclaimed proudly, "It's fixed!"
"That was it?" Raditz spat. The disgust he felt for her was apparent by the distaste dripping from him deep voice, "It cannot be fixed."
She placed her hands on her slender waist and glared at the man with an inset scowl, "Yes I am done you baboon - a thank you would be nice, but I don't expect much courtesy from a barbarian such as yourself."
A deep chuckle resounded from Vegeta's throat, but she didn't seem to hear it. With a puff of her flushed cheeks she frowned, "Well, we can depart whenever you are ready."
"We're ready now."
This came from Raditz who cracked his knuckles as he said so. "We've been stuck on this damned planet for far too long, it is time we get off this rock."
Anticipation rose in the nervous female's chest. She was actually glad, for the fist time since she had stepped foot into the ship, that Raditz was present. She was ready to leave as well.
The large Saiyan took a seat at the controls and began to start up the ship.
Kakerott's stomach rumbled audibly, causing a blush to stain his features, "You wouldn't happen to be a chief as well, would you Bulma?"
Her pink lips fell into a frown. No. She had never cooked a meal in her life.
"She is not here to be our maid you imbecile."
Her eyes rose in surprise as the shortest member of the crew, one that she had began to believe was mute, exited the control room with a slam of the door.
She merely blinked and Kakerott smiled, "I'm sorry Bulma - I can just make something for myself."
A short nod was all she gave - her mind focusing on the silent man who had just left. She hadn't even had the chance to see him properly. He seemed to remain in the shadows and turn his back to her as if she were below him.
She knew she was no nuisance to him, however. A satisfied smile graced her lips with this thought as the ship began to escape the planets atmosphere - thanks to herself!
Kakerott's stomach resounded against the ships walls once again and he laughed and followed the shorter Saiyan out of the room.
Not wanting to left alone with Raditz, she quickly followed suit.
"These," A smooth voice spoke with a wave of his hand, "are invitations."
The bald prince blinked, his eyes moving from the man who had spoken to his father directly beside him, "To … my wedding?"
The man, who Tien had yet to learn his name, simply chuckled and waved his hand again.
Another blink.
"But … father … I don't even have a bride yet!"
The man filled the room with his feminine laughter and waved yet again.
"Oh Emperor Freeza, you have kept him so ill informed," the man paused for a moment to place an invitation in viewing range for Tien, "These invitations will be sent out to your possible brides."
Tien blinked, "Possible brides?"
"Yes." Freeza spoke with a nod of approval, "They will be mailed to all of the kingdoms from allied planets with eligible daughters for you to wed."
"So, I will be choosing a bride," Tien frowned, reading the invitation, "In three days."
The man nodded eagerly, "These women will be fighting over you sir! The winner will become royalty beyond anything they could possibly imagine!"
The image of a dozen, spoiled princesses fighting one another for a title made him frown.
"A competition?"
Freeza glared at his son's disappointed frown.
"My future wife will be my choice through a … competition?"
The man beside the Emperor frowned, "Do not think of it as such. It is an honor." He smiled, "These women will be beautiful beyond belief."
Tien smiled, wishing his sister were here to hear all of this. Her reaction to the arrival of these princesses would be priceless.
"Yes sir." Tien stood up and bowed lightly. However, h was not his sister, and so he would not object to such an ordeal. She would scream and fuss and pull a stunt like joining a purging ship. Tien would simply comply.
"Yes father, in three days."
Aqua tresses were flipped over her head as she stepped out of the steaming shower. She had made sure to scrub the grease that had tainted her pallid skin and the dough that had gotten stuck in her hair during her feeble attempt at making a suitable dinner.
Now she stood, drying her ropes of hair off with a towel, a subconscious smile spreading across her features.
She had never felt so refreshed.
Yes - it was a much better feeling now that she was clean … but this day had been something new. Something exciting.
Another smile. This was exactly what she needed.
Though, in truth, her escape had been slightly uneventful thus far. After learning that Kakerott was her only means of conversation she found herself learning much more about the other shipmates through him.
The pair had attempted to make dinner, but had resulted in a small explosion. So, instead, they opted for instant meals and pleasant conversation.
That, along with fixing the ship, however, were the only things she had done today prior to showering.
When the three Saiyan men had left to train after dinner she had simply given herself a tour of the ship - finding that there were no means of entertainment whatsoever. The ship hosted large training facilities, a medical bay, a kitchen, four bedrooms, and a small sitting room which included couches but no hologram or television set.
So she contemplated what exactly she was meant to do while her father decided that she was in fact capable of being more than Zarbon's trophy wife. When he came to terms with that, she could return to her pampered life and smile coyly at her brother who had done nothing but succumb to their father's will.
Toweling her hair dry, she stop momentarily as she heard voices from outside her private chambers. She blinked, recognizing the voices to belong to Kakerott and his brother. She wondered if Vegeta were there, just being his quiet self.
Originally, she would have thought that the shortest of the men lacked a personality altogether, but she had seen a glimpse of him right after she had accidentally blown up their dinner.
When the smoke had cleared and Kakerott suppressed his immense laughter at the situation and Radtiz exclaimed a few 'she's worse than I thought'-s she had spotted him the corner of the room.
His arms had been folded casually, and one of his eyes remained closed. As if the situation were altogether below him. As if her presence was nothing short of an inconvenience to his wellbeing.
She also noted, however, that his persona exuded pride and arrogance. Though he was notably the shortest member of the crew - it was clear that he was the most powerful. The other seemed to tread upon eggshells with dealing with him and his proud features were sharp and his sentences short.
When the doughy substance began to leak from one of the appliances, his open eye simply gazed jadedly at her. He was studying her intently, an irritated scowl lining his tight features.
He was gorgeous, with deep olive toned skin and flawless musculature. His countenance as sharp as the tone he spoke with. His entire façade embodied mystery.
She tied the towel around her chest with a smile, for she loved a good mystery.
"Father."
The prince's words were low, his bow graceful and his eyes filled with hope.
"Yes son?" The pink lizard-like creature spoke. His tone slightly agitated, as if conversing with his son was the least important thing he had on his agenda for the moment.
"I am sorry to bother you," A short pause from Tien, "But, I don't think I approve of your decision."
A small, menacing laugh escaped the emperors pursed lips.
"Oh? You do not approve of me?"
Another mocking fit of laughter.
Tien frowned, "This is nothing political, father. It is … about Bulma."
"Your sister is ungrateful. Give her a week with the Saiyans; she'll come back a new girl altogether."
"You don't think your decision is irrational?" He scowled, "What if something happens to her?"
"She's a tough girl Tien, she can take care of herself. And I believe she would be quite upset upon finding out that you believe otherwise."
"Yes father."
Another short bow and the prince exited his father's throne room.
He hated that his insides were a knot of pitiable and pathetic emotions.
A frown crossed his taut features and he sighed.
Tien had much more to worry about than his sisters well being. Besides, his father was right. She would be able to hold her own against anyone - including some endangered race of brawny men.
A small chuckle escaped his lips at the mental images forming in his mind.
He, however, would have much more difficult task ahead. He sighed again.
Picking a mate was not something he thought he had the heart to do. Not yet, anyway.
When the blue haired princess exited the bathroom, a curios frown crossed her features.
She had heard the voices of the men scores of minutes ago, and while laying on her bed imagining the reactions of her family's realization upon realizing that she was gone provided momentary entertainment - she currently found herself overwhelmingly bored.
Tiptoeing down the hall, she thought she would pour herself a tall glass of water and then try to fight her idle thoughts into a deep and peaceful slumber.
With one petite hand on the stark, steel wall, she set out on the short trip towards the kitchen.
However, when she had made her way to it, she heard a few painful snorts and uneasy grunts. Her ears piqued at this and she quickly set down her cup and glanced through a small window and inside of the training facilities.
The air she was in taking was immediately caught in her throat as she found the sight before her a bit much to take in.
There, just feet in front of her, a shirtless Saiyan was training.
She frowned, more like pushing himself in torturous conditions. It was hard, harder even than to tear her eyes away, to not respect his ambition.
Pulling himself off the ground, causing his forearm muscles to ripple beneath his olive flesh, the Saiyan quickly wiped away some of the sweat that had collected on his brow, and returned to defending himself against the ki blast being shot in his direction.
The bottoms of his training suit was ripped, revealing a few abrasions on his dark flesh, in certain places. One just above his knee revealed not only a large contusion, but the bulging muscle of his thigh.
Between the sweat and passion raging in his eyes - Bulma had to literally tear her eyes away from the fogging glass.
Tiptoeing back to her chambers, she fell against the soft fabric of her comforter with a thoughtful frown.
She was beginning to find the most irresistible member of her crew a little more intriguing, and she would have to make a point to take a few more trips to kitchen during the early hours of the morning in the near future.
Her eyes slid shut as a devious smile spread across her lips.
The very, very near future.
The tune coming from the violin was on that he could recognize but couldn't seem to place.
Perhaps it was due to the nerves running through him, or, perhaps, it was simply because his brain was unable to register all but the four women chatting excitedly in front of him.
He didn't even know what planets these women were from … they hadn't bothered to introduce themselves in such a way. Instead, he was left only to blink as they yakked away mindlessly.
To his left sat a girl with pale yellow flesh. Her eyes were inset and deep green, matching that of the gown she wore. Her hair was white, and, Bulma would have commented sarcastically on her hairstyle. He smiled at this, the woman sending him a flirtatious grin, mistaking the smile he had made in her direction as a gesture of approval.
His face fell into that blank stare and turned from the woman whose hair was braided in seven separate sections and than forced upwards to tie into one braid atop her hair.
The woman seated next to her, however, was rather beautiful. She had soft pink skin and deep blue eyes. He had never been one to favor such a species, but her eyes held a bit of gentleness he couldn't place. Perhaps being with this woman for eternity would not be so difficult.
Beside this beauty, set a woman to contradict all of his prior feelings. Her flesh was a solemn grey hue and her eyes were specks of black. The beady bits of onyx seemed to flash here and there as she spoke quickly.
Tien moved his eyes from this woman, never one to be shallow, but decided to rule this woman out as an option.
The final woman at the table was from a species he could, unlike the others, not place. She had maroon skin and purple eyes that contrasted against her vivid flesh. He couldn't take the time to study her features further, if he had so, he would have seen that she was a rather attractive woman. He, however, spent these moments going over the recently acquired planets, hoping to put a race with the woman's bold skin tone.
The woman continued to gab and Tien continued to sit there.
He wondered when they would stop talking and allow him to ask questions. Honestly, he had wanted to know more about these women.
"Uhm …" He broke the silence with a questioning sound, "Weren't there five of you?"
The pink woman, who he had deemed the most attractive of the bunch, let out a shrill laugh. He inwardly winced at the shrieking sound.
"Yes Tien, there are five of us." This came from the pale yellow alien girl, "Launch hasn't taken any interest in you and is," a small wave of her arm in the direction of the balcony, "out there."
A small smile formed on Tien's lips. Finally, there was a hope.
"Thank you." He stood up, four pairs of eyes snapping open in question, "You may retire to your rooms now. Tomorrow I will question you girls over breakfast again."
The bowed respectfully, each saying a small something in hope that it would put them ahead in the race.
Tien watched them go, a relived sigh.
"Did you make your selection already," a small voice spoke from behind him, he turned around, wide eyed at the woman standing before him.
"We are women, not cattle, and I don't take kindly to being treated as such."
There was nothing like waking up in the void of space.
No matter what time of day, there was never any light streaming through the small, circular windows on the ship.
The Ice-jin princess turned over, a satisfied smile gracing her lips, as she opened her eyes. On planet Cold, one of the miserably bright suns would be glaring directly through her window right now. But here, in the deathly quite Saiyan vessel, no trickle of light could stir her.
With a yawn she stood up from bed, she ran a comb through her tangled tresses, and allowed her aqua hair to flow freely down her back.
She slipped on another plain training suit and made her way down the hall into the kitchen chambers of the ship.
At the moment, all three Saiyans were seated casually at the table, glancing over the file she had given them last night.
"Good morning Bulma!"
She didn't even have to look up to know which man had greeted her so cheerfully.
"Morning, Kakerott." She poured herself a cup of caffeinated liquid.
"We're on our way to Kanassa." He smiled, obviously a morning person, "We just have to make a quick stop to refuel first."
"When?" She inquired, taking a seat at the table and glancing up from her steaming mug.
"We'll make the stop this afternoon."
It was Raditz's deep voice that sliced the cheery air of the morning.
She nodded in acknowledgment and took another sip of the auburn liquid.
They satf for a few moments in silence, one that she would define as border line awkward, however, she would soon realize that it was not the silence that was uncomfortable. No, things didn't get awkward until the shortest of the Saiyans spoke up.
"What race are you, woman?"
Her cerulean eyes shot up in question at the gruff voice.
"I'm Ice-jin." She don't know why she had to fight the urge to blush at his question. It wasn't as if he were actually interested in her per se …
A deep, rumbling sound echoed from the base of his throat. It was a mere chuckle, her heart quickened it's pace a bit at his reflex.
Unexpectedly, he spoke again.
"You are no Ice-jin."
She blinked when they met eyes. His orbs were of onyx rock, just as cold and unfeeling as the smooth stone.
"Not entirely." She smiled politely, "My father is an Ice-jin, my mother is from planet Konatsu."
Raditz laughed, "A pleasure slave planet, hm?"
Her eyes narrowed into slits and an angered scowl crossed her features.
"Your father must hold some power to be with a woman from Konatsu. Their women are rare and rather expensive."
She hated how Vegeta spoke about her mother as if she were property. However, she knew it to be of some truth.
"Why are you a mechanic, woman?"
This question made her angered expression melt into one of confusion. However, it was the sole question she had always wanted to be asked. She had always had an answer, no one was ever interested enough to ask her for it before. It was unexpectedly asked by the flame haired Saiyan.
She smiled, "My strength comes from my father's side. Ice-jins are warriors, much like Saiyans, taking no pride in anything but conquering planets and finding more pleasure in the heat of battle than with the passion of a woman.
My beauty, however, was inherited from my mother. People from Konatsu are praised for nothing other than their physical appearance, and I was lucky enough to innate it."
A proud expression crossed her features with a smile, "My intelligence, however, is my own. It was not inherited. I have always had a thirst for knowledge and mechanics and I have become more of a scientist and inventor than anyone under Freeza's legion. I take pride in knowing that my brain is solely my own."
The onyx eyes remained emotionless, but she saw a playful smirk cross his inset features, "And, woman, from where did your modesty come from?"
She nearly matched his smirk, her eyes holding a haughty glint, "I find modesty to be a bit overrated. Flaunt what you have, if it is worth hiding than it is not worth having."
Kakerott watched the two with a confused expression and cleared his throat, "Vegeta, I think it's time we get to training."
"Yes." Raditz cut in, his eyes shifted between the pair, "We only have a few hours remaining before we reach a suitable place to refuel."
Vegeta's eyes were not torn away from the woman as he nodded, "Very well."
When the trio rose, Vegeta turned to her, no longer smirking, "Mechanic woman."
She frowned at the title and looking questioningly at him.
"Do you fight?"
She swallowed lightly, eager to show him her flawless technique she had been forced to study for nearly eighteen years.
"Yes, purging man," she mocked, "I do."
With that said, the four made their way into the modern training facilities. A slight blush, something foreign to Bulma's countenance, crossed her cheeks as she remembered her previous spying.
Kakerott walked by her side with a small smile, "I can't wait until we get to the refueling station Bulma! They have this "I can't wait until we get to the refueling station Bulma! They have this restaurant there - and it's all you can eat!"
She smiled at her naïve shipmate as they entered the chamber.
Frowning a bit, she immediately noticed the increase of gravity, but didn't complain. She had trained under much harsher conditions before, and she was more than a little zealous to show off a bit.
"What is your name?"
The woman blinked at him. If he had given the title of the most beautiful to the pink haired woman, he had certainly been mistaken. Before him stood a woman with the tiniest frame, prettiest face, and bushiest head of navy hair he had ever seen.
Her tiny figure seemed so fragile that he thought if he were even given the chance to embrace her he would snap her in half.
"Launch." She answered, crossing her small arms over her petite midriff as she did so.
She looked so vulnerable at the moment Tien couldn't help but be fixated on her.
"You are quite beautiful, Launch." She couldn't fight the blush as he spoke, "But I am not very keen of picking a wife from a catalogue."
After a deep sigh Launch merely blinked again. He was nothing of the cocky prince she had envisioned him to be.
"I'm sorry that you had to come here, like I said, I'm not a big fan of this situation either."
She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat and allowed a small smile to spread across her perfect features, "It's alright."
Launch hadn't expected him to be polite … nor so breathtakingly handsome.
"I'm a quite man, not a fierce prince, and will not make a very callous emperor." He froze, not entirely sure what he was doing, "But I will make a good husband. I've been shy over the years and have not been able to meet women on my own so my father did me the liberty."
She frowned, "I'm here because I have a bit of a … disorder."
Tien blinked, all three of his eyes, and she smiled apologetically.
"You see, I'm a bit of a freak," a small sigh, "I tend to have tempermental mood swings."
He laughed, "I have a sister, I can imagine."
"No," she sighed, "I'm not sure you can."
"Well, I know you are the most sane woman I have met today," he smiled, an honest, handsome smile, "I am rather pathetic I suppose, but those woman annoyed me so much that I thought of joining my sister."
"Your sister?" Launch piqued, "Where is she?"
He laughed, a smile gracing his lips, "She ran off, wanting to prove herself or something, and joined a purging mission. My father won't send anyone to get her because he wants to have the satisfaction of her crawling back."
The navy haired woman frowned, almost motherly, "I don't know … that seems a bit harsh."
Tien nodded in agreement, "Yes. But that's your great emperor."
She couldn't help but smile at the sarcasm in his voice and be refreshed by their conversation.
"I like you, Launch."
She blinked at his statement and he sighed.
"Can I choose you to be my bride?"
Another blink.
"I - I don't want to be cattle."
He smiled, "You are certainly not cattle, Launch."
She laughed lightly, "I assume that's a compliment."
"Yes," he took her small hand and placed it protectively inside his own larger one, "I can't think of wanting anyone else to sit beside me tomorrow and take as the princess of the empire."
Biting her lower lip, she felt her hand in his own. It seemed to fit, and she felt so secure being at his side.
"I suppose if I refuse you will be stuck with one of those screaming harpies," she frowned, "And I will be forced to marry some jerk prince of a planet my father wishes to make allegiance with."
She then rested her head on his broad shoulder and he smiled, "I guess my proposal is rather pathetic, but-"
"Sh." She cut him off, "I accept Tien."
He smiled down at her resting peacefully on his shoulder and with one swift motion he had her in a carrying position.
"Tien!" Her eyes shot open in surprise.
The bald prince laughed at her initial shock and the now narrowed slits of her eyes, "I am just walking you to your chambers, Princess."
She smiled as he continued to hold her as he walked.
"We have a long day ahead of us Launch, and I want to make sure you are well rested." He laughed, "and don't suffer from any of those terrible mood swings you warned me about."
She frowned against his unknowing chest, hoping that he was indeed right. She actually, after one, short conversation was growing fond of this prince, but she knew that it was only a matter of time before he saw her for her true colors.
Launch only hoped that he would still look at her with the same adoring manner that he was now.
I hope to hear from all of my wonderful reviewers again!!
Also - the next chapter will introduce a new character, ChiChi, as well as have some much better B/V action.
Thank you to all who have taken the time to review ... It is because I of you all that I was motivated to update so quickly
Remember to leave a comment with any questions or suggestions. I am a big fan of feedback and would love to answer any questions you have.
However, since this plot has been going through my head, I took the time to sit down and outline each chapter until the end of the story. Yes, that means the updating should be, hopefully, fast!! It also means that I have this all planned out and I won't be able to , incorporate all of your suggestions.
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-Crimson