Chapter 8
By: DestinyBabee
"We should return to the palace. I'm sure my father has started a frenzy over our absence." Bulma nodded. Vegeta scooped her up in his arms and took flight. It was backbreaking for him seeing his arm was still wounded, but he was one determined saiya-jin. He'll be damned if he allow Mother Nature to hurt either one of them a second time.
The journey home was a quiet one. Neither of them breathed a word. Vegeta struggled to keep himself and his 'cargo' afloat during the whole flight. They would sometimes decrease in altitude, but then Vegeta would push himself to bring them back up. Bulma noticed his weakness but decided against bringing it up. She did not want to bruise his already battered ego.
By the time the palace came into view, Vegeta's energy was quickly depleting. His body was going to give up on him soon. He could feel it. Deciding that his best bet at this point would be to strain himself some more and fly faster.
Back at the palace, two guards were posted in front of either side the entrance from the huge terrace where Vegeta was hoping to land. They became fully alerted when a black speck appeared from the corner of their eyes. The two saiya-jin guards readied themselves in the event of an enemy attack.
'A little more..' He pushed himself, but with that thought, Vegeta could not longer summon the strength sending both Bulma and Vegeta plummeting down hard on the concrete.
Watching two figures plunge from the sky, the guards finally identified the foreigners to be their prince and the Earth princess. However, both were too shocked to react. All they could focus on was the ear piercing sound Bulma produced the whole way down. The prince had his arms around her protectively attempting to shelter her from the impact-to-come. Vegeta had instinctively grasped Bulma into a tight hug as soon as he lost control. He positioned himself so that he could cushion her fall. Once coming in contact with the hard conrete floor, all was silent. Snapping back to reality, the guards scrambled to their prince's side to check his condition. Noticing that they were both unconscious, they quickly rushed the two to the medicial wing in the palace.
Bulma's stirred in a bizarre liquid suspension. She quickly shook her head as she tried to recall what had happened to her. The last thing she remembered was Vegeta carrying her while flying back to the palace, then they fell from the sky in Vegeta's tight embrace.
When she finally regained complete consciousness, they panicked in the liquid. At the same time, the blue liquid began to empty out as she pulled off the oxygen mask. The lid of the tank suddenly opened as a saiya-jin doctor handed her a robe to cover her naked figure.
"Where am I?" Bulma asked confused.
"You are in the medical wing of the palace, Princess." The doctor bowed in respect.
"I see.. How long was I in that thing for?? Is Vegeta alright??" Bulma asked with genuine concern.
"That 'thing' is a regeneration tank. You were in there healing for approximately 18 hours. Prince Vegeta is with the King right now explaining what happened. It only took him 8 hours to heal."
"I see.. so.. may I go back to my room now? I think I just need a little think to digest all this." The doctor nodded. "Thank-you.. for the help." She smiled and left.
After returning to her room, Bulma plopped onto her bed and sighed. "Well.. I'm back here again." She said as she looked at her surroundings reminiscing about the time she spent in the wilderness with a certain saiya-jin prince. Her thoughts were quickly interrupted as the sound of her door clicked. She looked up only to see Vegeta walk in casually.
"It took you long enough to get out of that tank!" He broke the silence.
"Well hello to you too." She got up.
"You haven't even slipped on proper attire." Vegeta rolled eyes.
Realizing she was still in her robe, Bulma attempted to cover herself and head towards her changing area.
Vegeta waited in confusion while she changed.
About 5 minutes later, Bulma stepped in a white empire waist sundress. It was cotton knee length dress with lace trim and v-neck on the front and back of the dress showing off her back and her cleavage. She then wore a long gold chain necklace with her country's emblem and a pair of brown and black leopard print suede sandals with a bronze chain and horn pendant. The sandals had a chain around the ankle with a hook fastening. It was a thong style with the long horn pendant on the foot. She kept her azure locks down. She looked like an angel.
"There. Are you happy now, mighty prince?" Bulma replied.
Vegeta cleared his throat and decided changed the subject. "My father wants to speak to you about our little 'adventure'."
"I thought you ahve already explained everything to him. What more can I say? and what did you tell him?" Bulma wondered.
"I informed him of all the ridiculously stupid things you did, and he would like to hear your side of the story." Vegeta smirked.
"Oh.. really.." Bulma moved closer to him. "Like how I saved you?" She mimicked his smirk.
'Is she flirting with me?' Vegeta thought. "About how I had to save your save your pathetic ass a million times-" He was cut off as Bulma gently brushed her soft lips against his own.
Taken aback by the sudden display of affection, Vegeta did the only thing we could do. He froze and stared at her with wide eyes. A moment later, Bulma slowly pulled away with an innocent smile.
"Thank you for saving me, Vegeta." She smiled innocently caressing his face. "We should go speak with your father now." She said as walked out the door leaving Vegeta following behind her wanting more.
'What in the name of Vegeta-sei just happened?' He whispered under his breathe.
The trip to the King's throne room was quiet. Bulma was walking ahead of Vegeta who was analysing her every movement the whole trip. Her swaying hips was hipnotizing. Vegeta nearly crashed into her as she suddenly came to an abrupt halt.
"What's with the sudden stop, woman??!" Vegeta demanded.
"Vegeta.. After we're done our talk with your father... We.. We need to talk a talk for ourselves okay..?" She said with her back still facing him.
Sensing the awkwardness in her voice, Vegeta agreed, and they continued making their way to the throne room.
Moments later, Bulma and Vegeta where they found King Vegeta sipping a glass of wine flirtatiously with one of the servant girls. Vegeta merely rolled his eyes in disgust at the sight.
"Ahem." Vegeta interrupted.
King Vegeta looked at the pair and brushed the girl off moments later. He then stood up and began, "Ahh.. Nice to see you two are alive and well.."
"Yes, your grace. Thank you for allowing me accessto your medical services." Bulma curtseyed.
"Oh, not a problem, princess. So, care to fill me in on how this little adventure came to be?"
"Well, I just wanted to talk a walk outside. I felt so confined in the palace.. Why do I even need someone to escort me where ever I go anyway?? I'm no child!" Bulma explained.
"Clearly, you need one as we've clearly seen from this event. From now on, Vegeta, it will be your responsibility to see to it that the princess is staying out of trouble." The king ordered.
"WHAT! Father! I refuse to be a babysitter!" Vegeta protested.
"And I, for one, do not beed to be babysat! Especially by him!" Bulma pointed.
"This is not an option! I expect my requests to be unchallenged! Am I clear??" The king asserted.
"Yes, your grace." They both grumbled and exited.
The walked back Bulma's rooms were a quiet one. Neither Bulma nor Vegeta broke the silence. After an awkward silence, the pair finally reached their destination. Vegeta was the first to speak. "So what did you want to talk about?"
"Oh.. well.. that.. Um.. Well, I actually haven't mentally prepared myself as to how I should word this... Give me a moment.." Bulma uttered. 'shit! I almost forget about that!' She mentally noted to think before speaking next time.
"Well?? I'm waiting.." Vegeta announced with arms crossed and foot tapping.
"Umm.. Well, I just wanted to thank you formally for saving me out there. I'll never do something so rash ever again." Bulma uttered out randomly.
"That's it? Well for your information, I only saved you because of the treaty with your father. Don't feel special or anything, because if you were a mere commoner, I would have left your ass out there to be ripped apart by the dragons."
"Why you little... You do realize that your planet NEEDS me.. DESPERATELY! Might I add.. If you want to defeat Freeza that is.." Bulma rebuttled coyly. After having said that, Bulma quickly found herself slammed up against the wall and throat in his powerful right hand.
"DO NOT. I repeat DO NOT EVER speak of the saiya-jin race in sucha matter ever again. We do not NEED you earthlings. This little agreement is only to make the inevitable task easier,so don't so full of yourself, princess." Vegeta spewed letting his anger get the best of him. Seeing the fear in her glossy blue eyes, he loosened his grip realizing his mistake.
For what seemed like hours, the pair simply stood there with Vegeta's right loosely around her throat, and Bulma's hands around his wrist, staring at each other. Moments later, not being able to resist any longer, Vegeta gravitated towards her as if in a trance. Instinctively, Bulma leaned in meeting him. Just inches away from each other mouth, both could feel the excitement and heat stir-up within them. They were so close, they could feel each other's breath. Finally closing the gap, the two shared a genuine passionate kiss. One which neither have felt before. They continued like this until Vegeta grew impatient and decided to move them to her bed. Bulma, with her legs wrapped around Vegeta's waist continued kissing him passionately not noticing the move until she felt the comfort of her bed. She was pinned underneath Vegeta and she must admit, she thoroughly enjoyed it. They continued their passionate makeout session until she felt Vegeta slowly grabbed her leg and trailed his way up her leg, slyly slipping his hand under her dress. Her eyes opened wide.
"Wait, Vegeta! I don't want this! Stop." Bulma pushed Vegeta off of her.
"You weren't complaining a minute ago, woman." Vegeta said and tried to continue where they left off.
"No, Vegeta. I don't want to." Bulma protested. "I..I'm.."
"You're a virgin?" Vegeta finished off. Bulma's headed lowered feeling somewhat embarassed. "It's fine. If I were of another race, I would've forced myself on you due to their lack of control of lust, but I am saiya-jin, and saiya-jins have too much pride for rape."
'Are you so sure about that?' Bulma thought in her mind laughing at his comment. She smiled. "Thank-you, Vegeta."
"In any case, keep in mind that I AM the prince, and you WILL respect me. Insubordination will not be tolerated." He asserted and walked cooly out of her room.
'Boys' She rooled her eyes. 'Always gotta come out cool and noble..' She sighed still lying on the bed recalling the events that just took place. 'What can over me? What came over US?' Puzzled, she lifted herself off the bed and headed into the shower hoping the hot water can relax her uneasiness and wash away her shame. 'He must have smelled that.' She thought as she quickly discard her now wet underwear, even more embarassed.
Bulma woke up to Maria's abrupt interusion early one morning.
"Princess! You must rise immediately! The King is not the least bit pleased with the progression of the gravity room. He demands an explanation from you. He even threatened to torture the scientists for their insolence."
Rubbing her eyes and soaking everything in, Bulma quickly jumped out of bed and headed towards the bathroom, and then threw on a robe and followed Maria towards the science wing.
"You summoned me, Sire?" bulma cursteyed deeply secretly rolling her eyes. As she raised, she noticed Vegeta was standing right next to his father looking as smug as ever.
"I figured that with your diligence and all, the gravity machine would be almost halfway completed by now." Kind Vegeta simply stated with a clear dissatifaction his voice. "Let me remind you that new travels fast in this galaxy. I am quite certain that Freeza has known of this little alliance for awhile. It is no surprised that he is already building up his military forces to stop us, and kami knows what else. With that said, why is it that I see no results of all our efforts?"
"Milord, building the gravity room is no easy task. It requires careful calculations and calibrations. A simple mistake in formula or measurements would cause the machine to be unuseable. We would have to start from scratch if that were to happen as it is hard to figure out where exactly the mistake was made. My team are already pulling in early mornings and alte nights working on the machine. The quality is worth the time. I assure you, once we are finished, you will be more then happy with it. In addition, we've made a last minute decision last night to increase the capacity of the room itself, so you can have 25 more soldiers training in it at once." Bulma stated as a matter-of-factly with her head bowed.
After a moments thought, the king finally gave in. "Fine. It better be worth all the time you're wasting, princess." And he was gone.
With a sigh of relief, Bulma raised her head to face her frightened team. "Don't worry, guys. I know you guys are tired. You can all have a couple hours off. I'll work on the machine for the time being."
"Thank you, princess." The scientists bowed deeply and left as well leaving Bulma in the science department alone.
"I suppose I should get to work now." She said to herself and began working from where they left off. Time seemed to fly as Bulma became immerse in her work. She was completely oblivious of Vegeta analytical gaze. Every-so-often, Vegeta would walked by and watched her for a couple minutes and then leave again, impressed by her work ethic. As time wore on, Bulma kept working until the interruption of the scientists returning.
"Kami! Princess, you're still here working? Please, stop. We can continue from here on. The King would be most displeased by this."
"Oh, don't worry. Just let me finish this one last thing, and I'll let you guys take it from here. We don't have to tell the ambassador about this, right?" Bulma smiled.
"But, princess..."
"That's an order. I enjoy doing this. It's not like it's slave work." Bulma said as she finished off.
"You could at least change out of your robe and night gown, princess." Maria added disapprovingly. "The soldiers here are not the most noble of men, and you are a women and distinction and title. You must be modest."
Realizing, she still was in her robe, Bulma blushed. "Oh, right. Sorry, I just got so caught up in my work.. I'll change right now." She smiled nervously at Maria. Heading back to her bedroom was an embarassing ordeal as almost every single soldier passing by eyed her like a piece of meat.
"What did I tell you." Maria said.
"You were the one that dragged me out of bed in the place!" Bulma rebuttaled.
"in any case, just be aware that we are not on Earth anymore. These saiya-jins act differently. I've seen some soldiers being 'intimate,'" she quoted, "in the middle of the hallway! It was most repulsive!"
"Yes, Maria." bulma sighed in annoyance. As they finally reached her room, Bulma entered, quickly freshened up and changed into a simple white flowing gown. Feeling her stomach growl, she realized she hasn't even had breakfast and decided to head down to the canteen. "Maria, I'd like to get someone to eat. Would you like ot come with me?"
"I've already eaten. I don't particularly enjoy being in the presence of those saiya-jins, but if you like my company, I will go with you."
"I can go myself. It's no big deal." Bulma replied and left. Trying desperately to remember the path, Bulma walked cheerfully feeling refreshed and like a princess again in her fluffy white gown as she is usually accustomed to wearing slacks and overalls nowadays.
Entering the cafeteria, Bulma noticed how full it was, even past 1 hour past lunch time. Walking ot the line where the food was laid out, Bulma ignored all the satres she got. She noticed the food there was mostly comprised of meat and very little vegetables and stuff. She took a small portion of meat and some exotic fruit. Scanning for the 99 full cafeteria, she finally spotted an empty seat, and then saw that was where Vegeta was sitting surprisingly, with 2 other men who she recognized as Nappa and Radditz.
'Why would a royal prince be sitting in a cafeteria with a bunch of his subordinates?' She wondered. As she approached their table, Bulma politely asked in a mockingly tone, "May I sit you fine gentlemen?" She smiled innocently.
"Of course, princess." Vegeta replied in the same tone. bulma sat down across from Vegeta next to Radditz.
"So what is a mightly royal prince like yourself sitting amongst these soldiers. Should you not be dining with your father with servants catering to your every need?"
"I like to be among the soldiers."
"Fair enough." With that, she began eating.
The silence at the table was unnerving compared to the loud noise of the whole room, and it bothered Vegeta deeply.
Sensing his discomfort, Bulma spoke. "So what is the situation with Freeza?"
Vegeta snorted, semi-relieved the silence broke. "You would understand."
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Because you're female." Nappa explained.
Confused and slightly insulted, Bulma replied, "soo let me get this straight, I am female, so therefore I couldn't possibly understand the politics that men deal with?"
"Exactly." Radditz confirmed.
"That is ludicrous! I am head of the science department on Earth. I am smarter than all of your kind, and I am a woman. What does that say to you?"
"You insolent woman! How dare you speak to us that way!" Nappa shouted.
"Am I wrong? You are just afraid, because deep down, you know we are all equal." Bulma battled on.
"Why you.." Nappa growled and his sat up from his seat.
"She's right." Vegeta intervened.
"She's what?!" Radditz asked in shock.
"About herself being smarter than us, that is. Why else would we need these humans?" Vegeta reasoned. He looked at Bulma square in the eye. "You may excel in that area, but in the end, you are still just a woman. A mere human woman. In order tp defeat Freeza, we need brute force. Saiya-jins were built for combat, humans are not. There is no way in hell a human can ever defeat a saiya-jin."
"That may be true, but you also need a good commander who can think of good strategies to minimize the loss casualties. A battle cannot be won with only strength. You need to use both strength and intellect."
"That is why we've enlisted you earthlings." Vegeta smiled stating the obvious.
"Using forceful means." Bulma glared.
"Not my problem. That's your planet's weakness." Vegeta smiled back thoroughly enjoying their debate. Sensing the chemistry between the pair, Radditz grabbed Nappa's attention, and they both unnoticably took their leave leaving the two staring at each challengingly.
"So what's the situation with Freeza then?" Bulma asked again thinking of nothing else to say.
Knowing he won the battle, Vegeta answered, "Freeza is building up an army to counteract our union. He's stationed more bases on more of the planets he's taken over. I can even go as far as having spies around us."
"You're saying there could be spies mascarading as saiya-jins?" Bulma asked curiously.
"Quite probably, but I highly doubt it. We can tell whose saiya-jin and whose not."
"I see.." she nodded. "Well.. Why wouldn't Freeza just attack Vegeta-sei directly? You know.. to just eliminate his enemies?" She asked genuinely curious.
"Quite frankly, he could, and we would probably lose, but Freeza doesn't work that way. He likes a challenge. He wants to see what will come out of this alliance. My guess is that he wants us to finish the machine, and then fight him afterwards. He wants to defeat us that way for further humiliation. To show the whole galaxy that whatever efforts they may try, it will do them no good. He wants our alliance to be an example for the rest of them to know. But of course, that isn't going ot happen. We WILL defeat Freeza, and we will take over everything he owns, including planet Frost." Vegeta declared with a drive Bulma has never seen. For awhile, Bulma didn't say anything. Thinking that he must have bored her, he decided to leave. "Anyway, I must go train now." He stood up and motioned to leave.
"Wait! Vegeta, can I come watch you guys train?" Bulma asked.
"I don't think you'd be interested in violence." Vegeta raised his eyebrow.
"Well, what makes you say that?"
"Because, you're an earth woman." He smiled. Bulma stucked her tongue out and followed him anyway.