Chapter Six: Stalking

"What in the world were you thinking?!" Vegeta bellowed, waving a hand in the air as if she was some helpless child and he was her father. "You would have gotten yourself killed if I didn't happen to come across your frightened and pathetic energy signal!"

Energy signal? What was he talking about?

"And you made me fly all the way over here just to rescue your pretty little behind from some stupid little fire! Do you have any idea how much that pisses me off?!"

Fly? He couldn't be serious?

"And for what? To rescue that scrawny excuse for an Earthling male?! You're a hopeless little girl. Did you know that? How could you care for someone like that low-life? It's inhuman! Especially for you!"

Earthling male? Low-life? Inhuman? What was he saying? That he wasn't human? But she knew that much already, didn't she? Maron had told her that much at least… Maron…

Bulma sighed. What could Maron do to her anyway? That girl couldn't make her life a living hell, as she had promised, should Bulma decided to break their incomplete deal. That blue-haired girl could do nothing to her to make her life bad. And it didn't really matter now, did it? She was lying on the ground in such a happy mood, with Vegeta literally screaming his head off at her as he stood over her, his eyes burning holes through her face with every death-stare he threw at her. It was inevitable now. He had saved her life, and there was no use staying away from him. She still had to say thank-you to him for saving her life. And she had so many questions! If she didn't get answers now, she felt like she might just explode.

Just then, Goku appeared out of nowhere, landing from the sky, Chichi in his arms. No wonder Goku was in on it, she thought. He can do the same things Vegeta can. What's all this about?

"Bulma?" Chichi asked, running over to her. Shock crossed her features and Bulma soon realized that this wasn't what the three of them wanted at all. It looked like Vegeta had come to rescue her without consulting the other two about it first. Was that bad?

"Hi, Chichi," she said shyly, not sure if she was in trouble or not.

"I think we both have a reason to disobey our orders now," Goku said to Vegeta. Bulma tilted her head in confusion at his statement.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Vegeta spat in return. Then they both looked at her and turned away. Apparently she wasn't supposed to hear what they had just said to each other. She burned their lines into her brain for later analyzing.

"Bulma, are you alright?" Chichi's worried expression was genuine. "What happened to you? Did you go into the school when it was on fire? Why would you do something like that? Don't you know that it's dangerous? What if Vegeta hadn't come? You'd be burned alive in there!"

She was going to say that she was trying to help Yamcha get out, but the words got caught in her throat. Yamcha…

"I got the black-haired boy," Goku said, answering her unspoken question. "He's fine. You don't have to worry about him. He's safe and sound. Not a scratch on him." Goku smiled at his little triumph as if the rescue had just been a game for him. Bulma wondered if it really had been like that.

"Try not to blabber too much about us being here, woman," Vegeta growled, still angry from before. She looked up at him as he turned on her. Bulma couldn't fathom why rescuing her would make him angry like that.

"Oh, Bulma! Your hands are all scratched up. Did you hurt yourself?"

Bulma and Vegeta both knew that her only wounds had come from him throwing her against the ground when he got her out of the school building. Bulma hoped with all her heart that it had been an accident and smiled up at Chichi, "Yeah, but I'm fine. It's not as bad as what could have been."

"You can say that again. Lucky it was only a few scratches."

"You know, Bulma," Goku interrupted, "The school is going to be closed for a while. The only thing that the other students are doing is waiting for a ride from the buses. If you wanted to go home instead of waiting—"

"What the hell do you think you're doing, Kakarot?!" Vegeta asked angrily. "Who do you think is going to take her home? Because I'm no one's babysitter! She can go wait with the rest of the pathetic idiots up on that hill! I'm not taking her anywhere! And don't say that you will because I'm not taking your little raven home for you!" Chichi grunted and folded her arms, obviously knowing that "raven" meant her.

Bulma felt like she had been struck in the heart with a sharp dagger. She also felt like it made it all the way through her and was currently jutting out of her back. It wasn't like a pinch. It was like all the blood in her heart would soon be spilled out. There would be none left inside her. She would slowly and painfully die, and there would be no one to save her. No one to rescue her this time…

"Vegeta!" Goku cried, seeing the hurt expression on Bulma's face.

"What? Do you want me to apologize? Well, you can forget about it! I'm leaving!" And then he was back in the sky, flying off to… someplace quiet, maybe. That was Bulma's guess, anyway. Somewhere to be alone. Secluded from the rest of the people on the planet.

"Don't let him get to you, Bulma," Chichi comforted. He's just a little… mean, sometimes, I guess. It's just how he acts. Although I'm not sure why he's so angry all of a sudden. I mean, he's usually angry, but this takes the cake. I'm sure it's not you, though. He has a lot on his mind. We had a very…involved conversation before we came here. And I think that's why he's so upset and easily set off. He'll be back to normal before we know it."

Bulma wasn't really listening to Chichi, but what she did hear was Goku's next line.

"Chichi, I think our orders are now, somehow… unimportant to Vegeta… and I think it's because of this girl…"

"Are you crazy? Did you see how he just acted towards her? And those things he said…" Chichi paused, "You know, maybe you're right. I never thought about it like that…"

"Thought about what like what?" Bulma asked, and they turned to her with the same expressions from before. Apparently, she wasn't supposed to be listening to that conversation either.

"I… It's nothing," Chichi stammered.

"Vegeta's right, though," Goku said to Bulma, "Maybe you shouldn't tell anyone about us being here. It's for the best. Can you do that for us?"

"I… guess so."

"Thanks. You know, it wouldn't be such a great idea for you to leave for home right now anyway. Now that I thought about it, I realize that they still have to take attendance. If you left now, they might think that you died inside the building. And that wouldn't be too good."

"Yeah. You're right," she said, watching Goku pick up Chichi and jump into the air. She could feel the pressure of her endless questions weighing her down like a thousand weights strapped to her body. "Thank you for your help," she quickly called.

"Don't thank us. It was actually Vegeta who found you and told us to come along to find you… And Bulma," he added, "I don't think he would have found your signal unless he was specifically looking for you before you were in danger." He smiled, waved, and then flew off out of sight, leaving Bulma to her own confused and jumbled thoughts.

X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X

"Bulma!" Yamcha called, running over to her and hugging her, lifting her off the ground as he did so. "Hey, everyone! Over here! It's Bulma! She's safe!"

People crowded around to see the damage, but Bulma knew that there was none, thanks to her mysterious dream boy. He had so many secrets. Secrets she was sure she'd find out eventually. She had already found out so much because of pure persistence.

Bulma saw Maron out of the corner of her eye. She was standing away, looking disappointed, as if she was hoping that Bulma never came back out of that building unless it was in a body bag. There was no way she was going to stay away from Vegeta, now. And there was no way that Maron could make her life a living hell. She felt proud. The new girl just outsmarted the Queen Bee. It didn't seem all that difficult, but it still amused her, nonetheless.

"Are you hurt?" Yamcha asked, a few other people nodding, saying that they had the same exact question on their minds. Bulma just nodded. She wouldn't admit it to anyone but herself, but almost being killed because she was trapped inside a burning building made her a bit traumatized. Her brain wasn't working to its best ability, so a nod was all that question was getting as an answer.

"Are you sure?" the pregnant teacher asked, rushing through the crowd to take a good look at her. Bulma got the feeling that she wouldn't have cared if she lived or died. It would just seem like another event in her boring life. Aside from the fact that she was pregnant. She sighed at her disturbing thoughts. The only thing this crazy teacher had on her was that she'd had sex before and Bulma hadn't. But that wasn't much, seeing as Bulma was probably smarter and genuinely, overall, better than the lady. At the idea of sex, her thought instantly went back to Vegeta and she had to stare at Yamcha's face for a few seconds and push him to start talking to her for the vibrant and exotic thoughts that were beginning to enter her mind. Man, did she have one hell of an imagination…

"I'm fine," she told the teacher, finding her voice. She was still staring at Yamcha so he would talk already. She could just picture it now. Vegeta slowly peeling off his tight shirt in her bedroom.

"What are you staring at?" Yamcha asked, and Bulma thanked the spirits that her thoughts never got any further. Otherwise, she would have had a mental breakdown in front of the entire population of Orange Star High School. And that wouldn't be very good. Not good at all…

She felt Maron's beady eyes burning into her once again, and couldn't help but look her way once more. She was now scowling, as if she knew that the incomplete promise had been broken. Bulma looked away with the odd feeling that breaking the rules hadn't been such a good idea after all. She then turned her attention to the building behind her. The fire department had arrived no too long ago. Most of the building had been saved, but, bless her shitty luck, the parts of the high school that she had travelled through were burnt, almost to the ground. She hoped that most of her classes were in those parts. Maybe she could skip school without getting in trouble that way.

"Nothing," Bulma replied to Yamcha, looking back up at his face. "I'm just so happy you're okay." Bulma mentally laughed when his face went beat red in the most amazing blush she had ever seen.

"I can't believe you really went in there for me…" he said, lost for any other words.

"Well, I'm your friend, aren't I?" she replied with a grin, but something about what she said made his expression falter. She pushed it aside. "I'm just glad I'm okay."

They both laughed.

"Look," Yamcha said eagerly, pointing to the parking lot, "The buses are here."

Bulma turned and saw the big yellow buses arriving. She and Yamcha waited until everyone was dismissed, and then made her way to the front parking lot with him, to her small white car.

"See you tomorrow," he said, "Or whenever they decide to reopen the school. Hopefully never."

"You can say that again," she giggled, unlocking her car door and stepping inside. She realized that her purse was still inside the school. She hoped it wasn't burned or ruined, including the things that were inside. But then she realized that she'd rather it be burned than have someone steal it. Or worse. Her money was in her purse… The change for the money Vegeta had given her on the first day of school. She didn't know why she felt so attached to a few dollar bills and a couple quarters. It was a bit sentimental to her. That was all. It had been one of the few nice things Vegeta had done for her, and she was happy when he did. It made her happy when she remembered. And she remembered when she saw that money. She jumped when she realized that she was crying. A fresh teardrop had fallen and landed on her steering wheel. Another fell right after and landed on her hand in her lap. Why was she crying?

She looked out the window. Yamcha was already in his car and leaving the parking lot. She didn't want to get stuck behind the buses, so she shoved the keys in the ignition and followed a few cars behind him.

She didn't want him to see her crying.

X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X

"What was that all about? You drag us along to rescue her, and then you make her upset like that?! Are you bipolar or something, because I'm starting to suspect something like that."

"Don't be stupid, Kakarot. She deserved whatever I told her. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't even be here right now."

"What do you mean? You don't have to be here. She's perfectly capable of safely driving herself home without getting into a fatal car crash."

"Obviously, she may not be. She was having a mental breakdown when she left the school."

"You mean she was crying? That's not a mental breakdown, Vegeta. That's you being a jackass to her."

"Nobody asked you, raven!" he spat, turning on her. He'd almost forgotten that she was there with them. Why did Kakarot have to bring her everywhere with them? She was just a pain in the ass. Plain and simple.

"Lucky you don't have to," she replied coldly, turning her shoulder to him.

"If that's what you call luck, then I—"

"Excuse me," Goku butted-in, "But why are we here again, Vegeta?"

"Because I said so! Do you have a problem with that?!" he whipped around, snarling at the other boy.

"Geez," he whimpered, then asked, "Do you mind if I get Chichi home?"

"You mean you want to leave? I really wouldn't mind I you two idiots left me to my own business. All you do is annoy me anyway. It's not like I really need you. Especially her," he said, pointing to Chichi.

"You know what, Goku?" she said harshly, "I think it would be best if we left Vegeta alone. You don't have to come back here after you drop me off. You can stay with me. I'll make a special surprise for dinner. I'm sure you'll like it."

Vegeta rolled his eyes. After mentioning food, there was no coming back for Goku. But instead, his anger got the best of him and he snorted, "That's right Kakarot. Go home to your little raven's bed and fuck her up all night. Make her scream your name over and over because she's all you can get. Even I can do better than that!"

The next thing he knew, Goku's fist was flying towards his face, but it stopped only a fraction of an inch before it made contact. "Just say that one more time, and see what happens." Vegeta snarled when Goku's hair twitched a little and blazed gold for a second in his anger.

Vegeta was about to respond with another comment that would have probably ignited the flare to start the fight when a small white car pulled into the driveway below them.

"Don't have too much fun," Goku said bitterly, before taking Chichi into his arms and flying off beyond the trees.

Vegeta turned back to the white car and watched from above as the aqua-haired Earthling female exited her car. He heard a whimper come from her lips and noticed that she was still crying. It was a miracle she didn't crash. Her eyes were filled to the brim with water. He watched her move, silently, as he maneuvered around the area to be able to see her at all times. She went into her house via the back door and shut it behind her. Stupid girl, he thought, noticing how she neglected to lock the door as she went inside. Although he didn't mind. It made his job a lot easier.

He made his way to the backyard, which was lined with trees. He crouched in the shadows and watched her behind a pair of sliding-glass doors. She was in the kitchen now. He watched with a bored expression on his face as she dug through the refrigerator, looking for something to eat. Comfort food, he thought, mentally laughing at her. For what I said, I presume. This time he laughed out loud. A few birds flew up from the trees at his obscene noise. He slid to the ground, lying flat on his stomach as the female looked out the glass doors towards the flock of nervous birds. And then she closed the blinds. Vegeta mentally growled. Sure, she could remember to close the blinds, but not lock the damn door. He rubbed his temples in mock-anger. How could even be angry at her this time? She didn't even know he was here.

He felt her energy as she ascended the stairs. When she finally entered a room with a window, Vegeta sighed hopelessly. What was he doing here? He saw her safely home. That had been his original intent. So then why was he still here? What in the world was he doing, spying on her like some stalker? Maybe he was a stalker… He laughed at the thought. Him, having to stalk a girl. It was outright hilarious. He didn't need to stalk any females. All he had to do was walk right up to them and harshly throw them against his bed. There would be no need for stalking then. He would be able to do whatever he pleased with whomever he desired.

The fact that he hadn't thrown this female onto his bed yet was what puzzled him. Clearly, if he wanted to mate with her, he would have done so already. So then… What else was there to do with a female? And what would possess him to sink so low as to stalk her on her own property? He shrugged to himself, then realized with a jolt where the female was… and what she was doing.

He mentally gave a hopeless sigh. She could remember to shut the blinds in the kitchen and forget to lock the door, but she couldn't remember to close the shades in her own goddamn bathroom! What was wrong with this girl?!

He didn't know why he did it, but when he noticed her pulling off her shirt, he turned around and sat up against a tree, his back to the house. Didn't he want to watch her? What a stupid question. Of course he did! But then why wasn't he…? Why had he turned around as if she could accuse him of watching her later? There was definitely something wrong with his brain at that point. It was official. Even he admitted it…

But when he turned around to look, she was already fully dressed for bed. It was the middle of the day, for crying out loud! Why was she dressed for bed? A part of him wished she would open her bedroom window and tell him that she knew he was there and to get lost. It would give him an excuse to leave, since he obviously couldn't think if one on his own.

Then he remembered why he had come here. The first was to make sure she didn't crash her car into a tree on the way home. And the second…

He sat in silence until he felt her pulse slow down and her energy relax. He opened his eyes to find that the sun had moved quite a bit. It was sunset.

Her heartbeat and body movements for the past hour had been jerky and irregular. The only sensible explanation was that she had been crying again. He actually found himself feeling a little bad about what he had said about her, but he had been angry… and Kakarot had been right. That was why he was here. The second reason. Because, above all else, he had to follow his given orders. There was no other way to go about this. He had to perform this task or his life would be in jeopardy. It was that simple. The aqua-haired female had to…

He made his way out of the cover of the shadows under the trees and walked over to the unlocked back door. He turned the doorknob and solemnly entered the huge building. It was obvious now that this girl had a good deal of money, although he expected as much when she brought a credit card to the lunchroom back at school.

Like a predator, he quietly made his way through the rooms, finding his way easily by the female's trail. She had left her unique scent behind her every time she took a step, and it eventually led him right to her bedroom. He noiselessly opened the door. Its hinges didn't even squeak. He peered inside at the female. She was sleeping gently atop her sheets and blanket. Her body heat was high. It had been because she was hot. Now that he noticed it, the temperature was a bit high in this room. Or maybe it was just him.

He swept over to the edge of the bed like a snake and looked down at her sleeping form. The gentile rise and fall of her chest as she breathed in. Out. In. Out. All in careful rhythm. How could he possibly do something like this?

He violently shook his head. Once doubt stated placing itself inside his head, it was all over. He had to do this, and he had to do it now. Before it was too late. She could wake up any second now. Humans could also sense the presence of another being, just like he could. But theirs only stemmed a short distance. Right now, he was more than close enough for the aqua-haired female to sense him. What would he say if she woke up to find him standing over her bed? He would have to do it then…

Why did the idea of ridding himself of this nuisance make him want to vomit? It wasn't as if he'd never killed a human female before. It was easy. There were so many ways to do it. He could even have pleasure before killing them. No! Not this one. He couldn't do that to this one…

Why not? It wasn't like he didn't desire her anyway. Why not kill two birds with one stone? It was so simple. So easy.

No! Not her! Not her! Not her!

Before he knew what he was doing, Vegeta was swiftly and silently running down the stairs at top speed. He had to get out of here. He couldn't stay here. He didn't like the feeling of this house. He needed to get out. He needed to break free. He couldn't breathe in here. He needed air. He was going to suffocate if he didn't get out.

Locking the door behind him, his knees collided with the ground outside the back door with a thud. He looked at his hands. There was no blood. That one decision had changed everything. Everything was different now. He couldn't do it. Why couldn't he kill this pathetic Earthling female, who unknowingly caused him all this pain and anguish? For all the trouble she was worth, why hadn't he killed her when he had the chance? What stopped him? What could have stopped him? All he knew was that his plan had gone all wrong. Nothing could be done about it…

He now had to disobey his orders.