Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Apprentice ❯ Lies Unmasked ( Chapter 5 )

A/N: This chapter is longer than I intended it to be, but that's alright. None of these events have happened to me, I'm just using my imagination. And I hope that Vegeta isn't too OOC. This is a more cerebral side of him. *shrugs* That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it.

Apprentice by Alexa

Chapter Five - Lies Unmasked

The next day Ash awoke as usual. Her pre-breakfast routine was carried out as normal. However, the day to follow would be anything but normal. Master Vegeta informed her that this day would be spent improving her stamina. That meant jogging the seven miles into town, spar in the park on the other side of town, then jog the seven or so miles back. Well, at least I'm not in the gravity room fighting robots. The memory of Trunks' punishment came to mind. Ash gathered a few items into her backpack; towel, change of clothes, extra hair ties, and a few bottles of water. Vegeta did the same. The two began jogging from Capsule Corp. at the same time Bulma and Trunks were leaving for work and school, respectively.

The jog would take roughly a few hours, depending how many road-raged drivers tried to run them over. I just hope another car full of women doesn't stop to stare at Master Vegeta and cause a traffic jam like last time. Man, that was funny, but all those poor people. I wonder how some of them explained why they were late for work. The memory brought a smile to Ash's lips. It did not go unnoticed.

"Why are you smiling?"

"Just remembering something."

Vegeta just shook his head a little with an expression of 'I don't want to know'. For the most part, their work out encountered no major problems. Unless you count the occasional mother-taking-her-kids-to-school who did a double take towards Vegeta. He seemed not to notice. These little moments kept a smile on Ash's face the entire way to the park.

Ah, the park. How I loathe the park. Ok, not so much the park as all the people. I'm not exactly a social butterfly. Well, let's see how many times today I can get my ass kicked. These thoughts ran through Ash's mind as she dropped her bag under the shade of a tree and began doing stretches. This day was not as warm as the previous days had been, yet still teacher and student were dressed mostly in spandex. The sporadic stare or double take from various women continued while Vegeta was doing his own warm-ups. Somehow I doubt he'd get all this attention if he wore a damn shirt or sweats. But, most men do like their egos stroked. Though, technically Master Vegeta isn't most men. Speaking of most men… Ash spotted an older man staring at her while she was doing a hand stand and stretching her legs. Probably a business man who's trying to stay in shape. The only shape I see on that guy is round. Keep jogging fat ass. Her contempt for such men only increased when she caught a glint of light from his wedding band.

Vegeta and Ash started off slow, but quickly picked up the pace. Her stamina was definitely being tested, no matter how hard she tried there was no pause for anything. To remain on the ground, Ash would receive either a swift yank back to her feet or a low growl which would make her jump to her feet. My mind is going crazy trying to keep up with all this. I need a break. I swear he's trying to drive me insane. Calm. Breathe. Don't let him get the better of you. If I show weakness he will take advantage of it and be twice as hard on me. Yet, to not show weakness, he will believe that I can keep this up 'til Kami knows when. Logic. Think logically. Ash tried to keep concentrating on her teacher and a way to defeat him. To defeat him in a way to allow her a break. Each attempt failed, some worse than others. The match continued much to the amazement of those watching. A few visibly and/or audibly cringed when Vegeta swept Ash off her feet to land with a resounding thud.

"Need water."

"What? Fine, we shall pause for a few moments."

"Thank you, Master Vegeta." Ash slowly lifted herself back to her feet. After nearly downing an entire bottle of water in less than a minute, she sat Indian-style to take a quick meditation.

Vegeta stood looking around at everyone in the park. If everything went as planned, they should be here within the hour. He glimpsed at the tranced young woman. If they are her family, they will recognize her. Her appearance is similar enough. I will learn who you truly are, Ash. On this day, no more hiding. No more lies.

The hour passed within moments. Ash's spirit had been renewed by the brief intermission. She felt anything was possible. Doubt was silenced. Fear diminished. And she was kicking Vegeta's ass. Well, as much as she was able. "Come on, Master Vegeta. I know you can do better than this." Kick. Dodge. Punch. Block. "Or are you getting soft?"

"You forget, Ash. I am the teacher."

"Could have fooled me."

Vegeta growled. He was beginning to understand why and how Trunks could lose control. "Keep it up, weakling. We'll see how much you can really take."

"I may be weaker than you, but I'm not as weak as I once was."

"No." Duck. Punch. "You're not."

Ash's mind had cleared considerably. The frustration was no longer part of her. She smiled and said, "This is almost becoming fun." Bringing her weight down to a crouch avoiding a kick, she vaulted herself higher to spin-kick Vegeta's shoulder. Her foot connected with pure, hard muscle causing Vegeta to step forward a bit. Once, Ash landed she quickly spun around to punch his spine. Her sight caught the face of someone she never wanted to see again. Michael? This moment of distraction was enough to send her flying forward from Vegeta's next attack. She attempted to land on her hands and just use the momentum to flip right-side up. Her sight caught another face. Jeremy? Oh SHIT!! "Master Vegeta." Her voice only a whisper.

Mr. Emerald and his three sons had just arrived in West City moments ago. They were hastily searching the park for Ashentara. Michael, the eldest, spotted a woman fighting a man. She looked like his sister, but something was different. Jeremy, the middle son, had also seen the woman. Both brothers thinking the same thing.

"Mike, is that her?" A slight red-neck accent could be heard.

"Looks like her, don't it?" Same accent.

"Lets tell Dad."

"I'll get Bobby."

The brothers quickly went separate ways to find a fellow family member. The four men were shortly approaching the two fighters.

Ash wanted to be anywhere but right there in that moment. She tried to lie to Vegeta saying she needed to use the bathroom. He didn't believe her. "You must face your fears."

"What?"

"No more lies, Ashentara. Today, this façade ends."

"You set this up?!" Rage was overcoming Ash's entire body. Overpowering her senses. "Bastard! You're just like every other male I've ever known. I thought you were different, Vegeta." She tried to vent her anger through her fists, but Vegeta easily held her arms still. She struggled in vain knowing it was futile. The only thing that made her stop was a voice.

"Ashentara? Is that you?" Mr. Emerald asked unsure.

Bobby, the youngest brother, stared at the young woman. "I don't think that's her, Dad. She looks diff'rent."

Ash stood facing Vegeta, listening to her brothers. Even after all this you are still a moron. "Its called muscle, Robert. Get some." Vegeta release his grip, and Ash turned to face her family. "I would ask how you found me, but I don't think that's necessary." She glared at Vegeta.

Mike looked at Vegeta with an unusual expression. "Who's this guy, Ash? Your boyfriend? Is that why you ran away? To be with this shorty?" The boys chuckled to each other passing 'knowing' glances.

"Yeah, Sis." This from Jeremy. "Is he your boyfriend? Or just a lay?"

"Idiots." Ash never tried to mask the malice in her voice. Why start now. "Master Vegeta is my teacher. And apparently he is the one who led you here."

"Brought them here. I arranged for a Capsule Corp. helicopter to get them."

"Oh, a teacher," Mike could barely speak around his chuckling. "What's he teachin' you? How ta cook?" All three erupted into howls of laughter.

The little one decided to join the fun. "Or how ta be a good wife?" Another fit of hysterics followed.

Ash looked at Vegeta. "Must you actually ask why I left?"

"You tell me."

She turned back towards her family. "Listen, morons. Master Vegeta is teaching me martial arts. I met him at the World Tournament. And just so you know, he almost won."

"What the junior division?" More laughter.

"Boys!" Mr. Emerald barked. "What have I told you 'bout behavin' in public?" They managed to quell their laughter to infrequent outbursts. "Now, Mr. *pause* I don't believe you've introduced yourself. I'm Bill Emerald. Please, call me Bill."

"Vegeta, as your daughter has said several times already."

A faint, "What the hell kinda name is that?" was heard from the unruly young men, whom received a taunting look from their father.

"Well, Mr. Vegeta, I would like to thank you kindly for returnin' my daughter to me. If there is anythin' I can do fer ya…"

"Ashentara is going nowhere."

"What?" The sudden outburst caused a few birds in a nearby tree to flee. "What's the big idea, 'ere?"

"Ashentara came to me asking to learn martial arts. Her will was strong, but her body was weak. She proved herself worthy to be my student."

The boys saw another chance to further irritate their sister. "Gee, I wonder how she did that?"

"Yeah."

Vegeta faced Ash for a moment. Then turned his attention towards the undisciplined young men. "How old are each of you?"

Robert said, "Twenty."

Jeremy said, "Twenty-two."

Michael very defiantly said, "Twenty-five."

Vegeta harrumphed. "Children." Before he could speak to Bill again, Michael interrupted.

"What do ya mean by 'children'? We're older than her."

"Yeah." Jeremy and Robert agreed.

Vegeta turned an icy glare to them. Daring them to say something else.

One faintly mumbled, "Shorty. I could take him."

Of course with his sensitive Saiyan hearing, Vegeta heard him. "Is that so? One of you thinks he can defeat me in a fight." He chuckled a little. An evil sound that resonated from deep within him. "I would not waste my time on any one of you."

Michael still displaying that streak of defiance and stupidity. "What 'bout all three?"

"Ash could easily defeat the three of you."

"Master Vegeta!" Ash didn't have the chance to speak further.

"Oh yeah, Shorty? Then its on."

Ash was about to protest against Vegeta until she saw his visage. She centered herself then shifted to an attack stance. The fight was very short compared to what Ash was accustomed. In a matter of minutes, the three young men were lying on the ground around their baby sister's feet. "That was too easy."

"Ashentara!" Vegeta scolded. "Never underestimate an opponent. You should have finished that fight sooner."

"Yes, Master Vegeta."

Mr. Emerald was in utter shock. He couldn't believe that his daughter had just beat the crap out of his three sons.

Vegeta convinced everyone to sit down. He did not intend this ever so lovely family reunion to turn into a fight. Damn humans. Half an hour passed before any real progress was made. He was beginning to understand the reasons behind Ash's flight from her past. Of all the things he expected, Vegeta never imagined the truth.

Ash was staring down her father. Throwing the reality of her previous life back into his face. She silently thanked the prince for demanding no interruptions. "You all treated me like I was a fucking servant. Constantly ordering me around. Clean the house, do the dishes, do the laundry, cook dinner, lunch, breakfast. If I hadn't spent endless hours picking up after you disgusting slobs that house would have been an inhospitable shit hole. And you know it! I honestly would not be the least bit surprised if none of you have lifted one damn finger to clean that house since I've been gone."

Vegeta turned to Bill and said, "Is this true?"

"She liked to keep the house clean."

"BULLSHIT!!!! You chauvinist bastard. You thought it was my role in life just because I don't have a dick!"

"Ash!" Vegeta snapped. "Center yourself. Never let your emotions control you."

Ash very calmly said, "I am not as I once was," before slipping into a meditative state.

Bastard. Useless, uneducated bastard. And of course, he taught his sons to be just like him. I'm so glad I left. I should thank Master Vegeta for reminding me why I made this decision. I'll tell him the rest of this later. While we're jogging home. That's the best time. Now is the moment where I shall sever all ties with that life. Their Ash is dead.

Vegeta and Ash were jogging home. They had already traversed more than one mile. Ash debated when to start talking. On one hand, she felt that Vegeta should know the full story; on the other hand, she wasn't sure of his reaction. And I really don't want Bulma to feel like she needs to comfort me about something that happened years ago. Well, better late then never. "Master Vegeta?"

"Yes."

"I didn't exactly tell you the whole story." He stopped running. "There were a few things I left out because I wasn't sure how anyone would react. Of course, it wasn't as though those four weren't aware."

"Stop talking in riddles."

"My brothers tortured me worst of all. They would bring friends home to help join in the fun of making my life a living hell. Always intentionally making a mess for me to clean. When I was fifteen, one of Michael's friends tried to rape me. I managed to fight back so he didn't get very far. I ran away from home for about a day and a half. When I returned the house was a complete mess. Dad yelled at me for not keeping it clean. None of them even realized I had been gone." Ash paused for a moment. "I told Dad. He didn't believe me. He thought I was making it up so Michael would get in trouble.

"When I turned sixteen, none of them even acknowledged it was my birthday. I would have gone out with friends, but every time I did Dad would call the cops to bring me home. He was always claiming I was a runaway. But it was that day I made the decision to leave for good. My main problem was money. I had none. The neighbor knocked on the door as I was contemplating what to do. Mrs. Burress was an elderly woman who had lived next door since before I was born. She invited me over for dinner. While we were talking she told me about my mother. Dad had always said that Mom died while having me. Mrs. Burress told me what really happened. My mother had grown tired of my father's abuse. She left him shortly after I was born. She had tried to take me with her, but the bastard wouldn't let her. My mother had set up an account in my name that she periodically put money in. By the time I was sixteen, there was enough for me to leave. It was then that I found you at the Tournament."

Vegeta listened to everything she said. Only one thing stuck out in his mind. "Where is your mother now?"

"She died before I found her. I have a half-sister. Mom remarried."

"I think its time we go home." Ash nodded in agreement. They continued the jog to Capsule Corp.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Ok, so tell me what you think of it. I'm going to plug one of my other DBZ fics. Its my first attempt at romance called Forbidden Pleasure. That thing has not received many reviews, at the time of this update. Please, let me know what you think. Oh, I almost forgot. Yes, I am making fun of names that are so ridiculously common like Michael and Jeremy. Think about how many people you know with those names.