Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Apprentice ❯ Z Party ( Chapter 6 )

I thought about including Pan in this chapter, but then I'd have to include her in my sequel. Now that just requires way too much effort. I haven't even finished work on this bitch, and yet I already have plans for a sequel. I have this story mapped out. I know where its going to end. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!

Apprentice by Alexa

Chapter Six - Z Party

From the journal of Ashentara:

It has been nearly a year since I first arrived at Capsule Corp. Time passes so quickly it seems. Before long another tournament will be upon us. Trunks is excited about competing in the adult division for the first time. Master Vegeta has not shown any anxiety towards the tournament. I do not know if I will compete. I cannot defeat my teacher. Or Trunks. We haven't sparred much since that day.

Lately my thoughts have been filled with curiosities of Master Vegeta. Not exactly dishonorable thoughts, just a fascination with the man. There is so much I do not know about these people. I can feel secrets hovering in the air at times. I am not without my own secrets; however, they are aware of the important ones. Master Vegeta spoke with Bulma about some of the trials and tribulations of my past. I'm just glad she didn't try to comfort me about it. A bit late for it anyway. I've always managed to deal with my problems in my own way. Some more effective than others I've learned.

Knock, knock. "Ash, are you ready?" Trunks asked through the door.

"I'll be out in a moment."

Well, today should be interesting. Bulma has arranged a little get-together for all of her friends. Ugh. I would much rather spend the day in the gravity chamber with Master Vegeta. At least then the day would be productive. But, Bulma has insisted that everyone be there. I swear I will never understand how she can have so much control, no not control but lack of a better word, control over a man like Vegeta. I have never seen either of them wear wedding bands; yet she is always referring to him as her husband. To say these people are confusing would be an understatement. And to think, I did well in psychology.

Vegeta was tiring of Bulma's incessant nagging about every little detail. He walked up the stairs mumbling to himself. "Damn woman. Interrupting our training just to invite Kakarot and his idiot friends over. I hope that Namek won't be here." He approached the door to Ash's room. "Ashentara, what is taking you so long? Bulma is worried."

"Let her worry. I'm doing something."

Vegeta didn't like that answer. Plus, he didn't want to go back downstairs to 'help' Bulma set up. He opened the door. "What?" He was mildly surprised to see Ash sitting on her bed writing in a book.

Great! Well I guess I no longer have a choice in this matter. Let's see how this party goes. I hope it provides some form of entertainment.

"What is that?"

Ash simply stated, "A journal." She closed the book, put it under her pillow, and walked past Vegeta out of the room down the stairs.

"Women."

Bulma and Ash finished arranging all the food Bulma had prepared. And it was a lot of food. Plus, a few of the guests brought some entrees of their own. Later Ash would learn why and be thankful for it. Little by little the guests arrived to Capsule Corp. Ash sat on the couch in the living room watching TV. A 'little boy' walked in with his 'mother'. The boy had black hair and was wearing khaki pants and a red shirt. He walked over to Ash and said hello.

"I'm Krillin. What's your name?"

"Ash," she replied without looking at him or acknowledging his outstretched hand. Why the fuck is this kid bugging me already? I have no tolerance for children. GO AWAY!!!!! Brat.

Trunks walked into the room. "Hey, Krillin, 18. Where's Marron?"

The blond woman answered, "The kitchen." Trunks left the living room in search of Marron.

"Did he just call you, 18?"

"Yes." She replied with a 'make something of it' tone to her voice.

Ash decided it was in her own best interests to not fuck with this woman. She might be worse than Bulma. Or Chi-chi. At least from what I've heard Master Vegeta and Trunks say of her. Speak of the devil…

Krillin noticed the Son family walk in and announced it to the entire house. "Goku! Chi-chi! Where's Goten?"

"I'm over here." A young man, who frighteningly resembled his father, walked into the room eating a few deviled eggs.

Goku turned to his youngest son and saw the eggs. "Hey! Where did you get those?"

"Kitchen." Before Goten could say anything else, his father was no where in sight. He just shrugged his shoulders and ate his snacks. He looked over to Krillin just then seeing the young woman on the couch. "Who's she?"

Krillin glanced at Ash and said, "She said her name was Ash. She didn't say anything else."

"You didn't ask anything else." Why are these people talking about me like I can't hear them? How rude!

"Hey everyone! Mom, where's Dad?" Gohan and Videl had just arrived, although Videl was in the kitchen with Bulma trying to keep Goku from eating all the food.

"Where he always is, near the food."

Gohan laughed nervously as he looked around. His gaze landed on Ash. I wonder who she is. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of laughter.

Trunks came back into the room snickering at something Marron was telling him. "Dad can do some of the craziest things, I swear."

Goten smiled at his best friend and often times partner in crime. "Hey, Trunks. Hey, Marron."

"Goten! What's up, man?"

"Hey, Goten."

"Who's she?" He gestured towards Ash who was still failing to acknowledge the presence of anyone else in the room.

"Ash. She's kinda moody sometimes." He smiled at Ash when she turned to glare at him.

Krillin noticed this little moment and drew a very wrong conclusion. "Oh, I get it. She's your girlfriend. Isn't she, Trunks?" As long as he stays away from my daughter. "I hope you warned her about Vegeta." Krillin laughed.

Ash had heard enough from the 'little boy'. She swiftly stood and picked up Krillin by his shirt. "I do not require any forewarning about Master Vegeta. Now, I suggest you think before you speak, little boy."

"Ashentara! Put the monk down." Vegeta commanded from the doorway.

"Monk?" Ash looked closer at Krillin. "This little boy is training to be a monk?"

Krillin squirmed in her grasp. 18 stepped closer and spoke. "He's not a little boy. He's my husband."

"Husband?!" Ash immediately released her hold of the small man; he managed to land on his feet. Then she turned evil eyes to him.

Goku, who had just recently been shoved out of the kitchen, blinked a few times mildly stunned by the events that had just passed. "Wait. Did you say Master Vegeta?" Apparently, he had heard that much.

"Yes. He is my teacher." Ash stated matter-of-factly.

Half the room -after falling down anime style- all exclaimed in unison, "Teacher?!"

Gohan chuckled as he said, "You're joking, right? Vegeta would never teach anyone outside his own bloodline."

Goten, somewhat still stunned, "Yeah. Vegeta would never consider …"

Goten was interrupted by Ash's malicious laugh. "I am living proof of the contrary." She turned to Vegeta. "How long have you known these people? They obviously don't know you."

"Ashentara." Merely by saying her name, Vegeta had everyone's attention. Her smile faded to a blank countenance. He walked up to Ash. They stood nearly eye to eye, but he still managed to look down upon her. "Do you enjoy our sparring in the gravity room? Keep talking and that's where you'll spend the night."

"No, Master Vegeta." She bowed her head in apology.

Goten turned a quizzical face to Trunks. "The gravity room?"

"Yeah, Dad uses it as punishment. If Ash or I get in trouble, and Mom lets Dad handle it, we always end up in the gravity room doing our training under excessive G's. Its not fun. Trust me."

"I'll take your word for it." I definitely would not want an angry Vegeta sparring with me in there.

Goku's face showed a hint of anger as he faced Vegeta and said, "You spar with her in the gravity room?"

"Relax, Kakarot. I go easy on her."

Chi-chi grabbed her husband's arm. "Goku, calm down."

Ash's head shot up at Vegeta's words. "You go easy on me? How easy?"

Vegeta scowled at her defiance. "Do you really want to know?"

"Yes."

Without taking his eyes off Ash, Vegeta asked, "Kakarot, want to spar?"

"Sure, Vegeta."

Vegeta, Goku, and Ash were the only people to leave the party. Living at Capsule Corp. for as long as he had, Vegeta was very familiar with the layout. Ash, on the other hand, had no clue where the hell they were. A set of double doors was becoming closer with each step.

"Master Vegeta, where are we going?"

"To spar in a more natural environment."

"Well, I hope you can remember how to get back." Goku said, "I've never been able to find my way around here." Vegeta opened the doors to reveal an arboretum. "Hey, I remember seeing this place."

Ash stood back as her teacher and his rival began to spar. She was truly amazed at the speed, skill, and strength of the two fighters. I had no idea he was this strong. No wonder I can never defeat him. I don't have a chance. The fight continued as each warrior did his best to outmaneuver the other. Ash slowly began to realize Vegeta was struggling to block or dodge Goku's attacks. HOLY SHIT!!! Goku is stronger than Vegeta? How the fuck can they be this powerful? Is this humanly possible? I now realize my apprenticeship will last much longer than I had initially anticipated. Damn.

Bulma had finally finished all the necessary preparations and straightening what Goku had disturbed. All the food was arranged buffet style throughout the entire kitchen. She took a deep breath before joining her guests in the living room. She silently hoped Vegeta and Ash were behaving themselves. I swear more than just training is rubbing off on that girl. As she walked into the living room, she saw a few guests for the first time that evening. Piccolo, Yamcha, Puar, and Master Roshi were seated throughout the room with everyone else. "Hello everyone. I'm so glad you all could make it." Pause. She looked around the room. "Where's Vegeta and Goku?"

Krillin was the only person willing to answer. "Vegeta asked Goku to spar with him."

Bulma started fuming. "I asked him to behave, and the first chance he gets he goes off sparring with Goku."

"I know!" Chi-chi had to throw in her two cents. "Every time we get those two together they are always fighting."

"Why do we even try anymore? Did anyone see which way they went?" Every head was shaking in the negative. "Great! Now how are we going to get them back here? I don't have time to search the entire complex."

Chi-chi snapped her fingers. "I know a way. Trunks, Goten, Krillin, help us. Go down a different hall and yell 'Its time to eat'. I know my Goku, he'll be back in one second flat."

"Great idea, Chi-chi." The five of them each went in a different direction calling for Goku.

Ash intently watched the fast paced fight. She could almost swear they disappeared for short intervals. The sheer skill the two men exhibited was astonishing. I have never seen anything like this. Not even at the tournament. But, then again I didn't have such a close view. Ash tried to analyze their fighting styles as best as she knew how.

"Come on, Vegeta. I know you can do better than this. Or has taking on a student made you slower?"

"Damn you, Kakarot. I am not slow."

"Now do you understand why I agreed to let Piccolo train Gohan?"

Vegeta growled in response.

"Hey, did you hear that?"

"I heard nothing."

"Wait, it sounded like Trunks." Pause. "I think he said its time to eat."

"DAMMIT!!! Forget about food and fight me!"

"But, I'm hungry."

"I don't give a shit. You agreed to spar with me." Vegeta aimed his fist for Goku's stomach which suddenly was gone. "DAMMIT!" He fumed for a moment powering up to shoot a Ki ball at something when he saw Ash. Shit. I can't blow something up with her around. Instead he settled for spin-kicking a tree over. "Damn, Kakarot."

Ash felt Vegeta's surge in energy. Holy FUCK!!!!! What the hell was that? Vegeta had taught Ash to sense and measure Ki, in a way. Along with her meditations, she was instructed to feel the energies around her. He didn't explain it like Ki, but it was the same thing.

Goku ran blindly from one hall to the next. At the speed he was going, it didn't take long for him to get lost. "Where am I?" No one answered him. He could still hear people telling him it was time to eat. His stomach seemed to grumble louder each time he heard it.

Practically an hour passed before everyone was back into the more familiar sectors of Capsule Corp. And then it really was time to eat. Everyone enjoyed gathering again, even though in a year they would be doing it once more at the tournament. Yamcha offered to spar with Ash if she ever wanted to. She surprised him and anyone in ear shot when she said he was too weak. Master Roshi quickly learned to keep his hands and eyes off her. And no matter what, Krillin could not get into her good graces. She seemed to have no problems with Gohan, to Videl's annoyance. Piccolo remained silent for the most part. Ash respected him in some twisted way.

The late night was upon everyone as the guests quietly left Capsule Corp. Bulma activated the cleaning robots to take care of the disaster areas that used to be her kitchen and living room. Slowly the residents went to bed.

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Well, that's it for this edition boys and girls. I hope you enjoyed this segment of Apprentice. I promise the next chapter will have more action. Not that kind of action, pervs!! I'm saving that for the sequel. *evil laugh* Well, please review and tell me what you think. In case anyone wonders, no one ever beta's my stuff. Although, I do try to keep any spelling and grammar errors out.