Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Butterflies & Hurricanes ❯ Chapter 8
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Froglady15 
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Drama / Hentai / Romance / Suspense / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.16.2016 | Pages: 14 | Words: 9.0K | Visits: 358 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Drama / Hentai / Romance / Suspense / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.16.2016 | Pages: 14 | Words: 9.0K | Visits: 358 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything. Just my
Husband, laptop, my 3 dogs and a very overactive imagination…
Dragon Ball Z and any songs mentioned in this fic DO NOT belong to
me. I’m just borrowing them for my own twisted amusement.
Butterflies and Hurricanes
Chapter 8
Bulma laid back in contentment against Vegeta in the huge bathtub in their washroom as the warm water washed over them. She sighed as she closed her eyes and leaned her head back against his shoulder.
They’d had every intention of sleeping in this morning since Trunks was with Kakarott’s family but they both found themselves wide awake, bright and early. Being that sleep would not return to either one of them, Bulma talked Vegeta out of going to train and just enjoying the morning together before they had to go pick up Trunks.
Vegeta had reluctantly agreed.
Now here they sat, together in companionable silence, enjoying each other’s company and relaxing in the hot water and soothing scents of the soaps and oils Bulma had chosen. “We should do this more often,” she murmured.
“Hmmmn,” he grunted in agreement, running his hand gently along her arm, cupping the water and letting it run down her arm. He was still contemplating the events of last night. They had put a hold on the issues at hand and had lost themselves in one another all night but now that the morning was here and they were awake, the issues that had presented themselves last night felt like they were crashing down upon him again in roaring clarity.
He had said things to her last night that he had not meant. He had been angry at the situation and angry at his father and the way things had been going in general since their return and last night it had come to a head and he had wrongfully taken it out on her. His father had dropped a few startling revelations to her and in her reaction to it, she had lashed out at him. He did not blame her for her reaction, but now he was forced to face something he had hoped he would not have to consider for a few decades.
Vegeta frowned at the thought as he sat with her in his arms, her small, delicate form leaning into him. It troubled him that he would do everything he could to protect her from everything and anything but the one thing he would not be able to protect her from was the aging process. Since it had come up last night, he kept telling himself that it did not matter and that it would not bother him once she visibly began to age and he hoped he had the strength then to not push her away or be wrongfully angry with her over something she could not control. There was no point and nothing that could be done about it now. Truthfully, if he could go back and change his choices, he really did not want to anyway. He would deal with it when the time came and hoped he would not be unfair to her. In the meantime, they should enjoy the many years they would hopefully have together.
“What did you mean last night when you told me to not trust my father?” he asked her, suddenly; not wanting to think about her aging anymore. It was nothing more than a fruitless waste of time.
She shrugged and shook her head, unsure if she should tell him of her suspicions or not; she hated that she wasn’t sure if she should be honest with him on this or not. What if she was wrong? The relationship between Vegeta and his father was strained at best; what if she made it worse by voicing her concern? That was the last thing she wanted to do.
“What else did he say to you?” he asked again.
“Just a bunch of stuff in trying to convince me to leave,” she sighed, trying to find a way to tell him to be careful without calling his father out on possibly sabotaging his son. “I’m sure he’d say just about anything to make me leave you.”
“On the balcony last night; after he spoke with you, you told me to not trust him,” he reminded her. “What did you mean by that?”
“I don’t know, Vegeta,” she answered awkwardly. “I don’t know enough… You need to let me in on what’s going on with this business with King Cold. It has to do with that and I don’t know enough about that to even make a judgement like that about your father; I shouldn’t have said what I did.”
He was silent a few moments before relenting. “Within a few weeks, I will be leaving to face him. He is currently rallying the other side of the galaxy against us. Our plan is to go after him quickly, now, while he is still unprepared.”
“And how do you know he’s unprepared?”
“At the moment, his troops are scattered all across the galaxy in search of me,” he answered. “I am a wanted fugitive; he is obsessed with finding me and is foolishly taking his time in getting his shit together instead of launching an attack on Vegeta-sei like he would be if he was smart. Cold is strong, like his son was; but he has nowhere near the cunning strategic skills Frieza had.”
“Alright, but how do you know that?” she asked again. “What if he’s ready and waiting for you to come to him?”
“My father has spoken with him and has convinced the fool that he is searching the galaxy for me as well and willing to turn me into him as a way of apology and a peace agreement for my slaying his son.”
She nodded in understanding.
“We have it on good authority Cold’s location and that he currently only has a very small number of his army with him,” he continued. “The rest are scattered in an attempt to gather more planets on their side or are searching for me. I only need to go there and finish him.”
“And you think it’s just going to be that easy? That he doesn’t think that maybe you’ve caught wind of this and may show up?” she asked. “What if it’s not that easy?”
“What are you not telling me?”
“Are you sure you can trust this information? What if you’re father has made a different deal with him?” she asked. “What if you’re being set up?”
“I doubt it. However, I will wait another week or so before making my move against him,” he said. “Kakarott will remain behind here to watch over you and Trunks in my absence; I will not leave until I know that you and Trunks will be kept safe in the event that things do not go my way.”
She nodded and swallowed hard. “I still don’t like it, Vegeta. I have a really bad feeling about this.”
“You doubt me and my abilities?”
“No, Vegeta.” She insisted. “But we just got here. You’re so caught up in your training and trying to prove something to everyone that I don’t think you’re being as prudent as you should be. I think you’re going into this half-cocked. Is your father going with you on this campaign?”
He chuckled as though she had told the funniest joke he had heard in a long time. “Woman, my father has not accompanied me on a mission since I was six years old. As it is, I have surpassed him by so much that his presence would only be a liability.”
“Alright,” she whispered. “You know this stuff, I don’t.”
“You are still troubled,” he said, shifting somewhat so that he could look at her. “What did he say to you?”
“Nothing, exactly.” She answered, shaking her head. “Since I told him that I would refuse to leave you, he advised me to ensure both mine and Trunks’ safety now in the event something happened to you. It’s not bad advice, but it was just the way he said it is all; I’m just worried he’s setting you up if I don’t leave you.”
“And if you do leave? Then what?” he scoffed. “This will all simply go away?”
“I don’t know, he didn’t say and I didn’t ask.” she admitted. “I was already too upset over the other little bombshell he dropped on me.”
“I can assure you, nothing is going to happen to me, Woman.” he said. “Even if he is setting me up, which I highly doubt, I will be going over there with my best men; all of which I trust implicitly. They are strong, sensible and battle experienced. I am leaving Kakarott behind with you with specific plans should anything happen. I will not leave without ensuring you and Trunks will be alright should I fail.
“There will be a ship ready for you in case of emergency and you are to leave here. I do not care what you are doing or what you think is best, you are to take the boy and leave. Go to your parents. If need be go pick them up and find someplace safe to reside if you do not feel safe on Callisto.”
“Can we not just get out now and leave?” she asked, knowing that he would not agree.
“And where would we go? Cold is exhausting every possible resource in pursuit of me.”
“I don’t know,” she sighed, her voice catching in emotional frustration. “Why can’t things just be normal? Like I said to your father last night: All I want is to spend my life with you and Trunks and be happy. Why does it always have to be something; someone threatening me? Some big bad that you have to go after? Doesn’t anyone in your race or in this universe find it exhausting to always constantly be at odds? You told me that life wouldn’t be easy and I accepted that, but my god, Vegeta! Coming back here was the worst thing we did, and I’m not blaming you, I’m not. I’m just exhausted, and I am afraid.
“I’m afraid for you that something may happen and I might lose you; I know you don’t like to hear that, but I am afraid for you. I’m afraid for Trunks and what kind of universe I’ve brought him into and I’m afraid for myself that I won’t make the right decisions. If I don’t, that will affect you and then what will happen to Trunks? I know you have a lot to deal with, but those are some of my thoughts and what I am dealing with.”
He didn’t say anything to her; what could he say?
“I’m sorry,” she said, turning around awkwardly in his arms. “You’re right. Everything will be fine, I just need to quit being pathetic. I’m just worried about you.”
He nodded and held her close.
“Can you show me around a bit before we have to go get Trunks?” she asked, changing the subject all together to something hopefully lighter. “Is there somewhere that I can go to work with Aro? Someplace other than here that I can spend the afternoon with Trunks? Someplace I can even just pack up my work and go elsewhere for a change of scenery; I’m so bored, Vegeta.”
He nodded briefly. “I was considering that last night when I left briefly.”
“Really?”
“Hmmn,” he grunted. “Let’s go. Bring the dog.” he said, getting out of the tub.
Bulma smiled as she followed him out and got herself dressed for the day. She got Aro hooked up and off they went.
Meanwhile…
“That bitch is smart,” the king growled at his advisor. They had both gotten up first thing to get together
for an early morning meeting. “I would not put it past her to let him in on her suspicions that we are setting Vegeta up.”
“What did you tell her?” Paragus asked.
“Nothing definitive or incriminating,” he shrugged. “But she suspects; she isn’t some random, mindless wench with a pretty face. She is smart and already put the pieces together.”
“Do you think Vegeta would believe her if she did run off to tell him?”
“Probably.” the king snorted.
“His loyalty to her and hers to him seems to be genuine,” Paragus commented thoughtfully. “It will be no simple task to come between them. I must admit that I greatly underestimated her and the hold she has on him.”
“We all underestimated her.”
“So how do we proceed?”
“I think the best plan is to continue on as is,” the King said after a moment’s consideration. “Even if my son does believe her suspicions that he is being set up, he is arrogant enough to believe that it doesn’t matter and that he can still beat Cold.”
“You may be right,” Paragus agreed. “But what if he does suspect something, takes his family and leaves, then what? We cannot afford to lose this war. If Vegeta does not pursue and fall to Cold, then we, as an entire race and the planet as a whole, are done for.”
“I know!” The King snapped at his advisor. The more they discussed the plan, the more he was second guessing it. It had seemed to be the answer at the time when he had first learned of Vegeta’s return to Vegeta-sei but now that he was here, the king found himself beginning to regret and question his decision regarding his son.
“Cold will not walk away from this until either Vegeta has paid for his actions against Lord Frieza or the entire planet and the rest of us are destroyed,” Paragus continued, beginning to sense the King’s indecision. “Do you think it is fair for the rest of the planet and empire to suffer because of Vegeta’s rash decisions? I understand that he is your son, but you need to look at this objectively.”
The king simply nodded, knowing that his advisor was right. While this would not be the easiest thing to do, it was the best solution. Vegeta had failed him and would continue to do so if he did not follow through on this plan. He had spent many months buttering up Cold and convincing him that he would hand over his one and only son in exchange for having their empire and planet left alone.
“Send Asia with him on the mission.” Paragus suggested suddenly.
“She is queen and mother to my heir.” The king objected.
“Understood, however if Vegeta suspects that he is being set up, sending Asia will possibly convince him that the mission will be a success and that nothing is wrong.”
“Alright and what is to become of her once Vegeta has been apprehended?”
Paragus shrugged. “We can fill Cold in on the details and I am sure she will be returned safely. Cold has no use for her.”
“That’s true.” the King nodded. Though there was no love lost between the king and his mate, he did not want to deal with raising another child on his own again; especially a child that was proving to not be of any use and had shown no potential greatness that he could see.
“It is settled.” Paragus nodded. “I shall inform her immediately.”
“And what are we with do with the girl and her brat?” the King asked.
“They will be detained.” Paragus replied after considering it a moment. “The girl obviously has her uses. She is intelligent. Perhaps she can be swayed to assist us in advancing our technology.”
“I gave Vegeta my word that she and the child would not be harmed while they are here.”
“Exactly, and you can use her loyalties to him to persuade her to work for us; especially once Vegeta is in King Cold’s care.”
King Vegeta nodded, though was frowning heavily. “You are certain that should Vegeta face Cold that he will not return?”
“Absolutely.” Paragus nodded. “Cold is currently residing on the small planet of Isotope, as I have already mentioned to your son. What Vegeta is not aware of, is that Cold has been building a very heavy military garrison there and is currently awaiting a visit from Yours Truly. Once Vegeta has arrived, he will be heavily outnumbered and should be easily detained. Why do you ask, my king?”
“Should there be a chance that Vegeta succeeds, once he knows that we have imprisoned his mate and have set him up, he will return here and he will be out for blood; you know that, don’t you? There will be no stopping him from annihilating us all. He has ascended. I cannot stand up to him.”
Paragus shrugged nonchalantly, trying to not smile or give away a secret only he knew. Little did the Saiyan king know that his son was not the only Saiyan in the empire with a ridiculously high power and it would not be long before he was shown first hand another strong Saiyan male who would wipe all of them out with minimal effort. “We will have to exercise caution,” he agreed. “However, I am confident that Cold will be able to handle him. He has had enough notice that Vegeta will be headed his way shortly and we will not make a move against the girl until Vegeta is in Cold’s custody on the off chance he does succeed.”
King Vegeta nodded. “Very well,” was all he said.
“I will inform Asia that she will be departing with the Prince.” Paragus said, quietly dismissing himself from the King’s private study. It would only be a few weeks now! Within a few very short weeks, this empire would be his to rule and control.
-0-0-0-
Vegeta showed Bulma around the palace briefly after they had left his quarters for the morning. He explained the meanings and ancestral history behind some of the statues and paintings as they made their way down the halls. Most were bloody depictions of war; paintings of great victories won by his grandfather, great grandfather and several generations previous. Each one told a different story and she found herself quite fascinated with the history of Vegeta’s family.
“So, one day will there be a painting up here of you slaying Frieza?” she asked.
“Hmmn,” he nodded. “It is now a part of the Saiyan race’s history, I suppose.”
She nodded as she looked at the different pictures. It was uncanny the resemblance of the royal line; all of the kings for the past eight to ten generations looked the same. Sure there were minor differences here and there that distinguished them apart from each other but it was unmistakable they were all related.
There was another depiction that caught her eye and that was of a golden god-like Saiyan that resembled Vegeta to a T. “Is that the first Super Saiyan?” she asked. “I remember when we first met you telling me that no one had achieved it in a thousand years.”
“Hmmn,” he nodded. “That was the first king Vegeta; the first of our line and the Saiyan responsible for our independence and great victory over the Tuffle race.”
Bulma nodded. Vegeta had mentioned things here and there but none of it made a whole lot of sense until now as she looked at the paintings on the walls; each one a secession over the last, telling the complete story of the Saiyan race.
She walked ahead further and looked at the familiar painting of the Royal family. She remembered it from last time when she had first arrived here. She had been walking with Kakarott and she had enquired about it. There was a statue of Vegeta’s father and a new picture of the king and Asia next to the previous picture of the former Royal family.
“Your mother was beautiful,” she said, looking at the painting again.
“She was,” he agreed only glancing briefly at the portrait.
“And what a cutie you were. What happened?” she added jokingly.
“I got myself involved with a complicated woman.”
“Hey, I’m not complicated.” she whined. “So when will they put a picture of you up here in all your Super Saiyan glory?”
He shrugged. “Probably not until I take the throne.”
“But I thought your ascension was a big deal?”
“It is, but we are in the middle of trying to prevent a war.”
“I guess,” she nodded and they continued onward down the palace hallways.
Vegeta introduced her to several of the guards that she would encounter frequently if she was to be wandering the palace on her own. He advised them all that she be looked after as though she were one of their own and they all seemed more than happy to oblige, much to Bulma’s surprise.
After a little while Vegeta finally lead her into a large courtyard; both were thankful that it was empty. Bulma smiled at Vegeta. It was perfect! There was nothing in the middle. Just thick grass and a few trees on the outside; no obstructions, and completely closed off by what looked to be a twelve foot stone wall all around the perimeter of the yard. Bulma estimated it was about the size of a hockey arena.
“It’s like a whole working field, Vegeta!” she exclaimed, letting Aro off his leash.
“There are many courtyards throughout the palace,” he nodded. “This one is for sparring, which is why it is so plain. My mother used it for sword play; because of its location, it is not frequently used. I like to use it for meditating.”
“Ahh, so this is where I can find you in the middle of the night, huh?” she asked teasingly.
“Hmmn,” he grunted. “You may come here during the day with Trunks and the dog; no one will bother you.”
“I love it! Thank you!” she gushed, wrapping her arms around his and kissing him. “I need to start working him again. I’ll need to set up some blinds and find the capsules with my protection stuff, oh Vegeta! I’m so excited! Aro is going to be so much happier!”
“Good, because my sole purpose in life is to make sure the damned dog is content,” he deadpanned.
“You know it is!” She teased back, taking Aro’s ball out of her pocket and tossing it.
Aro took off down the length of the field in pursuit of it like a shot. He returned a few short moments later with it in his mouth, dropping it at their feet.
Bulma picked it up and smiled. “Get in,” she said to him and he very quickly took to her left side, sitting perfectly straight, looking at her and anticipating her next command. “Heel.” She said and began to walk with him slowly at first, then quickened her pace for several steps before slowing to almost a crawling walk. Despite the many months of having not been worked properly, he did not falter.
As Bulma continued to work a few basic drills with Aro, Asia walked into the courtyard, carrying her son. “What are you guys doing here, and what the hell is she doing with that beast thing?”
Vegeta turned and scowled at her. “I do not require permission to enter these premises. I go where I please.”
“You guys left early last night,” she commented coming to stand next to him. “What did your father have to say to her last night? He was in a pissier mood than usual after that.”
Vegeta contemplated answering her or not for a moment. “He tried to bribe her into leaving me.”
“Oh, really?” Asia snorted. “It didn’t work, I take it?”
“Of course it did not, you idiot!” Vegeta snapped at her. “What is it you want?”
“Oh, I want lots of things,” she sighed. “I only came out this morning to spend some time with Tarble, is all.”
Vegeta nodded and briefly glanced at the infant. “He is the same age as Trunks?”
“I don’t know, actually. I think he’s a month or so younger. He’s three months old.” she answered, smiling at the awake, but quiet baby in her arms. “Can I ask you something?”
“If you must,”
“Have you started working with your son?” she asked. “Like not training, but exposing him to energy?”
“By the time Trunks was three months, yes,” he answered. “I began exposing him small amounts of ki; he can hang onto the smallest ki ball if he fixates on it, though only for a very short period of time.”
“And he doesn’t mind it?”
“No, he rather enjoys it, actually. He cries when I am finished.” he replied, looking awkwardly at her and the baby.
“At least you put in the time,” she snorted. “Your father couldn’t be bothered giving him a second glance since his birth.”
Vegeta shrugged, not knowing what to say. “I have not been as attentive as the woman would like since we returned here,” he admitted.
“Where is he?” she asked.
“We will be leaving to get him shortly,” he said noncommittally, not wanting to elaborate.
She nodded and rolled her eyes at his non-answer but did not press him further, taking the hint that he was not all together comfortable with her presence, never mind conversing casually with her.
Vegeta stood there and looked at the baby again, unsure how to react; what he should or should not say. It was not the most ideal situation. Technically this tiny infant was his half-brother. He was not sure if he should shun that or accept it. He wanted to dismiss it completely, but curiosity got the better of him as he looked at the small infant. He already had thick dark hair and features, he shared the deep widows peak both he and his father had; a mark of the royal line. He resembled his father in an almost uncanny manor and supposed it would not take long and he would look like him as well. His strength level however, was almost nonexistent in terms of where a Saiyan child should be. “He is not strong,” he said suddenly to her without thinking; it was more of an observation than anything else.
Rather than taking offence to his comment, Asia nodded and looked at her son closely, her features clouding over somewhat in concern. “I know,” she replied. “Your son has more promise already. Ironic, isn’t it?”
“Indeed,” he nodded, again, unsure of what to say. “However, you have nothing to fear where I am concerned so long as you do not seek to harm Bulma or Trunks.”
“Yes, because that’s my top priority these days, Vegeta,” she said dryly.
“Is it not?” he challenged her, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at her.
“No, it’s not,” she admitted. “I have bigger things to worry about, I’m afraid. Making sure your father doesn’t decide to put this guy down if he does not begin to show some improvement in the next few months is one of them. One good thing about you coming back when you did, he’s obsessed with this business with you battling Cold that he has barely given his son, or me for that matter, a second thought.”
“You think he would harm his own heir?” Vegeta asked, unsure if the notion surprised him or not.
“I think he would, yes.” she answered immediately and confidently. “What do you think really happened to your little brother, Vegeta?”
Vegeta scowled at her. “He was premature and died because of birthing complications.”
“Right, that’s what everyone was told,” she snorted. “But it is a well-known fact that he was born weak, possibly weaker than this little guy is what I heard.”
“Do you have any evidence to support these ridiculous claims?” he growled at her. “Or is this just another rumor your father has spread to turn public opinion against my father?”
Asia shrugged. “It wouldn’t surprise me one bit. I suppose at this point, it really doesn’t matter one way or another but so long as he leaves Tarble alone, what do I care?”
“If you are concerned about such things, then you would be wise to send him away.”
“You’d love that, wouldn’t you? Then that would make room for your son. Why don’t you send yours away?”
“Believe me, if the time comes where I feel they are unsafe, I will not hesitate to send them off some place safe.”
“Then why don’t you now?”
“Because right now I do not believe they are in any immediate danger.”
“You know, you could send them both away and you and I could get rid of your father and create an heir of our own. The result could be quite fruitful.” She suggested, more in a light of wishful thinking then any actual seriousness.
“I would do no such thing.” he replied absolutely, shaking his head in disgust.
“Seriously?” Bulma interrupted, standing only a few feet away. “Trying to steal my husband while I’m within walking distance? Wow, you are incorrigible; I thoroughly underestimated you and stupidly thought that maybe you had changed.”
Asia shrugged. “I suppose I ought to congratulate you. Apparently he is more loyal to you than I thought. I mean, could you really blame me? His father would accept such an offer from anyone, forgetting me entirely. How was I to know that the son is not the same?”
“That’s not my problem,” Bulma said shortly to her. “I’m sorry you are stuck in a horrible situation, I really am, but attempting to destroy my life isn’t going to help.”
“It isn’t?” Asia baited. “If I recall, it was you who-”
“Enough!” Vegeta growled. “Let’s go.”
Bulma leashed up Aro and off they went. “We will take the dog back to my quarters and leave to go and get Trunks.” he said.
Asia sighed in annoyance as they left. She could not help but feel angry and resentful for her predicament. Here was the only man in the world she had ever wanted and he was unswayable in his attentions towards his mate. While admirable, why couldn’t she have that?
It isn’t fair! She raged to herself. She was about to blast a tree that was growing to her left but noticed someone quietly enter the courtyard moments later. “What do you want?” she asked irritably.
“Your father sent me to find you.” Broly replied.
“Ugh,” she groaned. “What now? I thought he brought you here to be his new puppy to follow around and do his bidding.”
Broly didn’t reply.
“Why don’t you go back to wherever it was you came from?”
“I would like to but have been told I am wanted here.”
“Why was that again?” Asia asked, turning to look at him. “I’ve only met you a handful of times throughout my life and Father never mentioned you ever before and now here you are; following him around and following me around like a lost dog. It’s annoying.”
Broly shrugged. “I have yet to know myself, but I was told that I am to enlist as an Elite Soldier to assist Prince Vegeta in this upcoming war.”
“Then go train or something,” she suggested in irritation. “Go and do something useful with your time other than follow me around. It’s creepy.”
“I do not know anyone else,” he objected.
“Well you barely know me, so scratch me off your list. I know, go and make friends with Bulma. You two seemed chummy last night,” she said with a chuckle. “The both of you being social rejects and not belonging here at all; there you go, you both have something in common.”
Broly frowned at her. “Bulma seems to be a nice girl. I do not understand your hatred and contempt for her. What has she ever done to you?”
“She stole what was supposed to me mine. I was supposed to be Prince Vegeta’s mate,” she said bitterly. “Not her.”
Broly frowned at her and shrugged. “Well, you are the mate of the king. I don’t see why that is so bad.”
“Ugh, what would you know?” she snorted. “Here, make yourself useful and take him back to the nursery. Let the matron know that I will be by later on in the afternoon to see him again.” She said, handing Tarble to Broly.
“I will,” he nodded, holding the small baby close and looking at him.
Asia stormed out of the courtyard, wanting to get this meeting with her father over and done with as quickly as possible. She was so annoyed with his constant scheming and trying to control her. She used to believe that he did all of this for her because he wanted the best for her, but she had begun to feel like she was nothing more than a pawn in his quest for whatever it was he wanted.
It was always about what he wanted, never what she wanted and she had done everything he had always asked of her and look where it had gotten her? Mated to someone who she could not even stand to be around. Sure, she was queen but it wasn’t like she had ever thought it would be. It was boring. Her only use, it seemed, had been to produce an heir and she seemed to be stuck doing all the things her mate could not be bothered with. Truthfully, if she could go back and tell her father off, she would in a minute.
“You wanted to see me?” she announced as she walked into her father’s office without knocking.
“I did,” he replied, not looking up from whatever it was he was doing.
“What now?” she asked. “I was enjoying a quiet morning with my son.”
“I will make this brief then; you will be accompanying Prince Vegeta on his mission to defeat King Cold.”
“What? Why?” She exclaimed suspiciously. “Who will look after Tarble if I am gone?”
“I am sure that will be left to the palace maid who watches over the majority of the time anyway.” Paragus shrugged, uninterested.
“Okay, but why are you sending me with Vegeta?”
“I would have thought that you would be pleased with this turn of events.”
“I am, but I still do not understand this. It makes no sense,” she shrugged. “He can barely stand to talk to me for five seconds, why would you send me along on a mission with him where we have to speak to each other and work together.”
“Because a scenario has finally come up that the outcome will be in your best interests; things are finally beginning to fit into place, my dear.” Paragus answered calmly, putting his papers aside. “Is the door closed?”
“Yea,” she nodded after sliding the deadbolt.
“Good,” Paragus said, folding his arms and leaning back in his chair. “Now here is the plan: Within a week or two, Vegeta will be leaving to conquer King Cold and you will be accompanying him. It is the King’s plan to dispose of Vegeta’s woman and brat during this time,”
“He won’t do that,” Asia interrupted him. “He fears Vegeta and Vegeta already threatened his life if anything what so ever happens to either of them. He’s not that stupid. Even if he stages it to look like an accident, Vegeta will end him and he believes that.”
“Very well; however in any case, I will see to it that they are eliminated permanently. The details don’t matter all that much. All that matters is that Vegeta will blame his father and do away with him for us.
“Therefore, he will be king and will require a queen and how convenient that you are already filling that position and with his woman and brat completely out of the picture, you won’t have to compete for his attentions. It will be as simple as that.”
“With Bulma gone or not, he will never agree to that.” she said dejectedly. “I ran into him this morning and briefly talked to him and he can barely manage to be cordial. He hates me.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Paragus suggested. “I am sending you with him on this war campaign for a purpose. Firstly, since you will be present on that mission and therefore off of Vegeta-sei. You will by no means be implicated in the demise of his little family that he cares so much for. Should you be here when it happened, he won’t care if you are directly involved or not. Everyone knows that you despise Bulma so you and the King will be the prime suspects.
“Secondly, you will be working closely, alongside him during this war. This will be your time to shine. Use the time well. I know you are an amazing warrior. Unfortunately, Vegeta has never seen that side of you. This will be a good thing and will be your opportunity to catch his attention.” Paragus said knowingly as though it was already a sure thing.
“I agree, but I don’t think he’s going to care about whether or not I am a great warrior or arm candy,” she huffed. “Look at who he’s stuck with. He doesn’t care about that obviously.”
“Or so you think,” he shrugged. “He has not found himself in a situation where he has to work closely with another, especially a woman warrior. You are smart; I raised you to be smart, to be able to think on your feet in any situation and to have battle sense. You have proven yourself to be a brilliant warrior and tactician over the years in any mission you have ever been sent on. It is only a shame that Vegeta never had a chance to work alongside you while the two of you were growing up. I am sure had he seen that side to you, he would have no doubt chosen you.”
“That’s what I always thought.” She agreed.
“Well, now is your chance to make it right. It would not be the first time a male who was mated and bonded to another’s attentions and affections shifted while on a mission with another female warrior who could hold her own. A man as strength driven as Vegeta will have to appreciate your talents and no doubt find that attractive especially since the one he has chosen is weaker than even the weakest Saiyan child.”
“Alright,” Asia nodded and smiled at the idea that she possibly still had a chance to gain Vegeta’s attention and affections but for some reason didn’t think it would be as easy as that. “But if they are bonded won’t that be putting him at risk?”
“We will be doing him a favor and he will no doubt be distressed over the loss of the girl, but he will in time come to realize that you are a more appropriate choice.” he replied, waving his hand in dismissal. “I don’t believe that Vegeta is so weak as to allow himself to succumb to such a thing as a broken bond; look at his father.”
Asia nodded in agreement but wasn’t sure if this was a great plan or not. Sure she had wanted to be with Vegeta more than anything in the universe, but if everything worked out the way her father expected it to, wouldn’t she just be trading one bad scenario in for another? She was already stuck with someone that did not want her; she was not so dense as to not know that her relationship now was strictly out of convenience than anything else and she hated her life at the moment. So would it still be the same situation, only potentially worse if she and Vegeta did end up together? He didn’t want her, he never had. At least his father didn’t seem to have any feeling towards her one way or another. He didn’t care for her but he certainly did not despise her. They lived their own separate lives for the most part and only came together for the sake of appearances. She had given up on wanting anything more from him and had come to hate him more than she ever thought possible to hate someone. The only good part of this plan that she could see was her finally being free of him but at what cost?
She wished she shared her father’s optimism on the outcome but found herself questioning his motives. Once again, she suspected she was being used as a pawn to further whatever hidden agenda he had and she didn’t like it.
“And what if everything goes accordingly but Vegeta still wants nothing to do with me. Then what?” she asked suddenly before she could catch herself.
Paragus shrugged. “He won’t have much say in the matter. You are the current queen. He cannot replace you even if he wants to. You also have provided an heir. There is nothing he can do about it.”
Asia nodded but didn’t say anything, still in deep thought. Several months ago, she would have been elated to hear this news. At the moment she wasn’t sure what to feel. While she wanted to hold out hope that maybe finally after all this time she may end up with someone she felt was worth of her affections and someone that she would do almost anything in the universe to make happy, the other more rational side of her was telling her that this was another dead end.
“When do we leave?” she asked her father.
“Within a week or two,” he answered. “I take it you are pleased with this news and will utilize your time well?”
Asia nodded in reply. “I will, father.”
“Good. That settles things then. If I were you, I would go and start training; brush up on your combat skills, you are going to need them if you are to catch Vegeta’s attention.”
“And to ensure my safe return to be able to care for my son.” she added, shooting her father an icy look.
“Right, that too.” he agreed.
Asia didn’t comment any further before she left her father’s office. She wanted to go out and brood for a bit but then decided her father suggestion to begin training was not entirely a bad idea. She needed to bow off some steam and she hadn’t set foot in the training grounds since she was about half way through her pregnancy with Tarble.
-0-0-0-
“I am not impressed, Vegeta.” Bulma said once they had made their way back into Vegeta’s quarters.
“It is what it is.” he shrugged.
“Seriously? Is that what I need to worry about all day now?” she asked, a little louder and upset sounding than she meant to be. “That she’s trying to sway your attentions?”
“No,” he shrugged. “You have nothing to worry about where she is concerned.”
“I know I don’t have to worry about you. It’s her!” she said again.
“Enough.” he growled. “She can walk about the palace naked for all I care, I will never be interested in her. When will you understand that?”
“It’s not that I don’t understand it, Vegeta. It’s that she’s a woman and she’s conniving and manipulative and obviously would go to any length to take you from me. If she’s going to do that when I’m around, what is she going to resort to when I’m not around?”
Vegeta shook his head in annoyance. “I have far too many things on my plate right now than to spend time worrying about your simpering over someone who does not matter. Do not let her get to you that is more than likely what most of that was abut anyway.”
“Whatever,” Bulma mumbled. She knew to a degree he was right, but she didn’t want to fight with him about it either. She felt like that was all they had done the past few weeks; bicker and argue and pick at one another and she didn’t like it. “Let’s go get Trunks.”
They left the palace together and walked down the streets of the capital of Vegeta-sei.
“Stay close,” Vegeta said to her, wrapping his tail possessively around her waist as they entered the city together.
Bulma took in the sights and sounds of the city. It wasn’t underdeveloped like Callisto, but it was less developed than the city streets of West City. The roads weren’t paved and there were kiosks everywhere with different vendors selling everything imaginable from fruits, vegetables, meats and desserts to housewares, jewelry, clothing and weapons. Literally everything and anything you could possibly need was available in great quantity.
She insisted they stop several times at different vendors to look at different things that piqued her interest. One such vendor was a man who built cleaning bots for the home. She remembered her father had been working on such a project just before her planet had been destroyed. Oddly enough, their design wasn’t that far off from what her father had been planning. The gentleman who’s store it was absolutely adored Bulma and was more than happy to show her some of his other inventions.
“You’re highness! Where did you find such a woman?” he asked his Prince.
“She was hiding in a far corner of the galaxy and I just happened to stumble upon her during a chance meeting while on a mission,” he said thoughtfully, looking at her as she was intensely examining something that he was obviously working on before they had shown up.
By this time, there was quite the crowd standing around both of them, all eager to either meet or finally catch a glimpse of this elusive mate their Prince had taken for himself. At first, Vegeta was quite tense and was growing increasingly uncomfortable at the volume of people that had come to see them, but eventually he relaxed somewhat when he realized it was more of a curious atmosphere rather than an angry mob, as he had been expecting.
Bulma felt somewhat overwhelmed by so many huge people in such a close proximity. They were all polite and eager to meet her however, much to her surprise. She smiled and spoke to them all. She was asked over and over again where she was from and what race she was and found herself relax as the feeling of acceptance washed over her. This was most certainly not what she’d had in mind over the last several months before they had returned back to Vegeta-sei.
The Saiyans in general were all very polite and kind and eager to know more about her. Though they commented almost nonstop at her petite stature by comparison to themselves, it was more in the air of amusement than unkind or critical.
She chuckled as she noticed Vegeta becoming agitated. He was never one for conversing with large amounts of people for any extended period of time. She felt bad in a way that he seemed so uncomfortable; it was clear that everyone held him in very high regard. Anyone that passed by them and the large crowd surrounding them made a point of speaking to him or greeted him at least; most however wanted to know about his ascension and congratulated him.
Bulma couldn’t help but feel proud of him. His father had given him the impression that because of his decisions regarding her, he had become nothing more than an outcast and a laughing stock of his entire race. That certainly was not the case here and she wondered if his father knew that or not? Vegeta certainly had been somewhat concerned over public opinion, but that had been more for his worries about her safety than simply what they thought about him.
They eventually made their way through the capital, though slowly as they were constantly stopped and greeted. It shocked her how everyone seemed to know her name and exactly who she was and no one made her feel like she did not belong.
“I think it is safe to say that public opinion of you is positive,” Vegeta said to her after one female vendor insisted that Bulma take her pick of several beautiful silk scarves. It had been very hard to choose, but she had chosen a plain, bright yellow scarf; she had felt guilty in choosing anything more elaborate and potentially expensive since the woman refused to accept any payment.
Finally they had a moment where they were not surrounded by people. Vegeta dragged her into a back alley before scooping her up and flying the rest of the way to Bardock’s. Vegeta, how will I know how to get there on my own if we fly?
Woman, at this rate it will take us the rest of the day to make it to Bardock’s.
Can we walk back then?
We will have Trunks with us.
So?
Vegeta thought on it a moment. Vegeta, I really don’t think anyone is going to be upset or try to harm him. They absolutely adore you! And no one was unkind to me. I think either your father lied or he’s completely clueless about the people who he rules over. Do you really think any of those people would attempt anything ill upon us? I don’t. But again, they are your people. Not mine.
Perhaps. Was all he said as they headed towards Bardock’s place.
Butterflies and Hurricanes
Chapter 8
Bulma laid back in contentment against Vegeta in the huge bathtub in their washroom as the warm water washed over them. She sighed as she closed her eyes and leaned her head back against his shoulder.
They’d had every intention of sleeping in this morning since Trunks was with Kakarott’s family but they both found themselves wide awake, bright and early. Being that sleep would not return to either one of them, Bulma talked Vegeta out of going to train and just enjoying the morning together before they had to go pick up Trunks.
Vegeta had reluctantly agreed.
Now here they sat, together in companionable silence, enjoying each other’s company and relaxing in the hot water and soothing scents of the soaps and oils Bulma had chosen. “We should do this more often,” she murmured.
“Hmmmn,” he grunted in agreement, running his hand gently along her arm, cupping the water and letting it run down her arm. He was still contemplating the events of last night. They had put a hold on the issues at hand and had lost themselves in one another all night but now that the morning was here and they were awake, the issues that had presented themselves last night felt like they were crashing down upon him again in roaring clarity.
He had said things to her last night that he had not meant. He had been angry at the situation and angry at his father and the way things had been going in general since their return and last night it had come to a head and he had wrongfully taken it out on her. His father had dropped a few startling revelations to her and in her reaction to it, she had lashed out at him. He did not blame her for her reaction, but now he was forced to face something he had hoped he would not have to consider for a few decades.
Vegeta frowned at the thought as he sat with her in his arms, her small, delicate form leaning into him. It troubled him that he would do everything he could to protect her from everything and anything but the one thing he would not be able to protect her from was the aging process. Since it had come up last night, he kept telling himself that it did not matter and that it would not bother him once she visibly began to age and he hoped he had the strength then to not push her away or be wrongfully angry with her over something she could not control. There was no point and nothing that could be done about it now. Truthfully, if he could go back and change his choices, he really did not want to anyway. He would deal with it when the time came and hoped he would not be unfair to her. In the meantime, they should enjoy the many years they would hopefully have together.
“What did you mean last night when you told me to not trust my father?” he asked her, suddenly; not wanting to think about her aging anymore. It was nothing more than a fruitless waste of time.
She shrugged and shook her head, unsure if she should tell him of her suspicions or not; she hated that she wasn’t sure if she should be honest with him on this or not. What if she was wrong? The relationship between Vegeta and his father was strained at best; what if she made it worse by voicing her concern? That was the last thing she wanted to do.
“What else did he say to you?” he asked again.
“Just a bunch of stuff in trying to convince me to leave,” she sighed, trying to find a way to tell him to be careful without calling his father out on possibly sabotaging his son. “I’m sure he’d say just about anything to make me leave you.”
“On the balcony last night; after he spoke with you, you told me to not trust him,” he reminded her. “What did you mean by that?”
“I don’t know, Vegeta,” she answered awkwardly. “I don’t know enough… You need to let me in on what’s going on with this business with King Cold. It has to do with that and I don’t know enough about that to even make a judgement like that about your father; I shouldn’t have said what I did.”
He was silent a few moments before relenting. “Within a few weeks, I will be leaving to face him. He is currently rallying the other side of the galaxy against us. Our plan is to go after him quickly, now, while he is still unprepared.”
“And how do you know he’s unprepared?”
“At the moment, his troops are scattered all across the galaxy in search of me,” he answered. “I am a wanted fugitive; he is obsessed with finding me and is foolishly taking his time in getting his shit together instead of launching an attack on Vegeta-sei like he would be if he was smart. Cold is strong, like his son was; but he has nowhere near the cunning strategic skills Frieza had.”
“Alright, but how do you know that?” she asked again. “What if he’s ready and waiting for you to come to him?”
“My father has spoken with him and has convinced the fool that he is searching the galaxy for me as well and willing to turn me into him as a way of apology and a peace agreement for my slaying his son.”
She nodded in understanding.
“We have it on good authority Cold’s location and that he currently only has a very small number of his army with him,” he continued. “The rest are scattered in an attempt to gather more planets on their side or are searching for me. I only need to go there and finish him.”
“And you think it’s just going to be that easy? That he doesn’t think that maybe you’ve caught wind of this and may show up?” she asked. “What if it’s not that easy?”
“What are you not telling me?”
“Are you sure you can trust this information? What if you’re father has made a different deal with him?” she asked. “What if you’re being set up?”
“I doubt it. However, I will wait another week or so before making my move against him,” he said. “Kakarott will remain behind here to watch over you and Trunks in my absence; I will not leave until I know that you and Trunks will be kept safe in the event that things do not go my way.”
She nodded and swallowed hard. “I still don’t like it, Vegeta. I have a really bad feeling about this.”
“You doubt me and my abilities?”
“No, Vegeta.” She insisted. “But we just got here. You’re so caught up in your training and trying to prove something to everyone that I don’t think you’re being as prudent as you should be. I think you’re going into this half-cocked. Is your father going with you on this campaign?”
He chuckled as though she had told the funniest joke he had heard in a long time. “Woman, my father has not accompanied me on a mission since I was six years old. As it is, I have surpassed him by so much that his presence would only be a liability.”
“Alright,” she whispered. “You know this stuff, I don’t.”
“You are still troubled,” he said, shifting somewhat so that he could look at her. “What did he say to you?”
“Nothing, exactly.” She answered, shaking her head. “Since I told him that I would refuse to leave you, he advised me to ensure both mine and Trunks’ safety now in the event something happened to you. It’s not bad advice, but it was just the way he said it is all; I’m just worried he’s setting you up if I don’t leave you.”
“And if you do leave? Then what?” he scoffed. “This will all simply go away?”
“I don’t know, he didn’t say and I didn’t ask.” she admitted. “I was already too upset over the other little bombshell he dropped on me.”
“I can assure you, nothing is going to happen to me, Woman.” he said. “Even if he is setting me up, which I highly doubt, I will be going over there with my best men; all of which I trust implicitly. They are strong, sensible and battle experienced. I am leaving Kakarott behind with you with specific plans should anything happen. I will not leave without ensuring you and Trunks will be alright should I fail.
“There will be a ship ready for you in case of emergency and you are to leave here. I do not care what you are doing or what you think is best, you are to take the boy and leave. Go to your parents. If need be go pick them up and find someplace safe to reside if you do not feel safe on Callisto.”
“Can we not just get out now and leave?” she asked, knowing that he would not agree.
“And where would we go? Cold is exhausting every possible resource in pursuit of me.”
“I don’t know,” she sighed, her voice catching in emotional frustration. “Why can’t things just be normal? Like I said to your father last night: All I want is to spend my life with you and Trunks and be happy. Why does it always have to be something; someone threatening me? Some big bad that you have to go after? Doesn’t anyone in your race or in this universe find it exhausting to always constantly be at odds? You told me that life wouldn’t be easy and I accepted that, but my god, Vegeta! Coming back here was the worst thing we did, and I’m not blaming you, I’m not. I’m just exhausted, and I am afraid.
“I’m afraid for you that something may happen and I might lose you; I know you don’t like to hear that, but I am afraid for you. I’m afraid for Trunks and what kind of universe I’ve brought him into and I’m afraid for myself that I won’t make the right decisions. If I don’t, that will affect you and then what will happen to Trunks? I know you have a lot to deal with, but those are some of my thoughts and what I am dealing with.”
He didn’t say anything to her; what could he say?
“I’m sorry,” she said, turning around awkwardly in his arms. “You’re right. Everything will be fine, I just need to quit being pathetic. I’m just worried about you.”
He nodded and held her close.
“Can you show me around a bit before we have to go get Trunks?” she asked, changing the subject all together to something hopefully lighter. “Is there somewhere that I can go to work with Aro? Someplace other than here that I can spend the afternoon with Trunks? Someplace I can even just pack up my work and go elsewhere for a change of scenery; I’m so bored, Vegeta.”
He nodded briefly. “I was considering that last night when I left briefly.”
“Really?”
“Hmmn,” he grunted. “Let’s go. Bring the dog.” he said, getting out of the tub.
Bulma smiled as she followed him out and got herself dressed for the day. She got Aro hooked up and off they went.
Meanwhile…
“That bitch is smart,” the king growled at his advisor. They had both gotten up first thing to get together
for an early morning meeting. “I would not put it past her to let him in on her suspicions that we are setting Vegeta up.”
“What did you tell her?” Paragus asked.
“Nothing definitive or incriminating,” he shrugged. “But she suspects; she isn’t some random, mindless wench with a pretty face. She is smart and already put the pieces together.”
“Do you think Vegeta would believe her if she did run off to tell him?”
“Probably.” the king snorted.
“His loyalty to her and hers to him seems to be genuine,” Paragus commented thoughtfully. “It will be no simple task to come between them. I must admit that I greatly underestimated her and the hold she has on him.”
“We all underestimated her.”
“So how do we proceed?”
“I think the best plan is to continue on as is,” the King said after a moment’s consideration. “Even if my son does believe her suspicions that he is being set up, he is arrogant enough to believe that it doesn’t matter and that he can still beat Cold.”
“You may be right,” Paragus agreed. “But what if he does suspect something, takes his family and leaves, then what? We cannot afford to lose this war. If Vegeta does not pursue and fall to Cold, then we, as an entire race and the planet as a whole, are done for.”
“I know!” The King snapped at his advisor. The more they discussed the plan, the more he was second guessing it. It had seemed to be the answer at the time when he had first learned of Vegeta’s return to Vegeta-sei but now that he was here, the king found himself beginning to regret and question his decision regarding his son.
“Cold will not walk away from this until either Vegeta has paid for his actions against Lord Frieza or the entire planet and the rest of us are destroyed,” Paragus continued, beginning to sense the King’s indecision. “Do you think it is fair for the rest of the planet and empire to suffer because of Vegeta’s rash decisions? I understand that he is your son, but you need to look at this objectively.”
The king simply nodded, knowing that his advisor was right. While this would not be the easiest thing to do, it was the best solution. Vegeta had failed him and would continue to do so if he did not follow through on this plan. He had spent many months buttering up Cold and convincing him that he would hand over his one and only son in exchange for having their empire and planet left alone.
“Send Asia with him on the mission.” Paragus suggested suddenly.
“She is queen and mother to my heir.” The king objected.
“Understood, however if Vegeta suspects that he is being set up, sending Asia will possibly convince him that the mission will be a success and that nothing is wrong.”
“Alright and what is to become of her once Vegeta has been apprehended?”
Paragus shrugged. “We can fill Cold in on the details and I am sure she will be returned safely. Cold has no use for her.”
“That’s true.” the King nodded. Though there was no love lost between the king and his mate, he did not want to deal with raising another child on his own again; especially a child that was proving to not be of any use and had shown no potential greatness that he could see.
“It is settled.” Paragus nodded. “I shall inform her immediately.”
“And what are we with do with the girl and her brat?” the King asked.
“They will be detained.” Paragus replied after considering it a moment. “The girl obviously has her uses. She is intelligent. Perhaps she can be swayed to assist us in advancing our technology.”
“I gave Vegeta my word that she and the child would not be harmed while they are here.”
“Exactly, and you can use her loyalties to him to persuade her to work for us; especially once Vegeta is in King Cold’s care.”
King Vegeta nodded, though was frowning heavily. “You are certain that should Vegeta face Cold that he will not return?”
“Absolutely.” Paragus nodded. “Cold is currently residing on the small planet of Isotope, as I have already mentioned to your son. What Vegeta is not aware of, is that Cold has been building a very heavy military garrison there and is currently awaiting a visit from Yours Truly. Once Vegeta has arrived, he will be heavily outnumbered and should be easily detained. Why do you ask, my king?”
“Should there be a chance that Vegeta succeeds, once he knows that we have imprisoned his mate and have set him up, he will return here and he will be out for blood; you know that, don’t you? There will be no stopping him from annihilating us all. He has ascended. I cannot stand up to him.”
Paragus shrugged nonchalantly, trying to not smile or give away a secret only he knew. Little did the Saiyan king know that his son was not the only Saiyan in the empire with a ridiculously high power and it would not be long before he was shown first hand another strong Saiyan male who would wipe all of them out with minimal effort. “We will have to exercise caution,” he agreed. “However, I am confident that Cold will be able to handle him. He has had enough notice that Vegeta will be headed his way shortly and we will not make a move against the girl until Vegeta is in Cold’s custody on the off chance he does succeed.”
King Vegeta nodded. “Very well,” was all he said.
“I will inform Asia that she will be departing with the Prince.” Paragus said, quietly dismissing himself from the King’s private study. It would only be a few weeks now! Within a few very short weeks, this empire would be his to rule and control.
-0-0-0-
Vegeta showed Bulma around the palace briefly after they had left his quarters for the morning. He explained the meanings and ancestral history behind some of the statues and paintings as they made their way down the halls. Most were bloody depictions of war; paintings of great victories won by his grandfather, great grandfather and several generations previous. Each one told a different story and she found herself quite fascinated with the history of Vegeta’s family.
“So, one day will there be a painting up here of you slaying Frieza?” she asked.
“Hmmn,” he nodded. “It is now a part of the Saiyan race’s history, I suppose.”
She nodded as she looked at the different pictures. It was uncanny the resemblance of the royal line; all of the kings for the past eight to ten generations looked the same. Sure there were minor differences here and there that distinguished them apart from each other but it was unmistakable they were all related.
There was another depiction that caught her eye and that was of a golden god-like Saiyan that resembled Vegeta to a T. “Is that the first Super Saiyan?” she asked. “I remember when we first met you telling me that no one had achieved it in a thousand years.”
“Hmmn,” he nodded. “That was the first king Vegeta; the first of our line and the Saiyan responsible for our independence and great victory over the Tuffle race.”
Bulma nodded. Vegeta had mentioned things here and there but none of it made a whole lot of sense until now as she looked at the paintings on the walls; each one a secession over the last, telling the complete story of the Saiyan race.
She walked ahead further and looked at the familiar painting of the Royal family. She remembered it from last time when she had first arrived here. She had been walking with Kakarott and she had enquired about it. There was a statue of Vegeta’s father and a new picture of the king and Asia next to the previous picture of the former Royal family.
“Your mother was beautiful,” she said, looking at the painting again.
“She was,” he agreed only glancing briefly at the portrait.
“And what a cutie you were. What happened?” she added jokingly.
“I got myself involved with a complicated woman.”
“Hey, I’m not complicated.” she whined. “So when will they put a picture of you up here in all your Super Saiyan glory?”
He shrugged. “Probably not until I take the throne.”
“But I thought your ascension was a big deal?”
“It is, but we are in the middle of trying to prevent a war.”
“I guess,” she nodded and they continued onward down the palace hallways.
Vegeta introduced her to several of the guards that she would encounter frequently if she was to be wandering the palace on her own. He advised them all that she be looked after as though she were one of their own and they all seemed more than happy to oblige, much to Bulma’s surprise.
After a little while Vegeta finally lead her into a large courtyard; both were thankful that it was empty. Bulma smiled at Vegeta. It was perfect! There was nothing in the middle. Just thick grass and a few trees on the outside; no obstructions, and completely closed off by what looked to be a twelve foot stone wall all around the perimeter of the yard. Bulma estimated it was about the size of a hockey arena.
“It’s like a whole working field, Vegeta!” she exclaimed, letting Aro off his leash.
“There are many courtyards throughout the palace,” he nodded. “This one is for sparring, which is why it is so plain. My mother used it for sword play; because of its location, it is not frequently used. I like to use it for meditating.”
“Ahh, so this is where I can find you in the middle of the night, huh?” she asked teasingly.
“Hmmn,” he grunted. “You may come here during the day with Trunks and the dog; no one will bother you.”
“I love it! Thank you!” she gushed, wrapping her arms around his and kissing him. “I need to start working him again. I’ll need to set up some blinds and find the capsules with my protection stuff, oh Vegeta! I’m so excited! Aro is going to be so much happier!”
“Good, because my sole purpose in life is to make sure the damned dog is content,” he deadpanned.
“You know it is!” She teased back, taking Aro’s ball out of her pocket and tossing it.
Aro took off down the length of the field in pursuit of it like a shot. He returned a few short moments later with it in his mouth, dropping it at their feet.
Bulma picked it up and smiled. “Get in,” she said to him and he very quickly took to her left side, sitting perfectly straight, looking at her and anticipating her next command. “Heel.” She said and began to walk with him slowly at first, then quickened her pace for several steps before slowing to almost a crawling walk. Despite the many months of having not been worked properly, he did not falter.
As Bulma continued to work a few basic drills with Aro, Asia walked into the courtyard, carrying her son. “What are you guys doing here, and what the hell is she doing with that beast thing?”
Vegeta turned and scowled at her. “I do not require permission to enter these premises. I go where I please.”
“You guys left early last night,” she commented coming to stand next to him. “What did your father have to say to her last night? He was in a pissier mood than usual after that.”
Vegeta contemplated answering her or not for a moment. “He tried to bribe her into leaving me.”
“Oh, really?” Asia snorted. “It didn’t work, I take it?”
“Of course it did not, you idiot!” Vegeta snapped at her. “What is it you want?”
“Oh, I want lots of things,” she sighed. “I only came out this morning to spend some time with Tarble, is all.”
Vegeta nodded and briefly glanced at the infant. “He is the same age as Trunks?”
“I don’t know, actually. I think he’s a month or so younger. He’s three months old.” she answered, smiling at the awake, but quiet baby in her arms. “Can I ask you something?”
“If you must,”
“Have you started working with your son?” she asked. “Like not training, but exposing him to energy?”
“By the time Trunks was three months, yes,” he answered. “I began exposing him small amounts of ki; he can hang onto the smallest ki ball if he fixates on it, though only for a very short period of time.”
“And he doesn’t mind it?”
“No, he rather enjoys it, actually. He cries when I am finished.” he replied, looking awkwardly at her and the baby.
“At least you put in the time,” she snorted. “Your father couldn’t be bothered giving him a second glance since his birth.”
Vegeta shrugged, not knowing what to say. “I have not been as attentive as the woman would like since we returned here,” he admitted.
“Where is he?” she asked.
“We will be leaving to get him shortly,” he said noncommittally, not wanting to elaborate.
She nodded and rolled her eyes at his non-answer but did not press him further, taking the hint that he was not all together comfortable with her presence, never mind conversing casually with her.
Vegeta stood there and looked at the baby again, unsure how to react; what he should or should not say. It was not the most ideal situation. Technically this tiny infant was his half-brother. He was not sure if he should shun that or accept it. He wanted to dismiss it completely, but curiosity got the better of him as he looked at the small infant. He already had thick dark hair and features, he shared the deep widows peak both he and his father had; a mark of the royal line. He resembled his father in an almost uncanny manor and supposed it would not take long and he would look like him as well. His strength level however, was almost nonexistent in terms of where a Saiyan child should be. “He is not strong,” he said suddenly to her without thinking; it was more of an observation than anything else.
Rather than taking offence to his comment, Asia nodded and looked at her son closely, her features clouding over somewhat in concern. “I know,” she replied. “Your son has more promise already. Ironic, isn’t it?”
“Indeed,” he nodded, again, unsure of what to say. “However, you have nothing to fear where I am concerned so long as you do not seek to harm Bulma or Trunks.”
“Yes, because that’s my top priority these days, Vegeta,” she said dryly.
“Is it not?” he challenged her, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at her.
“No, it’s not,” she admitted. “I have bigger things to worry about, I’m afraid. Making sure your father doesn’t decide to put this guy down if he does not begin to show some improvement in the next few months is one of them. One good thing about you coming back when you did, he’s obsessed with this business with you battling Cold that he has barely given his son, or me for that matter, a second thought.”
“You think he would harm his own heir?” Vegeta asked, unsure if the notion surprised him or not.
“I think he would, yes.” she answered immediately and confidently. “What do you think really happened to your little brother, Vegeta?”
Vegeta scowled at her. “He was premature and died because of birthing complications.”
“Right, that’s what everyone was told,” she snorted. “But it is a well-known fact that he was born weak, possibly weaker than this little guy is what I heard.”
“Do you have any evidence to support these ridiculous claims?” he growled at her. “Or is this just another rumor your father has spread to turn public opinion against my father?”
Asia shrugged. “It wouldn’t surprise me one bit. I suppose at this point, it really doesn’t matter one way or another but so long as he leaves Tarble alone, what do I care?”
“If you are concerned about such things, then you would be wise to send him away.”
“You’d love that, wouldn’t you? Then that would make room for your son. Why don’t you send yours away?”
“Believe me, if the time comes where I feel they are unsafe, I will not hesitate to send them off some place safe.”
“Then why don’t you now?”
“Because right now I do not believe they are in any immediate danger.”
“You know, you could send them both away and you and I could get rid of your father and create an heir of our own. The result could be quite fruitful.” She suggested, more in a light of wishful thinking then any actual seriousness.
“I would do no such thing.” he replied absolutely, shaking his head in disgust.
“Seriously?” Bulma interrupted, standing only a few feet away. “Trying to steal my husband while I’m within walking distance? Wow, you are incorrigible; I thoroughly underestimated you and stupidly thought that maybe you had changed.”
Asia shrugged. “I suppose I ought to congratulate you. Apparently he is more loyal to you than I thought. I mean, could you really blame me? His father would accept such an offer from anyone, forgetting me entirely. How was I to know that the son is not the same?”
“That’s not my problem,” Bulma said shortly to her. “I’m sorry you are stuck in a horrible situation, I really am, but attempting to destroy my life isn’t going to help.”
“It isn’t?” Asia baited. “If I recall, it was you who-”
“Enough!” Vegeta growled. “Let’s go.”
Bulma leashed up Aro and off they went. “We will take the dog back to my quarters and leave to go and get Trunks.” he said.
Asia sighed in annoyance as they left. She could not help but feel angry and resentful for her predicament. Here was the only man in the world she had ever wanted and he was unswayable in his attentions towards his mate. While admirable, why couldn’t she have that?
It isn’t fair! She raged to herself. She was about to blast a tree that was growing to her left but noticed someone quietly enter the courtyard moments later. “What do you want?” she asked irritably.
“Your father sent me to find you.” Broly replied.
“Ugh,” she groaned. “What now? I thought he brought you here to be his new puppy to follow around and do his bidding.”
Broly didn’t reply.
“Why don’t you go back to wherever it was you came from?”
“I would like to but have been told I am wanted here.”
“Why was that again?” Asia asked, turning to look at him. “I’ve only met you a handful of times throughout my life and Father never mentioned you ever before and now here you are; following him around and following me around like a lost dog. It’s annoying.”
Broly shrugged. “I have yet to know myself, but I was told that I am to enlist as an Elite Soldier to assist Prince Vegeta in this upcoming war.”
“Then go train or something,” she suggested in irritation. “Go and do something useful with your time other than follow me around. It’s creepy.”
“I do not know anyone else,” he objected.
“Well you barely know me, so scratch me off your list. I know, go and make friends with Bulma. You two seemed chummy last night,” she said with a chuckle. “The both of you being social rejects and not belonging here at all; there you go, you both have something in common.”
Broly frowned at her. “Bulma seems to be a nice girl. I do not understand your hatred and contempt for her. What has she ever done to you?”
“She stole what was supposed to me mine. I was supposed to be Prince Vegeta’s mate,” she said bitterly. “Not her.”
Broly frowned at her and shrugged. “Well, you are the mate of the king. I don’t see why that is so bad.”
“Ugh, what would you know?” she snorted. “Here, make yourself useful and take him back to the nursery. Let the matron know that I will be by later on in the afternoon to see him again.” She said, handing Tarble to Broly.
“I will,” he nodded, holding the small baby close and looking at him.
Asia stormed out of the courtyard, wanting to get this meeting with her father over and done with as quickly as possible. She was so annoyed with his constant scheming and trying to control her. She used to believe that he did all of this for her because he wanted the best for her, but she had begun to feel like she was nothing more than a pawn in his quest for whatever it was he wanted.
It was always about what he wanted, never what she wanted and she had done everything he had always asked of her and look where it had gotten her? Mated to someone who she could not even stand to be around. Sure, she was queen but it wasn’t like she had ever thought it would be. It was boring. Her only use, it seemed, had been to produce an heir and she seemed to be stuck doing all the things her mate could not be bothered with. Truthfully, if she could go back and tell her father off, she would in a minute.
“You wanted to see me?” she announced as she walked into her father’s office without knocking.
“I did,” he replied, not looking up from whatever it was he was doing.
“What now?” she asked. “I was enjoying a quiet morning with my son.”
“I will make this brief then; you will be accompanying Prince Vegeta on his mission to defeat King Cold.”
“What? Why?” She exclaimed suspiciously. “Who will look after Tarble if I am gone?”
“I am sure that will be left to the palace maid who watches over the majority of the time anyway.” Paragus shrugged, uninterested.
“Okay, but why are you sending me with Vegeta?”
“I would have thought that you would be pleased with this turn of events.”
“I am, but I still do not understand this. It makes no sense,” she shrugged. “He can barely stand to talk to me for five seconds, why would you send me along on a mission with him where we have to speak to each other and work together.”
“Because a scenario has finally come up that the outcome will be in your best interests; things are finally beginning to fit into place, my dear.” Paragus answered calmly, putting his papers aside. “Is the door closed?”
“Yea,” she nodded after sliding the deadbolt.
“Good,” Paragus said, folding his arms and leaning back in his chair. “Now here is the plan: Within a week or two, Vegeta will be leaving to conquer King Cold and you will be accompanying him. It is the King’s plan to dispose of Vegeta’s woman and brat during this time,”
“He won’t do that,” Asia interrupted him. “He fears Vegeta and Vegeta already threatened his life if anything what so ever happens to either of them. He’s not that stupid. Even if he stages it to look like an accident, Vegeta will end him and he believes that.”
“Very well; however in any case, I will see to it that they are eliminated permanently. The details don’t matter all that much. All that matters is that Vegeta will blame his father and do away with him for us.
“Therefore, he will be king and will require a queen and how convenient that you are already filling that position and with his woman and brat completely out of the picture, you won’t have to compete for his attentions. It will be as simple as that.”
“With Bulma gone or not, he will never agree to that.” she said dejectedly. “I ran into him this morning and briefly talked to him and he can barely manage to be cordial. He hates me.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Paragus suggested. “I am sending you with him on this war campaign for a purpose. Firstly, since you will be present on that mission and therefore off of Vegeta-sei. You will by no means be implicated in the demise of his little family that he cares so much for. Should you be here when it happened, he won’t care if you are directly involved or not. Everyone knows that you despise Bulma so you and the King will be the prime suspects.
“Secondly, you will be working closely, alongside him during this war. This will be your time to shine. Use the time well. I know you are an amazing warrior. Unfortunately, Vegeta has never seen that side of you. This will be a good thing and will be your opportunity to catch his attention.” Paragus said knowingly as though it was already a sure thing.
“I agree, but I don’t think he’s going to care about whether or not I am a great warrior or arm candy,” she huffed. “Look at who he’s stuck with. He doesn’t care about that obviously.”
“Or so you think,” he shrugged. “He has not found himself in a situation where he has to work closely with another, especially a woman warrior. You are smart; I raised you to be smart, to be able to think on your feet in any situation and to have battle sense. You have proven yourself to be a brilliant warrior and tactician over the years in any mission you have ever been sent on. It is only a shame that Vegeta never had a chance to work alongside you while the two of you were growing up. I am sure had he seen that side to you, he would have no doubt chosen you.”
“That’s what I always thought.” She agreed.
“Well, now is your chance to make it right. It would not be the first time a male who was mated and bonded to another’s attentions and affections shifted while on a mission with another female warrior who could hold her own. A man as strength driven as Vegeta will have to appreciate your talents and no doubt find that attractive especially since the one he has chosen is weaker than even the weakest Saiyan child.”
“Alright,” Asia nodded and smiled at the idea that she possibly still had a chance to gain Vegeta’s attention and affections but for some reason didn’t think it would be as easy as that. “But if they are bonded won’t that be putting him at risk?”
“We will be doing him a favor and he will no doubt be distressed over the loss of the girl, but he will in time come to realize that you are a more appropriate choice.” he replied, waving his hand in dismissal. “I don’t believe that Vegeta is so weak as to allow himself to succumb to such a thing as a broken bond; look at his father.”
Asia nodded in agreement but wasn’t sure if this was a great plan or not. Sure she had wanted to be with Vegeta more than anything in the universe, but if everything worked out the way her father expected it to, wouldn’t she just be trading one bad scenario in for another? She was already stuck with someone that did not want her; she was not so dense as to not know that her relationship now was strictly out of convenience than anything else and she hated her life at the moment. So would it still be the same situation, only potentially worse if she and Vegeta did end up together? He didn’t want her, he never had. At least his father didn’t seem to have any feeling towards her one way or another. He didn’t care for her but he certainly did not despise her. They lived their own separate lives for the most part and only came together for the sake of appearances. She had given up on wanting anything more from him and had come to hate him more than she ever thought possible to hate someone. The only good part of this plan that she could see was her finally being free of him but at what cost?
She wished she shared her father’s optimism on the outcome but found herself questioning his motives. Once again, she suspected she was being used as a pawn to further whatever hidden agenda he had and she didn’t like it.
“And what if everything goes accordingly but Vegeta still wants nothing to do with me. Then what?” she asked suddenly before she could catch herself.
Paragus shrugged. “He won’t have much say in the matter. You are the current queen. He cannot replace you even if he wants to. You also have provided an heir. There is nothing he can do about it.”
Asia nodded but didn’t say anything, still in deep thought. Several months ago, she would have been elated to hear this news. At the moment she wasn’t sure what to feel. While she wanted to hold out hope that maybe finally after all this time she may end up with someone she felt was worth of her affections and someone that she would do almost anything in the universe to make happy, the other more rational side of her was telling her that this was another dead end.
“When do we leave?” she asked her father.
“Within a week or two,” he answered. “I take it you are pleased with this news and will utilize your time well?”
Asia nodded in reply. “I will, father.”
“Good. That settles things then. If I were you, I would go and start training; brush up on your combat skills, you are going to need them if you are to catch Vegeta’s attention.”
“And to ensure my safe return to be able to care for my son.” she added, shooting her father an icy look.
“Right, that too.” he agreed.
Asia didn’t comment any further before she left her father’s office. She wanted to go out and brood for a bit but then decided her father suggestion to begin training was not entirely a bad idea. She needed to bow off some steam and she hadn’t set foot in the training grounds since she was about half way through her pregnancy with Tarble.
-0-0-0-
“I am not impressed, Vegeta.” Bulma said once they had made their way back into Vegeta’s quarters.
“It is what it is.” he shrugged.
“Seriously? Is that what I need to worry about all day now?” she asked, a little louder and upset sounding than she meant to be. “That she’s trying to sway your attentions?”
“No,” he shrugged. “You have nothing to worry about where she is concerned.”
“I know I don’t have to worry about you. It’s her!” she said again.
“Enough.” he growled. “She can walk about the palace naked for all I care, I will never be interested in her. When will you understand that?”
“It’s not that I don’t understand it, Vegeta. It’s that she’s a woman and she’s conniving and manipulative and obviously would go to any length to take you from me. If she’s going to do that when I’m around, what is she going to resort to when I’m not around?”
Vegeta shook his head in annoyance. “I have far too many things on my plate right now than to spend time worrying about your simpering over someone who does not matter. Do not let her get to you that is more than likely what most of that was abut anyway.”
“Whatever,” Bulma mumbled. She knew to a degree he was right, but she didn’t want to fight with him about it either. She felt like that was all they had done the past few weeks; bicker and argue and pick at one another and she didn’t like it. “Let’s go get Trunks.”
They left the palace together and walked down the streets of the capital of Vegeta-sei.
“Stay close,” Vegeta said to her, wrapping his tail possessively around her waist as they entered the city together.
Bulma took in the sights and sounds of the city. It wasn’t underdeveloped like Callisto, but it was less developed than the city streets of West City. The roads weren’t paved and there were kiosks everywhere with different vendors selling everything imaginable from fruits, vegetables, meats and desserts to housewares, jewelry, clothing and weapons. Literally everything and anything you could possibly need was available in great quantity.
She insisted they stop several times at different vendors to look at different things that piqued her interest. One such vendor was a man who built cleaning bots for the home. She remembered her father had been working on such a project just before her planet had been destroyed. Oddly enough, their design wasn’t that far off from what her father had been planning. The gentleman who’s store it was absolutely adored Bulma and was more than happy to show her some of his other inventions.
“You’re highness! Where did you find such a woman?” he asked his Prince.
“She was hiding in a far corner of the galaxy and I just happened to stumble upon her during a chance meeting while on a mission,” he said thoughtfully, looking at her as she was intensely examining something that he was obviously working on before they had shown up.
By this time, there was quite the crowd standing around both of them, all eager to either meet or finally catch a glimpse of this elusive mate their Prince had taken for himself. At first, Vegeta was quite tense and was growing increasingly uncomfortable at the volume of people that had come to see them, but eventually he relaxed somewhat when he realized it was more of a curious atmosphere rather than an angry mob, as he had been expecting.
Bulma felt somewhat overwhelmed by so many huge people in such a close proximity. They were all polite and eager to meet her however, much to her surprise. She smiled and spoke to them all. She was asked over and over again where she was from and what race she was and found herself relax as the feeling of acceptance washed over her. This was most certainly not what she’d had in mind over the last several months before they had returned back to Vegeta-sei.
The Saiyans in general were all very polite and kind and eager to know more about her. Though they commented almost nonstop at her petite stature by comparison to themselves, it was more in the air of amusement than unkind or critical.
She chuckled as she noticed Vegeta becoming agitated. He was never one for conversing with large amounts of people for any extended period of time. She felt bad in a way that he seemed so uncomfortable; it was clear that everyone held him in very high regard. Anyone that passed by them and the large crowd surrounding them made a point of speaking to him or greeted him at least; most however wanted to know about his ascension and congratulated him.
Bulma couldn’t help but feel proud of him. His father had given him the impression that because of his decisions regarding her, he had become nothing more than an outcast and a laughing stock of his entire race. That certainly was not the case here and she wondered if his father knew that or not? Vegeta certainly had been somewhat concerned over public opinion, but that had been more for his worries about her safety than simply what they thought about him.
They eventually made their way through the capital, though slowly as they were constantly stopped and greeted. It shocked her how everyone seemed to know her name and exactly who she was and no one made her feel like she did not belong.
“I think it is safe to say that public opinion of you is positive,” Vegeta said to her after one female vendor insisted that Bulma take her pick of several beautiful silk scarves. It had been very hard to choose, but she had chosen a plain, bright yellow scarf; she had felt guilty in choosing anything more elaborate and potentially expensive since the woman refused to accept any payment.
Finally they had a moment where they were not surrounded by people. Vegeta dragged her into a back alley before scooping her up and flying the rest of the way to Bardock’s. Vegeta, how will I know how to get there on my own if we fly?
Woman, at this rate it will take us the rest of the day to make it to Bardock’s.
Can we walk back then?
We will have Trunks with us.
So?
Vegeta thought on it a moment. Vegeta, I really don’t think anyone is going to be upset or try to harm him. They absolutely adore you! And no one was unkind to me. I think either your father lied or he’s completely clueless about the people who he rules over. Do you really think any of those people would attempt anything ill upon us? I don’t. But again, they are your people. Not mine.
Perhaps. Was all he said as they headed towards Bardock’s place.