Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Butterflies & Hurricanes ❯ chapter 25 ( Chapter 25 )
[ 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: 02.14.2016 | Pages: 11 | Words: 6.2K | Visits: 301 | 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: 02.14.2016 | Pages: 11 | Words: 6.2K | Visits: 301 | 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.
Chapter 25
She felt him behind her, his tail constricting around her upper torso and waist tightly, crushing her slowly, deliberately wanting to drag out the feeling of asphyxiation. She tried to inhale as much as she could, but it was difficult as the moment she exhaled, his hold on her tightened and would not allow her enough give to fill her lungs to their full capacity again.
As panic began to set in she heard him chuckle deeply and felt his hands begin to wander and touch her all over. She shuddered in disgust as she swallowed down a weave of nausea.
“You are such a weak little thing,” he commented, squeezing one of her breasts painfully, causing her to cry out. “I wonder how long until I crush your fail body?” he asked, tightening his hold on her.
Bulma started in panic and sat right up as she felt a pair or arms tighten around her; it took her mind a second to remember where she was and who she was with. To her relief she was still sitting on Vegeta’s lap in the cell of Cold’s planet. She was still straddling him and had obviously fallen asleep against his chest at some point.
“Hmmn,” Vegeta grunted, loosening his hold on her. He caught the initial look of terror in her eyes before relief took over and she looked away from him quickly before leaning into him again, resting her head back on his shoulder. He noted her heart was beating a mile a minute and she was still shaking.
“Sorry,” she mumbled. She wasn’t sure when she had dozed off but apparently she had.
“I did not mean to wake you,” he said, sounding hoarse. “It sounded as though you were having a bad dream.”
“Oh,” she replied, hoping he had not seen it. “Maybe, I don’t remember.” She lied.
“Whatever it was, your subconscious mind did not share it.” he replied.
Bulma sat back up to look at him. “Probably better that way anyway since I’ve had plenty of nightmares as of late.”
“Me too,” he admitted.
She touched the side of his face and noted how tired he looked. “Did you manage to get some sleep?”
“No,” he shook his head. “I dozed off a couple of times but not enough to get any rest.”
Bulma’s gaze fell down to the ki collar around his neck. “I need to find a way to get this thing off of you,” she murmured to herself, touching it and trying to find any nook or cranny that may help her to figure out how to shut it off or remove it. “This is completely different from the one I made.”
This collar was about two inches wide and in inch thick, all the way around and it fit fairly tight around his neck; she could just barely slide her fingers underneath it. It was smooth metal with no holes, switches or seams in it from what she could tell. “I still don’t know how he got this thing on your neck with no seams or anything.” She commented absently to herself.
“I do not know, I was out and woke up with the damned thing around my neck,” he grumbled, taking her injured hand and looking at it. “This is the best the Namek could do?”
“Yea,” she commented shortly, yanking her hand back and focusing on the collar again. “That’s as good as it gets unless I can convince Gero to surgically fix it.”
Vegeta nodded. “What happened?”
“Doesn’t matter,” she answered, still feeling under the collar meticulously for anything to help her figure it out.
“It does matter,” he insisted.
“Well I already told you I don’t know,” she sighed in exasperation. “I woke up with it crushed after I was arrested. Someone probably stepped on it.”
Vegeta nodded, though he wasn’t convinced. He was going to ask her if it was his father who had done it but they were jolted as they heard the door being unlocked.
They both managed to stand up and face the door quickly before it opened. Two androids stood there. “It is time to resume.” One of them said.
“What, we don’t get anything to eat?” Bulma huffed. Not that she was actually hungry but it was more the principle of the matter and the fact that she would make sure Vegeta could get some nourishment in him. His face was already beginning to look gaunt and sallow.
It may not matter by the end of today. He said to her.
“The trial is to resume immediately,” one of them repeated as the other one walked in to pick up Vegeta’s discarded cuffs off the floor and re cuffed him.
They lead them down the halls and back into the crowded throne room. Bulma frowned, thinking that it looked like it was even more crowded today than it had been yesterday and wondered how seriously this was being taken? It felt like more of an entertainment event at this point than a trial. It made her angry that the outcome of Vegeta’s life was nothing more than a spectacle.
They both took the same seats they had the previous day and waited for King Cold, who wasn’t there yet. The noise and the energy in the room from various conversations being held and insults being thrown at Vegeta was almost deafening and they both hoped that Cold would arrive soon if for no other reason that the room would be quiet.
A few minutes later Cold walked in and took his seat at his throne.
“I would like to wrap this up fairly quickly, as it has taken up enough of my time,” he announced in a bored tone. “Miss Bulma, would you take a seat so we may resume these proceedings where we left off?”
Bulma nodded and got up. Her stomach was in knots as she made her way up next to Cold. She offered a half smile at Vegeta and sat down.
“What happened on Vegeta-sei, my dear?” Cold asked, getting straight to the point.
“What do you mean?” She asked cautiously with a frown. “You destroyed it.”
“What I mean is, what happened with the business of King Vegeta hiding from me once I had his son in my custody?”
Bulma felt her stomach drop. “I wouldn’t know,” she shrugged and shook her head. “I was arrested and thrown in jail as soon as the king had news that Vegeta had been taken into your custody. I didn’t hear anything until I was taken by your men to be brought here. That’s all I know.”
“Yet you mentioned to me on the day of your arrival that King Vegeta was dead.” Cold reminded her. “What do you know of that?”
“I don’t know anything,” she answered again, feeling flustered because she had said that. “It was a rumor that he was dead. I don’t know one way or another if he was or not. My words to you yesterday were spoken out of anger, not out of any insight on my part.”
“My men who were sent to retrieve you and to investigate the supposed death of King Vegeta were told that he had been killed first by a few of his whores and then they were of the understanding that it was another Saiyan soldier who killed him, though the reasons were unknown. What do you know of these rumors?”
Vegeta looked at her with interest as she became more and more flustered. Sure it didn’t matter now, but he himself wanted to know. What happened with my father, Bulma? He asked her. He had been so distraught yesterday that he hadn’t even thought to ask her in private. When she’d woken up he was going to ask but they had been interrupted to come here.
Bulma looked at him and swallowed down a wave of emotion; she couldn’t tell him. Not here, not now; not ever.
“I’m waiting, my dear,” Cold sighed in frustration. “You know, your Prince Vegeta was so confident in your testimony over the whereabouts and happenings of his father that he trusted you with the wellbeing of his entire planet; so much so, that he talked me into waiting to hear your testimony before destroying Vegeta-sei. Unfortunately, Paragus was not to be trusted and so I decided it was a better idea to destroy it no matter what you had to say. In any case, I am still quite curious to know what happened and why King Vegeta avoided me since the day of his son’s capture and I am confident that you are the only one who can shed some light on the matter.”
Bulma thought for a moment. “I-I don’t see why it matters at this point. He’s dead now.”
“Was he killed on Vegeta-sei when I destroyed it and was simply choosing to avoid me, or was he killed beforehand as his advisor insisted, or was he off planet at the time of Vegeta-sei’s destruction and is he on his way here now to betray me?”
Bulma shook her head, unsure of what to say. She knew that Vegeta had been hoping that perhaps his father was planning an escape for him, she had sensed it fleetingly in his thoughts. She couldn’t tell him what had actually happened, she just couldn’t. However she couldn’t lie and say the king was on his way here either and give him false hope, that wasn’t fair either.
“Well?” Cold bellowed. “I would like to get this thing over and done with sometime today! I am getting bored and have other matters to attend to and this damned thing is already taking more time than I had hoped. Answer the question.”
“Alright!” she snapped back, looking at Vegeta and the expectant look on his face, knowing that he was probably even more anxious to hear her answer than Cold was. “He was still on Vegeta-sei. I didn’t have contact with him but for the one time immediately after I was taken in, but he was planning to lay low and come for his son.”
“I knew it!” Cold hissed between grit teeth. “Was he still on planet when it was destroyed?”
“As far as I am aware, yes.” She answered.
“And his plans for you?”
“I was still to be sent here, to you with one of my sons,” she said, looking Vegeta in the eye as she replied to Cold’s questions. “He wanted me out of the picture for good. The only reason he didn’t kill me then was because of his prior agreement with you.”
“But he had been making plans of betrayal against me?” Cold asked again.
“Yes,” she nodded.
“Well, then it is fortunate that I destroyed that planet of double crossing monkeys three weeks ago since your testimony would have sealed their fate in the end anyway!” he gloated triumphantly. “You may think you were clever, Vegeta, in making me delay. By then, who knows, your father may have been on his way by now! You are just as deceitful as your sire!”
“He didn’t know!” Bulma interjected quickly before Vegeta had a chance to retort. “The King didn’t tell him; they parted on bad terms because of me. He didn’t have any intention of betraying you or going after his son until after he realized the full weight of his betrayal; he regretted it as soon as it happened. He was acting alone, Paragus was not in favor of his decision. Which was why he probably lied to you.
He was trying to sway his decision or maybe was plotting to have him killed because he was determined to stick with the original agreement.”
Really? Vegeta asked her, moved by the notion that his father may have had a change of heart. I still would not have left here without you. He told her, remembering that she had not been a part of his father’s plans.
I know, she said, offering him up a sympathetic smile. While it made her nearly physically ill to say anything good about Vegeta’s father, she decided that it was better for Vegeta to remember him that way than for him to know what had actually happened. He would never find out otherwise. She was the only one left who could actually give any kind of credible testimony and she would take the true story to her grave if she had to. I’m sorry it worked out this way, Vegeta.
It would not have mattered.
Oh yea, what’s this about you placing the fate of your people behind my testimony? She asked, shocked and not entirely pleased with the notion. Especially since it seemed like she would have failed him and his people in the long run anyway.
I would have told you, but it did not matter as you can see. Just as this entire trial is just a big farce and a complete waste of time. However, yes, I did trust you.
“Well, I believe that is all I need to know, you may take your seat." Cold sighed.
Bulma nodded and went back to sit next to Vegeta again.
"Now what am I to do with you? I would keep you as a soldier because I have use for you, however you certainly cannot be trusted." Cold started after staring at Vegeta long and hard for a moment.
Vegeta clenched his jaw and growled at him. Honestly, he wished at this point that he would just kill him already and be done with this.
Bulma reached for his hand and squeezed it.
Whatever happens, be strong. Do not fall apart in front of them. He said, hoping that if Cold did decide to just blast him and be done with it, he wouldn’t do it immediately in front of Bulma.
I'll try, Vegeta. I'll try. She said, still squeezing his hand, trying to keep herself calm. She wasn't sure what verdict she wanted. She knew Vegeta wanted Cold to simply execute him and she understood his reasons, he would be better off dead than in Gero's lab, but the selfish part of her hoped Cold would sentence him to Gero's lab because then it would mean there was still a chance for them to get out of here together.
Do not count on that, he said. Besides, you are forgetting about yourself. Cold may decide to do us both in.
Well, if it weren't for the boys, I'd almost prefer that, I think.
"Hmm, no, I cannot let you live, you are far too dangerous to be left alive and that mate of yours far too smart," Cold said slowly, scrutinizing them both. "Therefore, I do sentence Prince Vegeta to death on this day.”
There was an outcry of cheers and whoops and high-fives going all around the room as Cold announced his verdict. Bulma didn’t hear them though as she felt all of the blood drain from her face and she had to remind herself to breathe. Vegeta on the other hand, not surprised at all by the verdict, sat there stone faced without any outward reaction but for stroking Buma’s hand with his thumb. He felt both a mixture of relief that he would no longer be used as a science experiment for that deranged doctor but he was disturbed for Bulma and what this would mean for her.
“I still have much to say, so I would appreciate if you would all keep silent until I am finished!” Cold boomed and the room went silent again. “I have not decided as yet the consequences for your actions, woman,” he went on, looking at Bulma.
"You have committed some serious offences, my dear, however I am well aware that it would be a complete waste to execute someone who possesses a mind such as yours. You could be a very valuable asset to me, provided I could trust you to work for me and not against me."
Bulma's heart was stuck in her throat and she began shaking almost violently as panic as anxiety took over her at the verdict against Vegeta. She hadn't heard a word of what Cold had said with regards to what he was going to do with her.
Just breathe, woman. Vegeta said softly to her, his calm demeanor and light squeezing of her hand jarring her somewhat from her panicked state.
"I can't, Vegeta. I can't." She whispered, trying not hyperventilate.
"Therefore what I propose is you are to work for me, under the direction and supervision of Dr. Gero. He will report back to me daily on your activities and work ethic. Should you decide you will not work for him and display an uncooperative attitude, your sons will die. Should he get any indication that you are plotting against me or himself, your sons will die. If you are caught or even suspected of planning any type escape, your sons will die. And in the event your sons are killed because of your actions, you will be kept alive and continue to contribute to the advancement of my technology. That is your sentence."
Bulma didn't say anything, only nodded numbly in response to the verdict. She was stuck and she was alone. Whether it be one minute from now or in an hour or so, she was truly alone.
"If I may make a suggestion," Gero pipped up suddenly.
"What is it?" Cold asked warily. "Whatever it is, make it quick. This whole ordeal has dragged on long enough and the longer He lives, the further offence and insult I take to him destroying my son!"
"I understand how you would feel that way, my Lord, however it just occurred to me until a moment ago that these two share a bond," Gero said.
"Yes, yes, I already know. So what?"
"Well, from my research, when a bond is formed between two consenting individuals, it permanently bonds them mentally, emotionally and spiritually."
"Yes, Gero, I am aware! What a putrid arrangement! Especially so of such a strong warrior race. I never understood how they could be capable of such a thing, being that they are so barbaric in nature and so adverse to forming personal attachments. Although I could understand somewhat since it is nothing more than a weakness for them to be bound to another so permanently."
"True," Gero agreed. "It is very odd indeed, considering their nature. However, Ms. Briefs and Prince Vegeta share this bond. I have seen it first hand and it runs very deep. So deep that I fear she will shut down and pass should you go ahead and execute Prince Vegeta."
"God damn it!" Cold bellowed, slamming his fist into the arm of his chair. "The entirety of your race is all but deceased with the exception of you and your half breed offspring and still you find a way to spit in my face and defy me! Gero! Is the girl that important to you?"
"She is, yes. She will prove herself to be a very valuable asset, not to mention I have every expectation that she could one day surpass even me with her intellect."
"And you are certain that she and Vegeta share this bond so deep that she would perish without him?"
"Without a doubt, my lord. I witnessed it first hand on Lord Frieza's ship. I tried to sever it but could not. To do so would have compromised her brilliant mind. I did, however sever a great deal of it but it was undone and I would expect it would be even stronger after coming back from something as devastating as what I had done. I had been sure that there would be no way for either of them to come back from that, yet they did."
"So what you are telling me is I have no choice but to let Vegeta live?" Cold asked in disgust.
"If you would so allow it, yes. I ask that you spare his life not only to spare Ms. Briefs for our own interests, but because you also promised me their half breed son to study and you have retained not only one but both of their offspring for your own purposes. Let me take Prince Vegeta on as a subject for my research. I have already learned so much about him. If you would consider this, please?"
No, no, no, no, no... "No!" Bulma cried.
"And why not, my dear?" Cold asked.
"Because what would Gero gain from studying a dead race? Absolutely nothing!" She said angrily, standing up to confront both of them. Sure she had been devastated that Vegeta would be killed but this would be far worse and she could not allow it.
"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Cold snorted. "Then you would perish with your mate."
"I suppose, in a way, yes." She nodded. "However I am not Saiyan. Yes, Vegeta and I are bonded and yes it will affect me in a very negative way should he die but I may live. Who knows? I may not either. I would rather stay alive and know how my boys are doing."
"Hmmm," Cold grunted. "I am confused. You defended your mate so valiantly yet now you want me to kill him?"
"If it's between him dying and him being a science experiment for the rest of his life, I would rather see him dead and I know that's what he would prefer as well. You win!" She said almost frantically. "You got the one responsible for your son's death. You tried him, found him guilty, destroyed his home and you have two, no three of his most prized possessions. The last thing you need for your victory is his life. What more do you want? You've won!"
"True, I have won, however when you put it that way, I think I would take more satisfaction out of seeing him suffer for years down the line for what he did to my son rather than simply giving him the easy way out." Cold said, glaring at Vegeta.
"Your son didn't suffer!" Bulma replied boldly, somehow managing to keep herself together despite feeling absolutely crushed inside."He did for a few minutes before the end as you can obviously see for yourself in that surveillance tape but Vegeta was merciful by simply killing him. He didn't detain him or torture him for days, hours, weeks or months. He could have, but he didn't. He won the fight and finished it instead of dragging it out. If you have any class, you would do the same!"
"I do not care about how merciful Prince Vegeta supposedly was!" Cold snapped at her. "All I care is that he pays and suffers for his actions!"
"Alright, I get that so simply killing him will make you both even then. As it is already, you've gone a step further in your plan of revenge and are ahead. So why not be done with it and wash your hands completely of him?"
Cold laughed at her. "I find you to be quite the manipulative little thing but I also find you amusing. You will have to watch her closely, Gero.dear, any outcome which brings Vegeta more misery and suffering is all I care about. If his living his life with Gero makes that happen, then I am content with that."
"I thought his mere existence insulted you at this point." She shot back.
"It does, however killing him would end his suffering and so I have decided to side with Gero on this and let him live. What Gero does with him is of no concern to me. So long as he does not escape."
"He won't, my lord. I have taken great pains to ensure it." Gero nodded.
"Be sure that neither of them escape." Cold emphasized.
"I'll kill him myself then!" Bulma stated.
"And if you do such a thing, I will have your boys killed and I will make you watch." Cold countered.
"You need them."
"Not so badly that I would care all that much if I did kill them. It would also be a waste, but I would manage." Cold shrugged in differently.
"Then let my family go!" Vegeta snarled between grit teeth, standing up as well. "You have me to do with as you wish. Send them away and you can execute me or send me to Gero, whichever pleases you. You do not need them."
"Vegeta, no!" Bulma hissed at him.
"Shut up." He whispered harshly at her. You have said quite enough! If I can get you and the boys out of here, I can at least die in peace.
I'm not leaving here without you!
Vegeta turned to face her, looking more alive and animated since she'd seen him look since she had arrived here. However never had he looked at her with such contempt and it hurt. If on the slim chance he allows this, you will leave. You will go back to your parents with the two boys and live your life. You are not to return here nor will you fill the boys heads with foolish ideas of revenge or of getting me out of here should I live that long.
I can't-
Look at where your not listening to me has gotten you and our son! He said almost cruelly. Now learn your place and listen to me for once! If he gives in to my request you are to leave! That is not a request, it is an order, woman! Do not make me regret indulging you all this time more than I already do!
Bulma swallowed down the painful lump in her throat at his harsh words. Alright. I don't agree but-
I don't give a shit at this point!
Fine! I'll leave you here to be cut up and dissected and whatever if that's what you want! She shouted mentally at him, though the thought broke her heart and nearly made her physically ill.
If it gets you and Trunks out of here, then yes. He replied in a somewhat less harsh tone.
"Are you two finished deliberating?" Cold asked in amusement.
They both directed their attention back to Cold.
"Fascinating." Cold murmured.
"It is, isn't it?" Gero agreed. "I have not yet figured out how it is possible, but I intend to find out. It fascinates me to no end!"
"This ability will not pose to be a problem, will it, Gero?" Cold asked skeptically.
"I do not see why not." Gero shrugged. "They can plot all they want but it will make no difference. Unless they learn the access codes to exit my lab, there is no way out; not to mention I am the only one who knows them and I will not be revealing those. You worry too much." He boasted.
We'll see how smug he is when I hack his codes in a month or less. Bulma thought snidely to herself. See? We need to stick together. I can get us out of here if I just bide my time. You just need to hang in there.
"That settles it," Cold sighed. "Vegeta, you are sentenced to life in Dr. Gero's lab until he tires of you-"
There were boos and groans of disappointment heard throughout the room.
"Enough!" Cold growled and the room fell silent again. "Miss Bulma as already determined, you will assist Dr. Gero in anything he needs whether it pertains to your mate or not. I do not care, and should I hear of you not cooperating or that you are plotting to end Vegeta's life, I am sure I do not need to remind you that I will have your boys killed. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes," she answered so quietly it was barely heard.
"Cheer up, my dear!" Cold said happily. "You worked so hard to defend your mate, I commend you on your efforts. In a manner of speaking, you did. You are both together now. You should be happy. You did well. If I ever need someone to argue on my behalf, I will call on you."
Bulma nodded but didn't say anything. She had failed Vegeta as far as she was concerned. She had failed him in this trial and she had failed him by letting herself get caught up in this mess.
There was no positive outcome to this, woman. Vegeta said to her.
I guess not, she agreed dejectedly. It always was a case between the worst case scenario and the worst case scenario wasn't it?
Well what were you expecting? He asked, no anger was in his tone. That Cold would have simply let this all go and allow us to waltz out of here with the boys because you brought up some very valid points? Surely you aren’t that naïve.
I was hoping, I guess. She replied, feeling stupid. What was the point then?
To simply prolong my demise and thanks to Gero and yourself, it looks like my demise is going to be a long way off.
I'm sorry, I was only trying to help, she said. I know this is going to be horrible, that Gero is going to do everything he can now that he has free reign to do whatever he wants to you, but maybe it's a blessing in disguise.
How do you figure that? He asked bitterly.
Maybe I can get us out of here, she said. It may take a while so I can do it without getting caught but I can at least try.
Do not do anything to compromise Trunks. Was all he said, clearly not as optimistic as she was about the whole thing.
The Android walked up to them, grabbing Vegeta's arm and hauling him up roughly. "He can get up and walk on his own!" Bulma said to It.
It just looked blankly at her and began to escort them out of the crowded throne room where they were bombarded with a mixture of insults aimed at Vegeta or leering cat calls directed at her. She ignored them completely, not making eye contact or even looking at any of them. Jeyice especially, she noticed in her peripheral vision, was pushing through the crowd following them.
Bulma linked an arm through Vegeta's and locked herself as close to him as physically possible.
They slowly but surely made their way out and down the halls and back to Gero's lab.
Vegeta was escorted back into his small exam room and Bulma was taken to a room in the back of the lab where Gero made her an id card that would give her very limited access to which parts of the lab she was allowed to go to and keep her out from where she wasn't allowed to be.
"A room of your own will be ready by tomorrow. For the time being you will stay with the Namek until I require your assistance," Gero said, opening the other room so she could go in. "As for me, I have lots of work to catch up on. Two days almost worth."
"Wait!" She called out as he was about to shut the door but he ignored her. She pounded her fist on the door trying to get him to come back but of course he didn’t. If he was going to start experimenting on Vegeta, she wanted to be there with him.
“What’s going on?” Dende asked.
“Vegeta’s completely at Dr. Gero’s mercy now. Cold gave him to him,” she answered. “So your skills may be utilized more now.”
“I am sorry,” Dende nodded. “I have no choice in the matter. If he wants me to heal him then I have to.”
“No, that’s alright,” she said quietly, sitting down. “Just do what you can for him, heal him as much as you can. Gero doesn’t know this but each time Vegeta is nearly fatally wounded and comes back from it, it makes him stronger. It’s not going to be nice and while I’m going to hate to have to stand by as Gero does his experiments, it may be our only hope. We need to just bide our time here for a bit, but I will figure out a way out of here and you can come with us.” She whispered to him.
Dende nodded. “I will do that if you can get me out of here as well.”
“Alright,” she sighed. “It may take a while, but we can do this. Trust me.”
-0-0-0-
Chapter 25
She felt him behind her, his tail constricting around her upper torso and waist tightly, crushing her slowly, deliberately wanting to drag out the feeling of asphyxiation. She tried to inhale as much as she could, but it was difficult as the moment she exhaled, his hold on her tightened and would not allow her enough give to fill her lungs to their full capacity again.
As panic began to set in she heard him chuckle deeply and felt his hands begin to wander and touch her all over. She shuddered in disgust as she swallowed down a weave of nausea.
“You are such a weak little thing,” he commented, squeezing one of her breasts painfully, causing her to cry out. “I wonder how long until I crush your fail body?” he asked, tightening his hold on her.
Bulma started in panic and sat right up as she felt a pair or arms tighten around her; it took her mind a second to remember where she was and who she was with. To her relief she was still sitting on Vegeta’s lap in the cell of Cold’s planet. She was still straddling him and had obviously fallen asleep against his chest at some point.
“Hmmn,” Vegeta grunted, loosening his hold on her. He caught the initial look of terror in her eyes before relief took over and she looked away from him quickly before leaning into him again, resting her head back on his shoulder. He noted her heart was beating a mile a minute and she was still shaking.
“Sorry,” she mumbled. She wasn’t sure when she had dozed off but apparently she had.
“I did not mean to wake you,” he said, sounding hoarse. “It sounded as though you were having a bad dream.”
“Oh,” she replied, hoping he had not seen it. “Maybe, I don’t remember.” She lied.
“Whatever it was, your subconscious mind did not share it.” he replied.
Bulma sat back up to look at him. “Probably better that way anyway since I’ve had plenty of nightmares as of late.”
“Me too,” he admitted.
She touched the side of his face and noted how tired he looked. “Did you manage to get some sleep?”
“No,” he shook his head. “I dozed off a couple of times but not enough to get any rest.”
Bulma’s gaze fell down to the ki collar around his neck. “I need to find a way to get this thing off of you,” she murmured to herself, touching it and trying to find any nook or cranny that may help her to figure out how to shut it off or remove it. “This is completely different from the one I made.”
This collar was about two inches wide and in inch thick, all the way around and it fit fairly tight around his neck; she could just barely slide her fingers underneath it. It was smooth metal with no holes, switches or seams in it from what she could tell. “I still don’t know how he got this thing on your neck with no seams or anything.” She commented absently to herself.
“I do not know, I was out and woke up with the damned thing around my neck,” he grumbled, taking her injured hand and looking at it. “This is the best the Namek could do?”
“Yea,” she commented shortly, yanking her hand back and focusing on the collar again. “That’s as good as it gets unless I can convince Gero to surgically fix it.”
Vegeta nodded. “What happened?”
“Doesn’t matter,” she answered, still feeling under the collar meticulously for anything to help her figure it out.
“It does matter,” he insisted.
“Well I already told you I don’t know,” she sighed in exasperation. “I woke up with it crushed after I was arrested. Someone probably stepped on it.”
Vegeta nodded, though he wasn’t convinced. He was going to ask her if it was his father who had done it but they were jolted as they heard the door being unlocked.
They both managed to stand up and face the door quickly before it opened. Two androids stood there. “It is time to resume.” One of them said.
“What, we don’t get anything to eat?” Bulma huffed. Not that she was actually hungry but it was more the principle of the matter and the fact that she would make sure Vegeta could get some nourishment in him. His face was already beginning to look gaunt and sallow.
It may not matter by the end of today. He said to her.
“The trial is to resume immediately,” one of them repeated as the other one walked in to pick up Vegeta’s discarded cuffs off the floor and re cuffed him.
They lead them down the halls and back into the crowded throne room. Bulma frowned, thinking that it looked like it was even more crowded today than it had been yesterday and wondered how seriously this was being taken? It felt like more of an entertainment event at this point than a trial. It made her angry that the outcome of Vegeta’s life was nothing more than a spectacle.
They both took the same seats they had the previous day and waited for King Cold, who wasn’t there yet. The noise and the energy in the room from various conversations being held and insults being thrown at Vegeta was almost deafening and they both hoped that Cold would arrive soon if for no other reason that the room would be quiet.
A few minutes later Cold walked in and took his seat at his throne.
“I would like to wrap this up fairly quickly, as it has taken up enough of my time,” he announced in a bored tone. “Miss Bulma, would you take a seat so we may resume these proceedings where we left off?”
Bulma nodded and got up. Her stomach was in knots as she made her way up next to Cold. She offered a half smile at Vegeta and sat down.
“What happened on Vegeta-sei, my dear?” Cold asked, getting straight to the point.
“What do you mean?” She asked cautiously with a frown. “You destroyed it.”
“What I mean is, what happened with the business of King Vegeta hiding from me once I had his son in my custody?”
Bulma felt her stomach drop. “I wouldn’t know,” she shrugged and shook her head. “I was arrested and thrown in jail as soon as the king had news that Vegeta had been taken into your custody. I didn’t hear anything until I was taken by your men to be brought here. That’s all I know.”
“Yet you mentioned to me on the day of your arrival that King Vegeta was dead.” Cold reminded her. “What do you know of that?”
“I don’t know anything,” she answered again, feeling flustered because she had said that. “It was a rumor that he was dead. I don’t know one way or another if he was or not. My words to you yesterday were spoken out of anger, not out of any insight on my part.”
“My men who were sent to retrieve you and to investigate the supposed death of King Vegeta were told that he had been killed first by a few of his whores and then they were of the understanding that it was another Saiyan soldier who killed him, though the reasons were unknown. What do you know of these rumors?”
Vegeta looked at her with interest as she became more and more flustered. Sure it didn’t matter now, but he himself wanted to know. What happened with my father, Bulma? He asked her. He had been so distraught yesterday that he hadn’t even thought to ask her in private. When she’d woken up he was going to ask but they had been interrupted to come here.
Bulma looked at him and swallowed down a wave of emotion; she couldn’t tell him. Not here, not now; not ever.
“I’m waiting, my dear,” Cold sighed in frustration. “You know, your Prince Vegeta was so confident in your testimony over the whereabouts and happenings of his father that he trusted you with the wellbeing of his entire planet; so much so, that he talked me into waiting to hear your testimony before destroying Vegeta-sei. Unfortunately, Paragus was not to be trusted and so I decided it was a better idea to destroy it no matter what you had to say. In any case, I am still quite curious to know what happened and why King Vegeta avoided me since the day of his son’s capture and I am confident that you are the only one who can shed some light on the matter.”
Bulma thought for a moment. “I-I don’t see why it matters at this point. He’s dead now.”
“Was he killed on Vegeta-sei when I destroyed it and was simply choosing to avoid me, or was he killed beforehand as his advisor insisted, or was he off planet at the time of Vegeta-sei’s destruction and is he on his way here now to betray me?”
Bulma shook her head, unsure of what to say. She knew that Vegeta had been hoping that perhaps his father was planning an escape for him, she had sensed it fleetingly in his thoughts. She couldn’t tell him what had actually happened, she just couldn’t. However she couldn’t lie and say the king was on his way here either and give him false hope, that wasn’t fair either.
“Well?” Cold bellowed. “I would like to get this thing over and done with sometime today! I am getting bored and have other matters to attend to and this damned thing is already taking more time than I had hoped. Answer the question.”
“Alright!” she snapped back, looking at Vegeta and the expectant look on his face, knowing that he was probably even more anxious to hear her answer than Cold was. “He was still on Vegeta-sei. I didn’t have contact with him but for the one time immediately after I was taken in, but he was planning to lay low and come for his son.”
“I knew it!” Cold hissed between grit teeth. “Was he still on planet when it was destroyed?”
“As far as I am aware, yes.” She answered.
“And his plans for you?”
“I was still to be sent here, to you with one of my sons,” she said, looking Vegeta in the eye as she replied to Cold’s questions. “He wanted me out of the picture for good. The only reason he didn’t kill me then was because of his prior agreement with you.”
“But he had been making plans of betrayal against me?” Cold asked again.
“Yes,” she nodded.
“Well, then it is fortunate that I destroyed that planet of double crossing monkeys three weeks ago since your testimony would have sealed their fate in the end anyway!” he gloated triumphantly. “You may think you were clever, Vegeta, in making me delay. By then, who knows, your father may have been on his way by now! You are just as deceitful as your sire!”
“He didn’t know!” Bulma interjected quickly before Vegeta had a chance to retort. “The King didn’t tell him; they parted on bad terms because of me. He didn’t have any intention of betraying you or going after his son until after he realized the full weight of his betrayal; he regretted it as soon as it happened. He was acting alone, Paragus was not in favor of his decision. Which was why he probably lied to you.
He was trying to sway his decision or maybe was plotting to have him killed because he was determined to stick with the original agreement.”
Really? Vegeta asked her, moved by the notion that his father may have had a change of heart. I still would not have left here without you. He told her, remembering that she had not been a part of his father’s plans.
I know, she said, offering him up a sympathetic smile. While it made her nearly physically ill to say anything good about Vegeta’s father, she decided that it was better for Vegeta to remember him that way than for him to know what had actually happened. He would never find out otherwise. She was the only one left who could actually give any kind of credible testimony and she would take the true story to her grave if she had to. I’m sorry it worked out this way, Vegeta.
It would not have mattered.
Oh yea, what’s this about you placing the fate of your people behind my testimony? She asked, shocked and not entirely pleased with the notion. Especially since it seemed like she would have failed him and his people in the long run anyway.
I would have told you, but it did not matter as you can see. Just as this entire trial is just a big farce and a complete waste of time. However, yes, I did trust you.
“Well, I believe that is all I need to know, you may take your seat." Cold sighed.
Bulma nodded and went back to sit next to Vegeta again.
"Now what am I to do with you? I would keep you as a soldier because I have use for you, however you certainly cannot be trusted." Cold started after staring at Vegeta long and hard for a moment.
Vegeta clenched his jaw and growled at him. Honestly, he wished at this point that he would just kill him already and be done with this.
Bulma reached for his hand and squeezed it.
Whatever happens, be strong. Do not fall apart in front of them. He said, hoping that if Cold did decide to just blast him and be done with it, he wouldn’t do it immediately in front of Bulma.
I'll try, Vegeta. I'll try. She said, still squeezing his hand, trying to keep herself calm. She wasn't sure what verdict she wanted. She knew Vegeta wanted Cold to simply execute him and she understood his reasons, he would be better off dead than in Gero's lab, but the selfish part of her hoped Cold would sentence him to Gero's lab because then it would mean there was still a chance for them to get out of here together.
Do not count on that, he said. Besides, you are forgetting about yourself. Cold may decide to do us both in.
Well, if it weren't for the boys, I'd almost prefer that, I think.
"Hmm, no, I cannot let you live, you are far too dangerous to be left alive and that mate of yours far too smart," Cold said slowly, scrutinizing them both. "Therefore, I do sentence Prince Vegeta to death on this day.”
There was an outcry of cheers and whoops and high-fives going all around the room as Cold announced his verdict. Bulma didn’t hear them though as she felt all of the blood drain from her face and she had to remind herself to breathe. Vegeta on the other hand, not surprised at all by the verdict, sat there stone faced without any outward reaction but for stroking Buma’s hand with his thumb. He felt both a mixture of relief that he would no longer be used as a science experiment for that deranged doctor but he was disturbed for Bulma and what this would mean for her.
“I still have much to say, so I would appreciate if you would all keep silent until I am finished!” Cold boomed and the room went silent again. “I have not decided as yet the consequences for your actions, woman,” he went on, looking at Bulma.
"You have committed some serious offences, my dear, however I am well aware that it would be a complete waste to execute someone who possesses a mind such as yours. You could be a very valuable asset to me, provided I could trust you to work for me and not against me."
Bulma's heart was stuck in her throat and she began shaking almost violently as panic as anxiety took over her at the verdict against Vegeta. She hadn't heard a word of what Cold had said with regards to what he was going to do with her.
Just breathe, woman. Vegeta said softly to her, his calm demeanor and light squeezing of her hand jarring her somewhat from her panicked state.
"I can't, Vegeta. I can't." She whispered, trying not hyperventilate.
"Therefore what I propose is you are to work for me, under the direction and supervision of Dr. Gero. He will report back to me daily on your activities and work ethic. Should you decide you will not work for him and display an uncooperative attitude, your sons will die. Should he get any indication that you are plotting against me or himself, your sons will die. If you are caught or even suspected of planning any type escape, your sons will die. And in the event your sons are killed because of your actions, you will be kept alive and continue to contribute to the advancement of my technology. That is your sentence."
Bulma didn't say anything, only nodded numbly in response to the verdict. She was stuck and she was alone. Whether it be one minute from now or in an hour or so, she was truly alone.
"If I may make a suggestion," Gero pipped up suddenly.
"What is it?" Cold asked warily. "Whatever it is, make it quick. This whole ordeal has dragged on long enough and the longer He lives, the further offence and insult I take to him destroying my son!"
"I understand how you would feel that way, my Lord, however it just occurred to me until a moment ago that these two share a bond," Gero said.
"Yes, yes, I already know. So what?"
"Well, from my research, when a bond is formed between two consenting individuals, it permanently bonds them mentally, emotionally and spiritually."
"Yes, Gero, I am aware! What a putrid arrangement! Especially so of such a strong warrior race. I never understood how they could be capable of such a thing, being that they are so barbaric in nature and so adverse to forming personal attachments. Although I could understand somewhat since it is nothing more than a weakness for them to be bound to another so permanently."
"True," Gero agreed. "It is very odd indeed, considering their nature. However, Ms. Briefs and Prince Vegeta share this bond. I have seen it first hand and it runs very deep. So deep that I fear she will shut down and pass should you go ahead and execute Prince Vegeta."
"God damn it!" Cold bellowed, slamming his fist into the arm of his chair. "The entirety of your race is all but deceased with the exception of you and your half breed offspring and still you find a way to spit in my face and defy me! Gero! Is the girl that important to you?"
"She is, yes. She will prove herself to be a very valuable asset, not to mention I have every expectation that she could one day surpass even me with her intellect."
"And you are certain that she and Vegeta share this bond so deep that she would perish without him?"
"Without a doubt, my lord. I witnessed it first hand on Lord Frieza's ship. I tried to sever it but could not. To do so would have compromised her brilliant mind. I did, however sever a great deal of it but it was undone and I would expect it would be even stronger after coming back from something as devastating as what I had done. I had been sure that there would be no way for either of them to come back from that, yet they did."
"So what you are telling me is I have no choice but to let Vegeta live?" Cold asked in disgust.
"If you would so allow it, yes. I ask that you spare his life not only to spare Ms. Briefs for our own interests, but because you also promised me their half breed son to study and you have retained not only one but both of their offspring for your own purposes. Let me take Prince Vegeta on as a subject for my research. I have already learned so much about him. If you would consider this, please?"
No, no, no, no, no... "No!" Bulma cried.
"And why not, my dear?" Cold asked.
"Because what would Gero gain from studying a dead race? Absolutely nothing!" She said angrily, standing up to confront both of them. Sure she had been devastated that Vegeta would be killed but this would be far worse and she could not allow it.
"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Cold snorted. "Then you would perish with your mate."
"I suppose, in a way, yes." She nodded. "However I am not Saiyan. Yes, Vegeta and I are bonded and yes it will affect me in a very negative way should he die but I may live. Who knows? I may not either. I would rather stay alive and know how my boys are doing."
"Hmmm," Cold grunted. "I am confused. You defended your mate so valiantly yet now you want me to kill him?"
"If it's between him dying and him being a science experiment for the rest of his life, I would rather see him dead and I know that's what he would prefer as well. You win!" She said almost frantically. "You got the one responsible for your son's death. You tried him, found him guilty, destroyed his home and you have two, no three of his most prized possessions. The last thing you need for your victory is his life. What more do you want? You've won!"
"True, I have won, however when you put it that way, I think I would take more satisfaction out of seeing him suffer for years down the line for what he did to my son rather than simply giving him the easy way out." Cold said, glaring at Vegeta.
"Your son didn't suffer!" Bulma replied boldly, somehow managing to keep herself together despite feeling absolutely crushed inside."He did for a few minutes before the end as you can obviously see for yourself in that surveillance tape but Vegeta was merciful by simply killing him. He didn't detain him or torture him for days, hours, weeks or months. He could have, but he didn't. He won the fight and finished it instead of dragging it out. If you have any class, you would do the same!"
"I do not care about how merciful Prince Vegeta supposedly was!" Cold snapped at her. "All I care is that he pays and suffers for his actions!"
"Alright, I get that so simply killing him will make you both even then. As it is already, you've gone a step further in your plan of revenge and are ahead. So why not be done with it and wash your hands completely of him?"
Cold laughed at her. "I find you to be quite the manipulative little thing but I also find you amusing. You will have to watch her closely, Gero.dear, any outcome which brings Vegeta more misery and suffering is all I care about. If his living his life with Gero makes that happen, then I am content with that."
"I thought his mere existence insulted you at this point." She shot back.
"It does, however killing him would end his suffering and so I have decided to side with Gero on this and let him live. What Gero does with him is of no concern to me. So long as he does not escape."
"He won't, my lord. I have taken great pains to ensure it." Gero nodded.
"Be sure that neither of them escape." Cold emphasized.
"I'll kill him myself then!" Bulma stated.
"And if you do such a thing, I will have your boys killed and I will make you watch." Cold countered.
"You need them."
"Not so badly that I would care all that much if I did kill them. It would also be a waste, but I would manage." Cold shrugged in differently.
"Then let my family go!" Vegeta snarled between grit teeth, standing up as well. "You have me to do with as you wish. Send them away and you can execute me or send me to Gero, whichever pleases you. You do not need them."
"Vegeta, no!" Bulma hissed at him.
"Shut up." He whispered harshly at her. You have said quite enough! If I can get you and the boys out of here, I can at least die in peace.
I'm not leaving here without you!
Vegeta turned to face her, looking more alive and animated since she'd seen him look since she had arrived here. However never had he looked at her with such contempt and it hurt. If on the slim chance he allows this, you will leave. You will go back to your parents with the two boys and live your life. You are not to return here nor will you fill the boys heads with foolish ideas of revenge or of getting me out of here should I live that long.
I can't-
Look at where your not listening to me has gotten you and our son! He said almost cruelly. Now learn your place and listen to me for once! If he gives in to my request you are to leave! That is not a request, it is an order, woman! Do not make me regret indulging you all this time more than I already do!
Bulma swallowed down the painful lump in her throat at his harsh words. Alright. I don't agree but-
I don't give a shit at this point!
Fine! I'll leave you here to be cut up and dissected and whatever if that's what you want! She shouted mentally at him, though the thought broke her heart and nearly made her physically ill.
If it gets you and Trunks out of here, then yes. He replied in a somewhat less harsh tone.
"Are you two finished deliberating?" Cold asked in amusement.
They both directed their attention back to Cold.
"Fascinating." Cold murmured.
"It is, isn't it?" Gero agreed. "I have not yet figured out how it is possible, but I intend to find out. It fascinates me to no end!"
"This ability will not pose to be a problem, will it, Gero?" Cold asked skeptically.
"I do not see why not." Gero shrugged. "They can plot all they want but it will make no difference. Unless they learn the access codes to exit my lab, there is no way out; not to mention I am the only one who knows them and I will not be revealing those. You worry too much." He boasted.
We'll see how smug he is when I hack his codes in a month or less. Bulma thought snidely to herself. See? We need to stick together. I can get us out of here if I just bide my time. You just need to hang in there.
"That settles it," Cold sighed. "Vegeta, you are sentenced to life in Dr. Gero's lab until he tires of you-"
There were boos and groans of disappointment heard throughout the room.
"Enough!" Cold growled and the room fell silent again. "Miss Bulma as already determined, you will assist Dr. Gero in anything he needs whether it pertains to your mate or not. I do not care, and should I hear of you not cooperating or that you are plotting to end Vegeta's life, I am sure I do not need to remind you that I will have your boys killed. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes," she answered so quietly it was barely heard.
"Cheer up, my dear!" Cold said happily. "You worked so hard to defend your mate, I commend you on your efforts. In a manner of speaking, you did. You are both together now. You should be happy. You did well. If I ever need someone to argue on my behalf, I will call on you."
Bulma nodded but didn't say anything. She had failed Vegeta as far as she was concerned. She had failed him in this trial and she had failed him by letting herself get caught up in this mess.
There was no positive outcome to this, woman. Vegeta said to her.
I guess not, she agreed dejectedly. It always was a case between the worst case scenario and the worst case scenario wasn't it?
Well what were you expecting? He asked, no anger was in his tone. That Cold would have simply let this all go and allow us to waltz out of here with the boys because you brought up some very valid points? Surely you aren’t that naïve.
I was hoping, I guess. She replied, feeling stupid. What was the point then?
To simply prolong my demise and thanks to Gero and yourself, it looks like my demise is going to be a long way off.
I'm sorry, I was only trying to help, she said. I know this is going to be horrible, that Gero is going to do everything he can now that he has free reign to do whatever he wants to you, but maybe it's a blessing in disguise.
How do you figure that? He asked bitterly.
Maybe I can get us out of here, she said. It may take a while so I can do it without getting caught but I can at least try.
Do not do anything to compromise Trunks. Was all he said, clearly not as optimistic as she was about the whole thing.
The Android walked up to them, grabbing Vegeta's arm and hauling him up roughly. "He can get up and walk on his own!" Bulma said to It.
It just looked blankly at her and began to escort them out of the crowded throne room where they were bombarded with a mixture of insults aimed at Vegeta or leering cat calls directed at her. She ignored them completely, not making eye contact or even looking at any of them. Jeyice especially, she noticed in her peripheral vision, was pushing through the crowd following them.
Bulma linked an arm through Vegeta's and locked herself as close to him as physically possible.
They slowly but surely made their way out and down the halls and back to Gero's lab.
Vegeta was escorted back into his small exam room and Bulma was taken to a room in the back of the lab where Gero made her an id card that would give her very limited access to which parts of the lab she was allowed to go to and keep her out from where she wasn't allowed to be.
"A room of your own will be ready by tomorrow. For the time being you will stay with the Namek until I require your assistance," Gero said, opening the other room so she could go in. "As for me, I have lots of work to catch up on. Two days almost worth."
"Wait!" She called out as he was about to shut the door but he ignored her. She pounded her fist on the door trying to get him to come back but of course he didn’t. If he was going to start experimenting on Vegeta, she wanted to be there with him.
“What’s going on?” Dende asked.
“Vegeta’s completely at Dr. Gero’s mercy now. Cold gave him to him,” she answered. “So your skills may be utilized more now.”
“I am sorry,” Dende nodded. “I have no choice in the matter. If he wants me to heal him then I have to.”
“No, that’s alright,” she said quietly, sitting down. “Just do what you can for him, heal him as much as you can. Gero doesn’t know this but each time Vegeta is nearly fatally wounded and comes back from it, it makes him stronger. It’s not going to be nice and while I’m going to hate to have to stand by as Gero does his experiments, it may be our only hope. We need to just bide our time here for a bit, but I will figure out a way out of here and you can come with us.” She whispered to him.
Dende nodded. “I will do that if you can get me out of here as well.”
“Alright,” she sighed. “It may take a while, but we can do this. Trust me.”
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