Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Closer ❯ Aching Realism ( Chapter 24 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Do not own…you know the rest. Enjoy!


Aching Realism

Bulma caressed the control panel for the millionth time as she sat in the cockpit of the shuttle.  She felt so safe when surrounded by beeping and flashing lights.  It gave her a sense of control and order.  This entire ordeal had been a lifetime of nightmares and she was sure that once she was back in Vegeta’s arms, all would be right again.  He would be able to vanquish the darkness that had now become a part of her.  She needed it for her survival whilst the lustful Dodoria abused and mishandled her.  Bulma needed him to settle her soul and exorcise the demons that seemed to have taken root within her, jading her, tainting her outlook and personality.

Bulma was so far away in her thinking that she was caught off guard as she felt Zarbon’s lips ever so slightly tough her ear.  He was leaning over her, seemingly sucking the oxygen out of the cabin.  “Don’t worry, love.  We shall be at our destination in no time at all” Zarbon’s silky dulcet tones sang to her.  It had been so long since anyone had taken the time to inquire about how she may feel--it nearly made her swoon.  “Darling, you’re shivering” Zarbon commented. He was right, Bulma was shivering.  She was breaking down as her recent past caught up with her.  Fear, loathing, constantly keeping her guard up, yearning for Vegeta, missing her father--all now closing in --trapping her with no way out.  Tears leaked from her lovely blue eyes and her head dropped forward, chin resting on her chest, hair swinging down to hide her face.  

Zarbon first though of seducing her.  Frieza was right, she was a treasure and he meant to have her.  But seeing this display ate away at him.  He would have his way, no doubt, but seduction was not the route to take.  Without asking, he came around the captain’s chair and scooped Bulma up into his arms like a child and seated her upon his lap.  Bulma basked in the comfort of his well muscled arms.  Comfort had been a stranger to her for so long, she barely recognized it.  Bulma’s chest heaved as harsh sobs began to rock her tired body.  Zarbon held her closer and stroked her back to calm her.  The gesture was so sweet, it was hard to believe he was a murderous malcontent who was the companion of the most evil being in the universe.

Gently, Zarbon picked up Bulma’s chin and peered into her eye.  “So sad...” he whispered.  He wiped away an errant tear, still staring intently into her eyes.  Bulma was lost in his amber eyes.  They held such compassion for her.  She needed it so badly.  As Zarbon leaned in, Bulma watched him tilt his head and touch his lips to hers.  The kiss was so soft and chased, done with absolute care.  His warmth spread through her wrapping her in a blanket of calmness.  Zarbon stroked a gold lock of Bulma’s hair and moved it behind her ear.  Cupping her chin, he again brought his lips to hers.  

“Incoming message” twittered the console.  The pause was enough to bring Bulma out of the Zarbon’s spell.  “Thank you” she said shakily.  Bulma rose, wrapping her arms around herself to stand next to the captain’s chair.

Zarbon was disappointed but patient.  He would have her in time, there was no hurry.  He turned his attention to the console and was met with the blood red insignia of the Vegeta-sei monarchy.   He cocked a smirk and said “Acknowledge.”

Bulma sucked in a breath.  Staring back at her was the Saiyan who loved her nearly as much as Vegeta.  Bardock had dark circles under his eyes but the sight of Bulma immediately brightened him.  ‘Thank the Gods’ he prayed silently.

“Bardock, I presume?” said Zarbon.

“Yes, I am he.  We are expecting your ship  to touch down in ten minutes.” Bardock said all the while staring at Bulma.

Zarbon thought nothing of it at the Saiyans were a most backward population and probably drooled when they slept.  They were no challenge and bored him.  He would help anyway he could for a quick project finish and then he could take Bulma back with him--willingly.

“I am glad to hear it.  I assume you remember the Earth scientist standing next to me.”

“Yes, we worked together on a few projects.”

“Good, i will transmit exactly what Lord Frieza expects from both of you.  If have cleared this with your leaders and they do not have an issue.”

Bardock shuddered.  Ever since Grace was proclaimed the Prince’s mate, things had changed so much.  Dealing with the Ice-jin’s on purpose, lavish spending, and ruthlessly dispensing of anyone who might threaten her power.  All the while, the Prince supported her and made it his mission that Grace’s happiness meant more than the entire planet--especially after the miscarriage of the Prince’s supposed heir.

Yes, Bardock was sure that this activity had been cleared, just not the personnel attached. ‘Business is about to pick up’ he chuckled internally.  They exchanged some meaningless chatter and ended the call.  Bardock made his way over to his unwilling partner, Yamcha, and alerted to the new arrival.

“WHAT?!?!? Bulma!  How?!” he sputtered.

“You ought to know weakling as you placed her in the care of Frieza yourself” Bardock growled.  “She is here to continue her work on the training units but her focus this time is on the Ice Lord’s Elites.  To make them stronger and smarter--more agile and tactical, so they can keep us under his boot.  I hope you are very happy with what you have accomplished.”  Bardock turned swiftly and marched out the door on his way to the dock.  Yamcha swallowed his pride and followed.  


At the dock stood Prince Vegeta, his Princess Grace, Bardock, and Yamcha.  Yamcha was only tolerated as an Earth ambassador of sorts but he really knew he was still allowed to live because he was paying penance for his deluded treatment of Bulma.  He had been helpful to Bardock every now and again as he utilized his abilities as a former bandit to listen in on private conversations to gather pertinent information.  It would never be enough but at least it was something.

Bulma’s long, slightly wavy hair was now radiant after she allowed Zarbon to brush it for her.  The action helped to calm her nerves and made her feel good.  She missed that feeling and did not mind the attention.  The highlights of gold contrasted against her blue hair and eyes was a magnificent contrast.  Her eyes looked tired but the rest of her could knockout the mightiest of warriors.  She wore a black, two-piece AE suit with no sleeves and a high neck.  The shirt stopped just above her belly button while the bottoms rode low on her hips.  Her mid-drift was taunt and toned just like each limb.  “In shape” is not the right description of her appearance; more like incredibility beautiful.  

“Stay here until I call for you, alright?” said Zarbon to Bulma.  She nodded in agreement and hugged herself tighter.

The bay door opened and out stepped Zarbon, standing tall and looking ever inch of his 6 foot 5 muscular frame.  His perfect sea-foam colored skin was set alight by his emerald, exquisitely coiffed hair.  He strode down the ramp like an emperor returning from a conquest.

Prince Vegeta and Princess Grace nodded to Frieza’s second in command.  Bardock looked away and Yamcha stared straight ahead.  

“Always good to see you Prince Vegeta” Zarbon said magnanimously.  Vegeta’s lip curled a bit--he wanted to rip the alien to pieces but the Princess squeezed his arm.  He frowned and simply replied, “Zarbon.”

“Well we don’t want to waste time, do we?  Lord Frieza would not like that at all.  He sends his regards of course” he said with a flourishing bow.

“As always, return with our....gratitude” Vegeta said tightly.  He hated this but it was the agreement struck with the lizard and his ilk.  He was a man of honor and would not be shamed by going back on his word.

“I shall, indeed, Prince Vegeta.  And now the scientist we spoke to your man Bardock about.  Bulma, would you be a dear and join us?”

Bulma stepped shyly through the opening, head down as shame crept up her spine.  She had been molested for months, the feeling of being back with the ones who knew her best--the thought of them even knowing sickened her.

Meanwhile Grace was internally melting down.  ‘NO.  How!?!  Not her!  She will ruin all that I have accomplished.  Damn her to hell!’ she fumed in her mind.  Bardock and Yamcha stood with tears in their eyes.  She was alive and within their grasp.  Yamcha tried to hold the tears, but they were uncontrollable.  He knew she would never forgive him but he would pay that price gladly as she was now safe.

Time stood still for Vegeta, as he was hit with a very warm feeling in the center of his chest when he caught a glimpse of her.  ‘Perfection’ he thought as he soaked in every feature of her form.  He could not withdraw his eyes as she descended from the ship.  He did not remember her like this.  The last time he saw her she was a scrawny, mouthy teenager who was terse and argumentative.

Bulma stepped in beside Zarbon and even with her head down, she could tell Vegeta was there.  Before she began to wonder, Zarbon stepped in.  “Bulma, you remember Prince Vegeta and his lovely Princess Grace don’t you?”

Bulma’s head snapped up.  The view before her was horrifying.  There was the busty whore Grace--Princess Grace--clinging to Vegeta’s arm like a fly to flypaper.  Grace cut her a triumphant look as if to say ‘Ha ha,  you lose’.  The look Vegeta had on his face was equally terrifying.  He was looking at her as if this were his first time.  As if they never made love at all.  As if she had never really existed.  Her heart sank to the pit in the middle of her stomach.  She did not understand this but she would get to the bottom of it.  First she wanted to pull every hair out of Grace’s head but something in her preached patience.  She shifted her eyes back to the ground.

“Do they not teach you manners where you are from?” huffed Grace.  “You are to bow to royalty, human.”

Bardock braced for the argument that would ensue but it never happened.  Instead, Bulma bowed to the couple with as much dignity and poise as she could muster.  “I beg your pardon, your Highnesses.” she muttered.  

“Do remember your place while you are in our home.” Grace said reproachfully.

Vegeta quickly said “Woman, no harm done.” then looked at Bulma warmly.  Bulma did not lift her head but she felt his eyes on her.

Yamcha clumsily inserted himself into the scene.  “Bulma,” he called.  She turned and gave him her full attention.  She watched as he tried to apologize without fully confessing his deeds to the the party.

“I...I...hope one day you...”  he tried but could not finish.  The look in Bulma’s eyes was nothing but pure hatred.  No amount of talking would ever reaffirm her faith in him.  Defeated, he backed away.

Zarbon thought the whole scene rather odd but was tired of this “monkey dance”.  He wanted to get Bulma alone and make some headway before dinner.  “Bardock, would you kindly show Bulma to the labs so that you may become reacquainted with her surroundings.  Then show her to my quarters, is that understood?” said Zarbon with firm authority.  His eyes blazed as if he dared Bardock to defy him.

The entire group shot a look at Bulma but none of them had the courage to ask about the request.  Bardock nodded and beckoned Bulma forward.  She shuffled to his side and together they began the well remembered trek to the lab, to begin their task, and to get some answers.