Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Danger in the horizon ❯ Ignorance is definitely bliss ( Chapter 14 )

Chapter 14 - Ignorance is definitely bliss

Note: I don't own DBZ or any of the characters.

Vegeta's triumphant smile faded the moment the words came out of Bulma's mouth. Somehow, on some level his mind and hers were connecting, allowing her to see his fears and memories. He could not comprehend how this had happened.

Vegeta could not allow her to see what he really was, a murderer of worlds, not some prince on a crusade to save the universe from a great threat. If he allowed her to get under his skin and into his mind then Bulma could become the greatest of weaknesses to him. Then his reason to coming to this far end of the universe to face his destiny was for nothing. Despite this reasoning and his usual excellent emotional control, he was becoming more and more attracted to her and could sense that she was feeling the same way.

He decided not to go to his quarters, tired as he was. Food and rest could come a little later. Vegeta needed to check on the progress on the transportation on level one of the docking bays. Once the necessary repairs had been made all that remained was the short trip to Earth.

The elevator stopped suddenly advising him of his arrival. As he gazed at his surroundings his eyes rested on a large cruiser bereft of its normal weaponry, which was currently being worked on by a team of technicians. By its markings Vegeta knew that it was from a long extinct planet called Batalha. It was a planet that Freeza had personally destroyed due to the inhabitant's reluctance to "share" their excellent weapons and technology.

Luckily for Vegeta, he had not been on that particular mission so therefore none of the Batalhaians on Station Delta would know who he was or whom he had worked for. He didn't need any other problems.

Only a handful of Batalhaian survivors remained to his knowledge, scattered to the four corners of the universe, their culture and race all but obliterated. Vegeta grimaced. His own race had met the same fate only for different reasons. He had only been kept alive to be moulded in Freeza's likeness.

It was then that his mind started put the pieces of his plans puzzle together. He started to mumble aloud. "I could face Freeza on Earth. If I steal take this ship and have weaponry attached immediately before leaving, then the earthlings could be threatened sufficiently to allow us passage through that damned shield." So who are you going to get to fit weapons to the ship?

He glanced at his own ship. Extensive repairs had been made, Bulma's expertise quite evident in the extra modifications made to it. Vegeta knew that she really was very useful. If anything, the ship was in better shape than when he had stolen it 6 weeks ago. It was just a shame now that he would not be using it.

The answer to his mental question came through like a thunderbolt. The woman. She could do it.

He spun on his heel and made his way towards the elevator, very much less tired than he had been before. "Now I just have to get her to comply with my request." He chuckled softly. "That should be fun."

Bulma had given up on her workout not long after Vegeta had left. The bastard seemed to know instinctively how to get under her skin even though he had only known her for 3 days. She could not believe how attracted he was becoming to her even after such a short time. Bulma shook her head, trying to shake out the lustful thoughts she was having. This was not helping. She was no closer to getting any answers to her main question. Her curiosity was eating at her. What does Zarbon have to so with these 3 men? Her face wrinkled momentarily in distaste at the thought of Zarbon. Ugh.

Sighing in resignation, Bulma picked herself up from the bench and went back to her quarters to get cleaned up and get some food. She saw no reason to waste the day and resolved to try and complete the rest of the repairs on the Saiyans pods without any further delay. And try to keep out of Vegeta's way for a while.

An hour later, Bulma made her way down to the level one docking bay where the pods were situated, flexing her fingers, ready to get her hands dirty. She knew that whilst working on a particularly technical problem was when she had her best ideas.

Several hours after starting, while trying to tighten some screws on the outer shell she had a brilliant idea. If she could get to Radditz and furtively read his mind, then she would know what was going on. Perfect. The only unsavoury part of the plan was having to lead him on a little, flirt with him, and appeal to his attraction to her. Oh well, we do what we must, don't we?

Bulma was so engrossed in her own plan; she did not sense the presence lurking not more than 10 metres from her. Zarbon had stealthily followed her to the docking bay and watched her, making plans of his own. After his abortive attempts to get her into his bed Zarbon had withdrawn and decided to bide his time. Once Freeza arrived and wiped the puny planet and Station Delta of all it's inhabitants he would be able to get what he really wanted. Zarbon's golden eyes glittered with lust, and he licked his lips in anticipation. He withdrew from his hiding place and proceeded to his prearranged meeting with Dodoria. He glanced in her direction once more. Not long now Bulma. I will have you. That is a promise.

In the end, Bulma did not have to seek out Radditz. He found her instead in that slightly creepy way she found a tad disturbing. She had taken up her usual spot to complete her personal log entry after finishing up repairs on the second pod. Vegeta had not contacted yet so there was time to start getting some answers. Aware of what she needed to do, Bulma had taken care to clean herself up, and changed out of her dirty work clothing. As an added bonus, there was no one else around to see what she about to lower herself to doing.

She turned as he brushed against her, settling himself on a seat next to her. Bulma gave him what she hoped was her most dazzling smile.

"Radditz. Good to see you have recovered from your ordeal."

" As Prince Vegeta said Ms Briefs, it was just a normal training session. But I am grateful for your concern." His eyebrows drew together quizzically. Bulma seemed to have dropped the ice maiden act for now, and it was a little strange considering her behaviour in the past few days, but Radditz decided that he did not care. If she was starting to warm to him, then he could have a chance of making her his mate.

Bulma almost felt pity towards the huge man. He was very attractive in his own way and any number of women would have him with one click of his fingers. Just a shame that he chose to pursue her. It was horribly invasive what she was going to do, but necessary. Careful Bulma, tread carefully.

She smiled again. "Please call me Bulma, Radditz. Ms Briefs is rather formal don't you think? I think that we should try at the very least be friends. I'm pleased that you are recovered but you still look terribly tense through the shoulders. Would you like me to massage them for you?"

Radditz didn't need to be asked twice as Bulma had hoped. "That would be good…Bulma." He felt a warm feeling start in the pit of his stomach, spreading through his whole body in anticipation of her touch.

Bulma hid her small grin as she stood up and positioned herself behind him, placing her hands on his well-muscled shoulders, slowing easing the knotted muscles through his training outfit. Radditz closed his eyes and savoured her every small touch on his body, occasionally letting out a purr of satisfaction, like a big tawny lion.

As he became more relaxed, Bulma tested his mental defences. None in place. Good. Carefully she slipped in as she massaged his shoulders, accessing his most recent memories. What she saw shocked her.

Battles, hideous creatures, death everywhere. She saw the job that Vegeta, Nappa and Radditz had been doing. Wiping entire races from existence without mercy. She forced herself to concentrate and not be repulsed by what she saw in Radditz's mind. She saw the plans laid by Prince Vegeta to break free from the tyrant Freeza's yoke. The constant conflicts with Zarbon while in Freeza's servitude. So they do know each other, Zarbon is their mortal enemy. So this is what Radditz meant as being very bad. Oh god no. Freeza is going to come and destroy everything.

As she hurriedly started to withdraw from his mind, she saw the picture of Goku in his memories. His reaction to the picture now made sense. Oh my god. Goku is his……brother? Goku is from the same race as these killers? No!

Suddenly, the spell broke for Radditz. Bulma had stopped massaging Radditz's shoulders and was now staring into space in an almost catatonic state.

"Bulma" he said tentatively, slightly annoyed the blissful sensation she had given him had ceased. "What's wrong?"

Bulma's eyes snapped shut and reopened as if she was trying to erase everything from her mind. She looked at him with anger burning in her eyes. However, her voice was flat and defeated as she replied. "Everything is wrong Radditz. You have deceived us all. My whole planet, my friends, my family, everything is going to be destroyed because of you."

Realisation dawned on Radditz. She had been creeping through his mind. He had forgotten about her telepathic talents. Radditz suddenly sprang up from the seat and grabbed Bulma by the neck, squeezing enough to cause her pain. "You stupid bitch!" He yelled, his eyes betraying his hurt at her actions. "What gave you the right to invade my mind?"

Bulma's own eyes filled with tears. "What gave you the right to lie to the people here? We have tried to help you in anyway we can." she choked out.

Radditz growled in response. "You know too much."

As he spoke he moved his other hand towards her neck and pinched a nerve, forcing Bulma abruptly into unconsciousness. Looking around to check if he was being observed, he carefully lifted her prone body onto his shoulder, taking her down to Vegeta's quarters. Radditz grimaced as they descended in the elevator, his fear for her life rising in his mind.

Because if Vegeta wished to kill Bulma for what she had discovered, he could do nothing to save her.