Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Danger in the horizon ❯ A Saiyans self doubt ( Chapter 50 )

Chapter 50 - A Saiyans self doubt

Note: I don't own DBZ or any of its characters; this fiction is for entertainment purposes only, not profit.

Chi Chi flopped into the plush confines of the sofa in the main living area at Bulma's home, coveting the luxury that was on display around her, wishing just for a moment that she too had a home like Bulma's to relax in, as opposed to the rather homely residence that she and her family lived in. Then she squashed the notion. The reality was that Chi Chi was well aware of the high price that was paid for such opulent surroundings, each and every day. Bulma did not enjoy the relative anonymity and freedom that Goku and Chi Chi Son did. She had massive obligations and an extremely high profile in the media, things that Chi Chi was grateful not to be dictated to by.

With a sigh, she flicked on the large screen T.V. wondering if any of the soap operas that she watched sporadically before her marriage were still running. Chi Chi grasped the rather hefty remote in her small dishwashing roughened hands, switching the T.V. on and began channel surfing, pressing any button in reach. Bulma had as was expected, set up cable and judging by the satellite dish attached to the outside of the living quarters, it probably picked up programmes as far away as Australia. Most of the stations were daytime soaps; documentaries, sports, children's programmes, and she had no particular interest in sports or documentaries.

Chi Chi flushed a rather becoming shade of red as she found the erotica channel, quite by accident, well that would have been her story if anyone had caught her. Self-consciously, she tilted her head as she watched the sweat slicked couple on screen pleasuring each other rather loudly and enthusiastically, disgusted, yet strangely compelled by the subject matter. After several moments, she tore her dark eyed gaze away, changing the channel to a safe subject matter, i.e. a daytime soap. She was embarrassed and very pleased that Sarah Briefs nor anyone else had witnessed her interest in the porn channel - although some of the positions the couple on screen had been locked into had been worth adding to her and Goku's repertoire. She laughed out loud nervously, saying, "Well, a soap it is. The plots are all the same after all, even after not watching for a couple of years," before stretching out with her feet up, sinking deep into the soft leather seat, ready for some mindless drivel to take her mind of the impending danger of what was to come and of course her awkwardness. She sighed as she focussed on the daytime soap now playing - and as she guessed the story was easy to pick up.

The tiny flustered reporter situated outside a non descript yet upmarket apartment complex nervously arranged her expertly styled auburn locks for the third time, making the producer of Satan News grind her teeth in annoyance, and mentally pray that next time the station hired a reporter it was not based on looks alone.

"I don't know if I can do this, Jo." Whimpered the reporter, communicating directly via camera to the stony faced producer back at the studio while fussily arranging her well made black silk suit, "It's so……gross."

A deep breath of intense irritation came through the earpiece back at her. "Lara. I don't care how gross you think this is, just be ready in 30 seconds, because we are going to air in exactly that amount of time. You wanted to be a serious reporter, didn't you?" Jo's voice was harsh; she didn't have time for little primadonna reporters getting queasy about what was undoubtedly the biggest story of the day, maybe even the week, one could not hope for story of the year even involving such a high profile figure.

Lara Holiday screwed up her pert little nose and frowned. "But, but you didn't have to see it……there was so much ….blood and gunk I really don't feel well, Jo."

"Don't care. You're on in 10, 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2….." came the terse countdown from the studio, a smirk gracing the face of the producer, looking at the slightly greyish complexion of the news programmes designated "eye candy" hired to drive up ratings.

The credits rolled for Satan News, interrupting the banal soap opera, "All our lives" that Chi Chi was only half heartedly watching, revealing the perma-tanned anchorman as he detailed the day's news in his rich tenor voice, bolstered, of course by many an elocution lessons. Slightly annoyed, Chi Chi prepared to change channels, but something stopped her and so she continued watching, hoping that this was not something big and bad about to descend on them all.

"Good afternoon. Our apologies for the interruption to our usual programmes. This is Tom West for Satan News, with a special bulletin." He turned to camera three. "On our regular news programme at 6, the top stories are, the current public unease with refugees from Space Station Delta, severe cyclones hitting the east coast of Australia and the leadership battle for the world government." He then turned to the second camera, a grim look on his face. "But this afternoons special bulletin is the brutal murder of Victor Anderson, vice president at Capsule Corporation, at his former marital home, early this afternoon. Lara Holiday is on the scene reporting."

A now composed Lara gave the briefest shake of her head, the last remaining sign of her obvious nervousness.

"Thanks Tom. Firstly, there is nothing known about the assailant who brutally and senselessly murdered Victor Anderson this afternoon in the Pine Hills apartment he once shared with his wife. The exact manner of his death is known to the law enforcement community, but due to the gruesome nature, no details are being released to the public."

Back at Capsule Corporation Chi Chi paled, and raised a hand to her mouth, which failed to stop the loud gasp that escaped from her formerly pursed lips. This is bad…..very bad….

"What is known is that the Vice President of the famed Capsule Corporation abducted Father Joseph Ramirez by gunpoint whilst he was performing a christening at his church in central Satan City. Father Ramirez was then forcibly taken to this home," Lara turned and gestured at the apartment behind her, almost obscured by the police presence, watching as the black plastic sheath containing Victor's body being wheeled out, her camera man focussing on it for several seconds before she continued. "He was forced, by gunpoint to agree to perform a wedding ceremony for Mr Anderson and an unknown party. Not long after that, Father Ramirez heard the sounds of a violent struggle and then discovered Victor Anderson's corpse."

The screen flicked back to Tom West in the studio. "Is Father Ramirez considered a suspect in this murder at this time, Lara?"

"I have an absolute no from the police on that question, Tom. The police are gathering as much information as possible from Father Ramirez, as he appears to be the only witness when the attack occurred."

Tom paused briefly in the carefully studied manner that was used to heighten the impact of his questions, before continuing. "Who was the person that Mr Anderson was supposed to marry?"

Lara cocked her head to one side, just as eager to discover the identity of the 'bride', but squashed her instinct to reveal her own ideas, answering carefully instead. "Unknown, Tom. There was evidence of a vicious struggle in the bedroom, which could either indicate the struggle with the assailant or this person that Mr Anderson was attempting to marry."

"You mentioned at the beginning of the bulletin that the Pine Hills home was Victor Andersons former marital home. What do we know of his former wife, who according to reports, resides in the apartment behind you?"

Lara knew full well that this was the angle most anchorpersons would take on the whole sorry mess. The ex was always the first suspect; it made the story more - juicy.

"Well, Tom we have not been able to make contact with her at this time and her exact whereabouts are unknown, she appears not to have been here at the time of the attack. They have been divorced for around a year, so she is obviously keeping out of the public eye right now. Sources at Capsule Corporation where she works however, have revealed that the two had a disagreement several days ago, but the police force feel that it could have just been animosity boiling over from their divorce and will reveal more information as the investigation progresses."

The view returned to the studio as Lara signed off. "Thanks for your report, Lara."

Lara flashed a saccharine sweet smile at the ageing anchorman. "Thanks Tom."

"Satan News will return at our regular time of six p.m. with the rest of the days top stories and any further information relating to this incident. One final note; the Satan City police force is urging any person who may have seen or heard anything at the Pine Hills apartment block to contact local them immediately on this free call number."

Chi Chi, her expression aghast, having heard more than enough, did not even stop to press the "off" button on the T.V. remote, instead tossing it aside and all but jumping to her feet, pushing the sofa forcefully backwards. She was worldly wise enough to know exactly what this would mean, and she had little time to warn Bulma, her family and the CC employees.

Capsule Corporation and Bulma Briefs were, for want of a better phrase, about to be put under siege, not from an invading army or a corporate takeover, but one of the worst groups of parasites in the world, slavering and hungry for blood. She could almost see them swooping down around Capsule Corporation now.

The Press.

Goku growled loudly in frustration at his inability to pinpoint his brothers exact location, it was now obvious that his sibling was just as skilled in suppressing his ki as he or any of the other z warriors were, and there was no telling what Radditz had done. He had returned to the others whilst they were sparring and informed them of what had transpired with Radditz. Unfortunately this also gave Radditz more than enough time to make good his escape. Piccolo had picked up a large burst of energy some 20 minutes before, but it had faded out far too quickly to determine if it was Radditz or not, or even the location, and Piccolo being the stubborn Namek that he was didn't bother to inform Goku that with Kami's help they could locate Radditz almost to the inch. He for one had had more than enough contact with Kami in the last couple of days to last him a lifetime, and did not want to be begging for help, especially one who saw himself as a father figure for him.

Clearly exasperated, Piccolo wiped a clawed hand across his sweaty forehead, clearly revealing his frustration at being ripped away from what had promised to be a fruitful training session in the desert. "Give it up Goku." He snarled, turning to look at the lacklustre Tien, Chao Tzu and Krillen, the trio hanging in the air looking decidedly worse for wear, drooping in the intense heat and beginning to show signs of dehydration, as he was. "It's a fucking waste of time and energy to pursue this any further." He spat, uncapping his flask of water and draining all but one third of the now warm liquid, grimacing at the taste.

Goku turned and glared at his former nemesis, not for once concealing his anger. "You leave if you want - I need to find him." He grunted, in a decidedly unGoku like fashion, "There is no telling what he has done or will do - you didn't see the look in his eyes." Goku turned away, looking once more to the horizon, eyes narrowed and dark. "He's my brother, my problem." He hissed, realising that it would have been better if he had made the break from the others, leaving them to their training and tried to at least follow his errant brother. But no….I had to be responsible…I hope that he has not done anything….bad…I could have stopped him…resolved whatever is happening…...He too had felt the surge in energy far away, but from the direction, it could quite easily have been Vegeta, pushing himself to the limit, displaying his Super Saiyan power. Its almost like he is mocking me……

Piccolo moved closer and put a hand on Goku's shoulder, grasping hard and digging his talons in deep enough to get his attention, ignoring the strong Saiyans aggressive attempt to shrug his hand off. "Brother or not, Goku, if he has done anything stupid, then we'll all deal with it. When he came to Earth, he became everyone's problem. This region -', He waved a sweat droplet covered arm in a smooth arc indicating the area beyond the vast expanse of desert, "is too big an area even for your talents, Goku. Radditz will return, most likely to Capsule Corporation. He has nowhere else to go. We should return there also." He flinched as Goku all but flung his hand off his shoulder, the very act showing how much he was not willing to listen.

Krillen joined the two warriors, his bald head glistening with sweat, nodding his agreement with Piccolo, even as Goku continued to focus on the land far away into the distance, to all intents and purposes trying to ignore the babbling that was going around him. "As much as I hate to agree with Piccolo," Krillen started, glancing quickly at the turban clad demon king. At this barbed comment Piccolo sneered at the small bald monk, baring his fangs, remembering his past life as the Demon King, the being that every man woman and child feared most in the world, the life when he had his henchmen kill Krillen. With a slight shiver running down his spine, Krillen tried to ignore the look and carried on regardless of the history between the him and the former demon. "Goku, he's right." He dragged an arm over his soaked face, looking at his best friend with what could only be described as a hangdog expression. "We should go back to Bulma's and wait."

"We can carry on training there anyway." Tien spoke up, trying and failing to perk himself up. The truth for him was that the closer Freeza got the more nervous he became. There was no way that he would ever be able to match the likes of the Saiyans, Goku, Vegeta or even Radditz in strength and speed, and Piccolo was far out of his league also. The best that he could do was simply to do his best when the time came and be prepared to lay down his life if it was necessary.

When Goku explained Radditz's absence to them, Tiens first instinct was to try and follow, before anyone, namely a human, got hurt, as was Krillens. Piccolo however did not want to know all the details as he did not have the same concern about humans as the rest and wished to continue with the training, but was effectively dragged in as everyone else had abandoned the training in favour of tracking Radditz down and as it became difficult to track the errant Saiyan down, Piccolo's typical short fuse almost ran out.

Unfortunately, Radditz had the super speed, borne of a man filled with rage and adrenaline and the skills to conceal his energy, from them all. In hindsight, Radditz would have torn each one of them limb from limb if they had tried to stop him. Even Goku would have experienced trouble in attempting to stop his brother, so great was his wrath.

Goku hung his head in defeat, looking at the weary faces of his companions, before quickly but reluctantly acceding to his friend's plea, noting Piccolo's look of irritation. "Okay, okay, you're probably right." He replied softly, still however with a worried expression on his tanned face. "First, though I want to check on Gohan - then we can go to Capsule Corporation. I can only hope that Radditz has not hurt anyone…………or himself."

There were a few moments of silence as the weary fighters hung in the air, feeling a cooling breeze swirl around and revitalise them. Piccolo set off a steady pace with Tien and Chao Tzu trailing behind, leaving Goku and Krillen behind for a few more moments, a deep furrow present on Goku's forehead as he watched the trio leave. For Goku, there was one other thing worrying his normally happy go lucky Saiyan persona - it was his apparent lack of progress in ascending.

If Vegeta was able to make the transition, why couldn't he?

Vegeta had offered him no real clue as to how to attain that which he had strived many years for achieve, and it appeared that each case was different, even Kami himself had not been able to explain the phenomenon. Part of the problem was for Goku that he had never had an opponent that he could not surpass, and now here was Vegeta, with his experience, strength and the ability to defend his mate and her planet against the likes of Freeza. He was almost to the top of the mountain where his hidden power lay, but something was stopping him from getting to the summit.

Defending the Earth was a job that was once his, and his alone.

Goku was not a selfish man by any stretch of the imagination, but like most people liked to be needed now it appeared that he was not, and now he was beginning to feel like a spare prick at a wedding, a fifth wheel. Goku had never experienced anyone being stronger than him before which was why he felt that in some small way Vegeta was taunting him.

Vegeta had explained in great depth how powerful the changeling was, as had Kami. Goku was after all the self appointed protector of Earth and its inhabitants, what good could he do if he could not even reach that pinnacle to protect his own kin against the tyranny of Freeza?

Could he bear to see his lovely wife and child die because of his lack of skill?

His lack of tenacity?

He could not possibly hope to beat such a monster at his present strength level and this was dragging him down, although Goku was a master at hiding his feelings, so nothing had been revealed to anyone. During the past few days he had begun wrestling with the thought of spending more time on training although it could prove futile or spending more time with his family as if to say goodbye and giving up entirely. Goku trusted Vegeta enough to do the job, but as Kami said - two Super Saiyans were better than just one. With two it was a certainty that Freeza's dominion over most of the universe would be over forever.

Radditz had flown from the ghastly blood spattered scene, not even taking the time to glance back at the destruction that he had caused through his extreme violent rage, and gone directly to the most secluded spot that he knew of - the waterfall not far from Goku's mountain top home.

He could still hear the blood roaring in his ears, his mind still showing him the scene that ultimately put him over the top, the weapon being pressed against Amanda's jaw, her tears, and the thoughts that Amanda believed were her last. For a brief moment Radditz had felt like a god, and knew then what Vegeta had felt when his own energy and power had reached the pinnacle, the top of the Saiyan heap as such. His own energy had swirled around him in a blaze of gold tinged blue the man that once called Amanda his own, pathetically begged and pleaded for his own life, before attempting to kill Radditz with his handgun.

At that moment, Radditz had looked down at Amanda, shaking, bruised and bloodied on the floor and his mind reverted to the primal state that all male Saiyans had experienced when their woman or family was threatened - a complete blank, instinct, pure adrenaline and energy. When Radditz regained control of his mind and body, his dark eyes focused on the corpse laying before him - Victor was dead, a mere blow to the chest had pretty much put paid to the mans life, but what really sickened Radditz, despite the many purging missions he had lead in his 35 standard years, was that he, and he alone had torn the mans still beating heart from his chest, coating his hands in sticky blood, leaving only an ugly gaping wound in Victors chest, seeing with abject horror that Victor or some small part of him was still alive, his blue eyes, unseeing, but moving, trying to focus on Amanda before Radditz saw the glimmer of life go out.

Even now he saw the dark blood, Victors life blood, pumping out of the chest cavity for a few moments before stopping altogether, realising that he had squeezed what remained of Victors heart in his large hands as they crackled with pure ki, frying it before tossing it aside like it was poisoned.

The sun shone weakly through the trees surrounding the pool, warming Radditz slightly. He laid her gently at the waters edge, and plunged his hands in the crystal clear water, washing away the visions and the blood. He then sat beside her, his cool strong hands brushing aside the stray blonde hairs covering her face, using a thumb to try and wipe away the blood clotted on her split and swollen lips, dropping a gentle kiss on her forehead, her fresh scent filling his senses, bringing his mind fully to the present, away from the coppery smell of blood and the sharp tang of ammonia of Amanda's apartment.

A fine mist of water from the waterfall swirled around them, the droplets attaching to Radditz's wild black mane of hair, causing his spiky hair to become weighed down and the excess water to fall softly like tears onto Amanda's bruised and battered face, rinsing away the smears of blood on her cheeks and jaw. She looked like a fallen angel very close to death and Radditz shivered despite the heat from the sun at the passing thought. It would have sent him into a self-destructive rage if he had found her lying there on the floor, dead, he would then have destroyed all that he could find and himself as opposed to merely disposing of the object of her fear.

Amanda's breathing was steady and true, but with her visible wounds and the injuries that could not be seen, Radditz hoped that her mind had not completely been warped with the short lived trauma, the attack and attempt at brainwashing from her former husband. He could not delve into her mind, he did not want to intrude and cause her more pain. In her unconscious state, Amanda moved her bloodied and torn hands to her belly, as if outwardly saying, "Does our child live?" Radditz winced imperceptibly and spreading his hands out wide to hover over Amanda's still flat belly he concentrated his senses, once again able to feel the faint ki of the life flickering within Amanda's womb, his senses fine-tuned so highly that later he could have sworn he could have sensed the child's sex. It will be a boy….I am certain….the child lives…..

He pulled her carefully into his arms, resting her head on his wide set chest, his arms making a protective shield around her limp body, rocking her, whispering words in his native language, words of reassurance meant only for a bonded life mate and not often used, words that were crooned, rather than spoken, the depth of emotion not normally present showing with each word, huskily uttered, a faint purr underneath the husky voice. The truth was, the short oath was as much for Radditz as it was for Amanda, even if she would not hear him, or as he feared never hear him. "My woman, my life mate. I brought you vengance. Never fear my hand. By my honour I will protect you and our offspring all my days." Radditz gently kissed her face as he finished, his reward being her jade green eyes opening slowly, not initially flinching from his grasp.

Amanda swallowed, the once very simple action being painful and she winced, her eyes focussing, as her body stiffened, thinking that perhaps, Radditz had not burst through the window and that she was either dead, or about to die. She moved her hands slowly, almost as if they were no longer part of her body, taking them up to her jaw, relieved not to feel the cold steel of the pistol pressing into her soft skin, but recoiling as her painfully sore fingers came into contact with sticky thick blood. Slowly, surely she began to sense more clearly on where she was and whom she was with. Focussing her senses, Amanda, could smell something familiar, musky and very male and slowly Radditz's tawny handsome face came into view, his hair flat against his skull from the mist and she could feel his the soft fur on his flexible tail as it curled around her wrist of its own volition, and she relaxed - she was sure that she was safe.

"Radditz……" Amanda whispered hoarsely, a painful smile on her worn out, but still beautiful face. "I knew, somehow that you………." She closed her eyes and frowned, before continuing, "would come……..for me……but …but….at first ……..didn't think you could hear me.." Amanda frowned and closed her eyes again, a tired deep breath hissing out from between clenched teeth. Her eyes flickered open and opened wide and she stared at the sky in fear, clutching at her belly, the frantic action revealing her dread that her and Radditz's child was lost, tears starting to pour relentlessly from her eyes, and a feeling of emptiness washed over her, dragging her down, and in her mind, she could see herself, drowning as wave after wave crashed down over her, filling her lungs with salty water, choking her. I don't feel any pain there, but maybe it's the shock….our baby……….

Without even trying, Radditz felt all the turmoil in her mind and taking quick action, covered her hands with his own in reassurance, stroking and kneading the tense digits, getting her to relinquish her hold, nuzzling her with his jaw, in essence calming her down, bit by bit. "Shhhh, woman," Radditz's deep rich voice rumbled, his tanned fingers curling around hers, his damp jaw rubbing catlike against hers. "You are still with child, do not fear."

Amanda smiled tightly, before most the events of the day came back to her in a rush and she clung weakly to Radditz's burly forearms, the tears starting to ebb, but they did not stop entirely as they were now almost tears of joy, joy not that Victor was dead, but that she was safe, that Radditz had rescued her from a terrible situation, one that could have resulted in hers and their child's death. "Victor is dead, isn't he? I saw….him lying there…….in his own blood…" Amanda looked closer at Radditz's pained face, splotches of vermilion across his high cheekbones before continuing quietly, letting his arms go, a look of abject horror on her face, bile rising as her body trembled in shock and realisation. "You….you ……..killed him………didn't you?…..He……"

Radditz pulled Amanda back into his arms squeezing her almost to the point of her not being able to breath and finished the statement tersely. "Would have killed you…………and our child…..don't forget that."

Amanda pressed her face against his chest breathing in his scent, trying to understand the reason, but initially failing. "You……could not let him ……..live…..could you?……"

"I am a Saiyan, Amanda." Radditz growled. "That man had no right to touch you, no matter that you were once bound to him as we are now. Death was the only option. My honour dictates it……it is the Saiyan way."

Amanda looked Radditz deep in the eyes and could see the truth of his words, however this did not stop her from thinking that somehow, someway, Victor could have been spared and treated for his emerging mental problems. Too late now though. She closed her eyes, concentrating, remembering what was once good about her former husband. "I will remember him as a he was, not what he became. Once, Radditz, Victor was a loving human being, but as all things do, he changed and pursued his own dreams, not our dreams. He realised too late that he had lost me when he saw us together."

Inside, Radditz knew that even if Amanda had still been bound to her husband when he arrived, he would have moved Heaven and Earth to have her, especially after coming to the rather belated conclusion that Bulma was not his and never would have been. Bulma was as much Vegeta's as Vegeta was hers. He nearly lost his own life just to have that brought clearly into focus, humiliating himself terribly in the process.

Radditz brushed the back of his hand over Amanda's cheek, murmuring, "His loss, my gain….and what a gain I have made." Amanda opened her eyes and cupped Radditz's jaw in her slender hand, smiling and replying, "As have I."

Their eyes locked together, neither speaking until Radditz broke the deadlock by effortlessly picking Amanda up and standing, walking over to the cool clear water of the waterfall and pool beneath it.

Silently, he walked into the pool clothes and all, holding Amanda with a firm grip as the cool water shocked her system and caused her to gasp loudly as both of them were submerged. Radditz carefully swam, Amanda still in his arms until he found underwater rocky outcrop and settled both of them on it, relinquishing his hold on Amanda. He then slowly, tenderly, removed her filthy blood soiled clothing, following each piece with warm kiss to her chilled skin, growling softly as he discovered the raw scrubbed skin on and around her bonding mark. The skin had been broken in several places as Victor had attempted to rid her skin of the scar with a harsh scrubbing brush and neat ammonia and without any treatment; the gouges in her sensitive skin could fester and become infected. Amanda knew what his reaction was going to be when he discovered the damaged skin and soothingly whispered, "I did not feel any pain when he tried to remove the bond scar and my back will heal in time. Please don't worry."

"If I had seen this before, I would have taken more time taking his life." Radditz replied gruffly. "You are not a warrior, yet he beat you as if you posed a threat."

He continued to kiss her wounds and bruises, infusing her with a small portion of his ki, which soothed her aches and pains, bringing a glow back to her ashen skin. After all the clothing was removed, he tossed aside the now sodden clothing and it landed on the bank, then removed his own grimy bodysuit and armour, eager to wash away the coppery smell of blood clinging to them both. With surprisingly gentle fingertips, Radditz rubbed away the physical remains of the violent day, growling softly at the welt on Amanda's cheekbone, marring her lightly tanned skin, almost feeling the blow himself. Amanda in turn stroked away the splashes of scarlet blood gracing his sculptured face, enjoying the feel of warmth and security that she felt as she sat, naked in his lap, feeling his velvet over steel muscles holding her, safe against evil. I am safe…

"Bait….." Bulma whispered as the enormity of the words spoken by Vegeta sunk in. "He would go that far to get to you?"

"I know Freeza's methods." Vegeta replied curtly, knowing how his own father was forced into making a decision that killed most of his race and lead to the slavery of his own son, a decision that he would probably have made himself had he been in his fathers position. "He will use whatever is at his disposal, including using someone close to me as bait," he turned his face from Bulma's, fire flashing in the depths of his bottomless black eyes, "and Bardock is in a weak position. Freeza has probably starved him to the point that he does not even have the power to kill himself - as a warrior should have."

Bulma brushed a hand against Vegetas strong jaw line, speaking softly, "Of course you know that, he used the same tactics against you….." She leaned in closer, a frown on her brow, and a question on her lips. "But why keep Bardock alive so long? I understand that it's been twenty standard years or more since he was captured."

"True, it's been along time." Vegeta half chuckled. "Bardock was very much the up and coming warrior when I was a mere brat. But it was the purge mission apparently to Kanassa that changed him forever." He rubbed his jaw thoughtfully, casting his mind back to another time, one where he was heir to the Saiyan throne, and one where his future seemed bright. "Planet Kanassa was populated with a race of semi amphibious creatures that had the gift of foresight, to see the future. Freeza wanted this skill or at the very least a member of this race to allow him to make plans, conquer worlds. The plan of course got screwed up and the whole race was decimated. Or so the purge team thought. While resting up and waiting for their pods to charge, one dying Kanassan warrior attacked Bardock from behind, passing on his power to him and cursing him before the other members of Bardocks crew vaporised him." He laughed, remembering the look of disappointment and rage on Freezas face when the team returned, without what he wanted. "Bardock was wounded so med techs place him in the reg chamber whilst his team of three were sent to Planet Meat to their deaths. Bardock released himself early and travelled to Meat as soon as he could, but he was too late. Dodoria and his henchmen had already taken care of Toma and the others."

"How did Freeza discover Bardocks "gift"?" Bulma asked, quite interested in the story of Bardock. It amazed her how much Goku was like him, looking out for his crew.

"After Dodoria tried to kill him on Meat, Bardock experienced a surge in power that was so great that even Dodoria and his team could not kill him. Bardock escaped and returned to Vegeta, trying and failing to get anyone planet side to listen. His so-called ravings did not go unnoticed though, as Freeza always had spies on Vegeta to ensure complete compliance and they transmitted the details directly to Freeza himself. Bardock had foretold of Planet Vegeta being destroyed by Freeza, and that it would happen soon. Then Freezas ship arrived in the upper atmosphere and Bardock went to meet his destiny, or so we all thought, until the message." For several seconds Vegeta was silent. The day that his planet was destroyed, was the day his father died, and for at least 6 months after that, Vegeta believed that he and Nappa were the sole survivors of the warrior race known as Saiyans. "Of course, I had to obtain this information by breaking into the records that Freeza in his ultimate vanity always kept. He liked to remember who he had destroyed personally."

Bulma sat back, the information soaking in. "Do you really think that Bardock would go so far as to betray his own race by giving Freeza information about me."

Vegeta snorted. "He is probably giving him as little information as possible, but Freeza is not patient and will expect answers to his questions. Bardock is most likely holding onto the one hope that he will see both of his brats again before he dies, like the sentimental fool that he is."

Bulma whispered, "If Freeza by some miracle captures me, I will kill myself rather than draw you in to your death."

"Don't be so stupid, woman!" Vegeta snapped, getting to his feet and standing proud, his golden aura bursting into life, making Bulma shield her eyes against the brilliance surrounding him, but not feeling any fear. "I am the Legendary Super Saiyan, my ascension foretold by seers, bringer of death to those who oppose my race, bringer of vengeance to those destroyed my birthright, my race!" His aura faded out, returning Vegetas appearance back to normal. He fell to his knees on the gravity chambers metal floor and fiercely grasped Bulma by her forearms, pulling her body flush against his own, knowing that his grip would leave bruises on her pale creamy skin. "You will not die…..I will not allow it!" Vegeta then pressed his lips against Bulmas own, almost violently, bruising and splitting them with the feverish contact, tasting her blood before releasing her, panting, licking up what remained on his own lips. Stunned by his passionate outburst, Bulma put a finger to her mouth, feeling the blood ooze out, understanding totally what Vegeta felt - she felt the same way. He failed to amaze her, even when she thought that she had him figured out. "Promise me," she gasped, her eyes shining with blue ice, "Promise me, that you will not die."

"I will not die," Vegeta answered simply with a trademark smirk, his gloved hands brushing through her feathery blue locks, rubbing against the bonding scar on her neck, "and neither will you."

They remained locked together for several seconds before the moment was interrupted suddenly by the sound of a female voice calling out to Bulma and startled, Bulma all but jumped to her feet, looking out of one of the small porthole style windows around the chamber. She saw to her surprise Chi Chi, calling out and looking uncharacteristically dishevelled, her head and eyes snapping back and forth to locate Bulma. Bulma, thinking that this was about her father, quickly exited the gravity chamber alone and sprinted over to Chi Chi, placing a hand on her shoulder to let her friend that she was there. "Chi?" Bulma asked softly, and despite her own strength she was afraid of the answer. "Is, is it m, my father?"

Chi Chi spun around, happy to have finally found Bulma, relief now on her pretty face. "Thank God I found you! No." She puffed, the exertion of running around most of the large Capsule Corporation compound having taken its toll, but she was pleased to find Bulma in a much better frame of mind than earlier that day, after reading Yamcha's post mortem letter. "Almost as bad though."

Bulma's eyes widened, her clever mind thinking through all the things that it could be. "Not little Gohan….."

"No!" Chi Chi snapped, sounding rather more annoyed than she meant to, there was no way she would be standing around shouting the odds if it was her only child. "No, not Gohan. It's Victor Anderson. He's been murdered."

Bulma slumped the still damp grass, her brow furrowed in thought, muttering, "But who would want to ….do such a thing?" It was a hollow question really, as it was quite obvious who the culprit was. Radditz. She turned back to Chi Chi who was looking down on her with concern. "How did you find out?"

"Satan News special bulletin, about ten minutes ago….do you have any idea how large this place is?" She replied, getting slightly off track.

Bulma rose to her feet, chewing her lip in concentration. "Yes I know how big it is here, Chi." Realisation suddenly dawned on her cloudy mind. "Shit! Fuck! That means the press will be here very very soon." She cupped her head in her hands, feeling sweat around her hairline start to trickle down her face and neck as her tension grew. Think fast Bulma girl, not much time…..

"Chi, I need your help. Alert security, urge them to be extra vigilant about the press, be clear about the situation. Tell them that no one, I repeat no one is to leave or enter the compound without my express permission. Use the intercom in my room - that way it will not be treated as a drill. I will gather the other staff and inform them and send a rep from the company to the refugee settlement, along with a security team to keep reporters out." Bulma paused momentarily in case anything had escaped her sharp mind. "Got that?"

Chi Chi was already off and running towards the main residence, whilst Bulma picked herself up and brushed herself off. She could see a rather bemused Vegeta in the doorway of the gravity chamber, obviously one person was finding the serious situation amusing, especially when it involved women running around like headless livestock. "Problem, woman?" He smirked, arms crossed, arching an eyebrow at her now, to him attractively flushed face. Now he wanted to drag her back into the little metal chamber and make her scream his name, but from the look on her face, it didn't look like a possibility. He focussed his dark gaze on the bead of sweat running down Bulmas neck to her cleavage, wanting to follow its path with his more than willing tongue.

Bulma pursed her lips and glared at Vegeta, who did not realise the seriousness of the problem at hand, knowing instantly from the look he was giving her meant. Not now, Vegeta…later… She flushed again and answered in a somewhat croaky voice, "Big problem. Capsule Corporations Vice President has been murdered and I have a horde of reporters to deal with in approximately 30 minutes."

"How does that affect me, woman?" Vegeta replied archly, turning to activate the door to close, "apart from the obvious.." he leered.

Bulma puffed, the mountain of problems heaped upon her shortening her fuse considerably. "Just stay out of sight, train and wait for me to come back. Don't open the door to anyone." She smiled, despite all the tribulations of the past few days as Vegeta grunted and closed the door. Now its time to concoct a little bedtime story for my great friend the Press….