Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Darkened Ship ❯ Chapter 10

Vegeta and Bulma lean on the A-deck rail, their shoulders touching, his broad one contrasting against her slender one. The sky is painted in orange and yellow, the colors blending into a perfect orange. The ship's lights come on.

“So, then what, Mr. Wandering Vegeta?”

“Well, logging got to be too much like work, so I went to Los Angeles to the pier in Santa Monica. That is such a great place. They have a small theme park with a roller coaster where I sketched portraits for ten cents a piece.”

“A whole ten cents?” Bulma asks incredible. Vegeta doesn't seem to get it as he looks out at the seas.

“Yeah, it was great money. I could make a dollar a day sometimes, but only in the summer. When it got colder I decided to go to Paris and see what the real artist were doing.” Bulma sighs as she looks out at the dusk sky.

“I wish that I could be just like you and head out to the horizon whenever I felt like it.” She turns to him, her blue eyes shinning brightly. “Say that we will go there someday. Even if we only talk about it.”

“Alright, we're going. We will drink cheap beer and ride the coaster until we throw up. We'll ride horses on beach, right in the surf, but you have to ride like a man, none of that side-saddle crap,” he said. Bulma looked shocked.

“You mean one leg on each side?” she seems uncertain. “Can you show me?”

“Sure. If you like.” She smiles at him.

“I think that I would.” She gazes out at the horizon now, her bright eyes shinning with mischief. “Teach me to spit like a man. Why should only men be able to spit? That is so unfair!” Vegeta smirks.

“They didn't teach you that at finishing school?” he asks sarcastically. “Here, it's so easy.” He spits. It arcs out over the water. He turns to her. “Your turn.” Bulma screws up her mouth and spits. A pathetic little bit of foamy spittle leaves her mouth; most of it runs down her chin. She wipes it off. Vegeta laughs.

“Nope, that was pitiful. Here,” he says as he turns her toward the horizon, his body next to hers. “Like this… You hawk it down.” He begins to hawk, the horrible sound filling the air between the two. “Then roll it on your tongue,” he says around the spit in his mouth. “Up to the front, this,” he says as he opens his mouth to show her. “Then a big breath and…” He lets the gob fly out of his mouth. The comet flies over the water. Bulma follows his steps while he coaches her by doing the steps with her. She lets it fly at the same time as his does. Two comets of gob fly out over the water.

“That was great!” he praises. Bulma turns to face him, her face alight, but then her light fades and she blanches. He notices her expression and turns to where three women who have been watching the pair spiting. One happens to be her mother and the other two are the Countess of Earl and Chi-Chi Son. Bulma instantly composes herself.

“Mother, this is Vegeta Ouji.”

“Charmed, I'm sure.” You can hear the distain in her voice, as she looks Vegeta up and down. Vegeta has little bit of spit running down his chin. Chi-Chi is grinning as Bulma proceeds with introductions. You can tell right away that Bulma's mother was displeased with the situation in front of her, while the other two ladies were in awe and adoration of the man before them.

“Well, Vegeta, it sounds like you are the best man to have in sticky situation.” The group jumps as a bugler sounds the meal call right behind them. With a frown she jokes, “Why do they insist on announcing dinner like a damn cavalry charge?” Bulma looks at her mother.

“Shall we get ready, mother?” Her mother nods as Bulma looks over at Vegeta, her eyes full of adoration. “See you at dinner, Vegeta.” They walk away, their conversation fading.

“Look at you, Bulma,” Mrs. Briefs says, her voice aghast. “Out here in the sun with no hat!” The Countess leaves with the pair leaving Chi-Chi and Vegeta alone on the deck.

“Son, do you even have the slightest idea what you are doing?” she inquires as she looks at the young man, who is so obviously enthralled with Bulma. He shakes his head.

“Not really.”

“I thought so. You are about to enter the snake pit. I hope that y- What are you planning to wear?” she asked as she realized what he was dressed in. He looks down at his cloths and seeing nothing wrong with them indicates that he will where what he is now.

“I figured.” She pulls him with her toward her room.

 

Chi-Chi Son's Stateroom

 

Men's suits, jackets, and formal wear are strewn about the room. Chi-Chi seems to be having a fine time and Vegeta is dressed, except for his jacket. Chi-Chi is tying his bow tie.

 

Hello there, the angel from my nightmare

The shadow in the background of the morgue

 

“Don't feel bad about it,” Chi-Chi says, her voice bright. “My husband still can not tie one of these damn thing to save his life and he has been trying for twenty-years.” She finishes tying the black bowtie. “There you go.” She picks one of the many jackets off the large bed and hands it to him. Vegeta puts it on in the bathroom while Chi-Chi starts to put the other items on the bed away. “I have to buy everything in threes because he always seems to ruin everything I buy, but the man never gains a pound no matter how much he eats.” She turns and sees him; her smile broadens. “My, my, my… you shine up like a new penny.”

 

Boat Deck/ First Class Entrance

 

The unsuspecting victim of darkness in the valley

We can live like Jack and Sally if we want

 

A purple sky with shots of orange is on the west end of the ship. The air is filled with classical music. He looks so sexy; his hair is gelled a little, his muscles pushing against his borrowed white-tie outfit, right down to his pearl studs. The black makes his skin appear even more olive and tanned. A steward bows as he opens the First Class door.

“Good evening, sir.” Vegeta plays his role smoothly as he nods with just the right degree of distain as he enters the upper landing. Vegeta is taken back at all the splendor before him. Sweeping down six stories is the First Class Grand Staircase, the epitome of the opulent naval architecture of the time, while overhead is an enormous glass dome, with a crystal chandelier at its center. The women around him wear floor length dresses that come in a variety of styles, elaborate hairstyles, and abundant jewelry, while the men are dressed in evening attire, standing with one hand at the small of their back, talking quietly amongst themselves.

 

Where you can always find me

We'll have Halloween on Christmas

 

 

Vegeta descends to A deck. Several men nod a perfunctory greeting and he nods back, keeping everything simple as he observes those around him. He feel like a spy sent to find a bad guy, most are around him, but there is one in particular that he is watchful for. Yamcha comes down the stairs, Mrs. Briefs on his arm. She is dressed to impress with every last piece of jewelry that she owns on her. They walk by Vegeta, Yamcha nodding at him, but neither recognizing him. Vegeta barely has time to laugh because right behind the pair on the stairs is Bulma, a vision in white and black; her low cut dress showing her shoulders and cleavage. Her arms are sleeved in black gloves that cover all if not most of her arm. The colors complement her skin in different ways. The trail of the dress is just long enough to touch the ground. He imitates the gentlemen's stance, one hand behind his back, while the other extends toward her. She takes his hand and blushes as he kisses the back of her fingers. She can't take her eyes off him and he can't take his dark eyes off her.

“I saw that in a nickelodeon once and I always wanted to do it.” Bulma smiles as she turns to Yamcha.

“Yamcha, surely you remember Mr. Ouji.” Yamcha looks at Vegeta in shock.

“Ouji!? I didn't recognize you.” He studies the man before him. “Amazing! You could almost pass for a gentleman.

 

Reception Room on D Deck

 

As the party descends to dinner they encounter Chi-Chi, looking good in her red dress, her small body looking great in the low cut dress. She grins widely when she sees Vegeta. As they enter the dining saloon she walks next to him.

“Ain't nothing to it, is there, Vegeta?” she says in a low voice.

“Just dress like one of them and keep your nose up.”

“They only respect money, so just act like you have lots and you are in their club.” Bulma leans close to him and points out several of the upper upper class passengers.

 

And in the night we'll wish this never ends

We'll wish this never ends

 

“There is Countess Sami Finch-Music and that is John Jacob Astor, the richest man on the ship. His wife there, Madeline, is my age and pregnant. See how she is trying to hide it? Quite the scandal.” She nods toward another couple. “Over there is Sir Cosmo and Lucile, Lady Duff-Gordon. She designs naughty lingerie, among her many skills. She is very popular with the royal couples.” Yamcha becomes engrossed in conversation with Cosmo Duff-Gordon and Colonel Gracie, while Bunny, the Countess and Lucille discuss fashion. Bulma picots Vegeta smoothly to show him to another couple that is dressed immaculately. “That is Benjamin Guggenheim and his mistress, Madame Aubert. Mrs. Guggenheim is at home with the children.” Yamcha on the other hand is accepting the praise of his male counterpart, who are looking at Bulma like some prize show horse.

“Bandit, she is gorgeous.”

“Thank you.”

“Yamcha is a lucky man and I know him well to know it was luck.” Bunny walks over, hearing the last of the conversation. She takes his arm; somewhat coquettishly she smiles up at the other men.

“How can you say that? Yamcha Bandit is a fantastic catch.” The entourage runs into the Astors going through the ornate double doors.

 

Don't waste your time on me you're already

The voice inside my head (I miss you miss you)

 

“J.J., Madeline. I would like for you to meet Vegeta Ouji.” J.J. takes Vegeta's gloved hand.

“Good to meet you. Are you of the Boston Oujis?”

“No, the Verdana Oujis, actually.” The other man nods as if he had heard of them, but then looks puzzles. Madeleine Astor appraises Vegeta and turns with a giggle to Bulma.

“It's a pity that we are both spoken for.” The dining saloon is like a ballroom in a palace, alive and lit by a constellation of chandeliers and full of elegantly dressed people. The room is full of music from bandleader Wallace Hartley's small orchestra. The group moves to a large table where they all sit down.

“Tell us, Mr. Ouji,” Bunny says. “I hear that steerage accommodations are quite good on this ship.” Vegeta is seated across from Bulma, who is flanked by Yamcha and Krillin. Also at the table is Chi-Chi, who sits by Vegeta while Countess Sami Rose Finch-Music is on his other side. Bunny sits next to Yamcha, while Roshi sits next to Krillin who is by Colonel Gracie who is flanked by Guggenheim. Next to Guggenheim is Madame Aubert and across from them next to Bunny are the Astors.

 

Don't waste your time on me you're already

The voice inside my head (I miss you miss you)

 

“The best that I have seen, ma'am. Hardly and roaches or rats.” Yamcha turns to the group.

“Mr. Ouji is joining us from third class. He was of some assistance to my fiancée last night.” He turns to Vegeta.

“This is foie gras. It is goose liver,” he says as if he is speaking to a child. Suddenly whispers fill the large table as everyone looks over at Vegeta in his new light.

“What is Yamcha trying to prove by bringing this trash up here?” Benjamin inquires of his mistress. A waiter approaches Vegeta, who is not at all bothered by Yamcha, as he is used to his station.

“How do you take your caviar, sir?” Yamcha answers for him.

“Just a soupcon of lemon…” he looks at Vegeta.

“It improves the flavor with champagne.” Vegeta turns to the waiter.

 

Where are you and I'm so sorry

I cannot sleep I cannot dream tonight

 

 

“No fish eggs for me, thanks.” He turns to Yamcha with a smug smile. “Never did like it much.” He looks over at Bulma and she smiles at his poker face.

“And where do you live, Mr. Ouji?”

“Right now my address is the RMS Titanic. After that is Kami's good grace.” Salad is brought to the table, each member given their plate. Vegeta grabs the fish fork and Bulma gives him a look and picks up her salad fork. He looks down at his and finds the correct one. He picks it up.

“You find that sort of existence appealing?” she inquires, obviously appalled.

“Well, it is a big world and I want to see it all before I go. My parents were killed by an evil man and well, I have been taught that you need to live life to the fullest.” Everyone is quiet. Chi-Chi raises her glass.

“Well said, Vegeta.” Gracie raises his glass.

“Here, here!” Bulma smiles and raises her glass, looks at Vegeta.

“Living life to the fullest.” Bunny looks annoyed that Vegeta has scored a point with the higher up people, tries to shoot him down again.

 

I need somebody and always

This sick strange darkness

Comes creeping on so haunting every time

 

“How is it that you can travel so much?”

“I work my way from place to place. I won my ticket on titanic in a lucky hand at poker.”

“All life is a game of luck,” Gracie says.

“A real man makes his own luck, Archie.” Bulma notices that Krillin is writing in his notebook, completely ignoring the conversation.

“Mr. Krillin, what are you doing?” She snatches the book and reads it. “You build the biggest ship in the world and hat hooks are what preoccupy you.” The bald man smiles sheepishly.

“He knows every rivet in her, don't you Krillin?”

“All three million of them.”

“His blood and soul are in the ship. She may be mine on paper, but in the eyes of Kami, she belongs to Krillin.”

“Your ship is a wonder. She is truly.”

“Thank you, Bulma,” he says humbly.