Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ False Pretenses ❯ Chapter 6

Here's the next installment! Enjoy.

DISCLAIMER: Same story different day. I sadly own nothing except my own created characters.

Chapter 6

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Vegeta growled in annoyance as he threw his fist straight at Starr's face. The young girl dodged at the last moment, which further irritated Vegeta. It had been a couple weeks since Starr had rejected his advances towards her, and thus far all he'd done was intensify the training sessions. Starr was waiting for the other shoe to drop, but lately she'd been distracted and it did not escape Vegeta's notice. He growled again as he brought his knee up to her chest, catching Starr off guard. Starr grunted as she was thrown backwards, land on her elbow.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Vegeta snarled as she got back to her feet, gingerly rubbing her sore arm. Starr engaged Vegeta in a hard look stare down. Vegeta snarled again, “don't think that I haven't noticed that you aren't concentrating. It's written all over your face that your mind is else where. I swear, if you're thinking about that piece of garbage planet-“.

“You'll what?” Starr snarled back, cutting him off. “You'll hit me? Please, that threat is old news. And for the record, no, I wasn't thinking about my HOME! I was actually concerned with something that's happening her.” She gave Vegeta am angry look and put her had on her hip.

“And what exactly has you so concerned around here that you can't keep your fucking mind straight?” Vegeta spat at her, crossing his arms.

“You know what, forget it, I can figure it out myself, and I'll handle it myself,” the younger Saiyan glared at the prince. “I don't need you,” she harshly added, hoping the venom in her head came through her voice. Vegeta sighed and closed the distance between them. Starr kept her guard up. The last thing she wanted was for Vegeta to think this was an invitation for him to try to pull something on her.

“Tell me,” he said gruffly. “Clearly I'm not going to be able to get you to properly train until you spit it out, and the longer you withhold it the more time gets cut out of my training, so out with it!” Vegeta and Starr locked eyes for a moment, but before Starr sighed in defeat.

“I think someone's been following me, watching me,” she stated, looking away from Vegeta. A low growled came from his throat.

“How can you be sure,” the prince asked, narrowing his eyes are he looked at the girl.

“I can sense it,” she simply stated. Vegeta growled again.

“How long?”

“Nani?”

“How long have you been feeling this?”

“A while, a couple months, I guess.” Vegeta snarled at her response.

“You've suspect it for a couple of months and you're only just now telling me?” he hissed at her. He was furious that the woman who was supposed to be his mate didn't think to tell him this information. On top of that, the knowledge that there was someone watching her made his blood boil. His anger settled back on the Saiyan female in front of him.

“You stupid, fucking girl,” he said in a hushed voice. Starr could sense the anger radiating off of the prince. She said nothing, but looked directly at him. “You have been told what is going on, told that Frieza seeks to make you his and add you to his army, yet you don't think this information was important enough to tell me? A couple fucking months!” He growled at Starr. Starr's mouth formed into a mocking smirk as she forced a laugh.

“Oh that's rich,” she laughed, her voice devoid of all humor. “You're pissed because I didn't tell you that I think I'm being watched? That's hilarious coming from you, seeing as how you seem to enjoy making my life a living hell! Why would I willingly tell you anything? You don't let me see Bulma, I'm not allowed to talk about Earth, and god forbid if you think that I'm thinking about it! Fuck you, Vegeta!” She said in a venomous voice, her chest heaving from the explosion of bottled up emotions. Vegeta looked taken aback, if only for a moment, but as quick as the emotion was there it was gone. Vegeta walked forward closing this distance between the Saiyans. He grabbed Starr's right wrist and held it up so the light caught a small birthmark located just below her hand. Starr gasped as she looked at the symbol, three intertwining circles with an elaborate V in the center, that had be there since she could remember. She looked at Vegeta, her eye's full of surprise.

“How do you know about that?” She asked softly. Very few people knew about her mark. Vegeta, still hanging on to her wrist, lowered his tone as he spoke.

“This is the crest of the royal family. You were branded with it when my father decided you were to be my mate. This symbol is the reason I have the right to know about anything and everything that involves you. You belong to me, whether you like it or not, and I'll consider it an act of treason if someone is indeed watching you. If anyone is going to set eyes on you in private places it is going to be me!” he growled harshly, suddenly letting go of her wrist. Starr narrowed her eyes but said nothing. She chose not to acknowledge of what she thought was a birth mark really meant. She rubbed her wrist subconsciously and turned away from the prince.

“I'm not asking you to do anything,” she said quietly. She sighed. “You asked what was distracting me, and I gave you the answer. I am not yours.” Starr kept her back to the prince. She heard his feet moving and tensed at what she knew was coming. She felt an arm snake around her waist and hold her securely in place. She held her breath as Vegeta sniffed her hair and moved is tongue along her next down to the base.

“Whether you like it or not, Saluna, you do belong to me,” he breathed huskily into her ear. Saluna refused to say a word as the prince continued. “Sooner or later you will come to me willingly.” Vegeta nipped at her ear, and a small moan escaped from Starr's lips. Vegeta smirked and suddenly had a wicked thought.

He turned Starr to force her to be face to face with him, his arm still around her waist as he moved his hand to the small of her back. She smirked as he slowly ran his fingers up the girl's back until he reached her face. He cupped her chin and brought his face down to hers, capturing her mouth with his. Initially he was just testing the waters, but when he felt Starr's body react to his, he deepened the kiss, using his tongue to explore hers. Starr moaned softly, but a suddenly thought of Seifer brought her out of the moment. She abruptly pulled herself away and pushed Vegeta back. Her eyes widened in surprise at what she had just done. Vegeta chuckled while observing the Girl's reaction. The prince watched in amusement as surprise turned to anger, all the while Starr seemed unable to produce words.

“I think we're done for today.” Vegeta chuckled again. Starr gave him one last look of anger and horror mixed together, and all but ran out of the gravity room. Vegeta smirked as he sensed his victory inching closer and closer.

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Starr ran out of the gravity room as fast as she could, but it didn't seem like it would ever to be fast enough to escape the realization of what had just happened. Vegeta kissed her, and this time she found she couldn't resist answering it back. She felt dirty, and most of all, guilty. Poor Seifer, if he only knew… Starr shook her head to clear the thought. For the first time, she was glad that her boyfriend wasn't with her. She shook her head trying to clear it. She gathered herself and her resolved together, determined to make sure that didn't happen again. She stopped running when she found herself in the nearby jade forest. She made the subconscious decision to come here to avoid another more confrontations. She shook her head and growled as she approached a nearby tree. She leaned on the tree, resting her forehead.

“No,” she moaned. “No, no, no, no. Oh God, I feel dirty. Oh, God, Seifer forgive me…” She pushed herself away from the tree, her anger growing. How dare he touch her? How dare she allow him to! She wasn't sure at this point who she was more disgusted with; herself or him? She growled again as she threw her fist into the tree. She wrenched her hand out of the hole and examined it. She watched as blood began to slowly cover her hand, and she made no attempt to wipe it off. She looked up at the stars through the tree covered skyline.

“That will not happen again,” she vowed out loud to the forest. She sighed, and began walking, leaving the secluded sanctity of the forest behind her.

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Starr yawned and stretched as she sat up in her bed. Her internal alarm clock had awakened her, and one glance outside told her the sun wouldn't be up for at least another hour. She wanted nothing more than to curl back up in bed and fall back asleep, but she knew that his royal pain-in-the-ass wouldn't take too kindly to that. With a groan, she pulled the covers off her body and stood up out of her bed. She stretched again and started prepping for the day. The last thing she wanted to do was see Vegeta, especially after what happened, but she didn't have much of a choice. The last few days went by without incident, but the young girl always felt him watching her. Starr rubbed her eyes as she searched through her closet. She narrowed her eyes when she realized the options were limited.

“Damn,” she said. “Looks like I finally ran out of clothes. Well this is just great…” She eyeballed the Saiyan armor and squinted her eyes. She rummaged through her clothes, praying that she had something to get her through today. She really didn't want to wear Saiyan armor. She finally located something that could be used to train, but they weren't the best choice considering the circumstances.

“Yeah, this won't give him the wrong idea at all,” she muttered, holding the shorts in her hand. The only thing she had to wear with it was a crop-top sports bra. She was going to be baring a lot more skin than what she wanted, but the alternative is wearing that hideous Saiyan armor, and that she was not willing to do. With another sigh she pulled the clothes on, her shoes, and brushed her hair quickly, deciding to put it up before she started actually training. She pulled a loose zip up jacket on and partial zip it up. Starr was looking in the mirror when a knock at her door caught her attention. She walked over to open in, and smiled when she saw her older brother on the other side.

“Kessoro,” she said smiling, “to what do I owe this early morning visit?”

“What are you wearing?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at his sister's lack of modesty. Starr shrugged.

“I ran out of training gear. I have to wash my clothes.”

“I know you have perfectly good Saiyan armor,” he responded.

“And it'll be a cold day in hell before I wear any of that,” Starr replied coolly, narrowing her eyes. Sensing the shift in the younger Saiyan's attitude. He cleared his throat and spoke again.

“Well, anyway, your presence is requested in the throne room.” Starr rolled her eyes.

“And by requested, you mean demanded,” Starr sighed. “Alright, lead the way.” Starr motioned for her brother to lead the way. After a walk, they arrived at their destination. Starr raised an eyebrow as Kessoro started to go into the room.

“I was requested as well,” he answered Starr's look. “And no, I don't know what this is about.” He walked in to the room without any further explanation. Starr followed without another word.

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Vegeta stood impatiently next to his father. He was growing agitated waiting for the younger Saiyan to arrive. Saruka and Keaton stood on the opposite side, and near them was the blue-haired Earthling. Vegeta glanced at her. He would be a fool to ignore her beauty as he scrutinized her appearance. Bulma, sensing someone's eyes on her, looked at the prince. He could see the fear in the cerulean depths, but he could also see the fire held there. The two were locked in a staring competition, neither one conceding, until the open of the door drew his attention. Vegeta scowled as Starr entered the throne room behind Kessoro. He narrowed his eyes as he looked her over.

`What the hell is she wearing,' he thought to himself. He found that he was displeased with the little amount of clothing she was wearing. The prince glanced at his father, who was standing in front of the throne chair, and saw the frown cross his face. Kessoro approached the King and Vegeta and offered a bow. Starr gave a small nod to King Vegeta, but pointedly ignored the prince. Vegeta gave a low growl, but the girl refused to look his direction.

“Good morning, Vegeta no Ou,” she said addressing the Saiyan King. “I was told you wanted to see me.”

“Indeed,” he responded, folding his arms behind his back. He gave a gather-round motion to the occupants in the room, and waited until they all approached. He looked around at the faces before speaking.

“We have a problem,” he began. “We have received word that Frieza is headed here.”

“What?” the prince growled. He hated that purple freak, having spent years suffering by the alien's hand. Starr couldn't help but notice the anger radiating from the prince. She risked a glance, but quickly look away when Vegeta shifted his eyes to look at her. The king chose to ignore the interaction.

“How long until he lands?” Kessoro asked, speaking up.

“By the end of the day,” King Vegeta responded. “It seems as though he caught word of Saluna's presence here. I don't know how, but I expect to find out.” The king looked directly at Keaton, who nodded his understanding. He now looked at Starr.

“Saluna, under no circumstances are you to show your true power to Frieza. The last thing we need is him to find that out. I don't care what happens, do not reveal your Super Saiyan abilities. The same goes for you, Vegeta. It's too early to show our hand. Who knows what would happen should he find out.” Vegeta scowled at his father but gave a curt nod of understanding. Vegeta wanted nothing more than to destroy the lizard, but he knew was father was right for the time being. Starr stood silent, much to Vegeta's surprise. She looked at her father and siblings before giving her attention back to the king.

“He's coming here for me?” she asked quietly. The king nodded.

“That is what we're assuming. He likes to collect strong warriors and force them into his service. Which is where your talent for hiding your power level is going to come in handy. You need to keep your level at no more than a first-class level while he's here. That means no sparring sessions, especially with you, Vegeta.” Vegeta and Starr both nodded. Starr was secretly relieved that she was going to get to have a break, even if it was because of some crazy killer alien lizard making a visit.

“Why is she here?” the prince asked, motioning towards Bulma. Bulma looked up at her mention. Her ears perked up, waiting for the answer.

“Ah yes, our Earthling scientist. There is a reason I asked her here. Woman,” King Vegeta said, suddenly addressing Bulma. “I have a project for you. I must admit I was impressed with your gravity chamber, and the improvements you have made to our systems. Now I need you to build something else. Think of it as a way to help our Saluna to remain, well, here.”

“Y-Yes?” said, surprised by the king's sudden tone changed towards her. “What do you need?”

“Figure out a way to keep her power level suppressed,” the king said simply. “and it needs to be completed prior to Frieza arriving here. I've heard about your temper and how it affects your power,” he added, shifting his attention towards Starr. Starr narrowed her eyes, but said nothing, deciding now was not the time. Bulma, sensing the same as Starr, merely nodded her understanding. King Vegeta turned his attention towards the twins and Keaton.

“Find out who our traitor is. I want to know who Frieza has eating out of the palm of his scaly hand. And I want an eye kept on Saluna. I don't want any surprises while he's here. One of you is to be with her at all time.” Starr's family nodded their understanding. King Vegeta motioned a dismissal of the meeting. Kessoro, Saruka, and Keaton bowed and began to walk out of the room. Saruka stopped short, and turned to wait for her sister. The prince waved his hand to Saruka. Saruka bowed again, and left the room after her father and brother. Bulma hesitated for a moment, and quickly followed suit. Starr watched sadly as her friend left, wishing that she could just talk to her about everything, just like she used to do back on Earth. The king's voice pulled her back to the situation at hand.

“I don't care what you do during the day, but absolutely no training while Frieza is here. And take care of that,” he said, motioning towards Starr's ensemble. Vegeta grunted as his father turned to leave the room without another word. Soon it was just Vegeta and Starr left alone in the room. Starr said nothing, and did her best not to look at the prince. Vegeta approached the younger Saiyan. He grew impatient at Starr's refusal to look at him. Growling, he placed a hand under Starr's chin and forced her to look at him. When Starr's eyes met his he smirked.

“While I appreciate the view,” he said, earning a low growl from Starr, “that small amount of clothes is unacceptable, and you most certainty will not be wearing THAT when Frieza arrives. You will not be wearing any of your Earthling clothing while he is here. You will be wearing the armor that was provided to you. As bad as you may think I am, Frieza is a thousand times worse, and unless you want to become his whore, I would advise you not to show your… assets. Do you understand?” Starr waited a moment before responding.

“Yes,” she said, apparently not in the mood to fight. Vegeta released his hold on Starr and allowed his hand to drop to his side. He stared a moment longer before turning to leave.

“Go to the Earthling. We wouldn't want her to fail my father, now would we?” Vegeta said without looking over his shoulder. Starr couldn't believe her ears. Vegeta was actually giving her permission to see Bulma? In her mind Starr was doing a happy dance. She waited for Vegeta to leave the room completely, and the all but ran out in search of her friend in the science wing.

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Starr sat happily on the desk watching Bulma work. They'd been chatting nonstop, happy to just be in each other's company again. Starr smiled as she looked at Bulma. The blue-hair beauty looked up, and smiled at the younger woman.

“What?” Bulma asked, moving a strand away from her face. Her cerulean eyes looked directly into Starr's onyx ones. The two of them shared a silent moment before Starr broke it.

“I was just thinking about how much I've missed this,” Starr said. Bulma smiled fondly at the Saiyan.

“Me too. I hate that Vegeta keeps you so busy with training. When do you have any time to relax?”

“I don't think Mr. High-and-mighty knows what the word even means,” Starr snorted, causing both women to erupt in a fit of laughter. After a moment, they composed themselves, and Bulma held up a think gold bracelet that was accented by a stunning blue stone.

“Well, here it is,” Bulma said, handing the bracelet to Starr. “I figured if you were going to have to wear something, it might well be your style.” Starr took it with a smile of appreciation.

“Thanks for not making me wear something ugly, not that it matters much because I was told I have to wear Saiyan armor.” Bulma studied the younger girl for a moment as Starr placed the bracelet on her wrist.

“You know you can tell me anything right? If there's something bothering you… anything at all.”

“I know,” Starr replied, “and I appreciate it.” Starr bit her lip, and lost herself in thought. How could she possibly tell Bulma about Vegeta and what was going on, about what he was trying to do. She had disclosed the reason she was sent to Earth, but she couldn't bring herself to tell the whole story. Her heart was with Seifer, but she felt that openly saying what was expected from her was make it real, and it wasn't what Starr wanted. She looked back up at Bulma, who had an understanding look on her face, but said nothing. Starr gave her friend a smile and reached over to grab her hand. Bulma stood up and pulled her friend into a hug, holding her the way a mother would. They two stayed like for a moment, until an agitated voice pulled them back to reality.

“Are you two done with the pathetic display of emotion?”

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Vegeta had been observing the women from the shadows. It didn't escape his notice that Starr did not tell Bulma about their interactions. Even though he knew he was expected to mate with the Saiyan girl and produce a strong heir, he couldn't help but steal a detailed glance at the Earthling. He watched the way her forehead crinkled in concentration, and the way her eyes lit up when she laughed, but as quickly as the thoughts crossed his mind he banished them away. He saw the woman hand a bracelet before the two embraced each other. Growling from annoyance at the emotions shown before him. He stepped out of the shadows, surprising the two when he spoke.

“Are you two done with the pathetic display of emotion?” He snapped at the women, earning a dark look from Starr. Bulma lowered her eyes, causing Vegeta to smirk at her obvious fear of him.

“Is that it?” he asked, motioning towards the bracelet. Bulma looked up with her cerulean eyes, and nodded.

“It is, but it needs to be tested.” Vegeta grabbed a scouter off a nearby table, and fixed it to his right eye.

“So, test it,” he ordered, motioning for Starr to step away from Bulma. After the younger Saiyan complied Vegeta spoke again. “Raise your power level.” Starr gave him a brief look, before she focused her mind to power up. After a moment, she looked back up at Vegeta.

“I can't explain it, but I can't. It's almost like I feel a pull when I try to call my power and it gets, like, sucked from me.” Bulma smiled at her success. Vegeta, to everyone's surprise, back Bulma a nod of approval.

“Your power level is holding steady at what's expected for a first-class warrior.” Starr smirked at Bulma. Vegeta continued to observe them. After a moment, he spoke.

“Frieza is expect to land within the next three hours, so be in the throne room, dressed appropriately, by then. Until then, do as you wish,” Vegeta turned to leave the room. As he reached the door he heard Starr's voice come softly from behind him.

“Thank you,” She said, understanding his meaning. Vegeta grunted and walked out. Starr turned towards Bulma, with face lit up by a smile.

“Com'on, let me show you my room,” she said, grabbing Bulma by the hand and leading her out of the room.

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Starr collapsed on her bed, her sides hurting from laughing so hard. Bulma sat on the ground, wiping a tear from her eye as they reminisced about their past lives which seemed like it was a million years ago. Starr sat up and smiled at Bulma.

“I really needed this,” she said. “Like, you have no idea. I was starting to feel like I was losing a part of myself, and I hate it.”

“You can only lose a part of yourself if you allow it,” Bulma said wisely. “You are who you are, and you can't let anyone take that from you.” Starr plopped down on her stomach and rested her chin on her hands.

“You know, you're starting to sound like a wise old woman,” Starr said with a smirk.

“I'm not old, you little brat!” Bulma threw a pillow at Starr, who easily caught it. They were busy laughing again, when an alarm on the table next to the bed went off, pulling their attention. Starr, with a sigh, reached over and pressed a button to silence it. It told her that she had thirty minutes to be in the throne room.

“I guess that's my cue to get dressed,” Starr said with a frown, getting up off the bed. Bulma regarded her friend sadly.

“And my cue to leave and go hide out.” Bulma had received word that the King did not want Frieza to learn of her existence, lest he decided to take Bulma as his own. Bulma gave one last hug to her dear friend. She gave Starr a small peck on the forehead before heading towards the door. She looked back at her raven-haired friend.

“Here's to hoping Vegeta will let you see me more often,” and with that, Bulma as out the door. Starr sighed, and picked up the armor and spandex suit that had been delivered to her. She quickly dressed and looked at herself in the mirror. The armor and suit were both sleeveless. The spandex was a royal blue, that even Starr had to admit was a good color on her, and showed no skin on her legs. The boots that adorned her feet her mid-calf and white, as was the armor. The armor cover her entire torso, and was decorated with gold accents, and on the left breast plate was the same symbol as what was branded on her wrist. Starr decided to pull her hair back, and as she studied her reflection she had to admit that she didn't look half bad. A sudden knock on her door told her it was time to go.

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When Starr arrived in the throne room with Saruka and Kessoro, she found her father, and the King and Prince already waiting. Her father looked at her with a look of pride, and the King gave a nod of approval. Vegeta smirked as he looked her over.

“Look who finally looks like a Saiyan,” the prince mused. Starr couldn't help but smirk at the approval. King Vegeta motioned for her to stand next to his son. Starr did so, as the twins moved to stand next to their father. No one asked about the power suppressor, as there was little doubt in Bulma's success. Vegeta stole one last look at the younger Saiyan before the entrance of Lord Frieza drew his attention to the door of the room. Vegeta held back a scowl, and Starr looked with hidden curiosity. Beside her she heard the Saiyan Prince mutter.

“Here we go.”

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Alrighty, what do you guys think? Please leave a review to let me know how you're liking it so far.

Until next time!