Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ False Pretenses ❯ Chapter 8

Here's the next chapter. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my story. I appreciate it.

WARNING: This chapter is going to contain some slightly graphic material towards the end. If you don't lemons, then the last part of the chapter is not for you.

DISCLAIMER: Nothing has changed. By now we all know which characters I created and which ones I haven't.

Enjoy!

Chapter 8

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Voices…voices murmuring around her. Starr tried to open her eyes, but her body felt heavy, drained of all strength. She wanted to fade out again, but the voices kept drawing her back in. Starr focused on her hearing, trying to figure out who was speaking.

“It looks like he drugged her.” That sounded like Keaton.

“Where did he possibly get a drug strong enough to immobilize someone like Saluna?” Saruka.

“Who knows. Perhaps Bulma can figure out what kind it was. We do have a rather extensive data base at her disposal.” Kessoro. Then came an angry growl, and Starr instantly knew it was Vegeta.

“I want to kill him, possibly even more than I want to kill Frieza,” Vegeta snarled.

“Believe us, we know Vegeta, but we need to get some answers out of him first,” Saruka responded.

“She's right. Milik could be the traitor we're looking for. Or he knows who is,” Keaton stated. Vegeta growled again.

“I don't fucking care right now,” Vegeta growled. “Kessoro, you saw what he almost did to her. What he would've done…” Vegeta trailed off. Starr felt herself stir, some feeling returning to her body. She felt a moan escape her lips, and the slight movements did not go unnoticed. Starr heard the shuffling of feet, but as grateful that no one tried to touch her. She squeezed her eyes shut, and then slowly opened them. The little light that was in the room felt blinding. Starr moaned, and tried to sit up, getting only as far as raising onto her elbows before she flopped ungracefully on her back.

“Foolish girl,” Vegeta growled, as he stepped into Starr's line of view. He may have growled at the younger Saiyan, but Starr could've sworn she saw a hint of concern flash across his eyes, but as quick as she saw it, it was gone. Starr shifted her head to the left to avoid having to look at the multiple sets of onyx eyes watching her. She suddenly felt a great surge of shame course through her body and was thankful that someone had the good mind to cover her with the blanket. She didn't think she could handle lying exposed on top of everything that had happened. She faintly heard someone, sound like her father's voice, say something to her, but she said nothing in reply.

“Leave us,” Vegeta said, in a voice that to Starr's ears sounded far away. She closed her eyes and tried to block everything out. The weight of the shame seemed like it was crushing her. Here she was, this supposed powerful warrior, lying like a broken mess after nearly being raped and claimed. She didn't feel very strong anymore, but like a helpless child. She felt the bed shift under Vegeta's weight as he sat down next to her.

“Saluna,” he said. When Starr refused to answer, he spoke more sternly. “Saluna look at me.” Against her wishes, Starr turned her head to look at Vegeta. She couldn't read his blank expression, that made the situation even worse, but Starr didn't have it in her to fight with him.

“What?” she asked hoarsely. She knew Vegeta was searching for some clue as to what she was thinking, but she didn't give anything away since she herself didn't know. After a moment that seemed like an eternity, he spoke again.

“He will be dealt with, severely. I promise you.” Starr closed her eyes and let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding.

“I want him dead,” she said, surprising the prince and even herself. She truly meant it. She wanted him to suffer for what he put her through. Starr could feel that something in herself had changed in only a matter of hours, and she wasn't sure what to make of it.

“He will be, by my hand,” Vegeta murmured as he reached a gloved hand to Starr's cheek. The girl flinched at the motion, and Vegeta halted his hand in the air before lowering it back down to his side. Starr sniffed the air around her, and immediately knew that she wasn't in her own room.

“This is your room, isn't it?” She asked softly.

“Hn,” Vegeta confirmed her suspicion. She closed her eyes again and released a slow sigh. Vegeta stood up off his bed and started to move away when Starr's voice, barely a whisper, stopped him.

“Thank you, Vegeta.” Vegeta turned back to look at the broken girl and found her looking at him.

“Don't take this the wrong way,” she continued in the same small voice, “but can you stay with me? Please?” Vegeta said nothing in return. Instead, he moved without hesitation and climbed into the bed. He lifted Starr up with an unexpected gentleness, and leaned her against his chest, propped up on his lap. Starr closed her eyes, and nuzzled her head into his rock -hard torso, inhaling his scent. She didn't have feelings for him, but at that moment he felt safe. Vegeta pulled her close, in an almost comforting manner, and held her there.

“Sleep, Saluna. Rest easy knowing that he's locked away, and soon he will cease to be in this dimension.” Starr mumbled something in coherently, and allowed the darkness to send her away again.

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Milik sat huddled on the floor, against the wall, staring blanking at the cell bars but not actually seeing anything. Vegeta stood in the shadows, watching the traitor. He motioned for the guards to leave, and soon was completely alone. He approached the door waiting for a reaction from Milik, but he received none. Vegeta studied him over, taken note of the injuries he had inflicted the previous night. He was healing quickly, as Saiyan's normally do, but the evidence was still there. Vegeta scowled as the younger Saiyan continued to ignore him.

“Look at your Prince when he stands before you!” Vegeta snarled. Milik continued to stare into nothing. Vegeta's scowl deepened as his patience began wearing thin.

“Prince,” Milik snorted softly. “Don't make me laugh.” Vegeta's ears perked up at the sound of the voice. Vegeta growled and hit the button to open the door. He stepped in and crossed his arms across his chest.

“What did you say?” Vegeta dangerously said. Milik slowly shifted his eyes and glared at Vegeta.

“You dared to put your hands on my Saluna,” Milik growled. “She's mine!” Milik suddenly lunged at the Prince. Vegeta snarled, easily dodging the attack, and delivered a swift uppercut to the boy's stomach. Milik hit the wall with bone shattering force, and he slid down to the floor, and coughed up blood.

“Get up!” Vegeta snarled. When Milik didn't obey, Vegeta purposely walked over to his slumped form, and grabbed him by throat. An angry growl came out of Vegeta as he lifted Milik up and slammed him against the wall. The younger Saiyan raised his eyes and glared at the Prince, his full of hate and malice.

“What.Did.You.Say,” Vegeta said through gritted teeth. Milik released his own growl and dared to look the prince in the eye.

“She belongs to me.”

“You are a fool,” the Prince hiss. Still holding Milik by the neck, Vegeta used his other hand to release a barrage of punches to his torso. Each impact forced more blood from his mouth. Anger began to cloud Vegeta's senses. The Prince withdrew his hand and a small a ki blast formed in his hand. He held it up to Milik's face and spoke in a dangerous tone.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you right now,” Vegeta growled. Milik didn't respond, but another voice.

“Vegeta no Ouji,” Saruka's voice came from the still open doorway. Vegeta growled at annoyance, but took a slow deep breath in and released it. With another growl, Vegeta hurled Milik at the opposite and smirked in satisfaction as he fell to the floor, unconscious. He turned towards Saruka.

“What?”

“I've taken the Earthling to Saluna at your request.” Vegeta nodded.

“Good. I'm going to go train. Keep her away from the gravity room until I say otherwise.” Saruka bowed in acknowledgement of Vegeta's request. Vegeta left the cell without a single look back, leaving Saruka to seal the door.

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Bulma hummed to herself as she turned the page in her book. She was glad that she was smart enough to bring her own form of entertainment to this surprisingly dull planet. She sighed at and looked at the sleeping form of her friend. She looked so peaceful, so young. Saruka had briefly filled her in, and the thoughts of what happened to Starr made her sick to her stomach. She sighed again, and closed her book, and watched as Starr stirred back into consciousness.

“Welcome back,” Bulma said softly, a small smile crossed her lips. Starr returned the smile, and groaned as she sat up.

“Starr,” Bulma started, but Starr cut her off.

“I don't want to talk about it,” she said simply. Starr shifted he eyes to look at the ceiling, but Bulma could still see the haunted look in the girl's eyes. Bulma stood up and walked over to the bed. She sat down, and gently grabbed Starr's hand. She gave a small squeeze to pull Starr's attention. Bulma waited until Starr looked her.

“Starr,” Bulma said gently, “you don't have to say anything. Just know that I'm here for you, always.” Bulma squeezed her hand again. Starr returned the gesture, making Bulma wince slightly. Starr let go and sat all the way up. Her feet found the soft carpeting and she looked around.

“This isn't my room,” Starr said thoughtfully, observing her surroundings.

“No, it's not,” Bulma said, standing up. “It's Vegeta's.” Starr snapped her head towards Bulma. “Relax, Starr. Your room was trashed after what… happened, so Vegeta had you put in here for the time being, until your room gets clean up. Last I heard, it was being worked on. I did manage to get some of your clothes from your room though. I figured you wouldn't want to walk around naked.” Starr glanced down and realized she was indeed naked, wearing only the comforter wrapped around her. Starr sighed.

“Thanks, Bulma,” she said. “Don't take this the wrong way, but what are you doing here? I thought Vegeta was help bent on keeping us separated.” Bulma sat down next to her friend.

“I guess he figured that it would be better for you to be near someone you're close with. Either way, I'm glad I get to spend some time with you.” Starr nodded and stood up, wrapping the blanket around her.

“I need to shower,” Starr stated. Bulma nodded her understanding as Starr walked in to the bathroom and closed the door behind her.

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Starr dropped the blanket on the floor and stood in front of the mirror. Her body held little evidence of the assault on her, save for a couple light bruises on her side. Starr gingerly rubbed her side and turned to turn the shower on. The hot steam quickly filled the large room, and the young Saiyan stepped into the shower. She gasped as the hot water hit her body, and Starr put her hands on the wall and leaned in to the stream. She closed her eyes as the she felt the warmth, let the water take away all the dirtiness she felt. She leaned her head up, enjoying the feeling of the droplets on her face. It was almost enough to take away the shame of what she felt, what had nearly happened to her. After what seemed like an eternity, she turned the shower off and stepped out. She glanced at the counter and saw that Bulma had snuck in and placed some clothes for Starr. Starr gave a small smile to herself before raising her ki to insta-dry. She dressed in the black capris and tank top that she was left, and left the bathroom.

Starr looked around, and saw Bulma sitting in a chair on the balcony, her nose in a book. Starr grabbed a second chair, dragged it out next to Bulma, and plopped down. Bulma glanced up and smiled, closing the book.

“Uh oh,” Bulma said, “you have that look.”

“Look? What look? I don't have a look.”

“Yes you do, Starr-chan. The same look you've always had when there's something you want to talk about, but you're not sure how to say it, so spill.” Bulma studied Starr's expression as the younger woman narrowed her eyes.

“Damn you for knowing me so well,” Starr muttered under her breath, making Bulma laugh.

“Of course I know you! You've lived with me since you were six!”

“yeah, yeah, yeah,” Starr said in her normal voice, rolling her eyes. “I just wondering… How do you think everyone is doing back home?”

“I'm sure they're all doing ok. Probably missing us like crazy though.”

“Yeah… Well I miss them too, so much, but it's been so long since we've been gone,” Starr said sadly.

“Eleven months, and eighteen days, to be exact,” Bulma said softly, reaching over and holding Starr's hand. Starr smiled gratefully at the small movement.

“Almost a year. I really miss them, but part of me is hoping they've started moving on.” Bulma looked at Starr questioningly, and waited for her to continue. “I mean, since we've been here, I feel like I've changed. I know I'm not the same girl I used to be. Even if we go back, I… I don't know if I would fit in anymore. After Goku… I just… I don't know. Something snapped in me, and it did more than just make me stronger.” Bulma opened and closed her mouth a few times.

“Starr-“

“I'm going to go train,” Starr cut her off, abruptly standing up. Bulma stood as well and took a step towards Starr, who took a step back, keeping the distance between them

“Starr, you need to rest.”

“No, what I need is to punch something,” Starr retorted. “I told you, I feel like I'm not the same anymore more, like I have no control over anything, but the one thing I can control is what I do, and I'm choosing to go train.” Before Bulma could say anything else, Starr jumped off the balcony and landed in the garden below. She took off running without so much as a glance back.

“Oh, Starr…” Bulma sadly said, shaking her head, before she sat back down.

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Starr slowed her pace as she moved away from the palace. She came to a stop as she sensed another presence in front of her. She stood her ground as a familiar Saiyan stepped out in front of her. Starr's breath caught in her chest, as it always did, whenever she saw the man that looked like Goku.

“Bardock,” Starr said.

“Saluna, where are you going?” he asked, cocking his head in an eerily similar fashion as her mentor. “Vegeta ordered for you to stay in the palace and rest.”

“I don't want or need to rest,” Starr responded flatly. To her surprise, Bardock nodded.

“I understand. Vegeta's in the gravity chamber. Go,” Bardock turned and walked away before anything else could be said, leaving Starr to her own. Starr took off into the sky, with the gravity room as her destination.

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Vegeta breathed heavily, finding himself struggling against the increased level of gravity he was training in, even in his Super Saiyan form. He was about to power up again, when he heard a tapping at the door. He growled in annoyance and hit the button to open the door.

“Who the fuck dares to interrupt my training. I said do not distur-,” he was cut off when he saw Starr standing at the door. She said nothing as she let herself in, the door closing behind her. Vegeta finally found his voice.

“What are you doing here, girl?” he growled. “I specifically said for you to rest today.” Starr shrugged in response.

“And when do I ever listen?” Starr retorted. Vegeta narrowed his eyes.

“What do you want?”

“I thought that would've been obvious,” Starr said, entering the room further. “I'm here to train. I can't lay in bed any longer. It's driving me nuts. The alternative is to spend all day thinking about how weak I was, and I can't bring myself to do that.” Vegeta studied her for a moment before nodding.

“Very well, let's go.” Vegeta powered up and dropped in to his fighting stance. Starr said nothing as she herself powered up. She got in to her stance, and stared the Prince down for a moment before attacking.

She came at Vegeta, hard, and the prince couldn't put his finger on it, but something was different about the girl. Through all the exchanges of punches and kicks, Vegeta sensed a change in the girl, almost as if part of her innocence was gone. The two sparred for a while longer, before a hit by Vegeta sent Starr hurtling back to the ground. Starr gracefully performed a small flip and landed on her feet. She dropped back down in to her stance and prepared to launch at the Prince again, but Vegeta's voice stopped her.

“Take a break,” Vegeta said, landing back on the floor of the room, powering down. Starr looked at Vegeta questioningly before doing the same. Vegeta motioned for Starr to follow him as he walked to the other side of the control panel in the center of the room, and stopped in front on a small fridge that Bulma had recently installed. He pulled out a glass and a pitcher of water, and offered one to the girl. Starr took it hesitantly, and waited a moment before drinking it. Vegeta seeing this, poured a second one and drank it. Starr watched him through narrow eyes as he walked over to the wall and sat down against it, before taking a sip herself.

“You're not weak,” Vegeta said suddenly, observing her carefully.

“What?” Starr said, looking up from her glass.

“You're not weak. Milik took advantage of the situation. Had he not drugged you, it never would've happened, and he knew it. Hence why he chose to drug. There is no one on this plant that can best you, save for me. A cowardly act by him does not make you weak.” Vegeta waited for a response. Starr sighed, and moved to sit against the wall, a couple of feet from the Prince. She leaned her head against the wall and closed her eyes.

“What would he have done, if you didn't show up when you did?” Starr said finally. “I could feel him at my neck.”

“He was intending to mark you,” Vegeta responded almost too quietly for Starr to hear.

“Mark me?” Starr repeated, confused. Vegeta sighed and began to explain.

“I seem to always forget you don't know much about our race. When a Saiyan chooses a mate, they mark them by biting them on the neck, and it must be returned. The mark scars and never fully fades, but it will always be there. It's a way to show they've already been claimed, and another would not be able to take possession. That is what he was about to do when I showed up. If he would've succeeded, there would be nothing I could do.”

“I see,” was all Starr said.

“I told you before, I would consider it an act of treason if anyone else looked at you or touched you. For this, Milik will die.”

“Good,” Starr replied softly, catching the Saiyan Prince off guard.

“Something's different about you,” he said thoughtfully, glancing sideways at the younger Saiyan. “I can't quite put my finger on it, but you've changed somehow.” Starr shifted her eyes to the floor.

“I've realized some things, that's all.”

“Oh?” Vegeta prompted her.

“I just… I've resigned myself to the fact that this is where I am now, and I should probably accept that and move on, the same way I expect the people I care about on Earth to move on. There's no point in trying to fight my heritage anymore.” Starr finished, still looking at the floor.

“I see,” Vegeta said, still watching Starr. Starr sighed and stood up.

“If it's alright with you, I'm going back to the palace. I want to see if my room has been fixed yet.” Starr waited for a response as Vegeta stood up, and walked over to Starr.

“Very well,” the Prince answered, raising a had to cup the side of Starr's face. Starr flinched slightly at the movement, and Vegeta, seeing the motion, dropped his hand. “You may go.” Starr nodded and quickly turned from the Prince. She stopped just short of the door, and raised her hand to push the button to let herself out. She stopped just short, and slightly turned her head back to Vegeta.

“Thank you,” she said softly, “for everything.” Vegeta caught her meaning loud and clear, and without saying anything else, Starr was out of the room and disappeared into the night.

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When Starr returned to the palace, she discovered that her room was back in proper order. She was laying on her bed trying to relax and keep her mind clear, but her sensitive nose could still pick up the scent of Milik in the room, and that scent was enough to make the memories surge to the forefront of her mind. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to block them out, but to no avail. Sighing, Starr sat up and leaned forward on her knees. In the back of her mind, she had already decided who she needed to go to. She didn't understand, but being around him made her focus on the here and now. She stood up and walked over to her closet in search of a change of clothes. She stripped out of her training clothes, and slipped on a simple, low cut silky blue dress, and let her hair down. She made up her mind, and decided there was no going back. She had, after all, resolved herself to move on. She had no interest in becoming someone's mate for life, but for tonight she needed a distraction. She glanced at herself in the mirror before determinedly walking out of her room, and headed towards her destination.

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Vegeta laid on his bed, arms behind his head, wearing only his loose-fitting pants, and thinking about the events of the last couple days. He was lost in maze of his mind, when a soft knock at the door brought him back to reality. Scowling he walked over to the door and opened it with the intention of blowing the intruder in to the next dimension, but his breath caught in his throat when he saw who the uninvited guest was. Standing before him was the young Starr Reku, looking royal in her own right in a simple blue dress that didn't leave much to the imagination. He looked her over before finding his voice.

“Saluna,” the Prince breathed out, mesmerized by the beauty of the Saiyan before him. “What are you doing here?”

“Can I come in?” Starr asked softly, looking Vegeta in his onyx eyes. Vegeta stepped aside to allow the girl access. Starr entered without another word and waited for Vegeta to close the door. Vegeta did so, and then stepped in front of the girl, waiting for her to speak.

“Let me make myself clear,” Starr said, still in a soft voice. “I'm not interested in becoming a lifelong anything. I just need a distraction for tonight. That's it.” Vegeta searched Starr's face for any sign of emotion, but her face gave away nothing, save for her eyes. In her onyx orbs, Vegeta saw small traces of fear mixed with desire. He nodded his understanding.

“Rest assured,” he said gently, raising his hand to her cheek. “I will not mark you. It would be pointless to do so unless you have the intention to return in.” Starr lifted her face up towards Vegeta, who wasted no time in bringing his mouth to hers, capturing her in a kiss that Starr instantly returned. The kiss deepened, and Starr threw her arms around Vegeta's neck. The Saiyan Prince lifted the girl up, who wrapped her legs around his waist in response, and carried her over to his bed. He broke the kiss long enough to lay her down and lower himself on top of her.

Starr looked into Vegeta's eyes, and saw the desire he held there. For a brief moment, thoughts of Seifer crept in to her mind, but Starr banished them away, resigning herself to committing to the act before her. She lifted her head up to capture Vegeta again. Vegeta trailed his hand up Starr's leg, resting it on her outer thigh. He broke away from her lips and moved over to her neck. Starr gasped and froze up for a moment.

“Relax,” Vegeta murmured into her ear. “I'm not going to bite.” He used his tongue to trace Starr's ear and began tracing the line of her neck alternating between licking and light kisses. Starr moaned and Vegeta smirked as he felt her squirm beneath him. In a move, almost too quick to see, Vegeta pinned Starr's arms about her head and lowered his face to hers.

“I told you you would come to me,” he purred, nipping her nose. “I'm going to take my time, punish you for making me wait so long.” Starr responded with a feral growl escaping her throat. The Saiyan Prince smirked again, and once again captured her mouth, his tongue exploring hers. Starr moaned against him. He released her hands slightly, and it was enough for Starr to take control of them. In an equally fast motion, Starr had Vegeta on his back with herself straddling him. The Prince smirked, appreciating the view above him. It was Starr's turn to lean down, giving Vegeta more of a view. He ran his hand up her back, gathering the material of the dress as he did. In a fluid motion, the dress was gone, and the Saiyan girl was on top of him allowing him a full unobstructed view. Vegeta purred in appreciation and Starr leaned down further to give her own assault on his neck. A moan escaped Vegeta's throat as Starr's tongue expertly ran up and down the Prince's neck, while her hands explored his bare chest. Vegeta growled again, and flipped Starr so that he was once again on top of her. He discarded his bottoms and lowered himself back down. He ran his hands up her body, enjoying her silky-smooth skin. He nipped her nose again as he caressed her breasts.

“This is your last chance to stop this,” he said softly. Starr shook her head, desire shining brightly in her eyes.

“No,” she said, breathlessly. “If you stop, I swear I will break you in half.” Vegeta chuckled, as he pushed her legs apart.

“Oh rest assured, Saluna. I have no intention of stopping any time soon.” Starr moaned in anticipation, as Vegeta pushed himself on her further. She dug her nails in to his back as he entered her, another moan escaping her. Starr allowed herself to let go and become caught in the moment. This was exactly the type of distraction she was looking for.

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