Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Price of Power ❯ Abdication ( Chapter 24 )

Price of Power

Second Half

By AMCM74

Chapter 24 - Abdication

Trunks wrapped his arms tightly around his chosen Princess, as he stumbled out of the cave, into the sun. He was sore from his encounter with Blizzard and the formerly great General Q. It was the support from his mate that kept the Prince on his feet. Other then the weakened state, he was doing pretty well. Trunks reveled at the warmth of his mate's body against his own. It was calming and confirming to know that she was alive and well. He looked up and saw a lovely raven-haired woman being held back from Blizzard by Yamcha and Gohan. The former life Q had once had was gone. Now she must learn to exist striped of her privilege and power.

Q was kicking and screaming at the top of her lungs. All she could muster was erupting from deep within her. She raged the Ice-Jin calling down curses on the monster that had betrayed her. "Blizzard, you are a traitorous evil bastard! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS?" She was pushing so hard with her legs she came off the ground. Q was trying with all her strength to get at the Ice- Jin desperately wanting to rip his throat out. "I will never forgive you. I wont forget that you are the one responsible for this."

Blizzard laughed, with a quick wave of his hand "I have saved you much, old friend! You are a woman now, and thereby far more likely to be excused for the foul deeds you have done. Not to mention those that you merely planned." He looked up at her and nodded "But still, it is just like a woman to hold a grudge."

Q gave a new surge of rage as she managed to drag the other two other men forward with her sudden jolt. "AAAARRRGGGG! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!! You hear me. I am going to rip your tail off and choke you with it."

Trunks shook his head and tried not to laugh again. "Whose idea was this nasty little trick?" He looked down at Pan, who was staring at the group in struggling going on in front of them. "Actually more to the point… How did you pull it off?"

"We have an ancient magical force on this planet called Dragon Balls. They will grant you any desire the gather requests. Marron was about to wish for something like Q's head on a platter, complete with apple in his mouth, but Blizzard stepped in and did the honors." Pan tilted her head up to Trunks. She was rewarded with a tender kiss on her lips. The deep emotional attachment they share flowed through their bodies communicating all the emotions they had with held during the recent events. Trunks pulled back and sighed contently. "What was that for?" Pan held tight to Trunk's side, Pan's deep brown eyes questioning her weakened mate.

Trunks looked at the sky. "For being my light in the darkness, I love you Pan. Nothing will ever change that"'

Pan was getting confused. This was supposed to be a happy moment. They were alive and safe. Basking in the comfort of each other's arms. "What is wrong?" She looked over at Goku, who moved to stand next to Trunks. The seriousness was positively emanating from her grandfather's form

"He is coming." Trunks' eyes never left the sky. The voice was deep with sorrow. Trunks knew there was no way he could med the rift between Vegeta-sei and the Earth.

Goku nodded in agreement. He looked to the young warrior he had wished so vehemently to kill. The boy stood there with out his guard up, the wide blue eyes that were classic human, as was many things about the boy. It left him in doubt as just to how much of the Saiyan Prince was Saiyan and how much was human. "You are going to try and fight him in your condition?"

The young man nodded, as the lavender hair was brushed back by a touch of wind. "What else can I do? I refuse to leave Pan, and to take her back to Vegeta-sei will break her heart." Shaking his head, Trunks looked down to his astonished mate. "There is no choice left for me here. I must confront my father."

Pan gasped and looked from her Grandfather, and then back to her mate "Can you win?" She knew full well that no one had dare to question the King of the Saiyans. After all Vegeta had defeated Goku in their fist encounter, and rather easily if the stories were true. She hated to break it to Trunks, but her Grandfather was far stronger then anyone she had ever fought. This included Trunks and Goten as well. What she needed now was some assurances from her mate. She reached deep into his mind to find the answer.

Trunks remained silent. He didn't even move.

Goku shook his head and the dark gaze bored into his granddaughter. "In this shape he does not stand a chance." A large hand ran through the black spikes. Goku sighed deep and added, "We don't have much time. Let's get your man a senzu so he can at the very least have a shot."

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Bulma stared out the window at the blue of her mother planet glowing in its entire splendor before her. Her heart was swelling with anticipation. It seemed like it had been a lifetime since she had stood on it. Only in her dreams did she ever return to Earth. Now that she was only moment away from the final destination and all she felt was fear. What if things had changed? What if she had changed? Would her friends and family recognize her? She raised a hand and touched her face. Saiyans had advanced technology; she had used much of it to develop much in their medical field. She doubted that her lineless face was any different then the day she had been taken.

"Is some thing wrong, Mother?" Bra walked over to her mother's side. The thick cape that protected her from any chill obscured the flowing gown she wore. It was clear that she had not taken well to space travel. Although Bulma would refuse to admit that her daughter was still suffering the effects of her severed bond. Bra looked down at the planet with passing concern. "Ohm, I see. So this is earth. It is pretty enough I suppose." Bra cast her eyes nonchalantly over the blue orb hovering in the darkness of space.

Bulma touched her daughter's hair and smiled, with a bright glow alighting her face. "You have seen nothing yet. Wait until we land." Bulma was hoping deep in her heart that her child would take to the Earth. It was after all a great part of the girl. Even though it seemed at this time the girl had not feeling for it whatsoever. "The sky is very blue and the grass so green. You will love it there." Bra rocked back on her heels and rolled her eyes. The motion did not go undetected by her ever-observant mother. "I want you to respect this world. It is, after all, my home planet. I know, I have been very happy on Vegeta-sei until now, but Earth is my true home."

Bra looked up nervously. "What if father decides to destroy it?" She hated to hear these words from her mother. She knew full well that Bulma was not being realistic. If the King of Saiyans was so upset that he left Vegeta-sei, then something huge must have happened. It left little doubt in Bra's mind that some one was going to die, Actually a great many some ones.

Bulma set her expression almost to impassive. She tuned away, the long blue hair swaying down over her back. Some times she really wished she had more effect on Trunks and Bra's lives. Bulma was certain that Bra would not understand her next words, but her daughter needed to be warned of the future events. "Then I will fight with the Earthlings against him." There it had been said. Bulma swallowed hard.

"MOTHER!" Bra reached up, and clamped her delicate hand over her mother's mouth. "Those words are nothing short of treason." Bra glanced around the hall to make sure no one had heard them. "You can not be so liberal in your speech, nor careless with your actions. You are the Saiyan Queen! It is you right and your honor to stand by father… in all things."

Bulma nodded slowly, and removed her daughter's hand. She let it drop slowly to the girl's side. " You have to understand what is at stake for me here, baby." Bulma tried to explain. "What would you do if some one threatened Vegeta-sei, Bra? Would you stand and watch its destruction? Even for Goten, would you have allowed it?"

Bra bit her lip and her shoulders dropped, "No, I would not let any one harm Vegeta." The pools of her eyes darkened with sadness as she continued. "Not even if it meant I could have Goten back. I would fight and die for my planet." Bra looked up with anger in her eyes that made Bulma step back. The words were short and powerful from some one so tiny. "But, I am a Princess of Vegeta, it is my duty. You were nothing to the Earth."

Bulma took her daughters shoulders "You don't understand yet." She turned the girl to face the planet they discussed. "Wait until you stand on that planet before you. Once you smell the air and feel the wind on your skin. Then you will know that the Earth claims anyone lucky enough to touch its rich ground."

Bra shrugged "If you say so." She still thought her mother was a bit distraught over the loss of Goten, and the uncertain fate of Trunks. This must be what was upsetting her mother so much. Bra began to hope Bulma was not building up this return to her mother planet in her head only to be disappointed.

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Vegeta walked in to the room to see his wife and daughter observing the blue marble planet in front of them. He had hoped to find Bulma alone. If things were as bad as he thought on Earth, this might be the last time he held her, as his mate, in his arms. This was the last chance to touch her lips to his. He had longed through out this entire trip to hold her soft body in his arms, or call her to his chambers.

Not even his love for her, or the power of their bond, would stop him from avenging his son and Goten's death. Hopefully Trunks was yet alive and he could spare the planet. But as far as Goten's demise went, with out a fantastic excuse, he was afraid that leaving the other Demi's alive was out of the question.

Bulma would never forgive him for the death of Kakkarot and his family that certainly went without saying. With a great sigh, he stepped out of the room leaving her to her thoughts and their daughters counsel.

The image of them standing so quiet and serene just might have to last him the rest of his lifetime. It was hard being the King of an entire planet. Choosing Vegeta-sei over his mate was only his duty. He knew it was the only way things would work out and many lives counted on this decision. Vegeta-sei would always come first for him. That had never been a doubt in his mind until this day. Never had he been so close to losing the one person he loved unconditionally, as he was this moment. Damn Kakkarot. What was going on down there on that planet?

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Q tossed the dress back at Videl. "NO! NO! NO!!" She cried out, her tiny fists clinching into fists in her rage. "I will not wear your whoreish garments!! I am a MAN. A MAN!!"

Marron suppressed her laughter by holding on to ChiChi, who was already leaning on the wall to keep herself up despite the increasing bursts amusement that coursed through them. The loud laughter was constantly mocking Q at her every turn. Which only lead the Saiyan woman to explode in fits of rage, the dark eyes glaring at the women around her.

Videl set her hands on her hips, and shook her head. "I am sorry, but you don't look anything like any man I have ever seen." Pointing at Q's generous new endowments, as Videl added, " I swear those are bigger then mine are, and I have had a child."

Q scowled, and clamped her hands over her chest. It had never occurred to her what she was now dealing with. She had not yet come to accept her new station as a woman. It was clear that she had to rethink every aspect of her life now. Right down to… she looked up to see the others watching her. The black eyes widened and she snapped, "Stop staring at me like that."

Marron piped up, as she tried to gain her own balance amidst her humor. "If ssshhHE would rather…" giggle. "We could get Yamcha up here to help herrrr… him dress."

Videl busted out laughing. "Marron! I have been trying to keep a straight face with her, but you are not helping anything." Videl let her arms sag to her side and looked at the ceiling trying to compose her self.

Q felt her lip tremble, and turned her back on the group of laughing women She would not cry! She turned her back on the party and stomped as far from them as she could get. She would not…"Who the hell…" Q looked out the window to see an old man in a tree with a pair of binoculars, looking directly at her "OH FOR VEGETA'S SAKE!" Q ripped off her shirt and flashed Roshi with all her glory "You want to see them? There they are!!! ARRGHGHGHGH!"

Stunned Roshi fell from the tree and landed at Yamcha's feet. The desert bandit had just been idly passing by when the perverted old Master fell at his feet. It was not as if everyone there did not knew where Roshi was, or what he was up to. "Did you see anything?" Yamcha stepped over the pervert.

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Trunks crossed his arms and waited for his father to step off the massive space ship. Pan stood behind Trunks, with the rest of their family and friends. It gave Trunks a sense of confidence to have this group behind him. Sure, he had always had the entire army of Vegeta at his command, but never had he felt the bond with them as he did with this small band at his back. It was reminisant of Goten, and the thought brought him courage and strength. Trunks knew that all these fighters would die at help him achieve his goals. It was that knowledge that added a sparkle in his blue eyes.

Trunks tried to dismiss the idea of his best friend from his mind. It was not the time to mourn his brother in arms. Now was the time to fight and attain the life he had chosen, just as Goku had. He knew that the choice would not come without penalty. Goku has suffered greatly at the loss of Bulma and Goten. Trunks suppressed the urge to glance be hind him. He could sense Goku there. Even now he suffered. If Trunks failed here these people would lose more then just Pan.

Pan had already proclaimed she was willing to follow Trunks back to Vegeta-sei if she had to. She admitted with tears that she didn't want to leave earth, but her heart was with her mate. Trunks still hated the thought of Pan suffering any more because of him. This was not going to be easy. It was the only true option he had. If he forced her to relocated to Vegeta-sei he felt the eventually it would be come a source of discontent between them. That was the last thing he wanted.

Vegeta looked with relief at his son. Trunks stood strong and confident before him. It was like a weight was lifted from his shoulders to see the boy in such good health. Still there was something in the boy's stance that foretold the decision. Vegeta knew in his heart was coming. Trunks had decided that he wished to remain on Earth after all. With Goten gone there was no chance of Trunks being allowed to have the kind of choice. It was imperative that Trunks return, and rule planet Vegeta as he was intended. No one else was worthy of the honor. No one else was capable. To save his people and his kingdom Vegeta knew what he had to do. Bulma forgive him.

Father faced son, as Vegeta nodded his greeting. The Saiyan King wasted no time in coming to the task at hand. "You are willing to fight me for this?" He motioned to the group behind Trunks, the gauntlet thrown.

Trunks gave a silent nod and walked to his father so that no others could hear their words, aside their mates through he bond. "It is not that I do not love you."

Vegeta snorted, "You have a duty to Planet Vegeta before anything." It was hard and nearly impossible for Vegeta to hide his disappointment with his son. He had take Bulma to produce this child to rule his planet. Never had it crossed his mind that with the power Vegeta had bestowed on him, that trunks would abdicate from his responsibility. He felt still he had to state the obvious for his son. Give him one more chance to back out of this course of action. "You know this."

"I have a duty to my mate before anything." Trunks looked back at his mother. Bulma's hands rested on Bra's shoulders as she stared at her son. The reliefs at seeing him clear to him, as well as her curt nod of approval for his decision. "You should know this just as well as I do. Father have you forgotten the power of the Saiyan Bond and why we are blessed and cursed with such a thing?"

Vegeta smirked, "You see more then you should." Tossing his cape to the ground he added, "I regret forcing you to return, my son."

Trunks sighed, and dropped into his stance "I regret having to fight."

Vegeta's eyes swept over his boy. Never before had they so much as sparred. It was something that Vegeta had gone out of his way to avoid. He would not have cared for the knowledge that the boy was more powerful then he, nor would he have like the fact that Trunks could be defeat. Now there was no turning back. Then entire universe's future would change determining the course of this one battle. "Let's get this over with."