Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ tHe DeStInY oF ChAlLeNgE ❯ Relief of Duties... ( Chapter 6 )

The Destiny of Challenge

~Disclaimer- Obviously I do not own DBZ!

~Author's Note- Hey everyone! Thank you all reviewers and readers. Please don't bother in writing flames, you chose to read this story and if you don't like it tuff… it isn't my fault because you chose a story that doesn't interest you. So far so good though, no flames have been made so that's cool =). Later…

Chapter 6~ Relief of Duties…

Stump's thoughts were clouded in confusion and frustration. He simply couldn't decide what action would be best. His normal solution would be to obliterate both of the females without any further thought or remorse, though his usually thoughts were far from occurring. The soft breathing from the blue haired saiyan fluttered around his neck. Somewhat burdened it seemed from the frequent breaths, along with her heart beating hard against his chest. `She must be…frightened.' Stump thought in bewilderment. `The woman does not trust me…' his thoughts continued as his heart seemed to feel heavier. As her heart continued to pound he felt as if he was in need to comfort her from whatever disturbed her so. Though in all reality it was he that she feared. Reality never hurt so much in his entire life, but he couldn't comprehend why. Then ripping his body from her touch and Halie's grasp he glared at the sapphire eyes that bore into him. As he separated his body from her warmth a chill ran down his spine, though he maintained his composure. The same darkness came to rest once more in his heart as he dismissed his previous thoughts. `I care not of this onna's insolence, or any others. I'm a saiyan…a true saiyan. And that shall remain, my judgement shall not be clouded by a female, as my father so obviously has.' Stump thought triumphantly. Bulma watched his obsidian eyes somewhat soften for only but a moment, though as quickly as they came it dissolved back into the mysterious beyond. Un-telling of emotions and thoughts Stump glared at her. She twitched slightly before re-entering reality as Lord Zaladar let out a grunt. She turned to see the questioning glare of her superior. Bowing slightly she attempted to explain.

"My lord, I apologize for my fellow employee's actions…" though before Bulma could continue she was cut short by the voice of Halie,

"F-e-l-l-o-w what? S-l-a-v-e! You mustn't be referring to…to…him." Halie squeaked baffled by the statement while pointing at the gloomy figure of Stump.

With arms crossed and a scowl on his face he glowered as several heads turned to view him. Dismayed that the damn woman revealed his, temporary, identity his scowl deepened. He simply did not desire to deal with the ideas and statements of the weak saiyans.

"My…my…little pooka bear…a slave! It just can't be." Halie squealed as she dashed into a near by guards arms.

Bulma watched her distastefully, her eyes flashing with anger and jealousy. `Pooka…bear…what the hell!' Bulma snapped inwardly. Stump saw Bulma's emotions for they were clearly written on her face. His scowl altered into a mischievous grin while he watched Bulma tense. `The woman seems to have a problem? Once again it appears to be me. My I must really be havoc stricken.' Stump gloated inwardly. This proved to be all too interesting, and it seemed as though it was time for his majesty to have a little fun himself. Bulma moved her weight to her left leg, her hands at her hips and a scowl having an uncanny resemblance to that of Stump's.

Lord Zaladar looked from his distraught daughter to the proud Stump. He was infuriated that not only had a slave ate at the `royal' dinning quarters but caught the eye of his most beloved daughter. Even though Stump took notice to the Lord's glares he simply chose to ignore them. There was absolutely no threat coming from him or any other saiyan in the room. Hell no threat is present in ANY saiyan or being in fact. Stump continued to gloat with his thoughts without even noticing the forthcoming saiyan. A female saiyan to be precise, one with fiery aqua hair and a temper to match it. Marching straight up to him she took hold of his ear and began to drag him out. Stump immediately came out of his preoccupied state and let out a small whimper, almost inaudible. Though the one who gripped him so harshly heard it loud and clear. A small grin crept on Bulma's face in satisfaction of Stump's apparent discomfort. Though without a seconds notice the hand that held onto the foreign ear had pains shooting through it. Her eyes leapt to her fragile hand. The pain was invoked by Stump's fingers as they dug into her delicate skin. Trying to shake his hold on her only proved to make matters worse so she quickly submitted that idea. But Bulma was too proud to ask for mercy, she would rather withstand the pain and glare at his obsidian eyes. She did so and her face contorted in anger when he didn't release her.

"Woman never shall you touch me again!" Stump ordered forcefully without lessening his hold on her hand.

Anger filled his words as he glared back at her. The other saiyans had been laughing when the female started to drag him out by his ear though now they were silent. Bulma shook once more so Stump grabbed her other hand forcefully, forcing her to face towards him. She did not struggle but instead looked him straight in the eyes and spat at him. Her saliva seemed to drench his face, though this angered him he couldn't help but be amused by her spunk. His classic smirk came to lie on his face as he simply licked his lips and swallowed hard. Most of her spit had crept down his face so most was now gone. Bulma looked at him slightly astonished, her eyes narrowed as she continued to glare at him. Giving a small chuckle at her reaction he grabbed her petite body and swung her over his back. She let out a small squeal as she came to rest on his rock like body. Kicking and squirming she tried to get back on the ground but to no avail, his grip remained strong and sustained that way as he walked towards two large doors.

"If you'll excuse me I have matters at hand. Following me will simply ensure your trip to hell early." Stump threatened while opening one of the doors.

A few gasps entered the room as the guards watched confused. Lord Zaladar figured there would be no point in pursuing the saiyan at the moment. It was apparent to him that the boy meant her no harm. Turning on his heel Lord Zaladar walked back to his seat. Every one turned their attention to him, confused that he had done nothing, though were scared to question him. The first guard turned uncomfortably in his chair while speaking,

"Umm…Lord sir, do you not believe we should retrieve her?"

"No, that will not be necessary. Continue with your meals, I shall handle these matters. Though the boy is a slave I believe he has some honor." Lord Zaladar spoke confidant in his words.

Upon hearing the lord's words the saiyans did as told and continued with their meal, except for Halie. She was still baffled at what had happened and really couldn't come to a stable state. The shock of being attracted to a slave was horrible. This was all caused by the one saiyan, Stump. `I vow to get revenge!' Halie snapped inwardly. Her face was red with anger. The essence of innocence in her being left as she snarled. Though really what could a little Lord's daughter possibly do? Right?…

Meanwhile in the Slave's Quarters~

Still protesting Bulma was brought into the slave's quarters. Stump suddenly came to a stop as he dropped her down on her mat. If one were to see this action they would most likely see it as harsh movements, when really she was set down rather softly from her capture's grip. Bulma let out a small sigh that she was back on solid ground. She looked at the floor and letting her eyes wander she came to view Stump's feet. Slowly her eyes traveled up his body only to see a continuation of muscles in a form that of a god's. As usual his arms were crossed across his chest as he watched her peculiar movements. She did little to hide her emotions though wasn't quite free in revealing them either. Once her eyes came to rest on his face she began to study it. With a sharp molding, strong posture, and a royal withstanding his face remained still. No emotions could be seen through his almost distant state. Though his onyx eyes are what captivated her. So mysterious, un-foretold… `So hidden…yet what are they hiding.' Bulma thought, looking into his eyes for answers yet none ever was present. They withheld their darkness and as she predicted it always would, as if he wasn't meant to be discovered. He stared at her awaiting some kind of threat etc. because he had just offended her so…though she remained sitting and just stared into his obsidian eyes. `What is the damn woman doing now! What can she possibly be thinking?' Stump inwardly growled. `I never can understand the onna' he thought irritably.

"What now woman? Go on spit it out!" Stump growled, regretting using the word spit. Bulma jumped, surprised by the sudden action, and hesitated with her answer.

"I…umm…you…well…I…" Bulma stuttered before regaining her composure,

"You bastard! How dare you touch me! And carry me out no doubt. Why I ought to dispose of you now!" she barked only hoping that Stump wouldn't comment on her previous words.

"Now you are to dispose of me? Do you really think you can even lay a hand on me…" Stump gloated.

"If you touch me one more time buddy boy it'll be your death bed!" Bulma threatened angrily.

Stump smirked at her threat and dematerialized. Bulma jumped and wound in a circle searching for the now missing saiyan. Her movement ceased and the eerie silence swallowed the room. She spun around once more in hopes of catching a glimpse of where he was but to no avail. She felt her neck being stroked as a soft whisper entered her ear.

"You mean like this…" a husky voice said.

She immediately spun on her heel to view the owner of the voice, but she saw no one. Franticly she turned about in search of him but it seemed as though she was alone. `Someone is here and I know it. But…I can't see him.' Bulma thought while trying to solve her current problem. She let out a small chuckle and smirked as she picked up a near by pillow. Holding it tentatively she closed her eyes. Turning to the left she finally came to a stop. Now holding the pillow above her head she threw it with great speed and obvious accuracy as Stump was flung on to the floor. She had found him by searching for his signature ki and was happy with the results as Stump glided across the floor and into a far off wall. Giggling at the site she approached the dumfounded saiyan. Still lying on the floor Stump remained still. Once reaching his body Bulma noticed that his eyes were closed. This worried her a little bit but she figured it was just a wounded ego. `I didn't throw it that hard…' she thought to herself reassuringly.

"I think you might consider that being t-o-u-c-h-e-d…or rather bopped!" Bulma spoke while laughing hysterically.

No reaction came from Stump so she nudged his foot, but still nothing happened.

"What is it now S-t-u-m-p, can't handle a real woman?" Bulma said mockingly.

When Stump didn't respond to her taunting Bulma knelt down to his side and at first shook him lightly. Her soft shaking quickly became quite violent though Stump still didn't respond. Bulma knelt closer and was now only inches from his face. Bulma suddenly felt a tight grip on her precious tail and made little movement. She felt paralyzed and so helpless. She only hoped whoever held her was merciful. Though her attacker most definitely wasn't.

"What is it now B-u-l-m-a, speechless are we?" a voice taunted her.

The voice belonged to none other than…Stump. Slowly raising he turned her to face him. A sly smirk crept on his face.

"Lesson 1; Never approach your opponent." Stump instructed.

Bulma felt his grip ease slightly so she flipped herself around. Keeping her tail close to her as she went about doing so, so there wasn't a risk in him tearing it by mistake. Once free she sighed in relief and grinned.

"Lesson 2; Never underestimate you opponent." Bulma mocked his previous tone.

Looking back on the events during breakfast Stump's smirk became wider. `Now it's time to hit the woman at her weak point, her pride.' He thought maliciously.

"I was mistaken…" Stump said, watching Bulma's face contort in surprise and amusement.

"I'm glad you came to your senses." Bulma spoke confidently.

Stump ignored her comment and continued,

"…for the first lesson will always be, onna; Never lust after your enemy." Stump spoke in a low voice. A shiver went down Bulma's spine as the words hit her ears.

"WHAT!! You must be joking! You're a damn mule for Vegeta-sei's sake! No being in their right mind would desire you!" Bulma snapped.

"Tsk…tsk…surely you don't mean that. Do you get jealous when someone lusts for a mule?" Stump mocked.

"No! Of course not…what does that have to do with anything?" She snapped irritated.

"Well then you are contradicting yourself. You call me a mule, and you get jealous whenever Halie is around, yet you claim you don't have jealousy for mules." Stump said in an amused tone.

Bulma's face contorted in anger.

"You're the one who's always trying to get your hands on me! I'm innocent and hold no jealousy over Halie! How ironic." Bulma snapped. Stump glared at her, for that statement held no truth.

"Woman shut your damn mouth. You're only proving yourself to be more incompetent and unaware. Oblivious to reality you waltz around here like some damn queen that holds great beauty. When in all truth you are the opposite, you're a slave and a hideous one at that!" Stump spat with venom.

He hadn't meant it to come out so cruel though it had. Her eyes flashed with pain before quickly masking their emotions. She turned on her heel and stalked towards the door. Before leaving his presence she left him a few words to penetrate his core,

"Well your highness, you should take your own advice. Lust can be deadly when the one you're playing with is fire." She spat with venom, mimicking his past tone.

She knew by calling him `your highness' his composure would fault though didn't bother to turn to see. She simply left with the imaginary image of his baffled anger. Stump knew she was referring to `Lesson 1' but those two words, `Your Highness', he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that crept inside him. Once becoming a little more settled he decided to follow her, he had a feeling she was up to something and he wanted to know what. Searching for her signature ki he found her in the garden. But not alone, Lord Zaladar was present and it seemed they were discussing something. Upon coming into earshot he listened in,

"Lord sir, if I may ask you of a favor?" Bulma spoke in a respectful tone.

"Yes my child, what is it that you wish for?" Lord Zaladar responded.

"Well sir, I would like a day off…and preferably this one." She said.

"You may, though you shall be back on duty tomorrow I hope. For I'm not sure how long this estate can do without you." Lord Zaladar said while a soft smile formed on his face.

When Bulma first came he took her under his wing and thought of her like a daughter. She was much more kind hearted than his real daughters though he loved them none the less.

Bulma made a small bow and thanked him before walking away. Stump followed tentatively though left some distance between them so he wouldn't be discovered. He found himself in front of wide iron gates, which he recognized to be the gates that he had entered this estate from. Looking them over he noticed the numerous houses directly outside the estate grounds and studied them a bit before directing his attention back on Bulma who was now speaking with Chi Chi. Stump moved in closer so he could listen in,

"Ok well it shouldn't take long but I'm going to see Darien today. I only hope he is there, for I've never needed him more." Bulma said as she giggled. Chi Chi followed suit and got a few words out amidst her laughter.

"Ok Bulma-chan…see you later. But uhh…are you spending the night." Chi Chi squealed as her laughter continued.

"Yes, I believe Bulma is! Later Chi Chi." Bulma said while laughing more and waving good bye to Chi Chi.

Chi Chi waved back before turning back towards the estate and heading off.

"Duty calls!" Chi Chi said to no one in particular and walked towards the dining quarters to clean up a bit.

Stump was filled with a strange emotion `Who the hell is Darien! Damn onna what business does she have with him?' he thought angered. He let out a low growl as he stalked towards the iron gates. His saiyan instincts were heightened at the moment and he couldn't wait to meet this Darien.

"I'll just have to see for my self." Stump answered himself.

To his dismay a shrilly voice answered him,

"I think not mister! You're not going anywhere! I have things for you to do…my slave." The voice said in an attempt to sound threatening.

Stump turned around to see none other than Halie. `This is going to be a long day…' Stump thought to himself.

"Wench don't order me around, I'll do as I please. If you have the motive to stop me be my guest, though if you value your life I would just stay put." Stump warned with a threatening glare.

Emerging from a building came Kakorrot, he walked towards them with his usual sheepish smile. `Oh curse this damn day!' Stump spat inwardly. Now the Prince is going to see how it feels to be a slave for real…will he make it through the day without killing somebody?