Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ tHe DeStInY oF ChAlLeNgE ❯ Betrayer of the Crown... ( Chapter 16 )

The Destiny of Challenge

~Disclaimer- Obviously I do not own DBZ! But I own this story and the writing is my own as well!

~Author's Note- Here the next chapter! The main plotline is about to start, so keep reading. Be expecting some major twists around the corner. In the following chapters, extreme obstacles test Vegeta and Bulma's possible love, the only question remaining; Will his dark heart tear their chances apart?

Chapter 16~ Betrayer of the Crown…

Outraged she stalked through the halls with no destination in mind, only thoughts of seething hatred towards the female Saiyan that had stolen the attentions of her lover. The night of the celebrations was not over, it only seemed to linger in the webs of time, only mocking her more so with the events of the night. First she was beaten at a spar, being left bruised and bloody, then once she lured the Prince to her chamber he had the audacity to moan another woman's name. If that wasn't enough, the encounter with her Prince did not last long, possibly only a half of an hour. Once finished Vegeta had hastily bathed, as if disgusted by her scent, and made an untimely exit, leaving a baffled and enraged Nakilia to do her own biddings. Nakilia felt as if she was only a mere release of sexual tension for the Prince, and the truth behind that notion was hurtful to the Lady's pride.

"How dare he!" Nakilia ground out as she traveled in whatever direction that appealed to her.

`He's the Prince, he does as he pleases,' the back of her mind whispered almost in response to her raging thoughts.

Growls of hate and resentment echoed every hall the Lady passed through, though Nakilia herself took little notice being so rapped in the emotions that radiated in her being. Her eyes were glazed over with venom of her own hate and seemingly as distant as the stars above. Within this paranormal state she collided with another Saiyan that was passing through the halls as well, and oddly enough, the Saiyan was as distant and cold as she.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Nakilia growled, most definitely not in the mood to deal with any ignorant male.

"I might ask you the same." Yamcha snapped back without even looking at the Lady's face, therefore unknowing of who he was speaking to.

Just as he did so, Yamcha wished he hadn't. The Lady was seething with rage! Immediately Yamcha was attempting to rectify the situation that was now at hand.

"I- I'm sorry Lady," Yamcha paused uncertainly.

"Lady Nakilia." She spoke with superiority.

"You- You're," Yamcha stumbled over his words, "Lady Nakilia." He spoke clearly as a smile etched across his lips.

"I just said that didn't I!" Nakilia snapped.

"I was hoping you came." Yamcha said with relief.

"Excuse me! You don't even know me, nor do you deserve my superior presence." Nakilia snarled.

"Well I- I was the one who sent for you. Though you are right in saying I do not deserve such a beautiful being to be within my sight." Yamcha said, fearful that the Lady would vent her rage upon him.

"The fool of a Lord sent for my ultimate being." She clarified bitterly, ignoring his compliment, though she noted it anyways to fuel her pride.

"It was I, my Lady." Yamcha said hesitantly.

"Do you honestly take me a fool!" her feminine voice said coyly.

"No. The invitation was sent by myself." Yamcha explained quickly, he was becoming frightened of the menacing glare he was receiving from the Lady Nakilia.

"Why then?" she questioned skeptically.

"Because I noticed that Stu- the Prince and Bulma were getting close. Too close if you ask me, and of course every Saiyan knows of the courting the Lady Nak- well you and the Prince were- are experiencing." Yamcha fumbled over his words as the same cold glare was being directed towards him.

"And so in an act to remedy this you sent for me to retrieve his majesty, am I right?" Nakilia spat with contempt, although inside she feeling glee at her luck.

"Yes." He admitted dully, bowing his head in shame.

"Then I take it you want the wench?" Nakilia asked hopefully.

"Bulma?" Yamcha questioned shortly, "Yes." He confirmed.

"Good." Nakilia replied weakly as she contemplated if Yamcha could be trusted.

"So, what do you propose to be done?" Yamcha asked hesitantly.

Nakilia was about to protest, when she realized that with the assistance of her newfound counterpart Vegeta could fall into her lure once again. "Get rid of the bitch." She opted aloud.

"No harm shall come to Bulma!" Yamcha stated firmly, "I just want her in my arms."

"Fine", Nakilia growled unwillingly, "but you better get her the hell away from my MAN!"

"Agreed, just as long as the Prince gets his grubby hands off her!" Yamcha ordered.

"Don't you ever call my-" Nakilia started, but was abruptly cut short as Yamcha dismissed her words,

"This is foolish, we're on the same side." He reasoned mildly.

Nakilia grunted in response but took his words to mind as she continued to speak, "Where is her estate located?" Nakilia grumbled.

"Estate?" Yamcha repeated dumbly.

"Yes, every Lady has an estate so where is the bitch's at?" Nakilia growled irritably.

"Oh" Yamcha mumbled to himself understandably, "You think Bulma is a Lady of the Courts, yes?"

"Well I- that's why she was at the Celebration!" Nakilia stuttered shortly before snapping her answer hurriedly.

"Bulma is quite close to the Lord, considered his daughter even, that's why she was present." Yamcha offered in explanation.

"Well then what in the seven realms is she?!" Nakilia barked exasperatedly.

"She- well she is- she's a slave." Yamcha mumbled out hesitantly knowing the Lady Nakilia's response to his claim would not be in good spirits.

Nakilia's eyes expanded ten times their size as she reviewed Yamcha's words within her head dumfounded.

"How quaint." She snarled in a dangerous tone, after a long silence.

"Yes, well I do believe she was a Lady of the Courts prior to her present rank." Yamcha defended.

"An exile as well then." Nakilia chuckled, "What a waste."

"Things seem to be falling right into place." She said with a sadistic grin.

Before Yamcha could say a word the Lady sauntered off into the shadows while calling behind her faintly,

"I shall come to you if needed, don't worry you simple little mind."

* * * * * * *

Bulma sat, numbly watching the night sky twist with bypassing moments. She was so lost in her thoughts and emotions that the sound of the metallic water entering the compassing lake was simply a muffled trickle. Dazedly she looked upon the dark star, the same one that seemed to enchant her every time she studied its endless shadows. She couldn't comprehend why it reminded her of him and him only. Why was it that he plagued her thoughts endlessly? Did she do the same?

Thoughts ran rampant as she was lost in its depths, how could one not?

* * * * * * *

Vegeta stopped midway as he concentrated his ki to his current task. It was not one that strained his ultimate power, but it was complicated to find the woman's ki out of the hundreds of Saiyans that were mindlessly celebrating throughout the estate and countryside. Vegeta believed it all to be useless, though he was grateful that at that moment he was on his home planet, standing in its endless sands, and not on the cool steel ship that had been his jail for so long, with Frieza as his master. He tried to suppress the thought of the nightmare his life had been and the atrocity that ruled it, but to no avail. His thoughts turned pensive as he unwillingly thought back to the day he had been transported to the massive ship, and into the ivory hands of Frieza.

* * * * * * *

"What a fool," the young Prince sneered, "as if the Prince of Vegeta-sei would be handed to his rule."

The King bowed his head in shame as his son claimed what he wished not to be true. For in reality, he had done just that. No reassurance or agreement to the young Prince's statement was given as his father avoided his searching gaze at all costs.

"Father?" Vegeta inquired in a restrained whisper, fear bound to his maturing voice.

"You must understand Vegeta, that I had no choice. Vegeta-sei would have been destroyed had I not consented to Lord Frieza's demand." King Vegeta spoke clearly, hiding his sorrow filled eyes in the shadows of the throne room they stood in.

"Understand? You wish me to understand that my fath- King is a weak fool! How dare you request such from me? You surrender the only heir to the throne to a tyrant of cruelty." Vegeta hissed hatefully, hiding the pain of his father's betrayal to him under the rage that swelled in his heart.

"Son, there-" King Vegeta started before abruptly being interrupted by the one who used to call him father.

"I am no longer your son," Vegeta spat, more venom and malice than any eight year old boy should even fathom in their years, "I forfeit you as father, as my family, as my King."

`You shall always remain my son,' the King thought forlornly.

"S- Vegeta you must comprehend that it was either giving you a chance to live, under Lord Frieza's instruction, or ensure your death by denying the demand made by the Lord." The King argued.

"You have betrayed the crown," Vegeta declared in a deadly tone, "and you have betrayed me," he whispered.

* * * * * * *

Vegeta's head throbbed with new hatred for his father. How had he been so naïve to willingly hand him to the treacherous claws of Frieza? Personally, Vegeta would have preferred death to the constant beatings and torture. But noting pained him more so than his pride, as it was ripped apart. Being a Prince, yet a slave at the same moment fueled the endless mockery and taunts he endured. The irony to it all was un-excusable and was as blatantly obvious as the growing hatred within his ebony depths over the years. The young Prince was molded into a plague of cruelty and pain. Anger had been his soul emotion, and he thrived on its primal power.

`Then she came', Vegeta thought distantly.

The woman he was now searching for had changed him in more ways than one, and he despised her for it. He had new emotions now, possessiveness and jealousy, but there were others he could not understand, and for that reason, and that reason alone, he wished for her demise. Yet in the same perspective he knew he would never let any harm befall on her, even if it was from himself. The conflicting emotions drove him mad at times, but soothed him as well. Everything he did, felt as if it for her, and he couldn't comprehend why. At times he would fight it, but that too seemed to be for her purpose. He simply never could come out on top! She would forever bind him within her sapphire eyes and azure locks. Not one other female could compare to her, except for the woman that had saved him from his own hatred that was dominant in all his actions and decisions. Though he felt for this woman much differently, for she was his mother, the Lady Loralie, the Queen. A small grin graced his lips at the thought of her, reminding him of the day he was saved from the ivory claws that jailed him mercilessly and when he returned to his home, to the planet that still honored his name. For he was the savior of the planet, at his sacrifice did Vegeta-sei still exist.

* * * * * * *

"Listen woman, you can't simply go and raid the Lord Frieza with your motherly requests!" the King pleaded, though sternly.

"You misinterpret my thoughts," Loralie hissed, "I'm not raiding the over-sized lizard with any `requests'," the Queen snarled raggedly, barely being able to contain the rage that encompassed her actions, "I'm making demands, and by the gods so help him does he not oblige!"

"You mustn't be serious! Not even with our entire army could you bring his forces to the rubble they belong in." he proclaimed exasperatedly at his mates tirade.

"I may be headstrong Vegeta, but I'm not dimwitted," she clarified, "I'm not acting as the Queen of Vegeta-sei, I'm acting as a mother that seeks to save the sanity of her son."

"Loralie." King Vegeta whispered softly, a forlorn cry of helplessness.

"Vegeta, you can't stop me, not when my son is the one in question." She assured.

Before he could protest she left her mate, valiantly walking to the space ship located to the far right of the royal docking bay.

"I don't intend to." He whispered under his breath, the heart-broken statement intended for only his ears, but the Queen heard his cry.

Turning on her heel at the entrance of the ship she searched for the dark eyes she had grown to love. Sighing softly she projected the one emotion that was never supposed to exist in the Saiyan race, love. A genuine smile graced the Queen's soft lips as she saw the hereditary smirk curve her mate's lips. Instead of words she imitated the King's smirk perfectly before entering the mouth of the small ship.

Even though it wasn't as extravagant to what the Queen normally resided in it would suffice for the cause. Approaching the main port of the ship she watched as her companion, a royal guard, revved the engine to a start before manually taking it into the sky, soon to be black of space once the planets atmosphere was penetrated. The Queen had chosen this particular day due to the fact that Lord Frieza's ship was located only an hour from Vegeta-sei at this very moment. With new found determination she took in a breath, hoping that later that day her son would be breathing the same air as she, on their home planet Vegeta-sei, and forever to remain. Time passed swiftly, though the Queen grew impatient as she looked past the shadows of endless space, the view never changing, and after what seemed like an eternity it started it agitate her.

"How much longer until our arrival, Dartanion?" Loralie questioned curiously.

"Anxious are we?" was the short reply in comforting humor.

"By the name of Gora, just tell me!" Loralie snarled half-heartedly.

"A quarter of an hour remains, my Queen." Dartanion responded respectfully.

Being one of her most faithful and trustworthy guards, the Queen viewed Dartanion with respect, but no amount of kindness could compare to the guards willing participation to save the Prince Vegeta, the very one that had been lost to the tyranny of Lord Frieza's guidance over ten years ago.

The fifteen minutes seemed to drift by in seconds as the steel vessel of the Lord Frieza's base protruded out of the darkness forming the universe. Pure evil vibrated off the cold exterior. The Queen couldn't restrain the shiver that stroked her spine, making her legs feeling incapable of motion, though her will urged her on as they connected to the `lizard's' base. Momentarily after the Queen boarded the ship that had been a prison to her son for so many years, the thought evoked a single tear. She shuddered as the cool moisture traced her features.

"Are you sure you wish to do this?" Dartanion questioned hesitantly while placing a comforting hand on her shoulder to steady her.

"Yes." The woman confirmed with more courage and power that she appeared to possess at that moment.

Without another word she raised her head in a superior manner, placing careful steps down the plain white tiles beneath her she made her way through the winding halls. Passing onlookers looked at the pair questionably though recognized the royal emblem of Vegeta-sei that was wove into the fine battle armor she wore. Many of the soldiers that caught sight of the striking woman trembled with lust as her hips swayed with her rhythmic steps. The Queen ignored them all as she came to her destination. Now only two large doors remained separating her from the bastard lizard, the same one that had removed her precious son from her grasp.

Without hesitation, Loralie used her Saiyan strength to roughly barge into the room, pushing the strong doors aside like minor obstacles. Apparently Lord Frieza was having a Bi-Planetary meeting at the moment, this suspicion being confirmed by the odd alien eyes that looked at the woman dumfounded by her brash actions. Though they respected the courage that swelled in her being, with each breath she took as it radiated from her body like a beacon.

"What is the meaning of this?" a handsome green alien demanded from the glaring woman.

"Now, now Zarbon, don't be testy to our guest." A smooth voice stated calmly from the far end of the elongated table.

"I do myself right to assume you are Frieza." The Queen spoke dispassionately.

"Lord Frieza." The ivory lizard like creature corrected.

"You do not hold my respect, Frieza," the woman hissed, "Therefore you shall not hear that title be spoken from my lips."

"Feisty, are we?" Frieza chuckled.

"More than you'd like to know." Loralie said snidely.

"Why do you grace us with your presence?" Frieza said while waving his hands towards the numerous alien beings that were seated at the table.

"I come here to collect my son." She responded coyly.

"And who might that be?" Frieza questioned uninterested in the woman's words.

Unraveling her tail she spoke in a pride filled whisper, "Prince Vegeta of Vegeta-sei."

Frieza's eye expanded as he took notice to what the female before him was donned in. He hadn't even realized the painfully obvious emblem of the Vegeta-sei Royal Courts that was woven into the material of the suit, covering her chest and extending upwards near her neck.

"I see." Frieza said distantly as he recognized the hateful glare he was receiving that very moment, the same as he had throughout the past ten years, only the one he was used to was venomous tenfold. Even after all this time, the Saiyan Prince had never yielded to the powerful Lord, and Frieza expected that would never change. Though the now mature Prince hadn't broken to the tyrant's torture, he had been filled with a hatred that was enflamed with the pride he harbored, and that alone was a victory Frieza had made.

Frieza's mind considered his options carefully. The dark prince could be of use if he were to ascend to the throne of Vegeta-sei, though could also be put to use on purging missions. Opting that a greater victory would be made if the Prince were to return to his homeland the tyrant concocted a devious plan to suit his needs. The Lord Frieza was aware that the threats of the desperate mother were idol to him he grinned at her raging passion.

"Do as you see fit. Tell the monkey prince we shall meet again, will you?" Frieza said flippantly, though thoroughly enjoying himself as Zarbon nearly fell over.

To Frieza's great disappointment, the woman before him made no reaction to his words, as if she was expecting nothing less. Without responding she smirked condescendingly at the serpent tyrant as she turned on her heel and walked at the same pace out of the room, never turning back.

"She smirks as if she knows something I do not," Lord Frieza commented under his breath, himself being the only one to hear his words.

As the Queen Loralie reentered the winding hallways she came to face, not only, the presence of Dartanion, her loyal guard, but her mate as well.

"You're here." Loralie whispered through her now smiling lips.

"Did you expect any less?" the King questioned with a smirk of his own.

"No." she stated simply as the trio traveled through the winding halls.

"I knew you would never accept my help, so I came undetected to protect what is mine." He growled explanatorily.

"Just as you are mine." Loralie countered.

As another alien soldier passed the trio, Loralie took hold of the collar of his training suit, pulling the stunned man roughly to her body.

"Where is the Prince Vegeta located at this moment?" she demanded in a gruff voice.

"Ah, you're looking for the dark prince," the odd man confirmed, "You can find him on the left sector, panel #46."

Releasing her hold, the Queen continued walking, though now in the direction of her son.

"I don't suggest you disturb him." The soldier warned before disappearing in the continuous halls.

"Humph," Loralie grunted as she took no heed to the warning.

Dartanion and the King followed, trying to keep up with her now brisk pace, the anticipation in seeing her beloved son fueling her movements. Just as they entered the wing that held the Prince's chamber, the Queen stopped abruptly.

"What is it?" her mate asked, concern lining his voice.

"You two must return to Vegeta-sei. I can compass the ship back to our port." She said sternly, her tone offering no debating on the subject.

"But," Dartanion started, concerned for his Queen's safety, though the cold glare he received affirmed that she was determined to continue alone and would do so, with or without anyone's consent.

The pair of men nodded their heads simultaneously as they retraced their prior steps. Sighing softly, the hopeful mother made her way to her lost, but never forgotten son. The chamber he resided in was not far, as she came to his doorstep almost immediately. Lightly knocking on the iron door she awaited the cold reply that was sure to come, though it never did. In another attempt she knocked once more, but still no reply came. Opting that leaving would do no good she pushed the door ajar. Peeking her head in she tried to sort through the vast darkness that greeted her.

Suddenly the darkness faded as a blaring light approached her curious eyes. The Queen immediately dodged the attack meant to kill her and sighed in relief as the door appeared to be ki proof.

"May I enter?" she asked softly, though in a firm tone so she would not be taken lightly.

"No." was the gruff response.

Although the occupant was surprised that a female was calling for him he hid it well under his tone of malice.

"Then you shall rise and greet me." She demanded.

Anger coursed through Vegeta as he rose to his feet. He did not take action because of the females demand, rather he was infuriated with the being and had opted to send whoever it was to the next dimension.

"Never will you speak to me in such a manner, nor shall you ever speak again." He said coldly as he threw the door open.

The Queen was surprised that the door hadn't been knocked off it's hinges by the raw power of her son, who she realized to be a man as she studied his features that were highlighted by the light he now stood in. As soon as Vegeta saw who the owner of the feminine voice belonged to his mask of indifference faltered as he looked upon, his mother. The Queen's beautiful features contorted into pain as she stared into the onyx depths her son held. They were swallowed by hate that could not be defined by any tongue, only emotions could replicate the hatred that radiated from his body, though as his mother she could feel the pain that radiated from his soul.

"M- Mother?" Vegeta's voice quaked with uncertainty.

"I'm here, my son. We're going home." She responded softly.

"Why are you here?" he questioned coldly.

"I'm not going to preach to you that I did my best," Loralie clarified before continuing, "I did whatever I could to the extent of my abilities of the time, but this time- this time it brought me to my goal. It brought me to you."

A long silence ensued before she spoke again,

"I know better than to expect gratification from you Vegeta, but I will always demand respect. You're still Saiyan, and I'm your Queen," she spoke with conviction, pausing shortly before continuing, "but know this, my son," she spoke in a softer tone now as she looked upon her only child, "I will always be willing to be your mother, if you so wish it."

Vegeta was stunned to say the least as the woman before him, his very own mother, sought out his affection and respect. She hadn't changed from the woman he so lovingly remembered as a young boy, but now, what of now? Vegeta nodded his head softly as his Queen, his very own mother, led him to the ship that would take him back to his planet, his people, and most of all his rightful place in society. Glancing to the side he inspected his mother and recognized her as his savior from the shackles that had bound him to the cruel prison of the tyrant's treacherous claws. With this thought a spark was fused within his dark soul at the pride he now felt for his mother.

`There is hope for him yet,' Loralie thought relieved as she glanced back lovingly at her one, and only, son.

* * * * * * *

His train of thought shattered as he pinpointed the onna's ki. Though faint, it served well as the Prince lifted his body into the darkened sky of Vegeta-sei, shooting through the pink tinted clouds, Vegeta headed in the direction of the female that had started his pensive thoughts.

`The woman,' Vegeta thought with a smirk that even he could not comprehend it's originating reason.

With the great speed he had acquired over the years, Vegeta was at the location of the ki signal within seconds. He found himself on lush blades of midnight blue that outstretched their leaves all about him. The desert sands abruptly stopped where the odd plant began, and within the growth there were numerous exotic plants that claimed the area as their own. In short distance Vegeta could hear the majestic waterfall that broke against the smooth river rocks. It was a tropical paradise that oddly enough resided in the rough boundaries of Vegeta-sei's endless deserts.

Taking in a surprised breath, the Prince walked lightly on the pristine land, towards the faint ki that swayed with the ruffling winds. The moonlight glittered from up above as the curious Prince gently pushed aside the giant leaves that protruded in his path. Almost as an entrance to serenity, the once sure Saiyan no Ouji felt himself lost as he watched a petite form make slow strides across what appeared to be metallic oceans. Caressing her every move, the enchanting water enveloped her body like a blanket of life as her curves radiated with the waters lapping motion. Stunned, Vegeta watched uncertain of what actions to take, though one step further onto the lush carpet of exotic colors foretold his future. Slowly he stripped of the garments that suddenly seemed to encage him with their presence. The shadows still covered his form as he entered the waters that molded to the onna's fragile form, just how he wanted to in these moments of passionate circumstance.

Still unaware of the being that was approaching her, Bulma let the currents of the lake sway her body as she simply released her endless emotions, each rippling the water like the soft touch of a gentle finger. Her tail followed each move of the metallic depths, tracing the waters eternal sways. Under her calming state, Bulma did not notice her tails rapid movements as the waters currents hastened as well. Only was she aware of the intruder when she felt herself pressed against a form of steel. Though she was sure it wasn't metal or as lifeless as it felt, for she could feel the pulsating beat of his heart and the warmth that now surrounded their beings. Shocked, Bulma's body tensed under the sudden intimate touch as a silken appendage slithered around her upper thigh. She remained motionless, not even realizing that her own tail had betrayed her, as it now had wound around a masculine wrist. As Bulma felt every pore in her body respond to `his' touch she shivered, not from fear or hatred, but from a sudden anticipation. She now knew who held her, she was actually surprised that she hadn't recognized it before. Who else could ignite her body into a flame of passion? Or fir to every part of her body? Only `he' could remedy her minds torment on itself, or ease the ache in her heart. Only with Vegeta could she feel lost in his arms, yet found by his flaming touch.

Tilting her head to the side, Bulma let her head rest on his broad shoulder. She reveled in the feeling of his warm lips trailing down her delicate neck, gradually deepening as the intimate passion engulfed the pair in its web of eternal bliss. Retracing his movements, Vegeta nipped at Bulma's ear softly,

"You're mine, woman," he spoke in a timber voice as he claimed the blue haired Saiyan that was wrapped within his arms.

EDITED SCENE- (...hopefully considered what one would call a citrus teaser?)

A soft moan was his only response as he shifted her body in his arms. The current of swift waters had moved the pair near the sandy shore that shone like crystals under the light of the pale moon. Now lying on the soft sands, Bulma looked deeply into Vegeta's eyes. They surely were a mystery to the universe, but to her they echoed the feelings she now felt, all magnified in his black depths and projected with an intensity that no other bare. Reaching her hand out she traced his facial features with a single finger, both shadow and light guiding her soft touch. His face no longer held the permanent scowl, though thin lines etched where it was usually placed, nor was a demeaning smirk playing on his lips. It simply remained in a straight line as he studied the woman beneath him closely. A wish of sensual touch ignited within her sapphire eyes, just as his onyx orbs did the same. Bulma let her eyes trace over his body as her hands yearned to, his body was that of a gods, every muscle toned perfectly within his tanned skin. To Bulma everything about him screamed `Take me'! Though she thought that foolish until she took notice to his throbbing erection. She gulped, unsure of what to do she let her eyes meet the ebony depths that had captured her so. He looked at her questionably, taking notice to the change in her demeanor. Never saying a word he took in her scent, surprisingly it was filled with an odd fear. Fear of pain.

"Are you pure," Vegeta questioned softly.

"Yes." was her short reply as she averted her eyes away from him.

"Then I do not deserve you, onna," Vegeta's voice was regretful but within the same moment accepting of her pristine being.

"Pain has filled my past life, Vegeta. It is not you I fear."

"Yet fear drowns your eyes." Vegeta pointed out, skeptical of her answer.

"I fear not you," Bulma assured, " but your instincts, yes."

"I shall not hurt you onna."

He started to lift his body from her small form but was stopped by her velvet touch. Cupping her hands around his strong cheek bones she forced his eyes to stare into her own.

"Vegeta, I want you," Bulma whispered in a gentle voice, "I need you."

It was a plea, a simple plea for him to understand, and apparently he did as their lips met in a rough kiss. Slowly it became passionate as they drank from each other's very souls. Time seemed to stop, allowing the lover's to hold onto the moment of acceptance. Hooking her arms around his corded neck, Bulma deepened the kiss while pressing their bare bodies against one another's, yet together at the same time. One hand slowly reached into his ebony mane, pulling his face closer to her own. Their heated tongues battled for dominance, their connection deepening along with the kiss. The metallic lake lapped at their lower bodies as they were still doused in its wet embrace. Bulma wrapped her slender legs around his waist as they were slowly rocked by the waters gentle waves that beat upon the sandy shore. Her hands searched for the appendage that was wrapped around her left thigh. Once found she stroked its velvety surface with her dainty hands. Her soft ministrations evoked an erotic purr from the man that held her. Bulma could feel the vibrating moan within his chest as each purr wished to escape from his deep throat.

Vegeta, in act to regain his position as the dominant figure, returned her affections as he removed the blue satin tail around his wrist, massaging it sensually. Now it was Bulma's turn to purr as each touch flared her being into a frenzy of erotic emotions and thoughts. Each moment soothed their souls as they remain in each other's embrace, exploring one another's bodies with a depth only they could comprehend. Releasing one hand from her trembling tail, he let it trace her body's curves, slowly, feeling each contour that he wished to fill. All thoughts were lost, words left unsaid, only to be felt and expressed with their actions. With each passing moment, the passion never dwindled with the lost time, only growing with the moments spent together. Everything besides the other was a blur to their focused eyes, all attention with directed to the one that was within their arms, bringing a peace of understanding to each other. Mutual in their affection yet entirely opposite, one an untainted goddess of beauty and the other a deity veiled by a dark soul.

The sky darkened though the union of their beings lighted their surroundings, ignited in an eternal ecstasy of emotions. The intensity of the moment was only rivaled by the black orbs that reflected the scene, though he himself was captured by the sapphire pools that sought to uncover who he was. None had bothered to try and remove the shadows, but here she was doing just that. Seeking his soul, the very essence of his being. Seeking to mold herself to him, just as he felt the same need to become a part of her.

Bulma caressed his body slowly, manipulating his muscles within her hands and igniting his every pore with her sweet torture. A rough moan barred out of his throat as his body trembled underneath her palms. She affected him more than he would like to admit, and this notion was apparent as he tried to refrain the delightful shiver that shook his body. Pleasure swarmed in her heart at the thought of the Prince crumbling at the mere stroke of her hand. Continuing to do so, Bulma placated the Prince by not commenting on his body's shiver of anticipation. Shifting her weight she pushed his body roughly to the shore line, laying him on his back, while positioning herself atop him. With her knees bent she straddled Vegeta, smirking all the while. If he wasn't so dazed by her actions he would have been proud of the smirk she wore, as it was the precise replica of his own. Placing the palm of her hands against his chest she lost herself in his fathomless depths.

Vegeta wanted to reclaim the dominant position, but his body refused to move as he began to drown in her cerulean pools. All of his concentration was focused on the being that was now saddling his waist with her trim figure. He couldn't even feel the cool flick of the metallic water that was beneath a part of his sculpted body. Words once again seemed irrelevant as his body heated with her touch. Her eyes squinted into a look of a seductive enchantress, and Vegeta wouldn't doubt if she truly was one. The smirk remained as she traced his body's every line with her heated tongue, lapping at his flesh like a predatory animal, and he was her pray.

The Prince had to smirk at the thought as she continued down his pectoral muscles. He let out a low baritone growl as she reached his abdomen. Her hands slithered down the traces of her wet trail on his body, seducing the Saiyan Prince even more so with each intimate touch. Crossing his arms, Vegeta lifted his arms behind his head for support on his straining neck as he tried to watch the onna the entire time. Bulma's sapphire eyes glanced at him suggestively. Vegeta only flashed her a smirk that suggested the same, only intensified tenfold just as anything else that radiated from the Prince.

The sensations that now took over Vegeta's body were unlike anything he had ever partaken in, not only had her actions made his body shiver with unimaginable pleasure, but her very presence stroked his soul, beckoning it to drift from the shadows and to meet her every move in a union of their passion, of their eternal beings. It took only her touch to make him tremble beneath her grasp. Never had he desired a being as he now desired the vixen that licked her lips in approval, her smirk only asking for him to touch her, to explore her, as she had done him. How could he refuse the majestic beauty that now returned to her position straddling his waist? A sultry purr shook her hips as she stared into his ebony depths longingly.

Taking hold of her hips with his rough hands he lifted her from him, all the while shifting his position as he brought her gently to rest upon the sandy shore of the lake, with him atop her. The water tickled at her bare skin just as the sands shifted restlessly beneath her with the new weight they held. As the water traced her body the sand beneath her made an imprint of her form as the top surface was caught in the light current of the lake. Running the back of his hand gently across her face, he studied her every feature, remembering each detail, as his soft touches seemed to stroke her very soul. As a single finger traced over her lips, he could feel her smile under his touch. Never had one been so delighted to be touched by him, yearned for him as she did, just as he did her. The warmth of her body in return warmed him, she truly had tamed the Saiyan no Ouji. She truly had broken him.

As his weight pressed against her, the sand beneath them slowly gave away, letting their mingled form glide into the water. The metallic lake gracefully took them into its embrace, encompassing their bodies further together, almost as Vegeta-sei herself so foreseen that they would join as one. Vegeta looked into the sapphire pools that he felt he could never understand. He needed her to accept him, to want this just as much as he. She understood his need, and felt the same as she accepted his flaws, his perfections- his entire entity. Never would she forsake the touch he offered, or revoke the simple pleasures of giving him her eternal love. Was this love?

* * * * * * *

It seemed as if only minutes passed before the rays of light that stroked his face awaked Vegeta. With a grunt he untangled his limbs from the onna that still slept within his arms. He truly was surprised he had enough control of his body to avoid marking the onna, but that he planned would occur the next time. It was then that the reality hit him like a ton of bricks. If he were to bond to a slave, he would loose the crown- he would loose his title. Is she worth it?

His pride wouldn't let him believe so, though deep down within the recesses of his mind, he knew that his dark heart had been branded by her touch. Though unbeknownst to him, he had done the same to her. Looking back to her peaceful form he felt a chill run along his spine, for he had defiled her purity, he had stolen it from her. He couldn't bare that truth along with the imminent fate that would tear him from her, it was her or to rule as King. His pride had already chosen, but what of his heart? Did it even exist? He still wondered that.

Conflicting sides tore his being apart though in the end, only one could rise victorious, and within that second one of them did.

"I too, am a betrayer of the crown," Vegeta whispered lowly, as he searched for something to substitute his warmth.

Once covering her naked form with the crimson cape he had discarded the night before, Vegeta donned his armor and flew into the awakening sky of Vegeta-sei. His immense ki fueled his speed, resulting in his arriving at the estate within moments. Stalking through the halls he headed towards his current chamber. Though instead of being able to barge into the room he found Nakilia's sleeping form at his doorstep. He growled irritably.

Nakilia's drowsy eyes fluttered open hesitantly. She jumped to her feet as she was met with a cold glare from the man she had been waiting for.

"Vegeta! I've been waiting for you!" she snapped.

"I'm here." He replied bluntly.

"I can see that," she affirmed, "and the reason I half been waiting these countless hours is to inform you that you now share my chambers."

"Humph."

"Now, we don't have to bicker over whose bed we use." She spoke in a sultry voice, while approaching his manly form.

She took hold of his shoulders as she pressed her body to his, though she jerked back as she could smell the scent of another woman covering his skin. Hiding the scowl that wished to contort her features, she slicked her hand under his chin, holding him but a moment before releasing him softly and walking to `their' quarters.

`She took that well,' Vegeta thought with a chuckle, for he really could care less of her reaction.

Vegeta wouldn't have had that thought if he heard the vow Nakilia had made silently within her venomous mind.

`The bitch will pay, if it means the death of me, so be it,' Nakilia hissed inwardly.

As soon as the pair entered the room they exited each other's presence. With Vegeta immediately taking to slumber on the bed and Nakilia within the bathroom. In all truth, Nakilia had went to the bathroom because she had, of course, expected Vegeta to want to wash the scent of the foreign female from him, though to her dismay and utter rage, he simply fell into an exhausted slumber avoiding his usual routine.

* * * * * * *

Bulma woke up with a jolt, she had suddenly felt cold as a rush of wind swept through her hair. Without the body that had before protected her from any dangers gone, she felt so vulnerable to the elements around her.

`Had it all been a dream?', she thought bemused.

As soon as she attempted to stand it was apparent that it was reality, as a sharp pain shot along her inner thigh. Gingerly she walked a few steps before realizing her state of nakedness. A blush crept across her face even though none was there to see her.

"Yep, it was real." She grumbled as she pulled on the dress from the previous night.

The slash from Nakilia's claws remained, revealing Bulma's pale stomach. Curiously she looked about, in wonder of what had kept her warm after `he' had left. Her eyes immediately spotted the blood red cape that lay in an distorted position from her thrashing sleep. Walking slowly towards the garment, she collected it within her hands and didn't waste time as she flew into mid-morning winds.

Once reaching the estate she washed her body free of all the blood from both her battle and her love making.

`Was it truly love making?', she questioned herself thoughtfully.

Though she did not let the thought capture her mind any longer once she was fully cleaned. The rest of the day Bulma spent avoiding the Prince, simply busying herself with meager jobs around the estate. In fact, she kept herself so occupied she didn't even get the chance to talk to her raven haired friend, Chi Chi.

Little did Bulma know that the Prince was doing precisely the same.

A/N~

Well this was a long chapter. I also would like to announce that I won't post another chapter until I receive a pleasant number of reviews. Though don't worry readers, I'm not evil so I won't wait an eternity just to get some reviews. I shall post soon for the sake of those who do care. Thanks!