Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Hybrid ❯ Guinea Pig ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer:I don't own DBZ in any way, shape or form. Doesn't that sound a little redundant?

Chapter 2

She stared out of the one port hole that graced the wall of the small cell-like room she was bound to. The inky blackness of space captured her attention every time she looked at it, her gaze slowly growing thoughtful. It had been two months since that fateful morning when she’d gone out into the luscious forest of Chikyuu. Two long months since the day her Kaasan was slain and she and her Tousan had been dragged into the bowels of the space cruiser that she was currently sitting. When she’d blacked out, she’d figured that that was it, that she’d cease to exist. And it had been comforting to know that she wouldn’t have to face the world without her Kaasan or Tousan. Bulma sighed and shifted on the hard cot that was positioned adjacent to the port hole. But no, I was spared by that other Saiyan, the one the brothers called Tousan. Bardock. How she didn’t know, but when she awoke in the medical center to see him looking down at her, she knew and couldn’t stop the torrent of emotions that flashed through her at the sight of him.

He hadn’t moved while she sobbed herself into numbness, curling into a ball on the table like a crawly bug. The anger, fear, pain, regret, sorrow, and excitement were running strong through her at the same time, but the insecurity she felt at the fact she was still living overrode everything else. Why? She’d lost count of the amount of times she’d asked that inside her head while he had carried her from the room tucked under one arm, a blue-tailed living football. If her emotional display had affected him at all, he hadn’t let on, only grunted when she squirmed in his grip trying to escape. When she couldn’t free herself, she just went limp and watched the never-ending trail of steel tiles that the floor consisted of. She had almost made it to three hundred when he had suddenly stopped in front of a plain steel door, no different than any other that she’d seen. So much for variety. She watched fastidiously as he pressed a code into a keypad on the left side of the door. She had jumped at the loud hiss as the door promptly slipped into the wall beside. What had been inside had frozen her into silence.

Her Tousan. He had been sitting in that room like the one she was in now, completely unharmed.

Bulma blinked back the tears that sprang to her eyes. She swiftly wiped them away with the loose sleeve of her shirt and stared down at the long length that flicked back in forth in her lap. She ran a soothing hand over her teal tail; the action instantly relieved the tension that had crept up her back at the painful memories. Glancing back at the port hole, she leaned back onto the threadbare pillow and stared up at the ceiling. Bardock had allowed her to see her Tousan for all of five seconds, barely enough time for either of them to recognize the other. He’d then slapped the door shut and strode off with her still in tow. It had taken her all of about five steps to finally react.

Bulma grinned wickedly as her tail flittered back and forth between her slender fingers. I definitely surprised that baka. It served him right. The thought of flaring her ki and burning him all over again warmed her insides. It also caused her stomach to growl. Loudly. Sitting up, she swung her legs off the bed and slipped to her feet. Her booted feet made a soft patting sound as she walked over to the same steel door and pounded on it.

No one answered.

The pang in her stomach wailed. Growling, she crouched and slammed her entire body into the door, successfully denting the thick steel. Smirking, she crossed her arms over her chest and waited.

Not long later, the door creaked open and Raditz regarded the smirking eight year old girl. He sneered disdainfully at her and let her out of the room. What the hell am I doing, guarding this little brat? I should be training, or purging, or working in Tousan’s labs. Not playing babysitter. He mumbled softly under his breath. “This is ridiculous.”

Bulma slowed her progress to the mess hall. She glanced back at the older boy and watched his face scowl. Something about the look on his face bothered her. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

Raditz almost jumped when her soft voice touched his ears. Wow, she’s never tried talking before. “Nani?”

Bulma rolled her eyes. “I asked if something was bothering you.”

He watched her warily for a second. “I didn’t know you cared.”

She gritted her teeth. “Fine. Forget I asked.” She hugged herself as she walked in front of him through the plain corridor.

Raditz didn’t know what to do. I guess it couldn’t hurt to talk to her. “Alright, if you’re so worried, I was just thinking how ridiculous it is that I’m playing your babysitter when I could be doing better things.”

Bulma’s face turned and brightened. Her bright blue eyes sparkled. Maybe he’s not as bad as I thought. “Like what?”

Raditz sighed. “Like training, or working in my Tousan’s labs.”

Bulma ignored the ‘duh’ tone of his voice and pounced on the word ‘labs’. “So he’s a scientist?”

He stepped past her to open the mess hall doors. “Yeah. Now shut up.”

Bulma glared at him and followed him through the thick double doors. She unconsciously braced herself for the onslaught of stares and whispered phrases, latching her eyes on the back plate of Raditz’s armor. It was always the same, no matter how many times she’d come and gone from this room. Or any other for that matter. Never before had the color of her hair been a concern, let alone an issue. Now being immersed into a society where everyone had black or brown, with the occasional auburn, hair, she stuck out ten times worse with her bright teal hair and matching tail. Bulma silently tightened the soft-furred appendage around her waist. It was the tail that really had caused a sensation. Most saiyans’ tails were brown regardless of their hair color. She could feel her nerves bunch as the eyes followed her every move, and it almost made her regret wanting to eat.

Raditz snuck a glance back at her and could see her eyes whipping back and forth between the men and women that were as of right now, staring at her. Her arms were locked around her, while her tail was tightened severely around her waist in apprehension. She’s nervous, but not afraid. He could sense the twitch in her ki as they maneuvered through the crowds to the food line. He turned his gaze to the people and could also feel their eyes, but he inwardly knew that not one would bother him. She was another matter. Every time they came the men became bolder, quite a few trying to cop a feel of her or her tail. Raditz bristled internally. Not on my watch. Despite the fact he was only guarding her, he grown fond of her tenacious personality.

He cut through the line to the front, earning a growl from an older soldier. Ignoring the mild threat, he grabbed two trays of food. He turned around and held one out to her. “Here.”

Bulma blinked up at him when he spoke, momentarily broken from her defensive shell. When he raised an eyebrow at her, she quickly lashed out and took hold of the tray. She mumbled a “Thanks.”.

Raditz eyed around for a spot for them to sit in relative safety when his scouter beeped in his ear. “Raditz.” His Tousan’s gravelly voice barked out.

He reached up and pressed the call button. “Raditz here.”

“Why aren’t you at your post?”

Raditz sighed. “I am. She wanted something to eat. We’re standing in the mess hall as we speak. “

He could hear a soft growl from the other end. “Take her down to the training room five. I want her to spar with your brother. He’s been howling about it for weeks.”

Raditz rolled his eyes. “Alright.”

Bulma listened to the conversation and silently cursed. I don’t want to fight with that baka. The thought of fighting with the boy didn’t bode well with her. She didn’t feel like fighting. Tears suddenly threatened to spill from her eyes and she blinked furiously. No, what she really wanted was to see her Tousan again, to have him hold her tight against his chest like he used to when she was scared or upset. She stared down blankly at the food, her appetite suddenly gone.

Raditz scowled down at her. “Well, are you coming or not?”

Bulma glared up at him from under lowered lids and swiped the bread from her tray before tossing it. “Fine.” She turned and strode for the doors, uncaring of all the eyes now that her blood was boiling.

Raditz mourned the loss of his food for about twenty seconds before following the seething young hybrid. Now her ki was quietly swirling around her in angry waves, and he smirked. I guess she doesn’t fancy Kakarrot very much. He continued to follow her as she navigated the corridors of the battle ship, her tail lashing about agitated. The bread she'd taken from the mess hall had been efficiently devoured in the midst of her all-engines-go huff. He almost ran into her when she suddenly stopped walking and glared at yet another steel door. Raditz composed himself and blinked. Hell, I’ve gotten lost too many times to count, but she finds it after only being there once. Grudgingly, he swiped his palm over the access pad and pushed the door open when the screen chimed clear. “After you.” He gestured for her to go in ahead of him.

Bulma crossed her arms, more out of uncertainty than indifference as she stepped past Raditz to enter the training room. She glanced around and didn’t know why she had had this nagging feeling that the room would have been different, but it wasn’t. It was the same as she remembered walls thick with a special metal that reflected ki and a rubberized floor for traction. It was also empty of anyone but Bardock and his rat of a son. Bulma bristled as she glared daggers at the boy with a black cap of haphazard spikes who scowled in return. I can’t stand that snotty brat. She been stuck training by herself in this very same room, while Carrot Boy-Bulma snickers at her pet name for Kakarrot- had only been allowed to observe. She'd had fun taunting him, but his Tousan had always been near by to stop him from actually attempting anything against her. Even now he stood eagerly, the adrenaline easily felt around the room. I guess he just can't wait to get his butt kicked.

Bardock could see the animosity in her eyes and smiled slyly. Apparently she didn’t care for his younger son much. Well now she wasn’t going to like him much more. “Bulma.”

Bulma whipped her azure gaze to the taller version of the ‘snotty brat’. “Yes?”

Bardock smirked at the arrogant tone in her bright voice. “I want you to spar with Kakarrot here.”

Bulma’s eyes swung between the two questioningly. “Why would I want to fight with Carrot Boy?”

Kakarrot stiffened. “Hey!”

Bardock heard Kakarrot snarl as Raditz snickered and smiled. “Because I want to study you.”

She tensed and stared at him. That nagging feeling that she’d felt hadn’t been a farce, her gut instinct was working excellently. I should have known. Right, let’s study the little half Saiyan like a lab rat in a cage. A slight sneer entered her tone. “Why would I want to be your little experiment?”

“Who said you had a choice?” Bardock countered. She is definitely a quick one.

Bulma thought for a moment and could see in his eyes that he wasn’t malicious. Well, maybe I can work something out of him. She uncrossed her arms and walked right up to Kakarrot. She walked around him a few times, and he shifted uncomfortably. Sighing, she stepped back. “Okay, I’ll fight him.”

“Great.” Bardock smiled until he saw that she was smirking devilishly.

“But I want to see my Tousan.”

Bardock hid his shock well. Where the hell does this little rat get off negotiating with me?! A nasty grin spread across his face. “Who says he’s still alive?”

Bulma froze for a second before closing her eyes. No. He’s lying. He wouldn’t kill the person he’d stuck his neck out to save. She smiled sweetly and gave Kakarrot a big shove. The boy flopped onto his rear end and growled. She laughed and danced back over toward Raditz. She glanced at Bardock. “He’s not dead. You wouldn’t kill an asset that could have gotten you killed,” she winked “now would you?” Despite her offhanded manner of delivery, her heart was in her throat. She hadn't seen hide or hair of her Tousan seen that glimspe two months ago.

Bardock blinked. Holy kuso. Her brain works faster than any computer that I’ve ever encountered. He gave a soft laugh that stopped Kakarrot from launching himself at the girl. His eyes glowed with confusion. “Can I fight her Tousan?”

“Yes.” Before the word was out of his mouth, a bright blue blast zipped past him zeroed in on his son.

Kakarrot blinked and leapt upward just as the blast singed its way past him. She’s fast. Lowering his shoulder he drove it hard into her sternum. Take that! She grunted with the hit and shot backward a few feet before flipping backward to land on all fours. Springing forward, the pair dealt out a flurry of punches and kicks, easily blocking the other. Bulma dipped low beneath one of his jabs and swung her left heel out to take out his legs. Anticipating, he did a back handspring while launching a blast at her. Bulma blinked and almost missed her chance, pushing her torso flush to the floor with her legs stuck out in a split. The blast whirled past and she rolled onto her back, bucked her hips, and landed softly on her feet. Kakarrot stood about twenty feet away, his arms held defensively.

Raditz watched the blast whiz by his head missing by mere inches. Baka. Growling, he shouted. “Hey schmuck! Look where you’re blasting!”

Kakarrot looked over eyes wide. “Oops. Sorry.” A mischievous glint sparkled in his eye as he watched his older brother seethe. He couldn’t stop the rush of laughter that bubbled up out of his throat. Bending over, he clutched his stomach with tears in his eyes. He didn’t even see it coming.

Bulma spied her chance and worked quickly. Phasing out, she reappeared behind the boy and put him in a strangle hold. She moved her head so that her mouth was sitting right next to his ear. “You shouldn’t drop your guard. It leaves you wide open.” Her voice was dripping with sarcasm.

Kakarrot could hear the smirk in her voice and inwardly cursed. How could I be so stupid? Her arms tightened around him painfully and his body responded. He gritted his teeth and started powering up, his aura growing around the both of them steadily.

Bardock watched silently, occasionally typing something into his armband computer. For all general assumptions, the two were equal. Kakarrot had better technique, but she had more fine control. Considering their respective ages his son was the stronger of the two, being three years younger than his opponent. He let a prideful smile to grace his scowling face for a moment before a wave of energy pulled on his body. Glancing up from his screen he saw his son snarling hatefully at the girl suspended above him. Apparently he doesn’t like strangle holds.

Bulma suppressed a shriek as it tried to free itself from her throat. Enough is enough. Charging her ki, she shot a hard gold blast at the raging bull of a boy and dashed off towards Raditz. Cart-wheeling her way over, she surprised the teenager even more when she bounced off her hands and landed sitting on his shoulders. The look on his face was priceless. “So, did you miss me?” She smiled sweetly. Gets them every time.

Raditz swallowed the lump in his throat and craned his gaze around to her see her smiling at him. “What the hell are you doing?”

She went to answer, but a flash in the distance caught her eye. Kuso. Leaning down, she pointed at the blast Kakarrot had let loose. “Um…I think we should move.”

Raditz’s senses finally returned and he launched himself into the air to avoid a collision holding her slender legs tightly. His face screwed into a hateful glare. “Kakarrot!”

Kakarrot swallowed fearfully. “Crap.” The word scarcely left him mouth before a wave of energy sent him rolling across the unforgiving rubber floor. Flopping to a stop, he slowly got up and looked up at his older brother. “How was I supposed to know she’d run and hide with you?”

Bulma couldn’t help herself. “Who said anything about running bakayaro?”

Bardock could feel an enormous headache in the works behind his eyes. Children. Brats, all of them. He heard the continued bickering through a haze of pain, his patience running out. “Shut up!” His bellow achieved the desired results and all three stared at him mid-tirade. The silence was sweet, but he had other things to do. “Get over here. All of you.” Kakarrot and Raditz, with Bulma on his shoulders, sauntered over to stand before him gazes lowered. He clicked his armband computer shut and crossed his arms over his chest. “That was…acceptable.” Kakarrot lifted his head as if to protest, but abruptly dropped it at his Tousan’s glare. “Now I want you to train together from now on.” Bulma huffed, but didn’t speak. Bardock noticed how his son hadn’t removed the girl from his shoulders. It seems he’s fond of her. He trained his mind to that of his son’s. “It seems you’ve done more than baby-sit her.”

Raditz raised his panic stricken face to meet his Tousan’s. “We’re…we’re…fri-friends.”

< /i> Bardock could feel his anxiety and almost frowned. “I’m not condemning you, but you must be careful if you want to align yourself with her.”

His son squared his shoulders. “You don’t see how they stare at her.” His son’s eyes were swirling with disgust. “I won’t let them hurt her.”

Bulma could tell that she and Carrot Boy were being shut out of a conversation and felt a small wiggle of fear run down her spine. Raditz was tense beneath her and it only made her worry more. She fisted her hands in his thick black hair and tugged softly. “Hey, what’s going on?”

Her words came out in a breathy whisper that only he could hear. Raditz calmly opened his mind to her. “My Tousan is worried about me protecting you.” He felt her shiver and tightened his grip on her legs. “I won’t anyone hurt you.”

Bardock heard his son’s vow and smiled. Inevitably his taciturn older boy had found a companion in this fiery, enigmatic young girl. He glanced at his younger boy and grimaced. Kakarrot was amusing himself with few small balls of ki, juggling them. Hopefully the bond between the other two will latch onto him- His son started making wooing sounds, much to his dismay. -but I have my doubts. “Kakarrot!”

His six-year old jumped, bumbling his energy balls into nothingness. “Yes Tousan?”

Bardock gave him what he hoped was a disapproving look. “Alright, I want you to go with your older brother back to your shared quarters.”

Raditz protested. “Tousan, what about her?”

“She’ll come with me. Don’t worry, she’ll be fine.” Bardock gestured for her to come down.

Bulma reluctantly released herself from Raditz and hopped to the floor. Nervously, she looked up at the very tall saiyan. “Where are you taking me?” She felt Radtiz rest a hand on her back and she straightened up.

Bardock sighed. “Where did you want to be when you came in here?”

Bulma jumped. “Papa!”

All three saiyans winced at the pitch of her shriek. Bardock was the only one that didn’t start rubbing his ears. “Yes.” He waved dismissively at his boys. “Now get out of my sight.” Raditz nodded and Kakarrot dashed off to follow his older brother out of the training room. They watched them go and he started off where they had gone. “Follow me.” Bulma could barely contain her excitement as she followed him out of the training room.


A/N: Many, many great thanks to any of my reviewers. I really appreciate it. Don't worry, Vegeta will soon make his debut. Until next time ^_^!!