Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Hybrid ❯ Enter Vegeta ( Chapter 3 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Ravenreux 
A peek into Vegeta's life, along with the awaited arrival of a hybrid girl.
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.22.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.5K | Visits: 670 | Status: Completed
A peek into Vegeta's life, along with the awaited arrival of a hybrid girl.
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.22.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.5K | Visits: 670 | Status: Completed
Chapter 3
“The King’s battle cruiser is approaching Vejitasei’s airspace. It will be landing within the hour.” The servant kneeled, his white tunic brushing the dais of the throne room. His frail frame trembled slightly as he returned to his feet and shuffled back into the shadows from which he emerged.
A gruff, booming voice reverberated throughout the room after the servant’s exit. “Well, it seems that His Majesty has returned earlier than expected.” Nappa loomed next to his shoulder, broad arms spread out wide. “It is good to have the Saiyan no Oui back, it isn’t fitting for him to have to directly deal with matters as trivial as a rogue saiyan. Wouldn’t you say so?”
Vegeta didn’t look up at his guardian. It revolted him to hear him praise his Tousan. The old yaro had crossed the line years ago when he was still a small, a toddler. He shifted in the uncomfortable throne and sighed softly. I’m just happy that I get to be the one to kill him. He sneered to no one in particular as he stared straight ahead at nothing, imagining for a moment what it would be like to hold his Tousan’s neck between his fingers and feel the life drain from his body. One wicked breath at a time. His piercing black gaze fell to his clenched fists, the leather of his gloves creased harshly around his small hands. Staring, he suddenly relaxed and watched his open palms. They were just like hers, long fingered and strong, not the bear claws of his Tousan. Pain washed anew through him at the thought of her and he stifled a gasp that tried to free itself. Kaasan, I miss you so much. I wish you weren’t gone. Lost in his memories, the Saiyan no Ouji jumped when a meaty hand fell on his shoulder. “Nani!”
Nappa snatched back his hand and slid it behind his back to grasp its partner. A look of concern was sent his way. “My Lord, is every thing alright?”
Vegeta rolled his shoulders and slid off the chair. “I’m fine.” He snapped. “Don’t touch me when we’re not sparring.”
“My apologies.” Nappa nodded.
He had to grit his teeth to keep from screaming at him. He hated it when the full grown, and ten times more powerful, saiyan yielded to him at every turn. I know I’m royalty, but it’s enough to make you sick. Adjusting the royal blue cape around his shoulder guards, he stepped down from the crown dais and started for the door. “Are you coming or not?” Vegeta stopped and glared at his guardian. “You know Tousan hates to be kept waiting.”
Nappa moved in behind the boy as they made their way silently to the docks. His eyes never strayed far from the young Prince striding before him, shoulders back, back straight, and gait arrogant. If one were to come upon the boy they wouldn’t for a second take him as something that he wasn’t. He might be small for his age, but he possessed an ego bigger than the planet. It would do well for the King to remedy this before it’s too late. At the rate we’re going now, he’ll be able to overpower him in a few years. He may pass off as a dimwit, but he saw the looks that passed between the father and son. Utter hatred. It baffled him still as to why there was so much animosity, always there lurking behind every word or gesture. Every disobedience and the beating that followed. His gaze moved back to the flaming black hair and veteran fighter shivered. They will do battle. It will be vicious and to the death.
Vegeta could feel Nappa’s eyes on him and chose to ignore the overgrown brute. He trained his eyes on the path before him, dark marbled tiles leading down to the docking bay where the ships came and went like breathing. Slaves, distinguished by their white tunics, shawls, and skirts, scuttled well out of his way in fear for their lives. A smirk appeared on his youthful face. It’s amusing considering the fact that I’ve never killed anyone. Vegeta slowed when he came to the staircase and he quickly descended, uncaring of the snuck glances the lower class soldiers stole at him as he passed. They too were awestruck at seeing royalty so close, regardless of the fact that he was still only an eleven-year old boy. He snorted despite of himself and stopped before the double steel doors that led to the docking bay. He turned to his guardian. “Well?”
Nappa stepped forward and swiped his palm across the security panel. “You first.”
Vegeta couldn’t help the anger he felt at being barred out from most of the areas of the palace. My Tousan’s rules. He silently mocked him, mouth screwing up into a puckered face. Several guards stopped what they were doing and stared. Vegeta noticed and quickly resumed scowling. “Get back to work!” He snarled and smirked when they actually jumped into action. Bakas. He waited for Nappa and the older saiyan made his way over to the bay where the King’s battle cruiser was parked. Vegeta had seen it numerous times, but he always stood for a moment and stared at the sheer enormity of the entire thing.
The Imperial Battleship was almost as large as the palace if not larger. In all actuality, it didn’t fit into the dock. The back two thirds were located outside the bay holding area. Most of the people just considered it another wing of the Palace when housed here, which was most of the time considering that the King rarely left.
Which brought back the reason why his Tousan had left in the first place? Vegeta looked around the dock floor and saw many of the crew and servants leaving through the cargo holds, while saiyan soldiers exited from the numerous ramps coming from the body of the ship. The Prince’s brow furrowed. Where is the female that he’d gone to collect? He continued to surf the crowd with his eyes when they landed on a familiar pair. He held back a groan. Please tell me that isn’t Raditz and his moronic sibling Kakarrot… Just as the thought passed through his mind, the younger saiyan shouted in his direction. Oh great…
Kakarrot bounded away from his Nichan’s side. “Vegeta!”
He braced himself and waited. Here he comes. The young Prince actually winced as the younger boy came racing towards him. “Crap, it might actually hurt this time.” He mumbled under his breath as Kakarrot slammed into him. The tackle sent them sprawling to the floor with Vegeta pinned beneath the other. A faint pain ran through his back. Yep, definitely hurt this time. Growling, he shoved him off. “Get off of me baka!”
Kakarrot giggled and held out a hand to help his Prince up. “What? Did I surprise you?”
Vegeta brushed off the offending hand and stood up under his own power. “Surprise me?” He scoffed. “You can’t surprise anyone when you screech their name from across the dock!”
Nappa watched curiously. Normally the Prince would have retaliated, but it seems that his sparring partner was someone he actually liked, despite the obvious difference in personality. He’d seen the boy charge, but for some reason didn’t stop him. It was against the law to raise a hand against the royal family and it was punishable by death. Yet, here he stood, unmoving to reprimand the rebellious young boy. Instead, he snapped out. “Watch your step boy, or you’ll hear from me about it.”
Kakarrot blinked at him innocently. “I was only saying hi.”
Vegeta glared at Nappa. “I’m fine.”
“Kakarrot!” All three turned to see Raditz jog over towards them. His face was angry as he grabbed his sibling by the back of his shirt. The anger emanated off of him in waves. “How many times have I told you that isn’t the way to greet the Prince?”
Kakarrot frowned. “He doesn’t care.”
Raditz unceremoniously dropped him. “Still, it’s disrespectful.” He turned to the Prince and his guardian, kneeling with his right arm over his chest. “My Lords.”
Vegeta rolled his eyes. “Get up.” He turned to Nappa, who had an amused look on his face. “Go find the King. I’m sure he can’t wait to brag about his latest conquest.” The look the older saiyan sent was disapproving, but he didn’t care. Screw him, what does he know? He turned back to the brothers. “So, you were there. What happened?”
Raditz swallowed. “Well, they sent us down to planet Chikyuu and we had to investigate. We traveled through a wooded area for awhile when we found a girl.”
Vegeta lifted a brow. “A girl?”
Kakarrot huffed. “Yeah. A stupid, know-it-all girl. She thinks she’s so smart, but I think she’s weird. I mean, who has blue hair and a blue tail?”
Radtiz cuffed the back of his head. “Shut up. She kicked your butt, so she can’t be that bad.”
“Ow!” Kakarrot rubbed the back of his head. “Why’d you do that for?”
“Because you’re a baka.”
Vegeta took a deep breath. “Both of you shut up and explain.”
Raditz glanced down at the Prince. “Well when you were still a toddler, the King started sending out investigators to look into planets that could be allies to the Empire. My Tousan had a few free scientists, so he sent them out too. One of them was a female named Sleeka.”
Sleeka? It sounded familiar, but why? “I heard that name before.” Vegeta looked up questioningly.
He nodded and continued. “She was the weakest saiyan ever recorded, but she was extremely intelligent. Anyway she was sent to Chikyuu.”
Vegeta put it together. “She was the rogue?!”
Kakarrot nodded. “Yep. Then she got hurt and one of the natives helped her get better. Then they bonded.”
His eyes widened in disbelief. “Nani?”
Raditz almost smiled. “It’s true. She bonded with one of the male Chikyuu-jins, a famous scientist.”
“How is that even possible? I thought saiyans couldn’t bond with any other races.” Vegeta crossed his arms and stared at the floor. This is insane.
“Normally they can’t.” The boys all whipped around to see Bardock standing behind them. “But,” He came around to stand behind his sons. “It seems that there is something different about humans. I’m going to study them to try and find out why.” His eyes lifted from the floor to the young Prince. “It is always good to see you, Saiyan no Ouji. How are you?”
Vegeta nodded. “Well, now that Kakarrot isn’t tackling me.” He’d always liked the King’s Science Advisor. It didn’t really matter to him whether he was a third class Squad Commander or not. He never once kissed up to the fact that he was the Prince and he liked it. He also liked his sons. Not that I’d ever admit that to anyone. He smirked smugly. “I heard Kakarrot got his ketsu kicked by a girl.”
Kakarrot stiffened. “She isn’t a girl. She’s a harpy.”
Bardock chuckled. “I wouldn’t say she kicked his ketsu, but she gave him a run for his money. She’s almost as powerful.”
“Who is?” The voice was loud in the sudden silence on the docks.
Vegeta felt his chest tighten as he turned slowly towards the shadow that had fallen over him. “Tousan.” He kneeled quickly, followed by everyone else in sight.
The Saiyan no Oui snorted at his brat. “Tell me boy, just who interests you so much?”
Vegeta stared up at his sire. He straightened his shoulders and scoffed. “Just laughing about Kakarrot losing to a girl.”
The King wanted to backhand him across the dock. Defiant whelp. “So you’ve heard about the little half-breed witch, have you?” He bent over to look into his son’s face. His voice was a sarcastic whisper. “Do you want to see her?” He watched his eyes widen and laughed loudly. Turning towards his subjects, he held out his arms. “Would you all like to see the abomination? A thing that shouldn’t be?”
Raditz suppressed a growl. I hate him.
Bardock could feel the disapproval coming off his sons and the little Prince before him. He suddenly felt sorry for the boy, having to have the King for a Tousan. I don’t think I’d be able to handle living with him, let alone being a blood relative.
Vegeta looked down at the floor to hide his shame. It was always like this. The King would find some way to thoroughly embarrass him. I wish he wasn’t my Tousan. I wish I was stronger, so I could kill him and be done with it. Gritting his teeth he closed his eyes. He’d never met this poor creature, but he already felt sorry for it. If that was even possible.
The King gestured to one of the soldiers accompanying him. “Go and get it.” The soldier bowed and took off at a run, lest he wanted to die where he was standing.
Vegeta managed to tear his gaze away from the floor tiles and his gold-tipped boots to see the soldier return. His brow furrowed in confusion. Where is she? Just as the thought passed, another being stepped out of the cargo bay and onto the dock floor. Vegeta blinked. Actually, there were two. One was holding the other. A male that resembled a saiyan, apart from the light colored hair and weak ki, came striding out carrying a young girl. He released the breath he realized he’d been holding. It was her! The blue-haired girl!” Her ki was much stronger than the male’s, but she hid her face in his neck, away from all the stares. He almost choked when he saw her sapphire tail wrapped around the male’s wrist. A tail!!
Raditz could feel everyone’s shock, but especially Bulma’s fear. She was trembling in her Tousan’s arms. He couldn’t look anymore and dropped his head. I’m sorry Bulma.
Vegeta noticed the strained thoughts that surrounded him, but sought out the one person that could clear everything up for him. “Bardock, what’s going on?”
Bardock turned his gaze to the piercing ebony eyes of the Prince. “Raditz told you that the female Sleeka bonded with a human, right?”
“Yes.”
“Well, bonds create offspring.” Bardock waited all of two seconds for the boy to put it together.
Vegeta glanced back at the girl. “So, the male is Sleeka’s mate and the girl is their child. She’s a hybrid.” Bardock saw the sudden frown on his face. Those black eyes swung back to the Squad Commander with an almost pleading look in them. “Wh…where is Sleeka? Why isn’t she here as well?”
Bardock swallowed. The boy was obviously afraid of the answer even though he knew what it was. “Your Tousan didn’t take to her living as a Chikyuu-jin lightly and was going to kill the girl as punishment. Sleeka intervened and was killed, sparing her child. I managed to convince him to spare both, but not without my own death threat.”
He could easily see the disgust plainly written in the Prince’s eyes. The whisper in his mind spoke volumes. “I hate him.”
Both broke from their thoughts when the King’s voice boomed around the room. “This is what happens when you turn your back on your own people.” He strode over and yanked the girl from her Tousan’s arms despite his attempts to protect her. The King scoffed and hit the human to the floor, tearing Bulma from him in the process.
Bulma shrieked. “Papa!”
The King shook her roughly. “Shut up.” He held her up high by the collar of her shirt. “This is the ultimate act of treason. Begetting an inferior creature with another race. The blood of our race has been tainted with that of an almost ki-less species.”
Bulma bit her lip to stop from crying out at the utter humiliation and struggled to free herself. “Put me down!” A collective gasp could be heard from all the witnesses.
Vegeta paled. Oh no.
But nothing happened. The King laughed loudly and tossed her back down next to her Tousan. “Stupid girl.” He turned away and strode over to his brat. “Go with Bardock and settle in our new ‘guests’.”
Vegeta blinked. “Why me?”
The fist lashed out faster than he could see. He sailed backward into Kakarrot, taking the younger boy down with him. The King smirked. “Because I said so.” He gestured to his guards and for Nappa to follow him out. The others looked away and went about their business. It happened all the time.
Blood flowed freely down from his newly broken nose. Gingerly he sat up and Kakarrot slid out from under him. The younger boy grumbled. “That hurt.”
Vegeta spit out some blood. “Now you know how it feels.”
Bardock shook his head. I swear I’d kill that bakayaro myself if I could. He kneeled down next to the boys. “You alright?”
Vegeta growled through the pain. “I’ve taken a lot worse. Now let’s go.” Kakarrot just nodded.
Bardock couldn’t help but smile. Boy’s got more pride than he knows what to do with. “Okay, but I want to take a look at that nose.”
Vegeta waved dismissively. “Whatever.” He could already feel the swelling and cursed. Shoulders hunched, he made his way over to the newcomers and sniffed painfully. The girl was hugging herself tightly, tail painfully tight around her slight waist. Her Tousan got to his feet and brushed off his pants. Vegeta noticed that he didn’t have a tail. He stifled a shudder. Creepy.
Bardock came up beside him. “My apologies, Mr. Briefs.”
The human male looked over at him. “Where are you taking us?”
Bardock smiled. “Don’t worry. Just ignore what was said. I doubt any harm will come of you. You have my word.”
The tension in Trunks’ shoulder lessened a bit. “That is good to know, but you still didn’t answer my question.”
“I have some empty quarters near my labs where you’ll be comfortable.”
Trunks nodded. Since they’d been taken, he and the apparent saiyan scientist had formed a tenuous friendship. If you could call it that. The easy-going saiyan had made sure his daughter had been protected while they had been separated. And he was forever grateful. “Thank you.”
Vegeta felt like vomiting. “Enough. Let’s go.”
Bardock sighed. “I’d like to introduce you to the Crown Prince of Vejitasei, Vegeta.”
Trunks swallowed. This poor boy was that demon’s son? “Pleased to meet you.”
Vegeta snarled. “I’m not.”
Bulma bristled. Jeez, he’s just like him.
Trunks nudged his daughter forward. Her feet skidded on the tile. “This is my daughter Bulma.”
Bulma grimaced and mentally slapped herself. She looked over at the stern faced boy. “Yeah hi.”
Vegeta was bewildered by her. Her coloring is so weird. Feinting disinterest, he brushed past both of them. “Who cares?”
Bardock looked up at the ceiling and silently cursed a certain Saiyan no Ouji. “Excuse his rudeness. It’s hereditary.”
Vegeta stopped mid-stride. “What was that?”
“Nothing My Lord.” He turned to his sons. “Go home, the both of you. I’ll be back later.”
Bulma jumped and grabbed Raditz’s arm. “Will I see you again?” She glanced at Kakarrot and grudgingly admitted to herself that he was okay. “Both of you?”
Kakarrot suddenly smiled. Raditz removed her hand. “Yeah sure.” He turned and took off for home, his nichan flying behind him.
Trunks grabbed his daughter and pulled her up against him. “Bulma, stop. Get a hold of yourself. You know you’ll see them again.”
Vegeta crossed his arms and snickered. “Yeah, but why would you want to? They’re just a pair of bakas.”
Bulma’s lip curled back into a snarl. “You’re the baka.”
He almost recoiled in shock. Almost. A soft growl rumbled from his throat. Nobody talks to me like that. Still growling, he stepped close enough to stare into her deep blue eyes. “Say it again and I’ll pop you in the mouth.”
Bulma saw the evil glint in his eyes and glared back just as evilly. “I’d like to see you try.”
Trunks roughly grabbed her shoulder. “Bulma!” She flinched under the thunderous tone. “I didn’t raise you to be disrespectful. Now apologize.”
Bulma opened her mouth to retort, but couldn’t find any words. Her Tousan raised and eyebrow waiting. Snapping her gaping mouth shut she glared icily at the Prince. “My a-pol-o-gies.” She deliberately sounded out the word to increase the grit in the boy’s teeth.
Trunks put a hand over his eyes. I guess that’s the best I’m going to get. He turned to Bardock. “Take us before she does something stupid.” The Saiyan nodded and started for the doors where the Prince had come in. Trunks fell in behind and hoped to Kami his daughter didn’t start anymore trouble.
Bulma sent the Prince one more glare and grudgingly followed her Tousan. “And I thought princes were supposed to be charming.” She mumbled under her breath so that no one could hear.
Vegeta’s rage calmed a bit at the snide comment. And I thought females were supposed to be submissive. Shrugging, he followed silently. Bardock led them through a winding hall and a flight of stairs to get down to the laboratory wing. Mostly, he stared at the floor, but every so often the girl would let out a small sigh and his eyes would jump to her back. Usually it was a painting or statue that induced the soft sound, and he found himself wondering why she found it intriguing. Like art really matters. Her soft blue tail had unwound from her waist and flittered back and forth behind her. It was so bewildering that he almost ran into her when she stopped walking. Cursing his own idiocy, he grumbled. “Baka.”
Bulma narrowed her eyes at him and turned back toward her Tousan, not wanting to start another verbal sparring session. Bardock had brought them up to a set of double steel doors like the ones at the dock. He was currently typing in a pass code into the small keypad on the wall. She allowed herself a small smile. Even a toddler could get past their security systems. Bardock swiped his palm over the small screen and she heard the locks unlock. “DNA confirmed. Welcome back Commander.” Bulma’s smiled faded. Okay, the DNA part is a bit complicated. So I spoke to soon. The doors slid open with a hiss and she immediately felt the curiosity rush through her veins at the sight before. Sheesh and I thought that the halls were beautiful. She quickly hopped past both the adults and looked around. Rows of consoles beckoned to her and an array of various workstations were currently operating under their own power. More than a dozen computers beeped, whirred, and buzzed around her. “This place is awesome.”
Bardock noted the excitement running through her body. “This is only my private lab. The one with all the workers is just down the hall. It’s five times bigger.”
Trunks nodded appreciatively. “It’s impressive.”
Blah, blah, blah. Vegeta rolled his eyes. He could understand the need for the science division and all the technology it created, but he just couldn’t grasp the obsessive love of it. Awesome is definitely not how I’d describe it. He’d been told numerous times by his tutors that he was smart enough to make a fine scientist. He’d then promptly smacked them upside the head. The Prince, a scientist. What a crack. He started to snort, but hissed in pain. “Shimatta!”
Bardock suddenly remembered the Prince was with them. “Vegeta let me take a look at that.”
Bulma turned around to look at the slightly taller boy. His face was still marred by the thick red blood that ran from his once straight nose. She shuddered as she remembered the cruel punch the King had thrown. An unwanted pang of sympathy hit her. At least my Tousan doesn’t beat me. She pretended to busy herself with a computer console while Bardock took the Prince over to a workstation with medical supplies. She let herself to actually look at him while he waited to get his nose taken care of. He wasn’t overly tall, his build lanky underneath all the armor and the cape. His face was softer version of his Tousan’s, but his hair didn’t stand up all the way. Instead, the front hung down over his forehead in thick sections while the rest stood up around his head in a raven colored flame. Her eyes dropped to his waist when the long length of chocolate colored fur unraveled and swung back and forth lazily. Wow. His tail’s almost as pretty as mine. A tingle touched her neck and she looked up into a pair of ebony pools. The blush rushed to her face immediately. Ducking her head, she bit her lip. He caught me! I’m such a baka!
He’d known she’d been staring and deliberately loosened his tail to distract her away from his face. And the twit fell for it. Seeing the red bloom on her cheeks was the most satisfying thing he’d done in days. Confident that he’d embarrassed the hell out of her he glared at Bardock. “Hurry it up.”
The Squad Commander rolled his eyes and laid out the bone-mending patch next to the seated boy. “Maybe if you’d curb your tongue once in a while I wouldn’t end up always fixing you up.” He held up a hand to stop the coming tirade. “Shut it for once. Now I have to reset it or it’ll be crooked forever.”
Vegeta growled softly. “Just get on with it.” It’s not like you haven’t done this a billion times already.
Bulma swung her head back around to watch. Bardock grasped the Prince by the chin in one hand and quickly twisted his nose with the other. A soft crack could be heard throughout the quiet lab. She couldn’t stop the shudder that swept up her spine. “Crap.”
Vegeta’s left eye twitched in pain, but the rest of his face remained impassive. Fresh blood flowed down his face and dripped thickly onto his chest plate. He glanced down at it and grimaced. Great. I’ll be back down here to mend the ribs that I’ll crack when he sees this. He looked up as Bardock grabbed his head again. “Hey, watch it!”
“Be quiet.” He held the boy’s head tightly and pressed the patch down on the bone forcefully. The Prince’s tail curled in agony even though no sound passed his lips. Bardock had to commend him for it. A blow from the King wasn’t something that you could normally walk away from. “Alright, by tomorrow morning it’ll be healed.”
Trunks’ brows lifted in amazement. “That’s not even twenty-four hours.”
Bardock nodded. “I actually came up with this idea just for Vegeta. He comes down a lot like this.”
Vegeta stifled a groan. “It’s not like I want to.” He slid off the bench and swiped a rag from the adjacent table. Wiping the blood from his armor, he tossed it back at Bardock. “That yaro is just slap-happy.”
Bulma couldn’t stop the snicker that spilled from her lips. “That’s funny.”
Vegeta scowled at her. “What is?”
“The King being any kind of happy.” She chortled all by herself in the computer chair. Trunks felt the sweat drip down his forehead. Bardock swallowed and waited for the Prince’s reaction.
He just looked at her for a moment. Who am I kidding? She’s right. Happy and the Saiyan no Oui aren’t synonymous. He leveled a stare at her before striding for the door. “You’re right.”
Bulma snapped out of her chuckles and watched the doors slide shut behind the Prince. The sound of his voice had been…she dug around for the right word. Melancholy? No. Her eyes went back down to the cold floor. No, it was resigned. She suddenly felt like crying. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked up at the two men across the room. Their eyes turned toward the sound of her sob. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings. I just…I just wanted to….” She couldn’t even finish the sentence.
Trunks could feel the regret through their mental bond and quickly kneeled in front of her chair. “Shush, it’s alright. I’m sure he’s alright.”
“No, you don’t understand. I was so cruel. I jabbed right at a sore spot and didn’t care.” Her words were jumbled together and warped from the sobs that shook her slight body.
Trunks didn’t know what to say. She was right; it had been a cheap shot even if it was meant to be funny. “Well, at least you’re sorry. It means you have a good heart.”
Bardock watched quietly and felt the waves of her ki that wafted through the room in her obvious distress. They never cease to amaze me. He waited a moment before speaking softly behind them. “If I know Prince Vegeta, which is well, he’ll find a way to repay you.” He watched both of them turn their bright blue eyes on him. “Just ask my sons. Vegeta makes a sport of it.” Not wanting to dwell, he gestured for them to stand. “Come, I’ll take you to your quarters.”
“The King’s battle cruiser is approaching Vejitasei’s airspace. It will be landing within the hour.” The servant kneeled, his white tunic brushing the dais of the throne room. His frail frame trembled slightly as he returned to his feet and shuffled back into the shadows from which he emerged.
A gruff, booming voice reverberated throughout the room after the servant’s exit. “Well, it seems that His Majesty has returned earlier than expected.” Nappa loomed next to his shoulder, broad arms spread out wide. “It is good to have the Saiyan no Oui back, it isn’t fitting for him to have to directly deal with matters as trivial as a rogue saiyan. Wouldn’t you say so?”
Vegeta didn’t look up at his guardian. It revolted him to hear him praise his Tousan. The old yaro had crossed the line years ago when he was still a small, a toddler. He shifted in the uncomfortable throne and sighed softly. I’m just happy that I get to be the one to kill him. He sneered to no one in particular as he stared straight ahead at nothing, imagining for a moment what it would be like to hold his Tousan’s neck between his fingers and feel the life drain from his body. One wicked breath at a time. His piercing black gaze fell to his clenched fists, the leather of his gloves creased harshly around his small hands. Staring, he suddenly relaxed and watched his open palms. They were just like hers, long fingered and strong, not the bear claws of his Tousan. Pain washed anew through him at the thought of her and he stifled a gasp that tried to free itself. Kaasan, I miss you so much. I wish you weren’t gone. Lost in his memories, the Saiyan no Ouji jumped when a meaty hand fell on his shoulder. “Nani!”
Nappa snatched back his hand and slid it behind his back to grasp its partner. A look of concern was sent his way. “My Lord, is every thing alright?”
Vegeta rolled his shoulders and slid off the chair. “I’m fine.” He snapped. “Don’t touch me when we’re not sparring.”
“My apologies.” Nappa nodded.
He had to grit his teeth to keep from screaming at him. He hated it when the full grown, and ten times more powerful, saiyan yielded to him at every turn. I know I’m royalty, but it’s enough to make you sick. Adjusting the royal blue cape around his shoulder guards, he stepped down from the crown dais and started for the door. “Are you coming or not?” Vegeta stopped and glared at his guardian. “You know Tousan hates to be kept waiting.”
Nappa moved in behind the boy as they made their way silently to the docks. His eyes never strayed far from the young Prince striding before him, shoulders back, back straight, and gait arrogant. If one were to come upon the boy they wouldn’t for a second take him as something that he wasn’t. He might be small for his age, but he possessed an ego bigger than the planet. It would do well for the King to remedy this before it’s too late. At the rate we’re going now, he’ll be able to overpower him in a few years. He may pass off as a dimwit, but he saw the looks that passed between the father and son. Utter hatred. It baffled him still as to why there was so much animosity, always there lurking behind every word or gesture. Every disobedience and the beating that followed. His gaze moved back to the flaming black hair and veteran fighter shivered. They will do battle. It will be vicious and to the death.
Vegeta could feel Nappa’s eyes on him and chose to ignore the overgrown brute. He trained his eyes on the path before him, dark marbled tiles leading down to the docking bay where the ships came and went like breathing. Slaves, distinguished by their white tunics, shawls, and skirts, scuttled well out of his way in fear for their lives. A smirk appeared on his youthful face. It’s amusing considering the fact that I’ve never killed anyone. Vegeta slowed when he came to the staircase and he quickly descended, uncaring of the snuck glances the lower class soldiers stole at him as he passed. They too were awestruck at seeing royalty so close, regardless of the fact that he was still only an eleven-year old boy. He snorted despite of himself and stopped before the double steel doors that led to the docking bay. He turned to his guardian. “Well?”
Nappa stepped forward and swiped his palm across the security panel. “You first.”
Vegeta couldn’t help the anger he felt at being barred out from most of the areas of the palace. My Tousan’s rules. He silently mocked him, mouth screwing up into a puckered face. Several guards stopped what they were doing and stared. Vegeta noticed and quickly resumed scowling. “Get back to work!” He snarled and smirked when they actually jumped into action. Bakas. He waited for Nappa and the older saiyan made his way over to the bay where the King’s battle cruiser was parked. Vegeta had seen it numerous times, but he always stood for a moment and stared at the sheer enormity of the entire thing.
The Imperial Battleship was almost as large as the palace if not larger. In all actuality, it didn’t fit into the dock. The back two thirds were located outside the bay holding area. Most of the people just considered it another wing of the Palace when housed here, which was most of the time considering that the King rarely left.
Which brought back the reason why his Tousan had left in the first place? Vegeta looked around the dock floor and saw many of the crew and servants leaving through the cargo holds, while saiyan soldiers exited from the numerous ramps coming from the body of the ship. The Prince’s brow furrowed. Where is the female that he’d gone to collect? He continued to surf the crowd with his eyes when they landed on a familiar pair. He held back a groan. Please tell me that isn’t Raditz and his moronic sibling Kakarrot… Just as the thought passed through his mind, the younger saiyan shouted in his direction. Oh great…
Kakarrot bounded away from his Nichan’s side. “Vegeta!”
He braced himself and waited. Here he comes. The young Prince actually winced as the younger boy came racing towards him. “Crap, it might actually hurt this time.” He mumbled under his breath as Kakarrot slammed into him. The tackle sent them sprawling to the floor with Vegeta pinned beneath the other. A faint pain ran through his back. Yep, definitely hurt this time. Growling, he shoved him off. “Get off of me baka!”
Kakarrot giggled and held out a hand to help his Prince up. “What? Did I surprise you?”
Vegeta brushed off the offending hand and stood up under his own power. “Surprise me?” He scoffed. “You can’t surprise anyone when you screech their name from across the dock!”
Nappa watched curiously. Normally the Prince would have retaliated, but it seems that his sparring partner was someone he actually liked, despite the obvious difference in personality. He’d seen the boy charge, but for some reason didn’t stop him. It was against the law to raise a hand against the royal family and it was punishable by death. Yet, here he stood, unmoving to reprimand the rebellious young boy. Instead, he snapped out. “Watch your step boy, or you’ll hear from me about it.”
Kakarrot blinked at him innocently. “I was only saying hi.”
Vegeta glared at Nappa. “I’m fine.”
“Kakarrot!” All three turned to see Raditz jog over towards them. His face was angry as he grabbed his sibling by the back of his shirt. The anger emanated off of him in waves. “How many times have I told you that isn’t the way to greet the Prince?”
Kakarrot frowned. “He doesn’t care.”
Raditz unceremoniously dropped him. “Still, it’s disrespectful.” He turned to the Prince and his guardian, kneeling with his right arm over his chest. “My Lords.”
Vegeta rolled his eyes. “Get up.” He turned to Nappa, who had an amused look on his face. “Go find the King. I’m sure he can’t wait to brag about his latest conquest.” The look the older saiyan sent was disapproving, but he didn’t care. Screw him, what does he know? He turned back to the brothers. “So, you were there. What happened?”
Raditz swallowed. “Well, they sent us down to planet Chikyuu and we had to investigate. We traveled through a wooded area for awhile when we found a girl.”
Vegeta lifted a brow. “A girl?”
Kakarrot huffed. “Yeah. A stupid, know-it-all girl. She thinks she’s so smart, but I think she’s weird. I mean, who has blue hair and a blue tail?”
Radtiz cuffed the back of his head. “Shut up. She kicked your butt, so she can’t be that bad.”
“Ow!” Kakarrot rubbed the back of his head. “Why’d you do that for?”
“Because you’re a baka.”
Vegeta took a deep breath. “Both of you shut up and explain.”
Raditz glanced down at the Prince. “Well when you were still a toddler, the King started sending out investigators to look into planets that could be allies to the Empire. My Tousan had a few free scientists, so he sent them out too. One of them was a female named Sleeka.”
Sleeka? It sounded familiar, but why? “I heard that name before.” Vegeta looked up questioningly.
He nodded and continued. “She was the weakest saiyan ever recorded, but she was extremely intelligent. Anyway she was sent to Chikyuu.”
Vegeta put it together. “She was the rogue?!”
Kakarrot nodded. “Yep. Then she got hurt and one of the natives helped her get better. Then they bonded.”
His eyes widened in disbelief. “Nani?”
Raditz almost smiled. “It’s true. She bonded with one of the male Chikyuu-jins, a famous scientist.”
“How is that even possible? I thought saiyans couldn’t bond with any other races.” Vegeta crossed his arms and stared at the floor. This is insane.
“Normally they can’t.” The boys all whipped around to see Bardock standing behind them. “But,” He came around to stand behind his sons. “It seems that there is something different about humans. I’m going to study them to try and find out why.” His eyes lifted from the floor to the young Prince. “It is always good to see you, Saiyan no Ouji. How are you?”
Vegeta nodded. “Well, now that Kakarrot isn’t tackling me.” He’d always liked the King’s Science Advisor. It didn’t really matter to him whether he was a third class Squad Commander or not. He never once kissed up to the fact that he was the Prince and he liked it. He also liked his sons. Not that I’d ever admit that to anyone. He smirked smugly. “I heard Kakarrot got his ketsu kicked by a girl.”
Kakarrot stiffened. “She isn’t a girl. She’s a harpy.”
Bardock chuckled. “I wouldn’t say she kicked his ketsu, but she gave him a run for his money. She’s almost as powerful.”
“Who is?” The voice was loud in the sudden silence on the docks.
Vegeta felt his chest tighten as he turned slowly towards the shadow that had fallen over him. “Tousan.” He kneeled quickly, followed by everyone else in sight.
The Saiyan no Oui snorted at his brat. “Tell me boy, just who interests you so much?”
Vegeta stared up at his sire. He straightened his shoulders and scoffed. “Just laughing about Kakarrot losing to a girl.”
The King wanted to backhand him across the dock. Defiant whelp. “So you’ve heard about the little half-breed witch, have you?” He bent over to look into his son’s face. His voice was a sarcastic whisper. “Do you want to see her?” He watched his eyes widen and laughed loudly. Turning towards his subjects, he held out his arms. “Would you all like to see the abomination? A thing that shouldn’t be?”
Raditz suppressed a growl. I hate him.
Bardock could feel the disapproval coming off his sons and the little Prince before him. He suddenly felt sorry for the boy, having to have the King for a Tousan. I don’t think I’d be able to handle living with him, let alone being a blood relative.
Vegeta looked down at the floor to hide his shame. It was always like this. The King would find some way to thoroughly embarrass him. I wish he wasn’t my Tousan. I wish I was stronger, so I could kill him and be done with it. Gritting his teeth he closed his eyes. He’d never met this poor creature, but he already felt sorry for it. If that was even possible.
The King gestured to one of the soldiers accompanying him. “Go and get it.” The soldier bowed and took off at a run, lest he wanted to die where he was standing.
Vegeta managed to tear his gaze away from the floor tiles and his gold-tipped boots to see the soldier return. His brow furrowed in confusion. Where is she? Just as the thought passed, another being stepped out of the cargo bay and onto the dock floor. Vegeta blinked. Actually, there were two. One was holding the other. A male that resembled a saiyan, apart from the light colored hair and weak ki, came striding out carrying a young girl. He released the breath he realized he’d been holding. It was her! The blue-haired girl!” Her ki was much stronger than the male’s, but she hid her face in his neck, away from all the stares. He almost choked when he saw her sapphire tail wrapped around the male’s wrist. A tail!!
Raditz could feel everyone’s shock, but especially Bulma’s fear. She was trembling in her Tousan’s arms. He couldn’t look anymore and dropped his head. I’m sorry Bulma.
Vegeta noticed the strained thoughts that surrounded him, but sought out the one person that could clear everything up for him. “Bardock, what’s going on?”
Bardock turned his gaze to the piercing ebony eyes of the Prince. “Raditz told you that the female Sleeka bonded with a human, right?”
“Yes.”
“Well, bonds create offspring.” Bardock waited all of two seconds for the boy to put it together.
Vegeta glanced back at the girl. “So, the male is Sleeka’s mate and the girl is their child. She’s a hybrid.” Bardock saw the sudden frown on his face. Those black eyes swung back to the Squad Commander with an almost pleading look in them. “Wh…where is Sleeka? Why isn’t she here as well?”
Bardock swallowed. The boy was obviously afraid of the answer even though he knew what it was. “Your Tousan didn’t take to her living as a Chikyuu-jin lightly and was going to kill the girl as punishment. Sleeka intervened and was killed, sparing her child. I managed to convince him to spare both, but not without my own death threat.”
He could easily see the disgust plainly written in the Prince’s eyes. The whisper in his mind spoke volumes. “I hate him.”
Both broke from their thoughts when the King’s voice boomed around the room. “This is what happens when you turn your back on your own people.” He strode over and yanked the girl from her Tousan’s arms despite his attempts to protect her. The King scoffed and hit the human to the floor, tearing Bulma from him in the process.
Bulma shrieked. “Papa!”
The King shook her roughly. “Shut up.” He held her up high by the collar of her shirt. “This is the ultimate act of treason. Begetting an inferior creature with another race. The blood of our race has been tainted with that of an almost ki-less species.”
Bulma bit her lip to stop from crying out at the utter humiliation and struggled to free herself. “Put me down!” A collective gasp could be heard from all the witnesses.
Vegeta paled. Oh no.
But nothing happened. The King laughed loudly and tossed her back down next to her Tousan. “Stupid girl.” He turned away and strode over to his brat. “Go with Bardock and settle in our new ‘guests’.”
Vegeta blinked. “Why me?”
The fist lashed out faster than he could see. He sailed backward into Kakarrot, taking the younger boy down with him. The King smirked. “Because I said so.” He gestured to his guards and for Nappa to follow him out. The others looked away and went about their business. It happened all the time.
Blood flowed freely down from his newly broken nose. Gingerly he sat up and Kakarrot slid out from under him. The younger boy grumbled. “That hurt.”
Vegeta spit out some blood. “Now you know how it feels.”
Bardock shook his head. I swear I’d kill that bakayaro myself if I could. He kneeled down next to the boys. “You alright?”
Vegeta growled through the pain. “I’ve taken a lot worse. Now let’s go.” Kakarrot just nodded.
Bardock couldn’t help but smile. Boy’s got more pride than he knows what to do with. “Okay, but I want to take a look at that nose.”
Vegeta waved dismissively. “Whatever.” He could already feel the swelling and cursed. Shoulders hunched, he made his way over to the newcomers and sniffed painfully. The girl was hugging herself tightly, tail painfully tight around her slight waist. Her Tousan got to his feet and brushed off his pants. Vegeta noticed that he didn’t have a tail. He stifled a shudder. Creepy.
Bardock came up beside him. “My apologies, Mr. Briefs.”
The human male looked over at him. “Where are you taking us?”
Bardock smiled. “Don’t worry. Just ignore what was said. I doubt any harm will come of you. You have my word.”
The tension in Trunks’ shoulder lessened a bit. “That is good to know, but you still didn’t answer my question.”
“I have some empty quarters near my labs where you’ll be comfortable.”
Trunks nodded. Since they’d been taken, he and the apparent saiyan scientist had formed a tenuous friendship. If you could call it that. The easy-going saiyan had made sure his daughter had been protected while they had been separated. And he was forever grateful. “Thank you.”
Vegeta felt like vomiting. “Enough. Let’s go.”
Bardock sighed. “I’d like to introduce you to the Crown Prince of Vejitasei, Vegeta.”
Trunks swallowed. This poor boy was that demon’s son? “Pleased to meet you.”
Vegeta snarled. “I’m not.”
Bulma bristled. Jeez, he’s just like him.
Trunks nudged his daughter forward. Her feet skidded on the tile. “This is my daughter Bulma.”
Bulma grimaced and mentally slapped herself. She looked over at the stern faced boy. “Yeah hi.”
Vegeta was bewildered by her. Her coloring is so weird. Feinting disinterest, he brushed past both of them. “Who cares?”
Bardock looked up at the ceiling and silently cursed a certain Saiyan no Ouji. “Excuse his rudeness. It’s hereditary.”
Vegeta stopped mid-stride. “What was that?”
“Nothing My Lord.” He turned to his sons. “Go home, the both of you. I’ll be back later.”
Bulma jumped and grabbed Raditz’s arm. “Will I see you again?” She glanced at Kakarrot and grudgingly admitted to herself that he was okay. “Both of you?”
Kakarrot suddenly smiled. Raditz removed her hand. “Yeah sure.” He turned and took off for home, his nichan flying behind him.
Trunks grabbed his daughter and pulled her up against him. “Bulma, stop. Get a hold of yourself. You know you’ll see them again.”
Vegeta crossed his arms and snickered. “Yeah, but why would you want to? They’re just a pair of bakas.”
Bulma’s lip curled back into a snarl. “You’re the baka.”
He almost recoiled in shock. Almost. A soft growl rumbled from his throat. Nobody talks to me like that. Still growling, he stepped close enough to stare into her deep blue eyes. “Say it again and I’ll pop you in the mouth.”
Bulma saw the evil glint in his eyes and glared back just as evilly. “I’d like to see you try.”
Trunks roughly grabbed her shoulder. “Bulma!” She flinched under the thunderous tone. “I didn’t raise you to be disrespectful. Now apologize.”
Bulma opened her mouth to retort, but couldn’t find any words. Her Tousan raised and eyebrow waiting. Snapping her gaping mouth shut she glared icily at the Prince. “My a-pol-o-gies.” She deliberately sounded out the word to increase the grit in the boy’s teeth.
Trunks put a hand over his eyes. I guess that’s the best I’m going to get. He turned to Bardock. “Take us before she does something stupid.” The Saiyan nodded and started for the doors where the Prince had come in. Trunks fell in behind and hoped to Kami his daughter didn’t start anymore trouble.
Bulma sent the Prince one more glare and grudgingly followed her Tousan. “And I thought princes were supposed to be charming.” She mumbled under her breath so that no one could hear.
Vegeta’s rage calmed a bit at the snide comment. And I thought females were supposed to be submissive. Shrugging, he followed silently. Bardock led them through a winding hall and a flight of stairs to get down to the laboratory wing. Mostly, he stared at the floor, but every so often the girl would let out a small sigh and his eyes would jump to her back. Usually it was a painting or statue that induced the soft sound, and he found himself wondering why she found it intriguing. Like art really matters. Her soft blue tail had unwound from her waist and flittered back and forth behind her. It was so bewildering that he almost ran into her when she stopped walking. Cursing his own idiocy, he grumbled. “Baka.”
Bulma narrowed her eyes at him and turned back toward her Tousan, not wanting to start another verbal sparring session. Bardock had brought them up to a set of double steel doors like the ones at the dock. He was currently typing in a pass code into the small keypad on the wall. She allowed herself a small smile. Even a toddler could get past their security systems. Bardock swiped his palm over the small screen and she heard the locks unlock. “DNA confirmed. Welcome back Commander.” Bulma’s smiled faded. Okay, the DNA part is a bit complicated. So I spoke to soon. The doors slid open with a hiss and she immediately felt the curiosity rush through her veins at the sight before. Sheesh and I thought that the halls were beautiful. She quickly hopped past both the adults and looked around. Rows of consoles beckoned to her and an array of various workstations were currently operating under their own power. More than a dozen computers beeped, whirred, and buzzed around her. “This place is awesome.”
Bardock noted the excitement running through her body. “This is only my private lab. The one with all the workers is just down the hall. It’s five times bigger.”
Trunks nodded appreciatively. “It’s impressive.”
Blah, blah, blah. Vegeta rolled his eyes. He could understand the need for the science division and all the technology it created, but he just couldn’t grasp the obsessive love of it. Awesome is definitely not how I’d describe it. He’d been told numerous times by his tutors that he was smart enough to make a fine scientist. He’d then promptly smacked them upside the head. The Prince, a scientist. What a crack. He started to snort, but hissed in pain. “Shimatta!”
Bardock suddenly remembered the Prince was with them. “Vegeta let me take a look at that.”
Bulma turned around to look at the slightly taller boy. His face was still marred by the thick red blood that ran from his once straight nose. She shuddered as she remembered the cruel punch the King had thrown. An unwanted pang of sympathy hit her. At least my Tousan doesn’t beat me. She pretended to busy herself with a computer console while Bardock took the Prince over to a workstation with medical supplies. She let herself to actually look at him while he waited to get his nose taken care of. He wasn’t overly tall, his build lanky underneath all the armor and the cape. His face was softer version of his Tousan’s, but his hair didn’t stand up all the way. Instead, the front hung down over his forehead in thick sections while the rest stood up around his head in a raven colored flame. Her eyes dropped to his waist when the long length of chocolate colored fur unraveled and swung back and forth lazily. Wow. His tail’s almost as pretty as mine. A tingle touched her neck and she looked up into a pair of ebony pools. The blush rushed to her face immediately. Ducking her head, she bit her lip. He caught me! I’m such a baka!
He’d known she’d been staring and deliberately loosened his tail to distract her away from his face. And the twit fell for it. Seeing the red bloom on her cheeks was the most satisfying thing he’d done in days. Confident that he’d embarrassed the hell out of her he glared at Bardock. “Hurry it up.”
The Squad Commander rolled his eyes and laid out the bone-mending patch next to the seated boy. “Maybe if you’d curb your tongue once in a while I wouldn’t end up always fixing you up.” He held up a hand to stop the coming tirade. “Shut it for once. Now I have to reset it or it’ll be crooked forever.”
Vegeta growled softly. “Just get on with it.” It’s not like you haven’t done this a billion times already.
Bulma swung her head back around to watch. Bardock grasped the Prince by the chin in one hand and quickly twisted his nose with the other. A soft crack could be heard throughout the quiet lab. She couldn’t stop the shudder that swept up her spine. “Crap.”
Vegeta’s left eye twitched in pain, but the rest of his face remained impassive. Fresh blood flowed down his face and dripped thickly onto his chest plate. He glanced down at it and grimaced. Great. I’ll be back down here to mend the ribs that I’ll crack when he sees this. He looked up as Bardock grabbed his head again. “Hey, watch it!”
“Be quiet.” He held the boy’s head tightly and pressed the patch down on the bone forcefully. The Prince’s tail curled in agony even though no sound passed his lips. Bardock had to commend him for it. A blow from the King wasn’t something that you could normally walk away from. “Alright, by tomorrow morning it’ll be healed.”
Trunks’ brows lifted in amazement. “That’s not even twenty-four hours.”
Bardock nodded. “I actually came up with this idea just for Vegeta. He comes down a lot like this.”
Vegeta stifled a groan. “It’s not like I want to.” He slid off the bench and swiped a rag from the adjacent table. Wiping the blood from his armor, he tossed it back at Bardock. “That yaro is just slap-happy.”
Bulma couldn’t stop the snicker that spilled from her lips. “That’s funny.”
Vegeta scowled at her. “What is?”
“The King being any kind of happy.” She chortled all by herself in the computer chair. Trunks felt the sweat drip down his forehead. Bardock swallowed and waited for the Prince’s reaction.
He just looked at her for a moment. Who am I kidding? She’s right. Happy and the Saiyan no Oui aren’t synonymous. He leveled a stare at her before striding for the door. “You’re right.”
Bulma snapped out of her chuckles and watched the doors slide shut behind the Prince. The sound of his voice had been…she dug around for the right word. Melancholy? No. Her eyes went back down to the cold floor. No, it was resigned. She suddenly felt like crying. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked up at the two men across the room. Their eyes turned toward the sound of her sob. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings. I just…I just wanted to….” She couldn’t even finish the sentence.
Trunks could feel the regret through their mental bond and quickly kneeled in front of her chair. “Shush, it’s alright. I’m sure he’s alright.”
“No, you don’t understand. I was so cruel. I jabbed right at a sore spot and didn’t care.” Her words were jumbled together and warped from the sobs that shook her slight body.
Trunks didn’t know what to say. She was right; it had been a cheap shot even if it was meant to be funny. “Well, at least you’re sorry. It means you have a good heart.”
Bardock watched quietly and felt the waves of her ki that wafted through the room in her obvious distress. They never cease to amaze me. He waited a moment before speaking softly behind them. “If I know Prince Vegeta, which is well, he’ll find a way to repay you.” He watched both of them turn their bright blue eyes on him. “Just ask my sons. Vegeta makes a sport of it.” Not wanting to dwell, he gestured for them to stand. “Come, I’ll take you to your quarters.”