Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Hybrid ❯ Politics ruin everything ( Chapter 5 )

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

Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ. Please! Don't sue! All you'll get is pocket lint.

Chapter 4

The crimson morning light of Vejitasei’s second sun wafted in through the skylights and warmed the chilled figure curled tightly in his bed sheets. Slowly he drew back the covers and slipped from the warmth of the bed. He crossed the darkly tiled floor to the closet opposite the bed and dressed quickly in his usual garb. Royal blue was the color of the Prince and that was the color of the training suit he donned in haste to stop the foreboding shivers that sent his tail bristling. His gloves and boots followed swiftly and he exited his bedchamber just as fast.

Vegeta caught a glimpse of the elderly woman that brought his breakfast every morning and gave her the same nod he’d given her ever since his ability to do so. “Modelle, you’re dismissed.”

Modelle smiled warmly at him and he felt a small pain in his chest. “Of course your Highness. Good day to you.” She placed the pitcher of water down and gathered her spotlessly white skirts into her hands. She hesitated before leaving through the open door, her quiet voice reaching his keen saiyan ears from across the room. “Trust in thyself young one. Don’t let your troubles drown you.” Without another word she slipped through the door and disappeared.

He just stared at the empty space she left behind for a moment. She always knows. Am I that transparent? Shaking his head, he sat down at his spacious table and swiftly downed the food laid out for his consumption. He ate as much as his nerves would allow without threatening to toss back and strode through his door, leaving the plates. They’d be gone when he returned. Whenever that was. Training his face into indifference, he expertly made his way to the indoor training facilities where his morning workout waited. He strode confidently and purposefully down the halls and only slowed his step when he came to same room he went to every morning. Swiping his palm over the pass pad, he waited for the doors to open.

But they didn’t.

Vegeta swiped his hand over the pad and glared when the small alarm beeped. “Denied.”

“What the hell?” He reached up and started to fiddle with the pad.

“My Lord?” A hesitant voice cracked behind him.

Whipping around, he sent a demanding look at the meek servant that trembled fearfully in front of a boy half his size. “Nani?”

The shivering servant shuddered again. “My master, Lord Nappa, bids you to the Open Arena.”

Vegeta eyed the servant. “He isn’t here?”

“No milord, he sent me to find you and tell you this. He said he would be awaiting your arrival.”

Vegeta waved him away and the servant gladly scurried back to whatever hole he’d crawled out of. The Prince glanced at the ceiling and raised his left hand up, sending off a small blast to open up a hole for him. A sly smirk touched his lips. What’s one more beating for a little redecorating? Flaring his indigo ki, he launched his body up through the hole and into the shining light of the sun. The brightness was welcomed as he cut through the heavy morning air to the Open Arena.

The outdoor arena was situated outside the city walls, surrounded by the dense foliage of the neighboring woodlands. Vegeta dropped his altitude and slowed his speed. The enormous wall of stone erupted out of the ground to heights he couldn’t fathom, built much like a coliseum. From his high vantage point, he could just make out the silhouettes of a few early morning fighters. A crease furrowed on his forehead as he studied the figures, noting that not one of them looked like his guardian. That servant will wish he hadn’t lied to me. Growling softly, he shot himself forcefully toward the arena. The sun rose higher in the sky and brightened the arena, so he could see the figures clearly. Vegeta watched Bardock and Raditz battle as he drifted slowly toward the ground. What the hell? What’s going on? Crossing his arms, he shouted. “Bardock!”

The Squad Commander hesitated his jab cross and peered over at the demanding youngster’s face. “Well, what brings you out here Prince Vegeta?”

Raditz blinked and straightened up. “You never come out here.”

Vegeta didn’t acknowledge either one. “Have you seen Nappa? I was told to meet him here.”

Bardock shook his head. “No. I haven’t”

Vegeta gritted his teeth. “I’m going to kill that servant!”

“I don’t think I would like it if you started murdering my slaves while I wasn’t looking. It wouldn’t do well to ease my current opinion about your behavior.” Nappa came striding out of the eastern entrance, dressed in his military armor.

The Prince didn’t move his head to glance at the giant, instead continued to watch Raditz, who was massaging his left bicep. “Lord Nappa.”

“Vegeta, the King desires that you train out here with Bardock’s brat.” The bald general sent Bardock a dismissive look. “You’re causing too much damage to the training fields indoors. At the rate you’re going at, the Empire won’t be able to afford to repairs.”

Vegeta smirked. “Oh, is that all?”

Nappa smirked back at the Prince while walking towards him. “No, that's not all.” He stopped directly in front of the boy, reached down and lifted him up by his shirtfront.

Vegeta snarled. “Put me down or I’ll rearrange your face!”

His guardian shook him violently. “I don’t think you will.” He grinned when the boy’s eyes blinked dizzily and his tail unwound in an attempt to stop the vertigo. “Your Tousan wanted me to give you a warning. The Intergalactic Emperor had decided to stop by to see you in a few weeks. He’s anxious to know how the young prodigy is coming along, among other things.”

A white knife of fear shot down Bardock’s spine. Frieza was coming! “Nappa, are you sure?”

The general released the Prince and turned to his inferior. “Yes, you third-class baka.” He turned back to the boy, who was clutching his rattled head. “Now, I have to prepare for the Emperor’s arrival. See to your own training and don’t destroy the arena.” Nappa spun on his heel and exited the arena the same way he came.

Vegeta's eyes finally stopped spinning and he flopped onto his back to stop his stomach from heaving. “Why me?”

Raditz, suddenly broken from his stupor after hearing the news, raised an eyebrow. “Why what?”

Vegeta glared at him from under his gloved hand. “That was a rhetorical question, but I’ll let it go because you’re a baka.” Sitting up, he hunched his shoulders and spoke dramatically. “It’s just that the Emperor has this creepy obsession with me and I…” He almost said ‘scares the kuso out of me’, but held back.

It didn’t go unfinished by Bardock. He too knew of Frieza’s sick fetish for the boy, ever since he was deemed the reborn Legendary. That was back when he was still a just a scout and scientist, before the treaty was put into play and he’d then been promoted. He watched the Prince slowly recover from his encounter and silently wondered. Does he know of the what that treaty demands of? Does he know that Frieza had been guaranteed him in order to maintain the peace between the two superpowers of the universe? “Vegeta, do you know about the Empire’s treaty concerning the saiyans?”

Vegeta looked over at Bardock and stared. “Since when have you become one of my tutors?”

Bardock crossed his arms and matched the boy’s disdainful look. “Just answer the question.”

Vegeta curled his lip back and stiffened. “Of course I know about it. How could I not know that my gracious Tousan has given me a death sentence?” The fear took hold of his lanky frame and he fought against the shivers that wanted to quake his body.

Bardock’s eldest son watched, totally perplexed. Frieza? A treaty? Death sentence? “You guys have totally lost me. What are you talking about?”

Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest and glared at him. “It figures.” His richly colored tail twitched with pronounced jolts as he strode over to continue glaring up into the older boy’s face. “Before I was born there was a saiyan uprising against Frieza. My Tousan, the King,” He added sarcastically. “was easily defeated. Mostly because of his stupidity, but Frieza overpowered him.”

Bardock bowed his head and put his hand over his eyes. The boy is certainly tenacious with his insults. “Are you following so far, son?”

“Yeah, that was the Vejitasei Revolt. It happened, like, twenty years ago.” Raditz glanced back at the Prince. “What does that have to do with anything?”

Vegeta shot Bardock an amused smile. “It amazes me that all your brains somehow escaped both of your sons.”

Radtiz clenched a fist. “I’m standing right here, Shorty.”

The Prince growled softly at the sound of his well-known and well-disliked nickname. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. “ His piercing black eyes dropped to the ground as his tail made low sweeping motions behind him. “Ever the politician, Frieza decided to cut a deal with my moronic Tousan. In exchange for sparing our entire race, a third of our soldiers would have to be enlisted in the Imperial Guard.” He stopped and Bardock thought he wouldn’t continue, but he sighed and released the tension in his shoulders. “But he didn’t stop there. He wanted something else.”

The pieces finally clicked into place for Raditz. “You.”

“Give the man a prize.” Vegeta quipped. “Yes, me. My demented sire agreed and sometime in the near future I’m going to be simply handed over to that low-life tyrant to serve.” Like I’ll ever. That lizard freak will wish he never heard the name Vegeta. He looked up from the floor. “Enough. Where is your other brat?”

Bardock watched the spectrum of emotions flit over the Saiyan no Ouji’s face. “Oh, Kakarrot will be here momentarily.”

He pointed up and they all watched a small dot steadily grow into the overly powerful third-class boy. The boy’s haphazard hair was disheveled and food could clearly be seen on the front of his training gi. “Hi!” He dropped down and trotted over to them. “What are you doing out here Vegeta?”

“Waiting to hit you, slob.” He closed his eyes.

Kakarrot frowned. “You are definitely not a morning person.”

Raditz had to hold back his laugh. “That’s for sure.” He turned back to his Tousan. “Shall we continue?”

Bardock nodded. “If you’re up to it.”

Vegeta watched Raditz launch himself at his Tousan before spreading his stance and crouching. “My lovely guardian informed me that we cause to much damage to the palace training grounds, so we’ll have to come here from now on.”

Kakarrot’s grin got wider. “I think they’re just jealous.”

Vegeta billowed his ki around him and smiled wickedly. “For the first time, I think I actually agree with you.”

Kakarrot mirrored him and they both charged. “See, you don’t hate me.”


Bulma yawned and patted at her mouth. Almost finished. Her deft fingers raced over the keys, swiftly constructing the companion equations that were needed for the chemical processes her Tousan was doing for Bardock while he trained. The numbers and symbols blurred together as she worked and she was soon rubbing her eyes to remove the fuzz. Great, I'll be here forever trying to rid of this.

"Bulma, are you alright?" Trunks came up behind his daughter and rested a palm on her back.

"Yeah, my eyes are just a little tired. That's all." She finished and turned to beam him with a smile.

Trunks couldn't help but smile back. The shape and contours of her face reminded his so much of his beloved it was painful. "Okay, why don't you take a break?"

Bulma's grin widened. "You mean I don't have to finish all those workups that Bardock wants me to do?" Ever since her falling out with Socul, Bardock had taken on the challenge of tutoring her, along with all his other duties. Like I ever want to go back to that old creep.

He knew what she was doing. "No." He folded his arms over his chest at her I-should-have-known face. "But," Her face brightened. "I'll let you leave it until later. I'm giving you-" He glanced at his wristwatch. "-three hours of free time."

Bulma shot out of her chair and threw her arms around his neck. "Arigatou Otousan!" She pecked his cheek and dropped to the ground running toward the closest window. "I finished the calculations, so you can finish your work." Hopping onto the ledge like a cat, she called back over her shoulder. "Ai shiteru! Ja ne!" With that, she leapt from the sill.

Trunks smiled grimly before turning back to the computer. "Oh, she'll find something to get into."

Bulma flew around for awhile, just enjoying the morning air to the fullest. Looping, diving, and gliding, she caressed the sky until she found herself near the city walls. Hovering in the dewy breeze she stared at the mountainous wall the surround the city and the Palace. Why would a race this strong need a wall around their city? Bulma knew there were some formidable creatures lurking in Vejitasei's forests, but nothing that could compare to a Saiyan. Even my Kaasan would have been strong enough. Ignoring the dull ache that filled her, she rubbed her upper arms and flew on. Beyond the wall were acres and acres of woodlands, and beyond that were the planet's lakes, each surrounded by a almost desert-like atmosphere. Bulma shrugged her shoulders and then promptly forgot any of her musings when her eyes came upon the Open Arena. Bardock is training with Raditz today. I can't wait to see him get what he deserves.

She increased her speed and came to an abrupt halt when she saw the other two combatants. "Kakarrot and Vegeta?" Thoroughly vexed, she dropped down to the arena floor and settled down against the west hall, totally unoticed by the fighters. Her eyes strayed to each battle, before hopping back and forth. It seemed that Bardock was holding well back on his much younger opponent. Bulma watched intentedly as Raditz threw a particularly fierce jab, only to have his Tousan grab his wrist and whirl him around. She winced when he was finally released, cartwheeling through the air to slam into the wall to the left of her. Ouch, that's gonna leave a mark. Bulma could only huff when he emerged unscathed, ready for more. Alright, what's the deal? Why am I the only one that bruises around here? Her mentally pity-party was cut short by a violent scream. All heads turned, including the other fighters, to see Vegeta powering up on the ground. Bulma's eyes widened. Holy crap! Vegeta's teeth were clenched tightly and his body was pulled into a deep crouch, his hands fisted at his sides. His indigo aura swirled larger, sending gusts of mock wind around the arena. Bulma used her senses to feel his ki and she gasped. "He's stronger than anyone I've ever felt!"

At her sudden outburst, Radtiz whipped his head around and saw her on her hands and knees, leaning forward in awe. "Bulma? What are you doing out here?"

She didn't even turn to look at him. "Who cares? This is amazing!"

Raditz rolled his eyes. "Just wait. He's not the only one."

Before she could question him, Kakarrot finally responded to the blatant challenge. Pulling his arms tightly to his sides, he screamed out. The surge of ki astounded her and she couldn't even fathom what those power levels would actually calculate to. The shouts suddenly stopped and the boys waited only a few seconds before launching themselves at each other. They moved so fast, she could see them powered down. Concentrating, she raised her ki level and smiled when the boys finally came into view. I wish I could be that fast. Despite her heightened ki, their kicks and punches were still too fast for her to see and she could only watch awestruck. "Awesome."

Raditz scoffed. "Oh please, most of the adult population is still stronger than them. Including my Tousan and I, not to mention all the elites that fight."

Bulma tore her gaze away and glared at him. "I know that. What I meant was that Bardock keeps saying I'm almost as strong as Kakarrot and I don't know how that could be." Her eyes had fallen to the ground during her speech.

"Oh." Raditz felt like kicking himself. Score one for the bakayaro. "Well, ask my Tousan. I'm sure he'll explain, I mean he finished studying your fighting two weeks ago."

Bardock, who'd been listening to the entire exchange from up above, lowered himself to stand beside his fourteen-year-old son. "Bulma is a special case."

Bulma raised an eyebrow. "Special?"

"Yes. You possess an enormous power, very close to those two over there." He gestured to the boys duking it out.

"How come I can't feel it?" Bulma planted her hands on her hips.

Bardock smiled at her attitude. "I believe that to acess that vast well of energy, you must learn to control your emotions."

"Nani?" Bulma glared.

Bardock held up a hand. "Easy, down girl. What I mean is, you can only tap into it during a rush of extreme emotion." He dropped his head in thought. "Well, at least the highest of your potential. Like after losing a loved one."

Bulma's rage disappeared in a nanosecond. "That's why I hurt Raditz and knocked out Kakarrot." Tears welled in her eyes and both males panicked.

Bardock tried to cover his mistake. "In any of your other fights, it was there lurking under the surface, only showing itself in terms of your endurance and control. It also protected you subconsciously whenever your guard happened to be down and you were hit."

Raditz turned to him. "That's why I never really could damage her?"

Bardock shook his head. "No, you could damage her, but never her well of energy. Her body was damaged, but not the energy. Understand?" He added when his son's brow furrowed in confusion.

Bulma sighed. "It's like this. My body will give out before my energy will. Unless I somehow tap into it, then my body can keep up."

Raditz nodded. "Okay, I get it now."

In the midst of their discussion, all three failed to notice that the boys had powered down and were now watching them. Kakarrot scratched his head and glanced over at the Prince. "I wonder what's so interesting."

Vegeta eyed the girl and rolled his head around his shoulders. "Probably more girl drama."

Kakarrot giggled and started towards them. "Hey guys!"

All three turned in unison and stared at him as he came over, followed slowly by the Saiyan no Ouji. Bulma managed a smile. "Hey Kakarrot. Who won?"

The six-year-old turned and grinned at his friend. "Vegeta got the drop on me and we decided to call it a day. So what's so important that you're all talking serious?"

Bardock laid a hand on his son's head. "Sorry, but it's none of your business."

Kakarrot frowned. "No fair."

Vegeta's eyes met her startled blue ones during the exchange and held. Her tail coiled self-consciously around her thigh under his piercing gaze and he could see her shudder. He grinned maniacally. So she's nervous? He relaxed and concentrated on that runaway train of a mind of hers. "What's with all the jitters?"

Bulma felt better now that he was speaking. All that silent animosity scared the crap out of her. "I'm just cold. What do you want?"

"Cold my tail, you're nervous." His eyes narrowed as his tail wafted up behind his head. "Is it because you're afraid of what I might do to you?"

Bulma shook her head. "I'm always afraid, but not of you." She ran a hand through her blue locks before continuing. "I'm sorry about your tail. Really. I should have known better." Shaking her head, she fought the sudden sobs that tried to free themselves from her throat.

Raditz was beside her instantly. "Are you alright?"

Bulma's composure snapped like a twig. "No! I'm not alright! I'll never be alright!" She knew he didn't deserve it, but it couldn't stop the words from spewing from her mouth. Backpeddling away from them, she spun and took off. "Just leave me alone!"

Raditz stood gaping in shock. What'd I do? "Bulma, wait!" He started to lift off, when a large hand held his shoulder.

Bardock shook his head. "Let her go. She'll be fine."

Kakarrot continued to frown. "Didn't look like it."

The Prince stood silently. Her words had bothered him more than they should and he couldn't for the life of him figure out why. His hooded eyes lifted from the dirt floor to the speck that was her ki aura. His mind managed to catch a snatch of the words being tossed around him and he answered. "I know where she's going." He unfolded his arms and walked past the little family.

Raditz shook his head. "I'm afraid she'll hurt herself, Tousan."

Vegeta snorted. "You're such a pansy. Don't ever admit you're afraid. It kills the warrior image."

Raditz growled and held up a fist. "I don't give a kuso what you think."

Vegeta billowed out his ki. "I don't give kuso either, but calm you're little girly nerves. I'll find her." Without waiting for a word, he shot off into the sky.

Kakarrot scratched his head again. "I hope he know what he's doing."

Bardock sighed. "You and me both, son."

A/N: Huh, I thought I'd have more reviews by now. Thanks Chiku, it means a lot. I'll trudge on valiantly regardless. I like writing too much not too- so don't worry. Well, the plot is thickening and what will our characters do? How will Vegeta possibly clear the air with Bulma? And what's with Frieza? Stay tuned readers! Ciao~Ravenreux