Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Hybrid ❯ Truce ( Chapter 6 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Ravenreux 
Bulma and Vegeta fight, while Frieza intimidates the King.
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.31.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 538 | Status: Completed
Bulma and Vegeta fight, while Frieza intimidates the King.
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.31.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 538 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ. If you don't believe me, I'll let my horse kick you. Ow.
Chapter 6
Vegeta flew at a moderate pace. He wasn't in a hurry. In all actuality, he wasn't going at his normal speed because he had no idea what he was doing. His mouth twitched with indecision as his eyes saw the rusty beach up ahead and his stomach knotted with nervousness. Great. The Saiyan no Ouji is nervous. He slowed and just floated in the air above the beach. His pitch black gaze fell on the small form huddled in a ball near the water's edge. All over a dumb girl. What was I thinking coming out here? Shaking his head, he lowered himself down until he was once again sitting on the rock that he had sat on before. If he had wanted to speak, the words wouldn't form, so he just sat there silently. C'mon Vegeta, get a grip. She's just a girl. It still didn't help and he continued to just watch.
Her back was to him;she was facing the dark green water. Her slender legs were folded so that her knees pressed against her chest and her chin could rest on them. Her arms held the legs in place, clasped tightly in front of her shins while her tail lay limp in the brick red sand. Despite the stiffness in her body, he could still see the slight tremors that accompanied the almost silent sobs she was making. He couldn't see her face because of the blue curtain of her hair, but he knew that it was streaked with wet furrows from her tears.
Bulma clenched her eyes tighter against the heavy stare at her back. Why'd he have to come? I don't want him to see me like this! She opened her mouth and breathed out. "What do you want?"
Vegeta swiped the tip of his tail back and forth across the top of the rock he sat on. "I have a question."
His tone was oddly quiet and she almost turned around. "A question?" She asked.
Vegeta huffed. "Yes, a question." He wanted to add more, but didn't think he could handle it if she shrieked. My ears just might bleed.
She mulled it over in her head. I guess I could let him ask if he followed me all the way out here. Again. I just don't hope I regret it. Slowly, she loosened her hands and used one to swipe her hair back behind her ears. "Fine." She sniffed. "Ask away."
"What were you humming when I followed you here the first time?"
Bulma just blinked, her wet lashes sticking together. "Nani?" She'd thought he'd have some kind of remark to make about what she'd said at the Arena.
Vegeta closed his eyes and sighed. "You know, right before I smacked you with the wave. You were humming something I've never heard before."
Her gaze dropped to the ground. That's right. I was humming. Huh, who knew he'd care to know. Lifting her glittering blue eyes, she met his. "It was 'You Are My Sunshine'. It's a Chikyuu lullaby that my Kaasan was fond of." Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks at the memory of her mother swinging her by her tail in their old garden. Wiping furiously, she sniffed. "She used to sing it to me after my Tousan sang it once. She said it was the perfect song to describe me" Unbidden memories flashed through her head and she hid her face back between her knees. I remember everything, but her face! Tears welled anew and sped down her flushed cheeks, dripping off of her chin. "I can't see her face anymore. It's like there's a huge blur over where it should be." She lifted her head up and wiped furiously at her face, her nose stuffy as she looked over at him.
Vegeta's eyes dropped. He didn't want her to see in case he let something show, because he knew what she was talking about. He'd only been four years old when his Kaasan was ruthlessly taken away. Any memories he had of her were blurred and faint, but he dreamed a lot. A lot about what could of been if she hadn't left. Crossing his arms, he shut his eyes and willed the pain away. I am the Saiyan Prince. I do not need to be wallowing in self-pity. When he lifted his head, her blazing blue eyes were trained on his face. "Nani?"
She dropped her legs so that they were set indian style. "You know, I asked Bardock where the Queen was because I've never seen her, and he said that it's forbidden to speak of her." She waited a breath and continued when his face remained impassive. "She's dead, isn't she? Your Kaasan."
He jerked his head to look out over the water, watching the ripples of the waves as they rolled into the shore. I might as well tell her, she'll never stop asking if I don't. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he tried to speak emotionlessly. "My Tousan had her executed after he suspected her of adultery." The rage that he felt whenever he was near the King surfaced quickly, screwing his face into a hateful sneer. "My Kaasan would have never done that. She may have hated him, but she had her honor." His hands clenched into fists and he gritted his teeth.
Bulma eyes were wide with fear at the venomous tone of his voice. Oh my Kami! "I'm so sorry." She could clearly see the pain etched across his face, even though she knew he was trying to hide it. She wanted to dash over and hug him, but the thought of over-stepping her bounds again-emotionally or physically-held her back. Instead, she hesitantly posed another question. "H..how o.old were you?"
"Four standard years." His voice was hoarse from holding back his emotions.
Kami, he was just a little, little kid! Bulma subconsciously hugged herself. Raditz had told her that his Kaasan had died when she gave birth to Kakarrot, and he had been at least her age. Kakarrot's simpler ways seemed to make it easier for all three of them to cope with their loss. Now she watched Vegeta vibrate with rage and didn't know what to say, so she said nothing.
She shyly dragged her dainty fingers through the rusted sand and watched thoughtfully as it drifted off of her palm with the seabreeze. It reminded her of her Kaasan's hair, thick and unruly, like any other Saiyan's. She had always tied it back at the nape of her neck with the emerald green sash her Tousan had given her on the anniversary of her arrival. Bulma smiled quietly and glanced over at the boy that was the planet's Prince. He wasn't wearing his armor, so his richly colored cape wasn't fluttering around his body. It fits him just like Mama's sash fit her. She noted the tension in his body and straightened up. I know a way to help him. Bulma dusted off her palms and got to her feet, smoothing out the wrinkles in the black training gi Bardock had given her when she'd shredded her Chikyuu-jin clothes. "Hey Vegeta, I want you to fight me."
Vegeta's eyes whipped around suspiciously. "Why?"
Bulma smiled confidently and tugged at the sleeves of the shirt she wore beneath the gi. "Because I want you too." She stretched her arms up over her head and cocked her head to the side. "I want to experience fighting the 'Legendary'." She delibrately injected an ooing vibe just to goad him. Maybe I'm crazy for doing this, but I hate seeing him like that. The thought paused her stretching motions. Hmm...I never used to worry about other people before. Shrugging, she continued stretching her slim boyish body.
A muscle ticked in his jaw. She is asking for it. Turning his body to face her, he dropped his chin to glare from under lidded eyes. "Don't say I didn't warn you." His dark eyes slid shut and his entire body relaxed to the point it looked like it might just sag into the dark sand.
She raised an eyebrow. He looks asleep. His arms hung loosely at his sides while his face still scowled menacingly. Well, more like a ticking time bomb. Shrugging, she slid her long sleeves up to her elbows and locked herself into a sparring stance. She moved her feet until they were wider than her shoulders and lowered her torso by bending her knees. Pulling her arms close to her left side, she concentrated on finding the thread of her ki and channeling it. The sand around her feet started to roll away from in haste from the power she was raising inside her body. Bulma trained her eyes on her target, still as a statue, and flared her ki around her in a protective aura. Smiling smugly, she briefly closed her eyes and opened them again only to gasp. "Where'd he go?"
"Right here." Before she could react, his booted foot lashed out and connected with her back, right between her shoulder blades. A small cry escaped her lips as she sailed forward into the dark colored sand.
Wonderful. Bulma pulled her face out of the dirt and shook it swiftly to remove the sand from her head. The motion caused pain to shoot through her skull and she grimaced. Jeez, he packs a wallop. Gingerly, she got up and immediately raised her arms to defend herself against his hurried onslaught. Teeth clenched tightly, she could only block and dodge the flurry of jabs, hooks and uppercuts he sent her way in an attempt to knock her out. When that didn't break through, he shifted to his feet and then mixed it up. Bulma had never been attacked like this before, not even when she first fought Kakarrot almost six months ago. Slowly the anger swelled inside her and her eyes narrowed. I'm not going to be his punching bag. He shot out a hook and as she dodged, she brought both hands in front of her chest and shoved her energy out through her palms in a brilliant blue blast.
The heat scorched the front of his uniform as the blast easily pushed him higher into Vejitasei's gray sky. Twisting his body, he managed to bounce off the blast and hover. Sweat beaded along his brow and throat as he surveyed the damage. A few minor scrapes and a large tear in his shirt were the only marks of her blast, and it infuriated him. Harpy. His acute eyesight zeroed in on her small form below him on the beach as he reached his hands to his shoulder. Grinning evilly, he pressed his left palm to the back of his right hand, a pulsating violet ball of energy swelling in his grasp. Beat this! His body trembled as he gathered his power and threw his hands out in front of him, the ball of energy sailing from him as he screamed. "Galic Gun!"
Bulma huffed a breath and turned her head up to stare at him. That should keep...Holy kuso! The size of the energy wave coming toward her was mind-boggling and she remained motionless as it barreled toward her. The buzzing in her ears blocked out all sounds as she tried to take in the sheer enormity of it. How? How is that even possible? I can't do something like that! Even as the thoughts were racing through her scared mind, her body was reacting instinctually. Pulling her limbs close to her body as she floated, her ki started to skyrocket subconsciously. Adrenaline coursed through her veins as she suddenly snapped out of her confused trance. "Ah! What the hell am I supposed to do?" The violence of the purple blast increased as it neared and she whirled through her brain trying to remember what she'd been taught. Your first line of defense is a ki shield when defending a blast. If that doesn't prove sufficient enough to dispose of the energy, an answering blast of higher power must be used. At least that's what Bardock is always telling me. Bulma knew her body had already erected a shield, so she steeled herself and waited. I don't know if I have enough strength to turn his blast back.
"What are you trying to do?! Kill me?!" Even as the words came out her mouth, she knew she shouldn't be as disbelieving as she sounded. She had asked him to fight at a time when killing had been his number one thought. Swallowing grimly, she lifted her hands up, splayed to recieve the blast. My timing really sucks. The violent color enveloped her as she shuddered against the sheer magnitude of it. It pressed on all sides of her, crushing the very breath from her lungs as she exploded outward with her ki. The pressure lessened somewhat, but her body was almost convulsing in the effort to rebound the energy away from her. A fleeting thought touched her mind as she gave one finally shove upward. I should really just mind my own business!
Vegeta watched in disbelief as his carefully crafted energy blast careened past him and through the planet's atmosphere. How in Kami's name did she do that? His face hardened into a nasty snarl, he shot toward the beach were he saw her body sprawled out on the sand. He landed silently and stared at the torn up girl that was laid out before him. Her clothes were ripped and her skin was blackened from burns, but a dreamy smile caressed her pretty face. Vegeta shook his head. Pretty? Not caring to know where that came from, he rested his arms across his chest, ignoring the burning ache that resided in them. "I think it's a little late for 'I told you so'."
Bulma pried her reluctant eyes open and wiggled her fingers to make sure they still had feeling. Carefully, she slid her arms up so she could rest on her elbows. Her double vision stilled on his livid visage. "What do you call that thing?"
"A Galic Gun." His voice was a bit scratchy from screaming.
"Oh," She flinched as she sat up all the way. "just checking. I thought maybe you'd lost your mind and your control." Grimacing, pain flared in just about every region of her body as she staggered to her feet. I'm alive, I hope.
His eyes noted every nuance of pain she announced with her body and felt satisfied. At least she'll be in pain for awhile. "The Prince of all Saiyans doesn't lose control."
Bulma could hear his indignancy and glared at him. "Alright, I've had it! Enough with this tit-for-tat crap!" She clutched her throbbing head as her voice reached deafening heights. "I get it, you're the Prince! You're always right! You always win! Forgive me for thinking otherwise!" The needle-like pains were unbeabable. "Can't we just call a truce?" The intensity was gone and she could only whisper in order to hold back her sob.
He watched her writhe and yell. He wasn't ashamed about putting her in her place, but grudgingly admitted that he regretted loosening his anger on her. Shrugging, he turned away. "I guess." Then he cursed and shot off the ground like a bullet.
Bulma watched him go and felt peaceful. As if being burnt and in overwhelming pain was peaceful, she thought wryly.
Twirling his wrist slowly, he watched uncaringly as the blood red wine swirled like syrup in his goblet. It reminded him of when he had been a boy and sent to purge planets as part of his coming of age. Back then it wasn't a fermented imitation of the real thing, but a true lifeblood. He'd drunk his fill out of the bodies of his victims and reveled in the feeling it had roused in him. A euphoric effect, it had sent his bloodlust howling for more. Eventually he didn't even need to taste the coppery fluid in order to get the high. Just the panic-striken faces of his victims had been enough. Tightening his grip on the cup, he tossed back the remainder of the traitorous drink and chucked the glass. The resounding shatter did little to improve his mood.
Glaring at the man sitting opposite him, he grunted. "Well?"
"It seems, Milord, that the boy spends much of his time with Bardock and his whelps."
The King heard his lingering tone. "And?"
"He also has taken a liking to that paltry creature that that third class baka has been studying."
"I never put much stock into that brat of mine. He apparently didn't recieve the right genes." Discarding the thoughts of his offspring, he leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table. "Continue to track him. I want to know every move the little wretch makes." He knew in his gut that the boy was bad and all he had to do was wait for him to make the wrong move, then he'd disown him. He closed his eyes. He was too much like that lying whore and the next King would not be a descendant of her blood.
Nappa nodded. "Yes sire." He stood from the council chair and laid his right hand over his chest. "Lord Frieza also wished to speak with you this evening regarding his arrival."
The King bristled at the sound of the tyrant's name. A burning hate erupted every time he heard it. "Very well. I'll see to the pale yaro momentarily." He waved the General from the room and turned his head to glance at the large video screen that hung from the ceiling. "Contact that freak's battle ship. I want this over with."
The guard he'd addressed scurried out of sight. He waited only a moment before the screen flashed blue and the words 'stand by' were printed on it. A few seconds later the screen switched and he was staring into the only face that could make him feel any real figment of fear. His black lips curling into a feminine smile, Frieza spoke. "It's been a while since I've seen you Vegeta. You're looking well."
It wouldn't do well to insult the most powerful being in the universe, so he held his tongue. "It's King Vegeta."
"Yes, yes. My mistake." He waved dismissively. "I'll just cut right to the chase, since you never were one for small talk. I'll be arriving in five days time to check in on my-" He paused for emphasis. "-investments and to gather my next installment of soldiers." He reached off screen and brought a glass filled with a strange green liquid to his lips, drinking a moment before replacing it to wherever he'd gotten it. "I expect to be recieved without resistance, or I'll have to resort to measures we both know you don't want."
The King's jaw clenched. The more he spoke, the more the lizard's gaze turned hard. The obvious disgust was mutual and neither chose to hide it. "Of course." The tone of his voice left little to the imagination.
And it only amused Frieza more. The lights glinted off of his horns as he chuckled sinisterly. "Not much for words, are you?" Before the King could respond, he continued. "But I digress. I know full well that your council members wish for an audience with me, but don't kid yourself. Thoses bakas aren't the reason I'm coming and even I don't think I have to tell you why." His eery eyes narrowed. "It's time for you to pay up or else." He laughed crazily. "I always wanted to say that to you, Vegeta. It's so fitting." His chuckles ceased and he glared. "Five days Saiyan."
Shivers crawled down his spine after the screen went black. Willing them away, he sat back into his chair and sighed. He could handle the looney lizard as long as it wasn't fist to fist. He'd lost once and he wouldn't lose again.
A/N: Thank you for taking the time to review my work artchic, because I take your opinions seriously. Now, to all those that read and don't review, I'm disappointed. It's not hard to tell me without a lot of words whether or not my fic is any good. I have this story posted on ff.net as well and have gotten a ton of feedback. If I don't get some more responses, maybe I won't post anymore on this site. I'm sad.
BTW~Happy Halloween! Ravenreux
Chapter 6
Vegeta flew at a moderate pace. He wasn't in a hurry. In all actuality, he wasn't going at his normal speed because he had no idea what he was doing. His mouth twitched with indecision as his eyes saw the rusty beach up ahead and his stomach knotted with nervousness. Great. The Saiyan no Ouji is nervous. He slowed and just floated in the air above the beach. His pitch black gaze fell on the small form huddled in a ball near the water's edge. All over a dumb girl. What was I thinking coming out here? Shaking his head, he lowered himself down until he was once again sitting on the rock that he had sat on before. If he had wanted to speak, the words wouldn't form, so he just sat there silently. C'mon Vegeta, get a grip. She's just a girl. It still didn't help and he continued to just watch.
Her back was to him;she was facing the dark green water. Her slender legs were folded so that her knees pressed against her chest and her chin could rest on them. Her arms held the legs in place, clasped tightly in front of her shins while her tail lay limp in the brick red sand. Despite the stiffness in her body, he could still see the slight tremors that accompanied the almost silent sobs she was making. He couldn't see her face because of the blue curtain of her hair, but he knew that it was streaked with wet furrows from her tears.
Bulma clenched her eyes tighter against the heavy stare at her back. Why'd he have to come? I don't want him to see me like this! She opened her mouth and breathed out. "What do you want?"
Vegeta swiped the tip of his tail back and forth across the top of the rock he sat on. "I have a question."
His tone was oddly quiet and she almost turned around. "A question?" She asked.
Vegeta huffed. "Yes, a question." He wanted to add more, but didn't think he could handle it if she shrieked. My ears just might bleed.
She mulled it over in her head. I guess I could let him ask if he followed me all the way out here. Again. I just don't hope I regret it. Slowly, she loosened her hands and used one to swipe her hair back behind her ears. "Fine." She sniffed. "Ask away."
"What were you humming when I followed you here the first time?"
Bulma just blinked, her wet lashes sticking together. "Nani?" She'd thought he'd have some kind of remark to make about what she'd said at the Arena.
Vegeta closed his eyes and sighed. "You know, right before I smacked you with the wave. You were humming something I've never heard before."
Her gaze dropped to the ground. That's right. I was humming. Huh, who knew he'd care to know. Lifting her glittering blue eyes, she met his. "It was 'You Are My Sunshine'. It's a Chikyuu lullaby that my Kaasan was fond of." Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks at the memory of her mother swinging her by her tail in their old garden. Wiping furiously, she sniffed. "She used to sing it to me after my Tousan sang it once. She said it was the perfect song to describe me" Unbidden memories flashed through her head and she hid her face back between her knees. I remember everything, but her face! Tears welled anew and sped down her flushed cheeks, dripping off of her chin. "I can't see her face anymore. It's like there's a huge blur over where it should be." She lifted her head up and wiped furiously at her face, her nose stuffy as she looked over at him.
Vegeta's eyes dropped. He didn't want her to see in case he let something show, because he knew what she was talking about. He'd only been four years old when his Kaasan was ruthlessly taken away. Any memories he had of her were blurred and faint, but he dreamed a lot. A lot about what could of been if she hadn't left. Crossing his arms, he shut his eyes and willed the pain away. I am the Saiyan Prince. I do not need to be wallowing in self-pity. When he lifted his head, her blazing blue eyes were trained on his face. "Nani?"
She dropped her legs so that they were set indian style. "You know, I asked Bardock where the Queen was because I've never seen her, and he said that it's forbidden to speak of her." She waited a breath and continued when his face remained impassive. "She's dead, isn't she? Your Kaasan."
He jerked his head to look out over the water, watching the ripples of the waves as they rolled into the shore. I might as well tell her, she'll never stop asking if I don't. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he tried to speak emotionlessly. "My Tousan had her executed after he suspected her of adultery." The rage that he felt whenever he was near the King surfaced quickly, screwing his face into a hateful sneer. "My Kaasan would have never done that. She may have hated him, but she had her honor." His hands clenched into fists and he gritted his teeth.
Bulma eyes were wide with fear at the venomous tone of his voice. Oh my Kami! "I'm so sorry." She could clearly see the pain etched across his face, even though she knew he was trying to hide it. She wanted to dash over and hug him, but the thought of over-stepping her bounds again-emotionally or physically-held her back. Instead, she hesitantly posed another question. "H..how o.old were you?"
"Four standard years." His voice was hoarse from holding back his emotions.
Kami, he was just a little, little kid! Bulma subconsciously hugged herself. Raditz had told her that his Kaasan had died when she gave birth to Kakarrot, and he had been at least her age. Kakarrot's simpler ways seemed to make it easier for all three of them to cope with their loss. Now she watched Vegeta vibrate with rage and didn't know what to say, so she said nothing.
She shyly dragged her dainty fingers through the rusted sand and watched thoughtfully as it drifted off of her palm with the seabreeze. It reminded her of her Kaasan's hair, thick and unruly, like any other Saiyan's. She had always tied it back at the nape of her neck with the emerald green sash her Tousan had given her on the anniversary of her arrival. Bulma smiled quietly and glanced over at the boy that was the planet's Prince. He wasn't wearing his armor, so his richly colored cape wasn't fluttering around his body. It fits him just like Mama's sash fit her. She noted the tension in his body and straightened up. I know a way to help him. Bulma dusted off her palms and got to her feet, smoothing out the wrinkles in the black training gi Bardock had given her when she'd shredded her Chikyuu-jin clothes. "Hey Vegeta, I want you to fight me."
Vegeta's eyes whipped around suspiciously. "Why?"
Bulma smiled confidently and tugged at the sleeves of the shirt she wore beneath the gi. "Because I want you too." She stretched her arms up over her head and cocked her head to the side. "I want to experience fighting the 'Legendary'." She delibrately injected an ooing vibe just to goad him. Maybe I'm crazy for doing this, but I hate seeing him like that. The thought paused her stretching motions. Hmm...I never used to worry about other people before. Shrugging, she continued stretching her slim boyish body.
A muscle ticked in his jaw. She is asking for it. Turning his body to face her, he dropped his chin to glare from under lidded eyes. "Don't say I didn't warn you." His dark eyes slid shut and his entire body relaxed to the point it looked like it might just sag into the dark sand.
She raised an eyebrow. He looks asleep. His arms hung loosely at his sides while his face still scowled menacingly. Well, more like a ticking time bomb. Shrugging, she slid her long sleeves up to her elbows and locked herself into a sparring stance. She moved her feet until they were wider than her shoulders and lowered her torso by bending her knees. Pulling her arms close to her left side, she concentrated on finding the thread of her ki and channeling it. The sand around her feet started to roll away from in haste from the power she was raising inside her body. Bulma trained her eyes on her target, still as a statue, and flared her ki around her in a protective aura. Smiling smugly, she briefly closed her eyes and opened them again only to gasp. "Where'd he go?"
"Right here." Before she could react, his booted foot lashed out and connected with her back, right between her shoulder blades. A small cry escaped her lips as she sailed forward into the dark colored sand.
Wonderful. Bulma pulled her face out of the dirt and shook it swiftly to remove the sand from her head. The motion caused pain to shoot through her skull and she grimaced. Jeez, he packs a wallop. Gingerly, she got up and immediately raised her arms to defend herself against his hurried onslaught. Teeth clenched tightly, she could only block and dodge the flurry of jabs, hooks and uppercuts he sent her way in an attempt to knock her out. When that didn't break through, he shifted to his feet and then mixed it up. Bulma had never been attacked like this before, not even when she first fought Kakarrot almost six months ago. Slowly the anger swelled inside her and her eyes narrowed. I'm not going to be his punching bag. He shot out a hook and as she dodged, she brought both hands in front of her chest and shoved her energy out through her palms in a brilliant blue blast.
The heat scorched the front of his uniform as the blast easily pushed him higher into Vejitasei's gray sky. Twisting his body, he managed to bounce off the blast and hover. Sweat beaded along his brow and throat as he surveyed the damage. A few minor scrapes and a large tear in his shirt were the only marks of her blast, and it infuriated him. Harpy. His acute eyesight zeroed in on her small form below him on the beach as he reached his hands to his shoulder. Grinning evilly, he pressed his left palm to the back of his right hand, a pulsating violet ball of energy swelling in his grasp. Beat this! His body trembled as he gathered his power and threw his hands out in front of him, the ball of energy sailing from him as he screamed. "Galic Gun!"
Bulma huffed a breath and turned her head up to stare at him. That should keep...Holy kuso! The size of the energy wave coming toward her was mind-boggling and she remained motionless as it barreled toward her. The buzzing in her ears blocked out all sounds as she tried to take in the sheer enormity of it. How? How is that even possible? I can't do something like that! Even as the thoughts were racing through her scared mind, her body was reacting instinctually. Pulling her limbs close to her body as she floated, her ki started to skyrocket subconsciously. Adrenaline coursed through her veins as she suddenly snapped out of her confused trance. "Ah! What the hell am I supposed to do?" The violence of the purple blast increased as it neared and she whirled through her brain trying to remember what she'd been taught. Your first line of defense is a ki shield when defending a blast. If that doesn't prove sufficient enough to dispose of the energy, an answering blast of higher power must be used. At least that's what Bardock is always telling me. Bulma knew her body had already erected a shield, so she steeled herself and waited. I don't know if I have enough strength to turn his blast back.
"What are you trying to do?! Kill me?!" Even as the words came out her mouth, she knew she shouldn't be as disbelieving as she sounded. She had asked him to fight at a time when killing had been his number one thought. Swallowing grimly, she lifted her hands up, splayed to recieve the blast. My timing really sucks. The violent color enveloped her as she shuddered against the sheer magnitude of it. It pressed on all sides of her, crushing the very breath from her lungs as she exploded outward with her ki. The pressure lessened somewhat, but her body was almost convulsing in the effort to rebound the energy away from her. A fleeting thought touched her mind as she gave one finally shove upward. I should really just mind my own business!
Vegeta watched in disbelief as his carefully crafted energy blast careened past him and through the planet's atmosphere. How in Kami's name did she do that? His face hardened into a nasty snarl, he shot toward the beach were he saw her body sprawled out on the sand. He landed silently and stared at the torn up girl that was laid out before him. Her clothes were ripped and her skin was blackened from burns, but a dreamy smile caressed her pretty face. Vegeta shook his head. Pretty? Not caring to know where that came from, he rested his arms across his chest, ignoring the burning ache that resided in them. "I think it's a little late for 'I told you so'."
Bulma pried her reluctant eyes open and wiggled her fingers to make sure they still had feeling. Carefully, she slid her arms up so she could rest on her elbows. Her double vision stilled on his livid visage. "What do you call that thing?"
"A Galic Gun." His voice was a bit scratchy from screaming.
"Oh," She flinched as she sat up all the way. "just checking. I thought maybe you'd lost your mind and your control." Grimacing, pain flared in just about every region of her body as she staggered to her feet. I'm alive, I hope.
His eyes noted every nuance of pain she announced with her body and felt satisfied. At least she'll be in pain for awhile. "The Prince of all Saiyans doesn't lose control."
Bulma could hear his indignancy and glared at him. "Alright, I've had it! Enough with this tit-for-tat crap!" She clutched her throbbing head as her voice reached deafening heights. "I get it, you're the Prince! You're always right! You always win! Forgive me for thinking otherwise!" The needle-like pains were unbeabable. "Can't we just call a truce?" The intensity was gone and she could only whisper in order to hold back her sob.
He watched her writhe and yell. He wasn't ashamed about putting her in her place, but grudgingly admitted that he regretted loosening his anger on her. Shrugging, he turned away. "I guess." Then he cursed and shot off the ground like a bullet.
Bulma watched him go and felt peaceful. As if being burnt and in overwhelming pain was peaceful, she thought wryly.
Twirling his wrist slowly, he watched uncaringly as the blood red wine swirled like syrup in his goblet. It reminded him of when he had been a boy and sent to purge planets as part of his coming of age. Back then it wasn't a fermented imitation of the real thing, but a true lifeblood. He'd drunk his fill out of the bodies of his victims and reveled in the feeling it had roused in him. A euphoric effect, it had sent his bloodlust howling for more. Eventually he didn't even need to taste the coppery fluid in order to get the high. Just the panic-striken faces of his victims had been enough. Tightening his grip on the cup, he tossed back the remainder of the traitorous drink and chucked the glass. The resounding shatter did little to improve his mood.
Glaring at the man sitting opposite him, he grunted. "Well?"
"It seems, Milord, that the boy spends much of his time with Bardock and his whelps."
The King heard his lingering tone. "And?"
"He also has taken a liking to that paltry creature that that third class baka has been studying."
"I never put much stock into that brat of mine. He apparently didn't recieve the right genes." Discarding the thoughts of his offspring, he leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table. "Continue to track him. I want to know every move the little wretch makes." He knew in his gut that the boy was bad and all he had to do was wait for him to make the wrong move, then he'd disown him. He closed his eyes. He was too much like that lying whore and the next King would not be a descendant of her blood.
Nappa nodded. "Yes sire." He stood from the council chair and laid his right hand over his chest. "Lord Frieza also wished to speak with you this evening regarding his arrival."
The King bristled at the sound of the tyrant's name. A burning hate erupted every time he heard it. "Very well. I'll see to the pale yaro momentarily." He waved the General from the room and turned his head to glance at the large video screen that hung from the ceiling. "Contact that freak's battle ship. I want this over with."
The guard he'd addressed scurried out of sight. He waited only a moment before the screen flashed blue and the words 'stand by' were printed on it. A few seconds later the screen switched and he was staring into the only face that could make him feel any real figment of fear. His black lips curling into a feminine smile, Frieza spoke. "It's been a while since I've seen you Vegeta. You're looking well."
It wouldn't do well to insult the most powerful being in the universe, so he held his tongue. "It's King Vegeta."
"Yes, yes. My mistake." He waved dismissively. "I'll just cut right to the chase, since you never were one for small talk. I'll be arriving in five days time to check in on my-" He paused for emphasis. "-investments and to gather my next installment of soldiers." He reached off screen and brought a glass filled with a strange green liquid to his lips, drinking a moment before replacing it to wherever he'd gotten it. "I expect to be recieved without resistance, or I'll have to resort to measures we both know you don't want."
The King's jaw clenched. The more he spoke, the more the lizard's gaze turned hard. The obvious disgust was mutual and neither chose to hide it. "Of course." The tone of his voice left little to the imagination.
And it only amused Frieza more. The lights glinted off of his horns as he chuckled sinisterly. "Not much for words, are you?" Before the King could respond, he continued. "But I digress. I know full well that your council members wish for an audience with me, but don't kid yourself. Thoses bakas aren't the reason I'm coming and even I don't think I have to tell you why." His eery eyes narrowed. "It's time for you to pay up or else." He laughed crazily. "I always wanted to say that to you, Vegeta. It's so fitting." His chuckles ceased and he glared. "Five days Saiyan."
Shivers crawled down his spine after the screen went black. Willing them away, he sat back into his chair and sighed. He could handle the looney lizard as long as it wasn't fist to fist. He'd lost once and he wouldn't lose again.
A/N: Thank you for taking the time to review my work artchic, because I take your opinions seriously. Now, to all those that read and don't review, I'm disappointed. It's not hard to tell me without a lot of words whether or not my fic is any good. I have this story posted on ff.net as well and have gotten a ton of feedback. If I don't get some more responses, maybe I won't post anymore on this site. I'm sad.
BTW~Happy Halloween! Ravenreux