Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Hybrid ❯ Reunited ( Chapter 14 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Ravenreux 
The family is reunited, but when is that ever peaceful?
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.20.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 565 | Status: Completed
The family is reunited, but when is that ever peaceful?
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.20.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 565 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ, sheesh.
Chapter 14
She couldn't find any words in her throat as her hand slid from her sword and her knees threatened to buckle. If he hadn't been holding her up, she would have puddled on the ground. "V..Vegeta."
He lifted her so her blank face was near his own. "Didn't think you'd ever see me again, did you?" He smiled crookedly and easily adjusted his grip on her katana, flipping it so the hilt was in his bloody grip. "A katana I see." He eyed the blade and then eyed her flashing sapphires. "That's surprising."
Bulma's mouth was filled with cotton as she continued to just stare blankly. Oh Kami, he's real! I'm not dreaming! Her brain kick-started itself and she managed to blink. The Saiyan no Ouji stood before her totally transformed from the lanky boy she'd known as a child. His frame had filled out, his body rippling with muscle and sinew, and his boyish features had hardened into those of a man's. Her quick mind made the necessary calculations in her head. He's only twenty-three, but he looks so much more mature. That thought caused her to look deeper into his obsidian gaze to find twisted humor along a heavy dose of malice. He's not the same Saiyan you knew, Bulma. Get your head on. Her swift gaze took in her pecarious position and her instincts snarled. "I could say the same to you."
He watched the transformation with earnest. "I'm glad you've finally decided to join us." He used his sword hand to slide back his hood, revealing his crisply upright hair.
She sucked in a breath with a hiss. No longer did his hair droop down over his forehead. Instead it shot up from his head like some darkly magical flame. And of course, it only make him more attractive. Growling at her own hormones, she didn't acknowledge his slight. "Put me down."
He had noted her earlier perusal and could now smell her arousal being as close as he was. He knew then that the defiance in her eyes wasn't just against him, but herself as well. 'O the wars we wage. Thoroughly surprising her, he set her to her feet. Her eyes narrowed warily and she stepped back. He smirked as she moved. "I don't bite- unless you want me to."
She snorted and crossed her arms under her breasts. "I don't." She didn't like the way he was looking at her- heatedly- so she changed the direction of the conversation. "Why were you following them?"
His expression lost it's humor, transforming into a scowling mask that made her shiver. "Do I really have to explain that to you, or did you just get stupider over the years?"
Her hands balled into fists and she gritted her teeth. "So you're the one he's sent to kill me?" She shook her head. "And to think, I always thought you'd never give in to him."
Vegeta moved instaneously, using his massively muscled body to pin her lean one against the cold metallic wall of the building behind her. His chest pinned her right arm to her own chest, his right hand crushing her left wrist in his grip. His bloody hand brought her sword up to dig under her chin. "Is that what you want me to do?" He dug the blade in, nicking her skin and leaving a thin line of blood across her throat. "To slit your tender little neck and watch as the blood seeps out of you slowly?"
Bulma lost all of her earlier bravado and shivered with fear. His tone was eerily blank, as if he were contemplated the weather and not her manner of death. The fiery sting at her throat all but guaranteed his seriousness. He would kill me without a moment's hesistation. "No." was all she managed to croak out of her seized voicebox. Her tail wrapped so tightly around her thigh, she felt her circulation start to slow.
He leaned in and inhaled her scent deeply. "I agree. It would be such a waste."
Her body started to heat at the lustful stare he sent and she suddenly realised how close they were. Just how tightly their bodies were pressed together as her dormant femininity raged to life. Great timing. Her eyes slid shut as her head rocked back against the wall, his earthy masculine scent overwhelming her senses. No, no, no! Stop this! Her breathing quickened as he murmured words she couldn't understand in her ear, his warm breath tingling her hyper-sensitive skin. It needled her conscious mind how she could be so exposed and vulnerable to a complete stranger. That's all he really is to me, a stranger. Fighting her own instincts, she pulled up a knee and pressed it to his inner thigh and her body stiffened. "Back the fuck off or I'll make you wish you hadn't touched me."
Vegeta hesistated his ministrations on her jawline and took note of the knee dangerously close to his groin. "Too bad." Releasing her, he stepped back and crossed his arms.
She had to resist the urge to groan with displeasure as his warmth left her. Swallowing, she lifted a hand to her throat and her fingers came away red with blood. "You're a bakayaro."
He 'hmphd'. "So I've been told."
Bulma examined his stance for an opening and found none despite his apparently at ease appearance. The air around him hummed with an alert energy that told her he was totally on guard. How the hell am I going to get out of this one? Straightening her cloak, she feinted indifference. "How did you find us?"
"The number one rule when you want to evade detection is to avoid creating a pattern." His eyes slid shut in a manner that screamed 'You baka'.
She opened her mouth to retort, but shut her mouth. Son of a bitch! Her lip curled back and she sneered at him. "The only one who could possibly know that is family!" She planted her hands on her hips. "Which you are most definitely are not!"
The sinister laugh that resounded from his throat gave her chills. Chuckling, he held up a lone finger. "Onna, you forget." He grinned evilly. "Bardock didn't have just one brat."
"Oh Kami.." She brought a hand to her mouth. Tears burned in her eyes as she let the emotions roll through her trembling body. He's alive! She smiled weakly, more to herself than the ornery Saiyan across from her. And all this time I thought he'd been one of the first to die. "Raditz.."
Vegeta snorted. "Yes. Raditz." The blatant disregard for his comrade was evident. "No one knows a father better than his son."
Bulma's smile dropped. Did that have a double meaning? "Anyone else in you're little welcoming commitee?"
"I'll leave that for you to find out on your own."
"Why can't you just fucking tell me?!" Bulma's frustration raged to the surface.
Vegeta didn't respond for a moment then flashed behind her, his hand taking her neck in a tight grip. He pressed hard on the blood vessels sending oxygen to her brain and waited. He'd moved fast enough to shock her into stillness and she just silently slid her eyes shut as unconsciousness started to fall. Her hands twitched at her sides, fisting in her cloak. He listened to the rhythm of her breathing as it slowed enough for her to pass out. Just before her body went limp, her long blue tail lashed out and latched onto his free wrist. His eyes riveted to the sleek appendage as it twined around his arm as if in some macrabe death throe. The image unnerved him and he instantly released his hold on her neck, in turn releasing the deceptively strong limb. The act was no different than a desparate plea, which had no effect on him, but there was something about the aggressive nature of it that was alluring. He scowled at his thoughts as her body slumped back against his thick legs. I don't have time for petty mental debates.
Kneeling, he covered her with her cloak and flipped the hood up over her head to hide her face. Repeating the act on himself, he cradled her delicate form to his chest and discreetly manuevered his way back to his ship. He tried to ignore the feel of her softness against his hard body as she rested her striking face on his sinewy shoulder. It amazed him that she could look so fragile when he knew how strong she truly was. Growling softly, he stalked up the ramp and navigated his ship to his own personal quarters. They weren't much larger than his fellows', but he wasn't one to complain. It's a palace compared to some places I've been. He shook off the disgusting memories that had arisen and went through the door. It was sparingly furnished- a bed, desk, and chair- with a small bath attached on the far side. Walking over to the bed, he carefully laid her down and pulled a thermal blanket from the wall storage space. He covered her long-legged, almost-boyish frame with the blanket and strode to the door, leaving her locked up tightly.
Raditz had yet to check in and he stalked further into the ship to a section he very rarely ever went to voluntarily. He may have encounter the Onna's little buddies, so another pair of fists might be advantageous. This part of the ship was dimly lit and colder than the rest. It was the only spot closer to the outer hull than the cargo hold at the belly of the cruiser. The door he came to was dented and grimy with filth. Releasing the lock, the Saiyan no Ouji let himself into the domain of Nappa. The once great General of the Saiyan Army sat on a worn cot, a large collar latched about his beefy neck. The larger Saiyan's eyes watched his superior in silence as the collar was released and he was led from the room. Vegeta took a deep breath before venturing outside the ship. "You will pay attention to me and nothing else. Is that clear?" Nappa nodded like a simpleton. Which isn't a far stretch from the truth. "Follow me."
Near the docks
He busied himself with merchandise at a colorful merchant's tent as he watched his relatives return to thier ship. They were deep in conversation as they walked up the ramp and out of sight. Raditz glanced around and pulled his cloak tighter around his frame as he cautiously approached the ship. There were a few crewman milling around from nearby cruisers, but none of the other members of the ship he was slinking towards. He drew almost no attention as he swung around toward the twin engines mounted on the exterior of the hull. It was normal for vagrants to take advantage of the heat given off by the engines, even after being shut down for days. The air was heavy with heat and sweat beaded on his brow as he examined the ship's capabilities.
From what he could see, it was made up of only stock parts. Probably to stave off investigators. If I know my Tousan or Bulma, there are major performance additions that remain to be seen. His right hand slipped under his cloak to detach a small rectangular device from his thick belt. It resembled a small metal box, but what was wired up inside was a far cry from the mediocre appearance on the outside. Using his ki, he warmed the box until it made a soft beeping noise and then strategically placed it between the motors. The heat from the engines will mask the small heat signature given off by this tracking device. Smiling at his own handiwork, he backed away from the ship and started back toward the bazaar. He only made it two steps before someone tackled him from behind.
Raditz skidded facefirst across the metal floor for a few feet before the momentum stopped. Reaching up behind him, he grabbed whatever he could and pulled. Surprised, his assailant was flung through the air to slam into the ship. Leaping to his feet, he went on full alert. "Who are you?"
The shadow of the ship hid the face from his view, but he could see the reflective glow of a pair of eyes. His attacker slowly got to his feet and growled. "I should ask the same of you? What are you doing slinking around my ship?"
Raditz blinked at the feminine tone. "Your ship?"
"Yes." The shadowed figure crouched, hands spread out to it's sides. "Mine!" The eyes flashed as it launched itself out of the shadow and into view.
Raditz smacked down her fist and ducked under her spun heel, dropping to the floor to take out her legs. She sprang backward firing twin balls of energy at his head. He deflected both and fired one of his own. She returned the gesture and they both stood grappling with the blasts. Raditz's eyes narrowed and his sent a powerful surge, knocking her backward and ending the fight. She stepped aside and allowed the energy to fly past and into the bustling and unknowing crowd. She moved back into his field of vision, totally ignoring the screams she could have prevented. It took him a moment, but he recognized her short cropped hair from the tape of the base break-in. "So it was you in that tape."
If it phased her, she didn't show it. She stood arms crossed with her tail flicking back and forth behind her shoulder. "You're stronger than I expected for a footsoldier." Her eyes swept his form up and down. "Who are you exactly?"
"Raditz." He pulled back his hood and watched her eyes go wide. "Now, you will answer my questions." He scratched his chin. "I have no female relatives left, so you must be a stray."
She snorted after her intial shock passed. "If anyone's a stray, it's you. You joined up with that pale lizard freak to desimate your own kind."
Raditz growled deep in his throat. "Watch what you say, girl."
"I don't have to dickhead. I won't let you get away with killing us off!" Both lunged at each other and dealt out heavy blows. Fists connected with faces and heels with midsections as they battled. Celipa groaned as her hits only glanced off of his granite body and his managed to inflict more damage than she thought possible. He's stronger than anyone I've ever fought before. He isn't holding back like Kakarot does. She reacted slowly to a vicious punch and it slammed square into her jaw. Pain bloomed through her head and she flew backward into the crowd that had gathered to watch.
Raditz told himself he didn't regret pummeling her weaker body. She's a Saiyan. He watched silently as she practically assaulted the generous citizens that tried to help her to her feet. Wiping her mouth, she stormed over and lifted her hand as if to back hand him. She looks like she's about to collaspe. He caught her wrist easily and squeezed, watching as her face grimaced with pain. "Stop this ridiculous attack. You-" An enormous surge of energy blazed to his left and he could only catch a glimpse as an elbow plowed into his face.
All her strength left her and Celipa fell to her knees after Kakarot sent his long lost sibling sailing. She sucked in a pained breath and managed her best glare at him. "It's my fight....stop interfering."
He ignored her and started to lift her up from the floor. "You don't know what your saying."
"Yes I do!" She shoved hard against his chest and it surprised him into letting her go.
It left him wide open and Raditz drove his shoulder into Kakarot's sternum. The eighteen year old staggered backward hacking. Raditz shook his head. "Hello little nichan." The flair of raging energy that flashed out of his sibling was amazing, but it was short lived as Bardock knocked him in the head from behind. The teen flopped backward into his Tousan's arms and Bardock carefully laid him down on the ship's ramp. Raditz killed the smile that tried to escape and stood scowling next to Celipa as she sat slumped on the ground- too drained to do anything more than stare blankly at nothing. "Bardock."
The veteran Squad Commander eyed his eldest son with a critical look and nodded slightly. "Raditz."
The moment was interrupted as Turles came thundering out of the ship, Toma right behind him. "Where's Bulma you piece of kuso?!"
"You needn't worry about her anymore. She'll be well taken care of." Everyone turned, including a dazed Celipa, to see Vegeta step forward from the crowd with a giant beside him. There were gasps from the crowd as they beheld one of the most feared beings other than Frieza himself. Vegeta sighed. "We will be leaving shortly, Radtiz."
The long-haired Saiyan nodded and turned to join his Prince, but Celipa latched onto his leg. He glared down at her and she gripped tighter. "I'm not finished with you!" Her voice was a breathy hiss.
Vegeta watched silently. Determined little minx. Raditz didn't move, just continued to stare down at her. "Well, it would be rude of you to deny her what she wants." Raditz glanced over at him before he bent over and slung her easily over his shoulder.
Bardock remained silent, but Turles was raging. "I swear to Kami if there's one scratch on her when I find her, I'll personally eviserate you!"
That brought out the wicked cackle of laughter. "I'm sure you would, but now wouldn't be the best time." His laughter abruptly died. "I strongly suggest you don't try to follow, or I'll have to resort to untasteful measures."
Turles lunged forward, but Bardock and Toma held him back. Bardock barked in his ear. "Not here, not now! This isn't the time to go off half-cocked!"
Vegeta smirked. "It's good advice."
Turles snarled. "You're all traitors!"
The Saiyan no Ouji merely shrugged. Nappa fidgeted beside him and he turned to glare at him. "What?!"
"I'm itching to hit something." His pounded a fist into his open palm.
Vegeta shook his head. "No. We must leave." Nappa's crestfallen look lasted a few seconds before he turned and unleased an enormous blast into the unsuspecting bystanders. Not staying to revel in the carnage, the nearly eight foot tall Saiyan stalked off. The Prince sighed. Can't please them all. He sent the others a last glance before turning and following his hot-headed soldier, Raditz and his passenger falling in behind.
Turles violently shook off the arms that held him and whirled on their owners. "Are you insane?! You let them take them!" He gestured to the numerous dead bodies. "That thing is a loose cannon!"
Bardock looked at his nichan plainly. "I don't think that Vegeta intends them any harm. If he had, we would all be dead already."
That took some of the wind out of Turles' sails and he crossed his arms to glare at Toma. "And what about you? That was your only daughter."
Toma bent over and hefted Kakarrot's bulk into a fireman's hold. "She made her own decision." Turning, he went back into the ship.
Turles felt like ripping his hair out. "Vegeta won't be the only one I inflict pain on if something happens to her." He let his threat hang in the air and stalked back into the ship.
Bardock closed his lone eye on the death in front of him. What the hell have I gotten us into? He stood where he was for a long time just trying to process what had happened. Why would Vegeta do this? If he truly is in Frieza's employ, it makes more sense for him to just kill us off. The confusion was making his brain hurt. Rubbing his temples, he didn't notice the pair that approached him. He looked up after they stood there for a moment. "What?"
A slim, dair-haired girl stepped forward hesistantly. "You are Bardock?"
His brow furrowed warily. "Yes."
Her companion brushed a lock of black hair out of his face. "I think we may be able to help you."
A/N: I don't think this is that bad a cliffhanger ;) The next chapter will explain a lot of what up with Vegeta and his crew.. if you were wondering. Okay, this will be the last chapter before Christmas. I'm going to be really busy, but I'm going to try really hard to make sure that Chapter 15 will be posted before the new year. Thanx ssssoooo much to my wonderful reviewers...you guys are the shiz!
Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!!!! Ravenreux
Chapter 14
She couldn't find any words in her throat as her hand slid from her sword and her knees threatened to buckle. If he hadn't been holding her up, she would have puddled on the ground. "V..Vegeta."
He lifted her so her blank face was near his own. "Didn't think you'd ever see me again, did you?" He smiled crookedly and easily adjusted his grip on her katana, flipping it so the hilt was in his bloody grip. "A katana I see." He eyed the blade and then eyed her flashing sapphires. "That's surprising."
Bulma's mouth was filled with cotton as she continued to just stare blankly. Oh Kami, he's real! I'm not dreaming! Her brain kick-started itself and she managed to blink. The Saiyan no Ouji stood before her totally transformed from the lanky boy she'd known as a child. His frame had filled out, his body rippling with muscle and sinew, and his boyish features had hardened into those of a man's. Her quick mind made the necessary calculations in her head. He's only twenty-three, but he looks so much more mature. That thought caused her to look deeper into his obsidian gaze to find twisted humor along a heavy dose of malice. He's not the same Saiyan you knew, Bulma. Get your head on. Her swift gaze took in her pecarious position and her instincts snarled. "I could say the same to you."
He watched the transformation with earnest. "I'm glad you've finally decided to join us." He used his sword hand to slide back his hood, revealing his crisply upright hair.
She sucked in a breath with a hiss. No longer did his hair droop down over his forehead. Instead it shot up from his head like some darkly magical flame. And of course, it only make him more attractive. Growling at her own hormones, she didn't acknowledge his slight. "Put me down."
He had noted her earlier perusal and could now smell her arousal being as close as he was. He knew then that the defiance in her eyes wasn't just against him, but herself as well. 'O the wars we wage. Thoroughly surprising her, he set her to her feet. Her eyes narrowed warily and she stepped back. He smirked as she moved. "I don't bite- unless you want me to."
She snorted and crossed her arms under her breasts. "I don't." She didn't like the way he was looking at her- heatedly- so she changed the direction of the conversation. "Why were you following them?"
His expression lost it's humor, transforming into a scowling mask that made her shiver. "Do I really have to explain that to you, or did you just get stupider over the years?"
Her hands balled into fists and she gritted her teeth. "So you're the one he's sent to kill me?" She shook her head. "And to think, I always thought you'd never give in to him."
Vegeta moved instaneously, using his massively muscled body to pin her lean one against the cold metallic wall of the building behind her. His chest pinned her right arm to her own chest, his right hand crushing her left wrist in his grip. His bloody hand brought her sword up to dig under her chin. "Is that what you want me to do?" He dug the blade in, nicking her skin and leaving a thin line of blood across her throat. "To slit your tender little neck and watch as the blood seeps out of you slowly?"
Bulma lost all of her earlier bravado and shivered with fear. His tone was eerily blank, as if he were contemplated the weather and not her manner of death. The fiery sting at her throat all but guaranteed his seriousness. He would kill me without a moment's hesistation. "No." was all she managed to croak out of her seized voicebox. Her tail wrapped so tightly around her thigh, she felt her circulation start to slow.
He leaned in and inhaled her scent deeply. "I agree. It would be such a waste."
Her body started to heat at the lustful stare he sent and she suddenly realised how close they were. Just how tightly their bodies were pressed together as her dormant femininity raged to life. Great timing. Her eyes slid shut as her head rocked back against the wall, his earthy masculine scent overwhelming her senses. No, no, no! Stop this! Her breathing quickened as he murmured words she couldn't understand in her ear, his warm breath tingling her hyper-sensitive skin. It needled her conscious mind how she could be so exposed and vulnerable to a complete stranger. That's all he really is to me, a stranger. Fighting her own instincts, she pulled up a knee and pressed it to his inner thigh and her body stiffened. "Back the fuck off or I'll make you wish you hadn't touched me."
Vegeta hesistated his ministrations on her jawline and took note of the knee dangerously close to his groin. "Too bad." Releasing her, he stepped back and crossed his arms.
She had to resist the urge to groan with displeasure as his warmth left her. Swallowing, she lifted a hand to her throat and her fingers came away red with blood. "You're a bakayaro."
He 'hmphd'. "So I've been told."
Bulma examined his stance for an opening and found none despite his apparently at ease appearance. The air around him hummed with an alert energy that told her he was totally on guard. How the hell am I going to get out of this one? Straightening her cloak, she feinted indifference. "How did you find us?"
"The number one rule when you want to evade detection is to avoid creating a pattern." His eyes slid shut in a manner that screamed 'You baka'.
She opened her mouth to retort, but shut her mouth. Son of a bitch! Her lip curled back and she sneered at him. "The only one who could possibly know that is family!" She planted her hands on her hips. "Which you are most definitely are not!"
The sinister laugh that resounded from his throat gave her chills. Chuckling, he held up a lone finger. "Onna, you forget." He grinned evilly. "Bardock didn't have just one brat."
"Oh Kami.." She brought a hand to her mouth. Tears burned in her eyes as she let the emotions roll through her trembling body. He's alive! She smiled weakly, more to herself than the ornery Saiyan across from her. And all this time I thought he'd been one of the first to die. "Raditz.."
Vegeta snorted. "Yes. Raditz." The blatant disregard for his comrade was evident. "No one knows a father better than his son."
Bulma's smile dropped. Did that have a double meaning? "Anyone else in you're little welcoming commitee?"
"I'll leave that for you to find out on your own."
"Why can't you just fucking tell me?!" Bulma's frustration raged to the surface.
Vegeta didn't respond for a moment then flashed behind her, his hand taking her neck in a tight grip. He pressed hard on the blood vessels sending oxygen to her brain and waited. He'd moved fast enough to shock her into stillness and she just silently slid her eyes shut as unconsciousness started to fall. Her hands twitched at her sides, fisting in her cloak. He listened to the rhythm of her breathing as it slowed enough for her to pass out. Just before her body went limp, her long blue tail lashed out and latched onto his free wrist. His eyes riveted to the sleek appendage as it twined around his arm as if in some macrabe death throe. The image unnerved him and he instantly released his hold on her neck, in turn releasing the deceptively strong limb. The act was no different than a desparate plea, which had no effect on him, but there was something about the aggressive nature of it that was alluring. He scowled at his thoughts as her body slumped back against his thick legs. I don't have time for petty mental debates.
Kneeling, he covered her with her cloak and flipped the hood up over her head to hide her face. Repeating the act on himself, he cradled her delicate form to his chest and discreetly manuevered his way back to his ship. He tried to ignore the feel of her softness against his hard body as she rested her striking face on his sinewy shoulder. It amazed him that she could look so fragile when he knew how strong she truly was. Growling softly, he stalked up the ramp and navigated his ship to his own personal quarters. They weren't much larger than his fellows', but he wasn't one to complain. It's a palace compared to some places I've been. He shook off the disgusting memories that had arisen and went through the door. It was sparingly furnished- a bed, desk, and chair- with a small bath attached on the far side. Walking over to the bed, he carefully laid her down and pulled a thermal blanket from the wall storage space. He covered her long-legged, almost-boyish frame with the blanket and strode to the door, leaving her locked up tightly.
Raditz had yet to check in and he stalked further into the ship to a section he very rarely ever went to voluntarily. He may have encounter the Onna's little buddies, so another pair of fists might be advantageous. This part of the ship was dimly lit and colder than the rest. It was the only spot closer to the outer hull than the cargo hold at the belly of the cruiser. The door he came to was dented and grimy with filth. Releasing the lock, the Saiyan no Ouji let himself into the domain of Nappa. The once great General of the Saiyan Army sat on a worn cot, a large collar latched about his beefy neck. The larger Saiyan's eyes watched his superior in silence as the collar was released and he was led from the room. Vegeta took a deep breath before venturing outside the ship. "You will pay attention to me and nothing else. Is that clear?" Nappa nodded like a simpleton. Which isn't a far stretch from the truth. "Follow me."
Near the docks
He busied himself with merchandise at a colorful merchant's tent as he watched his relatives return to thier ship. They were deep in conversation as they walked up the ramp and out of sight. Raditz glanced around and pulled his cloak tighter around his frame as he cautiously approached the ship. There were a few crewman milling around from nearby cruisers, but none of the other members of the ship he was slinking towards. He drew almost no attention as he swung around toward the twin engines mounted on the exterior of the hull. It was normal for vagrants to take advantage of the heat given off by the engines, even after being shut down for days. The air was heavy with heat and sweat beaded on his brow as he examined the ship's capabilities.
From what he could see, it was made up of only stock parts. Probably to stave off investigators. If I know my Tousan or Bulma, there are major performance additions that remain to be seen. His right hand slipped under his cloak to detach a small rectangular device from his thick belt. It resembled a small metal box, but what was wired up inside was a far cry from the mediocre appearance on the outside. Using his ki, he warmed the box until it made a soft beeping noise and then strategically placed it between the motors. The heat from the engines will mask the small heat signature given off by this tracking device. Smiling at his own handiwork, he backed away from the ship and started back toward the bazaar. He only made it two steps before someone tackled him from behind.
Raditz skidded facefirst across the metal floor for a few feet before the momentum stopped. Reaching up behind him, he grabbed whatever he could and pulled. Surprised, his assailant was flung through the air to slam into the ship. Leaping to his feet, he went on full alert. "Who are you?"
The shadow of the ship hid the face from his view, but he could see the reflective glow of a pair of eyes. His attacker slowly got to his feet and growled. "I should ask the same of you? What are you doing slinking around my ship?"
Raditz blinked at the feminine tone. "Your ship?"
"Yes." The shadowed figure crouched, hands spread out to it's sides. "Mine!" The eyes flashed as it launched itself out of the shadow and into view.
Raditz smacked down her fist and ducked under her spun heel, dropping to the floor to take out her legs. She sprang backward firing twin balls of energy at his head. He deflected both and fired one of his own. She returned the gesture and they both stood grappling with the blasts. Raditz's eyes narrowed and his sent a powerful surge, knocking her backward and ending the fight. She stepped aside and allowed the energy to fly past and into the bustling and unknowing crowd. She moved back into his field of vision, totally ignoring the screams she could have prevented. It took him a moment, but he recognized her short cropped hair from the tape of the base break-in. "So it was you in that tape."
If it phased her, she didn't show it. She stood arms crossed with her tail flicking back and forth behind her shoulder. "You're stronger than I expected for a footsoldier." Her eyes swept his form up and down. "Who are you exactly?"
"Raditz." He pulled back his hood and watched her eyes go wide. "Now, you will answer my questions." He scratched his chin. "I have no female relatives left, so you must be a stray."
She snorted after her intial shock passed. "If anyone's a stray, it's you. You joined up with that pale lizard freak to desimate your own kind."
Raditz growled deep in his throat. "Watch what you say, girl."
"I don't have to dickhead. I won't let you get away with killing us off!" Both lunged at each other and dealt out heavy blows. Fists connected with faces and heels with midsections as they battled. Celipa groaned as her hits only glanced off of his granite body and his managed to inflict more damage than she thought possible. He's stronger than anyone I've ever fought before. He isn't holding back like Kakarot does. She reacted slowly to a vicious punch and it slammed square into her jaw. Pain bloomed through her head and she flew backward into the crowd that had gathered to watch.
Raditz told himself he didn't regret pummeling her weaker body. She's a Saiyan. He watched silently as she practically assaulted the generous citizens that tried to help her to her feet. Wiping her mouth, she stormed over and lifted her hand as if to back hand him. She looks like she's about to collaspe. He caught her wrist easily and squeezed, watching as her face grimaced with pain. "Stop this ridiculous attack. You-" An enormous surge of energy blazed to his left and he could only catch a glimpse as an elbow plowed into his face.
All her strength left her and Celipa fell to her knees after Kakarot sent his long lost sibling sailing. She sucked in a pained breath and managed her best glare at him. "It's my fight....stop interfering."
He ignored her and started to lift her up from the floor. "You don't know what your saying."
"Yes I do!" She shoved hard against his chest and it surprised him into letting her go.
It left him wide open and Raditz drove his shoulder into Kakarot's sternum. The eighteen year old staggered backward hacking. Raditz shook his head. "Hello little nichan." The flair of raging energy that flashed out of his sibling was amazing, but it was short lived as Bardock knocked him in the head from behind. The teen flopped backward into his Tousan's arms and Bardock carefully laid him down on the ship's ramp. Raditz killed the smile that tried to escape and stood scowling next to Celipa as she sat slumped on the ground- too drained to do anything more than stare blankly at nothing. "Bardock."
The veteran Squad Commander eyed his eldest son with a critical look and nodded slightly. "Raditz."
The moment was interrupted as Turles came thundering out of the ship, Toma right behind him. "Where's Bulma you piece of kuso?!"
"You needn't worry about her anymore. She'll be well taken care of." Everyone turned, including a dazed Celipa, to see Vegeta step forward from the crowd with a giant beside him. There were gasps from the crowd as they beheld one of the most feared beings other than Frieza himself. Vegeta sighed. "We will be leaving shortly, Radtiz."
The long-haired Saiyan nodded and turned to join his Prince, but Celipa latched onto his leg. He glared down at her and she gripped tighter. "I'm not finished with you!" Her voice was a breathy hiss.
Vegeta watched silently. Determined little minx. Raditz didn't move, just continued to stare down at her. "Well, it would be rude of you to deny her what she wants." Raditz glanced over at him before he bent over and slung her easily over his shoulder.
Bardock remained silent, but Turles was raging. "I swear to Kami if there's one scratch on her when I find her, I'll personally eviserate you!"
That brought out the wicked cackle of laughter. "I'm sure you would, but now wouldn't be the best time." His laughter abruptly died. "I strongly suggest you don't try to follow, or I'll have to resort to untasteful measures."
Turles lunged forward, but Bardock and Toma held him back. Bardock barked in his ear. "Not here, not now! This isn't the time to go off half-cocked!"
Vegeta smirked. "It's good advice."
Turles snarled. "You're all traitors!"
The Saiyan no Ouji merely shrugged. Nappa fidgeted beside him and he turned to glare at him. "What?!"
"I'm itching to hit something." His pounded a fist into his open palm.
Vegeta shook his head. "No. We must leave." Nappa's crestfallen look lasted a few seconds before he turned and unleased an enormous blast into the unsuspecting bystanders. Not staying to revel in the carnage, the nearly eight foot tall Saiyan stalked off. The Prince sighed. Can't please them all. He sent the others a last glance before turning and following his hot-headed soldier, Raditz and his passenger falling in behind.
Turles violently shook off the arms that held him and whirled on their owners. "Are you insane?! You let them take them!" He gestured to the numerous dead bodies. "That thing is a loose cannon!"
Bardock looked at his nichan plainly. "I don't think that Vegeta intends them any harm. If he had, we would all be dead already."
That took some of the wind out of Turles' sails and he crossed his arms to glare at Toma. "And what about you? That was your only daughter."
Toma bent over and hefted Kakarrot's bulk into a fireman's hold. "She made her own decision." Turning, he went back into the ship.
Turles felt like ripping his hair out. "Vegeta won't be the only one I inflict pain on if something happens to her." He let his threat hang in the air and stalked back into the ship.
Bardock closed his lone eye on the death in front of him. What the hell have I gotten us into? He stood where he was for a long time just trying to process what had happened. Why would Vegeta do this? If he truly is in Frieza's employ, it makes more sense for him to just kill us off. The confusion was making his brain hurt. Rubbing his temples, he didn't notice the pair that approached him. He looked up after they stood there for a moment. "What?"
A slim, dair-haired girl stepped forward hesistantly. "You are Bardock?"
His brow furrowed warily. "Yes."
Her companion brushed a lock of black hair out of his face. "I think we may be able to help you."
A/N: I don't think this is that bad a cliffhanger ;) The next chapter will explain a lot of what up with Vegeta and his crew.. if you were wondering. Okay, this will be the last chapter before Christmas. I'm going to be really busy, but I'm going to try really hard to make sure that Chapter 15 will be posted before the new year. Thanx ssssoooo much to my wonderful reviewers...you guys are the shiz!
Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!!!! Ravenreux