Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Price of Love and War ❯ The Price of Love and War ( One-Shot )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

By: Vehira

The Price of Love and War

By: Vehira

This takes place in the Mirai Trunks timeline.

Bulma had called me from the gravity room, sounding grieved over something. I couldn't think of anything that would've happed.

“What?!” I asked annoyed, she had interrupted my training.

“It's Son Goku! Chi-Chi just called and said he's gotten worse!” Bulma cried as a few tears escaped her blue eyes. My eyes widened. Kakarrot had been very sick with a damn heart virus for quite a while.

“How much worse?” I asked concerned; which was strange for me.

“Bad enough that Chi-Chi's crying and saying we need to get there ASAP!” Bulma yelled and grabbed Trunks from his crib.

“You're bringing the brat with you?!” I shouted.

“He's not a brat! He's your son!!” Bulma yelled and grabbed a capsule from a case. Bulma then told me to get washed up or else. I hate imagining what she'd do to me if I never listened to her. I took a shower and pulled on the spandex and armor I usually wear. Bulma rolled her eyes.

“I'm taking you shopping after we find out how bad Son Goku's condition is.” Bulma told me. I hmph'd and watched her pull the capsule she had gotten earlier out of her pocket and was about to throw it when I picked her up and flew off. Trunks was, thank goodness, sleeping contently as Bulma told me where to go. I saw Kakarrot's house and flew down. The namek, Piccolo, and the midget, Krillin, were there already. I set Bulma down and she ran to Krillin.

“How's Son doing?” she asked. Krillin looked down.

“Not so good, Bulma; his fever's gone up. Master Roshi, Chi-Chi, and the Ox King are in there helpin him.” he replied. I walked to the side of the lake and sat on a big rock, looking down at the water in deep thought. It was mid-day at the moment.

Why would fate do this? Saiyans shouldn't get sick. It wasn't right. By the time Yamcha, Tien, Choazu, and that cat and pig came, the sun started to set. Krillin informed us that Kakarrot's ki was getting smaller. I knew that already, damn fool. My son must've sensed something wrong, because when a big chunk of Kakarrot's power faded, he burst out crying. Damn, his lungs are powerful. Then something struck me. Where's Kakarrot's half-bred welp?! Surely his mother or Piccolo would've told him!

“Hey, where's Gohan?” Bulma asked softly, trying to calm down our son.

“Huh?! I thought he was already here!” Yamcha exclaimed.

“Piccolo, do you know whe-?” was all Krillin asked until Piccolo interrupted him.

“Gohan lowered his ki. I have no idea where the kid is.” he told us. I saw everyone's face was twist in disbelief when I glanced over my shoulder.

Does that kid have no pride?!! His father's almost dead, and he's not here. I already hated the kid, but this sickened me. There goes another chunk of Kakarrot's power and Trunks cried louder. Soon, he started to calm down, obviously tired. I don't know how long it was, but soon I heard the pig yell something.

“Hey! It's Gohan!” he yelled. I glanced. Indeed the kid was there. But it was far too late for him to say goodbye to his father as he burst into the house.

“He's gone….Goku's gone!!” Krillin cried in grief and I could hear him holding back tears.

“K-Kakarrot….no.” I muttered with wide eyes. I listened for Bulma to cry. It didn't come. I looked fully over my shoulder. She was trying hard to be tough. But I saw right through her act. I looked back at the water.

Then I muttered something that everyone heard, “He can't be dead. No, that's impossible.”

“Don't be stupid Vegeta, I know that you sense that Goku's power is gone.” Piccolo said. I shot up and turned to them.

“SAIYANS DON'T DIE BY DISEASES!! THEY ONLY DIE IN BATTLE!!!” I yelled. Krillin's fist clenched tightly.

“Vegeta, we don't like it either, so SHUT UP!” he shouted at me. I was taken aback slightly. Never has the bald midget yelled at me like that. “Forget your pride! Goku's gone and never coming back! He's died once before and can't come back!!”

“What about the Namekian Dragonballs? They revive people more than once!” Bulma argued.

“You can't revive people who have died a natural death, Namekian Dragonballs or not.” Piccolo told us, sadness evident in his voice. My eyes widened more. He can't come back…. Kakarrot can't come back. I fell to my knees.

“I chose to believe in what I was told to believe. Saiyans onlydie inbattle!!! Not anything else!” I told them loudly and angrily.

“Just SHUT UP, VEGETA!!! GOKU'S GONE AND WE CAN'T CHANGE THAT!!” Krillin yelled once again but this time more fiercely. Tears were streaming down his face. I took the words he yelled into consideration. I got up once more and flew off with Bulma staring up at me sadly.

I reached a cliff that I would go to a lot when I needed to be alone. I sat there, hugging my knees; this was unusual for me to do. Now I have nothing to live for. Nothing at all. The whole reason I stayed here on Earth is because I wanted to kill Kakarrot. But instead, I fell in love with a blue haired, ocean-blue eyed earthling and had a son with her. I would never admit it to her though. But, I hope Bulma knows. I stood up, clenching my fists and letting a small tear escape my eye.

“Kakarrot, this is all your fault!” I hissed. I swear I heard Kakarrot laughing at me, saying that I fell in love on my own! “Damn you, Kakarrot. Damn you….” I whispered angrily and fell to my knees, then hunching over and slamming my fists onto the rock. “Damn you, you bastard.”

I flew back home, secretly hoping Bulma wouldn't yell at me about me leaving her. I landed in front of Capsule Corp. and gulped.

“Here it goes.” I muttered and reached for the doorknob. But as soon as my hand almost touched it, the door was swung open, revealing Bulma in her night gown.

“Vegeta!” she cried and flung her arms around my neck, crying in my chest, which surprised me greatly. “Oh Vegeta, I was so worried! You didn't come back for so long and-and I got so worried. Oh I'm so glad your home!” Bulma cried louder and pulled herself closer to me.

“Bulma…” I whispered and wrapped my arms around her small body. “Shhh…I'm here, I'm here. Don't cry.” I comforted her, rubbing her back. She kept crying. “Bulma, Kaka- er, I mean, Goku wouldn't want you crying, would he?” I asked her, sensing that she was also crying because of Kakarrot. She looked up at me with her sparkling blue eyes.

“Vegeta…” she whispered probably surprised that I said `Goku' instead of `Kakarrot'. She looked at me, and then leaned closer. I remember this from when she told me that she cared. I felt her gentle lips on mine. I kissed her back. It was short, but meaningful. Bulma pulled away and gazed up at me.

“I love you so much.” she told me softly.

“I love you too.” I replied and put a strand of her blue hair behind her ear. Just then Trunks started wailing. Bulma sighed and started to leave but I held onto her delicate hand. She looked up at me again.

“I'm going with you.” I told her and she smiled warmly. We walked back in, hand-in-hand and I closed the door. Trunks immediately fell back asleep after Bulma rocked him a little bit.

“Goku's funeral is in two days.” Bulma told me sadly. I nodded. Bulma led me to her laboratory eagerly. “I've…been working on something for the funeral.” She said and sat at her desk.

There was a stone sphere, the size of a, “Dragonball?” I questioned. Bulma smiled and nodded. She took a pencil and started to draw something on the stone. Stars. Her hands were shaking; she couldn't hold the rock or the pencil steady. I saw her difficulty and offered to help. Bulma looked at me strangely but nodded. She got up and I sat down.

“How many?” I asked. I was familiar with the dragonballs and knew that the number of stars on the seven dragonballs ranged from one to seven. Bulma held up four shaky fingers. I nodded and started to draw, carefully, four stars like on the four-star ball I saw on Planet Namek. I would've asked why a dragonball and why four stars; but I knew better than to bring back memories of Kakarrot to Bulma after he just died.

“The four-star ball is Goku's heirloom. His grampa gave it to him before he died.” Bulma told me, as if she had read my mind. She started to tell me stories of her adventures with Kakarrot when they were younger; from when they met, to whenKakarrot flew off on his Nimbus cloud with Chi-Chi to get married. I engraved the stars with a….damn. I forgot what Bulma called it. When I was finished Bulma looked at the stone sphere.

“Perfect.” she said and smiled, wiping a tear from her blue eye.

“Wait, one more thing.” I said and took the ball from her and engraved something on the back carefully.

“Vegeta?” Bulma asked. I smirked and showed her. I had engraved `V & B' on it very small, but it was readable. Bulma laughed and hugged me.

It was the day of Kakarrot's funeral and Bulma made me wear all black. She left Trunks at home with her mother and father.

“Why is everyone wearing black?” I asked, remembering that she yelled at me to put on the black suit this morning, after noticing everyone else was.

“Color of mourning.” Bulma replied, fighting back tears. I had been fighting back tears also. It was hard not to cry, but I toughed it out, only showing sorrow and slight pain. Gohan was unusually happy today. He was locking up the pain and grief by telling everyone that Dad, as he said it, wouldn't want us crying. I believed him. I knew Kakarrot, and so did his wife, son, friends, and Bulma. We got there in time for when they were about to bury him. The casket was open and he was in his usual gi. Everyone said something, even the namek. It was mine and Bulma's turn.

“Goku…was the best kid I'd ever met. If it wasn't for the dragonballs, he wouldn't be the strong fighter and great friend I know. We went through so many adventures together and met friends along the way.” Bulma choked through tears. Bulma talked more and I noticed that out of all of us, Kakarrot's wife was the worst. She was bawling and her eyes were blood-shot. Bulma took a deep breath and finished, “We all knew Goku, and we all will miss him.” Bulma turned to me expectantly. I would've usually told her `No way, woman!', but I had to, her once life filled eyes were now seemed lifeless and sad. I sighed heavily and cleared my throat, making everyone look at me in surprise. I couldn't believe I was doing this either, but words escaped my mouth.

“Kakarrot didn't deserve to die like this. He has shown me mercy and respect over the years. My question has always been why he did; I'd done nothing but kill and destroy. No Saiyan deserves to die outside of a battle, no Saiyan at all. I admit, he was maybe more than my equal in strength, he might've been stronger. The only reason I had even stayed here on Earth was to train, hoping to someday kill him. I found more than that, but now, the most I can say is arigato, Kakarrot. We'll miss you, you low-class bastard.” I said in my usual stubborn tone. I had held back small tears as I spoke the truth. I thought I would receive glares about the bastard part, but I got nods of approval and respect. Bulma smiled up at me and waked to Kakarrot's open casket. She gently placed the stone dragonball we made in his hands and a picture of her, Kakarrot, and the pig many years ago over his heart. She looked down at him sadly, and broke down cryingas she speed-walked to me. Bulma buried her face in my chest. Usually I would've pushed her away in public, but instead I wrapped my arm around her delicate shoulders, letting her cry. Everybody seemed surprised, but quickly went back to paying their respects.

It was only six months later, that a news station broadcasted a devastating report on the radio.

“A city has just been destroyed by two Androids. Everyone in a 100 to 150 mile radius is dead. More on this story wi-.”

Bulma quickly turned off the radio and rubbed her eyes tiredly.

“Hn. Finally, someone to actually fight!” I said in approval. With Kakarrot's death, I became a Super Saiyan at long last! Bulma glared at me.

“Vegeta! Tons of innocent people were just massacred!! And allyou can think about is fighting?!!” she yelled. I was shocked. She knew I didn't give a damn, and yet she's yelling at me for it?!

“Hn, it's true.” I snapped and went back upstairs to get ready. Soon enough I was flying, searching for any hint of a power level.

“Damn.” I cursed and kept looking. After what seemed like eternity, I gave up on trying to find anything and returned home.

“Damn, couldn't find them.” I muttered. Just then Bulma sprinted downstairs. She saw how mad I was and put her hands on her hips.

“Now what?!” she asked, annoyed.

“Couldn't find them, that's what! They're hiding their damn power levels!” I replied loudly. Bulma looked at me as if I were an idiot, like always.

“Vegeta… how could something non-organic have a power level?” she tried to reason with me. At that moment, I knew I was defeated. I didn't reply, but shifted my feet while looking away. Bulma rolled her eyes.

“My husband's an idiot.” She muttered to herself. I glared at her when I turned my attention back to her. Unfortunately, she noticed. “Don't you glare at me Vegeta!! I do everything around here and all you do is train and nothing else! Mom and Dad are away and you don't even help with Trunks!!!” she yelled and started chewing me out. I think I found my one fear: Bulma's wrath. But, as usual, I just ignored her and walked away. This time she grabbed my arm and wouldn't let go. I turned to her with a glare, but hers was much worse.

“I am sick and tired of you ignoring me, Vegeta! You're gonna listen to me, NOW!!” she yelled. I swear, this woman scares me. She started yelling again, until from the radio, which we didn't know was on, another android report came on.

“We interrupt this program to bring you a special news report. A green man started fighting the androids today but failed miserably. The man, however, was spared his life while the city perished. We were going to talk to the fighter after a little boy gave him something that healed him, and ask him some questions. The green man flew away and the little boy called him “Mr. Piccolo” I believe.”

Bulma turned off the radio again. “I wonder if Chi-Chi knows Gohan's out there with Piccolo?” she asked herself. This gave me some time to try and get out of the house and somewhere far away until Bulma calmed down…..in about 3 days. No, make that a week or two.

“Stay right there Vegeta!” Bulma yelled, making me stop in my tracks.How'd she know?Does she have eyes in the back ofher head?!“Go find Piccolo and Gohan and help them kill these guys.” she added when she turned to me. I looked at her as if she were crazy. She was practically scolding me for trying to find the androids, now she wants me to fight them? Humans are confusing.

“Fine. Bye.” I said and left, going to my first battle with the androids.

It's been a month now since me, the namek, Kakarrot's boy, and the midget tried to fight the androids and failed. They were just too strong! West City, which is where Bulma and I lived, had been destroyed. Bulma was still in disbelief that her parents were dead. I tried to comfort her, but she kept pulling away. We were lucky that Trunks was with us that day however. We were now in some shelter home that was more of a giant hole in the ground with steps to outside.

“Mr. Piccolo, why are the androids doing this?” Gohan asked. He's been unusually calm this whole time. I think it's because he's half-asleep almost every day.

“No one knows.” Piccolo answered.

“Where're Yamcha and Tien?” Krillin asked. This time I had to yell something. Every time Gohan or the midget asked that, I always wanted to yell out a statement but Bulma kept glaring at me. But this time I leapt to my feet.

“They're not coming! They're cowards! If they were true warriors, we'd have probably defeated those damn androids by now!” I yelled.

“Vegeta! That's not true!” Bulma argued.

“Yes it is! They're just waiting for us to kill `em! You know that, Bulma! They're just going to sit back and wait! You know what they're waiting for?!” I yelled louder. Surprisingly, Trunks didn't wake up. Bulma looked down.

“Those son of a bitches are waiting for the androids to take our guts out and throw us aside like trash! They're not coming to fight! Never! Both of them are probably watching TV or doing something else while WE HAVE TO ALMOST FACE OUR DAMN DEATHES ALMOST EVERY DAMN DAY!! WE GET BROKEN BONES AND PASS OUT FROM BLOOD LOSS! WE HAVE TO GET OUR ASSES KICKED EVERY TIME WE SEE THOSE ANDROIDS!” I roared and then said coldly, “We have tohide and hope they don't massacre us while our injuries heal. Need I say more?” Everyone was quiet after that. Trunks stirred slightly.

“H-he's right. I hate to admit it, but Vegeta's right. We're on our own.” Piccolo admitted and looked down at a sleeping Gohan. “Yamcha and Tien aren't coming. Not even to save Goku's boy. They-” Piccolo was about to say something else but then stayed quiet. None of us have ever said Kakarrot's name since he died. Krillin looked at his broken right arm in a sling, then at Gohan's broken leg. Just then Trunks started crying and Bulma tried to hush him. She started to sing a lullaby, but it didn't work. The crying went on for what seemed like hours; but it was only minutes.

“Bulma! Will you shut that brat up?!” I shouted. Bulma glared at me and stood up. Her blue eyes scared me at this moment.

“He's your brat too! Here!” Bulma yelled and put Trunks in my arms.

“What?!” I exclaimed but held my son anyway. I looked down at him. He stopped crying and looked up at me with his blue eyes. He was looking up at his father, and I was looking down at my son. This is my son. Trunks reached up at me, making noises. I held a smile back as much as I could, but it came out as a smirk. Trunks gave up on whatever he was doing and yawned, falling asleep.

“Here.” I told Bulma and put Trunks in her arms. She smiled at me and pecked my cheek. I felt them go red quickly. Krillin was trying not to grin or laugh and Piccolo chuckled quietly. I glared at them and then the radio Krillin brought told us that the androids were near us.

“Damn.” I cursed. Just then I heard the screams of people from above.

“They're here.” Piccolo observed and looked down at Gohan sadly. He stood up, removing his cape and turban. Piccolo placed the turban under Gohan's head as a pillow, and his cape over the sleeping half-bred. He mouthed `Goodbye, Gohan' and turned around. He had sensed that something was going to happen. I had sensed it too. Krillin got the message and walked to the staircase, followed by me. The horrible feeling swept over me again as we started to walk up the steps. We knew that this would probably be the end. Thinking about this, I stopped and turned around, running fast towards Bulma.

“Vege-?” Bulma started to question but I silenced her with a kiss as a tear started to form behind my eye. The Saiyan Prince shall not leave without his Princess knowing how he feels about her! If I left before this, I would be dishonoring my pride and my race. I broke the kiss put a lose strand of Bulma's blue hair behind her ear, and stroked Trunks' lavender hair. How his hair came to be purple is a mystery to me. I pecked his forehead and walked away. Looking behind me, I saw that Bulma's eyes were tearing. I sprinted back up to the other two, a tear started to roll but I wiped it away. I couldn't bear to see that look, knowing that I caused it. As I reached the final step, Piccolo and Krillin nodded in understanding. We looked up at the cellar doors.

“A long time ago we were all enemies.” Krillin said.

“Times change.” Piccolo added.

“Damn bastards.” I muttered. We looked at each other in a new found respect.

“Good luck.” Krillin said as I shoved open the doors with a big BANG. The three of us walked outside, seeing the damage the androids had already made.

The city was completely gone.

“Well, look at what we've got here.” the familiar voice of Android #18 teased.

“The three fighters from last week, how interesting.” her brother, Android #17 commented. I growled and immediately turned Super Saiyan.

“There you go again. Stop trying to be me. I'm a natural blonde, you wannabe.” #18 said boredly.

“Hey sis, that rhymed.” #17 said. His sister only glared with her dangerous blue eyes and looked at us.

“What're you waiting for? Come get us.” she said.

“Gladly, you BASTARDS!!” I yelled and charged at #18 with a punch. She easily blocked it and the battle began.

The beginning wasn't all that great. Forus anyway. Saiyan, Namekian, and human blood were already spilling at a fast rate. I wasn't attacking now, just blocking to preserve my energy. Damn androids, they're too strong! No! I will not think like that! I can beat them! I know I can! Now I was fighting #17, who proved to be more of a challenge than his sister. Piccolo tried to help, but I pushed him away to where he was now fighting along side Krillin. I don't know how long it was but now #17 was holding me up off the ground by the neck.

“You're dead, Mr. “Super Saiyan”. You're pathetic race is no match for us.” #17 taunted coldly. I growled angrily and gathered up all my energy into one spot. I shut my eyes tightly and started chuckling. “What's so funny?”

“You're just where I want you.” I told him then shouted, “THE SAIYAN PRINCE WILLNOT GO DOWN SO EASILY!!”

“ “Prince”? Yeah right.” #17 said in a bored tone. I smirked.

“Hn. I am, deal with it. But wait, you can't because,” I said then yelled, “BIG BANG ATTACK!!! HYAA!” I put my lefthand up to his face and blasted all of my ki into his mechanical head. He was sent flying and let go of my neck. I dropped to the ground and rolled onto my stomach. With some of my last bits of energy, and moved a flat rock closer to me and wrote on it in my own royal, Saiyan blood.

I smirked. The writing was messy, yet readable. I felt another blood-filled cough coming up and I turned my head away so that blood wouldn't splatter over the stone. Piccolo, as I noticed, was on the ground; or rather on his death bed. I didn't care what the hell happened to him or the human! I tried to send a telepathic message to Bulma and Trunks. I don't know if I can though.

`Trunks, my son, I love you and I want you to know that. When you get stronger, please do what I could not. Avenge me! I pass down the Saiyan throne to you, my dear son. You are the new Saiyan Prince. And as the Prince, grow strong and protect your mother for me. I'm sorry I never held you more than just for the few seconds today. Good bye, Trunks.'

`Bulma….I don't know what to say, but I hope you live a happy life. I would say `I love you', but those three words don't describe how much I care about you; so maybe these six will make up 10: I love you so much, Bulma. Goodbye.'

Another tear rolled down my cheek and I clutched the stone for dear life.

“Still alive?” the voice I didn't want to hear asked. My pride was broken as I saw the faint figure of #17 standing in front of me. But I smirked.

“Another…fighter will come….and kill you…..to avenge….me. Give him….time. My son….the new….Saiyan Prince….w-will kill you….with, no doubt….help from his….m-mother. Y-you w-will fall…at a Saiyan's…hands….and th-that saiyan….is….my son.” I said hoarsely and smirked. “I love….them both…I hope…th-they know that…”

“Whatever.” #18 said and with a beam, shot me straight through the heart. I died like this once before….this is a damn way to die again.

“Y-you…will meet…your…fate….bastards.” I said with my last glare. “Trunks….Bulma…..” I whispered with my last breath, and first smile. I closed my eyes; I could no longer feel the blood on my face or the cuts all over my body. All I could feel was the stone my hand was clasped over. My hair turned back to black, I stopped breathing, my heart had its last beat, and the smile stuck on my face.

“Damn. He's smiling like that green guy.” #18 told her brother when she looked at the dead saiyan in front of them. “What's that rock say?” she questioned.

“Leave it. It might be for his son and wife.” #17 told #18.

“That's unlike you.” #18 commented.

“Hmph. He nearly killed me. If he hadn't yelled that attack, I would be scrap metal right now.” #17 said sourly.

“No shit?”

“No shit.” Just then a little boy, around the age of 9 or 10, came out, clutching a turban and a large cape while supporting himself with a crutch.

“MR. PICCOLO!!!” the boy cried and sprinted/limping over to the dead Namekian's body. His hair was long and messy. “What did you bastards do to him?!” the boy cried.

“He obviously picked up some language from this piece of trash.” #18 said as she glanced down at the Saiyan Prince.

“Is he this fool's son?” #17 asked his sister. She shook her head.

“No resemblance. And he seems to care more about that green person than this guy.” she replied. Then the little boy stood up.

“I…will…KILL YOU BOTH!!” he cried and started yelling as if he were in pain. His hair stood up slightly, became gold, his eyes turned aqua green, and gold light surrounded him.

“Let's go. We'll let him get strong along with this…Trunks Vegeta was talking about.” #17 offered and then both androids left.

“Come back here! Cowards!!” the kid yelled and then gave up on trying to get them to come back. Tears rolled down the youngest Super Saiyan's cheeks. His hair and eyes became black once more and he put the cape over his mentor's body.

“Mr. Piccolo….you called me….your son before you died.” He whispered and crawled under the cape next to the namekian and fell asleep. Just then a woman with blue hair and matching eyes came sprinting out; a worried look was plastered on her pale face.

“VEGETA!!!” she cried and dropped to her knees at her husband's body. “Vegeta….I heard you. You can't leave me!!! You're the only one I've got left besides Trunks! Vegeta!” she cried again, tears streaming like a river down her face. She, somehow, turned Vegeta onto his back and put his head in her lap. She noticed the smiled and cried more, her forehead to his.

“Why'd you leave me? Vegeta?” she whispered. After crying more, she noticed the stone still in Vegeta's hand. She wiped her tears away and picked it up. She read it at least ten times and bawled in despair. The stone read:

“I love you, Bulma. Don't cry, please, it makes me sad inside when you do. I haven't left you alone if that's what you might be thinking. I'm just a little higherabove your head, watching over you, my Princess. Goodbye, I love you.”

Bulma could hear Vegeta's voice reading it out loud to her. She never thought she'd cry this hard after her parent's and Goku's deaths. Just then a familiar feeling came across her lips. She focused on what was in front of her.

Nothing.

Bulma cried again, she had just imagined Vegeta's tender kiss! He wasn't ever coming back! Never! The fact hit her like a large brick and the pain of her blood-shot eyes stung horribly. Bulma read the stone again and stopped crying. Vegeta didn't want her to cry. He didn't want her to think that he left her. Why?

Because he didn't…..in heart at least.

“B-Bulma?” a faint voice asked. Bumla turned her head around to see Krillin in really bad shape while cradling his arm. “I-is that you crying?” he asked again. Krillin looked at who the body was in front of her and let out a long “Oh” and then a “Sorry.”

“H-he died….Krillin, Vegeta's gone!! Why?!” Bulma cried, even though she knew that it was against her lover's will. She stopped crying again and turned her attention back on Vegeta, stroking his hair.

“I love you, Vegeta.” Bulma whispered and kissed Vegeta's forehead softly.

It was seventeen years since that heart-breaking day and Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, and Choazu were killed by the still-killing-everything-in-their-sight androids. Vegeta's son, Trunks, was a Super Saiyan and the only fighter left on Earth. He had just got brutually beat by the androids, again, and was laying in the hospital, his mother at his side.

“Mom?” Trunks asked.

“Yes dear?” Bulma replied, looking at her son.

“Is it possible to remember something when you were a baby, not even a year old? Like, a telepathic message?” Trunks asked.

“I dunno. That's a good question. Why?” Bulma answered in curiosity. Trunks sat up in his bed. The seventeen year-old looked at his feet.

“I…I think I know what dad's voice sounds like.” he said.

“Really? Do tell.” Bulma said with sarcasm.

“He told me something, in these exact words:

“ `Trunks, my son, I love you and I want you to know that. When you get stronger, please do what I could not. Avenge me! I pass down the Saiyan throne to you, my dear son. You are the new Saiyan Prince. And as the Prince, grow strong and protect your mother for me. I'm sorry I never held you more than just for the few seconds today. Good bye, Trunks.'

“That's what he said, mom.” Trunks said. Bulma froze. She felt tears forming behind her eyes and excused herself from the room, not wanting her son to hear or seeher cry.

`Vegeta, you talked to Trunks! You idiot! You never showed you cared about him! Oh, Vegeta…' she kept thinking while crying.

Bulma soon re-entered Trunks' room, wiping tears from her eyes.

“I'm sorry mom….” Trunks whispered. Bulma put her hand on Trunks' shoulder.

“S'alright.” she assured him. Trunks smiled and lay back down, falling asleep instantly. Bulma smiled and decided to visit Vegeta's grave site alone later. She and Gohan, when he was younger and not killed by the androids, buried Piccolo near him. When Gohan died, Bulma and thirteen year-old Trunks buried him in the space between his mentor and fellow saiyan. She never told Trunks that the grave to the left of Gohan was his father, only “someone very important”.

Little did Bulma know, her Prince had been watching over her from death. The stone which he wrote on in blood was in Bulma's room, hidden from Trunks in the closet. Vegeta sighed and glared at the halo above his head, wishing it weren't there.

He glanced down at the living world and muttered, “I shoudn't `ve said goodbye. I didn't leave her, or my son.” Then he had an after thought. “I can't believe I died smiling.”

“And I said, Goodbye to you.
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew.
You were the one I loved, the one thing that I tried to hold onto.”
Goodbye To You, Michelle Branch