Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Timeless Beauty ❯ One Step Forward, Two Steps Back ( Chapter 10 )

 

Glossary:

Sofu- grandfather

Kimono- japanese clothing, male or female.

 

Thanks to Little-fighter88 for beta-ing this.

 

Disclaimer: Toriyama won't like what I've doing to the characters. I don't own them, never have never will. On wit' da story!

 

Timeless Beauty

By Star-brella

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Chapter 9: One Step Closer, Two Steps Back

 

(Imperial House of Japan)

6:25am

 

Chichi sighed for the millionth time as she and Juu sat in the garden, waiting for news about Bulma.

 

“You think she's all right?” Chichi asked, trying to keep the worry out of her voice.

 

“She'll be alright…” Juu muttered, “She's just has to be.”

 

“I want to go home.” Chichi whispered, hugging herself as she watched the sun rise in the horizon.

 

“So do I, but even if we know how to we can't leave without Bulma.” Juu sighed.

 

(Ship)

 

Bulma rolled over, her back sore from sleeping on the hard floor. The hope that she first had when she woke up slowly disappearing when she smelled the salt water, heard the water rustling near her. “Please tell me it was all a dream…all a dream, all a dream, all a god damned fucked up dream….please!” She prayed as she sat up, opening her eyes.

 

Whatever joy left in her was completely gone as she took in her surrounding. She laid on a cot inside the ship, the only men around were Brolly, Goku and Vegeta who sat on the floor across the small room.

 

All three of them were looking at her oddly.

 

“FUCK! WHY ME!? WHY THE FUCK ME?” Bulma cried in frustration as she got up and stormed outside ignoring everyone else.

 

“Not a morning person is she?” Brolly smirked, before closing his eyes and going into his meditation.

………………………&# 8230;………

 

Bulma let out a frustrated growl before flopping down on the wooden deck and leaning her head over the edge, staring down at the fishes that she could make out swimming next to the front end of the ship.

 

“Would you rather be back with that bastard?” Vegeta's cool voice asked, tinted with irritation. He had slipped out quietly after Bulma had stormed out.

 

Bulma slowly got up, turning to him and fixing her cold emotionless gaze on to his, almost making him blink in surprise at her lack of emotions for the first time since he had known her.

 

“No Vegeta.” She spat his name out perfectly clear omitting any ending once again. “I don't want to be with Batochu, I don't want to be in Japan, I don't want to be in this fuckin' timeline. I want to go home.” She ended up yelling in frustration, punching the wooden barrel next to her unknowingly making her tender skin rip and bleed.

 

“What the hell are you talking about!? Timeline?” Vegeta asked irritation still in his voice as he looked at Bulma's bleeding hand.

 

“YES,” Bulma screamed. “I told you that I come from the goddamn future where all of these things are already over with! Why are you fuckin' people so STUPID?!” She screamed tears leaking out of her eyes as she continued punching the barrel.

 

Bulma didn't notice that the barrel had been pounded into pieces already as she continued to punch the wall behind it. She didn't feel the pain in her hand, didn't even notice the blood spraying onto the wall as she continued to punch it.

 

Vegeta frowned at her obvious frustration moving to pull her away before she broke her hand because of the improper way of punching. But surprisingly she jerked to a stop and moved to sit where she did before, dipping her hand in the Pacific Ocean.

 

“It's salt water.” Vegeta stated, sitting down on the low table set up right behind her, pouring himself a cup of sake.

 

“I know it is.” Bulma spat out bitterly, “I also know that the world is round, that all the nine planets are going to be perfectly in line tonight. That the eastern star will shine the brightest two days from now, that my dad is worried stick about me, that my mom doesn't care if I live or die because she's off fucking another man, and that I'll probably never make it back home.”

 

Bulma cut herself off, tears falling freely from her eyes with her back to Vegeta. She didn't want him to see her crying, he would just make a smart-ass comment.

 

A moment of silence fell over them and all they heard was the ocean's soft song. The sun was slowly rising above the horizon making beautiful colors…calming Bulma's turmoil emotions.

 

“So Vegeta,” Bulma asked quietly after awhile, “Are you happy?”

 

The question shocked Vegeta as he stared at her back. No one had ever used only his name before, yet this onna had never used ouji on his name. No one has ever questioned him before, yet this onna asked him so freely. But was he happy? He had everything, right?

 

Bulma turned around to look at him when Vegeta didn't answer her.

 

Vegeta stiffened with she focused her clear blue eyes on him, seemingly able to see through his soul. With a light-knowing smile she reached down taking the sake bottle, she took a long deep swing from it as she drank more then half.

 

“Are you happy?” Vegeta asked back with his emotionless voice as he watched her finish the bottle and reach for a new one in the bin.

 

“Yes, I was happy.” Bulma stated opening the bottle, “I was very happy just last month, before I fell into that fuckin' lake of yours.”

 

She took a full swing from the bottle, still not drunk. She swallowed the burning liquid, relishing the feel of the sake as it burnt its way down her creating a soft, fuzzy, tingling feeling.

 

“I was very very happy.” A true smile crossed her face, looking up to the blue sky, “I had my daddy that loved me and gave me everything I wanted. I had my grandfather that spoiled me rotten. I'm the smartest person in class and hell probably the whole Eastern Hemisphere. I got a full scholarship to Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, and Princeton University. I had my close friends around me. And I'm drop dead rich and beautiful.”

 

She grinned goofy at the last part, making Vegeta roll his eyes at her vainness.

 

She took another long swing before Vegeta took it from her and took a swing himself. Vegeta glanced at her now red cheeks from the amount she'd drank, his eyes traced her soft features and curvaceous figure.

 

Bulma shifted her body so her shoulder was on top of his chest as she rested her back against him.

 

“But…” Bulma began again, taking the bottle again from Vegeta. “There was only this much of hate and bitterness I had in me.” She said, closing both hands almost together. “My so called mother is a slut. She left me and my father for another man when I was just eight.”

 

Vegeta heard the clear bitterness in her tone, and saw hate flashing within her deep blue eyes.

 

“Sounds like more then just that much hate and bitterness you have.” Vegeta chuckled softly, enjoying the feeling of her body so close to his as he studied her soft features.

 

“You know what it feels like to come home from school one day and find your own mother screwing another man? To watch your father's heart break? To have to listen to your parents argue until they finally spit up?” Bulma asked, tears again filling her eyes as took a deep drink. Her eyes lids dropped, tired and drunk.

 

Vegeta watched her eyes close, feeling the sudden urge to wipe away the tears that were trailing down her smooth face. Her silky locks spread cross is chest as she took another drink before he took it from her again.

 

“I swore to myself at that moment that I would never do what that bitch did. I would love my husband forever. I wouldn't cheat on him, he wouldn't cheat on me. He would love me like I would love him. I wouldn't remarry or run to another man if he died before me. We would be unshakable… unbreakable.” Bulma said softly yet determinedly, taking the drink from Vegeta again.

 

“It is foolish to give your heart to someone else. They would be your weakness.” Vegeta stated just as firmly, through somehow his heart thumped at her testimony. Vegeta looked down at Bulma when he felt her tilt her head up to meet his eyes. He had never seen her up this close before, only an inch away.

 

Her blue eyes smoky blue from drinks, searched his as if looking for something. Memorized by her very being, he leaned in closer. Her soft breath teasing the sensitive skin on his face.

 

Bulma surprised him by her bold movement; his eyes widened slightly as she dug her forehead between his neck and shoulder, inhaling his scent. He couldn't help but crush her closer to him, fully pressing every curve against himself.

 

And just as suddenly, she went limp. Glancing down at her he saw that she was asleep.

 

He mentally berated himself, aware of the uncomfortable hardness between his legs.

 

(Yokohama)

8:25am

 

“Morning sunshine,” A rough voice chuckled humorously to what seemed to be an old crook, but known as the owner of the famous restaurant, Maifing.

 

The owner pulled the straw from his mouth and threw out a sloppy grin, revealing all his yellow stained teeth. Lifting his fifty-year-old, massive body up to greet his friend……a warrior no less.

 

“Ah, my boy. Haven't seen you for a long time…still in one piece I see.” The old man's eyes sparkled with joy as he observed the young man before him.

 

At age nineteen, the young man before him already had looks that could melt women young and old. Pitch black hair reached his wide board shoulders which was tied into a low ponytail. Underneath the clothes, one could make out the muscular well-toned chest from all the training.

 

“Never been better, old man.” There was a sparkle in his crystal blue eyes that always gave off a lively, mischievous glint. As if he knew a secrete no one else did.

 

“Well, don't just stand there boy. Come in an have some breakfast with an old man!” The owner boosted loudly, leaning his head back to give a joy filled laugh.

 

“As much as I love spending the whole day picking my nose with you, sofu…” Junichi answered tugging on the reins of the horse that stood behind him, “I have work to do. Maybe later.”

 

Junichi was just about to add something else, but saw that his grandfather's eyes were focused very intensely on something behind him.

 

Junichi followed his grandfather gaze, turning around to see what he thought never existed in this world. He watched as her elaborate locks of blue hair blew against the wind, caressing her face. Watched entranced as she gingerly brushed her hair back behind her shoulder as she continued to look and walk around with a lost expression.

 

“Now I remember where I've seen her from!” The declaration of his grandfather snapped Junichi out of his daze, but his eyes never left the goddess that was right across the street from him.

 

Before he could ask, his grandfather shouted out, “Hey missy!!!” turning the beauty's head towards them.

 

And for that moment, time stopped for both of them as her ocean blue eyes clashed with his clear ones.

 

Bulma's eyes widened at the sight of Jay, her head swirled and she felt the ground beneath her move. In a blindness motion, she ran towards him longing to feel his strong arms around her, reassuring her that everything is all right, that there was no such thing as time travel, or alternate universe. She longed for his soothing deep voice to wash away all the confusion and fear she had felt for the past month.

 

Bulma pushed her legs to move faster, she was so close to him. Stretching out her arms towards him, her head suddenly filled with a loud shrilling scream, the ground reached for her yet again and her world went pitch black.

 

Junichi's caught her in his arms before she hit the ground. Shifting her in his arms, he shook her slightly in hopes of waking her.

 

“Sofu, do you know who she is?” Junichi asked, turning to the old man who now stood next to him, looking down at the girl with concern.

 

“Yes, she's a guest of the royal house. She and two other girls her age, came to eat here yesterday with the prince and Kakkorate.” He answered, leading Junichi into the restaurant.

 

“If she is a guest of the royal house, wouldn't they have kept a better eye on her?” Junichi asked with an accusing tone in his voice, already he felt the need to protect her.

 

“Well, you've heard of the attack yesterday here and at Chiba right? It happened right when they were eating here. Ouji-sama ordered them to go back to the royal house but I'm guessing something happened along the way because just a few hours later I heard that she was kidnapped by Batochu's men.” The old man explained as he took a sharp turn around the hall, which lead to a private room.

 

Junichi took in the information as his grandfather spread the futon out. Laying her down and pulling covers up, they sat beside her still deep in thought.

 

“I'll go bring some water in for when she wakes up.” The old man walked out, sliding the door closed behind him.

 

Junichi gave out a sigh and pulled out the sword that hung from his hip, placing it next to him on the floor. A soft mumble from her lips caused him to look back at her still sleeping form.

 

He freely studied her in wonderment. Against his own will, his callused hands reached to brush back a lock of blue hair, relishing at how soft and silky it was.

 

(Yokohama's Harbor)

8:30am

 

He cursed under his breath quietly, glancing at the ouji who was talking to the merchants that were present during the attack.

 

“You tell him, Kakkarote.” Brolli said quickly, he had no doubt that the news that Bulma had wandered off would piss the ouji off.

 

“What?! No, why me?” Kakkarote's eyes widened. “I don't wanna die yet.”

 

“Nor do I.” Brolli muttered, and glanced towards Nappa. A slow smirk spread across his face as he said “and nor do we have to.”

 

Goku followed his friend's gaze, landing on an unaware Nappa who was gathering the horses for the ride back to the royal house.

 

(Mai-fing Restaurant)

 

Bulma groaned, reaching a hand up from the covers to her forehead. Her head burned from the inside. The shrilled scream that covered all her other senses was now gone but the lingering effect was still there making her head light and her hearing sensitive.

 

“So you're awake. I thought you would never wake up.” A soft teasing voice filled her ears, a voice so familiar that she thought for a second everything had been a dream.

 

She sat up quickly wanting to see the speaker, but had to clutch her head when she felt her head spin.

 

“Whoa, easy there.” Strong, warm hands held her shoulder, making her world much steadier.

 

Bulma turned slightly, seeing the face of the last person she saw before passing out. Her eyes filled with tears of relief seeing him.

 

“Jay!” She sobbed clinging to him tightly, letting her tears fall freely. “I was so scared, I thought I would never see you again!”

 

Junichi raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Uhh, Have…we…met before?” Surly he would never have forgotten meeting such a creature.

 

He felt her stiffen in his arms at the words he'd just spoken. Felt her shift back slightly to look closely at him, then felt her jerk back from him with surprise written on her delicate features. Already he missed the warmth of her body so near his.

 

“You're….not….Jay.” She whispered, mostly to herself. Whipping away her tears she studied him yet again. She felt the disappointment seep in when she saw that he really wasn't Jay. His body was more muscular, his midnight black hair was long, tied in a ponytail. His clear blue eyes were intense, and much more focused then Jay's mischievous ones could ever be.

 

Junichi could do nothing but watch as emotion after emotion passed through her face and eyes. The confusion and sadness in her eyes made him want to pull her back in his arms again, to protect her from whatever was hurting her.

 

“I-I'm sorry. You just looked so much like my friend…..I thought…for a moment…that…” She trailed off. Amazement still on her face as she watched him move to get her some water.

 

(Harbor)

 

Brolli and Goku couldn't help but wince when they heard the harsh crack of Nappa's jaw and Vegeta's fist connect. That could have been either one of them in Nappa's place if they didn't trick him into telling Vegeta.

 

Not bothering to even take a second glance at Nappa's bleeding form on the ground Vegeta turned to Brolli and Goku, the black fire burning within his eyes suffocating them with every passing second.

 

“Find her.” His voice was even, soft, but they sensed the dangerous tone beneath it; like water no one dares to disturb.

 

Not sparing a second, they took their horses and went towards the city.

 

A string of vicious curses was let out under Vegeta's breath as he jumped onto his horse, riding off in top speed.

 

…Change of Scene…

 

Junichi scratched his head in confusion, making Bulma giggle.

 

“You lost me somewhere along the lines of `time travel' and `future'.” Junichi shrugged giving up and taking a drink of his tea.

 

“I know, I tried to explain to Vegeta and Ou-san too but they don't seem to understand either.” Bulma replied finishing her dim sum. She missed Junichi's wide eyes when he heard her say the ouji's name so freely. No one would dare to say his name, and without a title much less.

 

“Speaking of which, I think we should start heading back before they comb the whole city for you.” Junichi grinned, gathering his sword.

 

Bulma nodded, bowing slightly to the old man who grinned back at her before following Junichi out.

 

“How far is the royal house from here?” Bulma asked curiously as Junichi jumped onto his black horse.

 

“Just an hour at normal speed.” Junichi held out his hand for her to take, he watched with amusement as she pouted down at her elegant light blue kimono that would make her have to ride sideways.

 

She took his hand, shifting to a comfortable spot on his strong chest.

 

“Ready?” Junichi grinned happily down at her. Seeing her nod he tapped the horse to move.

 

He looked ahead, feeling her eyes still on him. After a belief moment when she still didn't look away he met her gaze cocking an amused eyebrow up.

 

“You have something to ask, just ask.”

 

“How old are you?” she said bluntly, which he was starting the get used to by now.

 

“19.”

 

“Rank in army?”

 

“One of the top three generals.”

 

“Any brothers and sisters?”

 

“Nope.”

 

“Wife?”

 

“Nope.” He chuckled at the soft yet bold creature in his arms. It felt right with her.

 

“Girlfriend?”

 

“A wha?”

 

“You know, a person you're seeing. A potential wife.” Bulma explained, her blue eyes sparkling.

 

Junichi was about to answer when he saw someone riding quickly straight at them. His eyes widened when he saw it was Vegeta. But what caught his attention was the murderous look in Vegeta's eyes, his intense eyes never left his and Bulma's figures.

 

“Don't be shy, you can tell me…” Bulma's teasing voice reached Vegeta's hears as he slowed his horse.

 

Junichi looked back down at Bulma when he felt her gently tugs on the folds of the kimono at his chest, trying to get him to answer. He couldn't help but look back up towards Vegeta who was glaring at him like he had stolen something from him.

 

Finally noticing his attention on something behind her she turned and gasped.

 

“Vegeta.” That barely came out as a whisper. She could tell he was pissed, hell the whole street had nearly cleared out at the murderous aurora he was emanating.

 

Vegeta stopped his horse in front of Junichi's horse. He felt a wave of anger and jealousy flow through him at the way Junichi was holding Bulma, how close they were together.

 

“Ouji-sama.” Junichi said, bowing as much as he could on top of the horse.

 

“Junichi when did you get back?” His voice was soft, merely a whisper as he regarded his childhood friend and one of the three top generals.

 

“This morning, ouji-sama.”

 

“Do you know whom you are holding so close to you?” This time there was a threat in his voice and Bulma didn't look at either of the men, focusing her gaze on the horse.

 

“Yes, she told me everything. Bulma and I were just heading back to the royal house.” Junichi answered him evenly, if he was any lesser man he wouldn't have met ouji's eyes at that moment. But he did, and he held it for what could have been the longest time any man was able to hold the Ouji's eyes.

 

Just as he was about to crack from Vegeta's vicious glare, they heard a voice.

 

“Junichi!” A voice broke out their intense stare, they both looked towards the two horses speeding their way.

 

Bulma looked up seeing Brolli and Goku, grateful for the distraction from the tense atmosphere. She really needed to start breathing again, or she would have passed out.

 

Just as Brolli and Goku stopped their horses near Junichi's and started greeting him, Vegeta tapped his horse.

 

“We need to head back.” Vegeta gruffed out lowly. Goku and Brolli rode on either side of Junichi as they followed Vegeta.

 

Junichi grinned down at Bulma, “Any harder, then I think my shirt would have been permanently wrinkled.”

 

Bulma blushed not realizing she had been clutching the cloth near his chest where she had first begun to tug him. “Sorry about that.”

 

“It's ok, makes me feel even more of a man.”

 

“You're a man? Really? Could've fooled me.” Bulma mocked shocked.

 

“She got you man.” Brolli laughed out at that, getting a glare from Junichi.

 

“Yah, well she got Vegeta too.” Goku said from the right of them, “You should have seen the way he looked when he found out you wandered off, Bulma.”

 

“Really?!” Junichi raised an eyebrow with interest. “Who got the hit?”

 

Goku couldn't help but grin sheepishly but yet coyly at the question.

 

“Nappa.” Both Goku and Brolli said, giving a boyish grin that reminded Bulma of their true age, which was only a year older than herself.

 

Junichi couldn't help but laugh out, his body shaking at the picture he had in his mind of a pummeled Nappa.

 

“You're so mean.” Bulma scowled, but couldn't help but grin at his carefree features.

 

She turned to the front when she heard Vegeta's horse take on a gallop, leaving them all behind. She watched Vegeta's retreating figure until it disappeared in a distance with a guilty heart for causing him to be angry.

 

Bulma sighed tiredly, leaning into Junichi's warm, chest. His arms tighten around her form unconsciously.

 

(Imperial House of Japan)

 

Noon….

 

“Chichi stop pacing, I'm sure she's alright.”

 

“Well, what do you except me to do?” Chichi shouted at Juu's nonchalant form. They were at the front steps of the royal house, two guards stood on either side of the arch. It seemed that as long as they stayed within the bounds it's ok.

 

“Well Vegeta did say she's safe.” Juu reasoned, still sitting on the stone steps.

 

“Yah, and that's all he said. Just a `she's safe', like that's going to answer all the questions I have.” Chichi huffed.

 

“Look!” Juu shouted, smiling widely as three-horse advance slowly towards the gates.

 

Chichi quickly got up, seeing a flash of blue. “It's her! It's her!” She squealed.

 

…Change of scene….

 

“Look Bulma!” Goku smiled, seeing Chichi and Juu in a distance.

 

Bulma glanced up, and her eyes widened at the sight of Chichi and Juu. A smile broke out on her face for the first time during the whole ride after Vegeta rode away.

 

“Hurry up Junichi! HURRY!!!” Bulma tugged impatiently at Junichi's kimono, she could hardly sit still as they neared the arch.

 

Junichi started off in a gallop at her request, stopping in front of two other girls that his grandfather mentioned earlier.

 

With a squeal she jumped down from the horse and into both Chi and Juu's arms. The three of them starting asking each other so many questions all at the same time, none of them seemed to be hearing.

 

Finally Juu's scream of shock stopped them. They all turned to look at Junichi which was what Juu was looking at.

 

“Onii-chan….” Juu took a hesitant step towards Junichi.

 

“No Juu.” Bulma said with sadness in her eyes. “He's not Jay. His name is Junichi.”

 

“He looks so much like….” Juu trailed off, her eyes still focused on him. Not daring to look away.

 

“I know….” Bulma laid her hand on Juu's shoulder, “That's what I thought at first too.”

 

“Yah, Bulma's right.” Chichi said quietly, her brown eyes still fastened onto the man before them. “This guy is much more….more….”

 

“Taller.” Juu observed; her twin wasn't much taller then her, but this man was almost as tall as Goku.

 

“And mature…” Chichi finished.

Junichi found himself staring at what would be a girl version of himself, except the blonde hair. More questions raised, confusion spread like wild fire as he gazed at the blonde before him. Their attiutes are so…different from all the women of today.

 

“Wow, you're not even back for one day and already you've got everyone's attention.” Raddize said, walking down the steps to meet them.

 

“Raddize!” Junichi greeted one of his close friends. “I see you're still alive, God must have a sense of humor.” He joked, getting a laugh from Goku and Brolli.

 

“Tell me all about it later,” Raddize smirked indicating Vegeta's mood, and ignoring his comment. “Right now, Ou-sama sends for you.”

 

Junichi nodded, glancing back at the three girls his gaze lingered on Bulma longer before turning to go.

 

“Ooooohhhh.” Chichi cooed, nudging Bulma in the arm catching the look Junichi gave her.

 

“O stop.” Bulma growled, crossing her arms and starting up the many steps.

 

“Well that explains a hell of a lot.” Juu said behind her, making Bulma turn and arched an eyebrow up in question.

 

“Vegeta's worst than usual mood.” Chichi filled in; making Bulma looked down in guilt.

 

Author's Note: So what did you think about the new/old character, Junichi. Hehe, I should tell you now that he looks exactly like the Jay in Bulma's timeline, and both of Jay and Junichi are #17…except….they are two different people….(did you get what I just said?). errmm, if you didn't feel free to tell me and I'll explain it to you further.

 

This chapter was lonnnnggg wasn't it? It's suppose to last you until I get another chapter out which would be around….next month-ish. But review and tell me what you think!