Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ TOSOV (THE OTHER SIDE OF VEGETA) ❯ PRELUDE TO REUNION ( Chapter 4 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

CHAPTER V:

PRELUDE TO REUNION


Vegeta had gone into the garden of New Namek to cool down from the stirring caused in his body by Princess Ariadne's touch. God, she was one of the most beautiful women of his acquaintance and the daughter of a being he had adopted long ago as an Outusan figure, having long since lost his own. The Saiyan no Ouji stood in the cool May night air in deep thought trying to forget how seductive the princess' hazel eyes were. How her crisp white toga seemed to mold itself to every curve of her still developing body. How she smelled intoxicatingly of Ambrosia which had wrapped itself around her like a second skin and wafted its way into his sensitive olfactory organs. Her golden hair shone with the light of many suns and framed her cherubic face like a halo. Vegeta had to develop nerves of steel whenever he'd go to Minerva because he was so attracted to her. He could remember the first moment he'd seen her as she rose out of the sea foam, like Aphrodite-not Prince Sonra's wife-on the beach of Minervasei some nine (Earth) years ago. Even at eleven Earth years, the girl was showing signs of being a breathtaker. Her slender young body had begun to develop the curves that now made her the most sought after female on the planet, but she had cast her hat for the Saiyan prince the minute her eyes had met his. He hadn't thought much of her then as he had pledged himself to that loud mouthed Earthjin, but as that union hit the skids, he found that he could not keep his mind from the young princess. King Aegar had told him the only way Vegeta would ever have Ariadne would be in an alliance between their two planets.

'Yeah, right, Vegeta. Your own planet...Well, once I find and locate the Saiya-jin on this planet, I will have a home planet for them all,' the prince thought to himself.

Inside Trunks had picked up on Vegeta's uneasiness so he had excused himself from his present dance partner then teleported himself out to where he felt his dad's chi. "Outusan!" he called in a whisper.

"I'm here, boy, I didn't go anywhere this time," Vegeta Outusan replied in an edged tone.

"I sensed your unease. I felt you needed some assistance," Trunks said in a slow voice.

"Since when have you ever known me to be in need of assistance? You think like that idiot Kakarrot, that I'm a weak as water Earthjin. Well, I'm not! I am Vegeta no Ouji, Vegetasei, Prince of all Saiya-jin! As for what I need, I need to assemble every full Saiya-jin, half Saiya-jin and bi-product Saiya-jin, find a planet to call New Vegetasei, crown myself king and pick up the old ways of planet destruction for fun but to mainly build a new empire! Stronger and more feared than Frieza's or any previous Saiya-jin Empire, for that matter, " Vegeta hissed. He'd slipped back behind his wall of ice and granite.

"It's Princess Ariadne, isn't it? That's why the icy Vegeta is back? I'm beginning to read your mood changes like a book, Outusan. You love her, don't you and it's driving you mad that you can't mate with her," the younger prince observed.

Vegeta bristle. How did the boy become so intuitive regarding himself, the Outusan? 'Oh, well, Vegeta, no use in hiding the truth, however, there was one secret, though, that you have been able to keep even within the walls of your palatial home and that secret no one who likes their life would ever dare to guess. Goodness knows your body has already betrayed you and the boy has the same olfactory glands as you yourself.' Vegeta dropped his head and nodded. "Yes, I love her. Very much, but I can't have her. King Aegar's already put into law that the only way she and I could ever mate would be as a planetary alliance and a lifelong thing. I don't want anymore halflings! You and Cilvanti are enough," Vegeta smirked.

"Dad, I know of away you that can have her highness and not have to worry about anyone being produced," Trunks beamed and Vegeta's interest was piqued.

The Outusan prince thought. A way to have his princess and not produce any offspring? "Explain, boy," Outusan requested in a hard voice.

"I learned from Krillin that here on Earth, if a couple didn't want a family or any disease, they used something called a rubber that slips over the man's tool to protect both him and his girl from accidents," Trunks said.

Vegeta had an idea of what his heir apparent was talking about and as intriguing as the idea sounded the prince heaved a sigh of defeat and shook his head. Outusan then suggested they return to the party and once inside, Vegeta's ears instantly picked up the sound of his own voice emitting from the CD changer.

"Dad, isn't this your music?" Trunks asked and Outusan nodded as the two headed for the buffet table.

With three large plates of food between them, both Outusan and offspring sat to indulge. The two discussed going to the mall the following day to check out the store where Trunks had purchased the portrait and the doll. At that instant, the female members of the X-team, Chichi, Goku, Krillin and his wife, Gohan and Videl joined the duo.

"I have never seen anyone pile food that high! You couldn't possibly eat all that!" Ororo remarked with eyes widened in disbelief and wonder as she compared the sizes of both Goku's and Vegeta's plates.

"Stick around long enough, that entire buffet will be wiped in under an hour's time. Sooner if Kakarrot gets bored and sees nothing better do to," Vegeta replied as he shoved a forkful of a noodle and rice mixture into his own mouth, then seemed to inhale the rest of the meal as did his son.

Ororo's mouth dropped in shock. "I would never have believed it if I hadn't of seen it for myself! And you don't get sick?"

"Saiya-jin do not have weak constitutions like you Earthlings do. We eat nearly everything that walks on legs, crawls, swims or flies. Out where I live, if it can be caught, it can be eaten. Come to breakfast sometime while you all are here," the prince invited as he folded his arms and sat back against the sofa, eyes closed in meditation. However, not before he caught a grimace of disgust on Ororo's pretty dark skinned face over what he had just said about food sources.

"Just like a man. Eats and then goes to sleep," it was 18 who made the comment. "Hey, did I hear mention of a mall trip tomorrow? As in you, the mighty Prince Vegeta, actually stepping foot into that woman's den of death?" 18 spat throwing a term she had once heard Vegeta use to describe the mall.

"There's a mission I have to accomplish. I intend to round up every Saiya-jin that I can find, locate a space craft large enough to hold the entire circus ring and relocate to a more fitting climate," the prince shot back in a heavy voice.

"Hey, Vegeta, the CD, what language is it recorded in?" Krillin asked in a light manner trying to break the tension.

"It's in Saiyago and Minervan. If I'm bored enough, I might record it in my earth tongue," the prince remarked, his tone dripping in bored hautiness.

Goku, who had gotten up to raid the buffet table again, approached the group with six plates of food and made himself comfortable on the floor in front of the prince. "Man... (munch, munch)... Vegeta... (munch)... I never knew you had such a set of lungs!" Goku commented between munches.

Vegeta heaved a heavy sigh. "How many times, Kakarrot, do you have to be told not to talk with your mouth full?! It's stomach turning! My stomach!" the prince hissed.

"Hmm? Oh, sorry, Vegeta," Goku spluttered as he slurped up a mouthful of noodles and okkusuteru or ox tails. "Your CD is rad, as Goten would say," Goku commented and Vegeta muttered something unintelligible.

The party rolled on until after midnight when the festivities wound to a close. Vegeta told his visitors from Minervasei that they were to stay with him and invited the X-team if they wanted to, as well, and they accepted. Vegeta and Goku teleported the entire group to Vegeta's desert home where the prince changed his little one and big brother put her to bed then the younger prince and his best friend, Goten, joined their Outusans.

"Y'know, I kinda like livin' out here in the middle of nowhere. We have all the space in the world to hone our skills and perfect our power blasts," Vegeta had dropped his cold exterior and relaxed after he himself had showered and changed for the evening.

"This is a beautiful home, my friend. Thank you for putting us up for the night," Prince Sonra remarked as he sat on a futon chair.

"Hey, you all put me and the kids up whenever we visit your planet. It's the least I can do. Well, my friends, I'm gonna meditate. Make yourselves to home," and with that the prince left his palatial home, went out into the back of the house which was an endless stretch of desert.

The Saiyan no Ouji found a spot under a large tree, but before he could ease his mind into meditation, he was joined by six other beings, that often joined him for the late night meditation session. The beings were Goku and his two sons, Videl, Trunks and Piccolo, however, this night the group was joined by the visitors from Minerva. The entire group sat around the tree in a complete circle, eyes closed, minds cleared and set adrift until the beings all became one with the universe.


The next morning at Capsule Corporation, Bulma's new love had immediately sensed that she was peeved over something, but he would not press her for an explanation. She had been short during their date the previous evening and was in no better mood as the two of them shared breakfast together.

"Oh, my love, I wish I knew what was the matter, but I won't press. It must have something to do with that animal that had attacked you and forced you to have his children," Jeff began and Bulma suddenly opened up.

"Oh, Jeffery," she ran and fell into his arms as she cried. "I talked to Chichi and she told me that that little maniac had not only divorced me two years ago without telling me, but that he had gained full custody of Bura, my baby girl! Plus, she and my best friend are no longer together!"

Jeff held her tight. "Oh my Bulma-chan, how? That collar was supposed to kill the wearer instantly once they had been removed from the main control here at Capsule Corp. How did he get her?" Jeff asked as he ruffled Bulma's blue hair.

"I don't know, but I bet my parents have something to do with it!" Bulma clenched her teeth. They didn't like the idea of the collar in the first place but I was not gonna let that little half-alien bitch terrorize me," Bulma seethed.

"I didn't much see the sense in putting the collar on one so young myself, but I did it for you, my love. I'll do anything for you," Jeff kissed Bulma's temple.

"Kill that alien bakayaro for me. I don't care how, just get him out of my life!" Bulma cried.

Jeff's face fell in shock. "Are you kidding me? Wasn't it you who told me that he could kill with just an eyeblink? That he's so fast I'd never feel his attack? I'm not crazy, woman, and although I love you to distraction, I will not die senselessly for you! Besides, you said that he has two alien bodyguards, your kids and your best friend's sons on his side? Let it go, my Bulma-chan, and let's begin our life as one with no hindrances. Let's forget any of those others exist," Jeff tried to soothe his ladylove but she would not be comforted and he knew it. One thing about Bulma, if she wanted something done, she'd go through hell and high water to make it happen.

The phone rang and Jeff answered it then handed the receiver to his lady. She got up from his lap on which she had perched to let her sorrow show and he got up to get ready for work. Since Trunks had left, Cap Corp had been without a VP until Bulma had met Jeffery and offered him the position. He had gladly accepted and relocated to her country and took over the responsibility. Nonetheless, Bulma took her call.

"H-hello," she said in a weak voice.

"Bulma, sweetheart, its Cynthia Winthrop, hun and I was wondering if you'd like to jaunt to the mall this morning. Sort of make it a girl thing. Y'know we haven't seen one another since the Ambassador's dinner two months ago," the caller said.

"Yeah, Cyn, that sounds like a winner. Maybe my disposition will improve with a little shopping. About 11:00? Bulma asked her caller and the girl agreed then the two hung up and Bulma went into her room to spend a few moments with her new love and future husband.


At Vegeta's palace, those who wished had planned to accompany the prince and his offspring to the local mall where Trageta had purchased both the portrait and the doll. Most of the Z sensi and the X-team had gathered for breakfast along with the visitors from Minerva. The very fact that Vegeta was willing to go anywhere near Kinshi Mall with several children under ten years of age (in Earth terms) that alone was surprising. That he had also asked several members of the female gender to accompany him on said venture nearly caused the male gender to phase into the next dimension! Plus, his highness mentioned that the day was gonna be his treat! The other sensi members regarded one another with shy glances but would not state what was going through their minds. The official verdict was in. Vegeta no Ouji, Vegetasei had gone completely mad and had totally lost what was left of his mind.

"Ah, Vegeta, are you sure you're feelin' okay? I mean the last time anyone suggested going to Kinshi, you nearly sent them one way to the next dimension," Krillin, always the one to ask the awkward questions, voiced everyone's thoughts.

"You all think I've lost my mind. Maybe I have, I dunno. But I have a mission, now and that's to reunite my people, locate a planet and get hell offa this one. I know I've been here for decades, but I'm still uncomfortable," the prince responded.

""Vegeta, you're being so nice! What happened to the selfish, maniacal grump who invaded us about twenty years (Earth Time) ago?" Chioutzu asked as the team enjoyed the morning's hunt for breakfast.

Since he'd been living on his own with his offspring, Goten and Goku, it was only natural that the other Z sensi visit their long time rival and friend, much to Vegeta's inner protestations and hair pulling. Now, secretly the Saiyan no Ouji was glad of the company. It was always good to see Gohan, Piccolo, Videl and their offspring because the kids sparred and played with Cilvanti while he sparred with the parents. However, Chioutzu's question made him think. That was a loaded question. What had happened to him? His true nature had surfaced, that's what had happened; the prince had just buried that being because as the heir to the mighty Saiya-jin Empire, he had to prove he had no feelings. That he cared for nothing except furthering the empire no matter how many would die in the process. The very thought cut like a knife when he thought back on his first intention of coming to Earth, which was to destroy it.

Vegeta heaved a heavy sigh. "In response to your question, Chioutzu, I had two near fatal accidents and two trips to the rejuvenation tank in the same week one day after another. Kinda changes my personality, doncha think? Especially since the flamin' tunnel caved in on top of my head! Any head injury a Saiyan receives alters his personality, but in subtle ways. My being's been changing ever since I fought Earth's hero, at the time, the Namek adventure and that woman invited me into her home. My major change came right after the chimp entered the world and I had to care for her. Mother was so incoherent following the birth that I had to do something. I knew Cilvi was gonna be a handful, that was why I took it on myself to raise her. I don't think I've done too bad a job. Chimp may be a little more spoiled than other kids her age but that's because dad has more money than he could ever spend in his life," Vegeta said. He and Trunks placed a mountain of scrambled eggs, rice and sushi on the table with other food items from which the prince's guests could feast.

The faces of the X-team registered complete shock. Not only had they not seen so much food on one table, they had never seen anyone eat the way Goku, Gohan and Goten did. The moment the food hit the table, nearly half of it had disappeared.

"Are they for real, Vegeta?" Jean asked as the prince stood in a corner of the dining room and watched his guests eat.

Vegeta looked at her in some confusion, and then he realized that she'd been referring to how Goku and sons feasted. "Fraid so, hun. Saiya-jin eat in great quantities under normal circumstances. Those three, my offspring, Pan and myself are all Super Saiya-jin, therefore our energy is at a very high output rate so we require more fuel than your average being. Ya better grab some while you can, cause in about thirty minutes, there aint gonna be no more until lunch or Kakarrot's internal alarm...No, bad idea. That alarm sounds off a hundred times a day," the prince smirked at his friend who looked up at him.

"Hmm? Whatcha say, Vegeta?" Goku asked, his mouth stuffed to capacity
with whatever edibles he had put in it.

"Kakarrot!" Vegeta had turned his back to the crowd. If there was anything in creation the nauseated him to no end it was being in the same room with Kakarrot and his insatiable appetite. No matter how many times he pounded it into the larger Saiyan's head, Vegeta just could not make Kakarrot understand that his dining habits were unacceptable. 'Gotta admit, though, he never strangles or gets indigestion. It gives me heartburn just to watch him,' Vegeta shook his head, a small smile appeared on his face but his hair fell forward to cover his profile.

"Hey, dad, ya eatin'? There's plenty left over," Trunks called Vegeta out of his stupor.

Vegeta looked over to the table and saw that his son was right. It was unbelievable! The Sons actually left food untouched? He was the one suffering from a personality conflict not them, so why had they left a quarter of the food? "Kakarrot, are you and the boys ok?" the prince could not help but ask. Oh that was brilliant. Now, everyone would think that he cared about Goku and company, and that was a horrible thought.

"Yeah, we just remembered that we have company and that it wouldn't be proper to kill all the eats," Goku snickered. "I'm gonna train. Wanna come?" he asked Vegeta.

"Why not. I lost my appetite watching you guys eat," the prince shrugged and followed Goku to the rear of the palace.

"Daddy! Aren't we goin' to the mall? If you and Uncle Kakarrot go and spar, you'll get all dirty and sweaty. Then, we'll have to wait two hours while you clean up! No, daddy!" Cilvanti reprimanded the prince who was so shocked he could not respond.

The Z sensi backed out of the kitchen in anticipation for a storm, which would strike without warning. Just then, a chuckle was heard, followed by snicker and finally a full hearty laugh. All eyes were riveted on the prince who was on the floor in an uncontrollable fit of laughter. Vegeta never laughed like that, at least not in anyone else's line of vision, that is! Something serious had happened to Vegeta and it was deep.

"Vegeta?" Gohan asked in a tentative tone.

Vegeta calmed down and got up from the floor. "Well, I guess she told me, didn't she. Well, in that case, let's finish breakfast, get this pig sty in some order then we'll go," the prince hoisted the chimp into his arms and spun her around. She yelped with glee.

As soon as breakfast had been completed, the dishes stacked in the dishwasher-one of the few luxuries the prince couldn't believe didn't exist at CC-and the kitchen returned to its former glory of whistle cleanness, Vegeta and friends prepared to leave for the mall. Piccolo had left after the work was complete but he had left his offspring to keep Pan and Cilvi company. With the exception of some of the X-team, the Z sensi all possessed the ability to defy gravity or teleport to any destination they desired. However, with company about, Vegeta decided the group would go in style so he threw out a capsule, which, after the smoke had cleared, a shiny cranberry colored 15 passenger SUV air vehicle stood gleaming and waiting. The prince instructed his guests to make themselves comfortable-Prof. X had stayed at New Namek-then he went to the West Side of the palace, where he pressed a button hidden in the wall. The palace disappeared and a capsule lay in its space. After retrieving the capsule, Vegeta placed it into a billfold, then he hopped behind the controls of the SUV, started the engine then the group was off.

"Vegeta, why did you encapsulate the palace?" 18 asked.

"In case we had to get the hell outta Dodge in a hurry," the prince replied as he maneuvered through other air traffic. "Now, I know why I hate air driving. These fools can't negotiate air any better than they can asphalt!" the prince growled, his patience beginning to wear thin.

Soon the group arrived at the Kinshi Mall and got out of the vehicle. After everyone and everything was cleared out of the SUV, Vegeta encapsulated it and put it away in the billfold next to the palace. Taking his baby girl's hand, the two followed the others into the mall. Unfortunately, the entrance the group went through was that of the food court. Goku stopped dead in his tracks.

"I'm hungry!" the mighty Saiyan whined like a child.

"The hell you say, Kakarrot! We just had breakfast not an hour ago! You either take control of that bottomless pit of yours or I'll tie a knot in your tongue!" the prince reprimanded.

"But I'm still hungry, Vegeta!" Goku whimpered.

Vegeta threw his hands up in disbelief. How could a being who packed away two adult dinosaurs, eighty eggs of various sizes-shelled and unshelled-a tree full of fruit and hundreds of gallons of sports drink in one sitting still want more?

"Okay, lemme stop by the bank then you can attack the food court. Later we'll go to Kimshi Buffet for lunch. It's all you can eat, Kakarrot!" Vegeta smiled with sadistic glee.

"You mean you don't carry money with you?" 18 asked in her snotty fashion that grated on Vegeta's nerves like...No, better not go there.

The Saiyan prince took a deep breath as he was trying desperately not to smash her face in; however; just her presence was making that difficult. Conceding to the fact that it wouldn't do to lose his temper over the ill-mannered shrew, Vegeta threw his head in the air, pointedly ignored her and strode proudly down the mall to the Earth bank with which he transacted. The effect was ruined by the laughter that followed him for his little princess had taken hold of his hair and hung on. Princess Ariadne hung on his arm.

It was like a knife in his gut the second he walked into the bank and his onyx orbs briefly caught a pair of familiar blue ones, which accompanied a head of hair, nearly the same hue. Thank God he was wearing a pair of dark sunglasses and his hair had grown to his waist every time he had undergone the SSJ transformation.

"Daddy, can I have a lollipop?" Cilvanti asked in Saiyago and Vegeta replied in kind.

"Bulma, hun, whatever happened to that dream on two legs you were married to? He was delicious! The first time I laid eyes on the two of you, I envied your having him. No matter how hard I tried to catch his attention, he'd always put me in my place by reminding me that he was mated to you. He was so rude and arrogant. That just made me want him more," a blonde woman-who, in profile resembled 18-effused.

Vegeta cringed. He knew that the bimbo was talking about him and he never gave her the time of day. Oh, she was so common it was unreal! Cynthia Winthrop, daughter to some American diplomat thought she could get any man or anything she wanted by just batting those long fake lashes of hers. She had tried very hard with his Saiyan highness, but he had put that bow-wow to heel. Trollops like that easily upset his balance, which was why he kept Ariadne at bay, even though she herself was the royal princess on the planet Minerva.

"Who? That vegetable-monkey-tailed-prince? That high-and-mighty-wanna-be-lord-of-the-universe? The last time I was forced to look at his ugly mug was after the Kanto Island earthquake and he was in a regeneration tank in the same room as the child that I nearly died giving birth to! I just found out from my girlfriend, Son Chichi, that he divorced me two years ago and got custody of that same child. I guess on that head I should be grateful to him for taking such a responsibility off my hands! That child is so uncontrollable and so spoiled, she gives a new definition to both! I had to have Jeffery slap an energy collar on her to keep CC from being blown up! Oh and here's the kicker. I found out that some strong thread like twins bonded her older brother, the vegetable head and that baby herself. Whatever was injuring the baby also injured dad and sibling. I was hoping to get rid of that entire barrel of monkeys, but I was double-crossed! And by my own parents, believe it or not!" Bulma gasped.

Vegeta nearly broke his strong Saiyan teeth as he tried to keep from exploding; however, it wasn't himself that he fretted over. It was the chimp on his shoulder! Well, the prince couldn't exactly blame the child for the deep animosity she harbored towards the blue-haired crone. The bitch did try to kill them all with that collar she had attached to his princess. The witch had just admitted the fact in their hearing! Vegeta kept his eyes on the baby and she had extended her arm towards the pair of ladies in front of them. Without a moment's thought, Vegeta realized just what little one intended but he didn't react until...

"AAAAHHHH! That child's hand is glowing! Watch out!" a customer that stood behind Outusan and daughter yelled and those present turned to look in Vegeta's direction.

The prince immediately ITed out of line and stood with the warriors who waited for him. It did not go unnoticed that he was seething and trying to keep from blowing up. Vegeta took Cilvanti off his shoulder and threw her at her brother who caught her.

"Take this worrisome female child to a toy shop or something! Here, take my card and make her happy!" Vegeta fumed and no one ventured to ask why.

"D-daddy are you mad?" Cilvanti asked, head down.

"I'll be mad later, right now I'm trying not to kill us!" he seethed.

"Vegeta, what happened?" Goku asked as he munched on sixty corn dogs, ten large bags of chips and eight large drinks, having gotten money form Gohan, much to Videl's dismay.

"The bitch was in the bank with one of her loudmouthed, loose assed whore friends spewing not so nice comments about your truly! I held back, but the chimp nearly blasted the bitch's head into another dimension! If it hadn't of been for a patron behind us, that whore would have never known what hit her!" the prince hissed through clenched teeth. Then he looked over at his little one who was in a fit of tears.

He held his arms out and Trunks handed her to the elder. She fought like an animal and Vegeta took her to a bench and sat down.

"Cilvi, why? You know we're not supposed to power up in public, honey. Daddy's mad at her to for what she tried to do to us, but I can't blast her, not in public, anyway," the prince held Cilvi, his heart in the pit of his stomach. This was the first time in his memory since she had been born that he had ever been rough with her, and it was hurting him just as much as it was hurting her.

"I'll take her, Vegeta, you go finish your transaction."

Vegeta nearly died when his eyes registered who had made the request. "18?!" was all that came outta his mouth as he beheld the android turned human with her arms out stretched and a smile on her face. That smile transformed her entire face-which was lovely to begin with. Vegeta handed the baby to the woman, got up then returned to the bank followed by Goku and Gohan.

In the bank, Bulma and her companion, Cynthia looked around for what had caused the panic but found nothing until Cynthia's eyes narrowed in study.

"Bulma, honey, isn't that your old friend, Goku heading this way? And who in the world is that hunk coming in with him? WOW, is he ever a fox!" Cynthia whispered from behind her hand as she had drawn Bulma's attention to the three well-dressed men in casual clothing, which approached the bank.

Bulma's mouth dropped to the floor and went dry at the same time as if she had recognized the shortest of the three beings. She also noted that both Goku and Gohan walked behind the being. Why were they behind him? Then she put two and two together and came up with... Vegeta! It couldn't be! It hadn't even been a month since she had last seen that animal and it seemed as if he had become twice the looker she had married all those years ago. If only he'd take off those shades, she'd know for sure, otherwise, he was a short version of Goku's older brother, Raditz. She would have gone to satisfy her curiosity; however, the entrance of six shady characters halted her progress. Behind them entered five members of the X-team, three women and two men.

"Everybody hit the floor! This is a hold up! Empty your pockets and the bank safe! Jonas get the jewelry and such!" one of the assailants, a big burly mountain almost Nappa's clone in human form, yelled.

Many of the humans did as they were ordered, as did Goku and Gohan. Vegeta and the five members of the X-team all stood their ground and all had struck the prince's familiar cross-armed, feet apart pose. Vegeta reached down beside his being, grabbed a handful of black spiky hair and pulled up on Goku.

"Kakarrot, get your ass up from there! You're a Super Saiyan, for crying out loud! How dare you let these six pieces of human wastes shit intimidate you! If I ever see you kowtow to another human being the way that you did Chichi, I'll cut your nuts off with a spoon!" the prince hissed in Saiyago as Goku rose to his feet. "Gohan, you too, or you'll suffer the same fate I just threatened your dad with!"

Gohan got to his feet and grimaced in pain, as he wasn't sure if Vegeta was kidding about neuter by spoon or if the prince would make such anatomical removal possible by using said method! He did not want to find out, as he knew the pain of being kicked in that region! Videl had done such a thing when they were dating. If a weak human's kick could hurt that much...Well, Gohan just wouldn't think about what the Prince of all Saiyans could do to him! Nonetheless, the biggest of the would be robbers walked up to Vegeta, who was dwarfed by the villain. The man stared hard at the prince who returned an equally hard and cold stare of his own. In a deathly calm voice, Vegeta hissed...

"I suggest you ease on outta my face before somethin' bad happens to you!" was the warning, which sent chills down the spines of the two warriors who knew the prince best.

"You'd better do as he says, mister. Take my advice," Gohan advised but the crook sneered, turned his gun so that he was holding the barrel and raised his arm.

The guy's intention was clear and just as the guy moved his arm to bring the gun in contact with Vegeta's head. The prince blocked the movement.

"Don't get stupid! I warned you before to ease on outta my face before somethin' bad happened to ya, didn't I?" In a blinding move, Vegeta had pivoted under the guy's arm so that his back was to the crook. In the next moment the crook was tossed effortlessly to the ground.

Vegeta allowed the crook to get to his feet before the prince rammed his rock hard fist deep into the crook's chest. This action caused the large crook to double over in pain, cough out blood, then he collapsed onto the floor in death.

"Vegeta! You killed him!" Goku exclaimed in Saiyago.

Vegeta just shrugged. "Surprise, surprise. He didn't ease on outta my face like I asked him to, now did he? See somethin' bad happened to him. He got what he deserved," he replied as he picked up the body and tossed the carcass into a corner.

A second robber as large as the first became inventive. "If you don't hit the floor, I'll execute a customer every five minutes! Beginning with this blonde prom-queen bitch right here!" The crook grabbed Cynthia off the floor, cocked his gun and held the barrel to her head.

Vegeta made a pretend study of his white gloved left hand as he remarked, "Go right ahead. I don't care in the least. This planet's full of nothing but a weak race of pathetic losers, anyway. I should have obliterated this hunk of space traffic obstruction in the same manner I did to planet Arlia when I had the chance. You'll be doin me a big favor. Oh, but don't start with the blonde," Vegeta baited as he move to stand over his ex-mate. The prince was also sending a telepathic message to the Sons and Jean. 'Jean, tell Cyclops to blast that toy outta his hands when you hear the gun click. Goku, I want you to grab Bulma outta the way, and Wolverine, you hold the other four at bay with Gohan,' he instructed and prayed everything would work. Vegeta picked Bulma up off the floor and threw her at the gunman. "Take this blue-haired hussy! Shoot here first."

Vegeta eyed the quivering form of his ex mate as the gunman held her. This woman couldn't be the same fire-willed Bulma Briefs he had fallen in love with and still loved, to some extent, could it be? What happened to her? His Bulma had stood up to the prince himself, the most powerful and dangerous Saiyan of all, and not batted an eyelash! Now, she cowered like a scared puppy. Closing his eyes against the sight, Vegeta turned his back on the situation. He had turned deaf ears to her screams of help.

The crook put the gun to her head and snarled, "Now, bitch, die!" He cocked the gun and... "What the hell! Ow! Where'd that laser come from? Mph!" The guy went sailing through a plate glass window as Vegeta had flown up and kicked the fool in the side of his head, then cold cocked him in the jaw.

At the same time, Goku grabbed Bulma, who was screaming in hysterics, and held her tight to try and calm her down. "Oh, Goku, he was gonna let that baka kill me! I don't believe him!" she wailed into Goku's shirt.

"You other four wanna try your hands at growin' brains, c'mon. I'll light your asses up just as I did the first two, then I'll email ya to another dimension!" Vegeta taunted just as the paramedics, police and news crews converged on the scene. "Those two are dead. The other four decided against sharing the same fate. I guess there is some intelligent life on this rock after all," the prince intoned in his coarse snobbish accent.

"Who do we thank for the capture of at least these four since the two ring leaders of this monkey outfit have been so graciously disposed of?" the police detective asked as the sergeants and mall security hand cuffed the surviving four. The paramedics attended to the dead.

Vegeta bristled at the detective's callous use of the word 'monkey.' It was the one word that in Saiyago was a compliment, but long ago, King Cold had made the word a curse, which tore the prince's nerves in half even if it was being used to describe something else. The prince stepped forward with his head held high. "Technically, it was a joint effort. My friends on the X-team, my kinsman and his son and myself," was the response. The prince extended his arms, wrists together. The detective regarded him as if he had just landed on the planet. "Well, aren't you gonna put them on?"

"What? What d'ya mean?" the detective stammered.

"Well, don't you usually arrest a person who's killed another person?" Vegeta's tone was one of perturbation.

"You killed those two all by yourself? To hell with arresting you, I wanna shake your hand! The whole gang tops the country's most wanted list! You did us the favor!" The detective took hold of Vegeta's hand and shook it.

Just then the bank president and the country's president entered the scene just as the reporters and camera crews had set up their equipment.

"Cameraman, this way! Here he is with the police detective! We saw the whole thing! This young man was excellent the way he tossed Luchin and Pigsnai around like toys! His strength is a wonder to behold!" the bank president expounded as he directed the cameras and crews around Vegeta then he himself stood with the hero and shook the prince's hand.

"Oh, my heero!" Cynthia, Bulma's friend, locked her arms around Vegeta's neck.

Now the prince sympathized with every animal in every zoo around the world. He himself felt like a caged lion backed into a corner with no escape route. The other warriors and offspring who were with Vegeta entered the bank. Cilvanti ran to her daddy but stopped short when she saw the blonde bimbo that hung seductively all over him.

"You leave my daddy alone, you hootchie momma!" the child exclaimed and went to remove Cynthia from around the prince's neck. However, the little one stopped when she saw Princess Ariadne saunter towards Vegeta.

The princess looked at the blonde Earthjin and said, "I would really appreciate that you remove your common hand from around my husband," Ariadne's tone was a quiet one but it spoke volumes. The Minervan princess looked at the girl, and lifted her trim wrists one after the other and plucked them from around Vegeta's neck. Then she entwined her own arms around him and he embraced her as if she had been a life preserver thrown from a ship.

Cameras flashed and microphones jostled for position to get the real deal on the story of the decade and immortalize the faces of the stunning couple forever. Reporters all asked questions simultaneously and in rapid succession. Vegeta could not answer any of them. Just then, Dr. Jean Grey stepped into the foray and began to answer the questions. 'If you're gonna escape, do it now,' she commanded in a mental voice.

Vegeta took hold of Ariadne and his offspring, ran out of sight and ITed to another part of the mall. The prince fell onto a bench huffing and puffing as if he had just completed training or a heavy fight. Cilvanti sat on his lap and hugged him while his namesake sat by his left side. Princess Ariadne stood away from the family. When the prince had at last caught his breath, he gave Cilvanti to her brother, got up and went to Ariadne.

Vegeta cleared his throat. "A-Ari, I-I wanna thank you for what you did back there," he started and reached out to put a hand on her shoulder but then withdrew it as he saw how soiled it was from the fight. Removing the glove, Vegeta then put his hand on Ariadne's shoulder. The princess turned around and Vegeta saw immediately that she was crying. He took her in his arms and held her tight. Pride be damned, this was his lady even though he may never mate with her, he still loved her and wanted to wipe away all traces of sorrow from those cerulean colored eyes of hers. "Hey, don't cry. Vegeta's here," the prince felt his own heart tighten as he closed his eyes to keep from shedding tears.

Ariadne looked up at him and he lifted his hand to dry her eyes. "V-Vegeta..." she barely got the word out of her mouth before his head lowered-she was shorter than the prince-and his lips had claimed her own. It was an action, which sucked the breath right out of their lungs and they became lost in the force.

Vegeta regained himself just enough to raise his head and look her in the eyes. He lifted his right hand from her shoulder and caressed her golden cascade of ringed curls, which hung to her shoulders. "I-I love you. Grr! I wish his majesty never made me agree to such a condition!" Vegeta growled and pushed the princess away then he turned his back on her. At that moment, he noticed that the remaining Z sensi, Ariadne's brother and his family, and the X-team had joined his family.

"Hey, hometown hero! This belongs to you," Jean smiled and handed the prince an envelope.

Outusan took the envelope, opened it and found a check for Y60, 000,000. He smirked. He didn't need the money, in reality, but it would come in handy, especially to finance the uniting of his race from around the world and the universe. Remembering there was another branch of the bank that he dealt with and that it was in close proximity to the mall, the prince excused himself and ITed to the other branch. Here he made the transaction-keeping back several million for the shopping spree, then returned and suggested the group do a light lunch, which was music to Goku's ears. Vegeta gave everyone spending cash-in the form of cash cards-and told his companions if the ran out to find him. Fainting would be done later; right now lunch was the order of the day.

The group entered the food court, which was brimming with hungry shoppers. The mall had gotten incredibly busy since the group's arrival nearly an hour ago? That was hard to believe. Anyway, the X / Z-teams headed in different directions but the Minerva-jin remained with Vegeta, his family and Goten, whom Vegeta had adopted as a second son because he hung around so much. Both those boys needed girlfriends and so did the prince himself. Who was he fooling, he would never be able to have his golden princess until he was king of some planet. 'Soon, my golden one, soon.' Vegeta smiled to himself as the reached the window of the Chinese eatery they had chosen to obtain their snack from.

"May I help you?" the woman behind the counter asked as she flirted with Vegeta.

"Well take four triple large orders of everything and whatever my friends in the togas order," the prince smirked and watched the face of the girl drop in shock but she managed to ring in the orders.

The Minerva-jin regarded the prince as if he had gone off his rocker. "What? I didn't eat breakfast this morning, remember?" he reminded those gathered as the Minerva-jin took their orders, which were small, found a vacant table and began to eat.

Vegeta had been told that the kitchen staff had to make more food in order to complete his request. The prince nodded then went for a walk around the area. To his surprise, he stumbled upon Saiyan Pride, the store in which Trunks had purchased the gifts.

"You found it, hey dad?" C'mon? 18 has the chimp and Goten opted to
stay with them and eat. They're still preparing ours. C'mon, let's go in!" Vegeta Trunks had joined his dad.

The pair entered the store and the person behind the counter jumped to attention! Immediately, the being-who was not the same one Trunks had met the night before-moved from behind the counter, stood in front of Vegeta and bowed.

"Your highness, I am but a simple shop keep. I beg of you, please don't kill me," the being's voice cracked as he said those words, the being spoke Saiyago.

"Who are you? And what makes you think I'm going to kill you?" Vegeta asked in the same language, staring haughtily down at the being.

"I-I am called Eggoll, my prince," the man replied. "Everyone remembers how ruthless and cruel you were. You'd kill entire planets and think nothing of it. Those of us who dared show emotion, the king had us executed," Eggoll explained.

"So, explain me then and why the king let the biggest weakling on the planet live? And not only that, keep the woman who birthed me around instead of killing her and shipping me off to another planet? I might have been born Vegeta no Ouji, but I was also the weakest Saiyan by many standards. I let my emotions show. I loved my mother, Queen Sunrissa to distraction. I was so close to my brother and sister that we could have been cut from the same skin. Now, I live here on Earth and my emotions present themselves very strongly. But enough of this, all that concerns me is that you're Saiyan, you lived on Vegeta and survived our massacre. All this merchandise, how did you come by it?" Vegeta asked as he waved his arm.

"We found it stored on bored the ship we came in. We decided to open a shop to try and...Oh, your highness, it is not for us to sell things that belong to you and are part of our heritage. You, your son here and two others are the first Saiyan in the country we have encountered," Eggoll explained.

"What would you say if I told you that half a world away, sixty more of our race reside in Scotland, and in America, I've heard there may be as many as several hundred! Eggoll, we're coming back, and we'll be stronger than ever! Perhaps not as ruthless but I'll turn us into a force to be reckoned with!" The prince extended his hand to shake that of the other Saiyan's then he bade farewell by lifting the first two fingers of his right hand as did Eggoll and the pair left the shop. They returned to the food court where the two picked up their snack order from earlier and sat to eat.

"Well dad, what d'ya think?" Trunks asked as they ate.

Vegeta nodded and mentally told his son that he would definitely be visiting that place again and purchasing the merchandise. The two quickly inhaled their meal, gathered the rest of the team then continued touring the mall.


Since the incident in the bank, Bulma and Cynthia had taken refuge in the only restaurant that served alcoholic beverages and drank until they felt calm. Jeffery had arrived at the mall not soon after he had heard over the news media what had gone down. He had taken both Cindy and Bulma to the bar. He held his lady close and rubbed her shoulder. He was so incensed when Bulma told him that her ex had told the gunman to kill her.

"But he did save your life, Bulma! If he had really wanted you dead, I think he would have done the act himself," Cindy nodded.

"Just the fact that he threw me into that other vile creatures arms is humiliating. Oh, how I hate him! I wish he'd take his monkey tailed ass and his offspring and depart to a new dimension!" Bulma snarled. " I don't care what he tries to do or how kind he may appear on the outside, he's still an insane, planet destroying maniac!" 'So why did my heart skip several beats when he picked me up, and our eyes met? Why am I so hot, now just thinking about him? And why the hell did I want to smash Cindy and that other blonde's faces in when they wrapped themselves around him like a second skin?' Bulma seethed silently and shuddered at her own thoughts.