Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Unfaithful ❯ Part Four: 32 ( Chapter 32 )

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

..................................U N F A I T H F U L ........................................................................... ........Rhapsody~* ________________________~*Part Four*~: War.....The night before the attacks was a fairly peaceful one, as Earth in war-preparation went. The palace was quiet, since all of the nobles not fighting had retreated to their country manors, and the city below was near to deserted, save for the immediate area around the palace, where the armies were camped. In the other major cities of the world, the situation was much the same. The armies gathered together in the center of the cities, waiting for an enemy that was the stuff of nightmares and legends.Of all the places on Earth, it was the royal wing of the palace that held the most activity. In Yamcha's throne room, advisors and generals as well as the king himself gathered together, discussing last-minute war plans over large goblets of wine. They had received the news that the Saiyans would arrive the next day that morning, and the foreboding feeling that had been in the air before was near close enough to suffocate them now. They had formed a basic defensive plan, but Yamcha could not help but feel that it was fatally inadequate. Despite the long, extra hours they had been spending poring over their plans, none of the men could find just what was lacking. Jokingly, it had been suggested that what they were missing was a solid retreat plan, but such talk had been hastily stopped by Yamcha, whose brown eyes smoldered in quiet anger. He would not be made a fool by Vejita, if it was the last thing he did. So they went back to work, planning their war against the most war-savvy empire in the universe.Lady Briefs was one of the few nobles who had remained in the palace, for several reasons. The first was because her daughter was still there. Though her mangled, jealous heart felt nothing approaching compassion for the girl, she still felt the need to be there to see what became of her when the war descended. Call it curiosity. The second reason for her presence was that she wanted to be there just in case a last minute stroke of 'luck' was needed. Beneath the folds of her stylish dress had been sewn a place to store a rather large dagger. Annoyingly unladylike, she knew, but even a noblewoman such as herself had to make a few exceptions. She had learned early in life that in order to get something done right, you had to do it yourself, and if need be, she would do it willingly. And the third, most frivolous reason for her remaining in harm's way was because of the Saiyan King. She wanted to see for herself the man that had convinced Bulma to risk the wrath of her abusive husband and the safety of all her people. She sat in her chambers now, soaking in a bath sprinkled with rose petals and scented oils. Despite the obvious dangers, there was no fear beneath her icy exterior.Bulma had been left in she and Yamcha's chambers, momentarily forgotten by Yamcha in the midst of all the last-minute planning. She had been laying on their bed, staring out the window to nowhere, when she felt an odd sensation come over her. It was similar to the feeling of 'a goose walking over your grave', but different. Real. It felt like someone was watching her, silently willing her to do something.Or maybe not so silently. In the silence of the room, Bulma was unexplainably jolted out of her reverie by the sounds of a harsh, frustrated voice whispering in her ear. Get up, it willed her. What the hell is the matter with you?The human queen tried to sit up hazily, but did not succeed. The aching pain that had been consuming her body returned, and she winced as it momentarily rocked her world.Get up, woman.Blue eyes cleared suddenly at the recognition of Vejita's trademark name for every member of the female sex. Then, just as her mind was beginning to become aware once again, the faint sound of glass shattering could be heard, and all traces of the voice were gone. Bulma felt the familiar desolation crawl back into her heart, and she closed her eyes.Little did Vejita know, he had forfeited his chance to bring his mate back into reality..._________________________________________________________________ _______________________...Magdalene was entertaining the small group of Saiyans with one of her trademark, witty stories when the telecommunicator screen in the corner of her room switched on, revealing the rather irritated face of her son. When he took note of all the people present, his expression turned downright angry."Well, aren't we all having fun?" He signaled to someone behind him, and the sounds of computers being activated could be heard. "I hate to interuppt your conversation with such a trivial matter, but we are just outside Earth's atmosphere right now. If that is even of concern to you, that is."Magdalene rolled her eyes. "Spare us your sarcasm, Vejita. Get to the point."Black eyes narrowed, but the new king cut the smart comments. "We need all officers to report to the control room, even the less-than-loyal ones." Pointed looks were shot into the men's direction. "I expect you here in less than a five minutes. We must strike before dawn.""Yes, Vejita-sama," Bardock consented with a stiff bow. "We shall be there shortly.""You had better." The screen went black once again, and there was a collective sigh of relief."I was afraid that he was going to order us killed, the evil bastard," Chichi muttered, earning looks of surprise and amusement from her companions. "What? I wouldn't put it past him, especially considering his opinion of us right now."Kakkarott gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. "I wouldn't worry about that, Chi. Vejita may be kind of scary sometimes, but I don't think that he would harm one of his own, especially now.""He's right, dear," Magdalene agreed. "Though with the way he's been acting lately..."Bardock sighed, and got to his feet. "Come on, Kakkarott. Its time to fight."Kakkarott nodded, then turned to his mate. His gentle brown eyes were shining with fondness. "I have to leave you now, Chichi, I'm sorry." His cheeks reddened, and he leaned over to kiss her. "Take care of yourself and the baby. I'll be back soon, I promise. I love you."Chichi watched him get up with sad eyes. "I love you, too," she told him, her voice quiet and suspiciously weak. "And don't get yourself killed, you big blockhead!""I won't," Kakkarott assured her with his usual bright smile, somewhat dimmer than usual. "Don't worry about me."Before they left, Magdalene stopped them with a wave of her hand. Her green eyes were solemn. "Remember, you two, Vejita may be the ultimate authority, but if he orders you to do something... untoward... listen to your heart. In the end, its all that you have."Bardock said nothing, and exited the room. Magdalene's heart ached for the older man. Vejita had not made it easy for him at all. Kakkarott waved one last time, then followed his father away. As soon as he disappeared, Chichi turned away, muffling a sob with her hands. The former Saiyan Queen did not move to console her, but instead sat down on the bed, staring hopelessly down at the floor. It was far too late for kind words and sympathetic gestures.In the hallway, Kakkarott and Bardock made their way silently to the control room. Kakkarott hadn't even left the ship yet, and already he missed his mate with all of his naive heart. He had planned to leave her back on Vejitasei, where it was safe, and remove her from his mind until his task was done, but that was impossible now. The stubborn woman had followed him here, in typical Chichi-fashion. He should have known that she wouldn't be shoved aside that easily. He smiled to himself.Bardock, however, was not so amused. Now that Chichi had placed herself on the ship, right in harm's way, he not only had himself and his two sons to think about, but his soon to be daughter-in-law and unborn grandchild. The weight of what seemed like two worlds was upon his aging shoulders.The doors to the control room were guarded. When the two men approached, the guards opened the doors and allowed them entry. Rather than gather the entire collected army in one room (which would be quite impossible), Vejita had instead only invited the highest-ranking officers.Nappa and Radditz looked up from the war plans and maps of Earth they were studying when the other two men entered, but Vejita, Turles, Valyn, and the several other men did not. They moved aside to allow Bardock and Kakkarott a view of the papers without a word."I think that attacking the capital first would be the best course of action," Valyn was advising the new king. Bardock noted that there seemed to be an uncomfortable feeling in the air between the two childhood friends, and this did not bode well for the war ahead. Shaking his head, he sent a prayer to Kami begging for his protection. "It will take care of the strongest armies.""No," Vejita said firmly, looking especially menacing in his dark battle armor and burgundy cape. "The capital is last to go. I want that cowardly bastard to suffer for a little while before I come for his blood.""Yamcha won't be the only one suffering while you're playing around," Bardock reminded him sharply. "Bulma could be dead already, for all that you know. What if, in the intervening time, Yamcha decides to use her against you and dispose of her?"Black eyes glinted dangerously. "If she were dead, I would know it. We're attacking the city of Broville first, in two hours. Nappa, take Radditz and prepare the soldiers for battle. Immediately destroy the city when you arrive. I want to be able to see the damned flames from here, do you understand?"Nappa and Radditz nodded, bowed, and turned to leave, their faces glowing with anticipation of their favorite activity-- battle. "Wait," Vejita called after them. He frowned and shot a pointed look in Bardock and Kakkarott's direction. "Remember, we take no prisoners."Bardock's jaw muscles ground together, the only proof of his smoldering anger. Vejita was turning this war into a free-for-all. He was losing all reason (whatever reason he had previously possessed, anyway), in favor of a bloodbath. It wasn't necessary for victory, nor was it honorable. Bardock didn't like it one bit. "Is that such a good idea, Your Highness?" he asked quietly. "Perhaps some of the officers will know of Bulma and the situation at the palace. We could gain some valuable knowledge of their battle plans from a hostage."Across the table, Turles and Valyn looked up inconspicuously to catch Vejita's reaction. Bardock was somewhat glad that Valyn and Vejita had not made their peace yet. Perhaps the bloodthirsty Malydorian could still be moved over to the side of logic-- Magdalene's side."I doubt that Yamcha's planned what he's going to do with his ass two hours from now, let alone plan an entire war," Vejita retorted nonchalantly, his gravelly voice impatient. "His nonexistent war plans cease to worry me.""Vejita," Valyn protested. "If it turns out that you are underestimating the humans' prowess, we could end up in a very unfortunate situation."Kakkarott nodded. "For once, me and Valyn are in total agreement."Vejita knuckles went white as he gripped the table. "Fine," he snarled. "We'll take no more than a couple hostages-- officers only. After we beat whatever useless information they have out of them, I'll allow their captors the privilege of slaughtering them."This wasn't the reaction that Bardock had intended, but it was as good as it was going to get. This is war, he reminded himself. Extra precautions had to be taken, or else the human captives could try to pull something clever. He shook his head at his shifting conscience-- he couldn't even clearly define whose side he was on anymore. Beside him, Kakkarott sighed, apparently as frustrated as his father."You two will be standing guard at the palace when we invade the capital instead of engaging in battle, so I'm going to be generous--" Vejita said the word like it felt dirty in his mouth. "and allow you to fight tonight. You will fight alongside your fellow third-class soldiers, like the filth that you are. Follow all of Nappa and Radditz's orders. Understood?""Are we just attacking one city tonight?" Kakkarott asked, appearing confused. "Because I don't think that we can hold our Oozaru form for more than two or three cities."Vejita rolled his eyes, as did Valyn beside him. "Malydor has provided some devices that will increase your endurance. You will attack the five major cities of the planet, and whatever else besides the capital that you can until dawn. When the sun comes up, you will return to your normal form and follow Nappa and Radditz's directions. Depending on the situation, you will either camp on Earth or come back to the ship. Do you understand now, you impossible dumbass, or shall I have to go over it a fifth time?!""I'm sorry, Vejita-sama," Kakkarott said quietly. "I was just hoping that I might be able to come back to the ship so that--" He cut himself off just in time. Bardock exhaled in relief. With the way that Vejita was acting now, there was no telling what could happen if he found out that Chichi was there among them. "So that I can get a good night's sleep."Vejita raised a dark eyebrow. "What? Are you afraid of the dark, Kakkarott?""No, not at all," the other man assured him nervously. "I just don't like sleeping in camps.""Well then I suppose that you'll just have to suffer with the rest of your kind, won't you?" Vejita's glare remained fixed on Kakkarott for a moment more before returning to the papers on the table. "You are both dismissed. Hurry up and join the rest of the soldiers. You'll need to get the ki-enhancing device from Radditz."The two men exited the room silently. Turles followed them with his eyes all the way out. When they were safely out of earshot, he turned to Vejita, looking a little annoyed. "Was all of that really necessary?" he demanded."Yes," Vejita replied simply. "They have to learn who the hell's in charge around here. I'm sick of Bardock and his followers trying to undermine my authority. He's been doing this ever since I grew old enough to take advantage of my royal power, and I won't stand for it anymore. All that I can hope for is that he gets killed by some random miracle.""This is ridiculous," Valyn cut in suddenly. "We cannot expect to win anything when we are divided like this. Its past time to call a truce.""But I thought that I ruined your precious scrying glass," Vejita pointed out sarcastically. "Kami forbid you ally yourself any further with the tyrant who destroyed your cute little artifact."Valyn did not meet Vejita's eyes. "We have our differences, yes, and I do think that you are being excessively callous, but I see no other choice but to cease our arguing. I came here to fight a war against the humans, not against you."A transparent-skinned hand was extended, and after a moment, shaken by Vejita's gloved one. Turles, who had been holding his breath without even realizing it, sighed."We've known each other for far too long to fight like this," Valyn commented with a lopsided grin. Vejita did not notice, however, that while his expression suggested otherwise, Valyn's eyes lacked enthusiasm. Turles noticed and filed the little fact into his head for later examination. "And we're certainly more mature than that... or at least, I am."Vejita smirked, sending a cold chill up Turles' spine. "So it is resolved. Let the killing begin."..__________________________________________________________________ ______________________..."Hurry up!" Gwen chided between breathy giggles. "Before someone finds us!"Behind her, a male vaulted over the fence that marked the outskirts of the great city of Broville, equally breathless and a little red in the face at the idea that his girlfriend was more athletic than he. "I'm coming, I'm coming! I had a heavy dinner, alright?"Gwen laughed at his predictability and continued jogging to their secret place-- a small clearing in the nearby woods, where they had shared their first kiss, countless picnics, and had first made love. Their relationship had always been a perfectly romantic one, though with reversed roles. Gwen, blond-haired with an impish smile and a bold personality, could easily boss the quieter Mark around. Mark, with his boyish good looks and chubby appearance, had at first been terrified of Gwen. She had made the first move, and he had jumped at the chance to be with the prettiest girl in his side of the city."I can't believe that we're not even allowed to go outside the city anymore," Gwen complained when Mark caught up to her. Their hands found each other with the ease of long practice. They were going to spend the rest of their lives together, Gwen knew. Little did she know how short a time that would turn out to be. "I mean, how can they even really be sure that these aliens are going to attack us?""I heard that King Yamcha has some pretty unbelievable tracking systems," Mark said. "But I've also heard lots of stories about how much the Saiyans like war."They reached their spot, and Gwen found that she couldn't care less about the impending danger. Not now. She wrinkled her small nose. "I think it to be pretty ridiculous to go to war over just one woman, even if she is a queen."Mark has his own private thoughts about the worth of his beautiful queen, but he did not share them with his lover. He had caught a glimpse of Bulma once, and found her unnaturally perfect looks to be far too intimidating for a shy man like himself. As far as he was concerned, the bloodthirsty foreign king could have her. All he needed was Gwen, with her face-full of freckles and wicked sense of humor."Come sit closer," the human girl challenged him, her smile large and watery-blue eyes glowing. "I've got something to show you..."Mark shared her grin and took his place beside her. The boldest woman he knew took his hand in her own and guided it to the small of her back. Mark leaned in to kiss her, and felt proud that he was at least brave enough to do that. Experiencing heady feelings of love and lust, the two humans consummated their relationship for the last time.Above them, slowly descending on the city, were a group of Saiyan space pods, equipped with Malydorian technology that kept them invisible to virtually all radars. While the soldiers below slept, and the guards put on post weren't far from it, they made their grand entrance, aided by the transforming powers of the moon.From the woods on the edges of the city, Gwen and Mark's lovemaking was interuppted by the sounds of explosions and gunfire. Immediately they sat up, confused, glancing in the direction of their home city. The flames that engulfed part of the metropolis were visible even above the treetops, and pierced the darkness with their fierce orange light. But even more disturbing than their city in flames were the inhuman creatures that had apparently triggered the destruction. In the midst of all the madness stood multiple overgrown apes. They wore foreign battle armor branded with a crimson, black, and gold symbol that the two humans had seen only once in their lives, in a history class that hardly anyone could remember. The seal of the Royal House of Vejitasei."Sweet Kami!" Gwen exclaimed as she shot to her feet, Mark right beside her. Her blue eyes were comically wide in her skinny face, and her freckles stood out against her blanched skin more than ever. "I can't believe its really happening...""You'd better begin believing it," Mark said from beside her. "We've got to get out of here!"Desperately he took her arm and attempted to lead her farther into the woods, away from the destruction and death, but she resisted. Mark stopped and turned to her, his eyes frightened."What are you doing?! They'll come for us soon enough-- we've got to get as far away as we can! They take no prisoners, Gwenny, remember?"Gwen stood and stared at the city, seemingly transfixed. Tears streamed from her eyes. "We can't just run away and leave our families to die!" she insisted. "I'm going back to bring them with us!"Mark could only stand there helplessly as his girlfriend tore off back in the direction of the city. After a moment's hesitation, he hardened his resolve and followed her. When he hopped the fence back into the city, however, he wished that he had just left her to her foolish hopes of rescue.Not only were there the large apes that had be dealt with, in the center of the city and in the army camps, but the Saiyans had also dispersed themselves among the city streets, fighting and killing with impossible speed and strength. They looked humanoid expect for the temporarily red, excited eyes and swinging brown tails. Mark realized that these tails must have been what allowed them to transform, but wasn't able to think much more before they descended upon him."Hello there," one of them teased in a deep, accented voice. "A bit disheveled, are we? You must have come by with that cute little girl who tore past here just a few moments ago."Mark, hypnotized by the man's teasingly warm voice and the mention of Gwen, looked hopeful. "Gwen? Where is she? What have you done with her?""Oh, she's here," the Saiyan replied. "Would you like to say hello?"Mark nodded.From behind his back, the Saiyan withdrew his hand, and the severed head of Gwen. Her eyes were still wide as saucers, and her face was permanently twisted into an expression of fear and pain. Mark began to tremble violently, and started to back away from the murderer with the soothing deep voice."Where are you going?" the man asked, his expression mockingly hurt. Rivulets of blood from Gwen's head dripped onto the street below. The red rivers slowly pooled in Mark's direction. "Don't you want to join our little party? Your little girlfriend and I have such fun planned for you!"Mark didn't even have time to turn around before the Saiyan grabbed him by the neck and snapped him in two, as easily as one would a twig. Disgusted, he tossed the carcass beside that of the human's lover, and brushed off his hands. Another Saiyan stepped away from the pile of corpses of his own making and patted his comrade on the back."This is almost too easy, eh, Radditz?" he lamented. "When Vejita gave us all our orders, I had thought that these weaklings would at least put up a bit of a fight."Radditz nodded in agreement, then shot a pointed look in the past Mark's direction. The other soldier, Nappa, examined his friend's handiwork and grinned. "Well, at least they're gullible enough to provide a little bit of fun."The men shared a hearty laugh and then went back to the bloodshed..._______________________________________________________________ _________________________...Yamcha stormed into he and Bulma's room, followed by his own personal guard, his face transformed into an emotionless mask. The door slammed closed behind him, leaving an indent in the wall. The king didn't seem to notice."Get your ass up!" he shouted in Bulma's direction, his hard eyes fixed on her motionless form on the bed. "The planet is under attack. We're going to a safer part of the palace."When Bulma did not respond, just sighed and shifted slightly beneath the covers, Yamcha growled and crossed the room to the bed. The guards tried not to stare and went about their business-- packing up the valuables in the room for safekeeping."Did you not hear me correctly?" Yamcha shouted, right into the woman's ear. "Did that Saiyan monkey fuck your brains out or something?!"Bulma's eyelashes fluttered, then opened. Yamcha took an involuntary step back at the sight of the shockingly blue irises, then regained his composure. The queen's eyes had glazed over again, clouding their original color. She seemed to be recovering from a dream. "What... Vejita?" Yamcha's face fell in displeasure. "Yes, that's right-- Vejita. The bastard is burning my cities to the ground at this damned moment! Get up off the bed, we're going somewhere safer."Her face hardened for a moment, and it was clear that the last thing she wanted was to go with him. Then Yamcha took hold of her upper arms and shook her violently, and her resolve crumbled. Besides, her injuries still hurt too much to put up much of a protest. "Yes," she whispered. She would not meet her husband's eyes. "I'm coming."Yamcha looked stunned, then his lips curled into a smug smile. "I knew that you'd begin to see it my way. Come along, darling."Bulma allowed herself to be dragged along in her thin white nightdress-- hardly cover enough for a walk through the palace-- and tried to counter the pain with thoughts of Vejita's arrival. He had reached Earth; it was only a matter of time before he came for her, right?"You probably think that you'll be rescued soon enough, don't you?" Yamcha shook his head as he led her through the halls. "Well, I hate to let you down, but we've got some battle plans of our own. Vejita might be able to destroy most of the cities, but he'll never be able to capture you. Not when your life is on the line."Bulma was not surprised. Yamcha was above all other things a coward, and only a coward would resort to a dirty move like that. As they passed a window she was given a grisly visual of the burning cities in the distance, and took comfort in the towering black smoke that polluted the serene moonlight."Your mother remained here at the palace-- can't imagine why," Yamcha continued bitterly. "She's probably here to be sure that I get rid of you. You're standing in her way, as she sees it. Ah well, I suppose she'll just have to lament your safety later, because there's no time for sitting around and pondering now."Her hopes fell when she heard this. Sure, Vejita was unbelieveably strong, but the combined coercion of Yamcha and Lady Briefs was far more daunting. She shuddered, imagining all of the nasty forms of torture her mother could employ."Here we are," Yamcha announced in a singsong voice. "Our own little safehaven."She was pulled into a room, and when she discovered which room it was, irony coursed through her. "The church? This is sacred ground-- you cannot honestly intend to stage the final fight here."Yamcha took offense to her disgusted tone and slapped her smartly across the face. "I would have it no other way. You see, the way I look at it, if Kami truly existed, he would have killed himself anyway when he looked upon you coupling with that Saiyan monster. And if Kami doesn't exist anymore, then this is no longer sacred ground. Its quite alright to shed blood here.""There will be blood flowing," Bulma assured him quietly. The thought of Vejita's presence somewhere nearby had given here a tiny bit of determination. "But it will not be Vejita's."Yamcha favored her with a black look. "I really don't want to marr that lovely face any more with blows, Bulma. Don't give me another reason to strike you.""If reason is defined as protest at confinement, then you have plenty." Bulma's hands clenched her gown spastically, the only sign of her anxiousness. The human king's eyes narrowed into slits, and in a split second he had unsheathed the long dagger from his belt and delivered a strong blow to the side of Bulma's head with the blunt side. He stared down at her shaky figure, shoved to the ground by the force of the blow, and rested his foot on her ribcage. She winced in agony."Do not get the idea of challenging me into your head," he hissed. "One of these days, it just might cost you your life." He then turned to leave. Before locking the doors behind him, he addressed her again. "I have a war to attend to. You'll stay in here for the time being. May your pathetic entity Kami comfort you!" The doors slammed shut with a resounding thud, and Bulma was left alone in the beautiful church. She would have gone to the windows to watch the events unfolding in the city below, but she lacked both the energy and the willpower.Yamcha had been right, she decided, because for the life of her she could not understand why Kami would allow such suffering to be bestowed upon a single person...._________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________