Chapter IV

Disclaimer: I love Gummy bears, Dr Pepper and DBZ. I own Gummy bears, Dr Pepper, but not DBZ and the characters associated with it. Don’t sue me cause I will not give up the Gummy bears!

Warning: Violence, profanity, adult situations and the like. Consider yourself warned.

* * * * * * * *

The lonely figure sat in the darkest corner of the cell. His eyes were screwed shut tightly and his mouth was barely moving as a whispered prayer fell of his chapped lips. "Soon Odin…soon you’ll exact your punishment on those who have fallen from your favor." The incoherent Saiyajin mumbled to himself. Rikkuum and Guldo had questioned him and the former council representative only acknowledged them for a few moments before returning to his fervent "prayer". He insisted on speaking only to Cold, saying the great Odin himself requested the special audience. "Your master will be so fortunate to be in his presence." He exclaimed excitedly.

"I can see why they locked this monkey up." Guldo snorted while gulping down another cup of biru, "He’s completely lost it."

"Fools." Hissed Bohen, "I am the only one who sees the truth! Odin will strike down those who defy him and bring those who give him glory will see great rewards!" There was a round of laughter from the surviving members of the Ginyu squad as they made their rounds to check on the other prisoners they had herded from the capital and villages.

They left him alone in his cell, rocking back and forth and muttering to his god. "Batisei--We’ll spite them on Batisei."

* * * * * * * *

Kakarott was furious. His head was pounding as his buried his fingernails in his palm. His father had the audacity to name that hybrid monstrosity after his mother. He stood from outside the cockpit and paid little attention as Bardock explained his disappearance. The other warriors present nodded their head with grave understanding. even Radtiz greeted his father with open arms.

But Kakarott wasn’t so forgiving.

His father had been alive all this time, and he never bothered returned or even send word of his survival. His dishonored his family name by his horrendous actions. By guessing the age of the brat, he had taken a new mate a few months after he landed. He had taken a wife only one year after his bonded mate, Kyuuri, had been slain in battle. It was unheard of for a bonded Saiyajin to take another spouse. And now, he had given the bitch his mother’s name. How could any Saiyajin fall so far?

He was suffocating in the room and he found himself turning to leave when cold, hard voice called out "If you have a problem with my presence, we should settle it now. Any disagreements between us will not be settled while fighting the greater battle."

Kakarott halted, the pounding stopped and he turned sharply on his heel, "I accept your challenge." He sneered, "You stand no chance against the Legendary."

"You’re right." She nodded gravely, "I’m merely offering you a chance to re-inflate your ego." Bardock rose to his feet, "Quit this Kyuuri" "he snapped.

A dark smile crossed the young woman’s face, "You should tell him the truth." She leered, "Tell him that you could have left at any moment. You chose my mother over your own family. That you chose me ov…"

"Enough!" Bardock bellowed, grabbing the girl by her throat, "The reasons I tolerated your presence are my business. Your mother was a witch and you are no better." He dropped her and turned his blank face towards his sons, "It is true I could have left whenever I wished, and I desired to leave so many times. But I knew even before I left Vejiitasei on that mission…I knew what my destiny had to be. I knew what sacrifices I would have to make."

"Stop it!" Kakarott lashed back "Stop making excuses! That’s always your excuse, ‘it was your destiny’!" He turned back to Kyuuri, "When you are ready to die, I will be eager to send you to Hell."

The young woman smirked, "After the enemy is defeated; it is then we shall see who sends who to Hell."

Kakarott swallowed the temptation to snap her neck right then and there and continued outside the ship, trying to escape the look of shame on his father’s face.

* * * * * * * *

"ARGH!" Bulma threw her wrench across the room, the metal clank echoed across the hanger. She had hoped repairing some of the space pods would distract her, but she couldn’t escape his presence.

He had entered her head and pushed her to the back, forcing her to watch from somewhere in the back regions of her mind. He gave her a glimpse of who he was—a dark and sadistic monster. She could feel his touch, both in her mind and on his body. He whispered things he wanted to do to her; tortures she didn’t think anyone could survive. But they can, and they do. That’s what makes it so much fun.

She closed her arms tightly around her body and chocked back the tears. "I am not weak. I am NOT weak." She repeated over and over to herself. She had always prided herself in her strong mind. She knew she was physically weak, but she believed her mind was an impenetrable fortress. This creature had proved her wrong and she now knew she had little defense against him.

Picking her self up from the floor, Bulma smoothed her hair and wiped the tears off of her face. She shouldn’t avoid the others for too long. It was important for her to talk to Kakarott’s father; maybe he held the answers. Placing her wrench back with her other tools she continued down the corridor. She set her face in stone, a trick she had learned from Vejiita. She would never let the Saiyajins know her fear. She wouldn’t let them see how helpless she felt.

* * * * * * * *

Toukan observed the Saiyajin prince as he feasted with the feeble minded citizens of the planet. Vejiita no Ou was a stunning specimen with handsome, rugged features. He was battle hardened and bore the scares of a warrior—his only fault. Yes, Toukan preferred those who had little experience with pain—those who were fresh. He loved watching blood spill over smooth, unmarred flesh. He relished in the screams of agony from lips that were still smooth, soft, and tasted so sweet.

He sighed as he thought about the little woman he almost had. Searching the deepest fathoms of her mind, he learned of her years with Freeza. An extremely bright creature, she suffered very little under the Emperor. She knew her limits and never tested them. Freeza never lifted a finger against her until she turned against him. Such unmarred beauty was a rarity indeed. Such a beautiful body and exceptional mind—something he wanted badly.

Turning his attention to his current prey, he reminded himself he would have another chance to capture the blue-haired goddess soon enough. She had no defenses against him and once she was away from her Saiyajin protectors, she would be his.

The daystar was setting and night was falling upon the village. Toukan waited as the festival died down and Vejiita was relaxed and content and completely unaware. Toukan opened his mind and prepared himself for the Saiyajin. He was sent back by a sharp blow, his entire body propelled backwards as if he had just ran head on into a stonewall. "Shit!" he pressed his fingers against his throbbing temples. The monkey was disciplined enough to block all attacks even in such a relaxed situation. This mission had just become difficult…but not impossible.

He quickly turned his attention to Vejiita to see that he hadn’t been discovered. He had straightened from his seat, casting a wary glance around before settling back. Toukan allowed himself a sigh of relief before reforming his strategy. There had to be a way to get the prince’s mental guards down. He watched the servers draw more wine from the barrels and fill the cups of the local dignitaries. It was perfect.

Searching out their minds, Toukan pushed himself into one of the younger female servants head. Make sure your honored guest receives only the finest wine and that his cup is always filled to the brim. The young girl sauntered seductively over to Vejiita and filled his chalice with the crimson drink. She then knelt down next to him and waited patiently for him to approve the wine. He took a careful sip and then settled back, a relaxed smile against his features. He quickly downed the cup and the obedient servant immediately refilled it. Vejiita paid little heed to the girl’s seductive advances and allowed himself to drown in his cup. Toukan watched closely until the prince’s eyes closed, his lips parted and a small sigh escaped from them.

Pleased, Toukan released the girl who shook her head and left the drunken prince’s side to serve the other guests. Bracing himself for another sharp blow, Toukan pressed into Vejiita’s mind. There was no resistance.

Vejiita slumped over and his eyes rolled into the back of his head. It’s time to go, Vejiita.

Toukan almost lost his grasp on the Saiyajin—he had never encountered any kind of resistance like this before. He didn’t have complete control over Vejiita and that had to change. I don’t think so, your majesty. You’ll have to get rid of me yourself.

Toukan’s lips curled upward as he teleported in the center of the village. The drunken dignitaries took little heed to the apparition. They cursed the strength of the alcohol being served as they stumbled towards their homes and forgot their savior. Vejiita cared little as he struggled inwardly to regain his body. You call yourself the Legendary, but we all know that isn’t true. You should have died by Freeza’s hands little Saiyajin.

He could feel Vejiita’s anger swell and push against him trying to pry free from Toukan’s control. Toukan could feel the Saiyajin chipping away at him, piece by piece, but he had little experience at fighting a war on this front. This was Toukan’s battlefield and no one could defeat him. It was then there was a familiar female cry from behind him and his smile grew wider. We’ve got company. Things couldn’t be any better.

* * * * * * * *

Gishu strode purposefully down the halls towards Enjinia’s private lab. He had to be honest with him, he had to try and talk some sense into the Kakkakujin. Stopping outside the sealed doors, Gishu took a deep breath and composed himself. His trembling fingers pressed the keys on the entry pad and he waited for the hiss of the door. "Enjinia." He called out before stepping into metallic and white room. He could hear the clanking and crackle of metal and electricity. "Enjinia!" Gishu snapped again.

His lover turned with an excited smile on his face and pulled the younger Kaakakujin into his arms. "I’ve heard the news, I knew you would get the job!" Gishu shook the other off and tried to absorb what he was saying but Enjinia continued his excited tirade, "I wasn’t sure if Cold would listen to my advice, he was rather upset that I declined his offer, but this is just perfect!" He was waving his tools around excitedly, narrowly missing Gishu’s head. "With you in charge of the new Heir, you can sabotage the entire project while I finish giving Freeza new life. And you can also help me on my little vaccine for the Super Saiyajin."

Gishu took a few steps back from the excited man, "What vaccine?" he questioned cautiously. Enjinia’s gave him a toothy grin "It’s a little gift for that bastard Super Saiyajin, I just have a few more modifications to make and it will be ready for the stupid monkey."

Gishu tilted his head back and sighed, "When will you see reason?" He muttered, rubbing his forehead with his fingers, "You cannot possibly intend to continue with this madness? Freeza is dead—he is not worthy of being King Cold’s heir. Destroy this work and present this serum to King Cold, he will be thrilled! You can win his favor again and bring his empire back to glory."

Enjinia’s smile slowly faded to a look of betrayal. "What are you talking about? Freeza was our gracious lord; he saved us! Where do your loyalties lie? To your gracious and powerful master Freeza or to his weak father who cares little if you live or die?"

"You think Freeza cared for us?" Gishu gasped in astonishment, then paused for a moment, "No, you don’t think he cared for us…you believed he cared for you." Gishu turned his back from his lover, "What about me? Was I just a substitute for him? I was clearly in denial because it seems so obvious now. You fool! Freeza played with you and your emotions because that’s what he did. He loved to manipulate you because it made you the perfect servant. And he knew I would follow your lead with little question." Gishu turned back, his face cold and angry, "You are not the man I thought you were."

Enjinia gripped Gishu’s shoulders and shook him roughly, "Shut up!" he bellowed, "You have twisted everything! It is Cold who has brainwashed you!" He suddenly stumbled back as if Gishu was a great plague, "You will betray me!"

Gishu’s face hardened, "I would do no such thing. I am not like Freeza, Enjinia. I do not wish to see you dead; I merely wish for you to come to your senses." His face softened greatly as he leaned against one of the lab tables for support, "You are not the man I knew before the destruction of our planet."

Enjinia sighed, "I am sorry you feel this way." He whispered, "I never meant to hurt you." He opened his arms, "Will you forgive me?"

Gishu straightened and turned away, "Someday, I will." He promised, "but not today." He continued out the door, which shut behind him with a cold hiss. Once away from Enjinia’s piercing gaze he resolved to terminate Freeza before Enjinia completely lost hold of sanity—which means he had little time left.

* * * * * * * *

Bulma stormed out of the ship completely ignoring any Saiyajin she happened to pass until she came across an extremely furious Kakarott. Unlike most Saiyajins, Bulma had observed that Kakarott had always channeled his aggressive tendencies. This Saiyajin was pacing back and forth, curling and uncurling his fists while muttering in the harsh tones western dialect. Bulma hardly knew Kakarott, but she found him acting in an unusual manner. "Kakarott." She finally decided to get his attention, perhaps talking to him before his father could ease her nerves. Bardock was a rather intimidating man as was the young woman he brought with him.

He didn’t stop pacing and he didn’t bother to meet her eyes. "He is nothing but a traitor!" he snapped at her, "That bastard should hide his face in shame for his disgrace to our family."

"That man?" Bulma ventured, "Do you mean your father?"

Kakarott halted and shot her a penetrating glare that forced her to lower her eyes, "That Saiyajin is not my father." He sneered, "My father is dead."

Bulma opened her mouth to refute him, but Bardock himself stormed into the room with the Elite Saiyajins in tow. "Vejiita is nearby." He stated simply, as if he didn’t feel the tension in the air, "As is Toukan, the one who attacked you earlier." Bulma commanded her face to remain still as a chill swept up her spine, "We must not waste a moment."

Kakarott did not even look at his father as he adjusted his scouter, "Then let’s get moving." He muttered as he took off towards the strongest power reading. Bulma let out an unladylike screech as she was swept over Bardock’s shoulder, "You will have to come as well, otherwise Vejiita might not win this fight."

Bulma could hardly protest as the world around her became a blur of colors and the roar of the wind. It was only a matter of moments when Bardock landed softly on the dirt below. "Our King is in that village over there." He pointed to the cluster of houses and roads. Bulma could hear a snort from behind her, "The King is in our presence." It was Endou of course. Bardock turned slowly, "In a matter of time, the Saiyajins will bow before their true King and if you remember to keep your arrogance in check then you may be alive to see that glorious day."

Endou had bellowed some response, but Bulma didn’t hear it. She let her feet begin to move and soon she was sprinting for the village, calling out for her lover. She hurried through the quiet neighborhoods and finally heard the shouting of a few locals. They were in the center of the city facing each other in a manner that reminded Bulma of the old western duals. "Vejiita!" she cried out one last time, hoping he wasn’t under that monster’s hold.

She saw his face flinch, but there was no other response—she was too late. Toukan turned to face her and suddenly she felt his touch again. It felt like his hand was sweeping through her hair, lightly caressing her back. She chocked back a sob as she was once again pushed back and lost control. I missed you love. He whispered affectionately as he pulled her body towards you. Now I have you both. Bulma heard a battle cry from behind. We should leave now, before your monkey guards interrupt my fun again.

She took more steps towards him, until their bodies were touching. If she had any control over her body, she would have vomited by the look of pure lust on his face. He turned back towards Vejiita and his smile faded. He was still standing their, arms limp against his side, fingers twitching ever so slightly. Quit trying to fight me, Vejiita you can’t win. Bulma knew he was wrong when a small smirk crossed Vejiita’s face. She felt herself propelled backwards.

She lifted her face from the dirt and Vejiita was enveloped in a magnificent blue aura--so close to achieving his destiny. Toukan pulled himself up and took a few steps back, "This is not finished yet, Vejiita." He snarled, before he brought two fingers to his forehead and simply vanished.

Bulma dropped back down in the dirt as the other Saiyajins rushed passed her to greet Vejiita. She hardly moved as she tried to forget the feel of Toukan’s touch. She heard the crunch of gravel next to her, "Get up." The dark voice chided, "Any woman of mine should have a little dignity."

Infuriated, Bulma jumped to her feet "I am not your woman." She snarled, "When this shit is over, I am gone." Vejiita merely brushed her aside, "We shall settle this later, woman."

"There is nothing to be settled." She replied, "I will not be treated like your bitch any more." She tried to turn away from him but was quickly spun around to meet his cold glare, "You will never speak to me in that tone." He commanded, paying little heed to the onlookers. Bulma was trying hard to keep her desire from overwhelming her common sense, but he was so close and it had been too long since she had felt his lips against hers. She finally caved and clamped her mouth over his, trying desperately to erase the ill feeling Toukan had left her with.

Much to her dismay, Vejiita pulled away but she could feel some reluctance from him. "This is not the time, woman." He stuttered, as a few Saiyajins behind him muttered in disgust.

Bulma straightened herself up, "That was your last chance, Vejiita." She stated as coolly as possible. "I’m not going to wait around for you to decide what you want because I know what I want, but I will not waste away waiting for you." She turned away from him and was disappointed when he didn’t grab her again. There was little conversation as they returned to the ship and prepared to leave for their original destination…Batisei

* * * * * * * *

Toukan watched the entire exchange from a nearby alley. He knew the words that fell from the Chikyuujin’s lips were false and soon she would be resting in Vejiita’s arms again.

And that was the key to capturing the Saiyajin.

He carefully probed the mind of the monkey bystanders, hoping to find some method of taking Vejiita again. He knew the mighty Saiyajin King would let his guard down again. A few of the other Saiyajins allowed him to probe their minds and he found some intriguing information from a disgruntled palace guard. He seemed somewhat upset that there was a possibility of a bond being shared between the two. A little more digging and he soon had all the information about this intriguing bond he needed.

Toukan closed his eyes, they were not bonded yet but the passion they felt for each other left him with no doubt that their minds, souls, and bodies would be united soon enough. He could easily capture the woman and then the Prince would be his as well.

* * * * * * * *