By: Meiko

* * * * *

It was a choice between life and death. For many it would be easy to decide; life of course, but it wasn't that simple in this case. If he chose his own life, it meant the life of everyone in the universe, but if he chose death, it still meant the death of everyone in the universe.

Krullin glanced behind him, making sure Bulma was okay. She was shaken up, terriefied of Vejiita, but he hadn't made any advances on her. 'I have to protect her.' he told himself, 'But if Vejiita gets the dragonball, all is lost.'

Krullin's thoughts were inturrupted by an impatient Saiya-jin prince, "I haven't got all day shrimp," Vejiita barked, "Give me the dragonball now!"

'Shit!' Krullin mentally cursed, 'Here goes nothing." He carefully tucked the dragonball under one arm and glared, "I will die before I ever give up this dragonball."

A smirk tugged at Vejiita's lips, "Stupid human." he muttered, "Is it really worth it? Your death and," his gaze turned to Bulma, who shrinked against the wall under his stare; his smile widened, "is it worth hers?"

Krullin swallowed the lump in his throat, he had prayed to Kami he wouldn't bring her into this. What had she done? He glanced back at Bulma again; her eyes pleaded with his, she didn't deserve to die. Sighing, he turned back, but Bulma latched on to his shirt, pulling him back towards him

She leaned over and carefully whispered into his ear, "Don't ever give up." she commanded, "You can beat him, I know it!"

Vejiita frowned, his patience was thinning. Krullin shook his head, he knew he could never win. Bulma frowned, she herself was becoming angry, "Goddamnit Krullin." she said through clenched teeth, "Gohan's on his way, you two can beat him!"

Krullin thought for a moment, she was right, Gohan was coming back. Between the two of them, they could beat Vejiita. Krullin smirked, mocking the prince's proud stance. He dropped the dragonball and Bulma quickly scooped it up. "I think I'll take my chances."

Vejiita's eyebrows hiked in surprise, this was certainly not what he had expected. Shrugging his shoulders, he smiled, "Well, then let's not drag this out too long." he chorused.

The two went at it, moving at speeds beyond Bulma's vision; all she could do was pray that Gohan got there in time. It was apparent that Vejiita was winning. Suddenly, the two reappeared when Vejiita smacked Krullin to the ground. Bulma watched, horrified, when she realized that he couldn't get up.

Krullin struggled to get up, his breath was ragged. " Shit!" he cursed, "My back is broken." There was a soft thud as Vejiita landed next to him.

Vejiita latched onto the back of Krullin's shirt, pulling him off the ground and dangling him in front of his face, "Looks like I've won this one." he smirked, "You should've killed me back on Chikyuu when you had the chance." he cackled, "Thanks for the dragonball, and don't worry about your friend. I'll make sure she dies very painfully."

"Bulma, no." Krullin begged, Vejiita ignored his plea's. Tossing Krullin over to the side, he aimed a blast at him, hitting him square in the chest.

Bulma screamed at the gruesome sight, Krullin's blood was everywhere, some had even splattered on her. Vejiita frowned, her high pitched voice obviously on his nerves. "Shut up!" he bellowed, she was silent. Smiling, he advanced towards her, reveling in her fear. "Don't worry." he soothed, "This will be very painless, if you let it."

Anger coursed through Bulma's veins, "Fuck you!" she spat.

This set Vejiita off. In a flash, he had her on her feet by her neck. A cruel smile played on his lips, "Be careful what you wish for." he whispered. Leaning down, he licked a trail of blood on her face. Bulma whimpered in fear, he stopped at her lips and leaned forward kiss her. The kiss was deep as he pulled her body closer to his.

Suddenly, he released her, smile still on his lips. He licked his lips, enjoying the taste of her. Bulma backed away, only to find herself up against a wall. In desperation, she screamed for help, earning her a slap that sent her flying.

Vejiita had not expected that. How could she be so weak? 'I'm wasting my time.' he thought. He calmly stode over to where she was; she was favoring the cheek he had hit. He grabbed her by the back of her shirt and pulled her up. Both of her hands grabbed on to his, trying desperately to keep him from touching her. "You are one lucky bitch." he whispered gently into her ear, "You get to live today." He leaned over and gently kissed her earlobe, "Next time, I might not be so nice."

He released her and she fell to the ground, he quickly grabbed the dragonball and took his leave. Bulma watched him go, tears streaming down her bruised cheek. She curled up in a tiny ball and rocked back and forth, crying out to Kami for help.

* * * * *

Gohan knew he had to step it up a notch, something was wrong and he had to get back to Bulma. It was at this moment, he felt it. A power coming straight at him. 'Shit.' He stopped, knowing it was Vejiita. He frowned at the dragonball in his hand, "I have to hide it." he told himself.

Finding a small plateau of dirt, he coward down. "I'm such a coward." he cursed, "But I can't take any chances." He carefully watched as Vejiita came into view, he hoped that Vejiita wouldn't notice him; he did.

Vejiita stopped, scowling. "Somebody's out there." he shouted, "Come out now, and I'll show you some mercy."

Gohan clutched tightly to the dragonball, hoping no one would find him. His patience running low, Vejiita shouted once more, "I guess I'll just have to blast you out!"

Gohan could feel Vejiita's power rise, "I don't have a choice." he told himself. Carefully setting the dragonball down, her climbed up the side of the plateau. "Stop!" he shouted, catching Vejiita by surprise, "I'm right here."

Vejiita smirked, "Well, if it isn't the little hybrid." he mocked, "I'm surprised to see you here, then again, I shouldn't be. I just had a little run-in with your friends." Gohan gasped, "Unfortunately, your little bald friend won't be helping your search. At least he gave me a gift before he departed for Hell."

Gohan choked on his own breath when Vejiita held the dragonball out for him to see. "Bastard!" he growled, beginning to power up, "I'm going to kill you for what you've done."

Vejiita threw his head back laughing, "I would so enjoy the challenge brat," he chuckled, "but do you really want to join you friend in Hell and leave that sweet girl all by herself?"

Gohan gasped at the realization, "Bulma." he said, "What did you do to her?"

Vejiita smiled, "Nothing really." he said noncholantly, "You'll just have to see for yourself, unless you still want to fight."

Gohan backed down, he had no choice. He prayed Vejiita would leave. Vejiita, on the other hand, was not finished. He landed next to Gohan, studying the dragon radar in his hand. "What's that thing?" he pointed.

Gohan glanced down, thinking of something. It was lame, but it was the only shot he had, "It's a watch." he stammered. 'Good one Gohan, like he's going to buy that!'

Vejiita looked skeptical, "You mean that big piece of junk is a watch?"

Gohan pretended to be insulted, "It's an antique." he stated.

Vejiita laughed, "Whatever." He pulled Gohan close, brushing the boys hair out of his face, "Take care kid, you and I are members of an elite race, we have to watch out for each other." Gohan was surprised by a sharp kick to the groin, "Bye bye." Vejiita chorused, flying off to find his last dragonball.

Gohan struggled to get up. There was no time to celebrate, he had to find Bulma and make sure she was all right. In his hurry, Gohan left his dragonball.

* * * * *

It just couldn't get any better than this: he had all seven dragonballs within his grasp and would soon be immortal. Soon he would destroy Freeza and finish the rest of the humans.

Smirking, Vejiita landed next to the lake where he had hidden the dragonball. He dove in, excitement coursing through his veins. 'Soon, I will be supreme ruler of the universe! Soon Freeza and Kakarott will be beging for mercy!'

It didn't take him long to realize that something was amiss. 'Where is that blasted dragonball.' Thoughts spun through his head, then it hit him. 'I'm so blind!' he cursed, flying out of the lake, 'That brat had it all along! I was stupid to ever believe him.' Flying through the air, he screamed obsenities, "This time, it ends kid." he cursed.

* * * * *

Gohan landed silently next to Bulma, careful not to startle her. She hadn't moved since Vejiita left, she hugged herself tightly. "Bulma?" Gohan asked quietly, "Are you all right?"

"I killed him." Bulma sobbed, "He wouldn't have fought Vejiita if I hadn't told him to, it's my fault!"

Gohan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "It's not your fault." he said, "Krullin made his own choice." These words held no comfort, "Did he hurt you." Gohan asked.

Bulma pulled her head away from her knees and Gohan gasped at the bruise, "He just hit me." she whispered, "I'm okay." She tried to smile, but it wasn't convincing.

"He'll pay." Gohan vowed, "When my father gets here."

Bulma smiled, "It'll be okay." she said, trying to convince herself, "It always is." She sighed, studying Gohan, "Did you find the dragonball?" she asked.

Gohan went pale, "Shit!" he cursed, "I left it!"

"What?"

"Vejiita found me, so I hid the dragonball." Gohan tried to explain, "When he told me he killed Krullin, I got here as fast as I could and I forgot it."

Bulma sighed, "You'll have to go back, we can't take any chances."

Gohan nodded, "Will you be all right?" Bulma smiled weakly and nodded. Gohan turned to leave, but stopped, "We have to run! Vejiita's coming!" Bulma went pale, and the two made a mad dash for safety.

* * * * *

Well? Please let me know what you think. I'll hopefully have part 2 out ASAP. I have high hopes for this story, I hope you like it.----Meiko

Email at chiaka_chan@yahoo.com