* * *

There were no warnings, no alarms, or screams, just silence. Bulma didn't even notice, she was so engrossed in Mirai Trunks story. She sniffed, wiping a tear away with her sleeve; Aya did the same as Trunks came to the part about her father. Everything had seemed quiet, the Z senshi's guard was down, they didn't even notice the significant ki that had taken over their city.

Suddenly, ChiChi came running through the door of the sound proof meeting room, screaming and holding Chibbi Trunks in her arms. A few feet behind her were some of Vejiita's soldiers, ordering her to hault. Goku and Gohan were up on their feet in an instant. Bulma came and took Trunks from ChiChi's trembling arms, Trunks eyed the soldiers, he hadn't realized that today was the day he had come to prevent.

Bulma tried to escape out the back door, but another soldier materialized out of nowhere, "You," he said coolly, "have an appointment with King Vejiita."

He reached out to grab Trunks from her, but Aya suddenly attacked the warrior, catching him off guard. "Come on," Aya commanded, "We've got to get out of here!"

Goku showed no mercy to the other two soldiers who had attacked his wife; after that, he followed the others, stopping only once as a sharp pain hit his chest hard. Gohan noticed and turned, "Dad?"

Goku took a deep breath and waited for the pain to vanish, "I'm okay kid." he lied, "Let's go!"

As soon as they got outside the NeoCapsule Corp. building they realized the damage that had been done by their carelessness.

The streets once busy streets were empty, there was a chilling silence in the air. Piccolo turned his head, "All of the people are downtown." he said, Goku nodded in agreement.

In only an hour, Vejiita had easily broken into their hide out and captured the majority of it's inhabitants without a fight. Bulma felt sick, she absently handed Chibbi Trunks to Aya, "All of you, get out of here now!" she ordered, "I'm going to confront Vejiita and save those people!" "Bulma no!" Krullin shouted, "Are you crazy?"

Bulma didn't say anything, she just began to walk. No one followed her, suddenly, Mirai Trunks sped out in front of her, "You can't do this! This is exactly what happened in my time! I have to go!"

Bulma remained calm and pushed him out of the way, "I'm the only one who can stop him," she said with little emotion, "He'll just kill you."

Without another word, she picked up the pace and began jogging. Aya tried to give up Chibbi Trunks so she could follow, but Goku protested, "We have to go." he said, "Bulma knows what she is doing."

Trunks turned to Goku, noticing he was holding his hand to his chest. He glanced back, Bulma had disappeared from sight. He sighed, there was so much he had come to do, and so little time to do it in.

* * *

Vejiita smirked as he glanced out at the crowd; he turned and his smirk widened as his eyes fell upon the rebels and their families. Their leader wasn't with them, but he would find her soon enough. As for Bulma, she would show up, along with the other Z senshi and the new warrior. They had to, if they wanted to save these people.

Vejiita chuckled, he had the upper hand. He focused his sixth sense to locate there where abouts of the senshi. He frowned, they were headed towards the outer gates of the city. 'So, they think they're going to escape?' he turned to the captain of his guards and was ready to give him his orders when a familair, determined voice called to him.

Vejiita turned to the voice, his smirk had returned. One of the soldiers rushed to her and led her past all the prisoners and up to Vejitta.

She followed slowly, her sad eyes surveying the crowd. Vejiita grew impatient and started towards her meeting her in the middle of the captives. "I told you it was a matter of time."

Bulma sighed, glancing back out at the captives. She wanted to scream and cry at the same time, but she had to stay strong. Fighting her inner desire to confess her feelings, she remained emotionless, "I only came to free these people." she said evenly, "I'll come with you only if you let these people go."

Vejiita threw his head back and laughed, "Woman, you are in no position to give me orders!" He took another step towards her.

Bulma became uncomfortable, it had been so long since she had been near him; she had to stay calm. She stood her ground as his gloved fingers stroked her face, "All right," he said, his smirk widening, "I accept your surrender."

Bulma sighed in relief, "Thank you." she whispered.

Vejiita chuckled, "Don't thank me yet." he said coolly, Bulma looked at him curiously, "I accepted your surrender, but I didn't agree to your terms."

Bulma's eyes widened, she lunged at him, but a soldier grabbed her and knocked her to the ground, "You must learn to respect your king!" he shouted.

Vejiita turned and glared at the guard, "How dare you!" he proclaimed, "She is not to be harmed!" The soldier had no chance to plea for his life, in a matter of moments, it was over.

Bulma felt dizzy, from both being hit, and the shock of seeing such a gruesome death. Vejiita studied her for a moment, then he motioned for two of his soldiers, "Take her to the base and leave her guarded in my chambers. I have business to attend to. Remember, she is not to be harmed."

The guards nodded in understanding and carefully helped Bulma to her feet. She steadied herself and allowed them to take her without protest. Her mind was struggling to focus, but every movement sent pain tearing through her body. She eventually allowed darkness to overtake her and ease the pain.

* * *