* * * Vegeta’s Story * * *

The young Prince grew to be cold and cruel. He was very proud and more arrogant than he had been before Bulma. Very rarely did he think of the blue haired girl, but when he did he chose to remember her as a weakness. He never let any emotions surface, save for hate, anger and amusement in suffering. He was his father’s son, Vegitasei’s Prince and their ticket to damnation.

* * * * *

At the age of 15, Vegeta had become the strongest Saiyan after his father. No trainer could get anywhere near his class, even if they attacked in groups. So overcome with the desire – no – need to fight, Vegeta seeked permission to join on purging missions. King Vegeta refused, thinking his son was getting too cocky. He still needed to learn much more.

So it was on this day, angry with his father for not letting him leave, Vegeta was stalking through the Palace grounds, when he stumbled across the troops’ training exercises.

"Bardock, what is your brat doing here?"

"He wanted to see how the troops trained, Nappa. I saw no harm in letting him come."

"Fine, but he better not interfere with the men."

An 11 year old boy was sitting off to the side, staring at the soldiers as they were sparring. One of the soldiers stopped as he took notice of him.

"Hey Radditz, what’s your brat of a brother doing here?"

"He begged my dad to come. I guess he wanted to see what REAL fighting was like."

"Well, lets have some fun then. Hey Kakarotto! Come here, we got some moves we could show you."

The young boy looked up and smiled. He had wanted a chance to spar with some soldiers, his brother would never teach him anything. He quickly ran over to the soldier, Pomo.

"Ok, brat. Let’s test how fast you are. You see those two soldiers over there? I want you to punch each one only once and then race back here. Don’t worry about them being unprepared. We do this to each other all the time. Is everything clear?"

Kakarotto nodded eagerly. He was actually going to do a training exercise that elite soldiers do.

Pomo and Radditz looked over to the two unsuspecting soldiers and stiffled a laugh. Kakarotto was going to be in for a surprise. Those two were the meanest and therefore, strongest, soldiers on the squad

Pomo told Radditz’s brother to go and was in for a surprise as he saw the two soldiers suddenly double over and Kakarotto appear in front of him with a grin.

"Was I fast enough?"

"How in the world . . ."

"Hey, you!" Pomo looked up as he saw the two soldiers approach him. "What kind of prank are you trying to pull?"

"Hey, it wasn’t me who sucker punched you. It was the brat."

"Wait, I only did it because Pomo said it was a training exercise."

"Who are you going to believe, the brat or me?"

The other soldiers stopped their training, as the arguing grew louder. They made their way over to the disturbance.

It wan’t clear on who threw the first punch, but pretty soon, everybody was getting into it. The dust from the ground flew up, obscuring Vegeta’s view of the whole event. He could hear practically every hit that made contact. The dust started to settle and Vegeta could make out Kakarotto defending off four men. The brat was fast, and strong. Even hits that his opponents were blocking seemed to hurt them. He dodged in between each of his attackers and eventually managed to knock them out. Two of them happened to be the soldiers he had mistakenly suckered punch.

"ENOUGH!"

Everyone who wasn’t unconscious immediately stopped their fighting. Nappa was looking angrily at each of the men.

"What’s going on? I leave you to do simple exercises and come back to find . . . this."

Pomo spoke up. "This was all Kakarotto’s fault. He interrupted the training and started the fight."

Nappa glared at the Saiyan boy. "Is this true?"

Kakarotto was too afraid to speak.

"I guess it is. Well then, what punishment should I dish out for you?"

"Hold it Nappa."

The group of soldiers suddenly hushed and bowed in respect to the figure that revealed itself.

"My Prince, what are you doing here?"

"That is no concern of yours Nappa. But don’t you think it’s a bit curious that an 11 year old boy was able to take out 4 of your elite warriors?"

"No sire, I didn’t think . . ."

"That’s right, you didn’t think. Instead of trying to come up with stupid punishments, perhaps you should do your job and recognize hidden talent when you see it. This boy has had practically no training, but is fighting at a superior level. If you’re not careful Nappa, he might get your job one day."

"I-I’m sorry."

"Stop your sniveling Commander. This boy, Kakarotto is it? Well, he will be my sparring partner from now on. He seems to be the only one of any potential these days. Come Kakarotto, we’ll make plans for you to live in the Palace."

Kakarotto numbly followed as his brother and father watched in shock.

* * * * *

"So, Kakarotto, how do you feel?" Vegeta asked.

The 11 year old smiled, "I’m honoured and happy my Prince. I will not let you down."

"Wrong answer. Yes, you should be honoured I have chosen you, but remember, Saiyans don’t have feelings. You should never show your emotions, except for maybe anger. Keep this in mind and you can only get stronger."

Kakarotto nodded at his first lesson.

* * * * *

Throughout the year, Kakarotto and Vegeta would train and spar everyday. Vegeta was shocked at how well Kakarotto would improve with each meeting. Within months, he was a challenge even for the Prince. A camaraderie was formed between the two and Kakarotto was completely loyal to Vegeta. He respected his power, his mind and his birthright. Vegeta couldn’t help but be amused with the carefree Kakarotto. He was so Saiyan and then not. His power definitely ascertained his race but the way Kakarotto acted was not like any Saiyan Vegeta had ever met. He had this innocence about him, even though he loved to fight and was the youngest ever to survive a purging mission.

At first Vegeta was jealous of the power Kakarotto was showing. But then he assured himself that he was destined to be the strongest and he still had been stronger than Kakarotto at his age. Besides, even if the unthinkable were to occur, which it would not, but if it did and Kakarotto became the strongest, Vegeta knew the younger would still obey him. He has sworn an oath to me and if anything, Kakarotto keeps his word.

Presently, the two Saiyans were heading for the throne room because the King had called upon them. They entered and were a bit startled at the presence of Freeza.

"Father, what is this about?"

"Shut up brat, did I say you could speak? We called you both here because we have noticed that lately, your training has become routine and impractical. Freeza has offered the chance for the two of you to work for him." The King cast a wary glance at Freeza, but continued. "By going on purging missions you will have the opportunity to become stronger and quench your bloodlust rather than killing my servants. The Ginyu Squad started out this way and I’m sure you’ll surpass even them."

Freeza spoke up, "I’ve been very impressed with both of your fighting skills. You know that these purging missions are important to both our empires and with our new alliance business has been booming. I thought it would be an experience neither of you would want to pass up."

Kakarotto remained silent, he would do whatever the Prince decided. "How long would we be under your service?"

"As long as you want Prince Vegeta. But once you decide to stop working for me, you would return to Vegitasei. I am the only way you can go offworld."

Vegeta smirked, "When do we start?"

* * * * *

They all were standing in a meeting room on Freeza’s main space station. Vegeta and Kakarotto’s first mission was a small planet in the Beta system. Their team included 10 soldiers and one of Freeza’s personal guards, a blue skinned, green haired alien called Zarbon.

They boarded their ship and set in a course. Once they arrived, Zarbon told everyone to attack the Northern capitals first.

"Hold it! I’m the one in charge here, and I say the Southern capitals will give the least resistance," stated Vegeta.

"Excuse me, but I believe I am the highest ranking here and therefore am in charge," retorted Zarbon.

"I am Prince Vegeta and since I doubt you are a King, I have the highest rank. Freeza personally requested that Kakarotto and I accompany this mission. He knew that as Saiyans, we would obviously be natural leaders."

"I am Freeza’s personal guard and have been in charge of these missions for a very long time. You are just a punk, teenage monkey Prince and have no experience in these matters."

"NO EXPERIENCE! I am the strongest Saiyan and destined to be the Legendary Super Saiyan, the greatest warrior in the universe. I was bred to be a fighter and could take your sorry, pansy ass out."

Zarbon flipped his braid over his shoulder, how he hated royalty. "FINE! You and your fellow monkey can purge whatever part of the planet you want and when we return to the station, we’ll enter the current tournament. If you’re half as good as you say you are Legendary, then we will see each other in the finals."

* * * * *

The purge ended pretty quickly. Vegeta and Kakarotto had completed their half of the Planet within half an hour. Never had Vegeta felt so alive, the thrill of battle beckoning to him. While Kakarotto enjoyed defeating the planet’s laughable forces, he strangely found no joy in the mass murder of the population. Not that he was going soft, he just though it too easy to point and shoot.

Their attentions were quickly focused on the upcoming tournament. Vegeta and Zarbon kept away from each other on the way back to the station. As soon as they got back, they signed up and began their preliminary rounds. Kakarotto decided to go eat and rest until the exciting matches began.

* * * * *

Kakarotto hurried through the arena, he had overslept. Vegeta was fighting in the semi-finals and he wanted a good seat. Without paying attention to the people around him, it was inevitable that the collision would occur.

"Ouch," said the blue haired girl that Kakarotto had knocked over.

Without thinking, he blurted out "I’m sorry," and helped her to her feet.

"Will wonders never cease? A polite Saiyan! Who knew that you barbarians had the capacity to have manners?"

Kakarotto was about to retort, when he heard the crowd chanting Vegeta’s name. Aw man, I’m missing the best stuff. He looked over to the girl but she seemed to be distracted, so he left.

He ran over to a railing and looked at the scene below. Vegeta stood in the center, barely scratched and grinning wickedly. His opponent was on his knees beside him, held up by the neck. Vegeta raised the loser in the air and with his free hand, he ripped off the opponent’s head in one fast, smooth motion. The crowd went wild as Vegeta paraded around the ring.

"Prince Vegeta is declared the winner!" the announcer said. "The next and final match is between him and Zarbon. It will be no holds barred and begins in 30 minutes."

Kakarotto made his way down to the main level and found Vegeta.

"My Prince, great job. But are you sure you want to go through with this?"

"Are you questioning me Kakarotto?"

"No sire, but it’s just that I heard that Zarbon’s kind has the ability to transform. He has a higher energy level in that state."

"Then I’ll just defeat him before he can transform," Vegeta put simply.

* * * * *

Zarbon and Vegeta faced each other in the center of the arena.

"So the little Prince wants to play?" drawled Zarbon. "Well, monkey boy, it’s time somebody taught that ego of yours a lesson."

Anger and hatred burned in the Saiyan’s eyes. "I hope you enjoyed your last look in the mirror, pretty boy, because when I’m done with you, you won’t ever want to look in one again."

The start of the match was announced and Vegeta blurred in behind Zarbon. He went in for a kick but Zarbon disappeared. Vegeta felt the attack coming from his left and he blocked it. Blow for blow was exchanged until Vegeta saw an opening. A well placed kick sent Zarbon across the arena as Vegeta charged his ki.

With lightning fast speed and never pausing a moment, the Saiyan Prince unleashed a barrage of ki balls towards Zarbon. The first couple hit dead on, but the blue alien recovered and deflected the rest.

He started to power up, when Vegeta hurled himself at him. Like a fluid dance, each attack was blocked, all ki repelled. Never had the audience seen such a match. Each opponent was determined to win, but alas, there could only be one victor.

Vegeta got hit in the stomach and crashed to the ground. The punch hadn’t been that powerful, but Vegeta wanted to give Zarbon a false sense of security as he came in for the final blow. He waited for the attack, when something in the stands caught his eye.

Blue hair . . .

The momentary distraction was enough to give Zarbon the advantage. He noticed the preoccupied expression on the Prince’s face and decided to make the blow count for all its worth. Recoiling his right fist, he jumped in the air and as the punch came pummeling down, Zarbon switched forms. Vegeta regained his senses just long enough to throw up his hands . . . but it was too late. Zarbon made contact and continued to punch, kick, and hurl Vegeta until he was a bloody pulp.

The Saiyan Prince landed with a dull ‘thud’ and Zarbon went over to him. Kneeling on one leg, he held Vegeta’s head as he leaned in to speak.

"I believe your pride has been damaged enough. Know this monkey Prince, you will never defeat me. You may train and fight all you like, but I will always be stronger. You are a weakling, all Saiyans are and it’s only a matter of time before Freeza finds you a nuisance. So go back to your people and hide behind your stories of the Legendary, because that’s all they are, stories. If the strongest of the Saiyans can’t defeat me, how can they expect to surpass Freeza – the universe’s strongest?"

Vegeta craned his neck slightly, and spit in Zarbon’s face. Enraged, Zarbon rammed Vegeta’s head into the ground, knocking him out. The announcer came on and proclaimed Zarbon the winner. Kakarotto came onto the field to take Vegeta to a regeneration tank, surprised that Zarbon hadn’t killed him.

Freeza discovered what had taken place and reprimanded Zarbon in private. The Saiyans were still useful allies and easier to control when on amiable terms. He didn’t want to give them any reason to rebel just yet.

After Vegeta recovered, Freeza, impressed with the speed that Vegeta and Kakarotto had purged the planet with, decided that all of Vegeta’s purging missions would only include the two Saiyans. He also wanted to avoid any other confronations like the one with Zarbon. This satisfied the Prince but he never forgot his humiliation at the hands of the green haired goon. Once again his weakness had haunted him and he decided that the only way to forget about it was to kill and destroy. He was strong, he was Saiyan. No stupid, long ago memory would ever make him weak again. That was his life for the next 10 years.

* * * * *

* * * Bulma’s Story * * *

On the night of the so-called explosion at King Vegeta’s Palace, Dr. Briefs carried his sleeping daughter to the ship of the tyrant known as Freeza. He had been informed that his services would be transferred to that of the horned alien. Briefs knew that the reason had something to do with his daughter and the Prince and though he knew it would break Bulma’s heart, he was relieved to get as far away from the Saiyans as possible. He didn’t know if he could trust this Freeza, but at least he wasn’t the one responsible for the invasion of his homeworld.

They boarded the spacecraft and it took off almost immediately, heading towards Freeza’s planet. As the ship was leaving the atmosphere, Bulma woke up and noticed the departure from Vegitasei. She jumped out of her father’s arms and ran to the window.

"NOOOOOO! VEGETA!!!" she cried. Not being able to understand what was happening, Bulma slumped to the ground and let her tears fall. Her father knelt down next to her and tried to comfort her. But Bulma was stubborn and refused to have her own father touch her. All she knew was that she was being separated from her friend and she wouldn’t see him again.

The rest of the trip, Bulma was silent. She had no idea where they were going, nor did she care. Why am I always being taken from my home? Why am I always alone? She slowly drifted into a dreamless slumber forgetting about her troubles, if only for a while.

* * * * *

The blue haired girl woke to the sensation of being carried. She was inside another palace, much more colourful and extravagant than Vegeta’s. Is this my new home?

Dr. Briefs noticed that his daughter was awake and he put her down, still holding on to her hand. They entered a spacious throne room and were greeted by their host.

Bulma looked at the alien in his hover chair, recognizing immediately who he was.

"Freeza!"

"Hello my child. It looks like we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other."

Bulma smiled, hope building inside her, "Will Vegeta be coming here too?"

"Unfortunately, no. You see my dear, Saiyans are a very dangerous and unpredictable people, you and your father are safer here, with me.

She frowned, "But Vegeta’s not like that . . ."

"He is their Prince," Freeza interrupted. "He is the most dangerous of all. Sure, he’s just a child now but it won’t be long until the bloodlust all Saiyans have, kicks in. Now be a good girl and go with Rega to your new room. I have some matters to discuss with your father."

Bulma held back her tears as she followed the servant out the door. I miss Vegeta. I don’t care what Freeza says, Vegeta would never hurt me . . . would he?

"That’s quite the little girl you have there," Freeza turned his attention back to the Chikyuu scientist.

"Yes she is."

"Well, let’s get down to business. King Vegeta was very impressed with the work you were doing for him."

"The King is a pompous fool and the leader of a bastard race that needs to be taught a lesson. I suggest you stop your dealings with them, it’s only a matter of time before they stab you in the back."

Thin lips spread into a wide smile. "I was hoping you’d say something like that."

* * * * *

Dr. Briefs walked beside the hover chair as Freeza brought him to the science compound. He was led into a lab that was under the tightest security and hidden from plain view.

"I can’t imagine how it must have felt, good doctor, to be working for the ones who purged your planet and were responsible for your wife’s death."

Briefs looked up sharply, "How did you know about that?"

"I know many things, but don’t misunderstand me. I’m here to help you. I agree with you that something must be done about the Saiyans. They are getting out of hand. Now, I’m not going to lie about what I do. Half the galaxy views me as a tyrant, and in some ways I am. But I do have a plan for a new peaceful order and whether you believe me or not is your decision. I’m just giving you an opportunity to have . . . justice."

"You mean revenge?"

"Whichever term you prefer. But I just wanted to clear the air between us before we get started."

"And what will happen to my daughter?"

"I don’t see why we have to bring her into this. She will get the education she so richly deserves, and no harm will come to her. She is quite brilliant for someone her age, you should thank me; the King wanted to kill her."

"As long as Bulma doesn’t find out about what I’m doing, then I’ll help you."

"Of course, why should she ever be exposed to such negative politics?"

Dr. Briefs felt like he was making a deal with the devil, but he wanted to make the Saiyans pay. "So, how can I help in delivering . . . justice?"

* * * * *

2 years passed and Bulma’s mind showed no limit. Freeza had scientists and technicians from all over the galaxy brought in to teach Bulma. Occasionally she would help her father out in the lab but most of the time he would go off and work on a special project.

Every night she and her father would dine with Freeza, and the alien would ask her how her day went. Enthusiastically she would explain what she learned and expressed how she’d like to work in the lab soon. No other kids were around and from time to time she would think of Vegeta, but soon her studies took up all her attention.

Normally her father would join in on the conversation, but this particular night he was silent. He seemed to frown a lot whenever Freeza spoke and when dessert was over, he told Bulma to go to her room and wait for him there. She rose slowly and noticed her father approach Freeza just as she exited.

Bulma entered her room and got ready for bed. She climbed in and sat in the dark, waiting for her father. It wasn’t until a couple of hours later that she heard the main door open. Dr. Briefs silently entered her room and looked over at her bed.

"I’m still awake Daddy."

She saw him give a little smile as he approached her. He sat on her bed and encircled her in his arms. "You know you’re my little angel right?"

"Of course Daddy."

"Every decision I ever made was for you my princess. If anything ever happens to me, I want you to know that I’ll always love you."

"Don’t be silly Daddy, what could happen?"

"I’m just saying IF sweetheart. I love you and I’ll always be here," he pointed to her heart, "just like Mama."

She felt tears well up, "Do you miss her?"

"Yes, it still hurts, but I don’t want you thinking about what happened. She is in a happy place now, watching over us."

"I love you Daddy," she said as she buried herself into his chest.

"I love you angel." Dr. Briefs hugged her tightly and released her. "I want you to go to sleep now. I understand you’ll be working on a spaceship tomorrow so you’ll need all the rest you can get."

Dr. Briefs stayed with his daughter until she fell asleep. He brushed a few strands of hair from her face and smiled sadly. What have I done?

* * * * *

Bulma woke up at different intervals of the night. She swore she could hear her father talking, but then she would drift back to sleep. The fourth time, she awoke to a scream.

"DADDY!!!"

Jumping out of bed, Bulma dashed out of her room and into her father’s. His blood has splattered behind him on the wall, and she saw the smoking hole in his chest.

"OH DADDY NO! NOOOOOOOOO!" She screamed and cried, and noticed the other presence in the room.

She cringed in fear as he started to laugh. Stepping into the light, she saw him clearly.

A Saiyan.

Her father’s murderer started a ki ball, but stopped as his scouter beeped. He seemed to be listening to someone, and though he protested, the ki ball dissipated. The Saiyan sneered at the little girl and quickly left the room.

Bulma rushed to her father’s side but knew he was already dead. She knelt by his body and gently hugged him.

She was still whispering "I love you Daddy," when Freeza’s men found them.

* * * * *

She hadn’t spoken in days. All of her father’s belongings had been packed and put into storage. Bulma was sitting on the sofa, when Freeza entered.

"Care to take a walk?" he asked.

Silently she got up and left with him.

"Your father was a brilliant man, I am sorry for your loss," Freeza started. "You don’t have to worry though, you will still remain here, all will be taken care of."

"Why?" Freeza was startled at the first word she had said since the incident.

"Well, you have talent and . . ."

"No, I mean why did this happen?"

"You know how much your father disliked the Saiyans. He must have ruffled some feathers because they sent an assassin after him. That’s just the way they are. Killing is how they deal with problems."

Bulma squeezed her eyes tight. First my mother, then my father. All this started on Chikyuu. She opened her blue eyes and looked at Freeza, "I want to know the name of the Saiyan that was first sent to Chikyuu."

The force behind those words startled even Freeza, she sounded much older than she was. "Well, I don’t see what the point in . . ."

"WHAT WAS HIS NAME?"

"Kakarotto." Freeza was impressed with her force.

She was silent for a moment as her lips pursed and her eyes narrowed. ". . . Kakarotto."

* * * * *

Years passed and Bulma was raised practically as Freeza’s daughter. He was delighted in the way her mind worked and she designed him faster ships and better armour. In her eyes he was a great leader, paving a way for a peaceful universe that would eventually fall under his rule.

Freeza told her that the Saiyans went against his plans for peace, but it was necessary at this time to still be allied with them. She objected heavily to all the purging missions but he assured her that it was in the best interest for everybody. Still, when the news somehow caught up to Bulma about the murder of millions, she wouldn’t speak to Freeza for days. He eventually convinced her it was the Saiyans’ fault and then would hunt down the poor soul who had leaked the information to Bulma.

She was now 15 years old and blossoming into quite a woman. She stood at the docking port, saying her goodbyes to Freeza and his crew. He had some business to take care but was coming back in a few days.

"Master Freeza we’re ready to go." The blue form of Zarbon appeared at the door of the ship and he smiled when he saw Bulma below. He went down to greet her. "Well, do my eyes deceive me? What happened to the little girl from last week? She has now become a woman."

"Really Zarbon, must you exaggerate everything you say?"

He reached to kiss her hand. "I never exaggerate when it comes to beauty my dear. Freeza tells me you’ll be coming to the station in a couple of days."

"Yes, I’m just checking up on the new science wing up there but then I’ll be coming right back here."

"While you’re up we should get together. I have a mission I must oversee, but then I’d be all yours."

Bulma was hesitant. "Well, I don’t know, I mean I should really come back here and . . ."

"Oh, I get it. There’s some scientist here that has caught your eye, ne? Now really, what’s he got that I don’t?"

"No, it’s not like that."

"I’m not asking you to marry me or anything. I just thought we could have some fun. But I can see it in your eyes, you’re mooning over somebody and if he can’t see what a gorgeous, wonderful creature you are, then it’s time to move on."

Bulma smiled weakly at him. "Maybe I’ll see you there Zarbon, but I’m not making any promises."

"A chance, that’s all I’m asking for. You’ll make me very happy if I see you."

"Really Zarbon, could you try not to blatantly pick up my daughter right in front of me. It sickens me that this is what you do in your spare time."

"Now, Freeza-chan, he wasn’t that bad, but maybe you could straighten him out a bit."

He winked in her direction, "I’ll see what I can do." Bulma just laughed and waved goodbye. She watched as the ship departed and then went back to her lab. She had to plan for her trip to the station.

* * * * *

The transport latched on to the docking bay, and Bulma stepped out onto the station. It was a hive of activity and Bulma looked in awe at all the aliens around her. Never had she seen so many different aliens in one place. She found her way to the science wing and made sure everything was in order. Her job lasted several hours but when she was done she decided to look around.

She noticed that a great crowd had gathered near the station’s arena. She asked someone what was going on and they told her a tournament was underway. She had only seen a couple of tournaments before, but they never really interested her. However, they never drew this big a crowd either. She overheard that two incredibly powerful warriors had entered this time, and that it would definitely be a match between them. Bulma’s curiostiy was piqued and she entered the arena.

* * * * *

"VEGETA! VEGETA! VEGETA!"

Bulma forgot about the Saiyan that knocked her over and looked towards the crowd. They were chanting the name of one of the competitors on the floor. She ran to a railing and looked below. That upswept hair, the cocky stature . . . it was him. Forgetting all about her hatred of the Saiyans, Bulma felt her heart skip a beat.

Vegeta.

She wanted to shout his name. Run to him. The Prince from her childhood, the reason she cried for days on end, he was right in front of her. Wait, what is he doing . . . oh Kami no . . . NOOOOOO! She watched in horror as he neatly sliced off his opponent’s head. Bulma felt as if she would be sick as he started to parade in front of the crowd.

Typical Saiyan! Bulma bitterly thought. He was just like the others, only interested in satifying his blood lust. Tears started to form in her clear blue eyes. He is not my Prince. That Vegeta died long ago, as did the little blue haired girl that befriended him. How foolish of me to have hope that I’d find him. I should have known better, he is a Saiyan after all. She dried her eyes before spilling any tears. Zarbon was right, it’s time to move on.

Zarbon found her just then, pleased that she came. He begged her to watch his fight.

"You know how I feel about such things Zarbon."

"My dear, how can you let me fight, while denying me your watchful presence? Having you here will bring such luck."

"I’m sure you use that line on all the girls," scolded Bulma.

"Only the ones that have the stars jealous with their beauty, and so far, I only know of one such woman."

Bulma giggled. Zarbon was such a flirt, but he made her feel better. "Fine Zarbon, I’ll watch for a little while, but I have to catch the next transport back to Freeza’s Palace. Freeza will be coming to the station later today, so I have to get back and take care of things at home."

Zarbon gave an exaggerated sigh. "I guess that’ll do, but may I request a kiss from my lady?"

Bulma blushed but kissed Zarbon on the cheek. "Now go," she said. "Your match starts soon. I’ll see you in a couple of days. And Zarbon?"

"Yes?"

"Promise me you won’t kill anyone."

". . . I promise."

* * * * *

She couldn’t take it anymore. Both men looked like they were trying to kill each other. This is ridiculous, it’s like they’re taking this personally. She got up to leave just as Vegeta hit the ground. I can’t watch this anymore. Bulma looked at her watch. She really had to leave, her transport was to depart in a couple of minutes. She could hear the various cheers of the crowd, but she didn’t look back. Vegeta was part of her past. He is Saiyan, she though regrefully. He will never change.

Bulma sighed as she just made it on to her ship. She looked out the port window at Freeza’s space station. It was the hub of all space travel, Freeza’s main base of command, and her future home in 10 years.

* * * * *