Warning: You are reading a story from a student who barely passed high school physics. Please do not comment to tell me that ‘this’ or ‘that’ cannot possibly happen. This is MY world so therefore I have my own laws of physics….uh yeaaaaaaah. Oh, and I sucked at Chemistry too. Let’s just say I’m not a ‘science’ person (we won’t even get into Biology).

 

~Part 4 - Kill Me~

 

Perfect. Freeza gave a sly smile. All was going according to plan. He would finally be rid of those monkeys, all it had taken was a little patience. "Are you sure you want to do this?" He turned his attention back to the daughter he had raised for over 15 years.

Bulma gritted her teeth, "YES! Throughout my life, the greatest pains inflicted on me were always caused by a Saiyan. This ends now!"

"Excellent my child, those Saiyans were always a nuisance."

"Wait, I don’t understand. Aren’t you the strongest being in the universe? Why did you need my father to work on this project, couldn’t you have just blown up Vegitasei yourself?"

Freeza smiled wryly, "That was my original plan, but further study on your father’s part showed that it wouldn’t work. He discovered that in Vegitasei’s atmosphere there were tiny particles of an unknown element that had unique properties. Your father wanted to name it ‘Briefantium,’ seeing as how he discovered it. Anyway, one of the unique properties was that it deflected ki, thereby giving Vegitasei a natural ki shield. Any blast from space would only be useless and give warning to the Saiyans that they were under attack. Those fools have no idea of the existance of it because no one has ever tried to attack Vegitasei from space."

"So what was my father’s take on this?"

"He believed that the key to the destruction of the Saiyans, and technically anybody else who uses ki, was found in Briefantium. However, it was impossible to collect samples from Vegitasei’s atmosphere so all of his work is based on theory. He needed a solid sample to test it and after all this time, we finally found one."

"You did? Where?"

"You are so much like your father. Believe it or not, almagamite is the mineral form of Briefantium. Unlike the Saiyans, the Malgonians knew of its existance and understood its properties. Not only can it reflect ki, but the Malgonians found a way to also create it. I assume that’s how they were able to defend themselves from Kakarotto and Vegeta, for awhile anyways. You were so excited, because as a scientist, you had never seen anything like almagamite before. Little did you know that it was what your father was searching for all along. I’ll have all his work and documentation sent over to your lab so you can get started immediately."

Bulma nodded and exited, her scientific brain deep in thought. On her way to her lab, she saw Zarbon bump into Mokra. She noticed that Mokra was extremely pissed off, so she flattened her back against the wall and strained to hear their conversation.

"I hope you’re happy with your choice Zarbon! You had a chance to experience pleasure like never before and you turned it down. I could have given you anything, made you feel things you could only dream about. A real man would never refuse me."

"I believe I did last night."

"Hmph, that was a big mistake. So tell me, is she really worth it? Is that frail, blue haired thing really WORTH IT?"

"Bulma is worth everything and more. She is twice the woman you could ever be. I told you yesterday that I love her and nothing you could ever do could change that."

"Well, how about something she did? Rumour has it that your slutty bitch found someone else to keep her bed warm last night."

Zarbon grew enraged and backhanded Mokra across her face. "Don’t you EVER talk about Bulma that way again. You know what you are? You’re jealous! Bulma would never cheat on me just like I would never cheat on her. I don’t care if you’re Freeza’s client, I suggest you get your hideous hide out of here and leave Bulma and me alone."

Mokra rubbed her sore cheek. "What a gullible fool you are," she hissed. "Fine, I’ll leave, but if I were you I’d keep an eye out on that whore of yours."

"LEAVE!"

As Mokra grudgingly walked away, Bulma slumped against the wall. Oh Kami, Zarbon I’m so sorry. He had been telling the complete truth afterall. Guilt overcame Bulma. He was loyal, sweet and utterly devoted to her. He really did love her. All this time, she doubted his true feelings, believed she was the stable one in their relationship. But she was wrong. She was the one who turned out to be the cheater.

Oh Zarbon, I swear I’ll make it up to you. Dammit, this is one more thing Vegeta had to ruin. This is his fault, all his fault.

Bulma straightened up and went to the lab, she was more determined than ever to make Vegeta pay.

* * * * *

Vegeta and Kakarotto had finished purging the planet for Mokra in just under 2 hours.

"Well that was easy," stated Kakarotto. "Shall we head back to the station?"

"NO!" Kakarotto was taken aback by the sudden outburst of his Prince.

"Is there something wrong Vegeta?"

"There is nothing wrong you Baka," Vegeta snapped. "It’s been awhile since we had a good sparring match. Let’s stay here for a couple of days and test our strengths against each other. By then, Freeza will probably have another mission for us."

The younger Saiyan regarded Vegeta carefully. He was definitely acting odd. He was extremely irritable, but that was nothing new. It was like he was distracted somehow, or was trying to be distracted from something. I guess I’ll find out sooner or later. "Ok Vegeta, let’s rumble."

* * * * *

Bulma had finished viewing the vid Cd’s her father had made. It had been hard watching her father, who had been dead for over 15 years, talk about his theories, she was still holding back her tears. Stop acting like this Bulma, you’ve got work to do.

She contemplated Dr. Briefs’ theories. All Saiyans protected themselves with a ki shield. It was like a natural defense, for it was almost second nature to keep it up. However, even without ki, their skeletal structure was still incredibly strong. He had proposed a weapon that used Briefantium to neutralize their ki thereby allowing conventional weapons to take them out. But how was he to collect the Briefantium and what sort of weapon, other than a tank, could take out a Saiyan? His research ended abruptly, coinciding with his death.

Bulma looked at her almagamite. Being a mineral, it had traces of Briefantium in it. If only she could separate it, she could then duplicate it. She went to work, running her tests. If it worked, then that solved the problem of neutralizing ki. But what then?

For the weapon to be advantageous, it should be able to hurt, or even kill a Saiyan with one shot. She focused on the almagamite again. What was that Freeza had said? The Malgonians used it to create ki? That’s it! While bullets might not cause that much damage to a ki-less Saiyan, a ki blast certainly would.

She’d have to learn how the Malgonians created it. Of course she couldn’t ask them because a certain Saiyan had wiped out their race. If she could create it, then maybe her idea would work. She would make a gun that fired a multi-layered blast. The outer edge would be Briefantium, used to repel the ki and get through one’s shield. Then once it’s through, the core of the blast would be artificial ki, made from almagamite, and given enough power could fatally wound anyone, not just a Saiyan.

Bulma ran tests for hours but made little progress. Maybe I’ll think better after a good night’s sleep. Kami knows she had still been exhausted from the previous night’s events when she woke up. Dammit Bulma, don’t think about that. Don’t think about Vegeta. It’s over. You were right the first time, he will never change . . . but why does it still hurt so much?

Zarbon then entered. "Baby Blue, why are you still here? You shouldn’t be working so hard."

Bulma’s resolve came back again. Yes, my pain will go away as soon as I hurt Vegeta. He will know what it’s like to feel pain and loneliness. Yes, I’ll destroy his race and he’ll truly be alone. He’ll be alone forever, and I will have Zarbon.

"Honey, what’s wrong?" The braided alien asked his fiancee, who had been staring into space. "Freeza said you were working on some special project?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, I’m going to destroy Vegeta."

"Vegeta? Did he hurt you?"

"Uhh Vegeta? Did I say Vegeta? I-I meant Vegitasei. Yes, I’m working on a weapon that can take out the Saiyans. I’m going to make them pay for what they did to me and countless others."

Zarbon got closer to Bulma and swept her into his arms. He caressed her hair and held her close. "My love, I can tell that you’re upset. Why don’t you come to bed and get some rest?"

Bulma felt tears well up as she looked at the man who loved her. How could she have ever doubted him?

Zarbon noticed the salty droplets and kissed them away. "Now what’s wrong?"

"You’re just too good to me."

He smiled, "I love you."

Bulma buried her head into Zarbon’s chest, but didn’t say anything.

* * * * *

Zarbon had carried Bulma, who had fallen asleep in his arms, back to her room. He gently laid her on the bed and climbed in to hold her. He watched her as she slept and noticed how her face kept contorting, showing different emotions. She was definitely dreaming, but whether it was a nightmare, he couldn’t tell.

"Vegeta!"

Zarbon unconsciously gripped Bulma tighter. Vegeta? Why would she say that bastard’s name? He stared intently at her, but she didn’t say anything again. I know I didn’t imagine it, she said his name earlier too. I’m going to find out what’s going on.

* * * * *

Zarbon woke up the next morning, finding that Bulma had already gone. That was how it was for the next couple of days. Bulma would always get up early and come back late. She spent all her time in the lab, determined to complete her father’s work. Zarbon had had it!

"Bulma, you’ve got to slow down, you need to rest."

"Oh sure, and while I rest, how many more millions are going to suffer at the hands of the Saiyans?"

"This isn’t like you. This project of yours has become like an obsession. Why? If this has something to do with Vegeta . . ."

"DON’T mention his name to me."

"It does doesn’t it? This is all about revenge, I can see it in your eyes. What the hell did Vegeta do?"

"A woman can only be pushed so far Zarbon. I suggest that before you make it onto my hit list too you stop your questioning and leave. None of this concerns you."

Not wanting to push his luck any further, he complied.

Bulma once again came back late. Zarbon was already in bed when he heard her enter, but he pretended to be asleep. She changed then went to stand by a porthole. The light from the stars illuminated her face, and even from the bed, Zarbon could see that Bulma was crying.

The next day Bulma announced that she had completed her weapon.

* * * * *

Freeza sipped his wine and mulled over what had to be done next. He was incredibly pleased at what Bulma had presented to him. The blaster had been sent into production and he had been calling in his best soldiers to the station. A full scale attack was being prepared and when they were through, there would be nothing left of the Saiyan Empire.

The Saiyans wouldn’t go down without a fight, that was for certain. Freeza eyed the blaster. Like any conventional weapon, it had to be aimed at a vital point to do the most damage. There was also the question of speed, which was why he was bringing in his best soldiers. When fired, the shot could be as fast as an Elite Saiyan, but getting a good aim would be tricky. That was why a massive onslaught was needed. Catch them off guard and before they can react.

Over the years, he did think about going to Vegitasei and personally killing them all, but he knew many would escape and doubted if even he could take on a planet full of angry oozaru. Besides, he liked using them all these years, they were very efficient exterminators.

All Saiyans were accounted for. Most will be on Vegitasei and he would be sending the Ginyu Squad to take care of those on purging missions. The only problem might be the Prince and his loyal companion. I have to get them here or on Vegitasei when the time comes so that they can’t escape. They are the only ones who may pose a threat in the future, heh, I might as well take care of them myself.

As luck would have it, Zarbon entered then. He informed Freeza that Vegeta and Kakarotto were still planetside.

"Have them come back to the station. Tell them another mission awaits them."

"Yes, Lord Freeza. Oh and there was one more thing I wanted to discuss with you."

* * * * *

"KAKAROTTO! Why did you stop?" Vegeta was in mid air, a ki ball half formed in his hands.

"I’m sorry Vegeta but did you hear that? It sounds like it’s coming from the ship. I think we’re being paged."

Vegeta sighed angrily, but nodded for Kakarotto to go answer it. They were told to come back to the station to go over the plans for another purging mission.

As Kakarotto prepared the ship for take off, he glanced over at Vegeta. The Saiyan Prince was a mixture of nervousness, anticipation, and something else. Of course, to anyone else, he would look like the same stern, no nonsense Vegeta, but Kakarotto could read him perfectly.

"What’s wrong?"

"Nothing’s wrong!" Vegeta snapped.

The younger Saiyan knew not to push it and so the rest of the trip was in silence. As they reached the station, they noticed how more slaves than usual were cleaning up the place, and starting to put up decorations.

"What’s going on?" Kakarotto asked the guard that had greeted them.

"Well apparently Freeza was going to have a big celebration in a couple of days, but now a wedding will also be part of the festivities; the marriage of his adoptive daughter to his head guard, Zarbon."

Kakarotto noticed Vegeta stiffen, but was distracted again as the guard told him that Freeza would meet with them in the morning. As he turned to his Prince he noticed that Vegeta had disappeared. I hope he solves whatever has been disturbing him. I am sure it has something to do with this station. With those fleeting thoughts, Kakarotto headed to his quarters for a good night’s sleep.

* * * * *

A small, compact figure stealthily entered the human’s room. Noiselessly, he made his way to the wall facing the bed, then stopped and stood there. Why am I even here? Maybe I should just kill her and put us both out of our misery. But he knew he was fooling himself. He could never bring physical harm to her, and ever since she ran from him crying, he had been unable to get her off of his mind. He silently cursed himself for biting her neck. He wasn’t fully bonded to her, but there was still something there. The figure on the bed started to move and he focused his attention back to her.

Bulma slowly opened her eyes. It was still the middle of the night but something had drawn her out of her slumber. She sat up and let her eyes adjust to the dark. She stood and felt the tiniest prickle of electricity run through her spine. Not being able to shed the feeling that something was out of place, she walked to the porthole and stared out into space. She had been doing that a lot lately – staring and wondering, wondering the many ways her life could have been different.

Warm breath on her neck made Bulma stiffen. Cautiously, she turned around and came face to face with Vegeta. For minutes they just stared at each other not saying anything. Bulma studied his face. He was expressionless, but the way the shadows of the room and the light from the stars played against his features, Kami, he is beautiful.

That was the effect he had on her, just one look and everything else ceased to exist – even Zarbon. All thoughts of anger and revenge flew out of her mind. Ok, maybe not anger, she did remember that he had hurt her. But if she meant nothing to him then why was he here? Hope sprung in her heart as she gazed back at his ebony stare.

Finally, he broke the silence. "I hear congratulations are in order."

"W-what?"

"Your upcoming wedding. I was quite surprised at the news, I mean after having me, why go back to that blue skinned freak?"

Her temper flared, "Is that why you’re here? To insult me? Tell me, what was I supposed to do Vegeta? According to you, there is nothing between us. What we did was sport! Well what I have with Zarbon is different. He loves me Vegeta and he’s not afraid to admit it."

"Listen to yourself woman. You say that pretty boy loves you and that’s all you need, but obviously it isn’t."

"I made a mistake Vegeta. What we did was nothing but a mistake. I love Zarbon!"

Vegeta blinked at those words but then smirked, "You can scream that as loud as you want, but you and I both know that that’s not true."

"You bastard! Why are you doing this to me? I thought you never wanted to see me again Vegeta. Why are you really here? Obviously I’m not the only one lying to myself about my feelings."

The Prince growled and stepped closer to Bulma, making her back up into the wall. "You think I want to be here? You think I actually want you? I’m a Saiyan remember, I go and get my jollies by tormenting others. Like all Saiyans I’m cruel, mean and evil, but I will never be weak."

With each word he drew closer to the blue haired woman until his body was pressed against hers. He lowered his head slightly and brought his mouth to her ear, "You’re just an easy target." His mouth twisted into a cruel smirk, ". . . and an easy lay."

Bulma blinked back her tears. "Damn you Vegeta," she whispered. "DAMN YOU!" she pounded on his chest but it was useless. He started to chuckle at her pathetic hits.

"You think this is funny, that your fucking mind games are funny? Well tell me what it is that you want me to do? Cry, beg for you to stay? I’ve had it, I will shed no more tears for you Vegeta. Go ahead, kill me if that’s what you want. KILL ME! Or I swear, the next time we meet, I will kill you."

Vegeta was shocked at Bulma’s words, but an evil smile crept across his face. He wrapped his arms around her waist and before she knew what was happening, he was giving her an incredibly slow and agonizing kiss. Instinctively, Bulma wound her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his hair.

After 10 minutes, Vegeta drew back slightly so that their noses were still touching. She could feel his warm breath on her lips. "Have it your way woman," he spoke huskily. "The next time we meet, I dare you to kill me."

Bulma was speechless as he pulled away. He looked up towards a shadowed corner and smirked. Giving one more look to a confused Bulma, Vegeta left.

The green braided, blue skinned alien, standing in the shadowed corner, was shocked. He watched as his fiancee numbly made her way back to bed and quickly fell asleep. Zarbon clenched his fists, not wanting to believe it. Not her . . . and him? Is this why she’s been obsessed with getting revenge on the Saiyans, because she can’t get Vegeta to admit he loves her? How could she do this to me, what am I, her consolation prize? So be it, in time she will learn to love me again, she’ll love me as soon as she realizes that she doesn’t need Vegeta. She’ll learn to live without him as soon as he’s dead. Too bad Freeza’s handling that, I would love to be the last thing he sees before he’s sent to Hell.

Making sure Bulma was still asleep, Zarbon quietly left her room.

* * * * *

The next morning, before Freeza met with Kakarotto and Vegeta, he sent his troops on ships to Vegitasei. Bulma begged to go as well, so she and Zarbon went with them.

Freeza went to the training room where he found the two Saiyans sparring. They stopped when he entered.

"So Freeza, what’s the next purging mission you’re talking about?" asked Kakarotto.

The non Saiyan put on a sly grin, "Why Vegitasei of course?"

"WHAT?"

Freeza looked at Vegeta, "So monkey prince, you think you’re destined to be the strongest in the universe? Why don’t we test that right now?" He lashed out with his tail and knocked the Prince over.

Angrily, Vegeta jumped back up and charged Freeza. Every punch and every kick, no matter how fast or strong, was merely blocked by the pink alien. However, to give Vegeta credit, he too held up his own against Freeza’s attacks.

Kakarotto had been surprised at Freeza’s sudden attack. He watched as they fought, noticing that they were pretty much even in skill and power. However, Kakarotto knew that Freeza had many forms and if he decided to change then that would be the end. I know Vegeta’s going to kick my ass but I’ve got to help. We’ve got to defeat Freeza quickly and find out what’s going on with Vegitasei.

The younger Saiyan then jumped into the fray and was able to land in a couple blows.

"Kakarotto what the hell are you doing? This is my fight!"

"Damn your pride Vegeta. We’ve got to end this quickly, you know we’re no match for him."

"Shut up Kakarotto!"

Freeza just laughed. "Such a pig-headed monkey you are. Even when your girlfriend is hell bent on destroying your world, you decide to stay here and fight a battle you cannot win."

Bulma.

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO HER?" Furiously, Vegeta began pounding on Freeza. He gathered his ki and threw a series of blasts. Kakarotto was surprised by the sudden outburst but aided his Prince by throwing blasts of his own. Pretty soon, the ceiling of the training room started to collapse and fell on a badly beaten Freeza.

The two Saiyans just stood there, gasping for breath as they stared at the wreckage. All was still for a couple of minutes but then everything began to shake. Not just the training room, but the whole station.

"Kuso! He’s changing."

"Come on Vegeta, we’ve got to get out of here. We can settle this later, but right now we have to get to Vegitasei."

Vegeta looked at the rubble, almost eager to fight a transformed Freeza – just for the thrill of it. But he knew he couldn’t win and then there was the Bulma situation. If she was going to Vegitasei, then that’s where he should be too.

The two Saiyans raced down the halls to the docking port, getting into a pod before Freeza could complete his transformation. With the co-ordinates locked in, they raced off to Vegitasei not knowing what they would find.

* * * * *

When they had entered Vegitasei’s orbit, Bulma gathered all the soldiers to give the final commands.

"Ok, you all know how to use the blasters, just make sure you don’t shoot any of your comrades. We are going to land by the Palace, King Vegeta thinks we’re on a diplomatic mission, our other ships are just beyond their sensor capabilities. Once we land, we’re going on a full scale attack. We take out the Palace first and then the other ships will land planet wide. Everyone understand?"

A murmur of assent went throughout the crowd.

Zarbon drew Bulma aside, "My love, don’t you think it’s dangerous for you to go too?"

"Oh sweetie, I’ll be sticking right by you so you can protect me. Besides, this was my father’s idea, and I want to honour him."

Zarbon sighed, "Ok, then let’s do it."

* * * * *

Vegeta and Kakarotto knew something had gone terribly wrong when they landed by the Palace. The docking bay was littered with dead bodies of different species of aliens, not just Saiyans. But as they made their way further inside, the ratio of dead Saiyans to non Saiyans was definitely increasing.

"What happened?"

"I intend to find out Kakarotto. Let’s split up, we’ll get more answers that way."

Kakarotto nodded and went down a different hall.

Vegeta continued on his course and ended up at the Royal Gardens. As he stepped inside, he was suddenly knocked to the ground by a strong force.

"Zarbon."

"I see you were able to get away from Freeza. Well that just means that now I have the pleasure of killing you myself."

Vegeta smirked, "That’s what you think." He flew off the ground, having healed from his battle with Freeza, and definitely stronger than before.

Zarbon flew up to meet him but felt the wind knocked out of him as Vegeta elbowed him in the gut. He continued with his force and drove Zarbon into the ground. Flipping off, he grabbed the alien by his braid and flung him into a tree.

Zarbon instantly transformed but was met with another crushing blow to the face, then another, and another. Relentlessly, Vegeta punched, elbowed, kicked, kneed, twisted and threw his nemesis. Zarbon landed as a terrible mess on his back, reverting back to his first form.

"STOP IT!"

Vegeta turned to see an angry Bulma, "Well, what is it woman?"

"Don’t you dare kill him?"

"Who? You mean pretty boy, the so-called love of your life? Don’t you think you should be honest with him and tell him what we did?"

Tears formed in Bulma’s eyes. "Don’t do this Vegeta, please I’m begging you, I don’t want to be alone."

Zarbon slowly staggered to his feet. "You hear that pretty boy. She doesn’t love you, she’s using you. Though I don’t know why. Apparently you’re not satisfying her in the sack and I doubt with your mental capabilities that you could hold an intelligent conversation with her. Well, you know women, they just don’t want to feel lonely."

Zarbon growled at Vegeta then looked at Bulma. "How could you pick him over me Baby Blue? It could have been anybody else, why him?"

Bulma choked back her sobs, "I’m so sorry Zarbon, I never wanted to hurt you like this."

"I love you Bulma."

"WRONG ANSWER!" Vegeta yelled as he blasted Zarbon to oblivion.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" Bulma screamed

Vegeta just smirked at the ashes of his latest victim. He turned to Bulma who now was pointing a weapon at him. "Why must you insist on making me lonely?" she sobbed. "I have no family thanks to you Saiyans, you leave me twice and now you kill the one man who has ever loved me. DAMN YOU VEGETA! WHAT HAVE YOU TO SAY FOR YOURSELF???"

"Pitiful human, you really think a gun could kill me?"

"DAMMIT VEGETA, ANSWER ME! Why must you keep killing my soul piece by piece?"

He stood silent at what she had said. A brief flicker of emotion passed through him, but he contained it. When he spoke his voice was ice, "You are nothing to me woman. I don’t want you, no one could ever want you. You are weak. Look at you, pointing your gun at me, why haven’t you shot me yet? I recall the last time we talked you swore you would kill me. Well go ahead, take your best shot, slut."

She pulled the trigger.

Regret filled her immediately as she threw the blaster aside and ran to Vegeta.

"Oh no, oh Kami, no, no, no."

But it was no use. Vegeta hadn’t even put up a ki shield and the blast pierced his lower heart. He was on his knees by the time Bulma reached him. He fell back into her arms.

Vegeta looked into Bulma’s tear filled eyes as she held on to him. He could see everything in her eyes: her pain, her sorrow, her . . . love? The realization hit him hard. What have I done? This is all my fault. All of this happened because of me . . . because of my pride.

"Oh Vegeta," Bulma sobbed. "I’m sorry, so very, very sorry. Please don’t leave me," the tears rolled down her cheeks. "I need you, Kami oh how I need you," she whispered.

She’s crying over me. After all the hell she’s been through – that I’ve put her through. She’s not gloating over my dying body, she’s holding me, begging me to hang on. I never should have pushed her away, dammit she would never have done this if it hadn’t been for me. Why couldn’t I accept this sooner? The woman isn’t weak, she is the strongest I know.

Vegeta slowly raised his left hand to brush the tears off Bulma’s face. His breathing became laboured as he felt his life draining from his body.

He managed a feeble smirk, "Baka, had you been a better shot, I’d have been dead by now." He brushed her lower lip with his thumb. "I . . . never . . . wanted this . . . to . . happen . . ." Vegeta broke off into a coughing fit.

"No, Vegeta, save your strength. Dammit, where is everybody? HELP, SOMEBODY HELP US, PLEASE!!!"

Vegeta stopped coughing and silenced his mate with a gentle caress of her cheek. "It’s too late."

Bulma turned her gaze back to him. Their eyes locked and for the first time in his life, Vegeta let someone see his unguarded soul. "No don’t talk like that, you’re going to be fine . . . fine," but Bulma could no longer convince even herself.

The Saiyan Prince ran his fingers through her aqua hair one last time. He mustered up all his strength to say, "Forgive me . . . Bulma," and then he shut his eyes for good.

For ten minutes she screamed her loss to the world.

Then she clutched onto him tighter, burrowing her head into his shoulder from behind, and started rocking back and forth. "No Vegeta, it was not your fault, it was never your fault."

"You’re right, it was mine!"

* * * * *

Kakarotto had learned of the invasion and found out that all the Saiyans were dead. The Palace was attacked first which was why there were no more soldiers there. He was looking to inform Vegeta when he had heard screams coming from the gardens. He made his way to the source and stopped short. His Prince laid in the arms of the blue haired woman, dead from a wound to the heart. But what struck him was the way the Chikyuu native held Vegeta.

Here was the woman who brought about the destruction of his race and she was mourning the death of their Prince. Kakarotto looked around, there were no traces of anyone else. Bulma had given Vegeta the fatal blow. So why was the human acting like this?

Then he saw it. The way she gently rocked him, how she kept kissing his temple in hopes he would wake up, and those tears – tears of grief. The woman who had declared war on the Saiyans was in love with their Prince. And now that Kakarotto thought back on it, he was sure the emotion wasn’t one-sided.

Kakarotto stared at the broken woman in front of him. Everything that shaped her hatred of the Saiyans had started with him, with his purge of Chikyuu. He had started the chain of events that led to his species near extinction. How fitting that he was the last. The one Saiyan who was like no other Saiyan.

Well, he would rectify this. He will make amends for his Prince and the human. It was one thing to kill and bring fear, but to actually see what a lifetime of suffering (that you had caused) brought about was something else entirely.

"No Vegeta, it was not your fault, it was never your fault," he heard her say.

"You’re right, it was mine!"

Bulma looked up, startled that she wasn’t alone. "Kakarotto . . . what do you mean?"

"It doesn’t matter. Just know that I’ll make this up to you, I will make everything up to you."

"H-how?"

"I’m not sure yet. But please let me take Vegeta’s body, I’m afraid of what Freeza would do if he got his hands on him."

"Oh Freeza! I’ve got to contact him, tell him to stop . . ."

"It’s too late. He ordered the troops to be deployed planetwide. I’m the last Saiyan left."

"What? NOOOO! I just wanted to make Vegeta pay, make you pay. Oh Kami, what have I done? I’ve got to talk to Freeza." Bulma took one last look at Vegeta and tenderly kissed his cold lips. Reluctantly, she got up and looked Kakarotto in the eye.

"His body deserves nothing but respect and honour."

"I know what my Prince deserves," he said as Bulma left. A second chance.

* * * * *

Kakarotto wasn’t even sure it would work, but he knew he had to try. Technically he could do it anywhere, but the Temple of Cabbagio seemed most appropriate. Saiyans by nature weren’t a spiritual people, but centuries ago, a temple had been built, and though it was never used, it was still standing.

Vegeta was laid down on a stone slab in the center of the main room. Kakarotto stood behind his head and took a deep breath, powering up his ki. My loyalty to you knows no bounds.

A blue light engulfed the standing Saiyan, he concentrated his ki, his life force, into his hands. He then laid them on Vegeta’s chest and let it flow from his body. It was a start, but he knew it wasn’t enough.

My life for his life, my soul for his soul. It’s all or nothing. Darkness seeped into Kakarotto’s consciousness and he was drawn to it. It was warm, almost soothing and as he gave into it, the last of his energy was drained from his body.

* * * * *

Bulma got onto her ship and headed back to the station. She only went half speed because she needed time to think. What would her father think of her now? Thinking of her father comforted her somewhat. She took out the box of vid CD’s and decided to watch them, hoping to have at least some part of him with her. She didn’t want to feel lonely at this moment.

She carried the CD’s to the screen but tripped on the way. The box dropped and the vid CD’s went sprawling. Oh that’s just perfect. She bent to retrieve them and picked up the box. Peering in, she noticed that there was a panel on the bottom that had loosened. She took it out, revealing another CD. Odd, this wasn’t part of his research, but it’s dated, oh Kami, the night of his death.

Bulma quickly popped in the CD and sat down to watch. An image of her father filled the screen. He looked exactly like he did the last time she saw him, and she noticed that he was in his room.

If you’re watching this, I’m probably dead. Bulma, I hope this is you I’m speaking to. I feel so ashamed, I was taken for a fool. For the past two years I’ve been doing research on how to destroy the Saiyans. They took over my planet and killed my wife. It turns out I’m only half right.

Recently I found out that the Chikyuu purge was sanctioned by none other than Freeza himself. It’s because of him our lives were ruined. I confronted him about it after dinner tonight, and he warned me that I better continue with my work or something terrible would happen. I walked out on him, swearing I’d never work for him again. I’m sorry Bulma, I put both our lives at risk, but I believe you’re safe. I think he’s sending an assassin for me tonight which is why I’m making this video. Bulma, Freeza realizes what a genious you are and when you’re older, I believe he’ll get you to take over my work. I’ve hidden this video with the rest of my research in hopes that you find it and get away from Freeza as soon as possible. I love you my princess and know that you’ll never be alone because your mother and I are always with you. I think I hear someone coming, I’ve got to hide this fast.

The screen then filled with static.

Bulma stared blankly at the screen, a million different emotions coursing through her veins. She wanted to cry but she couldn’t, she had no more tears left. Because of one lie her whole life had been altered. She had lost everything, and it wasn’t because of her and it wasn’t because of the Saiyans, it was because of Freeza.

He would pay!

* * * * *

Vegeta slowly opened his eyes and looked around. The last thing he remembered was being in Bulma’s arms, now he was in a temple. He clutched his chest and realized that the wound was gone. He turned around and saw Kakarotto lying on the ground.

"Kakarotto!" He rushed to his friend but found that he was dead. Realization dawned on him. You soft hearted fool, even I don’t deserve that sort of sacrifice.

I’m sorry Vegeta, but it was something I just had to do.

The last Saiyan looked around the room then discovered that the voice was speaking directly to his thoughts.

Kakarotto?

Who else?

Where are you?

I’m not sure exactly. I was standing in front of a giant man and he couldn’t decide whether to send me to heaven or hell. He told me he’d have to review my file and that would take awhile. In the meantime, this blue man with whiskers approached me and asked to train me. He said that a competition was going to be held and he wanted a student of his to beat the champion of some other guy. I’m not sure on the details.

Same old Kakarotto, always wanting to fight.

Yes, look I don’t have much time but I wanted to askl you not to hate me for what I did. I don’t want you to feel that you owe me or anything. I just did what any loyal subject would do.

Baka, I would never hate you.

That’s a relief. Now go, go be with the one you love.

Vegeta scowled at the word, but heard Kakarotto laughing.

You can’t fool me Vegeta, but I guess it’ll take time for you to openly admit it. Just don’t waste it.

Those last words echoed in his mind as he ran to his pod. He knew Bulma would return to the station so that’s where he headed at full speed.

* * * * *

"FREEZA!"

"Yes my dear, you called?" Bulma whirled around startled at the appearance of her foster father.

In his rage after Vegeta and Kakarotto had escaped him, he had transformed into his ultimate state.

Bulma looked at him with disgust. "I now know the truth Freeza. You were the one who ordered the purge of Chikyuu. You were the one responsible for my father’s murder. And I bet anything, it was your idea to separate Vegeta and me."

"Well, I guess you got me child. You always were too smart for your own good. Now is there anything else you wanted?"

"Fine, make a big joke out of it. But maybe this will make you take me seriously." Bulma pulled out a blaster. Before she could even fire, Freeza was in her face, snatching the weapon out of her hand and breaking it in two.

"To think this is how you repay me after all those years I raised you. Tsk tsk." He picked her up by her throat and gingerly tossed her into the wall. Freeza then approached her again and grabbed her by her arms. He dangled her in the air and slowly began to apply pressure. Bulma screamed in agony as she felt her bones beginning to snap.

Freeza dropped her to the floor and then picked her up by her hair. "Maybe I should just rip your head off . . ."

A golden blast forced Freeza to release his hold as both he and Bulma were driven back by an incredible force. Freeza had to shield his eyes from the light but eventually made out a figure in the doorway.

"Don’t. Ever. Touch. My. Mate. Again!"

"Well, well, well if it isn’t a Super Saiyan. How come I’m not impress…" Vegeta cut him off as he punched a hole right through Freeza’s stomach.

Freeza coughed up blood but tried to put Vegeta in a strangle hold with his tail. The Saiyan merely dug his fingers into it and ripped it clean off the tyrant’s body. With incredible rage, Vegeta threw Freeza down, sending him through five station levels. He jumped down to land on him and began a rapid assault on his chest. Freeza tried to throw a ki ball but it was deflected and sent through a wall. A hole into space was formed and the vacuum that it was started to suck everything out. Thinking about Bulma’s safety, Vegeta ended the fight immediately by ripping Freeza’s head off his body.

Vegeta then flew up to pick up an unconscious Bulma and with instantaneous speed boarded a small shuttle. He took off just as the station was completely destroyed.

* * * * *

The Saiyan Prince sat in front of the bedroom window of the shuttle. His mate, his Bulma, was asleep in his arms, having just gotten out from the regeneration tank. Her head rested on his chest and he absently ran his fingers through her hair. He sat like that for an hour, that is, until she woke up.

Her eyelids fluttered open and she was greeted with a dark chocolate stare.

"Hi," she whispered.

"Hi."

"So, where are we going?"

"Does it really matter?"

"Now that you’re with me, I guess not."

He smirked, "Woman?"

"Hmmmm?"

"You talk too much."

She grinned, "And what are you going to do about that?"

Gentle fingers grasped her chin and tilted her head up. "I’ll think of something," he said as warm, soft lips met hers and nothing much was said after that.

~Epilogue - Reflections~

I glance over at the sleeping figure beside me, my mind still not registering fully what has happened in the past week. Yet, even through all the pain, all the suffering, all t he death, if it still led to the warmth and comfort I feel now, I would gladly endure it again. Well, maybe there is one regret.

I walk over to the small window and gaze out. For most of my life I had lived under a lie and the consequences were great. Blindly I followed my errant hatred and look at what it led to. Saiyans were not saints but I do lament their deaths, especially a certain one’s.

In a sense, he started me down on this path. For years he was the source of my anger, my malice, but I was mistaken. Boy, was I mistaken. He gave me back my love in his noble sacrifice and I will be eternally grateful.

Kakarotto, I am sorry.

* * * * *

I wake up, noticing immediately my mate is not by my side. But looking up, I see her at the window and I rise to join her.

She leans back into my warmth as I wrap my arms around her waist. We stand there in silence and I know what she’s thinking. She feels guilty for what she did to the Saiyans but I assure her that I do not begrudge her. Bah, if the fools weren’t quick enough, or smart enough, then they deserved to die.

Yet, she still feels sorrow, and that’s the way she is. I have grown accustomed to death, but she never will. In a way I am glad for that, she was always the one pure thing in my life. Because of that, I will do whatever it takes to get her through this - I’ve already started. How ironic that the woman who wiped out the Saiyan empire is now the hope for rebirth. I smirk as I raise a hand and stroke her stomach. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s smart, she’ll figure it out.

My gift.

Her redemption.

Our son.

~La Fine~

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